November 14, 2017 Kscope

UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 58, ISSUE 11

STUDY FINDS REDDIT, 4CHAN LINKED TO FAKE NEWS Faculty member finds that alternative social media sites are able to perpetuate fake news. Read more on page 3.

The

Kaleidoscope CELEBRATING OUR

50th YEAR OF PUBLICATION

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Miss UAB 2018: A new reign begins Vishwadha Gunda’s platfrom focuses on minority rights Myah Clinton Campus Reporter Harley Chapin’s reign as Miss UAB 2017 came to an end on Friday, Nov. 3, as she crowned Miss UAB 2018 Vishwadha Gunda.

“I’m using my platform Strengthening Cultural Consciousness

to raise awareness for appreciation, consciousness and respect for our culture and using that to spread more diversity on our campus,” said Gunda. “It’s one thing to say that you’re a part of a diverse community, but it’s another to actually cater to minorities as equally as you do to the

majorities.”

The contestants were judged and given a score based on talent, private interviews, on stage questions, evening wear and lifestyle and fitness according the Miss UAB program booklet.

According to Gunda, the onstage questions proved to be most challenging. She was asked to give an opinion about

Vishwadha Gunda sits in the Starbucks Cafe Wednesday, Nov. 8. Gunda says she still cannot believe that she won over all of the other great contestants. She says in preparation for the pageant she worked with friends to perfect her stage presence.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR

See MISS, Page 3

SPORTS

Hot start on hardwood Lady Blazers cruise to victory behind Childress, double-double

Combined effort leads UAB to 96-67 victory in season opener

Sarah Otken Sports Reporter

Wallace Golding Manging Editor

The UAB women’s basketball team caught a win in their home opener against the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes Nov. 11.

The lady Blazers are now 27-13 with the victory and 9-0 over the Devilettes all-time.

“Mississippi Valley State is much improved from last year,” said Head Coach Randy Norton. “In the past, you played Mississippi Valley State for drive and to come in and knock down 11-3 and allow them to hang in the game a little bit is good.”

The

Blazers dominated on the glass with a 42-26 advantage and in the paint by outscoring the Devilettes 42-26 down low.

“It was sort of like a roller coaster,” Norton said. “We saw some very positive things and then some other things that we have to work out. We have to do a better job keeping our man in front and taking care of the glass.”

Rachel Childress made career history by collecting her first double-double as a Blazer.

Childress shot 7 for 12 from the floor and 6 of 11 from behind the arc. Overall, she scored 21 points and snagged 11 rebounds.

“The thing about Rachel is just that she takes what the defense gives her, she’s open, she knocks shots down,” Norton said. “If not, she’s going to give someone else the basketball.”

Sophomore Katelynn Thomas drained 11

The UAB men’s basketball team opened the 2017-2018 season Friday night in Bartow Arena with a matchup against former SunBelt rival, the Jacksonville Dolphins. Both teams came off 17-16 records last year.

The first half of basketball featured freshman guard Zack Bryant and senior forward Chris Cokley, who stayed hot from the start. Cokley tallied 18 points in the first half, hitting seven of nine from the field and all four of his freethrow attempts. Bryant, the true freshman from Hastings, Florida, hit six of eight for 14 points in the first half.

Guard JD Notae led the Dolphins with 12 points in the first half. No other Jacksonville players broke into double digits.

See WOMEN, Page 6

Guard Miyah Barnes dribbles down the court during the Blazers’ 87-72 win over Mississippi Valley State Nov. 11 in Bartow Arena.

PHOTO BY DAWSON MILES /STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Nick Norton, right, and forward William “HaHa” Lee, left, celebrate from the bench during the Blazers’ season opener in Bartow Arena Nov. 10.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR

Defensively, the Blazers forced 10 turnovers in the first half thanks to some solid defense in the paint, led by returning forwards William “Ha-Ha” Lee and Lewis Sullivan.

The Dolphins came into the second half looking more disciplined, but it was a night of poor shooting for the Floridian mammals. Hitting only 26 of 63 attempts from the field, Jacksonville shot only 41.3 percent overall and 30 percent from beyond the arc on the night.

The Blazers continued their hot shooting in the second half. Cokley added eight to his list to total 26 on the night. He also had 13 boards for

See MEN, 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

Connor McDonald Community Editor conmcdon@uab.edu

Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu

Lakyn Shepard Photo Editor layshep@uab.edu

Connor Gentry Sports Editor

Page 2 November 14, 2017

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

C

Tenuous grasp on vital topic anti-abortion PACs continue to fund projects aimed at facilitating change. n politics, some issues never Planned Parenthood, the seem to reach a consensus. largest provider of reproducGun control, state’s rights tive services in the U.S., never and privacy concerns have ceased operation. The organibeen at the forefront zation failed to receive of political debate for the media attention it decades. However, in did during the Obama the wake of Donald years, but picket lines Trump’s election, these still crowd its parking hot button issues have lots. fallen aside.

Even if Planned ParTrump’s polarizing enthood tries to avoid Greene mainstream discussion, existence overshadows topics that were two years ago abortion rights always moengrossed in unending argutivate political actions that ments. In this shadow, plenty bring the health care provider of wedge issues seem to have back into focus. been forgotten. It feels wrong Proponents on both sides that a year into a Republican are aware of this and campresidency, abortion goes paign with the goal of keeping uncontested. the issue in people’s minds.

