02.04.08

Vanguard The

Volume 45, Number 24

One-on-one with Lee Shirvanian see page 13

February 4, 2008

Serving USA SinCe 1965

USA football expected to impact fine arts department Ashley Gruner FINE ARTS EDITOR amarie588@gmail.com

The recent implementation of a NCAA-sanctioned football program at the University of South Alabama will also bring several talented music students to the community.

Dr. Greg Gruner, chair of the department of music and director of bands at USA, said the music department would greatly benefit from the implementation of the football and marching band program.

“I am excited about the attraction of new talent to the Mobile area. We will be able to keep some of the local talent in the community, now that we are able to fulfill their hopes of a university marching band opportunity,” Gruner said. “It is a very exciting time.”

Gruner said the search for the associate director of bands/director of athletic bands has already begun.

“The person chosen for this position will begin his or her duties officially on Aug.15,” Gruner said. “I would imagine that the University will hire someone prior to the end of the spring 2008 semester.”

The search for a new director is nationwide. “We are looking for someone with public school and/or collegiate marching band experience,” Gruner said. “Since we are starting this program from scratch, someone with experience is a necessity.”

The process of choosing a new director is very thorough. This will help confirm qualifications of the applicants and ensure the hiring of an experienced director.

Within the next few weeks, the music department will begin receiving application materials. These materials include DVDs of marching band shows the candidates have produced in the past. A departmental committee will begin reviewing the materials and narX

see BAND, page 18

Odyssey USA epitomizes commitment to life-long learning Leigh Patton MANAGING EDITOR lwp302@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

More than 45 Odyssey USA students laughed as Irene McDonald told the ancient tales of “Beowulf.”

Odyssey USA students are the oldest students on campus. “People our age still have stimulated minds,” Donna Hullibarger, secretary of Odyssey USA,

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Irene McDonald lectures during the English language class Friday as Odyssey USA students listen. Every Friday, over 170 Odyssey students gather in the Humanities building to attend lectures on a variety of subjects.

Inside

said.

Every Friday, 172 Odyssey members, the majority of them being older adults who are retired, gather in the Humanities Building at 1:30 p.m. They attend classes that focus on religious philosophy, trends and issues in gerontology, the English language, birth and development of modern sculpture, international cultures and CSI Odyssey.

CSI Odyssey teaches students about crime scene investigation, national security, forensic science and the justice system.

“At the core of Odyssey USA is a curriculum that is selected, developed and in many cases led by members,” Marcy Matherne, director of Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services, said.

Odyssey USA is a learning program through the University of South Alabama’s Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services. It is the USA’s Institute for Learning in Retirement and is affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network.

“Older adults are self-motivated learners who want to continue to learn and expand their horizons,” Matherne said.

Lifestyles pg. 6

X

see ODYSSEY, page 19

Fine Arts pg. 8

http://www.southalabama.edu/publicrelations

Dr. Greg Gruner, chair of the department of music and director of bands at USA, conducts at the December commencement ceremony. Gruner expects football to have a big impact on the department.

SILP gives 2 languages opportunity Sidra Rasool CONTRIBUTING WRITER sr510@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

An exciting new addition to the offerings of USA’s Self Instructional Language Program may soon be coming.

The two candidates for the language spot have been narrowed down to Portuguese and Italian.

USA’s SILP program currently offers students the opportunity to learn Chinese, Japanese, Greek and Arabic, through a combined effort of rigorous individual study and obligatory tutoring instruction three days a week.

"Educated native speakers instruct [the students], and the focus is almost entirely on oral production and aural comprehension," Dr. David Faught, SILP's coordinator, said. One would never be left to completely fend for oneself when trying to tackle a foreign language.

SILP's program provides plenty of aid, predominately for the problem area of oral comprehension to strengthen language skills.

Hina Rasool, an information system major, has experienced first-hand the benefits of SILP through taking Arabic. “I learned to sharpen my reading skills with this form of study, and I would recommend SILP to those familiar with a certain foreign language but who do not want to take a full-blown language

Entertainment pg. 10

The Vanguard P.O. Drawer 25100 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Newsroom - 460-6442 Fax 414-8293 Advertising - 460-6898 Letters, press releases, announcements - vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Sports pg. 12

Leigh Patton / Managing Editor

SILP is considering offering Italian or Portuguese as part of the Self Instructional Language Program next year. At least 10 students must commit to taking either of these classes.

course,”Rasool said. “Do not be intimidated by the word ‘self-instruction,’ because I always came to class with questions that were answered.

The main obstacle in proposing a new SILP foreign language is making sure there is adequate student interest.

In order for either Portuguese or Italian to be added next year, at least 10 students must commit to take a sequence of this course.

If interested in taking either Italian or Portuguese next year, please e-mail Dr. Faught of the foreign languages department at dfaught@usouthal.edu.

Opinion pg. 15

Classifieds pg. 19

Vanguard online The

http://www.usavanguard.com

2

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

Auto and cycle insurance.

Immediate coverage by phone.

Low down-payment.

Convenient payment plans.

CALL 1-251-445-0127 FOR FREE RATE QUOTE

3

The

February 4, 2008

Vanguard The

Vanguard

P LICE BL TTER 01-17-08 Unlawful Break/Enter Vehicle A female student reported that her car was broken into while parked at the computer center. A laptop computer, valued at $700, was taken from the vehicle. No suspects were identified.

01-18-08 Identity Theft A former student reported possible fraudulent use of her credit and identification. The victim did not name any suspects, but an investigation is pending.

01-19-08 Harassing Communications A female student filed a report of harassment against her female roommate. The case is closed.

01-22-08 Criminal Trespassing Officers responded to a call about an altercation in the Gamma housing parking lot. Four men were involved in the incident and several witnesses were nearby. The case is closed.

WEATHER

01-22-08 Theft – Article from Auto/Burglary of Auto A female student’s vehicle was bur-

University of South Alabama’s Student Voice

glarized in the library parking lot. There are no suspects at this time, but an investigation is pending.

01-22-08 Theft of Property A male student reported that his wallet was stolen at the Rec. Center. The student’s credit cards, identification and $60 cash were taken. No suspects have been named.

01-23-08 Theft of Property A cell phone, valued at $100, was stolen at the Rec. Center. The female victim said that her phone was taken from the storage bins in the weight room. An investigation is pending.

01-24-08 Criminal Mischief A female student reported that an unknown person struck her vehicle, intentionally causing damage to the driver door and window. There are no suspects, but an investigation is pending.

01-25-08 Harassment A female custodial worker at the Mitchell Center reported being harassed by an unknown male subject. Police are

Mission The Vanguard, a student-run newspaper at the University of South Alabama, serves the student 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: Opinion Editor, vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-25100, 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. z 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. z The Staff Editorial represents the majority of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, News Editor, Opinion Editor and Lifestyles Editor.

All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings. z 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 (251) 460-6442 or email vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu. z

investigating.

01-29-08 Theft of Property A male student reported that his cell phone was stolen. The $500 phone was taken from the basketball courts at the intramural complex. There was one witness, but no suspects have been identified.

01-30-08 Criminal Mischief An unknown person scratched a truck that was parked in the Humanities South parking lot. The owner of the vehicle said that damages totaled $600. There are currently not any suspects, but an investigation is pending.

01-30-08 Domestic Violence Officers were called to the Biomedical Library for a domestic violence incident.

X

see BLOTTER, page 18

The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience.

z

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 all University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each.

z

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Jason Shepard Managing Editor: Leigh Patton Associate Editor: Anna Chapman Lifestyles Editor: Ashley D. McGee Fine Arts Editor: Ashley Gruner Entertainment Editor: Stephanie A. Hudson Opinion Editor: Matt Flanagan Sports Editors: John Kenny, David Hopper Senior Reporters: Hannah Skewes, Devi Sampat Copy Editor: Jeremy Daughtry

DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Jolyn Picard Distribution: Brandon Phillips

ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager: Glen Aikman Assistant Advertising Manager: Patrick Senn Graphic Designers: Jennifer Manning, Rajesh Chindurala

MANAGEMENT Adviser: Robert Holbert Accounting: Kathy Brannan

Web site: http://www.usavanguard.com Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-25100 Mobile, Ala. 36688 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.

4

The

Vanguard

CAMPUSGRIPES To voice your campus gripes or praises, e-mail us at campusgripes@yahoo.com, or anonymously mail us at The Vanguard, U-25100, Mobile, Ala., 36688

Flyers should not be allowed Why are people allowed to put flyers on the cars. I,for the second time, have sticky residue on my car from a band flyer. Last time it didn't come off all the way, meaning the residue from the first flyer is still there. The people who put these on the cars of others are damaging private property.

Displaying posters on a bulletin board is one thing; however, destroying vehicles that do not belong to you, all for the sake of a lame advertisement is another. I would like to know what the school plans to do to stop it, or if they plan to do anything at all.

Good work, campus police I think the police department on campus does a great job responding to emergencies and sitations on campus. They are effective and professional when it comes to their job.

February 4, 2008

UCUR deadline quickly approaching “Many have even gone on to graduate and professional programs using UCUR.” dss608@jaguar1.usouthal.edu Some of the opportunities already existing in the program are as The University Committee on Undergraduate Research is cur- diverse as NSF-REU Structure and Function of Proteins involving rently applications for the 2008 Summer Undergraduate Research faculty from biochemisty, biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry and pharmacology or programs in physiology, lung biology and Program.

The 12-week summer program stresses the promotion of all marine science.

Deadlines for the UCUR 2008 summer application are Feb. 8 for research in any discipline and acts as a source of information for students interested in extramural undergraduate research and those students who will need assistance finding a mentor and March 14 for students already paired with a scholarly active programs. Not only is UCUR research mentor. beneficial for future resumes and job opportuni“UCUR gave me the UCUR primarily looks for rising juniors and ties, but a summer stipend and modest supplies will be covered. opportunity to work in both seniors and is open only to University of South Alabama undergraduate students. UCUR proMany students at the University of South a lab and field setting. I vides a limited number of summer research felAlabama who have already participated in was able to gain a lot of lowships but exceptions may be decided on caseUCUR cite the program as desirable when by-case basis. applying for master’s degrees, a program that experience.”

Students receiving UCUR Summer Research decreases the fear of researching and an opportu- Amanda Ecker Fellowship will be expected to devote 20-30 hours nity to gain more knowledge in the student’s per week during the summer, present results of areas of interest outside of the classroom.

“For me, UCUR was very beneficial because I wasn’t really sure study, meet with mentors on a regular basis, attend organizational if I wanted to go into lab or field research, but UCUR gives you the meetings and workshops and present their studies to peers on camopportunity to do both,” senior biology major Amanda Ecker said. pus in poster format in an exhibition during Undergraduate “UCUR game me the opportunity to work in both a lab and field Research Week.

Undergraduate Research Week consists of a mini-symposium on setting. I was able to gain a lot of experience and work with the faccampus designed to stimulate awareness of various research opporulty.”

Ecker participated in the UCUR program in the summer of tunities among students and faculty. The committee invites speak2007. She conducted research with mentor Dr. Kelly Major and ers each year to promote its cause.

Apart from personal advances and opportunities gained by measured nutrient levels in water while looking at aquatic plant disUCUR students, the program also sends press releases to local tribution.

Anne Boettcher, UCUR’s program director, comments on newspapers in the community and gains support and recognition UCUR’s ultimate ability to allow students to focus on career paths from all areas.

Funding for UCUR has been provided by the Alabama Space and further peak a person’s interest in the fields of research in genGrant, University of South Alabama Academic Affairs and eral.

“Past students have published their results with their mentors in University of South Alabama colleges and departments.

For more information regarding the program and applications peer-reviewed journals, presented work at regional, national and international meetings, won extensive awards, and used UCUR for the program, visit www.southalabama.edu/ucur or contact projects as a starting place for Honor’s theses,” Boettcher said. Anne Boettcher at aboettch@jaguar1.usouthal.edu or 460-7527.

Devi Sampat

SENIOR REPORTER

Jags, keep up the good work I was sad to hear the Jags lost their game this past week. They had a good winning streak, but that doesn’t keep me from having Jag spirit.I will be there at their next home game and the homecoming game cheering them on.

There are enough white spaces Students that complain about not having enough parking spaces should really look hard before giving up. I have seen students parking in the blue spaces when there are plenty of white spaces open.

Signs need to be seen clearly I was happy when I read the article last week about the signs on campus. I’m glad they are aware of the problem and are trying to fix it. The signs on campus are hard to see and find.

Take down homecoming signs The homecoming signs that are around campus need to be taken down. The election is over, and they are starting to litter the campus.

Please, candidates, take down your campaign signs.

MPAA admits to mistake in report Jacob Smilovitz THE MICHIGAN DAILY University of Michigan

The film industry's largest interest group admitted yesterday that it overestimated by almost 300 percent the amount of money the industry lost to piracy by college kids - a figure the group had used to lobby for legislation that would force colleges to crack down on file-sharing by their students.

In the 2005 study, the Motion Picture Association of America claimed that because of their high illegal download rate, college students were responsible for 44 percent of the MPAA's total lost revenue to piracy.

Now, the association has lowered that figure to 15 percent.

The MPAA - the advocacy group for six major movie studios that leads the industry's anti-piracy campaign - originally claimed college students cost the industry more than $18 billion a year.

MPAA representatives said the miscalculation was the result of "human error," the Associated Press reported.

The MPAA representatives could not be reached for comment when contacted yesterday.

