UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2018
VOLUME 59, ISSUE 10
The
Kaleidoscope DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Woodfin talks goals for city New mayor stopped by campus to express bold initiatives to rejuvenate Birmingham Lauren Moore Campus Reporter lrm33@uab.edu
Born and raised in Birmingham, Randall Woodfin is now mayor of the very city he grew up in. Since taking office November 2017, Woodfin has strived to make a difference in the Birmingham community by moving our city forward. “It’s a 24/7 job, and I’m always on,” Woodfin said. Woodfin gave a talk as a part of UAB’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration politics
lecture series Thursday, March 31 in Heritage Hall. The mayor spoke to students and answered their questions on how his plans for the city. “Overall, I was very impressed with how well he knows the city and the people,” said Whit Miller, a freshman in political science. “I’m a freshman here, and I’m excited to see the city grow under his direction over the next four years.” During his second day, Woodfin brought all city employees together for a meeting. Everyone from
See WOODFIN, Page 7
PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Mayor Randall Woodfin sits in Heritage Hall Thursday, March 31 after his talks with UAB students.
APRIL FOOLS
STUDENT MEDIA
Where to release an air bagel Best locations on campus to let your gas fly Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
PHOTOS BY MAC HOWLEY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students perform TLC’s “No Scrubs” in front of a panel of four judges. Judges could award up to five points per performance for an overall highest possible score of 20 points. RIGHT: Wesley Wright along with his Alpha Phi Alpha brothers Oladele Osisami and Travoris Cameron won the night’s battle.
Rock of ages UAB’s first Lip Sync Battle brings the song and dance to campus Mallorie Turner Campus Reporter maturn31@uab.edu
W
hen Mason McGalliard, senior in Mass Communication, sat down on an uneventful Thursday night last year to enjoy another episode of LL Cool J’s and Chrissy Teigen’s Lip Sync Battle. He laughed between bites as Tom Holland danced and mimed the words to “Singing in the Rain” and “Umbrella.” It occurred to him, then, that he wanted to “bring those kinds of vibes to UAB’s campus.” Six months later he was in a position and had the resources to make it happen. He spent months planning the event, and Thursday, March 29, six acts competed to take home
the title of UAB’s Lip Sync Battle. The competitors performed for the prized heavyweight belt along with bragging rights. Students performed popular songs in front of a panel of four judges. Judges could award up to five points per performance for an overall highest possible score of 20 points. Wesley Wright, senior in biology, along with his Alpha Phi Alpha brothers Oladele Osisami and Travoris Cameron won the night’s battle. The trio lip-synced to a classic song by the R&B boyband B5. “We chose [a B5 song] collectively, because they represent a boyband, and we represent somebody that’s tighter as a unit,” Wright said. “So we came with it.” Mini competitions
were held as interludes to the main battle. One contest called “Billboard” involved pulling people from the audience and asking them to name at least one Billboard No. 1 song from artists like Beyoncé and Michael Jackson. Another competition involved an audience member lip-syncing a hit song up until the song was muted and the player had to finish the song from that point. Winners received a Panera gift card or free meals from Full Moon Barbecue.
See BATTLE, Page 5
Stress, emotions and greasy foods tend to add up and build not-so-pleasant bundles of energy in the lower abdomen, which can be relieved in only one way. The amount of time a human being can go before releasing that backdoor sneeze is limited. Being a student oftentimes means constant company and, sometimes, restrooms are not available within urgent reach. This dilemma leads to the eternal question — should you play it safe and hold it or release and risk it all? Luckily, the campus provides plentiful locations where students can discreetly blow off some steam -and gas. Mervyn H. Sterne Library At some point during the week, most students find themselves in or around the library. Especially the quiet sections make answering the call of the wild burrito challenging. However, there are more than enough nooks and crannies that allow for mysterious winds to go unnoticed. For instance, one can use the ancient tactic of letting one fly between the bookshelves, especially on the 3rd floor where they are especially dense. Books function as natural noise absorbers, so if no people are in sight, the coast is clear. Another suitable place is the outside sitting area on
See FARTS, Page 4
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 10
here & there FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE
2 THIS WEEK IN STUDENT MEDIA
JOKE OF THE WEEK What do you call an apron that is awesome? Apr-ill - Kristina Balciunaite, Life and Style Editor PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Sign up for the Second Annual Speak Your Truth Poetry Festival Saturday, April 14, from 1-8 p.m. We’re going to have workshops throughout the day to help you expand your craft. This event is free and open to all poets and artists. Check out our website for more information on registration, workshops, and the showcase.
Contact Aura at auraartsreview@ gmail.com.
PHOTOS BY MAC HOWLEY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Patrick Johnson mocks R&B 90’s musicians by squatting and pointing to the crowd at the Lip Sync Battle in the UAB Student Hill Center’s ballroom last Thursday night.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
Opinion
3
Comey. Yates. Tillerson. McCabe. Shulkin. All fired by Trump in the past year. Read our take on this discontinuity of government.
Campus
4
Mayor Randall Woodfin visits campus and a lip=sync battle takes over the Hill Student Center. This and more in this week’s edition.
Sports
6
Softball at home and baseball on the road split series 2-1 with conference foes. Learn what’s next for the Blazers.
Metro
7
Avondale’s main thoroughfare will become Birmingham’s first ever complete street. Read what it means for the area this week.
Life & Style
8
We’re discussing the best places to eat downtown and tips on how to get that summer body this week. If you wish to see your event displayed in our calendar, please contact Chandler Jones at chanj1@uab.edu.