Abortion rights still matA noteworthy example being ter to voters: Pew Research Mila Kunis’ donations on showed 52 percent of female behalf of Vice President Mike voters considered abortion a Pence. “very important” issue; while While a bit of an empty

Elliott Greene Opinion Columnist

I

gesture, the action did carry weight. Even though the donations were minor, they managed to bring Planned Parenthood and abortion back into national conscious.

Pence responded by encouraging donations to anti-abortion organizations. Both actions were mild compared with the responses seen elsewhere in the administration, but public feedback has been great.

Supporters of Pence organized a boycott of Jim Beam whiskey, a company for which Kunis advertises. The effects of the boycott remain to be seen, but the show of solidarity from Pence’s supporters demonstrate abortion still polarizes.

While these minor actions are unlikely to change anyone’s mind or result in policy, they serve as a lesson. Abortion may not be the hottest issue for Americans to discuss right now, but that passion

only lays dormant.

It would be erroneous to read lack of publicity as apathy. In a time when conservatives control all three branches of government, supporters of abortion rights cannot let themselves be lulled into confidence.

Access to abortion remains fragile in the U.S. The four decades since Roe vs. Wade means few remember abortion being impossible, but Pence and his supporters remain firm in their desire to return to that time.

Taking access for granted becomes easy when Planned Parenthood fades from the newsreel, which makes small gestures such as Kunis’ so important. Avoiding the trap of complacency requires taking a stand to never let anyone forget what is at stake.

Elliott Greene can be reached at elliottg@uab.edu.

zcgentry@uab.edu

Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor willhrrs@uab.edu

Marie Sutton Advisor masutton@uab.edu

Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu

ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR

HAPPY BUDGETING

Stock, bonds and mutual funds: Oh my Stephanie Yates Financial Columnist

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

B

asic investment alternatives include stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

More complex investment alternatives exist such as futures and options, but many people opt to stick with the basics.

Stocks represent ownership in a company whereas bonds represent a loan to the company. Mutual funds pool money from different investors and use those funds to invest in a variety of stocks, bonds or other types of investments.

Anyone can purchase stock in a publicly traded company like Apple or McDonald’s through a broker. Shares of stock represent a claim on the assets of a company. That is, those who own stock are actually part owners of the firm whose stock they purchase.

This ownership provides them with certain rights such as the right to vote on the board of directors and receive dividends, which are a return of capital to shareholders.

Some shareholders will accumulate a large number or a “block” of shares to retain significant voting power or control over the firm. Other shareholders purchase shares simply with the hope that the value of the shares will increase over time and thereby increase their own wealth.

These days, investors may place orders to buy and sell shares of stock at any time through online brokers. Brokers will execute those orders during normal trading hours according to the investor’s instructions.

Investors may also purchase bonds from brokers. A bond is effectively a loan that an investor makes to a company. With a “plain vanilla” bond, a firm agrees to pay an investor the ‘face value’ of the bond at a certain time in the future in addition to paying regular interest payments throughout the life of the bond in exchange for an upfront payment.

The investor becomes a creditor of the firm and can

force the firm into bankruptcy if the firm falls behind on its interest payments. Investors choose to invest in bonds for many reasons such as low risk and regular income payments.

Mutual funds are often a way for beginning investors to get started, but for many investors they are the only vehicle they ever need. This is because mutual funds allow you to pool your money with other investors so that you can invest in a broad range of stocks and/or bonds at one time. This allows you to spread your investment across several investment choices and therefore lower the riskiness of your overall investment portfolio.

Mutual funds also provide you with the expertise of a mutual fund manager who decides on the specific investments to include in the mutual fund portfolio. This saves investors a significant amount of time researching and selecting investments. There are fees, however, for this expert portfolio management, which

will reduce your overall return on your investment.

Many investors prefer mutual funds because they make it easy to invest in certain securities that would be costly or time-consuming to invest in otherwise such as bonds, international securities or simply a wide range of securities. In addition, investors can rely on their mutual fund manager to monitor security performance, rebalance the portfolio periodically and exercise voting rights.

Beginning investors should know the difference between these basic investment alternatives but consider starting small. A mutual fund with a low investment minimum is a great way to start an investment portfolio without the need for a great deal of research and monitoring.

If you have specific questions about managing your money, please send your questions to us at RIFE@uab. edu. You just might see your question answered in the next edition of the Kaleidoscope! Happy budgeting!

CAMPUS RESEARCH

Page 3 November 14, 2017

“

It’s essentially produced by groups who are pushing an agenda that may not live up to journalistic standards.

—Jeremy Blackburn, Ph.D.

Blackburn

Propaganda shared New study finds reddit and 4chan influence elections via Twitter Sufia Alam Campus Editor From Breitbart funding one of the most detrimental alternative news in history to other countries utilizing alternative news to possibly influencing the outcome of the next President of the United States, finding the source of alternatives news has become one of the top priorities in the modern age, according to Jeremy Blackburn, Ph.D. and assistant professor in the department of computer science.

“In layman’s terms, alternative news is fake news,” Blackburn said. “It’s essentially produced by groups who are pushing an agenda that may not live up to journalistic standards.