Although the MPAA contends that the impact of illegal piracy by college students is still significant, the misreported numbers might disrupt pending legislation in Congress.

Because the bill was largely based on the original numbers from the MPAA, some lawmakers might remove their

http://www.mpaa.org/piracy

The Motion Picture Association of America overestimated by almost 300 percent the amount of money the industry lost to piracy by college students.

endorsement from legislation.

The bill was strongly championed by the MPAA and RIAA after its introduction.

"It's unfortunate that Congress has relied on these numbers," said Jack Bernard, the University's assistant general

counsel, who handles legal issues involving file-sharing at the University.

The bill, which is currently awaiting consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives, says that each participating institution must not only make public the policies and procedures regarding illegal piracy to their students and employees, but must develop alternatives to illegal peer-to-peer programs for its members.

According to the bill, universities who fail to offer "technology-based deterrents to prevent such illegal activity" could potentially lose federal aid for their students.

Bernard said that Congress should focus its anti-piracy campaign elsewhere.

He said college campuses are "among the most responsible Internet service providers" because they educate their users on the legality of file sharing.

"Before the MPAA had this research conducted, the University was thinking about how to help educate people about peer-to-peer file-sharing," Bernard said.

"We think there's a better place for Congress to spend its time," he added.

Bernard said he was skeptical of the original statistic because the data used to estimate the figure were never made public.

"When those numbers came out, we questioned them because they seemed so high,"Bernard said.

"Clearly the MPAA has come out and said they've made a mistake interpreting their data, and we're glad they came out and are trying to correct the record."

The

February 4, 2008

Jaguar Service Day to help ‘beautify’ Hillsdale Jason Shepard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jason.shepard@comcast.net

As part of homecoming 2008, Circle K International is hosting Jaguar Service Day on Feb. 9.

Jaguar Service Day is a yearly homecoming tradition in which USA organizations and students come together in a campus-wide community service project.

This year, Jaguar Service Day will consist of a beautification project at Hillsdale Middle School. The project will include painting classrooms, creating bulletin boards, gardening the courtyards and other small projects.

Jaguar Productions will be providing JagTran for students. Two JagTrans will start at 8:15 a.m. from the Jag Tran stop in the Delta parking lot and continue running throughout the morning.

Check-in will begin in the lobby of Hillsdale Middle School at 8:30 a.m. Juice, water, doughnuts and muffins will be provided in the morning for all student participating in Jaguar Service Day at Hillsdale.

Organizations that are competing in Homecoming 2008 can receive homecoming points for their participation. In order to receive points, a competing organization must have at least 10 members working for at least three hours.

Students and organization not competing in homecoming are also encouraged to participate.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon.

Organizations are asked to sign up by Feb. 7.

Please contact Barbara Shirvanian for more information or to sign up. Shirvanian can be reached at (251) 460-6171.

Vanguard

5

US Senate looks into college endowments has received the letter and will respond accordingly.

Campus officials at the UC Berkeley Foundation said University of California, Berkeley they have not received the letter from the Senate commitThe U.S. Senate Finance Committee is seeking answers tee. from more than a hundred colleges, including the Considering the responses to the letters, which are University of California, about their finances in an effort expected by next month, the Senate committee may potento boost transparency on spending. tially subject universities to follow specific spending The UC Berkeley and UCLA foundations, as well as the requirements. university system, were each issued letters from the comUnlike private foundations, colleges and universities are mittee asking about their endowcurrently not required by federal law ments and spending on financial to spend five percent of their “Tuition has gone up, college aid. endowment every year. Additionally, "Tuition has gone up, college presidents’ salaries have gone up gifts and endowment funds are curpresidents' salaries have gone up, and up. It’s not fair to ask whether a rently tax-exempt. and endowments continue to go Some said universities should also college kid should have to wash up and up," said Senator Chuck meet the same spending standards.

Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking mem"Some people are asking, 'Why dishes in the dining hall to pay his ber of the committee, in a comdoesn't the same apply to universituition when his college has a billion ties?'" said Richard Vedder, director mittee statement. "It's fair to ask whether a college kid should have dollars in the bank.” of the Center for College to wash dishes in the dining hall to - Senator Chuck Grassley Affordability and Productivity, based pay his tuition when his college in Washington, D.C. "I think it's a has a billion dollars in the bank." legitimate question."

The letters were addressed to the nation's colleges and About one-third of the university's endowment is universities whose endowments exceed $500 million based restricted to departmental, faculty and student support on the results of a study conducted by the National among campuses, while another 20 percent goes toward Association of College and University Business Officers student scholarships, said Scott Sudduth, UC assistant vice released last week. president of federal governmental relations.

The UC system's endowment funds for 2007 rank 12th "(The university) only (has) discretion over about 2 perin the nation at more than $6.4 billion, according to the cent of the endowment," he said. study. Harvard University is ranked number one with Vedder said he expects the Senate committee to hold $34.6 billion, while the UCLA Foundation ranks 80th with hearings and even consider legislation that would subject $975 million. university endowments to the same requirements as private The UC Berkeley Foundation, which accepts direct gifts foundations. to the campus, ranks 89th, with an endowment of $837 "It's a good political method for politicians in an election million, according to the report. year," he said.

UC spokesperson Chris Harrington said the university

Angelica Dongallo

THE DAILY CALIFORNIAN

The

Vanguard

6 Just a thought ...

Ashley D. McGee LIFESTYLES EDITOR ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

In 1926, Americans began to annually recognize many accomplishments made by African-Americans in what was then known as “Negro History Week,” which eventually developed in to Black History Month 50 years later.

Born to two former slaves, Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with is often referred to as the Father of Black History.

Woodson, who received a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and earned his Ph.D. at Harvard University, grew disturbed with the minimal amount of African-American history documented in textbooks.

In an attempt to make a change, he started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which published a well-respected Journal of Negro History.

According to CNN.com, the journal consisted of several accounts of life-changing accomplishments made by those of African descent and eventually played a key role in the development of Black History Month.

Referred to by many as Black Heritage Month, February is dedicated to acknowledging the sacrifices made by popular black leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Ida B. Wells as well as focusing on the current efforts made by African-Americans like Don Cheadle to aid Africans across the globe.

In addition, Black History month is a time to celebrate many African-American traditions and the success of black history awareness organizations across the country.

The month of February was chosen because of the large amount of events that took place during the month which led to the advancement of African-Americans, including the births of activists Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Dubois.

Black History moments in February: Feb. 3, 1870 – The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.

Feb. 25, 1870 – The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels, was sworn into office.

Feb. 12, 1909 – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded.

Feb. 1, 1960 – A group of AfricanAmericans from Greensboro, N.C. began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter. Their actions were eventually recognized as a milestone in the Civil Rights Movement.

Feb. 21, 1965 – Malcom X was shot to death by three black Nation of Islam Muslims.

Feb. 9, 2995 – Bernard Harris Jr. became the first African-American to walk in space.

Lifestyles

Ashley D. McGee Lifestyles Editor ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

February 4, 2007

New campus organization comes to life Devi Sampat STAFF REPORTER ds608@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The latest addition to the University of South Alabama Department of Biology, the Biology Student Association, officially started spring of 2008, with its first meeting on Monday, Jan. 28. BSA is open to all majors with a general interest in biological sciences and is a way, according to President Jacquelyn Lytle, “to inform and introduce students to other areas of biology.”

“I had thought about it before, but never took any steps to get it started until I mentioned the club to several of my friends and found that they had thought about it, too,” Lytle said. “We had to find a faculty advisors, so, luckily, Dr. Ashley Morris was willing to take on the project, and from there Ashley D. McGee / Lifestyles Editor we worked hard to get it started.”

The newly founded Biology Student Association is open to University of South Alabama students of all BSA’s main goals this year are to intro- majors and concentrations with a general interest in biological sciences. Formal meetings are schedduce and inform students about different uled to be held on the last Monday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Life Science Building Auditorium. areas of biology, allow students to interact with their peers and faculty and incorpo- Axsmith lecture on “Paleobotanic around campus. Officers will announce the social meeting place next week via e-mail. rate community service and job opportuni- Expeditions in Northern China”.

“Dr. Axsmith gave a wonderful presenta- Interested students are encouraged to ties into students’ lives.

Lytle cites her personal interests and tion about his paleobotanical expeditions to attend both meetings, e-mail Lytle at background as reasons why she initially China, which was sponsored by the jsl401@jaguar1.usouthal.edu, if there are N a t i o n a l time conflicts, and look out for a new Web wanted to start an G e o g r a p h i c page devoted to BSA. organization.

Society,” Lytle said.

“I think this club is important because it “Since I am the “I think this club is important first person in my because it will help some students “He and his colleges will help some students realize that there is found many fossil so much more out there to do in biology, family to go to colrealize that there is so much out plants such as and the officers (of BSA) and faculty are lege, I had no idea of there to do in biology.”

Umkomasia, consid- more than willing to help them with any where to start or what came next - Jacquelyn Lytle ered to be one first questions about school or what to do next,” angiosperms (flow- Lytle said. when I first came ering plants); howFounding members of BSA are as folhere,” Lytle said. “I know you have advisors that are there to ever, Dr. Axsmith has done research that lows: President Jacquelyn Lytle, Vice help, but sometimes it’s intimidating to talk shows it is probably not ancestral to the President Znar Barwary, treasurer Wesley Lumpkin, secretary Ashley Velazquez, histo them about other concerns, so our meet- angiosperms.”

Formal meetings will be held on the last torian Angela Johnson, executive officer of ings will help students deal with career Monday of every month at 4 p.m. in the advertising Matthew Burke and faculty preparations and for what’s after college.”

BSA’s first meeting on Jan. 28 allowed Life Sciences Building Auditorium. Social advisor Dr. Ashley Morris. students to meet the organization’s officers meetings will occur on the second Friday of and listen to guest speaker Dr. Brian every month at 6 p.m. in restaurants

Sam Says: “Dr. Sam” CONTRIBUTING WRITER vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Dear Dr. Sam, My boyfriend and I used to spend a lot of time together. Not too much, but more like just enough.

Now he seems like he only wants to hang out with his friends. What should I do? Should I take it personal?

I think the first thing you have to do is figure out what you define as too much. Just because you did not think spending every other hour of every other day together was too much, does not mean that he did not become overwhelmed. Not saying that he shouldn’t have talked to you about how he was feeling, if that was the case, but not everyone is comfortable with expressing his

or her feelings when the or she first feel them. If it is a really big problem for you, then you might want to talk with him (not at him) about it. He may not even notice that he is neglecting you.

Also, you have to realize that you are not the only person in his life that wants his attention. Before you came along, he had a family and friends that were used to spending a lot of time with him. You never know … they may have been giving him crap about spending so much time with you. Some to think about, huh?

Dear Dr. Sam, Because the word "love" is being used so loosely in relationships today, do you feel as if its true meaning is being watered down?

Not necessarily. I think the word itself is not as important as the context in which it is used. For example, saying “Aye shawty, I got much love for you” is nowhere near the same as saying “I love you.” On the same note, telling your significant other “I love you” is not the same as saying “I’m in love with you.” To keep it safe, just be sure that the phrase is surrounded with an entire conversation that explains exactly what you mean before you start throwing the word around.

ASK DR. SAM! Send your questions to vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

7

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

The It List

by Miranda Scorver

Everyone: With Mardi Gras around the corner, everyone is starting to say “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll!)!” You may or may not have noticed, but you are attending a school in the city where Mardi Gras began in 1703. After you are done with classes, you should head downtown and witness this old Mobile tradition. This is a very family friendly event, so be don’t be afraid to invite family to come an experience this event with you. Its absolutely FREE to attend, although there are a few things that you might want to carry a little cash for.

The parade season kicked off Friday, Jan. 18, so if you missed the first one make sure the Mardi Gras season doesn’t end before you attend one of Mobile’s parades.

http://www.dressaday.com

Latoria Cheeks VANGUARD STAFF vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

wear It

Guys: If you’re into tattoos but don’t really like the pain or the fact that it will always be on your body, go out and grab an Ed Hardy ensemble. These are basically http://www.edhardyshop.com tattooed clothes. All of the clothing by Ed Hardy is a remarkable and amazing masterpiece. With their Tshirts, hats, jeans and shoes, you will be sure to make a lasting impression. You can find these clothes at City Gear or online at http://www.edhardyshop.com.

support It

Everyone: If you missed “National Wear Red Day” on Feb. 1, do not think you missed your chance to make a difference.

The Women of Excellence and I.M.P.A.C.T. will be doing their part to raise awareness at the WOE “Dating Game” event on Feb. 13.

According to the American Heat Association, heart related illnesses are the number. one killer of American women. The AHA also reports that heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases kill more American women than the next five causes of death combined. In 2003, approximately 19 females died a day due to some heart-related complication.

During the “Dating Game,” all participants Courtesy of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and guests are encouraged to wear red (which everyone should already be doing that day to “Bleed It Red” for USA Spirit Day) in support of the fight against heart disease. I.M.P.A.C.T. mentors and mentees will be passing out fact sheets with helpful tips on how to prevent heat disease by living a healthy lifestyle.

buy It

Everyone: Need a way to pass time between classes? You should invest in an iPod Touch. This is a hot new gadget that isn’t just your ordinary iPod with a long list of songs.

This iPod with its thin, sleek design and touch screen is a college student’s wish come true.

