October • 25 • 2016
Volume 56 • Issue 54
THE HOMECOMING ISSUE:
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GURNEY DERBY:
GREEN & GOLD:
SHOWDOWN:
Longest-standing school tradition encourages friendly competition among students and faculty
Green beats Gold in scrimmage that highlighted defense prowess on the road to #TheReturn
Newly housed event packs out Alys Stephens Center for night of skits and choreographed dances
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2 EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
Dear readers, I’ve never really been a part of campus life. When I was a freshman, I spent more time at home and at work than I did in my dorm room or on campus, and immediately following that, I moved off campus. Until this year, I had never participated in Homecoming, never been to any events or even bothered to show up to any athletic events. And, honestly, I’m pretty disappointed I never made the effort. This year is kind of an awkward limbo for UAB. We Blazers are coming off the high from #TheReturn of football, but we have to wait another year before, you know, the actual return of the program. However, no one really seemed to let that phase them from what I could see. UAB’s longest standing Homecoming tradition, the Gurney Derby, brought together an immense number of student and faculty, as did the Green v. Gold scrimmage, and you could barely maneuver yourself through the 800 people packed in the HSC ballroom for the Blaze the Night event. I have never felt more proud to be a Blazer, and I saw a lot of people who I am sure feel that exact same way. If you feel like you’re missing out, then branch out. Find that one event to go to and see how excited people are to be a part of this community, and jump on the bandwagon. So, maybe Homecoming isn’t your thing. To each their own, but don’t let that stop you from searching. Earlier this week, there was a talk at John’s City Diner discussing the neuroscience of zombies and an event highlight LGBT history at the Birmingham Public Library. The opportunities are endless and they are all around the city and campus. Maybe you don’t have transportation? Use that as an incentive to reach out to a friend, or make a friend, that does and you can both go out and taste what UAB and Birmingham has to offer. A big part of what it has to offer is community. That exact community is the group of people who raised over $8,000 when their friend, Zakk Earle, was shot at his job as a Southside bartender. That exact community is the one putting together a fundraiser to raise even more money to help their friend pay his hospital bills. That exact community is the one that will be there for you if you give them the opportunity. I am so grateful that I applied to be a writer at the Kaleidoscope this past spring semester, and I am so grateful I got the opportunity to do my part as news editor. I have always felt short changed on my college experience as a student who lives off campus and works almost full-time. This job allows me the opportunity to go to the coolest events UAB has to offer and to share them with you all. I have found my UAB community and I have found my friends that I’m still going to talk to when I’m 80. My only regret is that it took me until my last year to go out and make the effort. Go Blazers.
Regards,
Tessa Case News Editor
STAFF Sarah Faulkner sfaulkn2@uab.edu Tamara Imam managing@insideuab.com Corey Bright art@insideuab.com Tessa Case news@insideuab.com Surabhi Rao features@insideuab.com Ian Keel photos@insideuab.com Mark Linn copy@insideuab.com Chandler Jones chanj1@uab.edu Dabney Bragg socialmedia@insideuab.com Loren Gilbert online@insideuab.com Melvin Griffin Jared Chestnut Chad Freeman Marie Sutton info@insideuab.com Patrick Johnson plj3@uab.edu
Creative Director of Student Media Managing & Sports Editor Head Illustrator News & Science Editor Features & Opinions Editor Photography Editor Copy Editor Visual Content Manager Social Media Editor Online Editor Distribution Team
Advisor Production Manager
CORRECTION: In a October 11 issue, we incorrectly referred to Saigon Noodle House as a Japanese restaurant. It is a Vietnamese restaurant in a cutline page 14.
Physical Address Suite 130, Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35205 Mail HSC 130, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-1150 Phone (205) 934-3354 Web UABkscope.com Email editor@insideuab.com
The Kaleidoscope is the official student newspaper of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Unsigned editorials and the opinions of the Kaleidoscope’s columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers, editors, Kaleidoscope advisers or university administrators. Signed columns and letters reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as expressions of fact and opinion to Kaleidoscope readers. Letter Policy: Letters to Kaleidoscope are always welcome. Unless otherwise directed, all letters will be forwarded to the editor. Letters must be no longer than 200 words and must be typed. A name and a phone number must accompany each letter. Letters will appear at the discretion of the editorial staff and can be sent by mail, fax or electronic mail. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2016 by Kaleidoscope and protected under the U.S. Copyright Laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of the Kaleidoscope.
NEWS
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SCI CAFE
Franken-science: The brains behind zombies Lecture at John’s City Diner brings science of the undead to life
I was inspired to pursue neuroscience when I competed in the Alabama Brain Bee. So, I always try to take any opportunity I can find to speak with public audiences, with the hope that I can inspire someone else.
Tamara Imam Managing Editor managing@insideuab.com
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AB students and Birmingham locals gathered at John’s City Diner on Tuesday, Oct. 18 to hear from neuroscience and mathematics major and student researcher Jarrod Hicks on what he called the “neuroscience of zombies.” Hicks is a fifth-year student who works with Kristina Visscher, Ph.D., in the Human Behavioral Neuroscience Lab at UAB to study functional brain networks of older adults. He said his talk was based on a book by University of California San Diego neuroscientists Timothy Verstynen and Bradley Voytek called “Do Zombies Dream of Undead Sheep: A Neuroscientific View of the Zombie Brain.” The book describes zombies as suffering from Consciousness Deficit Hypoactivity Disorder, a phrase coined by the team of researchers. He began the lecture with a disclaimer that although the science behind his talk is “100 percent real,” zombies are not. The spectrum of “zombie symptoms,” Hicks said, includes hyperaggression, movement dysfunction, language disruption, inability to perceive pain, memory and attention problems, reduced impulse control, visual recognition impairment and addiction — in this case, to flesh.