What: Baseball vs. FLA International Where: Young Memorial Field When: 12 p.m.
What: The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour Where: TheBJCC When: 7 p.m.
What: Woodlawn Street Market Where: 1 55th Place South When: 10 a.m. 4p.m.
What: Social Justice Conference 2018: #Get Woke Alabama Where: Hill Student Center When: 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
sunday
What: Japanese Breakfast with Snail Mail & Art School Jocks Where: Saturn When: 9 p.m.
What: Baseball vs. FLA International Where: Young Memorial Field When: 4 p.m.
aturday
What: Erica Dawson Reading Who: UAB Creative Writing and UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Where: Alys Stephens Center When: 6 - 9 p.m.
What: Baseball vs. FLA International Where: Young Memorial Field When: 6:30 p.m.
riday
What: The Taste of Spring Bake Sale Who: Music Notes for the Soul Where: Hill Student Center When: 10 a.m. 1 p.m.
What: ARTstravaganza Who: Birmingham Art Crawl Where: 120 19th Street North, When: 5-9 p.m.
hursday
ednesday
What: Baseball vs. Alabama A&M Where: Young Memorial Field When: 6:30 p.m.
uesday
What: Baseball vs. Birmingham Barons Where: Regions Field When: 6 p.m.
UABTV will has released the very first episode of College Talk this week. This new series focus on UAB students giving their opinion on array of social topics. Also, we will be releasing a new series on the best fast food chicken nuggets on Tuesday at 12:00. Be sure to check out these productions this week.
Contact UABTV at morris95@uab.edu.
If you would like to be featured in our “In Your Perspective” please contact Will Harris at willhrrs@uab.edu.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Contact BlazeRadio at alex96@uab.edu.
What: SWEAT Free Fitness Class Where: The Sumitt, outdoors in Saks Plaza When: 6 - 7 p.m.
onday
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
April 3, 1860: Pony Express debuts The first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missori, and Sacramento, California. April 4, 1968: Dr. King is assassinated Just after 6 p.m., famed Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated while standing on his balcony at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. April 5, 1614: Pocahontas marries John Rolfe Pocahontas, daughter of the chief of the Powhatan Indian confederacy, marries English tobacco planter John Rolfe in Jamestown, Virginia. April 6, 1896: First modern Olympic games The Olympic Games, a long-lost tradition of ancient Greece, are reborn in Athens 1,500 years after being banned by Roman Emperor Theodosius I. April 7, 1994: Civil war erupts in Rwanda Rwandan armed forces kill 10 Belgian peacekeeping officers in a successful effort to discourage international intervention in the genocide that had begun hours earlier. April 8, 1974: Aaron sets new home run record Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s legendary record of 714 homers. April 9, 1865: Robert E. Lee surrenders At Appomattox, Virginia, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to the Union, ending the Civil War.
BlazeRadio wants to thank everyone who came out to “Lip-Sync Battle Night” for making it a huge success! We have even more events and shows planned throughout the rest of semester so stay tuned! Remember you can tune into our station anytime at blazeradio.org!
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 10
3 opinion White House of cards Spring 2018 Editorial Board
POLITICS
Chandler Jones Editor-in-Chief chanj1@uab.edu
Wallace Golding Managing Editor wsgoldin@uab.edu
Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu
Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
Lakyn Shepard Photo Editor layshep@uab.edu
Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
Will Harris Social Media Director willhrrs@uab.edu
Marie Sutton Student Media Director masutton@uab.edu
previous generations. Over the course of two terms, eight years to be exact, President Barack Obama fired four people. t is common knowledge that You have to give him credit before he began his political – it took Obama eight years to career, Trump produced and devastate the political careers hosted a reality television game of four people, while it has show – The Apprentice. The only taken Trump a little over show judged the business skills one. of contestants and eliminate And it’s not like Obama had contestants every week until special circumstances which there was only one perwould have eliminatson left, and this person ed the necessity to fire was declared the winner. more people. After all, This kind of atmohe inherited the Bush sphere is eerily similar to administration. the one we have seen in And regardless of Washington since Trump what your opinions of took office. Bush are, rapid turnover Rose You can take the man when administrations out of the reality television are taken over by someone of game show, but you can’t take a different political party than the melodramatic hierarchal the previous one is somewhat complex of costume authority routine. So, if Republican out of the man. Trump was essentially in the As of March 28, less than a same position as Democratic year and a half since President Obama when he inherited the Donald Trump left office, 21 Republican Bush administraWhite House officials have left tion, why are their turnover their posts, five of whom as a rates so drastically different? result of being fired. But rapid turnover rates are While this may not seem not enough to support a claim like a lot at first glance, the that Trump is still clutching significance of the number betightly to a reality TV style of comes apparent when comparleadership. His melodramatic ing it to the turnover rates of behavior surrounding firings, Parker Rose Columnist pdrose@uab.edu
I
however, does make it a tad more robust. According to a Jan. 28 article in NY magazine, Trump was furious when he realized that James Comey, who had been fired a day before, was flying home from a conference in Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. on a government-funded flight. Trump called the FBI’s acting director, Andrew McCabe, and demanded to know why Comey had not been forced to book a commercial flight. McCabe told the president that he hadn’t been the one to authorize the flight – but he would have, had he been asked. The president became so infuriated that he began to harass McCabe, “suggesting that he ask his wife how it feels to be a loser – an apparent reference to a failed campaign for state office in Virginia that McCabe’s wife made in 2015.” Trump literally expected the government to leave Comey stranded in Los Angeles – a day after Comey learned that he had been fired from his position from a television program. Trump is treating his administration as though it were a reality television show – White House staff and officials are
simply a body of contestants who are all trying to prove their business skills and dedication. The problem is that whenever that dedication or set of skills is pointed towards something that is not Trump, they find themselves eliminated. What Trump clearly does not understand about the presidency is that he does not garner respect because of who he is, but because of the significance and importance of the office he holds. White House officials are not supposed to report to Trump, they are supposed to report to the Presidency. In other words, those who decide to do the job they have been appointed to do for their country rather than bend and shift at the whim of one man with a dictatorial obsession will, most likely, find themselves without a job. It may be fun to imagine Trump comically now – just another dramatic Kardashian or blunt Simon Cowell figure, but it won’t be as funny when the majority of the people running our government by 2020 have little to no idea what they are doing. But at least they knew how to play the game, right?
Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu
ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR
CAMPUS “SERVICES”
Free donuts, but that’s about it Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Chandler Jones, Editor-in-Chief, at chanj1@uab.edu. The Kaleidoscope functions as a memeber of UAB Student Media in association with UABTV, BlazeRadio and Aura. Website: UAB.edu/kscope Twitter @UABkscope Facebook facebook.com/uabkscope/ Instagram instagram.com/ uabkscope/ The Kaleidoscope is produced in the office of UAB Student Media. Suite 130 Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd. Birmingham, 35233 (205) 934-3354
student since my sophomore year, and the engagement I have received on campus did not change between the times I n Monday, March 19 lived in the dorms versus when UAB Student AfI lived off-campus. This fairs opened the office is meant to serve office for Off-Campus as a “home away from Student Services in the home” for commuter Hill Student Center. This students who supposnew branch of Student edly don’t have that on Affairs is solely focused campus. If they aren’t on the engagement of involved in student orStewart ganizations on campus, off-campus students. The office is meant to help that’s not the universiwith off-campus housing, such ty’s fault. If a student craves a as going through the process of friend group but does nothing signing a lease or even finding a to obtain it, that’s their responroommate. In an article written sibility to change that. UAB has for UAB News, Dr. John Jones, dozens of student organizations Vice President of Student Afand departments who throw fairs stated, “It serves a twofold events multiple times a week. I purpose: to help keep these have been heavily involved in students engaged in university multiple student organizations life and to make sure they have since I was a sophomore and all the resources they need.” no one patted me on the back I have been a commuter considering I was an off-camTaylor Steward Aura Editor-in-Chief tws2014@uab.edu
O
pus student. Some students on campus appreciate the effort, but believe the source of the office could be better spent in other ways. Deja Stephens, a senior in communication studies, stated, “as a commuter, I just wanted a place to go because I had three hour gaps and no way home at the time.” While I agree with the sentiment, there are plenty of places around campus that are available for students to lounge, the Hill Student Center itself being one of them. I believe the usage of this space is a waste of our tuition dollars and the way our university is budgeting its time. Finding a roommate is not hard, whether you’re involved on campus or not. Why is my tuition money being used to house an office, and pay the salaries of staff members who
are teaching adults how to sign their own name on a lease? We have Google. Literally, if you don’t know how to sign a lease, Google “how to sign a lease.” I promise it takes five seconds, and we shouldn’t be allowing our tuition money to go towards having adults tell other adults how to do this. At least they have free donuts on Wednesdays. What I mean when I say this is that our generation is fully prepared to be independent. We do not need to be coddled into learning how to sign our name across a dotted line or to read the fine print. UAB has always been a commuter campus, the culture surrounding the university encourages students to be independent and nicknames like “Nasty Rasty” have students running for the hills instead of the student housing office.
campus Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 10
4
INDIAFEST
PHOTO COURTESY OF APSARA The UAB dance organization APSARA, a Bollywoods fusion dance group incorparates ballet, hip hop and various styles of performance into thier performances.
AAO provides a Taste of India
“
Audience witnessed different aspects of Indian culture Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu
Continuing their tradition of hosting one of the biggest events of Spring semester, UAB’s Asian American Organization presented a variety of Indian cultures through dance, Saturday, April 1, at the Alys Stephens Center. Each year, AAO fills Jemison Hall to its brim to host a show that informs the audience of various cultural dances and other acts, accompanied by an authentic Indian cuisine for dinner. This show is split into two, an exhibition and a competition. Teams from various schools and cities, from Tennessee to Texas, arrived to compete for the $1000 prize. The exhibition portion allowed all interested parties to showcase various cultural displays. The event introduced two dance forms, Bollywood Fusion and Bhangra, both found in southeast Asian cultures. UAB teams Rangeela, Apsara and Blazer Raas danced non-competitively the second half of the event, while teams Champa & Chameli, Vandy BhangraDores, GT Insaafi, Boiler Bhangra, UMBC Adaa, UGA Talwar and ATL Tanishq competed during the first half of the show.