Not only can you listen to music as you ride along on the JagTran, you can catch up on television shows that you downloaded the night before. It also picks up wireless Internet signals, so you can check your Facebook or e-mail whenever you can get a signal. You can pick up this entertaining gadget at Best Buy, Circuit City or Wal-Mart.

http://www.images.google.com

People Hobbies Finance Travel Lifestyles: The ideas are limitless.

Food

Nightlife

Events Trends Technology If you’re interested in writing, e-mail the editor at Places

Fitness Health ladypoeticsoul@aol.com or call 460-6442.

Charity

Organizations

Greek Keeping you in tune with USA Greek Life

attend It

Girls: Whenever you want to make any type of occasion formal, you always can reach for your little black dress. The little black dress is a timeless classic that’s good for job interviews, work or a night out with the girls. This essential wardrobe piece comes in many different styles, from a mini dress that’s good for a weekend of clubbing’ to a formal evening gown fit for royalty. This must-have for every girl can be dressed up or down depending on the event. If you put on a pair of flip flops, some studs and your backpack it instantly becomes a casual “straight-to-class” ensemble. Afterwards, if your friends decide that you all should go out for a night on the town, run in your room, kick off the flip flops, drop the backpack, hop into some type of high-heeled shoe, grab a necklace and some lip gloss and be on your way. You can find little black dresses anywhere that sales women’s clothes.

This week in

Fashion

The Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrated its 100 year anniversary on Jan. 15. One program featured during the organization's centennial week included a forum for health and studying in which the sorority gave out tips on fitness and effective study methods.

AKA’s founders day program consisted of three empowering speeches on the history of the sorority and details of several major programs that have been implement by the organization.

The ladies of Epsilon Upsilon also hosted a “Women vs. Women” forum which included Pastor Linda Johnson, first lady of Mount Hebron Baptist Church, as the keynote speaker. Pastor Johson encouraged women to get on a successful path with their daily living and God. The last event, a centennial celebration which was held in USA’s Student Center Ballroom, was a huge success, and the sorority would like to thank everyone who helped celebrate its anniversary by attending these events.

The Mu Phi chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. will be passing out information on the March of Dimes on Feb. 7 in the Student Center Breezeway.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council will be hosting the Greek Exodus step show Feb. 22 at the Mitchell Center. The show will begin at 8 p.m., and tickets will available soon.

Feb. 24 will begin “Greek Week” in which each organization will host a week full of events open to the student body.

ON CAMPUS THIS WEEK Wednesday “Super Tuesday” Results Party from 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. in the Delta Area Commons TV room. Free pizza and soda; Jaguar Productions “Midweek Nooner” - Comedy Variety Game Show from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Student Center Market; Circle K Meeting at 5:15 p.m. in Student Center room 222 Thursday African-American Student Association Gospel Choir performance at 12 p.m. in the Student Center Market Friday Homecoming Window Painting Competition from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Student Center Amphitheater.

The

Vanguard

8

Fine Arts

Ashley Gruner Fine Arts Editor amarie588@gmail.com

February 4, 2008

The Arts

ArtWalk festivities provide exciting night Amanda B. Johnson

Ashley Gruner FINE ARTS EDITOR amarie588@gmail.com

If you are ever looking for a new and exciting way to spend your weekends, take a short visit to Theatre 98 in Fairhope. The intimate and artistic setting is a great way to relax and enjoy the culture of this local community.

Theatre 98, a non-profit community theater located in a historic building near downtown Fairhope, is known for its wide range of live plays. The theatre has produced everything from comedies and Shakespeare tragedies to unique and unconventional theatrical performances.

This spring, Theatre 98 will be introducing “Misery,” an adaptation of the thrilling Stephen King novel. This major production is the first of the 2008 season at Theatre 98. The showings of “Misery” will take place on Feb. 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

The play, adapted for the stage by Simon Moore and directed by Randy Hicks, tells the story of a popular romance novelist whose world turns desperate when he is cut off from the outside world by a terrible blizzard. His only method of survival is to follow the demands and instructions of an eccentric stranger, who becomes his roommate in a run-down farmhouse. The novelist’s only way to ensure his survival is to compose a new story for the stranger every day.

Theatre 98 has won numerous local awards, including the Mobile Arts Council’s first Greater Mobile Area Arts Award for arts organizations. The theatre has been a part of Fairhope’s arts scene for more than 45 years.

Theatre 98 is located at 350 Morphy Ave. in Fairhope. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students.

The box office opens on the Monday of the week a production opens. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. To make a phone reservation, please call and leave a message on the theatre voicemail at (251) 928-4366.

This play contains strong violence and language and is not suitable for children.

UPCOMING EVENTS Mobile Opera presents “Some Enchanted Valentine” Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Saenger Theatre USA Theatre presents “Buried Child” Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents “Legendary Love” Feb. 16, 8 p.m.

Saenger Theatre

STAFF WRITER amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com

Fairhope's First Friday ArtWalk was filled with art and much more this month.

The MOJ parade offered revelers a taste of Mardi Gras. As crowds gathered along Section Street in anticipation of the Maids of Jubilee, various galleries opened their doors in hopes of adding art to the festivities.

The Lyons Share Gallery, a familyowned business known for its originality, presented new works from local Fairhope

http://www.dale-brobst.com

Dale Brobst, a featured artist in Fairhope, uses wood to create beautiful works of art.

painter Randy Moberg.

Randy Moberg currently paints only in oil. His subjects consist of figures, landscapes and still life, and he prefers to work on large canvases. His modern abstraction of traditional figures, along with his intense color and magnificent portrayal of light, set Moberg apart from the average artist.

Moberg describes his work as "more representative of life, though not so visually sweet ... I express ideas using colors and shapes to create images that cannot be otherwise described." No image is complete, however, until the artist has viewed the work in all lighting situations and at all angles, which allows him to correct his compositions.

The Christine Linson Gallery is home to not only owner Christine Linson's work, but also the work of local and national artists. Christine's work encompasses large floral watercolors, landscapes and figurative charcoal drawings. Christine began her career in Fairhope around 1998 when she "fell in love with the sunshine and friendly Southern ambiance."

Other artists featured at the Christine Linson Gallery include Dale Brobst and Mary Gates Dewey.

Dale Brobst uses wood as his medium.

With over 75 major art show awards, Brobst has made an impression on the art

http://www.metalbendersgallery.com

The jewelry designers of of Fairhope’s Metal Benders were featured at the First Friday ArtWalk.

world with his inspiration from nature. "I feel that art should be beautiful, uplifting and never ugly, obscene or depressing," says Brobst.

Brobst uses wood from trees that have been damaged in storms, cut down by corporations or removed to provide land for construction. The artist never cuts any trees for the sole purpose of creating art.

Brobst allows the coloration of the grain in his wood to dictate the form. Various finishes and oils complete the piece.

Artist Mary Gates Dewey finds her inspiration from her cat Kaygee, which is X

see ART WALK, page 19

Russian dance company touring U.S. Amanda B. Johnson STAFF WRITER amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com

The Hermitage Ballet, Russia's most prestigious dance company, will continue their American debut at the Mobile Civic Center on Feb. 11.

Hermitage board of director’s member Dr. Michael Donnelly praises the Hermitage Ballet as the "strongest contingent of Russian dancers to have ever come to the United States."

The Hermitage U.S. tour has been developed over the past eight years and is finally making its way to the Southeast and surrounding areas. The company is already planning a second trip in February 2009.

The Hermitage Ballet has spent the last several decades touring Europe and the Far East. This opening season, however, gives Southerners in the United States an opportunity to experience what so often finds its way to the hustle and bustle of large cities like New York.

"This is a tremendous ballet cast, and I hope every seat is filled in Mobile ... the United States is where my focus is, [specifically] in the Southeast,” said Donnelly.

Dr. Donnelly, who sees a demand for ballet improvements in the South, hopes to make the Hermitage Ballet an annual event for the next 10 years.

Under the direction of Victor Korolkov, the Hermitage Ballet will perform the distinguished "Gala Performance,” an event made famous in the theater of Catherine the Great in the Winter Palace of old Imperial Russia. With several internationally famous dancers, as well as each lead soloist being ranked among the top 50 dancers in the world, the Hermitage Ballet will present 10 of the most influential scenes from Russian ballet including "Swan Lake,” "Nutcracker” and "Don Quixote.” The Ballet will feature 12 soloists, including four-year Hermitage soloist Alena Klochkova, who will perform "Dying Swan" from "Swan Lake.” Dr. Donnelly compares lead soloist Irma Nioradze, a member of the Hermitage Ballet since 1998, to the late famed Russian dancer Anna Pavlova.

Each member of the Hermitage Ballet's cast is also a graduate of the world renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Hermitage Theater Company plans to

http://www.hermitageballet.com

The Hermitage Ballet is touring the Gulf Coast this spring. This prestigious dance company will be performing at the Mobile Civic Center on Feb. 11.

fund a scholarship, allowing one student and teacher to participate in 10 days of master classes at the Vaganova Academy. The company also plans to offer dance classes at the Mobile Civic Center for locals. For more information on scholarship rules, please visit http://www.hermitageballet.com.

Tickets for the ballet are priced between $50 and $65 and are available through http://www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (251) 434-0033. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11, with doors opening at 6 p.m. A reception following the performance will allow audience members to meet the dancers, as well as enjoy wine, cheese and one-on-one conversation with world famous members of the Hermitage Ballet.

9 Mithril celebrates with 5th birthday bash The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

Kathryn Garikes STAFF WRITER daffodilkg2@aol.com

On Tuesday, Jan 29, the fifth annual birthday bash for the famous Celtic band Mithril was celebrated at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

Mithril consists of four members: Tom Morley, fiddle; Andra Bohnet, flute and Celtic harp; Ben Harper, guitarist; and David Hughes, percussion and keyboards. The band performs a wide variety of music by blending Spanish, French, Irish and other exotic sounds.

The concert began with a packed house and an enthusiastic set of performers. The musicians seemed confident and at ease throughout the performance while conversing with the audience and making jokes among one another.

Since the show was an annual birthday celebration, the performers played several of their favorites and also several requested pieces from the crowd.

The show opened with a fun, energetic and fast-moving set including the “Cat's Meow.”

Music representing winter came next, with its beautiful and exotic style. In this set, Mithril played “Creston Hens,” their first piece to hit the air.

The show continued with “Celtic Silk Road,” which included a drum solo performed by David Hughes. “Green Sleeves” came next and closed the first half of the show.

The second portion of the musical performance consisted of requests from the audience. “Sparkey at the Wheel,”

http://www.mithril.us

Mithril celebrated their fifth birthday bash last week. The group entertained audience members with lively selections.

“Little Lady” and Irish tunes were only a few of the pieces played by the group. “Little Lady” was a song written by David Hughes. He received inspiration for this piece from his young daughter.

As the show progressed, Mithril performed a “Mardi

USA Chorale to charm audience Daniela Werner STAFF WRITER danigirl6013@gmail.com

Looking to woo that special someone this Valentine's Day? For live entertainment with love and romance written all over it, look no further than the University of South Alabama's chorale performance titled “Romance, Again ...

Please” that will be held on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Joe Pendleton, director of choral activities at the University, will conduct the ensemble in classics such as “Cry Me A River,” “At Last” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.”

The USA Chorale consists of four sections of singers including altos, sopranos, basses and tenors. There are four singers in each section. The chorale is comprised of some of the

Ashley Gruner / Fine Arts Editor

The USA Chorale will be performing their winter concert on Feb. 12 at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

most gifted and dedicated singers at the University, and these vocalists perform choice works from a variety of periods and musical styles.

The select ensemble travels several times per semester to choral conferences around the Gulf Coast region.

Dr. Pendleton has included guest instrumentalist Brad Turner to accompany the ensemble on double bass for its upcoming performance.

“My favorite selections among those present in our upcoming musical offering are those upon which Troy Clark, Brad Turner and I collaborate,” said Zachery Fellman, a bass vocalist and the ensemble's pianist. “We will be offering selections in the jazz and blues idioms with a unique interplay of captivatingly current and undeniably timeless styles. Think Medeski meets Coldplay,” he said.

When asked about her favorite piece to perform this Thursday night, soprano Aimee Riemersma excitedly stated, “Lee Smith and I are singing ‘Un Di Felice’ from the opera ‘La Traviata’ by Verdi. It's really challenging because we basically have to read each other's minds when it comes to tempos, entrances and cut offs. It's fun stuff.”

“This performance is going to be unlike any other chorale performance because Dr. Pendleton is incorporating different instrumentalists, and we are even foregoing our usual attire. We're going to dress to fit the mood of the evening,” said Marc Anderson, tenor.

“This is definitely different from what we have done in the past. It's going to be a refreshing change.”

Tickets for the concert will be sold at the door only. General admission tickets are $5 for USA faculty, staff and students and all senior tickets are $3.

Further information about this event can be acquired by calling the music department office at (251) 460-6136 or the events office at (251) 460-7116.

Gras” set while moon pies were tossed into a surprised and excited audience. The “Lord of the Rings” was a common favorite that followed.

The band later performed a Led Zepplin song, and in the spirit of the music, the guitarist played from the floor of the stage while resting on his side. The show ended with a lively piece and a standing ovation from the onlookers.

Joylyn Reese, music major at the University, said: “Mithril rocks my socks off. I love coming to hear them play!”

The entire performance was entertaining, and the performers were very involved with the audience. At several times during the show, CDs and T-shirts were given out to lucky fans.

