UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
VOLUME 58, ISSUE 5
NIGHTLIFE: BUILDING OF AN ART COMMUNITY The Jaybird and the Loft Show use grass roots to build friendships around creativity. READ MORE ON PAGE 7.
The
Kaleidoscope CELEBRATING OUR
50th YEAR OF PUBLICATION
HOMECOMING
BLAZERS UNITE Students rally for a week of celebration, football and fun Lauren Moore Campus Reporter
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Alumni bring their memories back to campus for festivities Lauren Moore Campus Reporter
People want to come back because they have established emotional ties, personal relationships and have created a positive memory of times at UAB.
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he University of Alabama and Auburn University both have a big campus with a lot of campus spirit, so for UAB it’s important to have something like homecoming week” said Grace Bonner, a sophomore in Elementary Education. The theme for 2017 Homecoming is “Blazers United.” The week is jampacked with events for both students and alumni alike. Sunday will kick off homecoming week with many events planned for each day of the week. Paint the Town on Sunday kicks off homecoming week, where students are invited to decorate the buildings around campus with green and white decor and —Raymond Thompson gold accents. Sunday also provides the Sunday Funday event on the campus green and the Dodging for Degrees Dodgeball Tournament which will raise scholarship money. Students can also attend a movie night and the women’s soccer tournament. On Monday, there will be the Blazer showdown, where groups will compete with talents in both dance and skit categories. Tuesday brings the start of the building decoration competition. There’s also Pancakes and Karaoke, Homecoming
H
omecoming is upon us, and alumni have begun begin to flock to UAB to celebrate their alma mater. “People want to come back because they have established emotional ties, personal relationships and have created a positive memory of times at UAB.” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, Ph.D., President of the UAB National Alumni Society. As the first in his family to graduate from college, Thompson has a close connection to UAB, saying if it wasn’t for the scholarship opportunity given to him by the university he may have not been able to go to school at all. He received his master’s degree in Engineering in 1975. “UAB provided me with an opportunity that I am grateful for, that’s why I want to be able to give
See ALUMNI, Page 4
See STUDENTS, Page 4
PHOTO BY IAN KEEL/ PHOTO EDITOR A large Blaze looms over the Ryals Building Monday morning.
vs
How the Blazers can cage the Dogs Connor Gentry Sports Editor UAB Football is already off to a better start than many predicted it would be. The Blazers are 2-2 headed into their homecoming matchup against Louisiana Tech, which currently boasts a 3-2 record. The Blazers announced that they would be partnering with Children’s Harbor for the homecoming game. UAB’s players will be wear-
ing jerseys with the names of patients at the hospital on their backs. “Children’s Harbor has absolutely become a part of the Blazer family,” said Bill Clark, UAB’s head coach. “I intend for this relationship to grow with our program. As we build, there will be even more we can do to provide encouragement and a positive distraction to support the terrific work Children’s Harbor does.” Before the season began,
many could have marked this game down as a loss due to the number of unknowns for the Blazers and the past couple of seasons for the Bulldogs. However, with five weeks of the season down the game may be more than it seemed it would be. The Bulldogs are 3-2 with wins against Northwestern State University, Western Kentucky University and the University of South Alabama. The Bulldogs’ two losses come at the hands of
SEC opponents in Mississippi State University and the University of South Carolina. La. Tech is no slouch. They came back from as much as a 12-point deficit to beat the Hilltoppers in a Conference USA championship rematch. The Bulldogs should have beaten South Carolina, but they allowed the Gamecocks to score 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, eventually falling 17-16.
The Bulldogs look to be a pass heavy offense overall. Their quarterback, J’Mar Smith, has thrown 169 passes and completed 97 of them for 1,320 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. However, La. Tech does have several rushing threats too. Jared Craft and Boston Scott are the leading rushers with 345 yards and two touchdowns and 273 yards and one touchdown,
See FOOTBALL, Page 6
OPINIONS Fall 2017 Editorial Board 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
Ian Keel Photo Editor iankeel@uab.edu
Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor willhrrs@uab.edu
Page 2 October 3, 2017
STUDY SCHEDULE
A midterm examination means 20 hours of work on top of class and life’s responsibilities. ension relaxes on Sleep becomes unfeasible if campus as midterms one works the weekend before conclude, with the stumidterms, and impossible if dent body recuperating after a working during the week too. week of stress. The extra work required overBut just how much stress? whelms, blurring days spent And why? studying until lucidity Test taking and returns Friday evening. paper proofing seem to So I want to ask: come together in the what reasoning is there same week as every for every class having class demands its first an assignment this large assignment of the week? UAB’s exam semester. Greene policy prevents students Every class needs a from being forced into way to ensure students are taking 3 finals on the same learning, and 4 weeks in is day, so what makes three exabout the earliest one can give ams and a paper reasonable? an exam or expect a paper, so Not every class requires a every class demands its first traditional exam. Depending project right around now. For on the coursework and pacthe professor, this is the most ing, small quizzes given more reasonable time to examine often can work with the same students’ grasp of the material. material and provide more For the students, it is not feedback to students on their reasonable at all, as a full progress. load means three exams and a For large classes, any paper all due in a 48-hour win- TA can tell you this would dow. Starting the week before not be a popular move. 150
Elliott Greene Opinion Columnist
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exams is already a grading nightmare, and doubling the scantrons to be dealt with would do no favors to classrooms that already struggle to return grades before the drop date. However, not every class is a required 100 level, and so not every class needs 150 exams graded. Small, upper-level classes which already often have less defined coursework could be shifted from multi-chapter exams into single chapter quizzes. Even for classes best served by extensive examinations, dialogue between and among departments could work to reduce conflict. Perhaps an inter-department schedule could be devised that guarantees three day gaps between due dates. Obviously, not every possible conflict can be avoided, but making an effort to spread midterms over an extra week or two would relax many strained nerves. Doing so would spread
the study grind around. Rather than one exhausting marathon session every month, spacing out midterms, even only over an extra weekend, would dampen the crescendo of coffee-fueled anxiety every semester climbs to. Maybe midterms are this way for a reason; maybe college just has to have weeks that push students’ resolve past the breaking point. Maybe an attempt to change the status-quo just means twice the paperwork for professors and twice the classwork for students. That all may be true, but it seems a tad pessimistic. Why should students be expected to do 60 hours of work three weeks out of the semester? Student mental health is a serious concern; stress can drastically affect health and happiness on campus. So why not fight the problem at the source? Elliott Greene can be reached at elliottg@uab.edu.