Farts
From Page 1 draft comes through three directions. The wind will catch any methane bomb so fast that even a SWAT trained dog has no chance of detecting its source. “Outside the library at the smoking area, if you fart there they can’t smell you because of the smoke,” said Jacob Jarboe, senior in chemistry. “Also, what you could do is get a study room and do your business right before turning in the key.” Median on University Boulevard Being a student means being on the run to and from classes, which can make it a challenge to find a time and place to exhume the dinner corpse. Fortunately, UAB has
the privilege of being located on the busiest street in the city. Not only the noise but also the exhaust from the constant traffic will cover up all evidence of the deed. Park area between Humanities and the Business Engineering Complex Grandiose trees, chirping birds, the majestic architecture of Spencer Honor’s House. What more idyllic location is there to play the trouser tuba? The spacious, colorful and relaxed walk-through area makes the trouser coughing an even more pleasurable experience and is convenient for business and engineering students relaxing their nerve system after stressful exams. “The little brick breezeway area between the library and
My hope is to promote Indian awareness on campus. We wanted to celebrate the diversity of Indian culture and have the appretiation of all the dance forms within it. —Kaval Patel “My hope is to promote Indian awareness on campus,” said Kaval Patel, junior in neuroscience and president of AAO. “We wanted to celebrate the diversity of Indian culture and have appreciation of all the dance forms within it.” According to Patel, organizing a show of this magnitude required to rely heavily on his executive board members. “This was very much a group effort,” Patel said. “Teams came around the nation and we [AAO] had to make sure we showed Blazer hospitality as best as possible. I could have not done it without my team and liaisons who made sure all of our visitors were taken care of to their best extent.”
For the preparation of the event, Ramya Nyalakonda, vice president of AAO worked with Vaidehi Dhutia, a junior in kinesiology, to ensure that the competing teams had an enjoyable time at UAB. Each competing team received 2 liaisons who are current UAB students that can help the team get to know the Birmingham area. “Through Taste of India, I hoped people could enjoy the various cultures celebrated through the performances,” said Nyalakonda. “Each dance performance had its own story to tell and its amazing to see the team’s hard work as they competed against each other.” Last year’s AAO president, Himali Patel made the executive decision to change the name of the event from Taste of Asia to Taste of India. “I still stand by that decision because it’s important that we distinguish between just Indian culture and Asian culture,” Patel said. “Asian cultures encompass so much than just India so it would be disrespectful to use that word to only describe Indian culture.” Rahul Gaini, a senior in neuroscience and business administration, organized the authentic Indian cuisine for the audience to enjoy after the show ended. “My favorite aspect of Taste of India is the hype surrounding the show,” Gaini said. “I loved hearing the crowd cheer when dance teams perform.” The night ended with Vandy BhangraDores placing first at the Bhangra competition level and Champa & Chameli winning first at the Bollywood Fusion level.
PHOTO BY CHRIS DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER A stress-filled student trying to let one loose on the north end of the Campus Green.
the Education Building, because there is always wind blowing through there,” said Tyler Shelton, senior in chemistry. “Or at Starbucks at the wall, they have ventilators that would
shoot it straight up to the sky.” The Green One might claim this an obvious choice, but the benefits of floating an air biscuit
in this area are endless. The Green is not only a vast area of grass, but the hotspot of student life, which is not necessarily a bad thing for a foul howl. Activities such as frisbee tossing
and soccer are not unusual for this location, which means that one can run through the area without raising suspicion. And thanks to the laws of physics, if a mystical cloud is released in movement, it rapidly loses its trace of origin thus leaving the wind breaker blameless. Even in the event of larger gatherings, there is still no reason for discouragement, as they tend to provide high volume tunes, which will mute even the loudest kaboomer. “My favorite place to fart is at the Commons because it already smells like ass so no one will know it was me,” said Fannita Leggett, sophomore in communications. “And I like to fart on the Green because I feel like it fertilizes the Green.”
April 3, 2018
The Kaleidoscope
Battle
STUDENT CENTER
From Page 1
PHOTO BY MAC HOWLEY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sara Bauer, sophomore in pre-nursing, sits and studies in the new Off-Campus Lounge in the Hill Student Center.
Relaxing on campus New student lounge opens for commuters Myah Clinton Campus Reporter mkc16@uab.edu
Students who live 20 miles away, now have the option of resting between classes at the newly opened Off-Campus Lounge. According to Dori Weldon, assistant director of the Off-Campus Student Services is a “twofold office.” The office wants to help commuter students “feel like they are connected to campus in some way, shape or form,” READ MORE Weldon said. Then Check out our it provides columnt’s take on the new lounge on Page 3 resources for locating off-campus housing and educates students about off-campus living. Weldon credits John Jones, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs, for coming up with the idea of a specific office to serve the 86 percent of UAB students living off-campus. “We want to make sure that all students are engaged, not just the ones living on-campus,” Weldon said. The office selected 15 commuter students to serve on the first Off-Campus Student Council, Weldon said. “They will be responsible for taking leadership on events [and] creating events and programs that are at convenient times for commuter students,” Weldon said. The office held its first event Off-Campus Student Week on its opening week from March 19
Campus | Page 5
to March 23, in the Off-Campus Student Lounge in the Hill Student Cent. A different event took place each day. One event Wake-Up Wednesdays will be a recurring event for the fall and spring semesters, Weldon said. The office will offer students free coffee and doughnuts every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Weldon said she is working with the Student Involvement and Leadership office to ensure that commuter students are aware of campus events and activities and that these events “are [held] at convenient times for commuter students.” Faith Turner, a council member and junior in public health who commutes from University House, said the council wants to address the time constraints that hinder commuter students from joining campus organizations. “It’s not that we don’t have enough organizations for students to be a part of,” Turner said. “It’s the ‘I have to leave an hour early to get here’ or ‘I have to work tonight.’” Turner said the council is discussing several ideas for future events such as an apartment fair that informs students about the different Birmingham-area apartment options and sessions geared toward career development and educating students about taxes and leases. The office recently launched an off-campus housing website. “We are working with Housing and Residence Life to make sure that website has some good off-campus living options for students,” Weldon said. “We’ll be vetting the properties that post on there to make sure that they’re legitimate.” Weldon said the office plans to release a survey to collect more information about off-campus student needs. Commuter students share
problems they think UAB should address. Hannah Fisher, a senior in nursing who commutes from Vestavia, said that UAB sends notifications for class cancellations due to inclement weather too late in the day causing students to drive home in dangerous weather conditions. Arianna Siler, a senior in public health, and Benjamin Brooks, a senior in mathematics, are married and commute from Highland Avenue. Siler suggested that UAB give students gas vouchers and offer the Motorist Assistance Roadside Service off campus. Brooks said that “UAB could partner with some different auto [repair] shops” to give students discounts on repairs and run a bus service for off-campus students.