The members of the group were clearly excited about their performance. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our fans for their fantastic support during the last five years. It would be impossible for us to have this much fun without being able to share the music with all of you. Love to all!”

Mithril has been performing at arts events throughout the United States. The group has four CDs on Flying Frog Music, including their newest release, “The Return Home.” Their music has been played on several national airways and is continuously downloaded on iTunes.

For more information on Mithril and the group's upcoming performances, visit their Web site at http://www.mithril.us.

Redefining music with Trio Virtuosi Susan Pruitt STAFF WRITER msp501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The famous Trio Virtuosi will present an evening of redefined classical music on Feb. 7 at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

The trio includes violinist Gary Levinson, flutist Eugenia Zukerman and pianist Adam Neiman.

Levinson has been praised for his intense musicality and formidable technique. He has toured solo in Italy, as well as collaborated with Christoper O'Riley, Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrel and Anne-Marie McDermott. He made his U.S. debut at age 13, going on to win virtually all the competitions in the American Midwest. Levinson later performed with the Bernsetin Festival at Orchestra Hall in Minnesota, where he was a source of power and inspiration. He recently toured throughout Europe and is now touring as a member of Trio Virtuosi.

Zukerman has performed internationally with orchestras, in solo and duo recitals, as well as chamber music ensembles. The Boston Globe praises her as “one of the finest flutists of our time.” Her elegant sound, lyrical phrasing and compelling stage presence lend to her popularity as a “bona fide phenom” whose versatility and intelligent programming places her beyond compare.

She has been the artistic director of the international Vail Valley Music Festival in Colorado since 1998. This festival presents many well-known ensembles in revenues such as the New York Philharmonic, the Rochester Philharmonic, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Zukerman has recorded several acclaimed live performances, as well as a collection of opera favorites and solo flute recordings. She also enjoys a career as an author and television commentator. She has been published in various periodicals, as well as publishing an anthology of essays focusing on mother/daughter relationships. She also works with “CBS Sunday Morning” as an arts commentator.

According to the Friends of Chamber

http://www.communitychamberconcerts.com

The members of Trio Virtuosi are Gary Levinson, Eugenia Zukerman and Adam Neiman.

Music’s Web site, Neiman first captured attention of audiences and critics after his concerto debut at age 11 in Los Angeles' Royce Hall. He went on to become the youngest winner of the Gilmore Young Artist Award. After making his recital debut in Washington D.C., the Washington Post praised Neiman for his wisdom and dazzling display of his inner voice through his music.

He has since debuted with the Detroit Symphony, as well as giving solo performances at New York's Lincoln Center and the Walter Reade Theater. He now performs with the Corinthian Trio and Trio Virtuosi.

As stated in an interview with the Greenville News, Zukerman described the ensemble's repertories as “very interesting and ever expanding.” The trio should capture the attention of audience members with its intense style and engaging presence. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to enjoy the music of three talented and world-renowned musicians.

The

Vanguard

10

Entertainment

‘No More Heroes’ filled with guts, gore Jonathan Cashon STAFF WRITER perspicaciousguy@yahoo.com

Imagine, if you will, that someone combined the over-the-top bloodshed of the “Kill Bill” movies, the open-world gameplay of “Grand Theft Auto” and the boss battles of “Shadow of the Colossus.” Actually, you do not need to imagine that, because it is here. Goichi Suda, more commonly known as Suda 51, and his Grasshopper Studios have created it and dubbed it “No More Heroes.”

CONCEPT - Players take on the role of protagonist Travis Touchdown, an Otaku (anime fan) who likes to shop at Area 51. After winning a Beam Katana through an online auction and subsequently killing the 11th ranked assassin in the United States, he decides to kill the remaining 10 so that he may become number one.

Obviously, Travis is not your typical good guy; hence the title, “No More Heroes,” but the insane world, over-the-top action and hilarious dialogue will definitely keep gamers entertained.

GRAPHICS - “No More Heroes” features a cool, grittier type of cel-shaded graphics.

Unfortunately, the character models are the only element that this applies to. While Travis Touchdown and each of the bosses look really cool, the environments in which Travis will traverse are extremely bland.

The town of Santa Destroy looks as if it were made using some technology that was developed sometime between the debut of the Playstation One and the debut of the Playstation 2.

Unimportant non-playable characters and enemies are equally dull. On the other hand, the Quentin Tarantino-styled blood-squirting that results from either slashing enemies or killing bosses looks fantastic.

AUDIO - Featuring lines such as “That was quite a move. I'll admit you've got potential. If challenge had a taste, you'd be quite delicious,” the dialogue in “No More Heroes” is fantastically cheesy and ridiculous. The background music that plays while exploring Santa Destroy is not only low in volume, but quality as well. I did find it interesting, however, that “Heavenly Star” by Genki Rockets, which is featured in the puzzle game “Lumines Live!,” plays in the background when Travis enters a shop.

PLAYABILITY - “No More Heroes” is essentially a “hack-‘n’-slash” game. What sets it apart are the controls. Players will use the Wii Nunchuk to move Travis around, and, when in battle, will use the Wii remote in various ways.

Simply tilting the Wii remote down a little and pressing the “A” button causes Travis to perform low attacks with his Beam Katana, while tilting it up causes him to perform high attacks.

Once enemies are stunned, players can either press the “B” button to execute a wrestling move or move the Wii Remote in the direction of the on-screen prompt, which, typically and bloodily, results in a decapitation or splitting a body in half.

The combat element of “No More Heroes” works great and is a blast to play through. Sadly, the controls of the job minigames (Travis has to earn money to pay a fee in order to fight the next assassin) and Travis’s motorcycle, the “Schpel Tiger,” are rather clumsy.

OVERALL - “No More Heroes” is a marginally fun game that clocks in at around 12 hours in length. The boss battles and dialogue are really the only things that will keep players interested, though, so I would not recommend buying this game at its current $49.99 price.

Stephanie A. Hudson Entertainment Editor stephanieahudson@gmail.com

February 4, 2008

DVD formats battle for dominance Stephanie A. Hudson ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR stephanieahudson@gmail.com

Two major motion picture companies, Paramount and Warner Bros., have decided to exclusively use the Blu-ray DVD format for their DVD movie releases, according to http://www.engadget.com and http://www.wired.com. This is a boon to Sony’s efforts to take over the high definition DVD market. But according to Warner’s chairman and CEO, Barry Meyer, the choice of formats is to give consumers what they want (more storage per disc) and to end the consumer confusion caused by having too many different media types available to the public.

"Warner Bros.' move to exclusively release in the Blu-ray disc format is a strategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to give consumers what they want. The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger,” Meyer said in a press release about Warner’s Blu-ray DVD decision.

The high definition DVD wars have been ongoing since the release of the first Blu-ray DVD in 2005. HD DVDs and Bluray DVDs, created by Toshiba and Sony, respectively, have become the latest craze for DVD consumers. They have replaced traditional DVDs because they offer better viewing and sound quality as well as more storage space, which allows them to hold the much larger high definition movie releases of today.

HD DVDs offer up to 15 gigabytes of storage on each side, while Blu-ray DVDs can hold significantly more data—up to 50 gigabytes per side. Blu-ray’s storage capacity, as well as other factors, has ended the competition between the two media storage types, according to http://www.wired.com.

Sony’s Blu-ray has captured an overwhelming share of the HD DVD market over the last few weeks.

The focus on a Blu-ray-only DVD format will likely bring consumers less stress—now they can focus on buying the product they want without worrying about compatibility. For instance, DVD players for the new high definition formats often only cater to HD DVD or Blu-ray DVD formats. With the industry moving toward a single format, consumers will no longer need to worry about whether the DVDs they have will work with a new player.

Currently, the lowest priced Blu-ray and HD DVD players cost well over $200 for in-home players and about the same for PC versions. While this is much more reasonable than the original $1,500 price of such players, it is still considered high, especially in today’s market of high-turnover consumer electronics. Since the Blu-ray format is now widely adopted among

producers, the price of compatible players should begin dropping with time, just as with pre-HD DVD players of less than a decade ago. Within five years, consumers may see prices under $100 for players.

The latest Blu-ray technology to affect consumers is the adaptation of the technology for camcorders and other recordable media. Back in 2005, Sony announced such technology with an expensive price tag of $20,000. In late 2007, Hitachi offered a comparable camcorder for just under $1,000. The main consumer draw of such new technology is the Blu-ray camcorder’s ability to produce high definition video for even simple home videos.

The most extraordinary part of the DVD wars is the sheer speed at which technology has changed. In less than three years, HD technology has gotten cheaper and easier to use.

While this is true of most technologies, this is just another example of how the time table for change has sped up alongside the technological revolution of the last 30 years or so.

Now, the question is this: How do consumers keep up?

http://www.ign.com

The opposing DVD formats may be the cause of much consumer confusion about which product is best. With Blue-ray gaining the largest share of DVD sales, consumers may no longer need to make the choice.

‘Rambo’ filled with old-fashioned 1980s heroism Eric Smith STAFF WRITER morty18962004@yahoo.com

The 1980s were a very interesting time, as far as cinema was concerned. A new breed of movie was formed by means of burly action heroes who seemed to face insurmountable odds and always triumphed over evil in the end. And, let's not forget the insane amount of gunfire and explosions that usually came with these films as well. We are talking about classics like “Die Hard,” “Terminator,” “RoboCop” and others. These were the films that always gave us a necessary adrenaline rush and proved the bad guys will always lose.

My question is this: What ever happened to the good old-fashioned American hero who blew the hell out of every bad guy still walking just to save the day?

The new “Rambo” film, directed by Sylvester Stallone himself, satisfies that void in our lives 100 percent. The plot of the film is simple: A bunch of missionaries believe that spreading goodwill will help rebels who seem to be oppressed by their own government in current-day Thailand. When the missionaries are taken hostage, “Rambo” and a handful of mercenaries rush into action. This gives the director an excuse to lay waste to everything on screen.

While words alone make a huge understatement, the violence in this film is intense. Supposedly, the level of violence nearly caused the movie to receive a rating higher than “R.” Bodies are perforated, torn apart, sliced, blown up, limbs severed and

vaporized with the utmost glee. Many innocent people are also murdered in this movie, including small children, so if one has a propensity for a weak stomach, do not go see this film.

Personally, it has to be one of the most violent films I have ever witnessed on the big screen.

The quick running time of the film leaves little room for character development, but really who is going to see this movie for the intricate plot line? “Rambo” is what it is: a overtly brutal action movie where the bad guys lose (and lose everything) in the end.

http://www.latimes.com

Stallone makes lethal use of a bow and arrow in the latest “Rambo.”

11

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

Winter Jam 2008 features popular Christian artists The Vanguard reviews CDs of top artists featured at Mitchell Center event Angela Langster STAFF WRITER asl662002@yahoo.com

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, the USA Mitchell Center will host the Winter Jam 2008 concert tour. Tickets will be $10 at the door. Presented by FOX Faith film studio and Holt International, Winter Jam will be hosted by NewSong, along with featured artists BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, MercyMe, pure NRG and Skillet.

Also scheduled to appear is inspirational speaker and author Tony Nolan and the Real Encounter’s Xtreme BMX Skate Team.

A consistent sell out show for the USA Mitchell Center, Winter Jam 2008 is sure to be a crowd favorite. In 2007, BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew and MercyMe all released CDs that received much acclaim. Since these successful artists are scheduled to perform, let’s take a look at how their discs stand up to closer scrutiny.

BarlowGirl - “How Can We Keep Silent” A never-ending cycle of being hurt, dealing with one’s faith and outright angst is the theme of BarlowGirl’s third release, which peaked at number 40 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart.

The album easily flows from the orchestral infused and pleading “Song for the Broken” to “Keep Quiet,” a song about trying to understand why people are afraid to speak out about the faith.

Also included is the whimsical, fun, never-give-up boxing-themed “ One More Round.” At times the CD is peppy; however, the lyrics of “The Guy Song” seems out of place considering the song’s title. Overall, “How Can We Keep Silent” is a great CD for getting through times of http://www.southalabama.edu/mitchellcenter frustration.

Standouts: “ I Believe in Love,” “Here’s My Life,” The USA Mitchell Center hosted the Winter Jam concert tour in 2007 “Million Voices,” “Sweet Revenge,” “One More Round” and will bring the successful show back again this year on Feb. 9. and “No Regrets.”

Upcoming Shows in Mobile Tuesday, Feb. 5 Club Illusions- B. Gizzle The Garage - Bo Roberts & The Port City All-Stars Grand Central - Waitin’ on Jake Banana Docks Cafe Lisa Zanghi Wednesday, Feb. 6 Callaghan’s - Phil Proctor Bubble Lounge - Justin Simmons Thursday, Feb. 7 Double Olive - Josh Ewing

Friday, Feb. 8 Boo Radley’s - Bust Grand Central Above Zero Satori Coffeehouse Heath Underwood, etc.

T.P. Crockmeir’s Oasis Double Olive Shifting Midnight Hurrican Brewing Co. - Hyde Project Saturday, Feb. 9 Hurricane Brewing Co. - Grits ‘N’ Pieces Double Olive Shifting Midnight

Group 1 Crew - “Group 1 Crew” This self-titled CD is a hip-hop-infused stellar debut from Group 1 Crew.

The album kicks off with the self-explanatory, jazzy “Love is a Beautiful Thing” and moves to the Black-EyedPeas-influenced “Let it Roll.” The upbeat theme of this CD continues with “No Plan B,” “Clap Ya Hands” and “What Yo Name Is.” However, the overall buoyant feel of the album makes the song slow and forgettable, and “So High” seems out of place. Thankfully, the powerful “Forgive Me” makes up for the lackluster appeal of “So High.”

