Vanguard The
Serving USA students and the University community since 1963
January 31, 2011 |VOLUME 48, NUMBER 20
www.usavanguard.com
University of South Alabama’s student newspaper
South Team Wins Senior Bowl USA Voice Student Competing for Spot in Met Opera
see page 12
inside
Opinion | page 7
Colin McGee | Photo Edittor
USA Jaguars football player Courtney Smith hangs on to the ball in a pass during the second half of the 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Saturday afternoon. The game resulted in a victory for the South team, who defeated the North 24-10.
Administration considering calendar changes By Alex Whalen MANAGING EDITOR
The calendar committee has a decision to make regarding the 2011-12 academic calendar. Currently, the calendar for fall includes a two-day fall break, but also includes Saturday exams with no dead days. Mixed feedback about the calendar from both students and faculty prompted the calendar committee to reevaluate the fall calendar. David Johnson, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, told The Vanguard what options are on the table. “We have three different possibilities for the 2011-12 academic calendar,” Johnson said. Besides the calendar that’s already in place, there are two options for what to do with the fall break days, according to Johnson. see CALENDAR | 5
Inside
Police Blotter p. 2
New police chief hired from La. school Vice President of Student Affairs John Smith says the University has chosen the former chief of police of Centenary College in Louisiana to lead USA’s police force beginning this week.
By Cameron Adkins ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The University has selected its next chief of police, according to John Smith, vice president for Student Affairs. Zeke Aull, former Chief of Police at Centenary College of Louisiana, begins his tenure at South Alabama this week, according to Smith. “We’re excited for him to be here,” Happenings p. 2
Jag Growl p. 2
USAPD Lieutenant Keith West said. According to West, the department is just trying to continue doing things how they are supposed to be done so the new chief can come in and see how things run at South; he will just need some time to “get his feet wet.” Aull has more than 22 years experience as a police officer, according to the Centenary College of Louisiana website. The site also reports that, aside from Centenary College, Aull has been a police officer at Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana State University. Editor’s note: Look for an in-depth interview with Aull in an upcoming issue of The Vanguard.
Campus Pulse p. 6
Disciplining Children Should parents spare the rod or wield it like the so-called Tiger Mom?
Etc. | page 9 New Choice for Coffee Java City recently opened in the new dining hall, giving students one more choice for their caffeine fix.
Arts & Entertainment | page 12
Cirque du Soleil The Mitchell Center will once again host this amazing show with a performance of “Dralion.”
Sports | page 14 Men’s Tennis Opener The Jags look to open their season with a win vs. Nicholls State.
Distractions p. 18
JagLife p. 19
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The
NEWS
January 31, 2011
Vanguard The
University of South Alabama’s Student Voice Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights. Submission and Editorial Policies Send letters and guest columns to: Editor-in-Chief, USAVanguard.editor@gmail.com or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-1057, Mobile, Ala. 36688. Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Copy Editor, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor-in-Chief at 251460-6442 or e-mail USAVanguard.Editor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Daniela Werner Managing Editor: Alex Whalen Associate Editor: Cameron Adkins Associate Editor: Genny Roman Senior Reporter: Carey Cox Opinion Editor: Cassie Fambro Etc. Editor: Brett Williams Arts & Entertainment Editor, Webmaster: Rodney Thompson Sports Editor: Matt Weaver Photo Editor: Colin McGee DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Johnny Davis ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager: Wesley Jackson Advertising Representative: Mohammad Ammar Al-Zarrad Graphic Designer: Brittany Hawkins MANAGEMENT Adviser: Jim Aucoin Accounting: Kathy Brannan Website: http://www.usavanguard.com Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Phone Number (251) 460-6442 Article XIV, Section 8 of The Lowdown: The editors of the student publications shall be free from any type of censorship and shall be responsible for the form, content and staff of the publication. SPLC Statement: The Vanguard recognizes and affirms the editorial independence and press freedom of all student-edited campus media. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently bear the responsibility for the decisions that they make.
Vanguard
POLICE BLOTTER 1/22- Minor in Possession of Alcohol A student was arrested for being in possession of alcohol while underage. 1/23- Harassing Communications A female student reported to USA Police that a female non-student sent her a threatening text message.
broke the rear windshield out of a victim’s vehicle at The Grove. The damages were estimated at $499.
1/25- Theft of Property, 1st Degree A Pontiac Grand Prix was stolen from the Student Recreation Center. The item was valued at $6,000.
1/26- Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle 1/24- Theft of Article An unknown person illegalfrom Auto An unknown person unlaw- ly gained access to a vehicle at The Grove and stole a fully entered a student’s stereo/navigation system, vehicle in the North parkfour subwoofers, an ampliing lot and stole a biology book. The item was valued fier, a radar detector, tennis shoes, headrest mounted at $160. TV’s and a flip-down TV. The items were valued at 1/24- Criminal Mischief A USA employee’s vehicle $3,615. was egged in the Delta 5 1/27- Criminal Mischief parking lot. The damages A window was broken at were estimated at $50. the Pi Kappa Alpha frater1/25- Criminal Mischief, nity house, possibly with rd a pellet gun. The damages 3 Degree An unknown perpetrator were estimated at $1,000.
Jag Growl
What You’re Saying About “SGA Senator Wins University Scholarship Program” By Editor-in-Chief Daniela Werner
comments taken from usavanguard.com
“Funny how a ‘scholarship competition’ includes a swimsuit portion. I wonder what part of being a scholar that is...” -Former Attorney General Josh Ashcroft
happenings USA Gender Studies Program Presents: Cool Lectures on Hot Topics
What: How to find a mate? Solving the mate shortage dilemma. Peter Jonason, Assistant Professor of Psychology Where: HUMB 150 When: Feb. 8 at 3:30 p.m. How much: FREE For more info: Contact Martha Jane Brazy, Director of Gender Studies at 460-7540 or mjbrazy@jaguar1.usouthal. edu
USA Show Choir Premier Performance
What: The USA Show Choir’s premier show. Attendees will see a show like none ever seen before at South. The choir will perform a mixture of fast-paced songs and slower ballads ranging from rock and “hip pop” to show tunes. Where: Laidlaw Performing Arts Center When: Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. How much: $3 students/children, $5 general admission For more info: Call the Department of Music at (251) 460-6136.
The
Vanguard
NEWS
Proposed research lab construction begins soon
January 31, 2011
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New residence hall on schedule for fall completion
A new research building will provide BSL 2 and 3 containment while attracting new researchers and facilitating student training.