It’s not necessarily the truth and it may by produced in ways that some can say can resemble propaganda.”

Blackburn, representing UAB and researchers from Cyprus University of Technology and University and College London and Telefonica Research recently conducted a study analyzing platforms such as reddit and 4chan and their influence on Twitter.

“Alternative news is ev-

erywhere,” said Samuel Smith, an undeclared sophomore. “I just never realized from when it started switching from people sharing four-headed babies on Facebook to it becoming an agenda that now specifically targets certain people to change their opinion on very important topics.”

4chan, an image-based bulletin board where users can be anonymous and add to the discussion boards, according to their website and reddit, a social news consolidator and web content rating and discussion website, according to their website both heavily influence the flow of alternative news on Twitter.

The study analyzed more than 400,000 tweets, 97,000 posts and replies on 4chan and 1.8 million posts and comments on reddit. After computing, the study found over 10 percent of alternative news from these sites came from websites such as Breibart.com and the guardian. com, sources that heavily propagate alternative news which later was found on social media platforms such as Twitter.

“Studying and understanding alternative news will help us in mitigating

the effects of the alternative news on the information ecosystem and especially the effects of mutating people’s opinion,” said Savvas Zannettou, lead author on the study from Cyprus University of Technology. “Also, the creation of tools that will monitor such communities in real time, will enable us to proactively understand the source of particular fake news stories. Having such tools in place will help in mitigating the emerging fake news problem.”

According to Blackburn, the prevalence of alternative news has progressed so much that he said he doubts that alternative news will ever be eradicated from online social media platforms.

“It’s almost like cancer,” Blackburn said. “It’s very important to be able to recognize it because so many of us are touched by it and we don’t even know.

Because of the prevalence of fake news on all platforms, Blackburn advices students to always double-check sources when reading news on social media platforms.

“Propaganda is hard to fight,” said Blackburn. “But by becoming aware and calling out certain websites whenever you can slowly helps the problem.”

Sufia Alam can be reached at sufia@uab.edu.

Nathan Wert browses the Twitter website while coming across alternative news on his feed.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR

MISS

From Page 1 President Trump’s handling of terrorism in 20 seconds.

However, Gunda won over the judges with her insightful and perceptive answers during the onstage question portion of the competition and showcasing a Bollywood dance during the talent portion of the pageant.

“All of the contestants

had very rough questions,” Gunda said. “We bonded over that a lot after.”

The Undergraduate Student Government Association came up with questions based off current events.

According to Miss UAB Director Jessica Brown, the pageant “is a preliminary pageant of the Miss Alabama-Miss America system.”

The UAB contract states that the student must be full

time and have a 2.5 GPA to meet scholarship qualifications. The Student Involvement and Leadership Office funds the scholarship.

The national requirements include that contestants must be 17 to 24 and have never married. Each contestant must also raise $100 for the Children’s Miracle Network and they must have a community service platform.

After a contestant wins

Miss UAB, she starts preparing for Miss Alabama which includes practicing for mock interviews. Miss UAB can also start making appearances at events such as the Homecoming parade, athletic games and parent and family weekend.

Leadership and community service opportunities are also available for winners of Miss UAB. Miss UAB can now host events, complete

community service projects or promote their platforms.

This year’s scholarship amount was $4,500 split among eight awards with the winner Gunda getting the $2,500 scholarship. Runner ups for Miss included Taylor Grace Eustice, Courtney Severing, Caroline Davis and Taylor McLean.

Myah Clinton can be reached at mkc16@uab.edu.

Page 4 | Campus

The Kaleidoscope

November 14, 2017

STUDENT FASHION

PHOTO BY AUSTIN SIMPSON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Millennial Fashion Show presents different themes of hardships students may face during every scene Hosted by Ransom UAB, Hill Student Center houses over 20 models participating in a fashion show to advocate and empower inner city children who wish to one day obtain higher education and one day attend UAB.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

PHOTOS BY AUSTIN SIMPSON / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Constituted of 19 departments and 30 majors, students Affan Rizwan, above, and Nimra Khan, below, participate in one of the main goals of CAS, advancing scholarship and research.

From studio arts to gentics Largest school on campus encourages intellectualism Brittany Guimond Campus Reporter Regardless of major choice, nearly every student has taken a class under the curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences during their time at UAB. Constituted of 19 departments and 30 majors, the college covers a broad span of class diversity on campus.

“It’s a comprehensive college and spans the range of learning through the sciences to arts and humanities,” said Robert E. Palazzo, Ph.D. and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

According to Palazzo, roughly 60 of the average 120 credit hours that a student takes come from classes in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to those who take CAS classes due to requirements, there are currently over 6,000 students who identify as CAS majors. Due to this large influence, the college highly values the quality of learning which its students receive.

“We strive to prepare our students to operate in diverse

global environments.

The idea is to take local action in order to make a global impact,” Palazzo said.

The college has four main goals: developing globally competent students, advancing scholarship and research, fostering a diverse community and creating a culture of entrepreneurship.

“The College of Arts and Sciences is recruiting new chairs and new leadership each year, with more than 25 percent of the university’s full-time faculty belonging to it,” Palazzo said.