Trevor Stewart, a freshman in marketing, served as one of the judges on the panel. Stewart felt the event was a positive experience. “People really rehearsed their performances, and they had everything from the facial expressions to the gestures to the actual lip-syncing down,” Stewart said. “It was great. It was a lot of fun, and we got a lot of laughs out of it.” McGalliard expressed a strong desire to be a part of events similar to the Lip-Sync Battle Night in the future saying such events are great ways to increase student involvement on UAB’s campus. McGalliard thought the event a success and said he spent most of the evening laughing along with the audience. He said that though he will graduate at the end of the semester, he hopes the event will continue long after. He said he is excited to return as an alum next March to participate in the event himself. EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was about a Student Media-sponsored event. Mason McGalliard, BlazeRadio Operations Manager, and Alex Jones, BlazeRadio General Manager, planned and co-hosted the event. BlazeRadio operates out of the same office of as the Kaleidoscope.
STUDENT MEDIA is hiring!! Inquiry in HSC room 130 for postions in Aura, BlazeRadio, Kaleidoscope and UABTV.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 10
sports
6
SOFTBALL
Some-bunny catch the ball
UAB splits Easter weekend series 2-1 with conference foe from Murfreesboro Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu
This Easter weekend, the UAB softball team (13-22-1, 5-3-1) hosted Middle Tennessee at the Mary Bowers Field, winning two of three games in the series. This is their best start in C-USA play since the 2016 season. The tournament kicked off Friday with a doubleheader. UAB won the first game 3-2 and the second 1-0. On Saturday, UAB fell 4-3 to Middle Tennessee. Middle Tennessee started the top of the first inning of Friday’s first game with two hits, bringing in one earned run. UAB echoed this with their own two hits and a run. The teams remained tied up until UAB was able to score two runs in the bottom half of the third inning. Sophomore Destini England singled to the shortstop to open the inning, successfully stealing second during the next at bat. A right field single by senior Rachel Rogers pushed England all the way to the plate. UAB scored a second run when Natalie Erwin, placed on third by a walk and Rogers’s single, scored on a single by freshman Sarah Crawford. The score stayed at 3-1 until Middle Tennessee made one last attempt for victory in
PHOTO BY CHRIS DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER UAB senior Rachel Rogers attempts to slide past the Middle Tennessee catcher during the Blazers’ Friday win over the Blue Raiders.
the final inning, but their one run was not enough to pull out a win. The second game on Friday was much slower offensively, with only one run in an eight-inning game. Both teams rubbed against each other defensively, with their respective pitchers shutting out batters until UAB was able to score a run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Erwin singled to right center, and Rogers pushed
her to first on a fielding error by Middle Tennessee. Junior Analyse Petree hit another single and sent Erwin to third. With a final single by Molli Garcia, Erwin scored the final and only run in the game and secured an early tournament victory for UAB. Friday brought 15 total hits for UAB, and the Blazers’ second consecutive C-USA victory. Saturday, the Lady Blazers fell to Middle Tennessee 4-3.
Middle Tennessee pitcher Cori Jennings allowed just three runs on the seven hits, but UAB’s Emily Kachel struck out four batters and allowed only two hits in four innings. Middle Tennessee wasted no time getting started Saturday, quickly scoring two runs in the first inning. UAB couldn’t answer back, but after Middle Tennessee scored two more runs in the top of the third inning, the
team finally buckled down and scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth. UAB’s hopeful comeback didn’t pull through to victory, and Middle Tennessee won the last game of the tournament by just one run. The UAB softball team gets a quick break on Sunday and Monday before traveling to their next game in Nashville to play Lipscomb on Tuesday, April 3. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
BASEBALL
Blazers kings in the Queen City UAB downs the 49ers, moves to 12-14 on season Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
The UAB baseball team continued conference play with a road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina to square off against the 49ers of Charlotte in a threegame weekend series. The first game started slow for the Blazers’ bats as they could not plate a run until the fifth inning while the 49ers had already built a four-run lead. The first UAB run was scored by a senior Price Visintainer single that drove in redshirt sophomore Zack Davis. However, the 49er’s pitching and defense would keep the Blazers off the board for the remainder of the game. “I thought it was a combination of two thing: Charlotte’s starting pitcher was very, very good and we are not playing very well right now,” said head coach Brian Shoop. “The hopeful part is that you are always one day away from turning it around and we will hope for that tomorrow.” Visintainer and sophomore Colton Schultz were the only two Blazers to tally more than one hit during the contest as UAB fell 7-1.