-Jarrod Hicks
Jarrod Hicks, a student researcher, explains how lesion studies are important in understanding brain function.
Hicks used the zombie theme, which he said was intentionally chosen for the Halloween season, as a conduit to bring neuroscience to a general audience by using neuroscientific principles to explain each of the symptoms he delineated. “This particular topic is one that’s interesting and engaging for public audiences. It’s also presented in a manner
that can be easily digested by most,” Hicks said. “What I mean is that just talking about zombies isn’t the ultimate goal. Rather, educating the public about neuroscience is the goal. Zombies are just a vehicle to get neuroscientific information out there.” Tuesday’s talk was part of the monthly Sci Cafe lecture series, a collaboration between the Undergraduate Neuroscience
Photo by Fred Stephens
Society, UAB Civitan Research Club and the McWane Science Center, the purpose of which is to “connect people of science with people who have science interests,” according to Lawrence Cooper of the McWane Science Center, who introduced the lecture. Though Hick’s lecture was geared toward a general audience, among the attendees were neuroscience students.
“It was witty and funny but felt like real research on how a true zombie brain would affect the behavior commonly noticed in the most popular zombie representations,” senior neuroscience major Celeste Fong said. “As a neuroscience student I like the idea of being able to show how diverse and relatable neuroscience is through fun events. Even as a student I like going to events where I know I can have some fun and not have to think of neuroscience as being this strict discipline.” Hicks hopes that his talk will inspire would-be neuroscientists to delve into the field. “Sci Cafe is a great opportunity for scientists to connect with public audiences [...] It’s always great to share scientific knowledge with the public, but it’s even better to inspire someone to pursue science,” Hicks said. “I was inspired to pursue neuroscience when I competed in the Alabama Brain Bee. So, I always try to take any opportunity I can find to speak with public audiences, with the hope that I can inspire someone else.” Hicks plans to graduate this December and continue working in Visscher’s lab before pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience.
4 NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
Community rallies around Southside shooting victim Mark Linn Copy Editor copy@insideuab.com
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akk Earle, 23, works at the Upsidedown Plaza, a bar located in the basement of Pickwick Plaza in Five Points. On Oct. 12, Earle was shot following a confrontation with two would-be patrons who refused to leave. According to Earle, a girl who turned out to be underage tried entering the Plaza in the early morning hours on Wednesday, Oct. 12. After she and her companion refused to leave, a short physical confrontation follow that ended when the girl shot Earle once in the stomach. “I was shocked. It’s one of those cliché things where you think it will never happen to anyone you know,” said Carter Thornton, a friend of Earle and a UAB senior. “It made me physically ill when I was told exactly what happened by someone who was there.” Earle was rushed to UAB Hospital and was taken into surgery, according to al.com. The couple f led the scene and crashed their vehicle into a downtown Birmingham bridge near Sloss Furnace,
and were captured after a short foot chase. “Zakk was just doing his job,” said Amie Mejia, a friend of Earle. “He upheld the law and standard all bars and bartenders are held to, and it could have happened to any of us in the service industry.” Since the shooting, friends and associates of Earle have started raising money to help cover his expenses as he recovers and is out of work. “Zakk is a fighter,” Thornton said. “The strength of this community and all of the support that Birmingham, especially the music scene, has shown for him is so amazing.” Since Earle doesn’t have medical insurance, Mejia and other friends have set up a GoFundMe page that aims to raise $15,000 to help cover medical expenses. The page raised $600 within the first couple of hours and as of Oct. 22 it has raised $8,073. “I’ve never done a GoFundMe or fund-raising campaign before, but I knew that Zakk works hard like all of us,” Mejia said. “Being in the service industry myself, knowing he wouldn’t be able to go to work and having serious medical bills, it was my only solution to help.”
The Upsidedown Plaza is a bar in Southside Birmingham where Zakk Earle was shot by two would-be patrons who were later arrested near Sloss Furnace after they crashed their car.
Mejia said that Earle was told about the fundraising effort while he was still recovering in the hospital and that he was taken aback by how much support he received so quickly. “It really made me feel like part of Birmingham for sure.” Earle said. “I guess it felt really good to know that the community really cares and that we can come together over something like this.” To further help with expenses, the United States Bartenders Guild will be hosting a Halloween party on Oct. 30, with proceeds going to Earle. The party will start at 8 p.m. at the Spring Street Firehouse and will feature local folk band Renegades of Folk and Greco, an Athens, Ga. based rock band. “All I want people to know is that I appreciate them, I really do,” Earle said. “I appreciate everything that anybody has done for me, people that don’t even know me, you know what I mean? I hear every day of something else that’s going on or something else somebody has done. From the bottom of my heart, I do appreciate it and it means the world to me.” Photo by Giani Martin
NEWS 5
Harambe’s Revenge pushes their gurney down the raceway during the annual Gurney Derby on Wednesday. For all their efforts, the team won “Best Dressed Gurney” and “Dead Last.”