The amount of new majors and programs for the college is growing. With additions such as digital forensics, medical sociology and immunology, the college is continuing to prepare students for developing fields.

“What we are building are opportunities for new career choices,” said Catherine Danielou, Ph.D. and senior associate dean.

“The College of Arts and Sciences is about encouraging lifelong intellectual curiosity that will help students be successful regardless

of what they choose to do in life. It’s about versatility,” The college is also helping students develop skills necessary for the professional world by fostering an extensive research and scholarship department.

“For the 19 departments under the college, there are research opportunities

for everyone,” said David Schwebel, Ph.D. and associate dean.

“Most people think of research as wet labs and test tubes, but here research can range as widely as painting a painting or working with the homeless.”

Because of the diversity of majors present for CAS students, students have the opportu-

nity to participate in a multitude of activities.

“What I love most about CAS is the diversity and how many different students and programs can all fit under one college,” said Jonathan Reynolds, freshman in music education.

Despite, or perhaps due to, its unique range of subjects, the College

of Arts and Sciences strives to provide opportunities to all of its students, regardless of what they study. From medical sociology to music, the CAS works to the best of its ability to prepare students for their futures.

Brittany Guimond can be reached at bguimond@uab.edu.

SPORTS

Page 5 November 14, 2017

FOOTBALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDAN MALONEY/UAB ATHLETICS UAB quarterback A.J. Erdely runs for a touchdown on fourth down against UTSA during their 24-19 win on Nov. 11.

Blazers take the Alamo Stout defense paves the way for UAB to tie school record for wins Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor Just as the old wild west was known for a shootout at high noon, the showdown at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas did not disappoint.

UAB, fresh off becoming bowl eligible last week, traveled to the UTSA Roadrunners who were desperate for their sixth win to become bowl eligible.

The two teams came in with top five defenses in Conference USA, and it was evident on the first UTSA drive. UAB’s Will Dawkins intercepted a lofted pass to give the Blazers the ball inside the UTSA 30-yard line.

UAB quarterback A.J. Erdely capped off the short drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, and Nick Vogel added the

extra point to give the Blazers a 7-0 lead.

“It was a big deal to go to San Antonio and get a win,” head coach Bill Clark said.

“We did a good job of capitalizing on opportunities.”

UTSA settled for a field goal on the next drive to cut the UAB lead to 7-3, but the Blazers answered with a long drive of crushing runs

by Erdely and running back Spencer Brown. Wide receiver Ronnie Turner, Jr. finished the drive with an extended grab and waltzed into the end zone, giving UAB a 14-3 lead.

Erdely struck again later in the half on a gutsy 1-yard push up the middle on fourth and goal to extend the UAB lead to 21-3. With the touchdown run, Erdely passed former UAB quarterback Joe

Webb for most touchdown runs in a single season at UAB. UTSA settled for another field goal late in the half to cut the UAB lead to 21-6.

Although UAB dominated in their previous two games, the Blazers have struggled to pull away from opponents on occasion. Penalties, turnovers and questionable play calling in the second half of games led to dramatic endings against Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Tech, and cost the Blazers a heartbreaking loss at Charlotte. The Blazers narrowly avoided a similar situation against UTSA. The two teams were scoreless in the third quarter, but the turnovers started to mount for UAB after an interception and fumble by Erdely.

The highlight of the game came on a 3rd-and-7 for UTSA as quarterback Dalton Sturm ran away from pressure, breaking several tackles,

on a 22-yard run to the end zone. Jared Sackett’s extra point cut the UAB lead to 2113. The wild play shifted the momentum in UTSA’s favor, and it felt as if the UAB lead would crumble again.

The pressure started to build in the Alamodome as the game went late into the fourth quarter. Just as the momentum started to swing toward the Roadrunners’ favor, UAB linebacker Thomas Johnston sacked Sturm and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Blazers’ Garrett Marino. UAB settled for a field goal and ran the clock down in the process to lead 24-13.

Late in the game, Sturm found a cutting Kerry Thomas Jr. on 17-yard touchdown pass. UTSA failed to get the two-point conversion and trailed 24-19. The Roadrunners attempted an onside kick, but UAB’s Collin Lisa

recovered. UAB ran out the clock and won by a final score of 24-19.

UAB (7-3, 5-2) will now head to Gainesville, Florida to take on the Florida Gators (3-6, 3-5 in the Southeastern Conference). Florida has struggled mightily this season in SEC play, and has had their head coach, Jim McElwain, fired in the process. UAB may have the better record and seemingly better offense, but at the time of publication the Blazers are an 11.5-point underdog.

“I know what it means for Florida to play at home,” Clark said. “We are going to get their very best and we have to be ready for it.”

Kickoff is 3 p.m. Central time and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Will Harris can be reached at willhrrs@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.

VOLLEYBALL

Lady Blazers finish season on low note Team celebrates seniors and travels for final games Connor Gentry Sports Editor The UAB volleyball team concluded their 2017 campaign at home against Florida Atlantic University on Nov. 9 and on the road against Marshall University on Nov. 11.

The lady Blazers finished their season at home on senior night against FAU. UAB is losing five seniors, Gabby Deshotel, Haley Jared, Zahria Richard, Petra Silic and Erika Zembyla to graduation.