By Alex Whalen MANAGING EDITOR
The design for a new microbiology research building is nearing completion. The new building will feature state-of-the-art laboratories to facilitate the study of infectious diseases and microorganisms. Director of Facilities Management Chris Willis spoke with The Vanguard about the new addition. Its location, according to Willis, will be near the lake next to the Student Health Center. A fenced-in weather station, which will be relocated near the JagTran depot, is situated at the proposed location. David Wood, chair of the Microbiology Department and lead researcher on the project, explained to The Vanguard what features this new building will offer. With Biosafety Levels (BSL) 2 and 3 levels of containment, this building, “fully meets and exceeds standards for biosafety and biosecurity,” Woods said. This level of containment allows for the study of agents that are potentially lethal to humans. One such organism, which has been the subject of Wood’s research for 30 years, is the bacteria rickettsia. According to Wood,
this bacteria causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever and epidemic typhus. The principle goal for the research project, Wood said, is to develop vaccines. “Right now, it’s easily treated by antibiotics,” Wood said, “but if they become resistant [to the antibiotics] it would be nice to have a vaccine.” Although USA is already equipped with a BSL 3 lab building, this newer, more spacious research building will offer the department more capabilities and more research opportunities, according to Wood. It will also attract more researchers and facilitate another main objective: training students. “This research does require an extra level of security,” Wood said. But this will give graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to learn how to conduct research in this kind of environment, according to Wood. “We’re all very excited we’re getting [the new building],” Wood said. “We’ve spent the last nine months in design and development.” Wood said he’s hopeful the research building will be open in 2013. The construction will be managed by the SA Group.
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
The new residence hall located behind the Delta dormitories and across from Fraternity Row is on schedule to house new and returning students in the fall 2011 semester.
By Daniela Werner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The new residence hall being constructed behind the Delta dorms and across from Fraternity Row is on schedule for its fall 2011 completion, according to Director of Housing Dr. Chris Vinet. Although it has yet to be officially named, USA has big plans for the four-story, $17 million addition, which is slated to house about 330 new and returning students in private, suite-style quarters that share a bathroom between two rooms. Each room will be furnished with twinsized, extra-long beds; chest of drawers; and a mini-fridge, and residents will be able to use their own microwaves. Vinet said the rooms are comparable to the individual Delta dormitory units. Director of Facilities Management Chris
Willis said some parking for the building will be built out of the patch of land located behind Fraternity Row that’s currently being used as a construction staging area by SA Group, who is building the new residence hall. The building’s interior corridors should help foster a “sense of community” among its residents, Vinet said, and its third and fourth floors will contain about 16 livinglearning communities (LLCs) where students of similar majors and academic interests will reside and take some classes. Engineering, nursing and some College of Arts and Sciences majors are examples of the fields of study that will be themed in these LLCs, according to Dr. Nicole Carr, head of Student Academic Success and Retention. Special population groups, such as one for student athletes, will also be availsee RESIDENCE HALL | 5
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January 31, 2011
NEWS
The
Vanguard
USA to begin Show Choir ready to offering e-transcripts roll in its first concert By Rebecca Suttle
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The University is making plans to begin the use of electronic transcripts in the Office of the Registrar (OR) by the end of this spring semester. E-transcripts would enable students to send their transcripts via Internet rather than through the mail. OR members had a meeting last Thursday to discuss plans to test the new system of transcript distribution. As of right now, transcripts can only be sent from USA to other schools through the mail. This costs $8 per transcript. Many students have to request transcripts online through a third party system. After they request their transcript online, that third party sends a message to USA’s OR to mail that person’s transcript to the college of their choice. Although the cost of the new e-transcript program is unknown at the moment, with etranscripts the entire application procedure will be online. Also, having this program directly connected to the University removes the need for online third party Web sites, and transcripts can be requested and sent completely through the University’s OR. According to Shirley Kargleder, senior associate registrar, the University is working with the National Student Clearinghouse to test the program for e-transcripts at South.
Currently, schools such as UAB, Troy, and the University of Alabama use e-transcripts already, and USA is using these schools as a guide for their program, according to Kargleder. They are in the process of testing the program and becoming familiar with the new agency. Although the University is able to receive transcripts electronically from other Universities, e-transcripts through the National Student Clearinghouse will be the first time South will have a program that sends transcripts through the Internet. With e-transcripts, students will be able to send transcripts to other schools through South’s registrar department. The difference between the old way of sending transcripts and this new way is that the files will be sent electronically through a PDF instead of being sent in the mail. “I definitely think the e-transcript program will be more convenient for all students wishing to send their transcripts to multiple colleges,” said Sarah Avery, a senior applying to different occupational therapy schools across the nation. “I wish I could have used this program when applying to graduate school.” Many aspects of college registration have become technological; e-transcripts are just another convenient way the internet is improving productivity in universities across the country.
Daniela Werner | Editor-in-Chief
The USA Show Choir, the first group of its kind to form at USA, rehearsed Sunday evening in the Student Rec Center for its first performance, which will be Feb. 7 at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. To read more about the event, see Happenings on page 2.
The
NEWS
Vanguard
Residence Hall from page 3
able. About half of the building will house upper classmen and returning students and the other half will hold the LLCs, Vinet said. One classroom designed to seat 40 students will hold the LLC-specific classes, and the building will also have multi-purpose areas and study rooms. Vinet said she anticipates the cost to live in the new residence hall to be about $2,400 per semester. Vinet cited housing retention as a huge benefit of having LLCs on campus.
Calendar from page 1
One option would have a two-day fall break with no dead days, while the other would have a one-day fall break with one dead day. Neither of these alternatives would have Saturday exams, thanks to a one-day extension of the last day of the semester. The calendar committee solicited feedback from the Student Government Association (SGA) during last week’s meeting. Because a decision had to made quickly, the SGA was unable to reach out to students to get feedback on the issue. SGA President Kim Proctor explained the situation to the Senate, asking for their thoughts on the possible alternatives. Arts and Sciences Senator Lauren Gessner said during the meeting that she really enjoyed having a two-day fall break. She also pointed out that having two days would facilitate the travel plans for the growing number of outof-town students. In fact, there was overwhelming support
January 31, 2011
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“National research supports that [an LLC] will increase retention, and we’re looking to see what we can do to bolster that,” Vinet said. “It’s a great new facility and we’re really proud of that.” Vinet said the fact that LLC students are generally more involved on campus is what causes these communities to be effective retention tools. Editor’s note: This article is the first of two articles discussing the new residence hall. Look for an article in the next issue of The Vanguard detailing the LLCs that will be featured on campus.
by the Senate for a calendar with a two-day fall break and no dead days. Many felt that, because a lack of dead days hasn’t been that problematic in the past, having a two-day fall break would provide an opportunity for students to “recharge.” Proctor told The Vanguard that “communication has been a problem since the beginning. The lack of time to talk to our constituents really negates the point of the process. “However, I am grateful they are consulting the committee instead of making executive decisions,” Proctor added. According to Johnson, the committee had not yet made a decision about which alternative to recommend. However, time is a factor with so many other things affected by the academic calendar, such as financial aid. It should be early this week that the committee will make a decision based on recommendations they receive and then hand over their decision to President Moulton, with whom the ultimate decision rests.