Standouts: “ Love is a Beautiful Thing,” “Let it Roll,” “A Lot in Common,” “No Plan B,” “Forgive Me,” “Clap Ya Hands,” “I Have a Dream” and “Put Like That.”

MercyMe - “All That is Within Me” Considered to be one of the most prolific contemporary Christian groups of the 21st century, the group’s sixth release proves that they will continue a successful music career. According to http://www.billboard.com, they only had three weeks to record this CD. The music includes songs like “All That is Within Me,” whose sound has a British rock influence, while “Goodbye Ordinary” has a live-life-to-its-fullest theme. The song “Time Has Come” conveys the message that there is a reason for everything.

A strong orchestral sound is also prevalent on this album especially on the tracks “ God With Us” and “You Reign.”

MercyMe’s ability to write powerful lyrics is evident on “My Heart Will Fly.” Standouts: “ Goodbye Ordinary,” “Time Has Come,” “God With Us,” “Sanctified,” “You Reign,” “Grace Tells Another Story” and “My Heart Will Fly.” For more information about the show, visit the Web site at http://www.jamtour.com or http://www.southalabama.edu/mitchellcenter.

Fans remember talent of Buddy Holly Megan J. Reed STAFF WRITER mjr602@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

This year, Feb. 4 marks the 29th anniversary of Buddy Holly’s death, sometimes referred to as the day the music died. It is amazing how one person, after only two years in the music industry, won the hearts of people everywhere and became one of the most influential musicians of his time..

Holly, originally named Charles Hardin Holly, was born on Sept. 7, 1936 in a small town in Texas.

At the age of seven, Holly began experimenting with music and by the age of 20, he was signed to Decca Records with the band Buddy Holly and the Three Tunes. After a year with Decca Records, Holly decided to record in Norman Petty’s studio under the band name of the Crickets. Holly and Petty were a team to be reckoned with. They took chances that others were too scared to attempt, such as double-tracking. People noticed Holly’s skill and passion and were drawn to him immediately.

Due to Holly’s devotion to his music, the Crickets were such a success that by 1957, only a year after being signed, they already had seven Top Forty singles such as “That’ll be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.” Despite the band’s early success, Holly split with the band in order to pursue another passion, Maria Elena Santiago. The two married on Aug. 15, 1958 and seemed to be happy.

Times were hard for Holly and Santiago due to the fact that Holly had no source of income since he had left the Crickets. In order to provide for his family, Holly decided to perform at the Winter Dance Party, which was held on Feb. 3, 1959.

Nobody imagined that the show Buddy Holly played that night would be his last.

As most know, after this show in Iowa, Buddy Holly, along with two other performers, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, faced their unavoidable demise. The chartered plane that car-

ried the musicians crashed just minutes after take off.

Holly was only 22 years old when he died, but his music was still alive.

Buddy Holly is one of those musicians who will never be forgotten. His music will live on forever through the musicians who come after him. He influenced bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and he will continue to influence many bands to come.

As Buddy Holly said, “This is one night that can never be repeated again … you’ll never see all these people, all these stars on the same stage. This is phenomenal.”

The prophetic nature of this statement will forever haunt Holly’s fans, family and friends.

http://www.wetpaint.com

Sports

The

Vanguard

12 Football coaching candidates dwindle David Hopper SPORTS EDITOR dsh401@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

At least six coaches are no longer on the list of candidates for the South Alabama football coaching position. Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has decided to stay at Alabama according to sources close to the situation. Steele had his second interview with South Alabama on Thursday.

Several other candidates have recently withdrawn their name from the list, including Auburn assistant Eddie Gran, Clemson assistant Dabo Swinney, Central Florida assistant David Kelly and Mississippi State assistant Woody McCorvey.

The hiring process is drawing to a close.

Athletic director Joe Gottfried said a few weeks ago that he and the search committee should be able to hire a head coach by the week of Feb. 11. USA director of public relations Keith Ayers said late last week that he expects a coach will be named this week.

South Alabama's first recruiting class will sign in February 2009, and the first team will play five or six games in 2009.

The plan is to compete in Division 1-AA in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and join the Division 1-A Sun Belt Conference in 2013.

Remaining Candidates

Dan McCarney

Sports Editors vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

February 4, 2008

Eye of the Jaguar

Joey Jones

John Kenny & David Hopper

Vic Koenning

Sparky Woods

Jags streak ends at 13, Jags rebound against ULM Staff Reports vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Entering what could have been a historic weekend for South Alabama, the Jags came up just short on Thursday night as the Mean Green of North Texas ended USA’s winstreak. Over the last few weeks the Jaguars have increasingly gained national exposure as they had received 23 votes in the Jan. 28 AP top 25 poll.

USA 77, ULM 59 The Jags had their first loss of 2008 on Jan. 31 to North Texas before starring in a rout over Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday afternoon on ESPN2. Brandon Davis was the Jaguars’ star of the week with a double-double in each game.

Demetric Bennett scored 23 points in a 77-59 win over Louisiana-Monroe on Feb. 3., as Davis scored 15 and had 13 rebounds, while Domonic Tilford added 15 points of his own.

With just over three minutes left in the first half, the Warhawks had a 34-33 lead. The Jaguars then went on a 7-0 run to end the half with a six point lead. The run was highlighted by a Ronald Douglas dunk and a tip-in with just under a minute left in the first half. USA finished the first half with 57.1 percent shooting from the field compared to ULM’s 42.9 percent. The Jags led going into the locker rooms 40-34.

South Alabama came out on the floor in the second half ready to finish the game off right. USA scored nine straight points, while ULM failed to score for the first five minutes of the second half. The Jag defense held the Warhawks to 25 percent shooting from the field in the second half. The Jaguars outscored ULM 37-25 in the second half to win the game by 18 points.

Head coach Ronnie Arrow said, “A lot of people thought we may have been down after seeing the winning streak end.

We came out in the second half and did the things that we didn’t the other night at North Texas.”

UNT 70, USA 68 Bennett missed a three pointer as the buzzer rang in the Jags first loss since November on Jan. 31 in Denton, Texas.

North Texas defeated South Alabama 70-68 to snap the Jags’ 13 game winning streak. Bennett was the top scorer for the Jags with 22 points, while Daon Merritt and Brandon Davis both added 16. Davis had another 11 rebounds to assist in the Jaguar effort.

The Mean Green started the game by taking a 7-4 lead, but the Jags fought back with a 23-10 run to take a 27-17 lead with just over five minutes left in the first half. USA went into the locker rooms with a 36-30 advantage. USA out-

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

USA’s leading scorer Demetric Bennett putting up a lay-up in USA win over FIU on Jan. 16.

shot North Texas by ten percent in the first half, while South Alabama hit nearly 80 percent from the free-throw line.

The second half belonged to the Mean Green as USA ended the game with 19 turnovers, one of which allowed North Texas to take a 47-41 lead with just over 14 minutes left in the game. South Alabama kept the game within reach, fighting back to just a two point deficit with less than thirty seconds left. The Jags inbounded the ball and ran the clock down to within 10 seconds, when they found Bennett outside the arc. Bennett put up a heroic shot over a defender, but could only catch a little iron as the horn sounded. USA could only manage 26.9 percent from the field in the second half, while North Texas made half of their shots. One bright spot for the Jags on the night was their free throw percentage, which ended at 86.7 percent for the night.

The Jaguars will return to the Mitchell Center on Thurs, Feb. 7 to take on SBC foe Arkansas State before traveling to Troy on Sunday Feb. 10.

Compiled by: Staff Reporter T.R. Risner

Men’s SBC Standings East Division South Alabama

18-4

(10-1)

Western Kentucky

18-5

(10-1)

Middle Tennessee

9-11

(6-4)

Florida Atlantic

9-14

(4-7)

10-12

(3-8)

6-15

(3-8)

UALR

14-7

(6-4)

North Texas

14-7

Troy Florida Int’l

West Division (5-5)

Denver

9-12

(5-5)

Louisiana-Lafayette

9-12

(5-5)

New Orleans

15-8

(5-6)

Arkansas State

8-10

(4-6)

Louisiana-Monroe

8-14

(2-8)

13

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

Lady Jags fall to UNT, beat ULM Staff Reports vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

USA 61, ULM 51 The University of South Alabama women's basketball team defeated Sun Belt Conference opponent University of Louisiana-Monroe, 61-51 on Saturday evening in Monroe Louisiana. The Lady Jags were paced by senior Monique Jones with 17 points and senior Patriece Brunner, and sophomore Shakira Nettles also had double figures with 10 points each.

The Lady Jaguars jumped out to take an early lead 7-5, following a Jones lay up with 17:34 on the clock. The Lady Warhawks knotted the score 9-all at the 13:17 mark.

South Alabama pushed the margin out by five points on a Nettles trey, 14-9, with 10:27 remaining in regulation. ULM began to claw their way back and got the score within one point 16-15 (7:09). That was as close as the Lady Jags let their opponent get in the half. Brunner's trey gave the Lady Jaguars a six point advantage 21-15 with 5:40 to go. The Lady Jags hit the locker rooms leading the match 24-21.

Returning to the court the Lady Warhawks took their first lead of the night 26-24. The Lady Jaguars were determined to regain the advantage and did so following a Jones trey 30-32 at the 16:26 mark.

The clubs fought hard over the next few points, knotting up the match and taking turns leading over the next few points. The Lady Warhawks had a three point lead over the Lady Jags 41-38 with 11:28

remaining; this would be the last time in regulation that the opposing team would hold to the advantage. A Jones jumper gave South Alabama the lead again, 42-41 with just less than 10 minutes on the clock. The advantage appeared to give the Lady Jags the momentum they had been searching for, and the team went on to reel off 11 unanswered points 49-41, at 7:11. USA led by as many as 12 points after Karina Sproal's trey 55-43. The Lady Warhawks attempted to mount a rally and captured four unanswered points, but in the end fell short. South Alabama went on to take the match 61-51.

UNT 87, USA 53 On Thursday evening, the team dropped the ball to Sun Belt Conference rival, University of North Texas, falling 8753 Thursday evening.

Shakira Nettles paced the Lady Jags offensively with 12 points, and team mates Monique Jones and Brittney Rutledge also completed the game in double digits with 11 points each.

South Alabama came out of the box to snap off an early 10-4 lead three minutes into the game. The Lady Mean Green reeled off 13 unanswered points over the next five minutes to grab a 17-10 lead.

Jones ended the UNT spurt with her jumper at the 12:44 mark. USA's Sproal closed the margin to four at 27-23 with a trey with just under nine minutes left in the half, but North Texas continued their pace.

X

see WOMEN’S page 14

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

USA’s Shakira Nettles bringing the ball down the court in USA’s win over UNO earlier this season.

One-on-one with Lee Shirvanian Matt Weaver SPORTS REPORTER punkbrokenlove@aol.com

In his 28 years of broadcasting South Alabama sports, Lee Shirvanian has called some of the most exciting moments in Jaguar history. Shirvanian sat down with the Vanguard last week and shared some of those moments, and in the process, explained why the best is yet to come.

The Vanguard: Thanks for talking

with us.

Lee Shirvanian: You're welcome.

V: So, how long have you been associated with the University?

S: I was working in Pensacola from 1979 to 1980. In '80 the play-by-play man [at USA] left to work with Denver. So they called me in from Pensacola just to do home games. So as a part-timer, I called home games and the Sun Belt Tournament in Charlotte. And that was just basketball.

http://www.wnsp.com

Voice of the Jags Lee Shirvanian in the studio delivering the Morning Sportscenter on 105.5 WNSP.

I didn't start calling baseball till the following year when I came aboard full time.

V: Speaking of men's basketball, what are your feelings on their success this season?

S: I am so happy for Ronnie Arrow.

Understand that I knew him the first time he coached here. I've always had a good working relationship with Ronnie, and our families were close. That said, I was very disappointed when Ronnie was let go during the first half of 1994. Then, this past off-season when the opening occurred and his name surfaced, I was happy. I was happy to not have to break in a new coach.

I knew him, so I understood all of his quirks. Ronnie is great, and he is blue collar all the way. Such a great guy to be around, and I'm happy he's gotten off to such a great start; And not so much for Ronnie, but because we're getting so many people out to the Mitchell Center. It's not all about the coach either; it's about the program doing better and the supporters becoming more visible at games. Student bodies have even increased. It's a revolving door, where a coach begets success and gets the fans to start coming out here.

That's the great part about it.

V: If the Jaguar men continue riding this streak, will that success carry over to a possible NCAA Tournament bid?

S: It did when Ronnie was here the first go around when he beat Alabama. As a strong supporter of the program, I'd like to

believe that that if the Jags were to win the Sun Belt Tournament, that they could make some noise. They did just that when they beat Alabama, and then played Michigan right down to the wire. Of course, that was the 80s and that's not going to parlay itself this time around. And it is so hard to say because it depends on the match-ups and who we would draw.

Would it be a team we match up well with?

As you know, last year his (Arrow) Corpus Christi team played Wisconsin well and deep into that game. But that's why our conference is rated in the “teens,” and theirs would be a top 5, 6 and 7. So there's a reason for that. First of all, they have to win the Sun Belt Conference to get us there. And after that it just depends of match-ups. Obviously, if you're matched up against Memphis, Kansas or a team like that, you're going to have a hard time getting to the next round.