Photo by Ian Keel
Gurney Derby: Students roll down stretch of 13th Street Nick Adrian Contributor niadri05@uab.edu
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n Wednesday, Oct. 19, teams of students and faculty raced decorated hospital gurneys down 13th Street in UAB’s longest-running homecoming tradition: the Gurney Derby. The event, sponsored by the UAB National Alumni Society, was a race among teams from various academic departments and organizations competing to make it to the end of 13th Street and back with their gurneys in
the shortest amount of time. The race took place between Sterne Library and the Education Building. Around 20 teams, each with two women and two men, competed in the race. The teams were required to have a non-living “passenger” ride along in the gurney, which could be anything from a stuffed animal to a stuffed shirt and pants. Two of the team members actually ran in the race while a twomember pit crew assisted in the preparations. Teams were encouraged to design their gurney
and wear costumes that coincided with their respective themes. To remain eligible, team members had to be sure to keep the gurney in place during the race, making sure not to let go. They were also prohibited from riding the gurney, interfering with competing teams or walking during the race. Members were also required to wear helmets, wrist guards and elbow and knee pads for safety. The rules of the actual race were simple: when it was time to start, the four team members would push their gurney, with
their intact passenger, as quickly and safely as possible. Once the teams reached the orange cones signaling the end of their lane, each member had to turn around and race the gurney back to the starting point. The two teams that finished in the shortest amount of time were given a plaque to signify the first and second place award. Awards were also given out for “Best Dressed Gurney,” “Most Creative Passenger” and “Dead Last.” The race began at 12 p.m. and was run in timed heats in which each team
raced once. Each team’s run time was recorded and written down and the winner determined by the fastest time. After an intense race, the “Hemoglobin Trotters” from the School of Health Professions won first place at 30.1 seconds and the School of Engineering’s “The Blazing Engineers” came in second at 30.30 seconds. The “Most Creative Passenger” award went to “Public Enema” from the School of Nursing and the team “Harambe’s Revenge,” composed of members of Sigma Kappa Sorority
and Theta Chi Fraternity, won the “Dead Last” award. “Harambe’s Revenge” safari-themed costumes also won them the “Best Dressed Gurney” award. “We went into the derby just expecting to have a good time, but hoping to continue the PA school Gurney Derby legacy,” said Kerrie Shaw, team caption of the Hemoglobin Trotters. “We’re so excited and honored to continue the PA program winning streak and so grateful for the awesome experience.”
6 NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
MERVYN H. STERNE LIBRARY
Resources offer first-hand insight into Civil Rights struggle Two new databases of primary sources are available online Destiny Hosmer Staff Writer drhosmer@uab.edu
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rimary historical resources on the 20th century Black Freedom Struggle and records of the early history of the NAACP can now be accessed at UAB Libraries following the debut of two new databases on Thursday, Oct. 20. The two new databases, entitled Black Freedom Struggle in the 20th Century and NAACP Papers, provide copies of records such as legal briefings, federal government records, personal papers and memos. The records contain documents from national, legal and branch NAACP offices throughout the country. It charts the NAACP’s work and delivers a firsthand view of crucial issues between 1909 and 1972. The Black Freedom Struggle in the 20th Century database provides unique documentation and a variety of perspectives on the 20th century civil rights struggles between 1898 and 1996. Brooke Becker, reference librarian for social sciences, said that these resources were added to further the mission of the university and will allow for more thorough research for both faculty and students at all levels. “Libraries are the lifeblood of research at any university, making resources available for in-depth study and furthering knowledge while at the same time teaching students how to better find and critically
Brooke Becker introduces two new databases of records from the early days of the NAACP and the 20th century Black Freedom Struggle.
analyze that information for their work, both in college and beyond,” Becker said. “These collections will not only further research in various areas but they will also serve as a conduit to voices from the past. We learn better when we can personalize the experiences and research of others. These experiences are the very definition of knowledge that will change your world.” Assistant Professor of history Andrew Baer, Ph. D. said that the new databases will boost the credentials of the library and help students and faculty alike with their research. “In order to recruit undergraduates, graduate students and faculty we must have access to collections of this nature and boast a top-notch library,” Baer said.
These experiences are the very knowledge that will change your world.
— Brooke Becker
“This is a step in the right direction that helps keep UAB competitive with other research universities.” Faculty can rely on this material to write lectures and incorporate primary sources directly into class discussion, according to Baer, who plans to implement the material in his classroom next semester.
“There are endless possibilities for students to gain practical research experience using these collections,” Baer said. “There is truly an endless number of research topics that these papers could help shed light on.” The databases were purchased from ProQuest, a global information, content and technology company that powers research in academic, corporate, government and school libraries around the world. Although information on NAACP records and the 20th century Black Freedom Struggle was already accessible, Baer said that the ProQuest history collections provide a large volume of unpublished material and primary resources that would not
Photo by Ian Keel
usually be readily available to undergraduates at UAB. Baer said that any student interested in a careers such as in history, law, education or government can gain practical experience by using the databases, but only if they engage the data. “It is my hope that many professors on campus will design creative curriculum using this material and help students develop skills of research and writing vital to careers in a variety of professions,” Baer said. To access the databases, visit mhsl.uab.edu and search for NAACP Papers or Black Freedom Struggle in the 20th Century under “databases.”
SPORTS 7 HOMECOMING WEEK
One final peek In the last scrimmage of the Fall season, Green triumphs over Gold in display of solid defensive teamwork
Tyler Johnston, a freshman quarterback from Spanish Fort, scrambles to avoid being sacked and runs the ball down the field. The game ended in a 36-21 win for the Green team.