Marie Sutton Advisor masutton@uab.edu
Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu
ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR
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
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Why you should Care-alonia Elliott Greene Opinion Columnist
B
efore Sunday, Catalonia was not a region most Americans had heard of. Now, it has become a topic of international debate, with pundits arguing the treatment of Catalonians by the Spanish government and the legitimacy of the referendum. Those without a detailed understanding of Iberian history are left trying to figure out what the big deal is. The Spanish government’s suppression of Catalonian separatists does not have much direct
impact on the Americas, but it has quickly overtaken the newsfeed. Though a regional dispute, Catalonians and Spaniards are not the only parties feeling the results. The official stance of the EU and its member states will set precedence for future independence movements. EU endorsement of Catalonia would embolden other independence movements in member nations while angering nations trying to quell their own separatist movements. Further complexity arises from the response of the Span-
ish national government. The vote was marred by police violence and voter suppression, drawing international criticism while comment on the legitimacy of the referendum was reserved. The EU’s official statement has been the referendum was not a legal vote, but no member country has discussed its intent to recognize an independent Catalonia, leaving its status unclear. This uncertainty leaves the legitimacy of a potential Catalonian government in the eyes of the EU in question. International refusal to
recognize independence could leave Catalonians operating a government within Spanish borders. The EU, its members and its members’ citizenry are straining against one another at a time when the authority of the EU is challenged. Brexit and the rising of nationalist movements have left the future of the EU unclear, and the response to the events in Catalonia will set events in motion that will ultimately determine the fate of the EU. Elliott Greene can be reached at elliottg@uab.edu.
CAMPUS 10 IN 10 with Mahad Amjad Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
1)What is the role of the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator in USGA? My position is to make sure the UAB undergraduate students feel included and a part of the community here at UAB which means variety of events we plan to hold every semester. 2)Why is advocacy for marginalized students important? What makes UAB so special is its diversity, which comes at a price. If we have diversity that means we also need inclusion. We have to listen to their issues and advocate for them and fight for their rights on campus and in the Birmingham community. 3)What initiatives have you implemented or hope to implement this semester? Our first event was the DACA ban panel, which was in response to what was happening with President Donald Trump and his announcement. Going forward, we are trying to ensure all students have resources available that can help them in terms of whether it be mental health, sexual health or anything of that nature. We want to reach out to different organizations on campus that advocate for their rights. 4)Why do you think this position was needed or created? USGA is its own independent body and SNDP and other organizations on campus have always taken care of the diversity aspect. I think part of USGA felt kind of disconnected in that element. We want USGA to be a part of everything it can on campus to better represent out student body. 5)What resources are in place for marginalized students? We’re currently brainstorming resources right now. We’ll be compiling resources soon that will be available on our webpage that will be specifically related to immigration and all students affected by the political climate. 6)What do you hope to get out of this position? This position is a new position, and I’m still learning what my peers want of me. I would like to start a conversation, in terms of having regular panels and to be able to represent every marginalized community on campus. 7) Are there any resources for students regarding awareness and advocacy for sexual health? Yes, we plan on having a health and wellness fair open to the student body very soon this semester. 8) How are you advocating Students with disabilities? To raise awareness, we plan to a have a week which we mark off and display only areas students with disabilities can access. 9)What about students with disabilities that are not just physical? I have a wellness and health coordinator on my team, and we plan to address more of the mental health disabilities through our events such as resource panels and raising awareness to access to all the resources UAB offers to the student body. 10) Are there any ways for students to get involved through the USGA for advocacy for marginalized students? In terms of USGA, we just want their support at out events. A specific way would be collaborating with our organization to find issues they are passionate about and promote it through their organization and reach out to us.