V: Are you in favor of the football program? Excited?

S: Very much so. I'm a big proponent of football. I realize that there will be some bumps along the way. But the way that people are talking about it shows me that this can work. Students like attending a university with football, because of the weekends and the buildup around it. I think it's great. The momentum is building, people are talking about it. Just judging from the resumes of the coaches, this is X

see LEE page 21

14

The

Vanguard

STAFF REPORTS

Women’s X

from page 13

A Nettles bucket at the 7:05 mark cut the deficit by six at 31-25. However, went on a ground shaking 16-2 scoring streak over the next six minutes making the halftime score 51-32.

One of the most glaring stats of the first half is that UNT outscored USA 266 inside the arch.

The Lady Mean Green were able to turn in 16 points off of South Alabama turnovers. Jones led the Lady Jags with 10 first half points from the floor. The second half saw the Lady Mean Green continue with the speed from the beginning of the game, with a 16-4 run over the first four and a half minutes. The Lady Jaguars never answered the call from North Texas for the remainder of the game and UNT took a 34-point win, 8544.

The Lady Jags will be back in action as they take on Arkansas State Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., in the Mitchell Center.

This game marks the first of the final three home games that the Lady Jags will hold this year. They will play Florida Atlantic and New Orleans prior to the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Mobile. The Lady Jags still must face Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky in the home stretch.

Compiled by: Sports Reporter Tiffany Griffin

February 4, 2008

Women’s SBC Standings Staff Reports

vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

East Division Western Kentucky

18-5

(11-0)

Middle Tennessee

14-8

(9-2)

South Alabama

15-7

(6-5)

Florida Int’l

9-13

(5-6)

Troy

10-12

(3-8)

5-15

(1-10)

UALR

15-6

(7-3)

Louisiana-Monroe

13-8

(6-4)

Arkansas State

12-10

(7-4)

North Texas

10-12

(5-5)

New Orleans

12-10

(6-5)

Denver

7-14

(2-8)

Louisiana-Lafayette

5-16

(1-9)

Florida Atlantic

West Division

Women’s Tennis takes win

The University of South Alabama women’s tennis team took a commanding 6-1 win over Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday afternoon. No. 2 team of Adrianna Solarova and Sylvanie Spangenberg overcame early woes to win thier match at 8-6. The No. 3 position that consisted of Jelena Krivacevic and Erica Krisan won their respective match with an 8-3 final.

Men’s Tennis falls short in Tallahassee

The University of South Alabama men's tennis team dropped a tight match to the 18th ranked Florida State, 6-1, in Tallahassee, Fla. Marek Sramek and Sergio Ramirez defeated partners Sam Chang and Brad Mixson 8-2 and were the only Jag pair to go undefeated in the three matches.

In singles, the Jaguars came out with more passion to defeat their opponents.

Again, South Alabama was only able to win one match. R.J. Nagel out-scored Chris Cloer in straight sets, 7-6 (9), 6-2.

The Jaguars will return to the home courts with a dual match against West Florida Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m.

Former Jag golfer in China

Former South Alabama All-American

Heath Slocum and Team USA teammate Boo Weekley fell short on hole three at the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup of Golf, Sunday. Hosted by the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzen, China, USA was one stroke short against Scottish teammates Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren.

Team USA fought a gruesome battle, and Slocum putted his way into the playoff after making two birdies on the last four holes. Slocum and Weekley held the advantage by one stroke after the first three days and completed the four-round tournament with a 25-under par 263.

Former Jag Gareth Maybin also competed in the tournament playing with Michael Hoey for Ireland. They finished 24th, seven under par 281.The World Series of Golf has a 54-game history.

Clarisse Moh gets SBC weekly honors

Lady Jaguar senior Clarisse Moh has been named Sun Belt Conference Female Runner of the Week, after running the best time in the nation. She completed the 800-meter run with a school-record time of 2:06.87 to take home the victory at the Tom Jones Classic.

Moh earned a provisional spot for the NCAA indoor championships, which will be hosted at the University of Arkansas later this season.

Compiled by Sports Reporter Tiffany Griffin

Opinion

Matt Flanagan Opinion Editor pufferfishx@gmail.com

The

Vanguard

15

February 4, 2008

OUR VIEW

Get involved, get experience or be prepared to Super Size meals

S

TUDENTS SHOULD ALWAYS be thinking forward, actively preparing for their life after they graduate.

For many, this includes preparing for their career of choice. For others, this may mean preparing for graduate school. Whatever the student’s choice may be, he or she needs to know what it is going to take for him or her to be successful down his or her path of choice.

Armed with this knowledge, it is up to each and every individual to strive for his or her goals.

The harder a student works and the more the student prepares for what lies ahead, the better the position he or she will be in to achieve these goals.

In many fields, showing up to class and making good grades is not sufficient to be competitive; many students need to get involved with extracurricular activities directly related to their career choice.

Generally speaking, this means participating in professional organizations and gaining work experience in the student’s field of interest.

It is up to the individual students to seek information pertaining to what kind of experience future employees or graduate schools will be looking for.

With this said, advisors and professors also have a responsibility to make students aware of the realities they may face upon graduation.

The lack of necessary involvement is noticeably rampant among communication majors. Many communication major, especially those in print journalism, have chosen this path because of a desire to be involved with some medium in print journalism.

The field of print journalism is very competitive. Well paying, respectable jobs are hard to come by, especially coming right out of college.

To even have a chance of landing a job, it is imperative a student has an established portfolio or publications on hand. And there is no excuse for a student not to have one.

Students at USA have access to a fairly large and comparatively well put-together student newspaper.

This year The Vanguard has had

an extremely liberal policy in recruiting and hiring new writers. Basically, the policy has been that if you want experience and are willing to work, we are willing to give anyone who walks through our door a chance to write.

If someone interested in journalism as a career does not want to work for The Vanguard -- whatever his or her reason may be -- he or she needs to get involved with some publication somewhere.

The Mobile area offers several community papers that are usually more than willing to give a good college writer a chance to contribute.

Without a portfolio, a student might as well get use to asking “Would you like fries with that?”

On top of having a solid portfolio, it is also advisable that students interested in journalism complete some kind of internship, or receive comparable professional work experience, prior to graduation. Most moderateto larger-size publications will expect some kind of professional experience.

Without minimal professional experience, most graduates will find themselves fighting for low-paying jobs at small publications, even with a portfolio.

Professors have a key role in waking up students and informing them about what is expected of them upon graduating. Casually encouraging participation is not enough. From day one, they need to be drilling into students heads that if they don’t get involved, they won’t get a job.

It’s ridiculous for students to be sitting in a senior seminar class and not have any work published. It’s even more ridiculous to know that part of the reason why the students didn’t get involved was becuase no professor stressed to them the necessity of publication. Most editors won’t look at a resume, unless the applicant can show proof of publication and experience. A degree can only get you so far.

This isn’t just true for journalism majors. With just about any career choice, if a student wants to be competitive after graduation, it is imperative that a student gets involved and secures adequate experience.

Your opinion matters.

Write a letter to the editor.

The

Vanguard

‘Incompetence’-Mart I have a small 15 inch TV. That was great when I lived in a dorm room and my bed was a foot away from the screen. Now that I have an apartment, and a rather nice-sized living room, I have spent many dollars on Advil because of straining headaches I acquire from attempting to watch television.

So, last Tuesday I set out to buy a new TV, a relatively cheap but nice TV. And where would any college student on a limited budged head toward?

Wal-Mart, of course--specifically the one on Schillinger Road.

I am not the biggest fan of the store and was already a tad repulsed by the employees, but hey, what would 15 minutes of shopping do to me?

Apparently a lot.

I found the TV that I wanted: a big, fat 27 inch TV for $200. So I stood in front of the TVs, just looking around, waiting for one of the five employees at the service desk to walk up to me and say, “Hi, can I help you?”

Apparently I just ask too much of people.

So I walked up there myself and asked if I could get some help taking the TV to my car. The employee replied with a roll of his eyes and an exasperated, “I guess I can do that.” Well, I gave the kid a break. I mean, he had been working since 2 p.m., and it was almost 6 p.m.; his poor feet must have hurt.

He and another male took the TV to my car for me and had a field day trying to put this huge box in my tiny 2002 Kia Rio. They were laughing, making jokes, spouting profanities and speaking of their place of work in an extremely negative tone, as they were crawling through my car. You get the picture: extremely unprofessional.

Well, it got to the point that the TV had to be taken out of the box to fit in my car. No problem, at least not until they tried to put it in the front seat,

which is where I believed they broke the TV on my glove compartment.

It was raining; it was cold and windy, and there were people walking and screaming, and my car is an old piece of crap that makes weird noises.

Consequently, I didn’t think twice about the cracking noise I heard. The TV was finally placed upside down in the back seat. The door was closed, and I proceeded to get in my car when one of the boys, again showing his professionalism, attempted to hit on me despite a ring on a certain finger of mine, asking where I lived and where I went to school. Needless to say, I quickly drove off.

About 45 minutes later, I arrived at my house in midtown Mobile. My boyfriend took the upside down TV from my car, and that was when we saw the completely busted frame. I immediately called Wal-Mart. I asked Amber-Marie to speak with a manager or someone in charge of Isenburg the entertainment departStaff Writer ment. A woman who failed to identify herself answered the phone. I told her what happened, and she happily told me to bring the TV back up there and that they would exchange it “with no problem.” I repeated it to her and asked if I could bring it up now for an exchange. She assured me an exchange would take place.

So I again drove all the way to the Wal-Mart on Shillinger Road. It was pouring by this time. I managed to get the TV into a buggy and to customer service. I explained what happened, and the woman told me to go to the back, get another TV and that I could then follow through with the exchange.

When I returned, there was a very unhappy comanager, the two boys and another woman who X

see ‘Incompetence’-Mart, page #

‘Oh no! The sky is falling!’

Well, the sky isn’t really falling, but a U.S. spy http://www.cia.gov) of all U.S. imports, second only satellite is. to Canada by 0.1 percent (percentage represents And don’t even ask where it’s going to hit, total dollar value, not the actual amount of prodbecause NASA claims they don’t know—though ucts).

I’m not sure I’d trust them, even if they claimed to But I digress. know: According to CNN, in 2002, NASA predictIs it just me, or is it becoming a trademark of our ed the landing location of even more U.S. space institutions to be negligent, irresponsible and tribaltrash and was off by thousands of miles. istic? The satellite is just another project that the The most recent satellite is set for haphazard United States started and doesn’t have the sense to arrival in late February or March. Either way, it maintain or terminate—like the educational system should make for an exciting leap or our world policing. year time or Easter. The satellite So I’ve been trying to come up could contain hazardous materiwith a way to, for lack of a better Brandon al and, for all we lay people phrase, numb the anger. I’ve McLeod know, could land anywhere, decided that the best solution is including the United States. to have a “Truman Show” party Contributing Writer The U.S. official who spoke in reference to the camera that with CNN about this uncertaincomes hurtling out of a comty (who wished to remain anonypletely clear sky and almost mous because, as CNN states, the situation “is still crushes Jim Carrey. In reality, it doesn’t seem much secret”) asserts that there is fear that the satellite will different than the movie. The movie, of course, is end up in the wrong hands, citing China and Russia hyperbolic of any actual situation, but this was a spy as possibilities. satellite, and there are wire taps—even if the FBI That is the part that doesn’t really make sense to often forgets to pay their phone bills and the lines me. I’m used to the U.S. government neglecting are often shut down. All-in-all, there’s nothing we projects, and it’s not really a surprise to me that the can do about this spy satellite possibly coming down satellite is coming down in an uncontrolled freefall. on top of our -- or someone else’s -- heads; so we I am surprised, however, that the United States is may as well have a party. If I’m going to die due to still trying to instill a fear of communism in U.S. negligence, I at least want to be having fun American citizens. while doing it.

China accounts for 15.9 percent (according to

16

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

POINT COUNTERPOINT Do increased security measures equal ‘safety?’

We should increase common sense Jennifer Horton CONTRIBUTING WRITER bunchacrunch85@yahoo.com

The last time I took a flight, my plane departed at 10 a.m. So, of course, I had to get up at six so I could make it to the airport by eight. Sound familiar? If you have flown in the past seven years or so, you know exactly what I mean.

Since Sept. 11, our whole concept of flying has changed. It is understandable.

Something that we thought was just a safe and very convenient mode of transportation turned out to be an instrument used to produce the worst terrorist attack the nation ever witnessed.

Security was too lax and needed to be improved upon. It began slowly at first.

The first time I flew after the attacks, I was flying alone, and my dad took me to the airport. I had flown solo many times but was accustomed to someone waiting at my gate with me until I boarded my flight. Not anymore. No ticket, no access into the terminal. Other than that, I really didn't see much of a change. Little did I know that this was only the beginning of safety measures that would make flying about as much fun as a visit to the dentist.

Over the years, things continued to become more and more strict. I flew about twice a year, and each time I felt like the new kid in the airport. There were more and more rules that had been put in place for our safety. People, including myself on more than one occasion, were pulled out of line and our things were searched: fingernail clippers became weapons of death, and God help you if you resembled someone of Middle Eastern descent. Not only did you receive suspicious looks from fel-

Maybe they equal ‘more safe’ than ‘sorry’

low travelers, but you were much more Matt Flanagan likely to be the object of a “random” OPINION EDITOR pufferfishx@gmail.com search.