Jack Ryan Staff Writer jackryan@uab.edu
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n Thursday, Oct. 20, the UAB football team took to BBVA Compass Field for a sell-out rematch of the Green and Gold scrimmage, as part of a week-long series of homecoming festivities. The Green team was able to dominate on defense and won 36-21 over the Gold team. Offense The Green team’s offense outperformed the Gold team with 302 yards of total offense. Freshman quarterback Tyler Johnston went 19-28 on
passing attempts with 216 yards and a touchdown. He also threw two interceptions. The Green team ran for 80 yards under leading rusher Lucious Stanley, who had 15 carries for 37 yards and one touchdown. Notably, the Green team had three rushing touchdowns to just one passing touchdown. The Gold team had 292 yards of total offense in the game. Quarterback A.J. Erdely went 13-30 for 199 yards and two touchdowns, throwing one interception. James Noble was a standout running back for the Gold team, with nine carries for 56 yards. Most of the production for the Gold
team came through the air, as they scored two touchdowns on passing plays. The impact on the offensive side of the ball for either team came in the form of the receivers; both teams had a receiver gain over 100 yards. The two receivers, John Nixon and Andre Wilson, boast a combined total of ten catches for 238 yards and three touchdowns. The biggest improvement on offense came from Johnston, who was recovering following shoulder surgery, did not have his best outing in the first Green and Gold Game in August. In the first scrimmage, he went 14-30 with only 104
yards passing and four interceptions. Coming out of high school Johnston was undefeated, 35-0, and this was his first loss of his career. On Thursday night, both his accuracy and arm strength improved, leading to fewer interceptions and a better handle on the game. Defense Both defenses performed well as far as not giving up long plays down the field. The longest pass of the game was 55 yards and the longest run of the game was 38 yards, so the defense was mostly able to keep everything in
Photo by Ian Keel
front of them. One of the best performers for the Green team was defensive lineman Shaq Jones. Jones was one of the players who stayed at UAB after the program was canceled in 2014. He totaled five tackles, all of which were unassisted, and had a fumble recovery for 32 yards. Over the course of the two games, he tallied nine unassisted tackles, three of which were for losses. The Gold defense had two top performers: linebacker Zachary Williams, who amassed eight total tackles in the Thursday’s game with two sacks, and cornerback Brontae Harris, who
tallied seven tackles, one interception and one pass deflection. There were several notable alumni who returned for homecoming. Joe Webb, a special teams player for the Carolina Panthers and quarterback for the Blazers from 2006-2009, and Ty Long, kicker for the Blazers from 2012-2014, were both in attendance for the game. This was the last open scrimmage for the fall for the Blazers, as the time is just under a year away from returning to Football Bowl Subdivision play on Sept. 2, 2017. Editors note: All statistics are from uabsports.com
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‘FOREVER BLA
Homecoming 2016 bridges the old with the students look toward a new era sports, commun
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TOP: Blaze stands up behind the “Kisses and Pics with Blaze” booth on Tuesday outside Heritage Hall. ABOVE: Vivek Singh, a participant in Tuesday’s Green and Gold Games, eats a fist-full of key lime pie during the competition’s pie-eating contest. BELOW: For the Building Decorating Competition, each department adorned their exteriors in Green and Gold.
n Tuesday, last week Destiny Houston, a junior social work major, looked on with glee as the men competing at the Green and Gold Games funneled key lime pie into their faces. She even clapped along as team members stuck bare hands into the green goo in preparation for the next bite. She cheered as they licked the remnants from the aluminum container and held up her megaphone to call out their score. Houston volunteers as a member of the Student Homecoming Committee, a group of a dozen students aiming to enhance and expand on homecoming week here on campus and in the community. The group is brand-new, an offshoot of the University Programs Board’s Spirit and Traditions Committee, according a Mikaela Bridges, junior in psychology and member of the Student Homecoming Committee. “I think they realized that they needed to make a change,” Bridges said. “Typically in years past, there are overheads who oversee a lot of the things. This year, we’re able to give our opinions about things and have a bit more influence.” In 2014, after a decline in fan participation, University President Ray Watt’s acquiesced in a press release that “investments in football were unlikely to produce a
sustainable return relative to the required investment.” The school was forced to acknowledge weaning participation in athletics and an overall decline in active school spirit. “I feel like homecoming week and basketball season are the only two times you really see a heightening of school spirit, but other than that, it’s very slow,” Bridges said. Homecoming isn’t a spectacle at UAB, it’s more of slow burn whose role is still to be determined. Yet, many oncampus figures and volunteers are working nearly year-round to renew what was once lost. “It’s passion that we really haven’t see before. Our students are activated, excited, and they’re spirited,” Jennifer Breland, executive director of UAB’s National Alumni Society, said. UAB celebrated the first homecoming week in January 1979 during basketball season, and the Mr. and Ms. UAB crowning began in 1981. “I think we haven’t historically been a tradition-rich campus, and so I think, we’re creating a lot of new traditions, and there’s not a lot of old ones to fade away,” Breland said. “That’s the unique thing about UAB is that everything is new. We just have this huge opportunity to find things that make people go, ‘Oh, yeah, I did that when I was here.’” UAB’s transition back into football is a huge motivator
for this year’s homecoming. Even this year, more and more events are added to the homecoming roster. “This year, we added a movie on the Campus Green to help kick off the week as well as incorporated a little Halloween spirit with our Wicked Wednesday movie night, said Jessica Nathan, coordinator of Student Activities and Student Homecoming Committee advisor. “Also, this was the first time that Blazer Showdown was held in the Alys Stephens Center.” Students look to homecoming as somewhere to meet people from outside their classes and regular circles. On campus, it is where free food meets friendly competition. Nathan said the top-attended events this year were the Blazer Showdown, Fight Song Competition, Blazer Cookout and Football Green and Gold Game. “I have a lot of Blazer pride, and for that reason I think it is really important that a school as unique as UAB have a homecoming that reflects our unique interests,” Mugdha Mokashi, junior in neuroscience student and fasttrack MPH student said. “We aren’t a traditional southern public university. We’re Birmingham strong with an intellectual, artistic and diverse student body. Homecoming traditions like the Gurney Derby really showcase what makes us cool. People choose UAB because it is different, and
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Story by Chandler Jones // Visual Content Manager // design@
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AZE’
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he years to come, I want traditions to establish that rest.” ork still has to be done, Bridges and Breland are on oth say their organizations getting serious about wing and improving upon mecoming. Homecoming this year has n pretty all right,” Taleeya iel said, “I wish there could more events to bring in community. The t-shirt aways are fine and all, but t of people work or have ses at that time so maybe it d be expanded to a larger espan, but overall it has n pretty okay.” ut Daniels admits, that she “more spirit and pride in students.” efore, when we still had ball, [school] spirit was in the hearts and souls of students, but now it has nected us together, and , I definitely see the spirit e,” Daniel said. on Lundy, junior in thcare management, is ady looking to next year, ng for a Powderpuff game readying for #TheReturn. verything, in general, is e kind of fun and evolved year,” Lundy said. “With e events this year, people really starting to come out e. It really isn’t because ’ve been giving out free d, it’s that they just care e. “I’ll be at the game, I’ll be ering loud and proud, ‘I just UAB.’”