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Opinion
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January 31, 2011
The
Vanguard Cassie Fambro, Opinion Editor edgeofthisworld@Gmail.com
www.usavanguard.com/opinion
OUR VIEW EDITORIAL BOARD >>usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com
STAFF EDITORIAL Daniela Werner | Editor-in-Chief Alex Whalen | Managing Editor Cameron Adkins | Associate Editor
Genny Roman | Associate Editor Cassie Fambro | Opinion Editor Carey Cox | Senior Reporter
Time to (re)make higher education funding a priority
W
ith the recent changing of the guard in the House of Representatives, a new head for the 112th Congress’ higher education subcommittee has been named. She is U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, and her recent statements about the state of our country’s higher education have a few of us at The Vanguard more than a little concerned about what she intends to do as leader of this subcommittee. Foxx, a conservative Republican from North Carolina who was a community college president and professor, has publicly stated her reservations about the way President Barack Obama has dealt with education in the U.S. She was quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education as excited to get to work on our higher education system’s problems while “carefully stewarding taxpayer dollars.” Chronicle writers wrote that in a recent interview, Foxx “implied that she would not shield higher-education programs from spending cuts, and she raised doubts about the need for community colleges to produce five million more graduates with degrees or certificates by 2020, as President Obama has urged.” She is also quoted by the publication as saying that higher education “should never be afraid of accountability.” While we do not condone irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars, we hope that Foxx and her subcommittee remember that the only way America will compete with other nations in the future is to make education funding, especially on the collegiate level, a budgetary priority. It is almost impossible to believe that too much money can be spent enhancing the educational experiences of today’s students; the young people spending hours in classrooms today are the workforce of this nation tomorrow. To make higher education funding suffer for the government’s fiscal irresponsibility of yesterday is to cut the legs out from under America’s progress in decades to come.
Tilting at Windmills By Matthew Peterson mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
You know what? I like Nickelback
Nickelback gets a bad rap. They have become the band that it’s cool to hate. Just look at last year’s A&E section: Every week some local artist was making fun of them.(Every time I saw “suckleback” in the “In Your Own Words” section it got funnier. Strange how these bands that pride themselves on originality tend to all make the same jokes.) But I’ll stand up for the hated band -I think their music is catchy, and I don’t mind listening to it every once in a while. And that’s all it is for me: liking the music. The most common complaint I’ve heard about Nickelback is that they just don’t
It would be better that Foxx and her subcommittee push for more higher education spending today than for Americans to realize, years later, that other countries are completely superseding us in knowledge and technological advances. Foxx has criticized recent legislation that removed private banks from the student loan picture and put the Department of Education in charge of directly lending students 100 percent of their money for college. She called the law “flawed” and said it eliminated “choice, competition, and innovations” from the lending industry. When Obama’s health care legislation passed, the direct lending laws it ushered in charged students a smaller percent fee than private lenders did and offered a small rebate for students who made consecutive payments after graduation. Foxx must not place much importance on the fact that students are now getting more money for their education and are being offered more incentive to start paying back their loans after they finish their degrees. Coming from someone who received some re-election campaign money in 2008 from The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, this doesn’t sound too friendly to middle and lower class students trying to make it through college. In the wake of an economic recession, students, both at state and for-profit schools, are crunching for money more than ever. To choke the flow of money in the direct lending process would only hurt opportunity for students to pursue an education and enrich their lives. Preserving educational opportunity for students from lower and middle classes is paramount to this nation’s progress. Rep. Foxx, please use this new leadership position as an opportunity to keep higher education affordable for students of all backgrounds, whether they attend state-funded or for-profit schools.
have any talent, so you’re some sort of sociopath or outcast if you like their music. That’s what I take issue with. Why does the talent of a band have anything to do with whether or not their music appeals to you? The talent taken to produce something should have nothing to do with whether or not you like it, whether or not it has beauty. It reminds me of some people’s attitude toward some sorts of modern art. Imagine we have John-Bob in the art studio looking at some modern art piece. “I could have painted that,” he says, “so it’s nothing great. I don’t like it.” Now imagine he takes a look at the placard under the piece, and it says it was painted by a blind woman, who did it all with her toes and planned it in exquisite detail beforehand. So it took talent. Should John-Bob feel differently about the painting because it was produced with talent? Of course not. This supposed connection of talent and beauty makes no sense. It’s possible to both have something that requires no talent yet is beautiful and, on the other end of the spectrum, have something that
requires a lot of talent yet is not beautiful. Who can argue with the beauty of a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon? Yet it required no talent to create: It was produced by a river eroding rock, which no one could argue has any talent. (I’m not going to get into a theological argument about whether or not God created it.) It’s also consistent to have something that requires heaps of talent to create yet is not beautiful. Let’s take the example of a piece of gravel stuck in the bottom of someone’s shoe: No one would argue that it’s beautiful. But what if it was carefully crafted from a giant boulder, chiseled down painstakingly with a toothbrush? Would it be beautiful then? Of course not. Hate Nickelback for whatever reason you want -- maybe you think they’re lame, or their music just doesn’t appeal to you. But at least don’t dislike their music because you think they have no talent.
Are campus meal plans worth it? Yes, it provides all the food I need and bonus points that I desire. I don’t have to gain the freshman 15 because of the variety that is offered. Belinda Bruce Freshman Mathematics
Not for me, because I barely get to use it once a day. Bonus bucks are more useful and convenient for me personally.
Bailey Hammond Sophomore English
The prices are high, but the food itself is generally good. As a commuter, the options are accessible, and everyone is nice. Jade Poole Freshman Psych/English
To me, it depends on the location of the person. On campus, it’s less of an ordeal than driving away to get food, so it’s worth it for the less expensive meal plans. If you’re a commuter, it’s not really beneficial.
Ed Hughes Junior Special Education
Interested in writing for the Vanguard? Let us know! E-mail us at usavanguard.editor@ gmail.com!