The second matchup was played in stark contrast to the first as the game ended with a football-esque score. The Blazers’ bats struck fast and often over the first three innings as the team tallied 15 runs on 14 hits. UAB led 5-3 after the first inning after four RBIs by the Blazers and a two-run homerun by the 49ers. UAB held the 49ers scoreless in the second inning after tacking on four runs of their own to hold a 9-3 lead heading into the third inning. Senior Stephen Dobbs threw open the flood gates with a grand slam to give the Blazers a 15-2 lead in the third inning. However, the 49ers would not go away quietly. The 49ers plated six runs in the fourth inning as they tried to dig their way out of the substantial hole. Try though they might, the 49ers could not surmount the Blazers’ mountain of scoring as UAB took game two 18-10. “Baseball is a crazy game,” said Shoop. “We had a game where nobody could score in game one and then we had a game that’s so offensive every out is like pulling teeth and it’s one of the things that makes baseball beauti-
ful... For a team that has been struggling to score, tonight was a good night.” The final game of the series was an important one as it would yield a winner of the series. The Blazers were up to the task and claimed their second Conference-USA series win of the season with a 4-3 victory. “Baseball is crazy isn’t it,” said Shoop said. “We went from everybody almost scoring at will yesterday to it being very, very hard to score today and that is the craziness and beauty of baseball. Charlotte had won both conference series so it was a hardfought weekend and it is really great that we got out of here with two wins.” Neither team could get their bats going until the fifth inning when Charlotte took a 3-0 lead on a single and an error. The seventh inning provided a small breakthrough for the Blazers as senior Carter Pharis drove in Schultz to lessen the deficit. The eighth inning saw the Blazers hit a three-run homerun by redshirt junior Brett Blackwood to give the Blazers the lead for good. The Blazers return to action at home against Alabama A&M Wednesday, Apr. 4 and against FIU Friday through Sunday, April 6 through 8.
PHOTO FROM KALEIDOSCOPE ARCHIVES UAB pitcher Ryan Ruggles pitches to a La. Tech batter at Regions Field in March.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 10
metro
7
INFRASTRUCTURE
CITY COUNCIL
PHOTO BY MAC HOWLEY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER 41st Street is lined with local restaurants and businesses but lacks the bike lanes, street parking and green space that could draw more patrons to the commercial district.
Safer streets coming soon City policy leads to increased accessibility of varied transit
cated. Zyp’s goal is to make the healthy, active choice the easy choice, and Complete Streets allows that.” Bella Tylicki be beneficial for everyone. I Complete Streets stimulate Metro Editor think it will encourage more foot traffic in commercial disbtylicki@uab.edu people to walk the neightricts, helping local businesses borhood, and perhaps we’ll prosper. Increased accessibilAvondale is poised to see see more foot traffic from ity for pedestrians and bikers big change on 41st Street as surrounding restaurants.” encourages residents to be acit is transformed into one Avondale’s 41st Street tive, rather than driving from of Birmingham’s inaugural is one of several upcoming point A to point B. Fewer “Complete Streets.” Complete Streets including automobiles on the road cuts Residents and business 2nd Avenue South and 7th down on harmful emissions owners say they look forAvenue South. and groundwater pollution. ward to the development, “In the past, Birmingham, “REV [Birmingham] and because it will make the dis- in general, has not been an Zyp have advocated for trict’s central corridor friend- extremely walkable city,” embracing Complete Streets, lier to people of all ages and O’Hara said. “As commercial because we believe it builds abilities. Complete Streets and entertainment districts momentum in the city center are typically characterized by continue to develop and we and urban communities in safe, wide sidewalks and bike see more projects like this, which we work,” Rawls said. lanes, prominent crosswalks it will not only positively “Streets that consider all and green space. They can impact the businesses in the modes of transportation beteven include bus lanes. area but it will begin to shift ter connect our urban comIn early March, the the lifestyle of residents in munities, allowing for safer, Birmingham City Council these areas to become more easier travel for everyone and passed an ordinance to add a walkable like other larger increased economic opportu“Complete Streets Policy” to cities. Everyone in the area is nities for local merchants.” the city code. Similar policies extremely excited about the Engineering Design & have been adopted in more project. This is something Testing Corporation, the than1,000 cities across the that benefits everyone in the civil engineers on the project, nation such as Orlando, area, so I’ve heard nothing selected Macknally Land Charlotte and New York but positive feedback.” Design to be the Landscape City. A successful Complete Architect. Aside from making transit Street responds to the needs According to Lea Ann more accessible, Complete of the community. Ideal can- Macknally, president of Streets offer economic, health didates are typically two-lane MLD, they “started coland environmental benefits. streets with a two-way-leftlaborating with the “I think it will be a posturn-lane. Forest Park/South itive impact for the entire “41st Street is a perfect Avondale Avondale community,” said starting point for Complete Business AsRyan O’Hara, owner and Streets,” said Keith Rawls, sociation in founder of Big Spoon Cream- director of Zyp Bikeshare. 2016 to look ery. “There are so many great “We are excited to see easier at potential businesses in a concentrataccess and deeper intent improvements ed area here. So, making around bike transportation & connecthe street more pedestrian in the heart of Avondale, tions for friendly and more attractive where one of Zyp’s most streetscapes.” aesthetically will definitely highly used stations is lo“Serving
Woodfin
From Page 1
maintenance workers to police officers were trained in Woodfin’s five core values: customer service, transparency, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. Woodfin said he told his team they also must commit to over sharing information with citizens. “If you don’t communicate, people feel shut out of the process,” Woodfin said. “This community is starving for transparency. People want to be involved.” The new mayor also
seeks to partner with developers to revolutionize neighborhoods and repopulate the city. This includes finding a way to get rid of every dilapidated structures. “The city of Birmingham is only defined by its lowest quality of life,” Woodfin said. “... We want our neighborhoods to be walkable. We need to invest in parks, libraries and recreational centers.” He then touched on the recent gun violence protests. He commended generations Y and Z for taking to the streets and exercising their First Amendment
rights, noting that the young adult generation will force adults to do the right thing. “We haven’t seen this since the 60s,” Woodfin said. “This generation will show us that the first amendment is probably the strongest amendment we have.” Woodfin spoke on crime reduction gun laws, claiming the key is in reporting crime when it is seen. He also advocated on creating personal relationships between officers and residents. “He really advocated for us to get to know the police
as Landscape Architect, we will be coordinating public involvement for character and program of the project,” Macknally said. “We will also be designing the pedestrian walks, planting and site furnishings and collaborating with the team for integrated storm water aspects of the project and site lighting.” “The design is in the works and a full conceptual plan will be released for public comment in a few weeks,” Macknally said.