Page 3 October 3, 2017
ENTERTAINMENT
Carlton speaks on industry adversity Ribeiro shares high points of his 35-year career Sufia Alam Campus Editor When Alfonso Ribeiro read his script during rehearsal only telling the actor “Carlton dances” and offhandedly performed it on screen for the first time broadcasting it on “Fresh Prince of Bell-Air,” little did he know his iconic few steps would be forever remembered across generations. Born on Sept. 21 1971, Ribeiro has spent over 35 years in the entertainment industry. Currently host of television shows “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Unwrapped 2.0,” Ribeiro has integrated himself into Hollywood as an actor, show host, director and producer. When Ribeiro was 13 years old, he was cast as a dancer in a Coke commercial with his idol, Michael Jackson, making this commercial one of his most memorable moments in Hollywood. “Working with Michael, was probably the No. 1 moment in my life,” Ribeiro said. “And to do that as a kid, I learned so many great things that helped me gain value and perspective that still helps me to this day.” According to Ribeiro, one of his favorite characters he has ever taken on, Carlton Banks, was both a blessing and a curse at the same time for his career and identity. “What happened with Carlton was that, ultimately, I was stereotyped,” Ribeiro said. “That character literally stopped me from doing what I loved to do because the world couldn’t see me as anyone else other than Carlton for a
PHOTO BY IAN KEEL/PHOTO EDITOR Alfonso Ribeiro shares his favorite moments in Hollywood on stage in the Ballroom at the Hill Student Center.
very long time.” According to Ribeiro, one of his biggest adversities he has faced over his years in Hollywood has been representing a minority. “The problem with the entertainment business is it’s one business that they can back up their idea of not giving you a job because of what you look like,” Ribeiro said. “Your race or sex or thoughts comes into account but they can back it up with ‘the guy who wrote it didn’t see it what way’.” Ribeiro mentioned racism is still a problem for the entertainment industry because of the fact there were more black actors in the 70s on television than there are black actors now. “How is it back then when there were only four or five channels featured more black people than today in a world where we have over 200 channels,” said Ribeiro. Another adversity Ribeiro said he and many actors deal with has been
competing with reality television stars. “If you’re constantly meeting people who play themselves, how is it possible for you to act,” Ribeiro said. “How does playing a role make you a global success whereas now, being yourself marketing yourself as yourself is actually a better business than it is to be an actor.” As for advice for young people who one day want to be successful in the entertainment industry, Ribeiro said be prepared for a life of rejection, poverty and difficulty. “It is the most difficult career out there to get into,” he said. “But if you’re willing and nobody can steer you clear of your dream, then go ahead and do it. And if that’s the case, all I can tell anyone is become incredibly educated in the profession. Fully understand how to do your job and understand all of it.” Sufia Alam can be reached at sufia@uab.edu.
homecoming
Page 4 October 3, 2017
GAME DAY
PHOTO COURTESY OF UAB UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Students show off Blazer pride during a basketball game.
Style guide for Blazers Best homecoming outfits to wear during celebratory week Allie Milton Campus Reporter For the students, staff and alumni of UAB, homecoming is not just a game. It is not just the events surrounding the game. It is a spirit. Homecoming is a joyous and exciting time for everyone involved, a time where students can take a step back from stressful midterms and appreciate a sense of unity among their peers and the whole community. “Homecoming is a great opportunity for the Birmingham community to express their Blazer pride,” said Kayla Hazelwood, a senior in art studio. Homecoming is a
big event. People come prepared, wearing glitter and paint on their faces and showing off their Blazer memorabilia proudly. “People go all out,” said Maegan Gates, a senior in psychology. Because of the return of UAB football, excitement surrounding the homecoming game is at a massive high. Football is a weekend event with a week’s worth of anticipation
leading up to it. Seniors at UAB reminisce about that last homecoming football game and how special it was. Now that football has returned, UAB students seem to be taking homecoming more seriously. UAB alumnus Mike Rowe, class of 1986, remarks that there is more student engagement and participation now than there was when he was a student. Students are displaying a lot more school spirit. While some people are anticipating wear-
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Homecoming is a great opportunity for the Birmingham community to express their Blazer pride.
Alumni
From Page 1
PHOTO BY IAN KEEL/PHOTO EDITOR Students man the t-shirt exchange in the Hill Student Center Monday.
during the event by EDM artists DrFameus and Drizno. The event starts at 7:30 and is free to anyone while seats are available. There will also be the three-minute thesis competition, the College of Arts and Sciences lunch and a Blood drive sign up on Thursday. The homecoming parade begins at noon on Friday. Students are invited to create floats connected to the homecoming theme of “Blazers United” and process down University Boulevard with the rest of the parade. The homecoming pep rally will begin on the campus green immediately following the parade. “Now that football is back there will be more going on. Before, the main event was just the parade” said Ben Jones, a Sophomore in Biology. Friday also contains events like a mock dorm burn, WOW party on the porch, UAB Department of
Computer Science’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Homecoming Stroll-Off and a women’s soccer tournament. Saturday is the homecoming football game against Louisiana Tech, an event that is memorable in that it will be the first homecoming UAB has had a football team since 2014. Students can tailgate leading up to the homecoming football game with both the school of nursing and the college of arts and sciences having their own tailgates for students and alumni alike. There will also be a celebration for the Kaleidoscope’s 50th anniversary Saturday morning. “Homecoming week is important because it gives people something to rally behind, especially now that there’s the return of football” said Minor. Lauren Moored can be reached at lrm33@uab.edu.