The
OPINION
Vanguard
January 31, 2011
7
POINT COUNTERPOINT Should Parents Spare the Rod or Wield it?
Editor’s Introduction: So-called Tiger Mom Amy Chua has earned critical acclaim for her new novel Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother. Implying that strict, no-holds barred parenting makes children into stronger adults, Chua has come under fire for what many call cruel and heartless parenting. Others, however, believe that Chua has the right idea and that to coddle
Children Need Unconditional Support
children only cripples them in life as they mature into adulthood. There has to be a balance between compassion and discipline. Of Asian descent, Chua’s style of parenting represents a Chinese-American way of raising children and has ignited fiery debates in developmental psychology around the world.
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child
parents should then support their Being a “tiger mother” sounds Parents are not strict enough Parents need to be more strict child. fierce, doesn’t it? It carries an asthese days with their children. with their children, starting when Rather than force their daughter sociation of intensity, strength and Children go to school with guns, they are little because it is much or son to practice by threatening to even rage. Someone described as a they cuss out their parents and easier to teach them respect and burn their favorite toys or some“tiger mother” is definitely not a most of them show a severe lack of discipline at a younger age. thing of the like, they should enwithering violet or flighty. respect to anyone, especially their Can you imagine an Americourage them to practice and pay These mothers follow Chineseelders. The children in America can child being lashed because attention to whether they really style parenting, so they aren’t shy are indeed spoiled. he/she did not bring home an A enjoy it or not. about demanding excellence If it turns out it’s not their They are not taught respect on any given school assignment? and obedience from their chilGenny Heather thing, then that’s simply that. dren. They will do what it takes or the values of being an AmeriOf course not! That is cruel and Roman What’s the point in forcing your to make the best out of their can as much as they used to be. intolerable in today’s society, and Roberson child to do kids. In other culin some cases it can be considered something Is it such a terrible thing to tures, parents criminal. want your children to excel in every way? they have no interest make their children That, however, is the method of disciin? If he or she conWhen you think about it, it actually kind learn to play musical pline for some cultures. What is earned as of is a terrible thing. Turning a child into a tinues showing interest instruments and get a child is achieved through discipline and then parents should prodigy seems like a thankless feat. A’s in school like the the emphasis is placed on hard work and The tiger mother can reject her child’s support their kid. Tiger Mom. obedience. It seems simple current effort and demand that they do it Most children here The simple and typical act of watchbetter or faster, but what will that garner enough. The worst for their kid? Will they end up hating mu- thing about an intense, could care less if ing television or going to a sleep over with sic or sports or academics? While the tiger strict style of parentthey get an A as long friends is not even tolerated if chores are mother roars for excellence, their kid will ing is that parents who as they get a good not done. I do not condone abuse in any follow this style tend to feel miserable. enough grade to pass, way, but I do believe that those of us who There are some children who will cer- forget that their kids are parents should take a good look at our www.ctv.ca and this seems to extainly be miserable, whether it is because are fallible little hutend on in to college children. Amy Chua, known as “Tiger Mom, ” tells her chilman beings who want they hate what they do or they simply don’t As loving parents, we are obligated to feel like they can ever make their parents to be happy just like dren that they are garbage in order to make classes. They do not care do them the favor of being more strict so any other fool or sage them want to improve their behavior and win happy. This style of parenting also seems about musical instru- that they can grow into more disciplined, like it would cripple a child’s natural cu- out there. her favor back. You can push a ments because they successful, independent adults. A child’s riosity. Children are supposed to play and ex- child to succeed, but have PS3 or XBOX behavior is very often reflected upon the perience their surroundings. Through the will that make them happy? You can say 360 to occupy their time, and it is allowed ability of the parent’s discipline. As the normal process of inquiry and develop- “in the long run,” but the means might not without consequence. Sure, children de- Bible says, “spare the rod and spoil the ment, kids will eventually find something justify the ends if a child grows into a reserve to act like children and play outside, child.” they love and want to be good at, whether sentful adult, unable to appreciate their sobut they also need to be disciplined when That advice still has a lot of value for called success because it wasn’t really theirs it’s the cello or ditch digging (well, hopethey disobey or show disrespect. today’s modern parents. Do not be afraid to begin with. fully not ditch digging). A mere smack on the hand or a timeto be strict with your children. They will Children need to find their own happiIf a child wants to learn to play the out does not cut it in modern parenting. thank you for it one day. piano and expresses a genuine interest, see SUPPORT | 15
Cassie Fambro Opinion Editor
Smoke on the Water
Superbowl Philanthropy
Two South Alabama fraternities are doing something different than just chips and dip for Superbowl Sunday. Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) and Kappa Sigma are each using the event to promote a cause that they care about. TKE is hosting their benefit in honor of St. Jude and Kappa Sigma is supporting responsible drinking. Both fraternities have created Facebook events and are inviting anyone to attend. I recently contacted each fraternity to ask more about what their intentions are and why they decided that the Superbowl was a good way to
get their messages across. Will Thomas informed me that St. Jude’s is TKE’s national philanthropy and something they identify very personally with. The spirit of their event was derived from “Game day give back,” which is a national project by St. Jude’s to raise money across the country for their research. Those who attend TKE’s event are expected to contribute a minimum of $5 or $10, and donations will be accepted. Kappa Sigma’s event will be a dry Superbowl party where representatives from M.A.D.D and D.A.R.E will be on hand to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving as well as the health effects of binge drinking. The college age bracket is of course the highest rated group in terms of binge drinking. Both Kyle Taylor of Kappa Sigma and Will Thomas believe that the “Animal House” fraternity stereotype harms fraternities, especially here at South where partying is not as prevalent as at other universities. Each fraternity has unique issues, especially associated with alcohol. On-campus fraterni-
ties must have security if they are going to have alcohol. Four-hundred people partying at any of the houses for four hours can set them back $2,000 per South regulations. With any fraternity or sorority, it is difficult to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, and it usually does not work out well. TKE emphasized that if their benefit has alcohol, it will only be for those of age, but they are leaning toward having no alcohol to support their fellow fraternity’s cause as well. TKE makes reference that due to strict rules on their parties and the lack of availability of other venues, that many members go to clubs, bars or apartments to party. This creates a larger issue than some may consider: How do they get home? TV portrays that they’ll designate pledges to be designated drivers, but all too often, people forget what a designated driver is. It means no drinking at all. Having to party away from the house puts not only members at a greater safety risk but others as well. At least if it were more feasible for them to party at their house, they could crash there
afterward and not be on the roads. South may need to reconsider this policy because what is intended to curb drinking instead just promotes deceit and more dangerous risks from those who are going to party regardless of what the rules are. Thomas makes reference to Auburn’s “drunk bus” that picks students up, no questions asked, and gets them home safely. This is a viable and responsible option that South should consider. Drinking and driving is happening; let’s not ignore it. Yellow Cab offers a safe ride home program, but only for Spring Hill College. Kappa Sigma is doing a great service by spreading information about binge drinking and drunk driving, and I sincerely hope they and all other fraternities and sororities practice what they preach well beyond Superbowl Sunday. Kappa Sigma's event will start at 6 o’clock on Sunday, Feb. 6. TKE’s benefit for St. Jude’s starts at 5 p.m. on the 6th.