I took a hiatus from flying for a few When I think of Sept.11 as the cause years until a couple of months ago. I for our increased flight security, all I see was astounded when I checked in. I had are lines of shoeless people taking flights not been introduced to the removal of to vacation spots to sit and lie in the sun, all coats, hats and shoes by every person not terrorist agents wanting to blow up going through the terminal. We all small portions of our country in the name stood in line, most with bitter looks on of something they somehow connect with our faces at the inconreligion. venience of removing all Maybe I’m just optiof our winter attire, mistic. barefoot and waiting for I mean, it seems kinda our turn to be searched. ridiculous in the short The less-than-cheerful run: You check in at demeanor of the airport least two hours early for personnel didn't help a flight that may only matters, either. It felt a just be across the state lot like I would imagine border; you wait patientyour first day in prison ly to be checked in by a would be. My purse was clerk, who then ushers emptied, and my bottle you to a place where of water deemed too you’re forced to remove dangerous to proceed, your shoes and place all but luckily I made the personal belongings in cut. compact plastic containI felt I would be more ers; you’re regarded a http://criminal-justice-online.com derelict if you have even prepared on my flight home. I was aware that I Airports have increased airline security a slight ounce of would not be allowed to due to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, much to melanin in your skin. take any liquids or lotions the chagrin of the general public.

If you come back on the plane, so I made from your vacation hotsure I didn't have any spot with a tan, be precontraband and thought I would be pared to answer some questions! “Sorry cleared to pass. However, I hadn't officer, I just felt like catching some rays. It counted on the prohibition of peanut was a beautiful day.” butter. I stuck some in my bag, since I But at the same time, it seems like while had a considerable layover and refused we’re in the middle of the small stuff, we to pay eight dollars for a turkey sandforget why these measures are in place. wich in the airport. My jar of peanut They’re in place to catch potential terrorists and otherwise keep events like those X see SECURITY, page 21 on Sept. 11 from ruining your vacation to

that favorite hot-spot (among many other people’s).

All of a sudden, removing your shoes and standing in line seems like such a small price to pay.

Now, don’t get me wrong: It seems very silly to sacrifice your personal feelings of security and patience just because there are current federal regulations that say “you’re only safe if you do.” I’ll be the last person to condemn someone who wishes we had better security in not only our airports but all forms of mass transit.

I also won’t disagree with the person who thinks that these measures are just a bunch of fear-mongering and that we’re all being told things are much worse than they are. It may very well be true.

At the same time, I won’t argue with it.

I won’t bother holding a grudge against the security officers at the end of the airport security line who want me to take off my shoes for the sake of keeping us all in safe hands. That would be selfish and silly, as well.

It just seems like a pity that we’re forced to undertake such lame, ridiculous measures just for some peace of mind. And while I’m not in any position necessarily to pin the blame on who is directly at fault for getting us in the business of fearing all that surrounds our nation, I will say that there are certain measures -- such as the removal of shoes and the prohibition of liquids in luggage -- that only continue the feeling that we are surrounded by citizens who hate us, who want us dead.

Using measures that help break us from this fear is the first step to becoming a more capable nation in the end. Until we break the cycle of fear that coincides with our legislation, we will allow the terrorists to win.

Question of the week: What made you choose USA as a school?

“It’s close to home.”

“It’s one of the few universities that offers Russian as a major.”

“I won’t have to go out of town to attend school.”

Ashley Denson Sophomore Elementary Education Nicole Moore Sophomore CIS

“It’s local, which is convenient.”

Erica Kaempfer Freshman International Studies/Russian Tommy Jacksonl Sophomore CIS

17

The

February 4, 2008

Vanguard

The power of visual stimulation: showing documentaries in class Dr. Mir Zohair Husain SPECIAL TO THE VANGUARD zhusain@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The mission of a university is to promote discussion and debate, to encourage a diversity of perspectives and opinions, and to foster intellectual development and enlightenment.

Showing informative documentaries in class enlivens and enriches classroom discussion, thereby fulfilling the true mission of a university.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a documentary as “a motion picture that records news events or shows social conditions without fictionalization.” Documentaries present factual information collected from “documents” about real events, places, and people.

Documentaries usually include a narrative or commentary, actual archival film on the person, place, or event, and interviews with people who experienced the event or have researched and written about it.

Merits • Since we are teaching a generation predominantly weaned on television, showing documentaries with dynamic and powerful images is an effective way to spark students’ interest.

• Research shows that the majority of people process information in their brains in the form of images. As a cliche goes “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Therefore, showing brief documentaries that cover central concepts can improve a student’s understanding of the course.

• Documentaries can provide depth and new perspective on textbook concepts and theories.

• According to another cliché, “Variety is the spice of life.” Showing documentaries is a most welcome break from routine, and students can gain different perspectives on the topics discussed in class.

• Research shows that the more senses we use, the better we remember. Films engage both our viewing and listening skills. Documentaries can also be used to initiate informative and intellectually stimulating classroom discussions, thereby creating an experiential and memorable learning experience.

• Deconstructing and analyzing documentaries contributes to media literacy. After being taught to analyze visual media in a controlled educational environment, students will be less susceptible to passively accepting what they see on television, on the Internet, and in the movies.

• Students who are afraid to ask their teachers questions and make critical comments about their lectures may feel less inhibited in questioning or commenting on the points made in the documentary.

• Teachers can use ideas generated from the documentaries to augment their future lectures and writings.

Demerits • Due to time constraints, the textbook and syllabus in the class may not be completed if more than a select few documentaries are shown. Important concepts and theories in the textbook, which are central to an understanding of the course, may not have been read or discussed.

• If students find the documentary to be boring, they may consider it a waste of time and hold it against their teacher for abdicating his or her role as the principal educator.

• It might be argued that teachers in academia should be making every effort to counteract the current generation’s addiction to television rather than adapting their classes to accommodate it.

Recommendations • Documentaries must be selectively chosen to optimize learning.

• Documentaries are more suited for upper level classes with fewer students than introductory classes.

• The teacher should always view the documentary in its entirety before showing it.

The teacher will then be familiar with the contents of the documentary and will be able to discuss it intelligently with students. Moreover, viewing the documentary before class also helps the teacher determine whether to show the entire documentary or only parts of it.

• Finalize the dates and times of all documentary presentations and include them in the syllabus. This will give students time to prepare intelligent questions and make pertinent comments after the documentaries.

• Ask students to read and familiarize themselves with the subject of the documentary. Students should be prepared to ask at least one question or make at least one comment in class after the documentary.

• Inform students that asking pertinent questions and making relevant comments will earn them bonus points in their final grade.

• Make it a point to test the audiovisual equipment before class to avoid unnecessary delays. The class will proceed smoothly, and the students will enjoy some much needed infotainment.

• Teachers must play an active role during the question and answer period. They should not only ask pertinent questions, but compliment students for asking questions and making comments. Teachers should also further develop the points being made by students.

• It may be helpful to pass out a fill-in-the-blank or short-answer worksheet prior to the viewing. Requiring students to answer simple questions about the documentary while they watch ensures that they will pay closer attention.

http//:www..inhouse.unt.edu

Professor David Bates regularly employs the use of documentaries and other multi-media tools as classroom learning devices. Here he shows a documentary on artwork.

• Documentaries shown in class should be placed on reserve in the Instructional Media Center of the main library. This will enable students to see the documentaries at their own convenience.

• Always include questions from the documentaries in pop quizzes, tests, and/or examinations.

• If the course involves foreign countries, it is always advisable to transport students to those countries by showing documentaries about them.

• Require students to write critiques on all the documentaries shown in class. A documentary critique checklist that I have developed appears below. Encourage students to revise their critiques several times before submitting them. This exercise not only enhances critical thinking skills, but also provides the instructor with more information about whether he/she should show the documentary again.

Documentary Critique Checklist Introductory Overview • Does the title succinctly encapsulate the essence of the documentary?

• Does the title capture your interest?

• What is this documentary’s target audience?

• Who produced and/or funded the documentary?

• When was it produced?

Strengths and Weaknesses • Is the documentary informative and educational?

• Is it entertaining?

• Is the commentary thoroughly researched and easy to understand?

• Is the principal commentator an effective communicator?

• Is the layout tightly, tastefully, and effectively organized?

• Are the visuals appealing, poignant, and engaging?

• If there is background music, is it appropriate?

• Did the documentary complement the subject matter in the course?

• Is the information current or out of date?

• Are the sources used and people interviewed credible?

• Did the documentary have interesting archival footage?

• Were the statistics presented in the documentary helpful?

• Do you think the statistics provided could have been skewed or misrepresented?

Overall Opinion • Was the overall documentary balanced or biased?

• How would you improve this documentary?

• Did it capture and hold your attention from beginning to end?

• How effective are the introduction and conclusion?

• Was the information provided provocative to stimulate further research about the subject?

• What emotional response do you have to this documentary?

• Was the documentary memorable?

• Will you see this documentary again?

• Will you recommend this documentary to your friends?

• Will you purchase it for your own personal video library?

• What overall rating would you give this documentary? (on a “0” to “5” scale—“0” being the worst score and “5” being the best)

18 Band X

from page 1

rowing the list of candidates when all of the applications are complete.

“Once the list is narrowed down to a handful, several candidates will be invited to campus for an interview, which will include interaction with our current music students,” Gruner said.

Student and faculty input will be considered and a candidate will be chosen.

Gruner believes a 200-member ensemble forming within the next few years is not at all unrealistic.

The first performance of the marching band program will be in the fall of 2009.

University officials believe the ensemble will continue to grow over the next few years.

Student scholarship opportunities will be available for qualified students. The scholarships will be based on musical ability and ensemble needs. All interested students are encouraged to audition at the appropriate

Blotter X

from page 3

The female victim advised that her exboyfriend had been repeatedly harassing her since she broke up with him last month. The female student also said that the offender has come onto campus looking for her.

01-30-08 Theft of Property

The

Vanguard time. Students may contact the music department at (251) 460-6136 to leave their contact information.

When a director is hired, all students who expressed interest will be contacted.

The USA board of trustees approved funding for the marching band program.

The funding includes scholarships for students, band uniforms and travel needs.

Some appropriations will be provided through student fees.

Over time, more ensemble opportunities will be available within the music department, as well as additional classes. Gruner said this will benefit all aspects of the program, not just the instrumental area.

“I think the marching band program is a tremendous opportunity for our students.

There is already a lot of excitement about it in the community,” Gruner said. “In addition to being fun for students and supportive of our athletic teams, a marching band is a terrific representation of the University.”

February 4, 2008

Phones to love.

The Cellular South Valentine’s Day Sale.

MOTOROLA W385 camera phone

FREE

after $30 mail-in rebate — instant rebate online 2-year contract required

Get a FREE color faceplate with purchase of Motorola W385 while supplies last

A male student reported that his wallet was stolen at the Rec. Center. The wallet contained several credit cards, a driver’s license and a social security card. Police are investigating.

01-30-08 Burglary A male student reported his laptop stolen. The laptop is valued at $1,000. A female suspect was identified, and an investigation is pending.

MOTOROLA ROKR Z6m MP3 player camera stereo Bluetooth

$

99

after $100 mail-in rebate 2-year contract required

MOTOROLA W315

FREE 2-year contract required

shop online · cellularsouth.com or shop by phone · 1-877-CSOUTH1 free 2-day delivery for online and phone orders placed before 3:30 pm.

MOBILE WESTWOOD STORE: behind Chick-fil-A on Schillinger . MOBILE: Bel Air Mall MOBILE AIRPORT STORE: next to Ethan Allen Furniture . FOLEY: 119 South McKenzie Street TILLMAN’S CORNER: in front of Lowe’s . DAPHNE: 6850 U.S. Highway 90, Suite 1

New activation and two-year contract required. Phones and offers good for a limited time only.

Motorola W385, free after $30 mail-in rebate or instant rebate online. Color faceplate free, with purchase of Motorola W385 while supplies last. Motorola ROKR Z6m $99, after $100 mail-in rebate.

Motorola W315 free, no rebate required. Service activation required for free phones. Phone pricing, availability and offers may vary by market. Certain restrictions, taxes and/or fees may apply. Visit cellularsouth.com or see store for details. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. ©2008 Cellular South, Inc. All rights reserved.

19

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

Odyssey X

from page 1

Members can choose which lecture they would like to attend based on their own interests and curiosity.

“We try and give a balance of classes,” Matherne said. “We like to give them a choice between history, art, literature and anything that sparks their interest.”

I attended McDonald’s lecture of the English language. McDonald, a former Wright school teacher, taught five topics: Old English, Middle English, Renaissance English, “Beowulf ” and Chaucer. More than 45 members listened as McDonald taught the class the many ways English was spoken. Her sense of humor kept the class alive, as she read a passage written in Old English that no one understood.

“It’s a good review, good experience and it’s very interesting to learn,” Hullibarger said.

“There are no tests, no grades and no note-taking. It’s just a good lecture.”

I proceeded to the religious philosophy class, led by Mike Monheit, where he was teaching the Reformation. “Most of our members attend this lecture because the topics are interesting and is related to religious references and the history of it,” Matherne said. The interest of the audience was sparked as Monheit discussed the works of Calvin and Luther.

Ann Browning is this years Odyssey’s president. She joined the program three years ago when friends told her about it. “I really enjoy this program,” Browning said. “It stimulates your mind.”

There is not much publicity about the program, Odyssey members explained. “There isn’t enough information about the program for people to start,” Hullibarger said. “Most of our members hear about it from their friends. We want young people to be a part of it too so that they can continue to be with South after they graduate.”