Rowe prefers to dress comfortably for most games in just shorts and a shirt, but for homecoming games he would dress up in khaki pants and even a collared shirt. Shorts are the best option for a hot Alabama football game. Dress up, but dress comfortably. Comfortable shoes is a priority. Blazers will surely want to stand and cheer on their team whenever they score a touchdown. The themes are Play Day Sunday, Marvel Monday, Tacky Tuesday, Way-Back Wednesday, Jersey Thursday, Spirit Friday, and Blazers United Saturday. Homecoming is one of the most amazing times to be a Blazer. Allie Milton can be reached at miltona@uab.edu.
—Kayla Hazelwood
Students
Wheelchair Flag Football, and a Homecoming Comedy show. Also a blood drive sign up and a School of Public Health BBQ Lunch and Blazer Pride Carnival will finish out the day. The Gurney Derby competition, one of the most popular homecoming week events, happens on Wednesday. Students participating work in groups of four, with the group pushing a fifth member on an old gurney down 13th Street South. Awards will be given to the top two teams, as well as for things like “most creative passenger” and “best-dressed gurney”. The competition starts at noon. “I’ll be there to watch the gurney races and be a part of whatever the medical school is doing” said Wesley Minor, a second year student in the school of medicine. A fight song competition, Blaze the Night, and a movie night will also be going on Wednesday. Thursday brings another popular event, the Hoops after Dark event. Players from both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will use this event to kick off the 2017-18 season. Performances are scheduled
ing a full body suit in celebration of UAB’s wonderful school and team, some might opt instead for a simple university shirt. Many Blazers have stated that they intend to wear their UAB shirts to support their school. Rowe recounts that even though homecoming did not have the same level of sheer student engagement when he graduated as it does now, it was still a very special time. “A football game is a one-time weekend event,” Rowe said.
He was also very much involved in the movement to bring From Page 1 UAB football back, putting his back,” said Thompson. degree in communications to use Dr. Steve Powell is an alumni by spreading the word. “I don’t believe we could with a family history of attendhave come back without social ing UAB. His uncle was a part media” Barnes said. of one of the first classes to When he attended graduate from the newly UAB, the homecoming established UAB school of celebrations usually only dentistry, along with his spanned over the couple father a few years later. of days leading up to the “Both my uncle and game. There would be a father eventually became campus pep rally, as well professors of dentistry at UAB and each worked Thompson as various social events before and after the game. there for nearly 40 years” Another homecoming Powell said. “I can say that tradition that he rememUAB has certainly providbers is Painter Hat Night, ed a comfortable liveliwhere people would paint hood for my uncle and my hats and then wear them father and their families.” around campus. Powell attributes his “Homecoming gives fondest memories of UAB Barnes everyone a chance to to his time in the Biology celebrate the accomplishPh.D. program. Around the same time he finished his doc- ments of the past and present, and to plan for the future. It toral degree, he got married and stayed in Birmingham to raise his keeps the family spirit going here” said Barnes. family. He is currently employed All of the events during at UAB in the department of homecoming week are open to Biostatistics. alumni. There are also a few James Barnes’ fondest events held specifically for alummemories of UAB lie in his ni, like the UAB Honors College time spent in the Blazer Band. Alumni and Friends Breakfast He and many others strove to on Tuesday, the Psychology build the group into the BlazAlumni Networking Reception er marching band that exists on Wednesday and the Arts and today. He also helped to start Sciences Alumni Chapter Meet a fraternity on campus and to establish a scholarship program Up on Thursday. There will also be alumni tents at the football for musicians. Barnes says his best memory game Saturday for both the College of Arts and Sciences and of UAB band is watching the the nursing school. championship basketball game in Bowling Green, KY while Lauren Moored can be reached playing on the sidelines with the at lrm33@uab.edu. band.
SPORTS
Page 5 October 3, 2017
MENS SOCCER
Blazers end skid with draw Men attempted to close three-game losing streak in conference match-up Connor Gentry Sports Editor The UAB Men’s Soccer team looked to break a three-game skid against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49ers at home on Saturday. The Blazers scored first in a heavily defensive game. Redshirt senior Rami Dajani netted a shot in the 22nd minute off a pass from freshman Donovan Watson. “Rami missed almost a full year with injuries and it takes time to get back not only to full strength but also having confidence and having your touch and being able to relax and play,” said Mike Getman, UAB Men’s Soccer head coach. “The last couple of weeks he has looked much better, scored goals and made a big difference for us.” Charlotte responded with a goal of their own in the 24th minute from Callum Montgomery off an assist from Teddy Chaouche. The 49er goal knotted the game at one goal apiece, but neiSTAT CORNER Charlotte Goals 1 Shots 16 Shots on Goal 4 Saves 3 Corners 7 Offsides 2 Fouls 14
UAB 1 9 4 3 0 0 6
ther team would score for the rest of regulation, sending the game to overtime. The first overtime period saw an opportunity for the Blazers to win the game when Dajani crossed the ball towards the box. However, the Blazers in the area could not capitalize on the opportunity. Both teams failed to score in the first overtime, sending the game into double overtime. In the second overtime, both the Blazers and 49ers had an opportunity to win the game. Charlotte’s Daniel Bruce had a potential goal saved by redshirt freshman James Teal early in the period. UAB’s redshirt junior Mathieu Laurent just missed the back of the net on a header with three minutes left in the match. Neither team could muster a score in the second overtime. The Blazers and 49ers fought a defensive battle for 110 minutes, but neither team could score more than one goal, so the game ended in a 1-1 tie. The Blazers’ record improved to 2-33, 0-3-1 while Charlotte’s improved to 3-2-3, 1-0-2 for the season. The tie ends a three game losing streak for the Blazers. “It was a tough physical match between two good teams going at it for 110-minutes,” said Getman. “We talk every day about
Pick ‘Em
LA Tech* vs. UAB
PHOTO BY IAN KEEL/PHOTO EDITOR Freshman Joseph Buete heads the ball over two Charlotte defenders.