captains,” said Logan Davis, a senior in political science. “He wants us to stay safe.” Woodfin said he would like to create an app to report crime and enforce misdemeanors for those who carry pis-
To take steps forward on the development of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, the Birmingham City Council authorized the mayor to execute a Funding Agreement and a Project Cooperation Agreement with the BJCC Authority Tuesday, March 27. The BJCC expansion’s claim to fame is the erection of an openair stadium, but it also includes renovations to Legacy Arena and existing conference space. In February the City pledged to contribute $3 million annually for 30 years to curb the cost of the development. Other contributors include the Jefferson County Commission, pledging $30 million, and the BJCC pledged $320 million. UAB will lease the facility for $4 million annually to host football games. According to an independent feasibility study commission by the BJCC, the stadium alone is expected to cost $175 million and could be completed as early as 2020. During construction, the development is expected to produce $5.5 million annually. After construction, $9.9 million. Several councilors opposed City funding for the project on the grounds that the City should invest in neighborhoods more directly, rather than promising the trickle-down effects of the benefits of tourism and other draws of the stadium. The mayor’s and other proponents’ rebuttal is that the stadium will bring in revenue the City would not otherwise have and significantly increase the funds that can then be poured back into neighborhoods. Every cent of tax revenue produced by the expansion has already been dedicated to a neighborhood revitalization fund. The BJCC projects that to accommodate the expansion, nearly 150 jobs will be created in the community, 32 of which will be full-time hires.
tols without a permit. When it comes to stadium revenue for the new UAB football stadium, Woodfin says it was never just about one project. Much of the funds are also going toward renovating
the BJCC, part of the mayor’s plan to put full investment in Birmingham’s tourism. “We’re just catching up,” Woodfin said. “We want to be a thriving city. We don’t want to get skipped over.”
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 10
life & style
8
HIPSTER EATS
TRACK TAKES
Lovato’s gradual success Mason McGalliard Operations Manager for BlazeRadio masonbm@uab.edu
PHOTO BY CHRIS DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Brick and Tin is one of Downtown’s mouth-watering gems. The locally sourced ingredients are used in dishes such as panini’s and fish tacos.
Downtown dining
Delicious quality food close to home Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter miltona@uab.edu
Whatever the mood or craving, something to satisfy it can be found in one of the various Downtown food locales. Everything from coffee to pastries to traditional Mexican or Asian fusion awaits the devoted foodie or the ravenously hungry. EastWest is 2nd Avenue favorite, a Asian fusion restaurant entices curious foodies with exposed brick walls, extravagant artwork and paper lanterns that define their mood lighting. “We complement the existing restaurants here in the 2nd Avenue loft and entertainment district well,” said Colby Conklin, owner of EastWest. “We’re Asian American, so we
definitely have an Asian influence, but we’re approaching things with a more blended modern American influence.” Brick and Tin focuses on sustainable dining. The locally sourced food comes from humane farmers, free of hormones and chemicals. They offer a variety of lunch dining options like paninis and small plates like fish tacos. “We focus on trying to make everything in-house as we can and sourced as locally as we can,” said Bradley Jennings, chef of Brick and Tin’s Downtown and Mountain Brook locations. El Barrio combines traditional Mexican food with an eclectic and artsy atmosphere. The seating, the lighting and the scenery all combine to create the perfect recipe to enjoy a plate of plantain nachos or a bowl of their famed Queso Fundido. The artistic influences within and outside the create a unique, unrivaled mood for dining.
The Pizitz Food Hall houses a variety of food vendors for the picky friend group or the adventurous eater. Eli’s Jerusalem Café offers traditional Israeli cuisine. The Ghion Cultural Hall serves an authentic Ethiopian dining experience and concentrated Ethiopian coffee. Ichicoro Imoto is a great place to get ramen dishes. Ono Poke offers a blend of Hawaiian and Japanese cultural cuisine. The Downtown classic Urban Standard anchors the now booming growth of the Historic Loft District and 2nd Avenue North. The location offers baked goods to serve the casual study session. “We’re super lucky to have been in business for 10 years. and we’re proud to serve up Birmingham,” said Trevor Newberry, manager of Urban Standard. “We provide an eclectic, unique space for studying and catching up with friends. Being a part of Urban Standard makes us feel connected to and a part of the fabric of Birmingham.”