@insideuab.com
Photo by Ian Keel
Photo by Tessa Case
Photo by Ian Keel
TOP: Football huddles just before Thursday’s scrimmage. BOTTOM LEFT: Members of the Marching Blazers brass section perform during halftime of the Green and Gold Game. CENTER LEFT: Members of Sigma Kappa Sorority pose outside of the inflatable obstacle course at the Green and Gold Games. CENTER RIGHT: UAB Cheerleaders pose in front of Heritage Hall during a homecoming rally before the Building Decorating Competition. BOTTOM RIGHT: Members of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity perform their choreographed dance during Blazer Showdown.
Photo by Tessa Case
Photo by Ian Keel
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
What it means to be a Blazer
Aaron Stuber Opinions Columnist abstuber@uab.edu
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ith homecoming week having just ended, it seems like as good of a time as any to reflect on what it means to be a Blazer. While this homecoming might serve as a painful reminder that the University of Alabama Board of Trustees uprooted our football program, it also reminds us that the UAB community is proud to stand-up and defend itself in the face of adversity. Even as the option of returning the football team seemed bleak, the student body, faculty and Birmingham community alike fought to have the team return. As fate would have it, we were successful, just like everything else Blazers do. Many might be hesitant about attending UAB because it doesn’t fit the “normal” college idea. There isn’t really a “UAB only” campus like many schools have, but that is what makes us unique. We currently cover over 88 city blocks, and as UAB is constantly growing, it is constantly changing. This change is symbolic of the student body we have here at UAB. This growth has allowed UAB to remain as the number one employer in the state of Alabama. However, UAB isn’t all about sports and employment. Being a Blazer is about discovery. UAB students and faculty alike are responsible for advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems. UAB remains one of the best funded research institutions in the U.S. Currently, UAB has over $430 million dollars of research fund support across its 10 schools and 24 research centers. UAB has become the center of innovation, and it pushes its students towards success. As a founding partner to the Innovation Depot, UAB and its students have had an opportunity to participate in one of the largest tech incubators in the Southeast. Referencing Fall 2016, there were 15 students who were
Illustration by Corey Bright
pursuing business start-ups at UAB’s Innovation Lab which has a collaboration with the UAB Collat School of Business. And let us not forget to mention UAB’s world class hospital system. UAB hospital ranks as the third largest public hospital in the nation, with over 1,100 medical staff. With a staff this large it comes as no surprise that UAB can offer unique services to Alabama as well as house the largest neonatal intensive care unit in the Southeast region. So if you’re ever wondering if UAB was the right choice for you, just remember that there were UAB engineers who designed freezers that are now being used on the International Space Station. Remember that over 100 countries are represented here. Remember that the city life of Birmingham is rich with culture and is a rising food hot spot. The next time someone asks you what it means to be a Blazer, be sure to tell them it means someone who is always looking towards the next level. Someone who is willing to make a change. Someone who wants to be innovative. Someone who strives to contribute to society in the best way possible. It’s in our nature. #goblazers.
OPINIONS 10
Blatant media bias keeps Clinton’s campaign on top Gunter Wisdom Contributor gwisdom@uab.edu
I
t took only 18 minutes of missing tape to impeach and remove President Nixon from office. Compare these 18 minutes of missing audio tapes to Hillary Clinton’s 30,000+ missing emails, thousands of controversial leaked campaign emails, a litany of rape accusations aimed at Bill Clinton, numerous recently released Project Veritas videos that seem to prove that Democrats have incited violence at Trump rallies and committed voter fraud across the country and the reported scandals supposedly riddled throughout the Clinton Foundation. Clinton makes Nixon seem like a saint. One would think that a renowned politician like Clinton would face severe scrutiny by the media and political pundits — politicians as infamous as Clinton rarely escape controversies of this magnitude unscathed, let alone unnoticed, by the mainstream media. However, during this election cycle, mass media appears reluctant to pursue any story that might be detrimental to the Clinton campaign. The most impending controversy that the media has widely ignored is Wikileaks’ massive release of Clinton campaign emails. The emails, which were obtained from Clinton’s campaign manager, John Podesta, reveal several shocking revelations about Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee. For example, from the leaked e-mails we learn that Clinton staffers actively worked with the DNC to deny Senator Bernie Sanders the Democratic nomination. A staffer, Mark Siegel, wrote to his colleagues: “I’ve lived through many national conventions and have found that it’s critical that all delegates, especially those representing losing candidates, emerge from the convention feeling that they have won something, achieved something tangible. I think this is terribly important especially with people like Bernie’s sometimes self-righteous ideologues.” Siegel went on to write “his people will think
they’ve ‘won’ something from the Party Establishment. And it functionally doesn’t make any difference anyway. They win. We don’t lose. Everyone is happy.” Despite this clear act of conspiracy to prevent Sanders from obtaining the nomination, this email exchange between staffers, Podesta and Siegel went vastly unreported by most mainstream media outlets. At some point, we, the American people, have to ask ourselves: why is the media so willing to assist Clinton and her staff in deceiving voters? Again, Wikileaks provides a possible answer: it appears that several major media figures have had private email conversations with Clinton staffers, and these media figures have allowed the campaign to proof and alter journalistic pieces concerning Clinton and her exploits. In one instance, Politico White House political correspondent Glenn Thrush emailed John Podesta, writing: “because I have become a hack I will send [you] the whole section [of a news story] that pertains to [you]. Please don’t share or tell anyone I did