quality of performance, we don’t control the results but control how perform and tonight for 110-minutes our guys were at the top of their game.” The 49ers out shot the Blazers 16-9, and both teams had four shots on goal. Charlotte had seven corner kicks compared to the Blazers’
FIU vs. MTSU*
Marshall* vs. Charlotte
zero. The 49ers committed 14 fouls to the Blazers’ six. The goalkeepers for both teams finished the night with three saves apiece. “We did everything that we wanted to do, and if we keep playing like that we are going to win a lot of games,” Getman said. The Blazers return to
FAU* vs. ODU
Army* vs. Rice
action at home on Saturday, Oct. 7. against the University of Central Arkansas Bears in a non-conference match-up for homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Connor Gentry can be reached at zcgentry@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.
Southern Miss vs. UTSA*
WKU* vs. UTEP
Connor Gentry Sports Editor
Will Harris
Asst. Sports Editor
Wallace Golding
Managing Editor
Alex Jones
GM, BlazeRadio
Coin Toss *favored in earliest line All photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Page 6 l Sports
The Kaleidoscope
October 3, 2017
VOLLEYBALL
HOCKEY
Rocky Toppled
PHOTO BY IAN KEEL/PHOTO EDITOR UAB senior Haley Jared (No. 33) spikes the ball against the FIU defense.
PHOTO BY WILL HARRIS/ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Aaron Roe (right), Tennessee’s Hunter Jamieson (center) and Ryan Kalson (left) wait for a shot during the game.
Blazers bounce back
Blazers slip against Vols in two overtime losses
UAB splits home series against conference foes
Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor The UAB club hockey team headed to Knoxville, Tennessee to take on the Tennessee Ice Vols. The Blazers came into the series with a record of 1-1 after splitting the first series at Auburn last weekend. In the first period, Tennessee jumped out to an early lead with a goal three minutes into the game to give the Ice Vols a 1-0 lead which held until the end of the first period. In the second period, UAB’s Ryan Kalson scored off of assists from Kyle Feeney and Matthew Scott. The score tied the game up at 1-1 with 17:24 left in the second period. Tennessee answered four minutes later to take the 2-1 lead. In the third period, Tennessee was called for a penalty to put the Blazers on the power play. UAB’s Cam Dickinson scored on the power play goal to tie the game at 2-2 with 11:06 remaining in the game. The game would go to overtime at a 2-2 tie. In the five minute overtime period, Tennessee scored with 34 seconds remaining to give the Ice Vols the 3-2 victory. On Saturday night, the Blazers got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 1-0 lead on a goal
Football From Page 1
respectively. Wide receiver Teddy Veal leads the Bulldogs with 30 catches for 331 yards and two touchdowns The Blazers will have to show up defensively to keep the Bulldog offense in check. The pass rush will have to force Smith out of the pocket to disrupt his rhythm, while the secondary will have to lock down on the Bulldog receivers. The front seven for UAB will also have to be able to contain the Bulldog running backs to prevent any long
from Dillon Gasparek with 9:15 left in the first period. UAB’s defense held on to lead 1-0 at the end of the first period. The second period was a high scoring affair that started with a goal from Dickinson with 19:04 left in the second period to lead 2-0. Dickinson wasn’t done as he scored again with 5:00 left in the second period to give the Blazers a 3-0 lead. Less than a minute later, UAB’s Luke Ciocca scored from far out to give the Blazers the 4-0 lead with 4:06 left in the second period. The hot start soon went cold for the Blazers when Tennessee answered UAB on a goal with 2:49 remaining in the second period. UAB was called for a penalty late in the period to give Tennessee the power play. The Ice Vols took advantage and scored with 33 seconds remaining in the second period to trail 4-2. UAB led 4-2 at the end of the second period. The Ice Vols scored with 12:53 remaining in the third period to trail 4-3. UAB’s attempt to hold off the Vols ended on a puck bounce off the back of UAB goalie Aaron Roe. Tennessee scored with less than five minutes left to tie the game at 4-4. UAB was called for another penalty with 2:04 left in the game touchdown runs, something that has seemed to be a struggle to this point. UAB comes into the matchup with a 2-2 record with wins against Alabama A&M and Coastal Carolina. The Blazers’ losses both took place on the road against Ball State and North Texas. The win over Coastal looks less and less impressive as the Chanticleers have not played well since, and the Blazers should have beaten North Texas after fighting back from a 16-point deficit on the road. However, the special teams allowed a 48-yard kickoff return
to give Tennessee the power play. UAB was able to prevent a goal and the game went to overtime. In overtime, the game came down to a controversial end with less than a minute left. UAB was in the offensive zone and a Tennessee player shoved a UAB player in the back which sent the Blazer into the boards. UAB wanted a penalty for Boarding, but the referees let play continue. The Ice Vols took the puck down the ice and scored with 45 seconds left in overtime. The loss put UAB at a 1-1-2 record, one win, one loss, two overtime losses. Roe finished the second game with five goals allowed on 48 shots from Tennessee. UAB’s depth will be a major advantage this season. UAB only had one line of players for depth last season. This year the Blazers now have three lines and return key starters. “We just need to learn to play together” said head coach Steve Cagle. “We just need to work on our defensive zone and finish strong.” UAB hosts the LSU Tigers in a two-game series on Oct. 6 and 7. “The home [UAB] crowd is the best in D3 South in the ACHA” said Adil Patel. “LSU liked coming here because the atmosphere is insane.” Will Harris can be reached at willhrrs@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.