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January 31, 2011
The
Vanguard
Etc.
The
Vanguard Brett Williams, Etc. Editor bret_wilams@hotmail.com
How not to waste your student refund
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January 31, 2011
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OMSA asks African-American students to explore their own Black History
Instead of blowing your money on jeggings and bronzer, read here on how not to spend it frivolously.
By Brett Williams ETC. EDITOR
How many times did you check your mailbox last week waiting on your refund? Now that it’s here, let’s take a second to discuss how you intend to spend your refund, and you shouldn’t be so anxious. There’s a lot of information out there about how spending should be limited to education-related expenses. So you’re probably worried about whether you can actually buy that new car you’ve been drooling over. Good news is that it can if you use the vehicle to get to and from school. A good tip is to try to think about how the item you purchase is related to school. If the answer is that your purchase isn’t relative, I’d recommend you pocket that wocket, I mean wallet. In most cases, food fits and clothing is cool, especially if you’re an out-of-state student away from home. But I wouldn’t recommend buying yourself an entire Ed Hardy collection. We all know you can. Remember, strength is determined by what temptations you resist. What you should really be concerned about is that “burning palm” sensation. You’re probably feeling it already. It’s that thrill you get from finally not having to eat noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. You find yourself thinking, “I actually don’t have to scrape change from the compartment in my dashboard to buy a Snickers to hold me over”. This is where you stumble. We’ve all been there. Don’t give in to it. Otherwise, before you know it, it’ll be back to sticky pennies and tasteless noodles. From one student to another, be spending-savvy. If possible, burn as little as possible and do it as slowly as possible. Now you’ve got a steady fire running off embers instead of a roaring flame from gasoline. Remember all those articles you’ve read and news segments on television about being financially responsible? Use what you’ve compartmentalized. Buy groceries. Eat out as little as possible. Start a checking account and deposit your money then sit on it like the stingy moneymaker you plan to be. see REFUNDS | 15
Photo by Brett Williams | Etc. Editor
Duke Ellington's Glove (top) hangs beside his American Legacy Magazine cover (right) and above an excerpt about comedian Bert Williams'.
By Brett Williams ETC. EDITOR
Just because something is written in the history books doesn’t make it ancient. As a country, the United States has grown to where events like the Civil War and struggles like slavery can be discussed openly, but are they also being forgotten? So long as there is a generation of adults whose grandparents were directly involved maybe not, but these issues do seem to be edging closer to the back burner for those who are currently students in college, and it probably couldn’t be further from the mind of even younger generations. Still, there are some students like Jahmarkus Rabb who say it’s important to focus on our history “because it creates a sense of pride in knowing not only the struggles our ancestors endured, but also in knowing what they have achieved despite those struggles.” Black History month comes along ev-
ery year, and the successes of an entire race are brought to light. Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Carl Cunningham Jr. says he hopes that students use it as inspiration to strive for better futures. African-American students that have had any contact with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs received an email about the traveling black history museum that arrived in Mobile on Jan. 27, 2011. American Legacy Magazine’s “Know Your History” Mobile Truck stopped at Bishop State Community College on its 10-day tour across the country. The museum highlights the historic efforts of African-Americans like pioneers in aviation, the Freedom Riders and the Buffalo Soldiers in photos, stories and interactive media. The mobile truck is covered with recent American Legacy Magazine covers including their latest with Jimi Hendrix. Inside, the museum features artifacts from famous AfricanAmerican events in history like musician Sammy Davis Jr.’s gloves and an African
American trivia game that explores black history. Cunningham says that even though the event is off-campus “it’s important that students go to events like the traveling museum because African-American history is still all of our history.” Like everything else about college, Black History Month is a learning experience on or off-campus. It’s one that Cunningham says he thinks helps shape African American students’ past by showing them the success of their ancestors, influences their present, and inspires their future by encouraging service to the community. The bigger picture, Cunningham says, is that students become more comfortable, self-confident and learn that by succeeding at community service they can also succeed in the classroom. He likens it to managing your home. “If you’re comfortable at home,” Cunningham says, “you do your best to keep it up.” In the past two years, the number of see BLACK HISTORY | 15
Dining Hall opens new coffee shop By Bailey Hammond CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Naturally, when I think of coffee, I picture Starbucks. It’s something that has been stamped into my brain with excess amounts of caffeine. Living on campus though, my choices are limited to the Daily Grind, Satori or Carpe Diem. At least that was the case until Java City opened inside the new dining facility. The new coffee shop “is a way of mind, where everyone is committed to sourcing, roasting and brewing the perfect cup of coffee,” according to Java City. Java City is what I consider to be the epitome of a coffee shop. Not only do they have my favorite coffee beverage, white chocolate mocha, but they offer an
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
The new Dining Hall (pictured above) on campus houses Java City, a coffee shop with a varied menu and a cozy atmosphere.
even wider variety of drinks than I am accustomed to having including caramel macchiato, cappuccino, café mocha, hot chocolate, chai tea latte and a host of teas that are Free Trade and Rainforest Alliance Certified. Like other coffee shops, Java City has its specialties like the Mayan Mocha, a unique mixture of espresso, steamed milk and “mysterious, dark, secretive chocolate with spices.” Others include Italian soda, hot white chocolate and a massive selection of frozen blended coffee drinks. And just about every drink is available either hot or iced. Like Satori, Java City has a cozy, denlike area with mini-couches and cushioned chairs and customer appreciation see COFFEE SHOP | 15
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South Takes All In Senior Bowl
The South team trounced the North squad in this past Saturday's 2011 Under Armor Senior Bowl. The South held the North scoreless for the first half and only allowed 10 points in the second for a final score of 24 - 10. Photos by Colin McGee.
Top of page: Greg McElroy watches as Noel Devine (WV) takes it in for a score. Above: No. 3 Curtis Brown (Texas) disrupts Vincent Brown's, No. 80, catch attempt. Left: Christian Ponder (FSU) decidphers the North's defense. Right: No. 6 Courtney Smith inquires about the amount of stickers on No. 7 DeMarco Murray's (Stanford) helmet.