this.” While some may write this off as simple fact checking (an important facet of journalism), the fact that he pleads with Podesta not to “share or tell anyone” is indicative of wrongdoing. This isn’t the only act of media collusion observable within the emails. According to the leaks, Clinton’s staff hosted a private cocktail party with 38 different influential media figures from 16 different media sources including CNN, NBC, CBS and the New York Times. According to a memo attached to the emails, the ultimate goals of this meeting were to “(1) Give reporters their first thoughts from team HRC in advance of the announcement, (2) Setting expectations for the announcement and launch period and (3) Framing the HRC message and framing the race.” It is apparent that Clinton manipulates the media and utilizes news mediums to ventriloquize her agendas. Without the mainstream media working directly with her campaign, it is unlikely that Clinton would be in her current position as the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
FEATURES
11
HOMECOMING WEEK
Blaze the Night taken by storm Tessa Case News Editor news@insideuab.com
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he threat of rain loomed over downtown Birmingham, the bonfire had been cancelled and the event had been moved indoors. Blaze the Night, now an unfit title for the fight song competition without a bonfire, seemed to go up in smoke on Thursday, Oct. 20. “I’m very irritated by this [change],” said T.J. Mayberry, a junior health care management student who was there to support a competing friend. “I was really looking forward to the event being outdoors.” However, in a natural show of endurance, the student body seemed unfazed by this setback. The Hill Student Center Ballrooms C and D were packed from the front to back and conversation, chanting and singing resonated off the walls. The ballroom was dimmed and multi colored strobe lights illuminated smiling faces. Caleb Rotton, the coordinator of student activities with the office of Student Involvement and Leadership, was thrilled by the final estimated number of attendees: 800 students. The fight song competition featured several teams that came up with their own, original twist on the Blazer Fight Song and/or the alma mater. They were judged on originality, energy, showmanship, crowd responsiveness and entertainment, according to the Blaze the Night’s webpage. The teams competing were made up of students either in a fraternity or a sorority, although participation in the competition was open to all students, according to Carmen Morris, a senior marketing student and the co-director of Blazer Events. Some teams were easy to spot: each sorority coordinated their outfits for their upcoming
Students dressed in various costumes perform at the Hill Student Center for Blaze the Night.
performance. “I think an event like this is kind of intimidating to just do on your own,” said sophomore nursing student Taylor Sullivan. Sullivan was part of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority’s competing team, of which all of the participants were dressed in white t-shirts, black leggings and a flannel top. “Our group and our support system make it easier, and we all have the expectation of representing Alpha Gam in all of the homecoming events and around the campus,” said Sullivan. As students came through the doors, Rotton encouraged the already seated students to be “friendly blazers” and scoot over to open up that one extra seat so that everyone could have somewhere to watch. The turnout had clearly exceeded
his expectations, and any frustration with the location change seemed to be forgotten. “The Hill Student Center is awesome,” said Valerie Accetta, the head of musical theater at UAB and a judge for the competition, said. “And as nice as [the mini park] is and how nice the weather is, this feels more formal. It ups the stakes a little.” The event was planned to start at 9 p.m. on Thursday evening; however, the two hosts didn’t take control of the stage until around 9:40 p.m. Mikaela Bridges, a junior psychology major and director of spirit and traditions on the University Programs Board, was joined by Eli Ussery, a junior industrial distribution major who had been crowned Mr. UAB just a few hours before. The hosts opened up with
Photo by Giani Martin
typical quips and jokes, briefly being interrupted by another student in the infamous Kanye West at the VMAs style, before introducing the first group, Alpha Gamma Delta, to perform. Alpha Gamma Delta opened up with a recount of the history of UAB, decade by decade, with a period correct song to match, all the way up to present time where they celebrated “The Return” of UAB football on a small stage at the front. The songs and chants bounced off the wall, rising above the wild cheering of the audience as students celebrated and cheered on their friends and fellow Blazers. Sigma Kappa, Theta Chi, Alpha Xi Delta, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Tau Omega and Pi Kappa Phi also performed at the event, featuring popular
songs throughout the decades or recent top-of-the-charts hits. The night ended with a performance by Phi Gamma Delta, popularly known as FIJI, who bragged about their original lyrics and original beat they were about to perform. Naturally, the crowd went wild and the night ended with more enthusiasm than it began. The crowd was encouraged by Ussery and Bridges to take a moment off to dance and enjoy each other’s company as the judges deliberated, and all students seemed eager to accept that suggestion. Conversation and cheers resonated throughout the room as each student and team celebrated their performances. After several moments, all the cheer and enthusiasm settled down into a nervous tension as the hosts prepared to announce the winners. Phi Gamma Delta and Alpha Gamma Delta won in the fraternity and sorority categories, respectively. Cheers erupted and good humor amongst all the teams and attendees manifested itself briefly with further loud cheers and pictures. However, it was after 11 p.m. and students quickly vacated the ballroom to return home. “Everyone did really well, I loved the energy out there,” said Chris Brown, a sophomore information systems major and a competitor for Phi Gamma Delta. Brown rapped the original lyrics for his team and took a little creative license during his performance. “I made up one sorority, but that’s okay,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a lot of people and they all heard the fake sorority.” With good spirits and a strong sense of Blazer pride, students left the event to find yet another sense of validation for the event’s change: it had, in fact, rained.