to give North Texas a short field to work with, which allowed them to kick a last second field goal. The Blazers’ offense is led by quarterback A.J. Erdely, who has completed 50 of 94 passes for 743 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Erdely also leads the Blazers in rushing touchdowns with five. Spencer Brown has become the feature running back of the Blazer offense with 294 yards and four touchdowns. The leading receivers for UAB are Andre Wilson and Colin Lisa. Wilson has 13 catches for 251 yards and three touchdowns while Lisa
Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor UAB faced off against the Charlotte 49ers on Friday night in their third conference game of the season. The first set started with a back-and-forth battle until Charlotte’s Katria Stewart had a strong kill and Mackenzie Reaume added an ace serve for the 49ers to lead 17-13. UAB could not bounce back and fell in the first set 2519. The second set saw a similar start to the first with a 12-12 tie. However, UAB’s attack errors sent the 49ers on a 13-4 run to win the set 25-16. Charlotte led the match 2-0. In the third set, Charlotte was able to gain a late lead 20-16 after a close start. UAB went on a 4-0 run to tie the set at 20-20. The set was so close that the two-point match point rule was instituted multiple times until one team could pull away. UAB was able to gain a twopoint advantage and win the third set, 2826, putting the set at a 2-1 Charlotte match lead. Charlotte dominated UAB early on in the fourth set. Charlotte’s Sydney Rowan extended the lead to 12-3 with a kill. UAB’s Zahria Richard and Abby Carlile helped the Blazers go on a 7has 10 catches for 201 yards. UAB will have to be able to move the ball effectively, not go three-and-out every other drive and score so that the defense can stay off the field if the Blazers want to win this game. Running the
run to cut the Charlotte lead to 20-16. UAB tried to mount a late comeback but 49ers’ Janell Sparks performed a kill to finish the Blazers. Charlotte won the set 25-21 and the match 3-1. UAB looked to split the home stretch on Sunday afternoon against the FIU Panthers at Bartow Arena. FIU came into the match with a 2-6 record (1-1 in confer-
“
It was a solid performance all-around. We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re going in the right direction. —Kerry Messersmith ence). In the first set, UAB scorched the Panthers with an early 12-1 lead. However, UAB’s Petra Silic performed a service error that started a 7-0 run for FIU to cut the lead to 12-8. The set went back and forth until UAB went on a 5-0 run to end ball effectively should open up deep passing opportunities. The special teams unit, which has been suspect so far this season, will have to make tackles to limit the Bulldogs’ return game as well as being able to flip the field on punts.
the set, giving UAB the 25-16 win. In the second set, Erika Zembyla helped UAB start a 4-0 run to give the Blazers an early 6-3 lead. UAB gained a 17-11 lead but a 5-1 run by the Panthers cut the lead to a slim 18-16 Blazer lead. UAB would pull away due to FIU errors giving UAB the 25-20 set win. UAB led 2-0 in the match. In the third set, the two teams battled until FIU was able to gain a 9-8 lead on a kill by Margherita Bianchin. UAB redshirt senior Gabby Deshotel caught fire with four kills in a row for UAB to get the set to a 1313 tie. UAB went on a 10-4 run to lead 23-17. UAB ended the set on a kill by Deshotel to give the Blazers a 25-19 set win. UAB won the match in straight sets 3-0. “It was a solid performance all-around,” head coach Kerry Messersmith said. “We continue to play together and continue to fight for every point. We’ve still got a long way to go but we’re going in the right direction.” UAB now holds a 9-10 record (3-1 in conference). The Blazers continue Conference USA play on the road this upcoming week with matches at North Texas on Friday, Oct. 6 and Louisiana Tech on Sunday, Oct. 8. Will Harris can be reached at willhrrs@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.
Homecoming is a time of celebration and pride for a school, and UAB has a chance to celebrate with a win over the Bulldogs on Saturday. Will Harris can be reached at willhrrs@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports
LIFE & STYLE
Page 7 October 3, 2017
PERFORMANCE AND CULTURE
NIGHTLIFE
New platform for local artists Bella Tylicki Community Reporter
The Jaybird gathers the art community under its wings
AUSTIN SIMPSON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Cat Hyman, left, and Jox Cox created the idea for the Loft Party after their shared dislike of doing stand up comedy led them to creating a place where performers could feel comfortable. BELOW: Craig Stilley performs in front of the September Loft Show audience.
