03.03.08

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Volume 45, Number 28

Funding approved for new Engineering and Science Center T.R. Risner STAFF REPORTER wxman08@yahoo.com

The Omnibus Bill, sponsored by Alabama Senator Richard Shelby, to approve the new engineering and science building has been passed by the federal government and will bring more than $33 million to the University of South Alabama.

The $30 million for the new Engineering and Science Center has been included in the budget by Sen. Shelby the past few years, but finally made it through Washington.

The money has been a major goal of Shelby’s ever since he has been in office. The proposed building has a price tag of $50 million. $10 million, previously approved by the federal government, will be added to the $10 million USA officials have already put up for the building to get the $50 million total.

The Engineering and Science Center will bring additional classrooms, laboratories and office space to the fast growing engineering department. The facility would provide laboratory and research facilities for future engineers, scientists and researchers.

“The plans for the new building will be presented in the near future,” said Keith Ayers, director of the USA’s public relations office.

“The Engineering College has been growing, now having more than a thousand students, so we need the additional classrooms and office space,” said Dr. John Steadman, dean of the College of Engineering.

The faculty will be in one building which will “lead to better communication, more interdisciplinary research and sharing practices in teaching,” according to Dr. Steadman.

“The expanding science and technology based industry in Mobile will only demand more university skilled workers for high paying jobs in the future; the new center will allow USA to prepare students for the workforce,” according to Sen. Shelby.

The bill that could help build the Engineering and X

March 3, 2008

Review of the Mobile Ballet’s Coppelia see page 10

Serving USA SinCe 1965

EADS lands major tanker bid Tankers to be built at Brookley Field; economic impact expected to be huge Jason Shepard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jason.shepard@comcast.net

On Friday, the U.S. Air Force announced Northrop Grumman Corp. and EADS North America beat out Chicago-based Boeing for a multibillion-dollar Air Force contract to build 179 next-generation aerial refueling tankers over the next 10 to 15 years. The contract is estimated to be valued up to $40 billion.

The company plans to build the tankers at Brookley Field Industrial Complex in Mobile, Ala., creating 1,500 new jobs at that sight. With its overarching economic impact, the tanker contract is expected to support a total of 25,000 jobs.

"This is really a historic and great day for Mobile and our entire region," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said at a news conference. "This is a community-changing industry, and we will see our community change for the better."

Chicago-based Boeing was considered a heavy favorite

due to Boeing’s political clout and long-time ties with the Air Force. Boeing had been supplying the Air Force with refueling tankers for nearly 50 years.

Boeing plans to protest the award. Some influential politicians in Washington plan to support Boeing’s protest.

"It's stunning to me that we would outsource the production of these airplanes to Europe instead of building them in America," said Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.).

"I'll be calling upon the Secretary of Defense for a full debriefing and expect there will be a protest of the award by Boeing."

The tanker announcement is the second competitive major economic development package awarded to the Mobile area in the last year.

In May, Alabama beat out Louisiana in a bid to attract German steelmaker ThyssenKrupp AG. The company plans to build a new $3.7 billion steel plant in northern Mobile County, creating an estimated 2,700 permanent jobs.

USA says ‘goodbye’ to Dr. Adams

see FUNDING, page 21

Corrections and Clarifications

The picture to the left accompanied “Riley, Jones honored at alumni dinner,” The Vanguard Feb. 18. The caption under the picture misidentified Sam Jones’ guest (second from right) as his wife. Jones is not married. Jones’ guest was Tameka McCall, Jones’ god daughter.

Inside

Lifestyles pg. 8

Marzieh K. Atigh / Photo Editor

The University of South Alabama bid a farewell to the former vice president of student affairs Dr. Dale Adams Feb. 28. Adams served more than 18 years at the University and has been involved with a lot of USA’s growth. One of his biggest accomplishments while being at USA, according to a previous interview with The Vanguard, is the new addition of the new housing at the University, including the Greek houses.

The biggest one was being a part of the development of the new Recreation Center. Even though he will not be around while it is being built, he was instrumental in getting the process going.

Fine Arts pg. 10

Entertainment pg. 12

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. 14

Opinion pg. 18

Classifieds pg. 26

Vanguard online The

http://www.usavanguard.com

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March 3, 2008

Students announce SGA candidacy Collins. “I think that experience is incredibly important when you're seeking a leadership position.”

Devi Sampat SENIOR REPORTER ds608@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

With the 2008 University of South Alabama Student Government Association elections quickly approaching, students have already begun to announce their candidacies for executive committee and senate positions.

“I would like to continue many of the projects that this year's officers have begun and work really hard to streamline appropriations.”

- Caitlin Collins

“I want to get other students as excited about South as I am, and I want to get people’s concerns heard.”

- Mikey Hendrich As an SGA presidential candidate, Collins wants to stress that she will work hard to make sure she accomplishes her goals.

“I believe that there is so much that SGA can do for students, and I really want to see a continuation of what has been going on.”

- Michael Smith

Current SGA Chief Justice Caitlin Collins, Jeffrey Ryan Harris and Students Who Stand founder and president Mikey Hendrich have all announced intent to run for SGA president. Current SGA Senate Pro-Tem Michael Smith has announced intent to run for vice president. The Vanguard Editor-in-Chief Jason Shepard has announced intent to run for treasurer. Current College of Arts and Science Senator Ashley D. McGee has announced intent to run for attorney general. Current College of Arts and Science Senator Hannah Skewes has announced intent to run for chief justice.

“I would like to continue many of the projects that this year's officers have begun and work really hard to streamline appropriations with the new treasurer so we can continue to improve that system,” Collins said.

“I am running for president to stop the SGA from doing more damage. ... It is time for the students to take back their school.”

- Jeffrey Ryan Harris

“The students are the lifeblood of this campus, and my goal is to serve the students to the best of my ability.”

- Jason Shepard

“I've been involved with SGA since my freshman year, and I'm very familiar with the way SGA works,” said

In addition to being the current SGA chief justice, Collins is currently the treasurer of the Honors Program

Organization and a member of the Freshman Advisory Board and the OUTLAWS. In the past, Collins has been a Peer Advisor, associate senate clerk and associate justice of

“While serving, I always make decisions based on the betterment of the University as a whole, not for personal gain.”