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Getting in shape for summer Attainable steps for better fitness Juwayriah Wright Life & Style Reporter juwright@uab.edu
Perhaps the most distinguishable aspect of Alabama is its sudden sweltering heat. It promises summer health kicks and an array of recreation. As spring semester ends, the expectations for warmer weather begin to grow. Completing a personal goal, like getting in shape for the season, is rewarding but may be difficult for many who do not know where to start. Establishing a personal baseline is a great first step toward attaining a great figure. Progress is easier to comprehend when improvements are tracked and recorded. Initial motivation can be the catalyst for a new, healthy routine. “If you are unsure if your current nutrition, sleep, physical or mental health are in a good place then a great first step would be to meet with a professional in that area,” said Melissa Metzelfeld, athletic trainer at the UAB Campus Recreation Center. According to Metzelfeld, it is wise to commence the journey toward a healthier physique by taking advantage of the resources that are available on campus, such as the
free counseling and dietitian services at the UAB Student Health and Wellness Center. Amnah Al-Jallad, junior in mechanical engineering, adopted a healthy lifestyle as opposed to a short health spur. She exercises six days a week and has achieved a sizable social media following by posting her progress, with over 900 Instagram followers. “Don’t ever feel intimidated when you go to the gym or try something new,” she said. “No one will judge you if you don’t know what you’re doing. It sounds cliché, but everyone starts somewhere.” Focusing on a few small alterations to diet and routine can make a huge difference overall. Otherwise, huge modifications may not stick in the long-run. “If you have access to a gym, compound exercises like deadlifts, squats, overhead presses and bench presses are very effective exercises,” Al-Jallad said. “These four exercis-
es, combined into one workout, will target most of the major muscle groups in your body. Get your workout in whenever you have free time, even if it’s only 20 minutes.” There are many unnecessary foods that are used daily that, if excluded from a diet, would show positive results. “One of the best things you can do to achieve a fitter body is to lower your sugar intake,” said Sami Refai, a sophomore in neuroscience. “It’s hard for a lot of people because in this society we tend to drink a lot of soda and sugary coffees. Sugar is an addictive substance and cutting that out can really help. Along with this, drink plenty of water; more than what you’re used to.” According to Metzelfeld, nutrition and exercise does not have to comply with the traditional notions that are associated with them, but cre-
ative solutions to health work just as well. “You do not have to like running or kale to have a healthy lifestyle,” Metzelfeld said. “Exercise options are endless. There are workouts that can be done in a dorm room, dancing, weight lifting, biking to class, hiking with friends and many more.” Students can join the Lunch and Learn’s meal preparation classes, that teach how to accommodate any lifestyle to a healthy diet. According to Metzelfled, physical progress is not measured in social media popularity. Instead of comparing your body to others, she urges students to identify and establish the activities and foods that are beneficial. “Your body craves balance and consistency,” she said “Nutrition can look different for everyone based on their medical needs, physical activity and body type. A healthy lifestyle is not a screen held up against someone else’s body type, workout routine or meal plan. Everyone has to work to find what works best for them. You will find balance and success if you are able to enjoy the activity and meals you choose. Instead of making your goal ‘bikini body/beach ready’ a better goal would be to find balance, reduce stress or reach new goals.”
Demi Lovato is about to head abroad to countries like Brazil, Mexico and the UK for her tour. Still riding the success of her hit 2017 single “Sorry Not Sorry,” she is possibly at the most successful point in her career thus far. She is making a name for herself and although she is most associated with the pop music genre, she has proved that she is in a lane of her own. Lovato gained fans when she starred on Disney Channel’s “Sonny with a Chance” and “Camp Rock,” however her career dates McGalliard all the way back to 2002, when she starred with Selena Gomez on “Barney and Friends.” “Camp Rock” became a platform for Lovato, as it was one of the first times the public was introduced to her enticing singing ability. Soon after, she released her first studio album “Don’t Forget,” in 2008. Lovato’s career took a major stumble in 2011 when she left “Sonny with a Chance” to focus on her mental issues. The public was left puzzled, but it turned out that Lovato had a serious drug addiction and left the show to focus on her sobriety and going through rehab. She faded away from the public eye but proved that she was able to come back stronger than ever. That same year, Lovato released her next album “Unbroken.” Demi continued her comeback and rise in 2013 when she released another studio album “Demi,” which featured hit songs like “Really Don’t Care” and “Heart Attack.” Both songs gained widespread attention, with tons of purchases and radio airtime. With this album, it became clear that Lovato was wanting to focus on living her best life and focusing on what was important. Fast-forward to 2017, when Lovato re-entered the spotlight. She released “Sorry Not Sorry” over the summer and it became one of the hottest songs of the season. She was also featured on the Cheat Codes hit “No Promises,” which stayed on the Billboard charts for several weeks. She broke out of her shell with her latest album, as it is probably her most raw one to date. Demi Lovato’s career, like her style, is unique. Going through personal struggles, she went from being a Disney Channel star to one of the most respected and beloved pop artists of our generation. Lovato’s raw talent and vocal ability makes her a true one-of-akind artist. BlazeRadio Operations Manager, DJ MB and “Keepin’ it Real with DJ MB”