‘Such a passion’ House party blends with concert, gallery at monthly Loft Show Chandler Jones Editor-in-Chief
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alking up to the corner of 2nd Avenue and 17th Street among a row of quiet glass walls and doors. However, it’s hard to ignore the sounds of music and conversation streaming out from the open door at the corner. Upon walking in, Cat Hyman and Martha Ellen Gunn greet you at the door. Hyman met Josh Cox while the two worked in a candle shop in Birmingham. They were both Birmingham transplants and recognized a kinship in one another. As is the natural progression of such relationships, the two became comedy writing partners, and from that came an idea part entrepreneurial, part social service. “We decided to make a show based on creativity,” Hyman said. So, it’s just really whatever people want to contribute, like we are totally open to it.” Since March 30, Hyman and Cox have been running the Loft Show, a BYOB event held in a sprawling, modern loft apartment in the shadow of giants like the Elyton Hotel and the Pizitz Food Hall. “It started as a show for friends,” Cox said. “It’s just gone from there. We’ve become more focused... We’ve tried to expand out of visual art and music. We’ve had bakeries, comedy, photographers. It’s fun stuff.” The inside is casual, with home furnishings intermixed with art. The crowd revolves around a makeshift stage in the apartment’s living room with two couches pointed inward. The three-seaters hardly accommodate the nearly 100 people that have become regulars at the monthly event. “That it’s still a thing and it’s still growing is like the coolest thing to me,” Hyman said. “Each month, we could have anywhere from 10 to
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We want it to be open for everybody and to feel super inclusive, just like friends hanging out with music and art in the background. — Josh Cox 100 people here. It’s such a passion for us that it like doesn’t matter the turnout.” The stage is readied for the numerous musical acts that have come to be the spotlight of the Loft Show. Conversation nearly ceases as attendees sit, stand or turn the attention to stage. “We try to create a listening-room environment,” Cox said. “We want it to be open for everybody and to feel super inclusive, just like friends hanging out with music and art in the background.” The low-key atmosphere was something Hyman and Cox did intentionally. The idea originated their shared anxiety about doing standup. “I’ve done an open mic,
but we realized open mics are super intimidating so neither of us wanted to put ourselves out there.” Hyman said. “We wanted to create a show for comedy and just create an open mic on our own rules… We realized we know way more artists and musicians. So, we decided to expand it. It kind of just ran from there. People came out of the woodwork and just wanted to be involved.” That’s where Gunn came into the play. She attended the first show and determined that she wanted to participate. “I sort of just bugged them until they let me be a part of it,” Gunn said. Gunn said she is impressed with the Loft Show’s ability to stay consistent in comparison with other events of this nature. “It’s just really awesome that we’ve been able to like meet a bunch of people and like create a community and create a friend group based on this show,” Hyman said. “It started with the idea of comedy and its really grown from there to just like creativity in general and that’s just a beautiful concept in our minds.” The Loft Show charges $7 for entry and encourages BYOB. They occur each month at the Phoenix Lofts. Chandler Jones can be reached at chanj1@uab.edu and on Twitter at @chanjone7.
“Anything goes in The Jaybird,” said Terrence Wimberly, a UAB student and one of 33 artists and several performers featured at the Avondale arts and performance space. Two married couples created the space to bring diverse genres of art, music, literature and, most essentially, people under one roof. “Our goal is to bring people into a room that wouldn’t normally be in a room together,” said Burgin Mathews, one of the four owners. Mathews’ concept, that would eventually materialize and become The Jaybird, began as an idealistic Facebook post. An old friend of Mathews’, Lillis Taylor, saw the post and wanted in on the project. The seed was firmly planted. For years Mathews and his wife, Glory McLaughlin, and Taylor and Taylor’s husband, Wimberly Lloyd Bricken, romanticized about opening a creative space where “Langston Hughes would write upstairs, and jazz would play between the bookshelves,” said Mathews. The name, The Jaybird, is multidimensionally significant; although, at first, Mathews and the others just liked the ring of it. A roots music-buff, Mathews discovered a facet of significance in connecting the term to Birmingham jazz musician, Jaybird Coleman. Jaybird is also Southern slang for blue jay, and the phrase is prevalent in Southern colloquialisms such as “naked as a jaybird,” typically meaning uninhibited or improper. “A jaybird is somebody who speaks up too much: a squeaky wheel, a distinct voice,” Mathews said. With the help of local group, Socially Awkwrd, The Jaybird opened its doors for the first time Friday, Sept. 22. A gallery of diverse visual art was featured on one wall, and shelves of used books and zines lined the other. Corinthian Walker, who is known by the stage name of DJ3C, provided a low-fi hip-hop soundscape to clusters of patrons from all walks of life, gathered in the space, chatting and sharing ideas. This opening was the manifestation of that first Facebook post. “Socially Awkwrd is a creative company that specializes in culture curation, event planning and ‘taste-making,’” Wimberly said, one of the group’s seven members. They were offered the opportunity to perform at the event because they had worked with Bricken on an exhibit at Avondale Odd Fellows over the summer. Wimberly performed two songs as a member of Socially Awkwrd and was also featured as a visual artist. “I’ll certainly be doing more events with them, and just chilling there and drawing in the future,” Wimberly said. Makayla Smith, a friend of Socially Awkwrd, said the environment almost made her feel like she was at a music festival. “There was so much creative energy in the air,” Smith said. Although fundamentally curated for all ages, The Jaybird breathes a distinct air of youthfulness. Mathews lends this trait to its roots in the punk-rock, anti-commercial tradition. The Jaybird is a judgement-free zone where thinkers can express ideas and share experiences through the vessels of art, music and literature. Home to the Alabama Zine Library, the handmade, independently produced publications are crucial to The Jaybird’s mission. “Everybody has something to say or something to share,” asserted Mathews, a zine author himself. Most are non-fiction prose from the first-person perspective, or memoirs, but some exhibit art, photography, poetry and short-stories. Because they are so cheap, typically between $1 and $5, zines make writing and art accessible. “They give a voice to communities that might not already have one,” Mathews said, divulging that they hope to establish a DIY zine station in the near future. The space has no regular hours, except for Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. because not one of the four owners has quit their so-called “day job.” The Jaybird hosts live music once a month, jamband sessions the first Monday of each month, a new visual art show every other month and yoga once a week. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.jaybirdalabama.com. Bella Tylicki can be reached at btylicki@uab.edu and on Twitter at @_belty_.