- Ashley McGee SGA. “I would also like to find more creative ways to get students excited about SGA because it's a great organization,” Collins said. “Being a voice for the students is what SGA is all about.”

Candidate Jeffrey Ryan Harris is running for SGA President “to represent the 13,000 students who are fed up with the SGA acting as the University’s men whenever the board of trustees needs the appearance of grassroots support from the student body.” Harris plans to commence a petition drive to amend the SGA constitution to dissolve the

“It's pretty important for students to know that the door is open and that members are listening to what they have to say.”

- Hannah Skewes organization.

“The 13,000 students whose money has been taken to pay for $1,500 block parties and whose voices have been stolen to lend support to the administration's drive to spend millions of dollars on USA football at the students' expense -X

see ELECTIONS, page 23

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P LICE BL TTER 02/15/08 Criminal Mischief Unknown person(s) scratched/keyed a female student’s car while it was parked at the Recreation Center. Damages to the car totaled $400. No suspects have been identified, but an investigation is pending.

02/18/08 Theft – Article from Auto/Burglary of Auto A male student reported that his vehicle was broken into while parked on Stadium Blvd. The student’s iPod and GPS system were stolen, totaling $650.

An investigation is pending.

02/18/08 Theft – Article from Auto/Burglary of Auto A male student reported that his car was broken into while parked in the Delta 1 parking lot. A DVD player, subwoofers and an amplifier were removed from the vehicle. The dashboard and windows of the car were also damaged.

Damages and losses totaled $1,350. No suspects have been identified, but an investigation is pending.

WEATHER

02/19/08 Domestic Incident Officers took a report of a domestic incident at the Gamma 3 dormitories.

University of South Alabama’s Student Voice

The victim was a female student. A female suspect was also identified. An investigation is pending.

02/19/08 Theft of Property A male student reported that his wallet and iPod were stolen at the Recreation Center. Losses totaled $423.

No suspects were identified, but an investigation is pending.

02/19/08 Harassment A female student reported being harassed by a male acquaintance. On witness was present. An investigation is pending.

02/20/08 Theft of Property A male student reported that his cell phone and iPod were stolen at the University gym. The stolen items are valued at $421 together. Two male suspects were identified.

02/20/08 Theft of Property A credit card and $18 were stolen from a male student’s wallet at the gym.

Two male suspects were identified and an investigation is pending.

02/21/08

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

Theft of Property A female non-affiliate called to report that her wallet was stolen from the Recreation Center. The wallet contained $13 cash, credit cards, a driver’s license and a social security card. No suspects were identified, but an investigation is pending.

02/24/08 Harassing Communications A female student reported that she has been receiving harassing text messages and pictures. The victim identified a male suspect. An investigation is pending.

02/24/08 Simple Assault The crime of Assault 3 was committed in the gym parking lot. The victim is a female student. Two females were identified as suspects and two witnesses were also present. An investigation is pending.

X

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

see BLOTTER, page 21

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.

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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

Mass e-mails need to be clear I receive mass e-mails from administrators and the SGA every week.Don’t get me wrong I like receiving information, but the information they send either doesn’t make sense or they don’t use correct grammar. It frustrates as an English major, that these people representing the University should send comprehensible e-mails.

Use gym during the summer Students should be able to use the Rec. Center for free during the summer if they aren’t enrolled. Even though I’m not attending during the summer, I should be able to use it as a returning student. I’ve paid my fees.

Let me at least use the Rec. Center to workout.

Psychiatrist are needed in area I was glad to see the story about the shortage of psychiatrists in the area and all around the nation. I applied for the psychiatry school here and got rejected. After reading the article, I was shocked they only accepted three. There needs to be more funding for this medical program.

Smashing cars a thrill Seeing the picture of the car-bashing fundraiser on the front page of The Vanguard was awesome to see. We never see anything about the engineering department, and I was glad to see some coverage.

Career Expo, a disappointment I was disappointed about the Career Expo that came through a couple of weeks ago. They didn’t really talk to me about jobs, they just handed me a bunch of paper. Also, there was nothing really there for communication students.I think they need to have a better variety of companies there.

Come out and support Jags I really would like to see a large crowd at the last basketball games here at USA. I know they’ve been excited to see larger crowds. Let’s not downsize the crowd. Let’s support them even stronger.

March 3, 2008

State to cut higher education funding Cuts expected to be topic of contention for participants of Higher Education Day T.R. Risner STAFF REPORTER wxman08@yahoo.com

Drastic cuts to the education budget highlight Governor Riley’s fiscal year 2009 budget recommendation. Four-year public colleges and universities took the biggest cut at 13.3 percent compared to 10 percent for the state’s two-year college system and 2.6 percent cut in the state’s K-12 system.

Funding for education in Alabama comes from state income tax revenues and sales tax revenues, both of which are expected to decrease over the next year.

“When the economy slows people spend less and unemployment increases which means less money is available for education,” Keith Ayers, USA director of public relations, said. “If the state believes the economy will slow they have to plan for there to be less money available in the budget and this time higher education may absorb most of the budget shortage.”

The 13.3 percent cut to four-year colleges and universities would take $18.5 million from the 2009 fiscal year budget recommendation for USA of $119,638,263, which is primarily used for academic purposes. The $18.5 million cut would take South Alabama back to the amount it received in the fiscal year 2007 budget.

University of South Alabama lobbyist Happy Fulford believes it’s not fair for higher education to take the brunt of the budget cuts. “The cuts should be an equal six percent across the board,” Fulford said.

“We cannot cut higher education this

much, K-12, two-year programs, and fouryear colleges should all be cut equally; legislators should follow ‘fair share funding,’” Ayers said.

“We [the university] plan to weather the storm while affecting the students as little as possible, and we plan to keep tuition affordable.”

- Keith Ayers Fulford will travel to Montgomery on March 6 with South Alabama students and a local delegation to participate in Higher Education Day and attempt to show legislators how important higher education funding is to the students of the state.

“Most legislators do not have college kids so South Alabama students can come to Montgomery and meet state officials so they will understand who is getting the funding,” the South Alabama lobbyist commented. “The higher education students are the people who will be voting in the future, so they should listen to what we have to say.”