The Owls and lady Blazers traded scores furiously with neither team gaining an advantage. However, the Owls eventually built a 16-12 lead in the first set forcing the lady Blazers to dig deep to stay in the set. FAU took a 2420 lead, but UAB responded with four-straight points to tie the set. However, it would not be enough as the Owls took the first set 28-26.

FAU took a two to zero lead in the second set, but UAB responded with twostraight points. Not wanting to be outdone, the Owls scored four-straight for a six to two lead. The lady Blazers

mirrored the Owls’ efforts and tied the game at six each.

Both teams fought for control and were tied at 10 a piece before the Owls cruised to a 25-14 victory.

The third set was fought to keep the Owls from winning the match in straight sets.

The lady Blazers fought to keep the set close. UAB kept the score within one point until FAU strung together sixstraight points to take an 18 to 10 lead. UAB tried to rally but ultimately fell to the Owls in straight sets, 25-20.

“Each one of these girls will forever hold a special place in my heart,” head coach Kerry Messersmith said. “They all have given so much of their lives. They have worked hard to get to this point in their lives and have been incredibly successful. I know they will go on to do great things and I am proud to have been their coach.”

The lady Blazers traveled to Huntington, West Virginia for their final match.

UAB marched to a quick four to zero lead, but the Herd answered and trailed five to four. Marshall took

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Seniors Erika Zembyla, Petra Silic and Gabby Deshotel defend against an FAU spike on Nov. 9.

their first lead of the set during a five-point run. The lady Blazers were down two, but Marshall would take the first set 25-18.

The Herd wasted no time in taking a six to one lead in the second set. However, UAB answered with five-straight points to tie the set at six each. The teams traded scores until Marshall took a 17 to 13 lead. The lady Blazers clawed back to a two-point deficit to trail 20 to 22, but ultimately lost 25 to 21.

The Herd took a seven to three lead and then pushed

it to a nine to three lead. The lady Blazers fought back, but Marshall had other ideas and took a 17 to eight lead. Despite the lady Blazers’ efforts, their season came to a close in West Virginia when Marshall won the final set 25-22.

In their final two games in the green and gold, Silic collected 25 kills and six blocks, Deshotel had 11 kills, two aces and one block, Richard totaled eight kills and one ace, Zembyla tallied seven kills and five blocks and Jared collected six kills and one block.

“Those five [seniors] have

provided a lot of offense for us over the last several years and we will miss their competitiveness and desire to win,” Messersmith said.

“They have brought a lot to our program both on and off the court and to have been their coach has been a true honor and a privilege.”

The lady Blazers finished with an 11-19 (4-10) record for the season and ninth in C-USA. Connor Gentry can be reached at zcgentry@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.

Page 6 | Sports

The Kaleidoscope

November 14, 2017

HOCKEY

The Bulls are back in town After 16 years away, hockey is back at play Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor The Birmingham Bulls are back after a 16-year hiatus in the Magic City.

Birmingham’s first home game was against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

The sold-out crowd at the Pelham Civic Complex gave everything that Knoxville could handle.

“It was amazing,” said defenseman Brandon Fehd. “I didn’t know there could be that much energy here.

I haven’t had that much fun playing hockey in a while.”

The Bulls scored first, but allowed two goals in the third period to fall 2-1, putting Birmingham at a 0-4 record.

The Bulls started out the season on a threegame road stretch. The first game was a loss against the Mississippi Riverkings by a final of 3-1. In the second game and third game, Birmingham faced the Peoria Rivermen. The Bulls were defeated by the Rivermen in both games by final scores of 5-2 and 3-1, respectively.

Friday, Nov. 10, the Bulls had their second home game of the year against an in-state foe, the Huntsville Havoc, in front of a crowd of 3,564.

“I think it’s great for the fans,” said Craig Lutes, assistant coach.

“If us and Huntsville can develop a good, friendly but fierce and competitive rivalry, then it’s good for the game of hockey in general.”

The Bulls are a part of the Southern Professional Hockey League, a minor league hockey conference with teams all-around the southeast.

Two minutes into the game against Havoc, Huntsville’s Jack Ceglarski and Birmingham’s Alexander Taulien dropped the gloves and started a fist fight at mid-ice. The SPHL is known for physical games and rowdy fanbases that cheer on fights during games.

With 11:20 left in the first period, the Havoc netted the first goal of the game on a shot from Danny Smith, assisted by Sy Nutkevitch, giving Huntsville a 1-0 lead.

Huntsville added

PHOTO BY WILL HARRIS/ SPORTS EDITOR The Birmingham Bulls and Huntsville Havoc face off for the puck drop on Nov. 10 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

their second goal from Christian Powers 28 seconds into the second period to lead 2-0. Halfway through the period, Huntsville extended the lead to 3-0 on a goal by Nutkevitch, assisted by Kyle Sharkey and Tyler Piacentini. Huntsville led 3-0 heading into the final period.

The physical play continued for both sides as many scuffles broke out in the third period.

The physical play cost Birmingham a penalty which set Huntsville up for a power play.

Huntsville’s Nolan Kai-

ser took advantage with a power play goal with an assist from Shawn Bates. The 4-0 lead in the third period sent the Birmingham fans to the exits. Birmingham fell by a final of 4-0.