COMMUNITY
Page 8 October 3, 2017
WOODLAWN
New business spurs renaissance Once stamped with reputation, neighborhood begins to rebuild Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor
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ten-minute drive away from central Birmingham, where one might think the city is about to end, the neighborhood of Woodlawn is reemerging – a neighborhood area whose origin stretches back to the early 19th Century. According to assistant professor in the UAB Department of History Pamela King, the neighborhood started out as a middle-class area. However, this was until the middle-class population relocated as a result of federal subsidies and policies like the interstate system and FHA loans. Ever since this happened in the 60s, the neighborhood has been considered a poor and unattended area. “I don’t think they can overcome the bad rep,” said Tina, a cashier at City Meats & Vegetables. “I think that the edge of violence will stand in the way of that. It’s like a shadow.” However, in the last few years, Woodlawn has become increasingly more vibrant and
relevant to the Birmingham community. The opening of boutiques and cafes has helped this happen. “It’s a neat little pocket of people who are doing fun and original things here at Woodlawn, and I just wanted to be a part of it,” said Jake Carnley, an Auburn graduate from Fairhope. Carnley opened the candle shop Great Bear Wax Co in the heart of Woodlawn in the beginning of 2014, where he and his brother pour candles on-site. Ever since, their business has been flourishing and there has been no lack of customers. According to Carnley, Woodlawn is becoming a more diverse hotspot. “We see all sorts of people down here,” he said. “We see rich people, poor people, white people, black people. It’s sort of an equalizer in the town to have neighborhoods that welcome everybody.” Great Bear Wax Co is in a shared space with another business – Club Duquette, a year old clothing boutique owned by Morgan and Duquette Johnston.
JORDYN BUSSIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Woodlawn Cycle Café, a modern and trendy cafe, has surfaced as a recognized brand in the Birmingham community.
They sell clothing from various brands, including their own. The motivation behind it was to localize brands of clothing that weren’t already available in Birmingham. In addition to hosting semi-monthly parties open to the public, the couple plans to revitalize the community by teaching local children about business practice and creativity. “Woodlawn is an extension of our home,” M. Johnston said. “It’s a place where could take a chance on our dream.” One of the most popular hangout spots in Woodlawn is the Woodlawn Cycle Café. A modern and trendy
coffeeshop/restaurant that already has surfaced as a recognized brand in the Birmingham community. Craig Stiller, coffee manager and barista at the Woodlawn Cycle Café, said that the café has caused several improvements at Woodlawn. According to him, the business has made reason to build things such as parking lots and pave roads in the area around it. “In a way it’s reconstructing our infrastructure,” he said. “Which is one step in a good direction.” Stiller thinks that the relevance of Woodlawn will increase in the years
to come. “To me, [Woodlawn] is the future of Birmingham,” he said. “It has a lot of promise to be dynamic.” According to Victoria Hansen, a barista a the Woodlawn Cycle Café, Woodlawn needs to grow in order to attract more people and reclaim its legacy. “It’s a friendly environment and it brings people from all parts of town together,” she said. ”Hopefully more retail shops will open so that we could get more foot traffic.” Although the Woodlawn community has improved, the neighborhood still remains in its
status as poor and unattended. According to King, it will take more than business activity to revive Woodlawn to the condition it used to be. “Woodlawn is making excellent strides in its wonderful ‘downtown’ core where the brick historic buildings are gradually being renovated for small local businesses,” King said. “Some of its housing is also but, still, the wood structures are not generally being bought; and middle class families have not yet started to return in big numbers. Perhaps it will since Avondale’s housing is gentrifying at such a rapid pace.” Popularizing Woodlawn, although beneficial for the community and the businesses, is still not enough to revamp the condition of the neighborhood itself. According to Stilley, the population needs to be included in the growth process in order for Woodlawn to improve significantly. “I would just say be honorable to who lives here,” he said.” Ultimately moving forward takes a lot of listening to people, not just talking.” Kristina Balciunaite can be reached at kribal@uab.edu and on Instagram at @kristinaib.