College students across the state will join in the march on the capital, as USA will attempt to persuade legislators “to move slowly and wait to see if the economy gets stronger before they finalize the budget,” according to Fulford. “Tax revenues may improve because of local improvements in

the economy including the arrival of new businesses in Mobile.”

When there is a cut in state funding universities are pressured to raise tuition to counter the lack of money in the budget.

“The two major incomes for a university are tuition and state funding,” said Ayers.

About twenty percent of the university’s funding is provided by state revenue. If the proposal becomes a reality and USA loses the projected millions in the fiscal year 2009 budget, South Alabama has committed to keep tuition costs as low as possible. “We plan to weather the storm while affecting the students as little as possible, and we plan to keep tuition affordable,” said Ayers.

The proposed funding cuts should not affect the football program at USA nor the new construction projects around campus.

The football program will be funded primarily by the future raise in fees, while many of the building projects have already been funded by other means. The Bell Tower is being built primarily from donations, while the new science and engineering building has already been funded by the federal government and money already committed from the University.

On March 6 USA students will Rally in Montgomery to tell legislators that higher education is important and should be funded heavily by the state. If you would like to ride the bus to the capital and support higher help support “fair share funding,” you can email Lauren Morris at highereddayusa@gmail.com.

Employers, others may view your online activity Hannah Skewes SENIOR REPORTER hks502@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

C.L. Lindsay, lawyer and an advocate for student rights and student freedom, came to the University of South Alabama to inform students about the Internet and their legal rights associated with it on Feb. 28.

The seminar, hosted by Jaguar Productions and the Office of Greek Affairs, was called “Campus Computing and the Law” with the tagline “Do you know your cyberspace legal rights?”

The lecture gave a general overview of some of the main problems that students encounter when using the Internet and how students can avoid these problems altogether.

With students running into issues such as online privacy infringement, violating copyright laws and online piracy, Lindsay offered helpful advice to keep students safe and within their rights.

Lindsay is the founder of CO-STAR, the Coalition for Student and Academic Rights. CO-STAR is a non-profit organizational network of lawyers who donate their pro-bono time or devote their careers to the effort.

All services are free, including mediation and legal counsel. The overall goal of the organization is to educate students and faculty of their rights before there is a need to defend them. They receive up to 10,000 requests, mainly from students, per year.

Lindsay began with a slideshow, showcasing a stream of photos of college students drinking under age and other activities that might be deemed legally questionable. He announced that every picture was from a profile of a student at the University of South Alabama, making a point about how the Internet grants easier access to personal lives.

“Think about the offline equivalent first. When you stick personal stuff like photos up on the Internet, it’s like putting it on a billboard for the world to see,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay educated the audience on the ramifications of computing on a campus network. The Recording Industry Association of America launched a campaign, largely targeting college students, enacting lawsuits against those file sharing and illegally downloading music.

According to Lindsay, “intent does not matter.” Whether or not

Marzieh K. Atigh / Photo Editor

Dozens of students gathered to listen to C.L. Lindsay, a lawyer and an advocate for student rights and student freedom, about how they can avoid online privacy infringement, violating copyright laws and online piracy in the Student Center Ballroom Feb. 28.

a person knows what they are doing is illegal, the legal consequences still adhere to the situation.

Along with downloading music, buying term papers online and plagiarism was also addressed during the seminar.

Web sites selling reports for class are not legitimate businesses, stated Lindsay. Students have reported being charged more than once after the sites received their credit card number. If the student reports the fraudulent charges, the student may become entangled in disciplinary hearings pertaining to plagiarism.

“Most of the term papers are abhorrently bad anyway,” Lindsay said. “You’d be better off giving your little cousin a crayon and paper and turning that in.”

TurnItIn was brought up as a method that universities across the X

see COMPUTING, page 25

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Philosophy students to host national conference Doug Little STAFF WRITER slayertidus21@aol.com

This year has been a very active and award-filled year for the students of University of South Alabama Department of Philosophy.

Recently, the students of the philosophy department hosted their first-ever Spring Philosophy Colloquium Series. The students’ biggest task lies ahead as they prepare to host USA’s first ever national philosophy conference in September.

Submissions for the innagural Interdisciplinary Approach to Philosophical Issues Conference will will be open to undergraduate and graduate students studying in any discipline across the nation and throughout the world. The conferences theme is “at the crossroads of philosophy and psychology.” Submissions in the philosophy of psychology, broadly construed, are strongly encouraged, but submissions in any area of philosophy are welcomed.

“We are impressed with the initiative among the philosophy students ... it all speaks to their enthusiasm for philosophy and their excellence in their philosophical pursuits.”

- Dr. Ted Poston The students are hoping this year will be the first of many conferences to come.

“Hopefully, this year will prove to be a tremendous success. If so, I hope to see USA host an interdisciplinary philosophy conference on an annual basis,” Jason Shepard, USA philosophy student and lead organizer of the conference said.

Joshua Knobe of the University of North Carolina is scheduled to be the conferences keynote speaker. Knobe is one of the biggest names in experimental philosophy. His research focuses on how moral judgments can affect state-of-mind attributions, along with other research projects in the philosophy of moral psychology, folk psychology and cognitive science. “[experimental philosophy] is an exciting new area of philosophical research and it's awesome that Joshua Knobe has agreed to come down,” Dr. Ted Poston, professor of philosophy at USA, said.

In addition to the planning for the major conference this fall, the USA Philosophy Club held its first meeting of the Spring Philosophy Colloquium Series.

The purpose of the Spring Philosophy Colloquium Series is to provide opportunities for area students to gain experience in delivering their philosophical ideas to their peers and other members of the philosophy community, as well as receive feedback from professors and students. The feedback is geared toward helping the students with subsequent revisions of their papers, which they hope to make strong candidates for submission at a major conference or hope to use as a graduate writing sample.

At the first meeting USA students Justin Litaker and Jason Shepard delivered papers “A Farewell to God: Levinas and Rational Theology” and “Eliminativism, Qualia, and What it is Like” respectively.

Litaker’s paper was an “exploration into explication” in which he argued that “if we are to maintain that God is transcendent, then God cannot be articulated through the language of ontology.”