12 FEATURES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Talk brushes dust off LGBTQ history Jordan McGill Staff Writer jmcgill@uab.edu
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n Sunday, Oct.16, Nancy Unger, Ph.D., of Santa Clara University came to Birmingham to speak on the role the LGBTQ community has played in American history. The lecture was held at the Birmingham Central Public Library in the Arrington Auditorium. C-SPAN broadcasted the event as part of American History TV. Birmingham’s AIDS Outreach, Magic City Acceptance Center and Magic City Wellness Center presented the event to the community. The lecture was held to promote the need for donations to the public library’s LGBTQ archives, as well as to convey the role this group had in shaping contemporary America. “I’m really trying to make the argument that gay and lesbian history is part of American history, it’s not some little add-on,” Unger said. “This is a history that all of us need to know and understand to really understand the rich history we have as a nation.” Unger said she has not met too much resistance in finding people who are genuinely interested in the history and being able to teach those who want to learn. She works at a private Catholic University and has received only one formal complaint about her class. “I didn’t know if my students at this Catholic institution would take my course,” Unger said. “I’ve taught it twice a year every year since 2004 and it always fills, there’s always a waiting list and it’s always been a class that I’ve really enjoyed so in some ways it’s been a lot less fraught than I thought it would be.” When asked about international influences on American LGBTQ history, Unger said that there is still progress to be made in advancing knowledge on the topic. “Certainly the Germans were at the vanguard of talking about history and there’s a lot of work being done on international topics, but most of it is present day,” Unger said. “Most of what I know is coming from Americans who
I’m really trying to make the argument that gay and lesbian history is part of American history, it’s not some little add-on. — Nancy Unger, Ph.D
are traveling in different parts of the world and what they’re reporting back about the sort of gay bars in different countries, and there’s a whole piece of gay and lesbian history that I don’t know anything about and I have to keep learning.” The lecture was organized by Jim Baggett, the head archivist in the Archives Department of the Birmingham Public Library. “At the beginning of World War II, there was virtually no effort to keep the gays out. We only start to see the discrimination [against LGBTQ people] after the turning point in the war. In this way, it is particularly unfair,” Unger said. Unger referenced Frank Hanley as a source of inspiration in the gay rights movement. Hanley served in World War II and went to Harvard for a Ph.D. in astronomy, but he was fired during the Cold War because he was gay. He took his case to the Supreme Court. “Hanley said, ‘Look at the Civil Rights Movement- you don’t see people saying we should end discrimination by bleaching our skin. Look at the antisemitism movement. You don’t see people asking to be accepted after converting to Christianity. Quit being apologetic and stand up for who you are,’” Unger said. “Like any disease it requires understanding, not punishment. You see this over and over in history prior to the more recent laws.” The department is currently working on collecting documents regarding the LGBTQ community in Birmingham to add to their archives, and is looking for donations.
Nancy Unger speaks to a crowd at the Birmingham Public Library about LGBTQ roles in history.
Photo by Ian Keel
FEATURES 13
An interview with UAB royalty: Mr. & Mrs. UAB Gavin Gilliland Staff Writer gjgill@uab.edu
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li Ussery and Isabella Mak won the 2016 Mr. & Ms. UAB Scholarship Competition. With the Marching Blazers playing in the background, 10 students walked across BBVA Compass Field at half-time of the Green and Gold game on Thursday, Oct. 20 to await these results. Ussery is a junior from Columbus, Ga. majoring in industrial distribution. He served as a Goin’ Green Orientation Leader and most recently an Orientation Leader Coordinator. In addition, he is active in his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, as well as being a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Mak is a junior from Dothan majoring in neuroscience. As a member of YouAB, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, a past resident assistant and a volunteer at Children’s of Alabama, Mak has been able to meet and network with a significant portion of the student body. What were your first thoughts when you heard your name announced? Mak: “My mind went blank. Honestly, the first moment, I couldn’t believe it,” “And then it was a little more emotional because it means a lot to me. I never thought I would make it that far. As a first generation college student, I didn’t even think I could go to college. I still can’t believe it.” Ussery: “Everything
just culminated into one moment. I am able to take all of these experiences I have had and serve everyone. Not disbelief, [the feeling] can’t really be put into words.” How do you feel about your newly appointed position as the liaison between the student body and the UAB National Alumni Society? Ussery: “These past two years working with orientation has been a blast getting to meet incoming students and working with students already here in order to help new students get connected. It’s just been a blessing and I am very glad to get to serve everybody as a whole and connect them with alumni.” How do you plan to give back to UAB through this role? Mak: “I am very excited to represent UAB in many ways, to represent the UAB Blazer Spirit and just be so energetic for UAB. I hope to use this position as Ms. UAB to plan wonderful events. Being the liaison between alumni society, faculty, staff, and student, body and just being able to reach out to new students. Especially to those transfer students, commuters, or those who just don’t come out to anything and I hope I can get them to come out and enjoy the Blazer Spirit as well.” Ussery: “I just want to make sure that students know the resources that they have at the alumni society. I know for at least my first year and a half,
I had no idea that the NAS gave out so many scholarships.” How do you feel about the return of UAB football? Ussery: “It has had such a resurgence this past year. “Be Seen in Green” on Fridays before footballs was huge. Whenever football was taken away, it was a huge thing for the students and blazer family to come together.” Mak: “It raised awareness... The UAB family has gotten stronger because of what happened,” Mak said. “It’s very interesting to see the different perspectives from everyone, which is very important to respect each other’s opinion. At the end, we still love each other as part of the UAB family. There will be more football tailgates to attend – See you there.” What distinguishes UAB from other schools? Mak: “The close relationships with everyone. Whether its faculty, staff, admin, student body, size of the school, beautiful campus, and world class education - there are so many things to love about UAB.” Ussery: “The fact that while we are one of the largest schools in Alabama, we still have that small feel and we are still so diverse. Talk about success – we are noticed for all of the discliplines – academics, athletics, arts – It’s not just the typical college experience. You can get so much more here.”
LEFT to RIGHT: Scholarship finalists Daniel Mendoza, Lakshmi Subramani, Eli Ussery, Isabella Mak.