The Odyssey program not only continues the education of those that yearn it, but it offers up to $500 of scholarship money to College of Arts and Sciences students who are academically talented but face hardships. “It is for students who left school and are returning or did not have an opportunity to go to college immediately following high school,” Matherne said.

“I never thought I was going to make it college,” Jason Shepard, spring 2006 winner, said. “It was great being honored for my academic achievement. It really meant a lot.”

“All the people involved were extremely nice, and it’s great to see people dedicated to just

Art Walk X

Marzieh K. Atigh / Staff Photographer

Aaron Michelson discusses with Odyssey students in the religious philosophy class Friday. Students meet each Friday to learn new topics with different instructors. More than 170 students attend each Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Humanities Building.

learn and not sit in a class for a grade,” Shepard said.

Anyone can join the Odyssey USA program. “All ages are welcomed,” Matherne said.

“It just happens that most of our members are retired, because everyone else works.”

The fees are $110 a year or $60 for six months. Members take special field trips and attend monthly luncheons with guest speakers focusing on issues and happenings in the community.

‘Incompetence’-Mart

from page 8

short for "kiln god." Dewey's clay cats emerged in 1982 during her stay in the foothills of the Appalachians.

"My cats are handmade of clay, and the colors and patterns are produced by an ancient method of firing called sawdust or ‘pit’ firing. Once the piece has been bisque fired in a kiln, it is buried in sawdust and the sawdust is burned. The smoke from the sawdust, produces the permanent colors in the clay. Sizes vary slightly and color patterns are random."

Dewey's cats continue to evolve, seeking inspiration from the peace and beauty in the nature that surrounds her.

Craftsmen and jewelers from Fairhope's Metal Benders offer a different taste of art. The jewelry designers at Metal Benders seek to create distinctive jewelry from a diverse group of artists, both local and national.

House jeweler and designer Bill Wismar became an apprentice of jewelry crafting after becoming influenced by his local coastal home of Texas. He sought to embrace natural form and free-flowing contours. Bill opened Metal Benders in 2006, hoping to fulfill his dream of providing Fairhope with distinctive jewelry design.

The First Friday ArtWalk will take place each month in downtown Fairhope. Each event will offer artgoers the chance to experience the work of craftsmen and well-established artists. The atmosphere of good music, good food and beautiful art makes Fairhope a prime place for families, friends and afficionados of art.

X

from page 15

looked incredibly unhappy. Now, I had been civil up until this point, but this was starting to get ridiculous.

The co-manager then asked me what happened, and then proceeded to tell me in a very sarcastic tone, “Um, I am not going to do an exchange.” Because “her boys” just wouldn’t load a broken TV. Well, I then proceeded to tell her that “her boys” did in fact load a broken TV; it may have been accidental, but it happened.

From that point on, I was a liar to them. I told them I had called and spoken with someone and that she told me to come up there for an exchange. They called the only woman not accounted for, and she told them that she only told me to come up there so that they “could check it out.” If that were the case, I would not have driven up there that night. I would have waited until after school the next day. Again, it was implied that I was lying, which angered me much more than being given a broken TV. I was asked to leave, and I was very happy to. I was half way out the room when the co-manager yelled to me, “Um, you have to take this with you.” Of course, in reply, I yelled back, “Oh, so you want me to take THAT home with me?” I took it. No one offered to help me

bring it to my car. As a side note, NEITHER of the boys that loaded the TV would look me in the face the entire time I was up there.

I called my parents after that, fuming. My dad knows the district manager. Lucky for them, I didn’t call anyone except my dad. Though I did return the next day with the TV and my mother. She spoke with the manager, and the exchange was completed.

I am not so sorry to say that Wal-Mart stores have lost my patronage forever; the corporate office will be getting a letter from me. I am sick of going to that store and dealing with white-trash employees that are too lazy to simply smile and ask a customer how he or she is doing. I am sick of walking in there and getting cat-calls from employees again, even though I have a ring on my finger. That shows complete disrespect to me, the customer, and the company. I have to admit, though, that the company does not deserve much respect if they are willing to hire such people. From now on, my money will be spent on better-quality items purchased at local stores that will support the locals. A wise person once told me that the “smartest thing you can do with your money is to keep it within your community.”

I think I shall heed that advice from now on.

Sutton Place A p a r t m e n t s

“When You Want The Best” More than 70 great tasting all natural smoothies including: • low fat • meal replacement • low carb • weight gain • high protein • malts & shakes • high energy •speciality

Be good to yourself!!!

310 S. University Korbet Square at the Loop HWY 98, Daphne

Looking for a NEW PAD? HOP on in and live HOPPILY ever after!

Reasonably priced studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Convenient to the USA campus, shopping, dining, hospitals & businesses.

CALL US TODAY 251-344-5879

701 S. University Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36609

20

The

Vanguard

February 4, 2008

The

February 4, 2008

Lee X

from page 13

going to be great. There are 60-70 head coaches, assistant coaches who have shown an interest, who believe that this can be a good area to conducive to producing successful football in. So, yes, I'm very much in favor. I just hope the momentum will carry over when we start playing the games.

V: You mentioned possible coaches.

What type of coach is best to help an upstart program like USA? S: The coaches I'm hearing from now have a lot of success. The coaching staff will have to be able to recruit well. They will have to adapt to and have great communication with the community. I think of a coach like Jim Leavitt. He did a great job with a virtual unknown like South Florida. It is going to have to be a guy who can get the community to see his team. Recruiting will have to be done not only at the South Alabama area, but from the Mississippi and Louisiana levels as well. The coach will have to bring a lot of excitement and energy. It' going to have to be a coach who can sell the program, sells tickets, and most importantly sells himself.

I believe that would be a pretty good start.

V: Do you think South Alabama can compete for fans?

S: I think it can, only if the scheduling is done in a way where you don't go headto-head with an Alabama or Auburn game. I do think there is going to be interest, and I think people will come to see the games. I think people are going to care, and I think there will be financial support.

I just think there needs to be flexibility in

Vanguard our scheduling. And I know that the athletic staff is doing their best on this issue as they are already at work filling out games and dates.

V: Will you be calling the games?

S: That I hope. (Excited expression) I've been around for 28 years. I would hope that I'm the choice. I've been asked that question a lot, and I would certainly like to. Who wouldn't? Becoming the first play-by-play announcer of South Alabama football!

V: We feel the same, and thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

Lee can be heard covering South Alabama basketball and baseball games for WNSP-FM 105.5, as well as on the Morning Sportscenter from 6 - 9 a.m. with Scott O'Brian and Issac Vasquez.

Security X

from page 16

butter was confiscated and still resides in Virginia, as far as I know. The couple behind me did not observe the two-hour check-in allowance and were late for their flight after having to undress their infant child to make sure she didn't have an explosive device strapped inside one of her booties. My friend checked his luggage, thinking that the better option, and was greeted in his destination with a note informing him that his bag had been searched, and they were not responsible for any damages to his property as a result of that search.

We do need security at the airport, but are we being safe, or have we allowed ourselves to become panic stricken? Should we forfeit all of our privileges based on what might happen? What about other public places?

Should the same system of excessive vigilance be put into effect there?

There are always going to be dangers and always more and more freedoms that can be taken from you to make things safer. I think that having our freedoms stripped from us is perhaps just as dangerous as the things they are trying to protect us from. It is difficult to enjoy a life spent living in fear of what might happen.

The airport used to be filled with people being greeted by loved ones as they stepped off the plane. Now it is filled with weary travelers just trying to make it to their destinations so they can get out of the chaos of the airport and back into a life that is not dominated by fear and overbearing safety.

21

22

The

Vanguard

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Davis represents Communist ideology In light of the recent presentation by former '60s radical and communist extremist Angela Davis, I would recommend that academics seriously consider the fact that Davis is representative of an extremist socio-political ideology that is way outside of the mainstream of American thought and without question, the most evil and oppressive system ever to have been conceived by and implemented upon hapless populations in human history.

Over 100,000,000 innocent men, women and children have been slaughtered under the blood-soaked banner of world communism between October 1917 when the now extinct Soviet Union was born out of the ashes of Tsarist Russia, even up to this very day in the horrific gulags of communist North Korea. A ngela Davis has openly endorsed, and to this author's knowledge, has never renounced her allegiance to this monstrously evil system, thereby passively

endorsing the murder of its 100,000,000 victims.

The fact that such a hidious evil as the Communist Holocaust can be so blatantly ignored, and communist icons like Davis can be hailed as some sort of mainstream sage of political and philosophical wisdom is frightening.

As opposed to the well-documented atrocites of Hitler's Third Reich, which virtually everyone in the world has heard of, and which literally pale in comparison to the Communist Holocaust in terms of shear numbers, there exists a deafening code of silence when it comes to the 100,000,000 victims of world communism, so much so that most people have never even heard.

What's sorely needed is a program of study that will address this disparity of information.

Babysitting Jobs!

FT or PT work around your schedule. $7.50 - $12.00 per hour Call 665-5180 www.myfavoritenanny.com WIN THE IRON BOWL EXPERIENCE! 4 TICKETS TO THE BIG GAME, $1000, TEAM GEAR FOR 4, HOTEL STAY & A RENTAL CAR! www.ironbowlexperience.com

CAMPUS

IN BRIEF Join the Bottle Creek Tour Feb. 20 On Feb. 20 Bonnie Gums and Debi Lawrence will lead a Bottle Creek Tour from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Join them on a tour to this pristine archaeological site located on Mound Island in the beautiful Mobile-Tensaw Delta.

With 18 earthen mounds, this is the largest Mississippian chiefdom on the north-central Gulf Coast.

We will board the Delta Explorer at Lower Bryant Landing off Highway 225 just south of Stockton in north Baldwin County. The landing is about 45 minutes from Mobile. The boat will leave at 9:30 am, so please arrive early for boarding. There is a restroom on the boat. The boat is not handicapped accessible. The boat is open so it may be a little cool on the ride.

Bring lunch, snacks and drinks. We usually eat our lunches on the return boat ride. It is about 1/4 mile hike to the biggest mound, about 45 feet high and a steep climb.

Then we will be walking around to see different mounds. Some strenuous hiking is involved. Please wear hiking boots or similar comfortable shoes.

We provide bug spray, if needed. Don't forget your cameras and binoculars.

The cost is $30 per person and $15 for children.

This tour is offered directly through Blakeley Park, so please contact them for information, payment and reservations at 251-626-0798 or go to http://new.siteone.com/sites/blakeleypark.com/delta.asp.

- Pete Fisk

Free counseling services for students

CLASSIFIEDS !Bartending! $300 a Day Potential No Experience Nec Training Proved!

1- 800- 965 - 9620 x152

February 4, 2008

Room For Rent In Private Home Within Walking Distance of Campus. All Utilities paid.

Cable, Highspeed Internet. Use of Kitchen & Secluded Patio.

Off Street Parking on Quiet Dead End Street. Basketball Goal, No Lease. Rent Will Never Increase $400 per Month $100 Deposit. International Students Welcome Smokefree Environment No Pary Animals, or Drugs, or Alcohol.

Call Gordon @ 251 689 3271

The University of South Alabama’s Counseling and Testing Service is offering free confidential services for all enrolled USA students.

The service sees students who need assistance with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, test anxiety, gender issues and substance abuse, just to name a few.

The tests that are offered include those designed to aid career planning such as the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Career Ability Placement Survey. We also administer the College Level Examination Program, which makes it possible to obtain college credit by examination.

They are located in Alpha Hall East room 326, and our telephone number is (251) 4607051. Feel free to call the office to obtain further information or schedule an appointment.

You may also visit our Web site at http://www.usouthal.edu/counseling.

ACF accepting summer interns The Alabama Coastal Foundation in Fairhope, Alabama is accepting applications for summer interns with studies in environmental science, elementary and intermediate teaching or computer science technologies.

Interns will be required to work 20 hours a week and should possess strong interpersonal, organizational and written skills with backgrounds in elementary education, data collection, research and development and Web design.

Applicants should also have knowledge of our coastal environment and current issues.

Selected interns will work under the supervision of the executive director and programs director. Applicants should be advised that some weekend or evenings may be required.

ACF is a 501(C)(3) environmental education non-profit organization. The ACF mission is "to improve and protect the quality of Alabama's coastal resources by identifying and solving problems through education, cooperation and participation."

Interested applicants should contact the ACF office or Web site at http://www.joinacf.org.

Applications may be sent to Alabama Coastal Foundation to the attention of Bethany A. C. Kraft, executive director. Their address is Box 1760 Fairhope, AL 36533.

They may also be reached at (251) 990-6002 or by e-mail at bkraft@joinacf.org.

Physical therapist passes certification Heather Wiggins, a physical therapist with the University of South Alabama department of orthopaedics, recently passed certification from the McKenzie Institute.

The McKenzie method focuses on mechanically assessing and treating individuals with spine pain, emphasizing active patient involvement and education.

For certification, Wiggins had to undergo an exam consisting of multi-level testing with written and performance components designed to assess her clinical knowledge and skills developed throughout the course curriculum, as well as be a licensed or registered practitioner.

The benefits of the McKenzie Method for patients are that it allows them to learn the principles of the method and empowers the patient to take control of their pain management, reducing their dependency on medical intervention.

In Mobile there are only four McKenzie certified physical therapists, two of whom are with the USA department of orthopaedics.

The

February 4, 2008

Vanguard

23