Shepard’s paper argued that “even if Dennett-styled eliminativists are succesful at ridding us of troublesome qualia, they still fail to eliminate all the aspects that make the what-it-is-like aspect of experience troublesome for any complete materialist theory of consciousness.”

The next meeting of the Spring Philosophy Colloquium Series will be held in the USA Library room 181 on April 12.

Other achievements of USA philosophy students include Justin Litaker and Anthony Shiver winning first and second place respectively for the Alabama Philosophical Society’s undergraduate essay competition. Both students presented their award-winning essays at the APS annual conference held last September.

On Feb 16, philosophy student Jason Shepard presented a paper at the Southeast Philosophy Conference.

The USA Philosophy Club also host other bi-weekly events usually in the form of readings and discussions on papers of philosophical importance.

“We are impressed with the initiative among the philosophy students to organize philosophy related activities from the philosophy club, to the new undergrad colloquium series, to the impressive fall philosophy and psychology conference -- it all speaks to their enthusiasm for philosophy and their excellence in their philosophical pursuits,” Poston said.

Due date for submissions for the next Spring Philosophy Colloquium Series is March 31. Due date for submissions for the Interdisciplinary Approach to Philosophical Issues Conference are being accepted until Aug. 18.

Anyone interested should e-mail jss310@jaguar1.usouthal.edu for more information.

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Robert Morgan to host four-day lecture series Devi Sampat SENIOR REPORTER ds608@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Famous novelist Robert Morgan from Cornell University will be at the University of South Alabama the week of March 3-8.

The South Alabama English department has planned an event opened to the public in which Morgan will be lecturing and reading for four days on campus.

Morgan is a Kappa Alpha professor of English at Cornell University, a novelist, poet, a writer of non-fiction and of creative works and a biographer. He recently won the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award and is also the recipient of a Guggenheim, and national endowment for the Arts fellowship.

Additionally, Morgan received the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association's R. Hunt Parker Award for "Significant Contributions to the Literature of North Carolina." He is the recipient of a Rockefeller Foundation fellowship and the James G. Haines Poetry Prize by the Fellowship of Southern Writers. He received NEH grants in 1974, 1981 and 1987. Talk show host Oprah chose his novel “Gap Creek” as one of her book club featured novels.

This is not Morgan’s first appearance on the USA campus.

Morgan first came to USA to visit because he grew up in the same area as Dr. Pat Covey, USA’s vice president of academic affairs.

Dr. Covey along with chair of English department Dr. Sue Walker worked together in planning Morgan’s visit.

“I am excited that our students and the community at large will be able to learn about writing of fiction, poetry and non-fiction from someone of Morgan's stature,” Walker said. “Morgan shows by example how one person can excel as a professor, a novelist, a poet and a biographer. It is a rare opportunity to be able to study a range of genres from one of American's finest writers.”

Morgan’s visit will begin with a lecture on the Essentials of Fiction Writing on March 4 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Humanities Building, room 150. A lecture on poetry writing will follow on March 5 in the same room and same time. A reading and lecture in honor of Dr. Covey will take place in the Laidlaw Center for the Performing Arts on March 6 at 7 p.m. and the lectures will end with a speech on the Art and Craft of Biography in the USA Library Auditorium on March 7.

“Students are exposed to some of the finest writers both in the United States and abroad,” Walker said. “Since they cannot take a week out of the semester to travel to Cornell or to the University of California, Davis, scheduling guest lectures and mini courses allows students an opportunity to expand their educational experiences.”

http://www.cornell.edu

Robert Morgan, a renowned novelist from Cornell University, is visiting the University of South Alabama March 3-8 for a lecture series and reading he will do.

Lectures by famous novelists such as Robert Morgan are all due to the contributions of the new Stokes Center of Creative Writing.

“The endowment, a gift of Dr. Steven Stokes and his wife, Angelia, provides scholarships in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, but it will sponsor lectures and workshops throughout the academic year that allows students an opportunity to expand their educational experiences,” Walker said.

Because of the Stokes Center of Creative Writing, Dr. Patricia Foster, a professor at the University of Iowa, taught a course in creative nonfiction in the fall 2007 semester.

Robot tour guide, JagBot, being developed Hannah Skewes SENIOR REPORTER hks502@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

As more additions are built and planned at the University of South Alabama, a new component of the high-tech variety has worked its way into the plans. Its name is JagBot, and it will soon be the newest and most interactive machine on campus.

JagBot will serve as a robotic tour guide. The ending result will be a robot that can process speech patterns and images. Because of this, JagBot will be able to answer questions for people, shake hands with guests, hand out T-shirts and point out landmarks.

“Our job in CIS is to make the robot act smart and ‘know’ what it is doing” - Michael Doran The project is a collaborative effort between the College of Engineering, which will put together the hardware and take care of the visual aspects of the robot, and the USA School of Computer and Information Sciences, which is responsible for programming the robots behaviors and speech patterns, according to Dr. Tom Thomas, co-principal investigator for the project and professor of electrical and computer engineering.

"I have assembled a 'robot team' of mechanical and electrical engineering students,” Thomas said. “The team is divided into groups of students that are responsible for various robot subassemblies."

Two co-principal investigators for the School of Computer and Information Sciences are Dr. Michael Doran, professor and coordinator of computer science, and Dr. Gene Simmons, professor of computer and information sciences.

Both are using students to aid in the project's completion. The College of Engineering is employing the use of undergraduate students organized into a "robot team," according to Thomas, to work on the physical assembly of the robot. Some are using the robot as material for their master's thesis.

"Some students are doing design work as part of class assignments. Some are just volunteers," Thomas said.

"We currently have a MS student working on the speech system, and several undergrad students will be working on navigation starting this summer," Doran said. "Our job in CIS is to make the robot act smart and ‘know’ what it is doing."

The idea for JagBot was born within the National Science Foundation as "MardiBot," a robot that would ride a Mardi Gras float and throw beads to spectators. The idea was brought to Doran and transformed into the idea for a robotic tour guide.

The NSF is contributing a grant of $175,055 to the project along with Mentor Graphics, a company dealing with electronic design automation, providing more than $220,000 in hardware components and software to program the robot.