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Above: South Alabama fans showed up en masse Saturday to support their own Courtney Smith, who wears No. 6, in the Senior Bowl. Below: Mobile native Preston Dial of the Crimson Tide gives autographs to pressing fans after the Senior Bowl.
Above: Bilal Powell (Louisville) looks for a crease in the Northern lines in Saturday's game. Left: Kentucky's Derrick Locke breezes by defenders thanks in part to his teammates blocking. Bottom Left:. Shareece White (USC) bats a pass away from the North's Austin Pettis of Boise State. Bottom Right: No. 99 Jarvis Jenkins blows through the North's defensive to record a tackle-for-loss on Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter.
Photos by Colin McGee
Arts & Entertainment
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January 31, 2011
Le Boeuf: Graffiti
By Rodney Thompson
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
We have all seen it, whether or not we pay much attention to it. There, in still, it exists. Some people call it a crime, or vandalism. To others, it is art and the driving passion in their lives. Graffiti, street art, tagging -- the disease has many names, but the symptoms are all the same. The process can be as simple as a pasted banner or as complex as a month-long art project. The dangerous side of graffiti comes in the form of gang signs. More often than not, active gangs will have tag units that mark their territory. This sort of graffiti tends to be very simple, involving a combination of letters and numbers that symbolize who holds power in that particular area. As territories change hands and tags are blacked out and retagged, public facades become littered with these marks of violence and control. This type of graffiti usually receives negative public response and becomes the target for city cleaning initiatives. The good side of graffiti, street art, can be profoundly effective at vocalizing social issues, or it can merely be a beautiful piece of art. Artists approach a wall with stencils, spray cans, paste, and various other means of manipulating a canvas. Once they step away, the structure is transformed into something truly amazing. Graffiti artists come in all shapes and sizes. Some do it to make a statement. Some do it to share their art with the world. Then there are those that do it to build infamy. This infamy feeds the public with the desire to own street art pieces, and in turn can make an artist extremely rich. Becoming rich from street art, however, is a crime punishable by disownment from a community that believes in secrecy and the art of stealth tagging. All true believers tag under aliases and never brag publicly about their work. A true street artist will let their work speak for itself. Those that choose to go main stream, suffer humiliation. For example, British street artist Banksy has tagged notoriously for many years and has been an outspoken political revolutionist. However, his decisions to participate in public art shows and to allow his pieces to be sold have greatly diluted the amount of work he has put into various political statements. In the end, graffiti is just another form of artistic expression, and all true artists are in danger of selling out when the money is right. The real question is whether or not this form of art is vandalism or public beautification.
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Rodney Thompson, A&E Editor ane.editor@usavanguard.com
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Dralion poised to capture audiences By Rodney Thompson
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Cirque du Soleil is synonymous with vivid and emotional displays of artistic frenzy. To describe a Cirque du Soleil performance would never truly do it justice. Like so many fantastic things in life, it must be sampled by oneself to fully realize how amazing it really is. South Alabama’s Mitchell Center has played host to Cirque du Soleil before. Beginning Feb. 2 the basketball arena will once again be transformed into a world that reflects the potential depth of imagination. A show that was first performed in 1999 in Montreal, Canada, Dralion will be performed at the Mitchell Center from Feb. 2nd to the 6th. There will be a total of seven performances and without a doubt; they will be well worth attending. Dralion plays on the ancient traditions of oriental culture, the story revolves around the relationship between humans and nature. The title comes from a combination of Dragon and Lion, respectively representing opposing parts of the world. Within Dralion, the elements are personified in the 50 performers, who take the stage in vibrant costumes contrasting a futuristic setting. Dralion contains all one would expect from a Cirque du Soleil show: intense and dangerous acrobatic stunts and high energy feats of balance and coordination. The sheer volume of work that goes into the Dralion show is staggering beyond all belief. The costumes are inspired by traditional African, Chinese, and Indian dress.
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com
Dralion offers an imaginative look into the world of nature as personified by the performers such as Gaya (pictured left) the Goddess of Earth, and Azala (pictured right) the Goddess of Air.
Totaling over 16,000 feet of fabric, it took the original costume designers over three months to create all the pieces. Of course, over time pieces have been replaced and updated. Each costume is an astounding example of creativity, with some of the most unconventional materials shaping what the performers wear, including actual insects. The stage is an impressive display of craftsmanship measuring 60 feet wide and 26 feet tall. Special features built into this massive backdrop allow the performers
to complete the various stunts that occur throughout the show. This makes the stage just as functional as it is eye catching. As fantastic as all of this sounds, I am thoroughly excited to see the actual show. It is one thing to read about something, and a whole different world to experience it. From my past recollections, I have never been disappointed in a Cirque du Soleil performance. I have complete confidence in Dralion’s ability to mesmerize everyone in attendance.
Vocal peformance major could win Met competition By Daniela Werner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The next time USA Vocal Performance Major Nick Brownlee competes for a spot in the Lyndemann (SP!) Young Artist Program, he will be singing at the Metropolitan Opera. “It’s always been a dream of mine to sing at the Met, from the very beginning when I first fell in love with opera,” Brownlee told The Vanguard, adding that his Facebook profile featured a picture of the stage view at the Met for almost a year. “The fact that I’m going to be singing on it is just so incredible.” The 21-year-old bass-baritone from Theodore, Ala., recently won the regional competition of the Gulf Coast area in the
program and is slated to fly to New York to sing with piano accompaniment onstage at the Met March 6. If Brownlee wins that round, a semi-final where he competes against 25-30 singers, he goes on to compete in the radio and television-broadcast finals portion of the competition against a handful of singers and could potentially be one of the Met’s next Young Artists. Out of that round, about five winners will be named as the Met’s Young Artists. Winners will walk away with $15,000 in their pocket, as well as invaluable exposure and recognition in the opera world. “I am overwhelmed,” said Dr. Thomas Rowell, assistant professor of Music and USA’s vocal area coordinator. “When I heard him sing the first time, I could hear
that sound in his voice, even though it was certainly not developed at that point. I heard the potential of his voice being a very unique and marketable operatic sound.” Rowell said Brownlee was the youngest in his group at the regional competition, which was held in New Orleans, and that it’s less common for the younger singers in those groups to be the most prominent in performance. “Twenty-one is young to be picked up by the Met,” Rowell said, adding that 20- and 21-year-olds are usually just beginning to compete in the program, not winning it. “They really haven’t had enough time to get their technique down,” he said. Brownlee is also the only singer from his regional group to move on to semi-finals.