The winless streak continued on Saturday for the Bulls when they traveled to the Macon Mayhem and lost 5-1.

“We’ve got a hardworking group,” Lutes said. “We just have to see the pucks start going in the net and once that happens I think the confidence will start growing.”

Men

From Page 1 his first double-double since March. Three other Blazers, Lee, Bryant and Jalen Perry, made it into double digit points.

“I thought we played really well in stretches,” UAB Head Coach Rob Ehsan said.

“We shared the ball really well, but had really good individual performances too.”

Bryant broke UAB’s previous freshman debut record of 17 with his 18 points. “[Bryant] has estab-

Birmingham (0-6) will look to grab their first wins of the season against the Macon Mayhem Nov. 17, and the Peoria Rivermen Nov. 18.

The Bulls first started in 1976, playing in the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Bulls played for five years and ended in 1981.

Birmingham’s minor league hockey team re-emerged in 1992 and played until 2001 until the team moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Now under the direction of managing

partner Art Clarkson, the Bulls are back and in a new home at the Pelham Civic Complex in Pelham. The complex is still under some renovation even though Birmingham has already played two home games. The arena has new seating, scoreboards, lighting and options for concessions. By the end of the renovation the arena will seat around 4,100 fans.

lished himself as one of our go-to players in different situations,” Ehsan said. “As a freshman, he brings a level of toughness. He has no fear on the basketball court.”

Notae maintained his lead in points for the Dolphins, tallying 18 on the night, but three others, former ASUN All-Freshman Tanner Rubio, Devin Harris and Damien Sears, came close, breaking into double digits as well.

The combined effort was not enough in the end, and the Blazers

downed the Dolphins 96-67.

UAB (1-0, 0-0) moves to 26-8 all-time in their series versus Jacksonville. They also move to 27-13 all-time in season openers and 33-7 in home openers.

The Blazers return to the hardwood Thursday, Nov. 16, as they face-off against the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Bartow Arena.

Will Harris can be reached at willhrrs@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.

Wallace Golding can be reached at wsgoldin@ uab.edu and on Twitter @ WGolding_4.

PHOTO BY DAWSON MILES/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER UAB forward Rachael Childress shoots from beyond the arc in the Blazers’ 87-72 victory Nov. 11 at Bartow Arena.

Women

From Page 1

11 shots on 13 attempts to score 22 points overall, while sophomore Miyah Barnes made three of her five attempts for 11 points. Barnes also garnered seven assists. All three players, Thomas, Childress and Barnes scored in double figures.

“We really wanted to work on our defense which I think we didn’t do as well tonight but that is something we can definitely work

on,” Childress said.

Angela Vendrell helped Childress outrebound the Devilettes as both pulled down 11 boards.

“We saw a lot of positives today, a lot of things popped out at me,” Norton said. “We are doing a good job sharing a basketball.

Every game is just the same. We want to play to the best of our ability.”

LaKendra Bassett led Mississippi Valley State with 22 points on nine of 19 shooting. Kristy Parker

scored 10 for the Devillettes on four of 21 shooting.

“We know it’s a long season, and it’s all about the process of just trying to get better each day of practice and each game we want to see the things to work on,” Norton said.

The lady Blazers will return to the hardwood on Nov. 15 against the Miles College Golden Bears.

Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

Sarah Oetken can be reached at sarahoak@uab.edu.

PHOTO BY LAYKN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR UAB forward Chris Cokley, right, shoots over Jacksonville’s Damien Sears, left, during the Blazer’s 96-67 win Nov. 10.

LIFE & STYLE TRACK TAKES

Page 7 November 14, 2017

COLLECTIBLE ITEMS

Appraisal of T. Swift’s new album Mason McGalliard Operations Manager of Blaze Radio Well, she sure has come a long way from singing her old hits like “You Belong with Me” and “Mean.” With her new album Reputation, Taylor Swift is taking all the steps she feels necessary to change her image yet again.

She first burst onto the scene as a mega-country artist with songs like “Teardrops on My Guitar.” Her last album 1989 hit shelves in 2014, and from it she was able to grow her fan base like never before with songs like “Shake It Off” and “Bad Blood.” This was also the first album that she put out under the pop genre after being a country artist since the start of her career.

Fast forward to 2017, she has infiltrated the airwaves yet again with singles off her new album, “…Ready for It?” and “Look What You Made Me Do.” These singles gained popularity earlier this fall, but now her full album Reputation was released Friday, Nov. 10, and she is showing everyone yet another side of herself.

“Look What You Made Me Do” and its music video display Swift changing from her “goody-two shoes” personality in exchange for a bit of an edgier, carefree attitude. She also gives her perspective on a relationship that can drive people to crazy things with “Don’t Blame Me.” She continues to show her wild side and unleash her inner bad girl with tracks like “I Did Something Bad” and “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.”

It’s not just hardcore, rebellious attitude that Taylor Swift is revealing in Reputation. The song “Delicate” is a bit of a softer song, describing a relationship blooming and just getting lost in the moment. That song, as well as “King of my Heart” and “Call It What You Want” bring a different side of Taylor Swift to the album rather than the fierce and revenge-minded side that fans were expecting from this album.

These songs also show more of Swift’s emotion and heart as she sings more about love and passion rather than changing her personality and becoming a different person.