The College of Engineering began putting the project together physically since the fall of 2007 and hopes to complete the building aspects of the robot by June so that project participants can spend the summer programming the robot.

"The biggest problem we are running into is how to narrow down the almost infinite possibilities to a design that we can implement for a reasonable amount of money in a reasonable amount of time. We are all learning as we go," Thomas said.

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Foreign language film series has four showings remaining Jason Shepard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jason.shepard@comcast.net

Every semester for nearly a decade the University of South Alabama Department of Foreign Languages hosts its popular foreign language film series. This semester the foreign language film series features Russian, Brazilian, German, Spanish, Japanese and French produced films.

The foreign language film series was begun by Dr. Isabel Brown.

The purpose of the film series is to supplement the foreign language instruction with a culturally enriching experience through the screening of international films and to serve as an outreach to the university community as well as the wider Mobile community, making accessible international movies that may otherwise be hard to find in the area.

“We try to come up with an eclectic mix of movies:popular cinema and ‘high’ art, political movies and as well as films that are pure entertainment, historical dramas and also documentaries. We generallyblend

movies that were popular in their home cultures with critically acclaimed cinematic works,” Zoya Kahn, professor of Spanish and Latin American literature and chair of the film series committee, said.

The Russian film “Air Crew” and the Brazillian film “Almost Brothers” have already been shown.

On March 20, the film series will host a showing of the East German film “Bear Ye One Another’s Burden.” On March 27, the film series will host the Spanish film “Pan’s Labyrinth.” On April 3, the Japanese film “Paprika” will be shown. On April 10, the French film “The Moustache” will be shown.

The movie screenings are free and open to the public.

“We encourage everyone to come to view these important films, to thin about movies with a global vision, and to enjoy a good time at the movies,” Kahn said.

All films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles. All films will be shown in the USA Library Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Heart Walk coming to campus Sidra Rasool STAFF WRITER sr510@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Lace up those running shoes for the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk on the University South Alabama campus March 15.

The 3.5-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature registered individuals, local businesses and corporations all walking to raise funds for AHA governmental research, a Mobile-based program, as well as education initiatives to teach individuals prescriptions for a heart-healthy lifestyle.

“Do not wait until you are over 50 and have had a heart attack to start being goal-orientated about exercise and eating healthy.”

- Michael Doran The walk is the 'grand finale' of a yearlong initiative by the AHA to educate and enlighten Americans about staying healthy from the inside out.

“South students can enjoy the ease of participating in close proximity to the center of campus,” said Emily Read, the communications director for the Greater Southeast Affiliation of the ASA. “Many students can either register as individuals or they can form a team to raise money. When creating a team, groups can create a unique name and wear uniform T-shirts to represent their affiliation.”

For example, many of USA's student and Greek organizations could spread the word about heart awareness and prevention by registering their organization as a team.

There will be prizes for top fundraisers of $500 or more, such as massages and breakfast.

Many other side areas featured on campus will include activities such as education about exercise habits and disease prevention, a 'Remembrance Wall' for battlers and sur-

vivors of heart disease, and plenty of healthy snacks, sandwiches and refreshments.

Heart disease is an indiscriminate killer, which according to ASA, is the number one killer of adult men and women in the United States and claim more than 2,500 American lives every day. Obesity, little or lack of exercise and unhealthy habits such as smoking are among some of the factors that increase the chance of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic problems in adults of every age.

So the aim of the Heart Start! Walk is to raise awareness for the need to get up and get moving, whether it is walking, running or even doing yard work. Exercise of any form is in an effort to build muscle and reduce fat, both internal, fat that lies deep around organs, and external.

Leading cardiologists agree building muscle is not just for bodybuilders. “By gaining muscle, you raise your metabolic rate, the pace at which your body even at rest, burns calories,” said Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “Your body burns more calories maintaining a gram of muscle than it does a gram of fat. That helps you drop pounds, which lowers your risk of having a heart attack.”

As you age your metabolism gradually slows down, so you have to increase your physical activity in order to keep your blood circulating, and therefore your heart, healthy.

What the most important thing students should consider to avoid any sort of preventable diseases is to start now.

“Do not wait until you are over 50 and have had a heart attack to start being goaloriented about exercise and eating healthy,” Read said.

In order to sign up as an individual or a team in Mobile's chapter of the American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk, you can call (251) 461-4008 or (251) 461-4007 or apply online at http://www.mobileheartwalk.kintera.org.

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8

Lifestyles

Ashley D. McGee Lifestyles Editor ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

March 3, 2008

Just a thought ...

Ashley D. McGee LIFESTYLES EDITOR ladypoeticsoul@aol.com

On Thursday, March 6, thousands of college (and a few high school students) will meet at the Alabama State House for the 2008 Higher Education Day rally.

Without a doubt, students, faculty members and alumni from the University of South Alabama will be there to ensure the concerns of our University are heard.

According to Happy Fulford, USA’s executive director for governmental affairs, this year’s rally could directly affect the University, as a proposed budget cut of 13 percent amongst Alabama colleges and universities is on the table.

“The attitude in Montgomery is that colleges and universities can afford the cuts better than other areas of education,” said Fulford. “We need to descend on Montgomery on March 6 to dispel that misconception.”

The $6.7 billion education budget proposed for 2009 shows drastic budget cuts of 13.3 percent, for the four-year colleges and universities.

The proposed 2009 executive budget recommendation for USA is $119.6 million. This is $18.5 million less than the amount the University was allotted during the 2008 funding procedures.

The Student Government Association will be providing bus transportation free of charge for all USA affiliates who wish to attend. The bus will meet participants at 8 a.m. at the University Commons and plans to return to Mobile at 5 p.m.

Any student who would like to attend should send their Jag number and name to highereddayusa@gmail.com in order to reserve a seat on one of the SGA buses.

ON CAMPUS THIS WEEK

Monday Communication Student Association meeting in the Communication Department (UCOM) at 2 p.m.

Thursday Women of Excellence present “Sister Share/Sister Talk” in the Student Center from 6 p.m until 8 p.m. Room TBA. Saturday YWCA presents “Money, Power and Leadership Summit to Empower Women” in the Student Center Ballroom from 9 a.m. until 3:30 pm.