Want to write for A&E? E-mail Rodney Thompson at ane.editor@usavanguard.com.
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January 31, 2011
Sports
The
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Smith Makes USA Proud at Senior Bowl By Matt Weaver
Senior Bowl Tailgating
SPORTS EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Considered to be the first professional game of their lives, college football’s top seniors gathered in Mobile for the annual Senior Bowl game. Taking his place amongst the best was South Alabama’s Courtney Smith. Smith’s selection bookended the University’s first Senior Bowl game appearance after finishing the program’s second season. Smith had a mixed bag of results during the week struggling on some days and wowing scouts on others. Smith was thrown to twice during the South’s 24-10 victory, catching a pass from Alabama’s quarterback, Greg McElroy. “I think I accomplished everything I set out to do,” Smith said. “I’m undefeated at Ladd and I really enjoyed playing in front of Mobile. I really felt the love during pregame and I’m really excited for whatever comes next. Next, Smith hopes, is an invite to the NFL Combine or to get invited to a university pro day. Teams were impressed with Smith’s size but were concerned with his inconsistency in catching the ball. The Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons were among the teams most interested in drafting the wide receiver. Experts feel that Smith didn’t hurt himself but didn’t do enough to improve his stock either. Smith’s selection did earn both himself and South Alabama considerable national recognition. Having that is invaluable for both parties moving forward. Smith checked in at 6’4, 220 on Monday morning and immediately drew comparisons to Terrell Owens. By Tuesday, the luster had begun to wear off. Smith dropped several balls in the rain and had scouts questioning his mechanics. However, his completions were usually spectacular and most scouts agree that he has the tools for a lengthy career. “Things move a lot quicker out here,” Smith said. “There is an adjustment period, but I played against a lot of these guys at UAB. I’ve been working hard on the little things like size and speed and I’ll be ready to play on Saturday.” Smith signed with the National Sports Agency (NSA) out of college and trained at API in Los Angeles. NSA flew him back to Mobile despite Smith not yet being named to a roster. They hoped their client would get one last look with Senior Bowl officials. “We flew him out and he talked to everyone in Mobile,” an NSA representative said on Tuesday. “You guys who made the phone calls and wrote e-mails, you really made the difference.” The Senior Bowl listened, and Courtney received an invite on Sunday afternoon following a massive fan campaign to get Smith an invitation. Smith has not yet received a Combine invitation but believes that he has earned one. Beyond that, Smith hopes to catch on with a team in April’s NFL Draft and play himself on a roster. The NFL Draft begins on April 28. “I really think I helped myself this week,” Smith said. “I worked with a great NFL coaching staff, talked to scouts and came away with a lot of information. I’m ready for the next stage.”
The food looked and smelled incredible, the set-ups were at-times adorned with speakers as tall as houses, but nothing could quite deliver the “party” I expected to walk into. This weekend I took in an afternoon at the 62nd annual Senior Bowl, my first Senior Bowl to attend and also to cover as a journalist. Other than a few comments made to me about the often drunken nature of the attendees, the impressions I came away with were not in-line with what others had told me to expect. The following is one man’s experiences and impressions observing the at times elaborate tailgating and the atmosphere created by the people that flocked to Ladd-Peebles Stadium for Saturday’s allstar game. When I turned onto Government Street in downtown Mobile, the smell of sausage and crawfish had already permeated the surrounding area, and apparently so had the local law enforcement in quite a heavy fashion; their presence was felt all afternoon. But one group of people in particular refused to allow this fact to stifle their entrepreneurial spirit. The local residents, and I mean almost every one, eagerly stood in their front lawn with signs advertising their lawns for parking. It wasn’t the lack of effort of the part of the locals that would keep me from parking there though. What kept me searching was the fact that more than a few signs in the area had the words “safe parking” in quotation marks. I’m not sure what the quotation marks
One student tells about his experience with tailgating at the 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl. By James Guess
greenascot.com|
Tailgating is serious business to many football fans. It’s a pregame ritual for diehard fans who make it to every game, rain or shine. The Vanguard’s own visited the 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl’s tailgating event and came back with a couple of stories to tell.
were meant to entail but that and the overeager marketing of each person’s lawn made me feel less than assured. I finally decided to park adjacent to a church and walk the rest of the way. During my walk, I noticed a hilarious sight: some local residents at this one particular home who rented their lawn and tailgated on their porch, while those who rented their lawn tailgated a mere 10 feet away with no interaction.
Men’s Tennis to Open 2011 Season at Home By Lauren Logan
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The University of South Alabama men’s tennis team will open its 2011 spring campaign with a three-match homestand starting Monday. The Jags will match up against the Colonels of Nicholls State at the Mobile Tennis Center at 1 p.m. The match, originally scheduled to take place on the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Tennis Courts on USA’s campus, was moved to the Mobile Tennis Center so the courts could be resurfaced. “I wish we could play at home on our courts, but at least we don’t have to travel far, the tennis center being down the road,” said USA head coach Nick Brochu. “The first match is very important. You always want to start on a good note.” USA leads the all-time series with Nicholls 3-1. Last season the Colonels picked up their first and only win against the Jaguars with a 5-2 victory in South Alabama’s home opener. The match will also open the 2011 spring sea-
son for the Colonels. “All eight guys are ready to go and can’t wait to start the season,” said Brochu. “We have everyone returning from last season, so we are looking for excellent results. We added one player, Parker Allen, who will provide us with more depth and more options for doubles.” USA enters the match boasting the No. 36 doubles team in the country. Senior Lucas Viel (Boussy-Saint-Antoine, France) and junior Romain Bocaert (Lille, France) paired up to go 6-2 overall in the fall. Bocaert and Viel, who alternated the No. 1 and No. 2 singles spots for the Jags last season, led the Jaguars in singles action this fall going 5-2 and 6-2 respectively. Juniors Dauw Kruger (Pretoria, South Africa) and Hanno Bartsch (Pretoria, South Africa) also had a good showing this fall for South Alabama. Bartsch posted a 6-2 mark while Kruger went 9-4. The Jags’ next match will be against Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. on the Bruce David Lubel Memorial Courts.
But the laughter soon gave way to another sobering impression of that scene, the surprising lack of mingling between people, both in their own tailgating parties and between others’ parties. I expected a big party, one complete with drunk men wearing jerseys idolizing their favorite 20-something-year-old athlete yelling “Roll tide!” or “War eagle!” This was not the case at all. see TAILGATING | 15
Want to write for The Vanguard’s Sports section? E-mail Sports Editor Matt Weaver at jmatthewweaver@aol.com.