Photo by Gerrie Lim
14 FEATURES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016
HOMECOMING WEEK
Blazer Showdown takes UAB football to stage Surabhi Rao Features Editor features@insideuab.com
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ozens of students were turned away as they tried to enter a packed UAB’s Alys Stephens Center for Blazer Showdown on Tuesday, Oct. 25. This year’s Showdown, formerly known as “Stompdown,” was held at the ASC for the first time in the event’s history, according to Jessica Nathan, the coordinator of student activities and student homecoming committee advisor. A crowd of students lined up hours before the event, which began at 6 p.m. to watch members of sororities and fraternities performance their skitdance combinations. Alpha Omicron Pi and Tau Kappa Epsilon took first place in the sorority and fraternity categories, respectively, with Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Xi Delta sororities tying for second place, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity taking second place as well. “I think we got the win by being the most prepared and having some really dedicated guys on our team,” said Alex Johnson, a senior member of TKE. “We definitely exhibited blazer spirit by not only building a dragon prop for use in the performance, but also by emphasizing a literal blaze with a fire theme. As an older member it’s great to see us win because I personally participated in the competition for the past three years and this is only TKE’s second win since I’ve been here.” The cheers that erupted during the first performance did not stop throughout the entire evening, as the balcony and floor of Jemison Concert Hall were filled to the brim with students waving poster boards of encouragement and roaring with never-ending hoots and hollers. The elaborate backdrop and stage props, coupled with audio that changed for each act, went hand in hand with the scale of the performances. AOPi performed a skit centered around a time machine that traveled to the first day that UAB football was established. When the main character, Marty, accidentally changes what happened on that day, she changed history. After restoring the original history of UAB football, she takes us through the brief period of time where
Fraternities perform skits to celebrate the return of football.
football was canceled and then brings us to the future, where UAB takes home a win of 45-17 against LSU. With synchronous dance numbers sprinkled throughout this plot, AOPi received the loudest cheers. “We started practicing a little over a month before the event. The time machine from the 80s move Back to the Future was a DeLorean DMC-12, which was a cool and stylish car at the time, so I decided that our time machine should be like a 2016 version,” said Blair Gaither, the senior nursing major in charge of their performance. “It’s always very exciting. The competition keeps getting better, so every year we have to make sure we step it up a notch,” Gaither said. “It’s my last year, so I went a little overboard, from the changing backdrops, to a car, costume changes and a panda at the end. Luckily we had a team of very talented girls, including Allie David, who came up with the awesome original choreography.” TKE started their skit off with a huge parade dragon that multiple men were dancing under, and kept the audience on its toes by slowly revealing who the dancers were, as they all started off with masks. Alpha Xi Delta did a remake of the movie ”The Purge,” with the audio to their skit portraying a Purge where students are looking for Blaze. Alpha Gamma Delta presented a Halloween theme, with zombies loose at UAB. Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Kappa also focused on UAB football. Sigma Kappa went through the history of UAB’s football team, decade by decade, with different dance numbers. Lambda Chi Alpha focused on “forever blaze,” and what that phrase can mean. FIJI’s performance had dances coupled with commentary about bringing back the football team, followed by a serenade to a football.
Students dance at UAB’s Alys Stephens center to showcase blazer spirit.
Photos by Fred Stephens
CALENDAR TUESDAY Henna Fundraiser Sterne Library 12-2 p.m.
Oct. 25 -31
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Scary Movie Night EB113 5-7 p.m.
Hosted by the Paranormal Research Society at UAB. Free popcorn and drinks.
Free Food for Thought HSC 318 5-7 p.m.
Exploring issues of race in crime in ‘Access to Defense and the Prison-Industrial Complex.
UAB Tip-off party Cahaba Brewing Company 5:30-7 p.m.
Hosted by the National Alumni Society. Free to members, $5 for nonmembers.
Boo at the Zoo
Birmingham Zoo 5-9 p.m. Non-member admission: $10 Unlimited rides and admission: $18.
Parking Amnest Day/Town Hall
UAB MSA Fastathon Bartow Arena Green & Gold Room 5:30-8:45 p.m.
FRIDAY Roe on the Rocks The J. Clyde 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Western Kentucky
Magic City Classic Taste of Soul
Stranger Things Listening Party
Rogue’s Halloween Costume Party
Jasper FallFest
Tickets available at tasteofsoulbirmingham. com
80s dance party to the soundtrack of Stranger Things.
Chase Rice concert
Magic City Music Festival
Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball
USBG Halloween Bewitching Party
Bringing awareness to issues of hunger and Islam Raising money to build a well in Sudan.
Uptown Birmingham 5:30-11:30 p.m.
Seasick Records 7-10 p.m.
The BJCC 7:30-11:59 p.m.
Tickets available at ticketmaster.com.
BY PHONE: 205.934.3354 BY EMAIL: masutton@uab.edu ONLINE: www.uab.edu/studentmedia
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLASSIFIEDS
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LEGAL
Tricks, Treats and Trails
SUNDAY
Red Mountain State Park 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Bring five cans of nonpersiahble food to reeceive amnesty on UAB parking tickets.
LEGAL NOTICE — The Kaleidoscope, and its online affiliates, reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at its sole discretion.
SATURDAY
Discussion an politics and reproductive rights
Cajun Steamer 6-9 p.m.
Campus Rec. 190 5:30-7 p.m.
WHAT’S UP 15
Contact “Maid 2 Serve” at (205)356-2124 or email wisewoman911@gmail.com — Twin beds complete. $199 and up. Dressers/mirrors and chest of drawers. 205-910-0512.
Rogue’s Tavern 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Alabama Theatre 6:30-11:30 p.m.
Barow Arena 12p.m.
MONDAY Birmingham Harvest Festival The BJCC 5:30-8 p.m.
Featuring music, food, carnival rides and more.
Downtown Jasper Sq. 3-7 p.m.
Spring St. Firehouse 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. $5 donations suggested, proceeds benefit local injured bartender.
Ghost Train Halloween
Ghost Train Brewing 7-10 p.m.
Lakeview Pub Crawloween
Lakeview District 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.