Brown addresses self-image issues Motivational speaker Keith L. Brown speaks at USA Kem Preston STAFF WRITER klp403@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

On Feb. 27, students left the University of South Alabama Student Center Ballroom with an extremely positive way of thinking and motivated to go and create change in the world around them after listening to internationally known motivational speaker Keith L. Brown.

Speaking with a subtle confidence, Brown delivered a powerful message in a way that was easily related to the youth that was present.

Before brining out the guest speaker, members of the Mobile Kappa League entertained the audience with inspirational words and musical selections to remind those present just how much struggle and turmoil African-Americans have overcome.

The topic of Brown's speech was “Making the Impossible I'm Possible”, and he focused a great deal on the power a single individual has when they do not doubt their potential.

Brown began the show with a hands-on experiment, where the audience formed a circle around the ballroom, with everyone standing next to the opposite sex. Brown then went on to have each person sit in the person's lap that was behind them for 20 seconds in order to prove that it is okay to trust our neighbors.

His speech covered three main points: Stay away from negative people, the way that we dress, is the way you will be addressed and stop looking at life through other people's eyes.

Brown provided the audience with the acronym “O.Q.P.”, which stands for “Only Quality People”, and said it was a thought and way of life that each person should carry with themselves for the rest of their

Courtesy of the Office of Minority Student Affairs

Motivational Speaker Keith L. Brown poses with Director of Minority Student Affairs Dr. Carl Cunningham and members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. after delivering a powerful message to a captivated audience in the University of South Alabama Student Center Ballroom.

lives. Brown said to always remember that the people an individual chooses to associate with on a regular basis influences them daily. He asked the question, “Do we really want those who aren't going anywhere in life around us to bring us down?”

“I don't know exactly what I need to do, but I know that I need to start making changes to be successful in life right now,” said Siara Smith, an African-American Student Association member.

The lecture also focused on the negative physical appearance several young people portray by the way they dress. Young adults often forget that famous quote, “Dress for success!” It is so common to see our youth so busy trying to imitate the images they see on television; they seem to often forget we live in the real world.

“How you dress will be the way that you

are addressed,” stated Brown.

Both men and women go around thinking its okay to devalue them selves by inappropriately representing themselves by the attire they choose. Brown feels one must always remember that society “stereotypes quickly.”

Brown closed by speaking on his last point, which was to stop looking at the world through the eyes of others.

Individuals should have a mind of their own and stop letting what someone else wants to do determine their future. He encourages people to remember to “choose knowledge over anything materialistic, because with knowledge comes the wealth and success.”

“I want to be successful, so I am going to start by making those successful decisions today,” stated USA student Tristen Barnes.

Honors students prove talent through show finally most talented overall. The most entertaining award went to freshman Ayesha Jaleel and Devi Sampat for their dancing. Best ds608@jaguar1.usouthal.edu effort went to Dr. Forbes's family and most talented overall went to The University of South Alabama Honors College showed there Anna Blice-Baum. Karaoke played throughout the center after the is no better way to prove its students have talent than by putting on awards were given out. an old fashion talent show on Feb. 29 in the Honors Center.

The show was first set up by honors program sophomore Tyler Honors singers, belly dancers, instrumentalists, guitar players and Davis when he thought the idea would be enjoyable for everyone. more showcased their talents for students and faculty as well as par“This event is the first honors program talent show, and judging ents. The night began with an act from Anna Blice-Baum singing a from the reaction of the audience and the performers, the talent German song. honors director Dr. Bob show will be a yearly event in the honors proColeman even displayed his talents by singing gram,” Coleman said.

“O My Darling Clementine” and “Swing Lo “The credit for the show goes to honors pro“Students in the Honors Sweet Chariot.” gram sophomore Tyler Davis. He organized the “The talent show is an event I have wanted Program are not just talented in event, set up rehearsals and procured the fantasto have at the honors building for a couple of tic sound system. Tyler did a great job of generyears,” Coleman said. “Students in the honors terms of academic success ...” ating student participation and interest in the program are not just talented in terms of aca- Dr. Bob Coleman talent show,” Coleman added. demic success, and so many of the students are Some other performers of the night were musicians, singers, dancers and actors.” sophomore and singer Alicia Miles, junior and Coleman also commented on the variety of talent. singer Sonia Savani with back up dancers Ayesha Jaleel and Devi “As we also saw with Alan Sells's sign language abilities, talented Sampat, guitarist and singer senior Carl Odom, sign language interperformances can introduce us to the unexpected--it was truly a preter and sophomore Alan Sells, singers Dr. Forbes and his family wonderful performance full of energy, graceful movement and pas- and freshman Jake Walker, who played the tuba. sion,” Coleman said.

“Our students have been working hard, and at mid-semester, a Three prizes were awarded to most entertaining, best effort and X see TALENT, page 25

Devi Sampat

SENIOR REPORTER

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March 3, 2008

The It List

by Ashley D. McGee

On March 3, distinguished television journalist and commentator Tony Brown is scheduled to hold a lecture at the University of South Alabama. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. If you have never had the honor of hearing Brown speak in person, you are definitely in for a treat.

Brown, who is the commentator for the PBS series “Tony Brown’s Journal,” is the author of several best-selling books. His most recent publication, “What Mama Taught Me: The Seven Core Values of Life,” debuted at No. 3 on the Essence Magazine Best-Seller List. Some of his other works include “Black Lies, White Lies,” “Empower the People” and “The Truth According to Tony Brown,” which has sold more than 100,000 copies. There will be a book signing immediately following the program. http://www.library.vcu.edu Brown was the first and founding dean of the School of Communication at Howard University, and was also the first dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University.