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January 31, 2011
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ness as they grow. This is probably the key thing for parents to remember, because if your kids grow into teens and adults who are happy, then that’s their success. Whether they become a window washer or a CEO, what matters most is that they’re in a good place in their lives and that they are happy. And don’t knock window washing; it’s a noble profession. Now, I’m not saying that everyone deserves a trophy for everything or that parents should just be happy with mediocrity; that’s not my point at all. The point is that, ultimately, kids need to be kids. They should follow their interests and find what they’re good at. If they do what they love, they will no doubt be happy. If they’re happy, they’ll have succeeded at the one thing that seems to elude so many others.
There’s no harm in pretending now while you have the pocket change! There are those of us that are just itching for the right guy or girl to come along that’s anxious enough to spend their refund so we don’t have to touch ours. Don’t become one of our victims. Be careful out there. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and college students are viciously cheap. Of course, you’ll spend some though. You are afforded the right to treat yourself and others as you see fit. The smart thing to do, so you don’t end up on the outside of McDonald’s looking in is to budget yourself. Set aside a certain amount of money, withdrawn from your new checking account. You know what’s enough for you to live on. One full pay period worth of meals and two full tanks of gas is probably too much to ask of $100, but try and be conservative. Whatever amount you end up choosing is your limit. Hopefully, by the time you’ve spent that, another pay period from your job has passed and it’s like you haven’t spent a cent. If not, there’s always that guy or girl that deserves a good freeloading wing man like you. I’m sure their passenger seat is just waiting for you.
Approaching the stadium, I walked alongside the surprisingly mostly orangeand-blue clad crowd. Not to be outdone, fans from other colleges, as well as professional teams showed their support amidst the intoxicatingly aromatic smoke cloud that emanated from all the active grills. Occasional massive speaker systems could also be seen, felt, and heard as they were passed. This does not mean to imply that there was a extremely lively atmosphere. An eerie sense of sobriety was thick over the crowd, and I use sobriety figuratively and literally. Even those who searched for the party atmosphere at the bottom of the bottle couldn’t pump up this dead crowd. The presence of local celebrities like TK 101 radio disc jockey Mark the Shark, and former University of Alabama and Miami Dolphins player Bob Baumhower, who judged the tailgating contest, did little to inject any life into this so-called “party.” So I decided to start asking around. “Why are you guys here?” I received varied answers. One man who traveled from Pensacola, a largely represented city I observed by talking to others attending the game, remarked “This is why I’m here.” He pointed to his tailgating spread in the back of his pickup truck. When I asked him what he thought about the game itself he replied, “The game itself is just a side note.” I talked to more people who seemed
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Coffee Shop from page 9
cards that allow you to get a free drink after 10 purchases, but Java City is set apart by its two flat screens. Other local coffee shops like Satori and Carpe Diem premise their looks after the artsy/alternative/ classic coffee house ideal. While you won’t find any local artists’ wares hanging on the walls of Java City, you will find that the modern atmosphere is perfectly suited to a busy student’s life. Perhaps the best thing about Java City is the friendly staff. They care about students and give service with a smile. I already know the two morning ladies by name: Cecelia and Rosalind. The hours are great for late-nighters who need that extra kick to make it through a cram session. Monday through Thursday Java City is open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight. I know—who drinks coffee at midnight? Well, that option is open. On Fridays the doors close at 3 p.m. The only drawback to Java City’s schedule is that they are closed on Saturdays, but their doors are open on Sundays from 4 p.m. to midnight. Courtney, a Java City employee, says the quality of the products is really good, and I couldn’t agree more. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere else for my white chocolate mochas any time soon.
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Black History from page 9
African-American students at the University of South Alabama has risen tremendously. And even though there’s no way to fit everything there is to learn about Black History into only 28 days, Cunningham says he thinks there are several ways newer students can learn about their past. Cunningham encourages all students to take February and attempt to research their family genealogies because finding out about our ancestors and where our grandparents’ parents were can help students define who they are. “We are not too far from issues like the Civil War and slavery that they should be forgotten or tiptoed around. My grandfather was a slave. It’s that close to us,” Cunningham said. Thursday marked the beginning of Black History Month, so in February perhaps all students should inquire more about their heritages. For African American students, Regions Bank Vice President and Community Affairs Manager Shirley Sessions says that hopefully Regions will be able to sponsor the traveling history museum again next year.
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to treat the game like a “side note” like that man did. The only -- and I do mean only -- exceptions were a pair of USA students and a group of folks from Trussville, Ala. The USA students said they enjoyed watching their favorite players compete for spots on their future teams. They then proceeded to offer me a beer. I reluctantly declined and was on my way. The man from Trussville said he “likes seeing the players from Florida State one last time.” As I walked through my seemingly one-hundredth game of parking lot football being played by children, I noticed that the children were the only people other than those who could no longer call themselves responsible adults who looked like they were really into what they were doing. One Mobile native described the whole scene as a wrap-up to the season, a relaxing party. “A relaxing party,” I thought to myself, “what a gross contradiction.” But it would be impossible to argue with his assessment. The people kept to themselves, except for the children. The dear children even brought the adults together at times when stray footballs would strike vehicles. A couple of Coast Guard soldiers who graciously allowed me to take a picture of their tailgating spread, had perhaps the most appropriate assessment of the scene, except he was talking about me and my attempt to talk to him and his buddies: “I don’t like this; this is all just a little weird.”
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January 31, 2011
Afraid to ask your doctor?
Ask Dr. Cannon!
E-mail your health questions and concerns to be answered by Dr. Cannon in the Etc. section of The Vanguard at usavanguard.editor@gmail.com. Heather Cannon, M.D. is USA’s Student Health Center Medical Director. Anonymous e-mails are welcomed.
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Go there.
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Distractions
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Caption Contest
Caption Contest Results
Do hilarious things come to mind when you see this photo? E-mail your funniest caption to usavanguard.editor@gmail.com. The winner will be published in the next edition!
Winner: “I put my hand on my hip, when I dip you dip, we dip.” -Tino’s 102 class
Have an idea for Distractions? E-mail Editor-in-Chief Daniela Werner at usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com.
Sudoku Sudoku puzzles brought to you by USA’s Student Health Center. To make an appointment, call 251-460-7151. Rules: Fill each row, column, and square of nine boxes with the numbers one through nine without repeating any. Answer keys provided at www.usavanguard.com/ distractions.
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Jag Life
January 31, 2011
A Comic by Ben Lewis
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