She also collaborates with Ed Sheeran and Future to create the song “End Game,” which describes wanting to be someone’s one and only love.

Overall, if you thought you were only going to experience one side of Taylor Swift in Reputation, you would be totally wrong. While it is clear that Swift has had bit of an epiphany since her last album and is seeking to prove that she has different sides, fans can still hear some of the old soulful lyrics that they got from albums’ past. The country artist in Swift might be completely gone, but there are some similarities that you can find between songs on reputation and songs from her debut album, Taylor Swift.

Love her or hate her, Taylor Swift is undeniably a talented individual who is able to reveal different aspects of herself and that is clear with Reputation.

Mason McGalliard can be reached at masonbm172@uab.edu.

PHOTO BY AUSTIN SIMPSON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER A wooden sculpture for sale at Hanna Antiques Mall. The large store boasts a wide range of items, such as light fixtures, old paintings, pictures and even clothes.

Old is the new new Must-visit antique stores downtown Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter Downtown Birmingham features a wide variety of interesting and fun locales to visit and experience.

Among the unique locations and shops in the area, antique stores are often popular among Birmingham residents of all ages and backgrounds. They combine the need for items such as furniture and decor with a growing sense of thrift and of nostalgia.

“I love pictures of old Birmingham,” said Norah Madden-Lunsford, freshman in public health. “You can find such odd things like old troll dolls and blue glass bottles. It’s a snapshot in time.”

Fifth Avenue Antiques and Hanna Antiques Mall are both featured in Alabama’s official antique trail.

Hanna Antiques Mall features a wide range of items at a wide range of prices. They house furniture and

decor such as glass cases, house jewelry, collectibles and silver. The store resides in the heart of Birmingham’s antique district and has a variety of products characteristic of typical antique stores. Vintage luggage sets border the door. The large store boasts a wide range of items, such as light fixtures, old paintings, pictures and even clothes.

Near the entrance of What’s On Second, located on 1st Avenue North, a collection of pins for bands, movements and ideologies is on display. Extensive alphabetized collections of vinyl records stand next to a rack of postcards. Mementos of past local and presidential elections going back to Eisenhower are posted up near a box of old matches.

What’s On Second houses a large section exclusively featuring comic books and action figures and specializes in a variety of collectibles, such as postcards, Star Wars belt buckles and action figures.

“We’ve been open in downtown Birmingham for about 10 and a half years now. We’re not your average decoration-oriented antique store,”

said Steve Gilmer, proprietor of the store. “A lot of our customers are actually UAB students. We’ve loved being part of the Renaissance of downtown Birmingham.”

Another classic location that places value on the experience of customers, not just the items for sale, is Jim Reed Books.

“We’re one of the last real book stores in America, with books going back 500 years as well as new books,” said Jim Reed, chairman of the board and the janitor of Jim Reed Books. “We are very proud of that. We’ve been here a very long time, so we have things that nobody else has. We have books that have gone out of print.”

Reed refers to the store as “The Museum of Fond Memories,” except visitors can touch, buy and examine everything.

Downtown Birmingham features a wide variety of interesting locations that showcase history through antiques. In an age of nostalgia, antique stores are precious places.

Allie Milton can be reached at miltona@uab.edu.

MUSIC CULTURE

Creation through acceptance Group establishes environment for aspiring artists, performers Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor Being different is an inextricable part of being an artist, which can both be a blessing and a curse. However, the young organization Socially Awkwrd has created a tightly-knit community of support and acceptance, where they help artists and performers grow in their craft without obstacles such as norms, standards and judgement.

The organization had its roots at UAB but has spread widely since its creation in 2015. It started out as a group of students who wanted to express and develop their talents but could not find an organization or group at the university

with an environment that was open-minded and accepting enough to provide a cultivable platform for artistic expression. After a few intense brainstorming hours at the Mervyn H. Sterne Library Starbucks, the group of friends became an organization that has now spread citywide.

“I hate when someone tells me I can’t do anything,” said Wayne Kidd, senior in communications management and business marketing and a member of Socially Awkwrd. “We try to use visual media and arts to say that it’s OK to be different.”

The organization includes members from all walks of life but is especially targeted at people who have talents they would like to improve and share, but are perhaps not confident enough yet to step forward alone.

“As we work with different creatives, we realize everyone has their own style that they aren’t comfortable with in other settings,” said Dikerius Blevins, a member of So-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOCIALLY AWKWRD

cially Awkwrd. “They’re the most authentic, raw form of themselves when they’re on stage; when they dance off rhythm, improv their lyrics.”

Apart from frequent meetings and smaller scale house parties, they throw bigger events semimonthly, where the attendance rate has grown exponentially. Starting out with just a dozen attendants and growing to reach hundreds of people over a span of two years.

“Were adamant about having fun and not caring about what other people think,” said Pelatiah Ishmael Williams, one of the creators of Socially Awkwrd. “Just living and just enjoying our lives, us pushing more of that comfort, making people feel more OK by just being themselves.”

Before the organization was created, the group performed frequently around campus. However, after Williams was told that their style of performance was “too much for people” and that they should “tone it down” by a fellow student, the group decided to make a brand that represented their individuality.