This event is sponsored by the African-American Studies Program and Jaguar Productions and is free to the public. For more information, call 460-7144.

attend It

Girls:Thank the fashion gods ladies; frame-forgiving frocks are still in style! Beautiful, free-flowing sun dresses and airy, straight-lined tops appeared on several catwalks during New York Spring Fashion Week in September of last year, and now the designs are finally making their way into fashion boutiques and retail stores. The key to working this flattering look to the best of your ability is accessories. If you have a boyish shape, wear dramatic earrings and probably a nice cuff bracelet. Also, try to carry a smaller handbag than usual; a large bag can make your frame look even smaller and takes away from your curves. If you are naturally curvaceous, rock some killer shoes with this look. If you go with heels, they will make your legs look slimmer and compliment your curves.

wear It

Guys: Winter, summer, spring or fall – jeans are always in style for guys. They can be dressed up or dressed down. The guys I know are notorious for wanting to keep things as simhttp://www.hotcandy.blogspot.com ple as possible, and what could be better than changing from look to another and only having to change your shirt. The only problem that sometimes can arise is the fact that most casual jeans http://www.macys.com made for men are much baggier than the ones they tend to dress up with a button-up shirt and tie. This Sean John Eagle Jean is wonderful for making the transition from day to night flawless for any guy. They can be bought at any Macy’s for about $80.

buy It

Girls: So ladies, you have noticed that Spring Break is next week, right? Not only does this mean you get a few extra hours of beauty rest, it is also the perfect excuse to trade in your book bag for the perfect beach bag. Who says the only thing people notice poolside is your swimsuit. Having an eye-catching beach bag is just as important as the unique arm candy you carry your everyday belongings in.

Luckily, hundreds of styles and colors are available in almost every store. Victoria's Secret has a stylish selection of new PINK Collection beach totes ranging from $15 to a little over $50. These classy and chic totes are priced at $48.50 at http://www.vspink.com.

Guys: Don't think you're off the hook when it comes to beach accessories. Nothing is more eye-pleasing on the beach scene than a sexy guy in swimming trunks, dripping sweat and wearing a pair of hot sunglasses. http://www.lenscrafters.com Now, I don't recommend wearing these $330 Dolce & Gabana's to the beach because the last thing you want is for these bad http://www.vspink.com boys to get crushed while playing beach volleyball. But a nice pair that are similar in style are a great move. Not a sunglasses type of guy? You could always consider buying the beach bag I mentioned earlier to get in good with your current lady friend (wink).

Fairhope Film Series Schedule March 7: Black Book, Netherlands, 2006, 145 min.

Paul Verhoeven's classy take on oldtime war thrillers has a cast of irresistible Dutch war resistance characters. (Romance/Thriller) (R) March 14: Pan's Labyrinth, Spain, 2006, 112 minutes. Here is a fantasy not remotely made for children â?" A magic realist revision of Alice in Wonderland, set in 1940's war-torn Spain. (Thriller) (R) March 21: The Valet, France 2006, 85 min. From the director of La Cage Aux Folles comes a comical farce with an outstanding cast that includes Kristin Scott Thomas and Daniel Auteuil.

(Comedy) (PG-13) (R) March 28: The Willow Tree, Iran, 2007, 96 min. About a blind man, this film helps you see through different eyes. It is beautifully filmed in Tehran and Paris. (Drama) (R)

All movie showings will be held at the University of South Alabama Baldwin County Performance Arts Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the film starting at 7 p.m.; donations will be accepted at the door.

For more information call (251) 928-8133 or e-mail Robyn W. Andrews, assistant director of marketing & public relations at rwandrews@usouthal.edu.

Is your student organization hosting an event?

Contact Ashley D. McGee at ladypoeticsoul@aol.com or call 460-6442 (Please submit all events at least one week in advance, thank you.)

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

Health ladypoeticsoul@aol.com or cFitness all 460-6442.

Charity

Organizations

Fashion

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The Arts

Fine Arts

Ashley Gruner Fine Arts Editor amarie588@gmail.com

March 3, 2008

‘Coppelia’ brings comedy to Mobile Amanda B. Johnson STAFF WRITER

The University of South Alabama’s library art galleries will be featuring two upcoming exhibits. The 2008 Helen Keller Art Show will be on display in the library’s first floor gallery through April 10.

The 5th annual Helen Keller Art Show features the work of students of all ages who struggle with visual and/or hearing impairments. All students attend Alabama public, private, home and residential schools.

Their artwork includes finger paintings, watercolors, chalk pastels and other multimedia works. The students’ work embraces a wide variety of color and creativity. Their hard work and dedication to art is shown throughout their unique creations.

Support for the statewide contest is provided through the UAB Vision Research Center-Outreach and Education Module, the UAB School of Optometry, the UAB School of Education, The Helen Keller Birthplace Foundation and the Alabama Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children.

The second exhibit is the 2008 Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition, which will be on display in the library’s third floor gallery through April 30. The featured faculty works include paintings, graphic design works, sculptures, drawings and photographs.

The opening reception of the USA Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition will be held on March 21 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the library’s third floor gallery.

Admission is free and both exhibits are open to the general public. For more information contact Dr. Richard Wood, dean of University Libraries at (251) 4607021 or e-mail him at rwood@bbl.usouthal.edu. For USA library hours visit http://www.library.southalabama.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS Fairhope Film Series presents “Black Book” March 7, 7 p.m.

USA Baldwin County Performance Center MSO presents “Overture to Spring” March 8, 8 p.m.

Saenger Theatre Art Exhibits: “More Than Music” & “Jack and Jill’s Work” Through March 28 Mobile Arts Council Art Exhibit: “Color Alabama” Through March 31 Cathedral Square Gallery

amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com

The Mobile Ballet presented their rendition of one of the earliest ballet's, "Coppelia: The Girl with Enamel Eyes." Theresa Pryor Roca, president of the Mobile Ballet, praises the comedy for its partnering of in-house as well as guest artists. Roca states that this compilation "represents the heart of Mobile Balletsuperior dance training and productions enhanced by guest artists."

Performing in "Coppelia" as a guest was New Hampshire native Ian Carney, playing the part of Franz. Dancers William Blanken and Robert Biggs also served as guest artists.

The imaginary story of "Coppelia" recounts the mysterious means of Dr. Coppelius, performed by David Beech, who finds himself obsessed with creating life-like dolls. The performance is set in the Polish city, Galicia, which is filled with cheerful cottages, all except that of Dr. Coppelius.

Sitting on Dr. Coppelius' balcony is a girl reading. Swanhilda, played by Caroline Frey, becomes mesmerized by this figure, as does her fiance Franz. Swanhilda becomes angered by Franz's new love for the girl in the window and renounces her love for Franz.