“It [Socially

Awkwrd] sounds radical,” said Williams. “It’s not anything that is smiled upon, but I wanted to be a part of a brand that represents what people suffer from daily.”

Since then, the organization has attracted like-minded aspiring artists, for whom it has become a safe-place to experiment and develop their performance and artwork without the fear of being judged.

“When I first came in [to UAB] I was quiet,” said Charles Pernell, member of Socially Awkwrd. “Socially Awkwrd got me out of my comfort zone. I feel like that helped me.”

On a higher scale, they also hope to see Socially Awkwrd emerge the name of Birmingham in a nationwide perspective. According to Kidd, this city has enough to offer to become the next hub for art, music and culture. He said that soon enough, there will be no need to relocate in order to become successful in your craft.

“You have so many areas of Birmingham that have their own individual roles to make the city life emerge, and make people say ‘why not be in Birmingham?’” Pernell said. “That’s what’s happening in other cities where people are not afraid to express themselves. Being different is always sweet.”

Kristina Balciunaite can be reached at kribal@uab. edu and on Instagram @kristinaib.

COMMUNITY

Page 8 November 14, 2017

REV BIRMINGHAM

Big Pitch leads to big chance Entrepreneurs present business ideas for capital Bella Tylicki because of her love for Community Reporter children. Her busi-

“I

noticed that I didn’t stutter when I would rap along with the songs I heard on the radio,” said Al Elliot, a single father and local elementary school teacher of 22 years. “I wrote a few raps for myself and realized I didn’t stutter when I was rapping, even if I had written the lyrics. I have been writing songs off and on ever since.”

Elliot is one of 10 finalists in REV Birmingham’s The Big Pitch presented by PNC Bank. The Big Pitch is an annual startup competition in which local small-business owners present their business models to a panel of judges and a live audience to win a share of $40,000 in startup capital.

Elliot’s plan for the prize is to establish a brick and mortar location for his business, Scribes the Growlery.

Scribes, according to REV, is a “coffee and signature drink shop where creatives can share, write, think and enjoy live artistic entertainment.”

“I got the idea from Frederick Douglas,” said Elliot. “He had a small one-room house behind his estate in Washington D.C., and he said that’s where he went to ‘think and write.’”

At a young age, Elliot realized that writing allowed him to escape from his stutter and “thick Tennessee accent.” When he moved to a new city after his parents divorced, rapping even helped him overcome the challenges he faced as the new kid in school.

Elliot wants to bring that haven to his fellow Birmingham citizens.

Shea Beshara, another of the 10 finalists, joined the competition

ness, BOOST children, teaches children yoga and provides other therapy and education services to their caregivers.

“I have always worked and volunteered with children,” Beshara said. “I love seeing children master a new skill and feel accomplished, Beshara has been a pediatric occupational therapist for more than four years and has always dreamed of opening her own practice.

But, when she had her first son, she decided to walk away from traditional employment.

“It is always funny to tell people that I teach yoga to children,” Beshara said.

“They look at me like I’m crazy. But the truth is, kids’ lives are stressful too, and yoga teaches strategies to help children deal with self-regulation, anxiety, and attention while also having fun and benefiting from the physical aspects of the activities.”

Whether or not BOOST wins a slice of the grand prize pie, Beshara will be opening a studio this winter. If she wins, Beshara plans to use the money to minimize her out-of-pocket costs to stock the studio with specialized therapy equipment.

Kate Hardy is relatively new to Birmingham. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, she moved here 10 years ago to live with her husband, a Birmingham native.

“My mum and I would sell knitted toys at local craft fairs and all of the proceeds would go to a local charity,” Hardy said.

Her upbringing taught her that handmade is always best.

When she crossed the pond to move to the Magic City, her love for creativity and handmade goods

“

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REV BIRMINGHAM Al Elliot’s business Scribes the Growlery is one of 10 finalists in REV Birmingham’s The Big Pitch presented by PNC Bank.

It is always funny to tell people that I teach yoga to children.

They look at me like I’m crazy. But the truth is, kids’ lives are stressful too, and yoga teaches strategies to help children deal with self-regulation, anxiety, and attention while also having fun and benefiting from the physical aspects of the activities.

—Shea Beshara traveled with her. It inspired her business Square One Goods, which, according to REV, is a “cheeky shop that raises smiles through cards, stationery and gifts.”

Hardy sees a hole in Birmingham’s quickly-developing downtown.

“The one thing that we’re still really missing is retail,” Hardy said, and she wants to fill that hole with “a store that supports local makers and the local community.”

Square One will have a pop-up shop at Alabama Theatre for three weeks in December, but Hardy hopes to win The Big Pitch and open a permanent storefront.

Other finalists include Bayou Bros, a Cajun food truck; R&M Convenience, a family-owned grocery store; Finale, a latenight lounge offering desserts and spirits;

P ROP ERT I ES Offering apartment homes in Birminhgam’s most desirable neighborhoods.

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Flowers Teapot, an organic tea shop; and Nuzzi Gelatto, a cart offering authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto.

The Big Pitch live

competition is Saturday, Nov. 18, from 1-5 p.m. at the Negro Southern League Museum on 16th Street South. Tickets are

available now at www. bigpitchbham.com.

Bella Tylicki can be reached at btylicki@uab.edu and on Twitter @_belty_.