Swanhilda then finds a sheaf of wheat, which when rattled means that the person you are in love with loves you. Neither Franz nor Swanhilda hear the wheat rattle, and they both go their separate ways.

Filled with curiosity, however, Swanhilda and her friends, along with Franz, attempt to make their way into Dr. Coppelius' home to befriend the doll-like girl.

Once in the house, many life-like dolls are discovered. After making their way to the girl in the window, Swanhilda realizes that the girl is actually a doll. Overcome with surprise, the girls are then joined by Franz, as well as Dr. Coppelius. Everyone escapes, except Swahilda who is quick witted enough to hide behind a curtain. Franz, however, is interrogated by the doctor, and declares his love for the doll, Coppelia.

http://www.mobileballet.org

The Mobile Ballet presented Coppelia premiering March 1 at the Mobile Civic Center. The top performers of the night were Caroline Frey and Ian Carney.

The doctor invited Franz to stay for a glass of wine and forces Franz to fall asleep.

Dr. Coppelius' dubious means allow him to take the life force from Franz and give it to Coppelia. Just when the doctor thinks his spell has worked, he realized that Coppelia is not Coppelia.

She is actually Swanhilda dressed like the doll. Franz and Swanhilda manage to escape the doctor and make their way to the town bell to get married.

Mobile Ballet Artistic Director Winthrop Corey created the colorful costumes worn by the dancers and the challenging choreography. Corey has sought to establish a "classical ballet company by adding full-length classics to the repertoire."

Mobile Opera to present ‘Andrea Chenier’ Susan Pruitt STAFF WRITER msp501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

A remarkable story of love, politics, imprisonment and death is coming to Mobile this month. The Mobile Opera will be performing Giordano's “Andrea Chénier.”

According to Mobile Opera's Web site, this magnificent Italian romantic opera takes place against the “dramatic backdrop of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror.”

Poet Andrea Chénier falls desperately in love with a young lady of the aristocracy.

Chénier remains faithful to his defiant beliefs regarding the revolution's worst atrocities. This eventually costs him his life and the life of his love Maddalena.

The opera opens at the Château de Coigny near Paris, where the Countess's household is preparing for an elegant soirée.

Later that evening, the Countess's daughter Maddalena meets Andrea Chénier when she coaxes him to improvise a poem for the enjoyment of the party's guests.

According to the Mobile Opera's synopsis, Chénier's poem criticizes the indifference of the clergy and the aristocracy to the suffering of the impoverished.

Years later, in the midst of the Reign of Terror, Chénier and Maddalena meet secretly in a quaint café. Maddalena confesses that she has been sending Chénier anonymous letters, leading to their mutual

pledge to love each other until death. The Countess's former servant and emerging revolutionary leader, Carlo Gérard, seeks to destroy the connection between Maddalena and Chénier in light of his passionate love for Maddalena.

Gérard writes a false indictment condemning Chénier to a false imprisonment and impending death sentence. After learning the truth of the false indictment, Maddalena determines to die alongside her lover.

“This Italian romantic opera takes place against the dramatic backdrop of the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.”

- Mobile Opera The following day, Maddalena cunningly takes the place of a condemned woman, allowing her to spend one final moment with Chénier.

“Andrea Chénier” will feature the Mobile Opera Chorus and the Mobile Symphony. The role of Andrea Chénier will be performed by Drew Slatton, alongside Carla Thelen Hanson as Chénier's beloved Maddalena di Coigny.

Slatton has been praised for his “focused vocal intensity and fine acting.”

He received his degree in music from Louisiana State University and debut as the leading tenor role of Don José in

“Carmen.”

Hanson has been praised by The New York Times as “fiery and vulnerable, her voice agreeably dark in its middle range and sufficiently full on top.” Hanson holds a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Arizona University and was a semi-finalist in the Florida Grand Opera's YPO Competition.

Carlo Gérard will be played by Luis Ledesma. Ledesma has established himself as “a singer with powerful, yet refined vocal and theatrical gifts.”

“Andrea Chénier” will be conducted by Jerome Shannon and will be performed under the stage direction of John Hoomes.

The New York Times praises Shannon for his “skill and verve,” and Opera News says he “controlled his forces with assurance, propelling he music with subtle rhythmic pulse.” Opera News claims that Hoomes “has proved himself an intriguing iconoclast.”

“Andrea Chénier” provides magnificent music for the leading tenor, giving many opportunities for a talented singer to demonstrate his skill and flaunt his voice.

The opera also contains a memorable aria for the soprano heroine, an exciting one for the baritone villain and a stirring final duet for the male and female leads.

The Mobile Opera should prove to give a magnificent performance of this intriguing romantic opera.

“Andrea Chénier” will be performed on Mar. 13 and 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Theater.

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March 3, 2008

‘Kamp Katrina’ film is profound eye opener Amber-Marie Isenburg STAFF WRITER sumowrestlearehot@gmail.com

“Kamp Katrina” is a relatively new documentary concerning the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The film will be showing at the Ben May Main Library in Bernheim Hall on March 18 at 6:45 p.m.

While the disasters and memories of Hurricane Katrina may be distant and vague in our minds, it is still a genuine reality for film directors David Redmon and Ashley Sabin.

In “Kamp Katrina” Redmon and Sabin travel deep into the destruction of Hurricane Katrina by going straight into the backyards of New Orleans inhabitants - particularly that of Ms. Pearl and her husband, David Cross.

Pearl and Cross have opened their backyard to 14 homeless victims during the aftermath of one of the worst storms to ever hit the Gulf Coast. The backyard dwellers soon became residents of what is known as “Kamp Katrina.”

Ms. Pearl quickly establishes ground rules for her backyard dwellers. However, many of the rules are broken or ignored within several minutes. Ms. Pearl’s rules include having a desire for a job, having a stay no longer than six months, no drunkenness and no hard drugs.

The documentary explores the lives of Hurricane Katrina victims and their attempt at starting anew. While some surpass, others fail. Trailers and other reviews promise an hour of excitement, drama, laughter and despair.

Matt Cale of Ruthless Reviews said that “this movie hits with such profound force.” The documentary is sure to be an eye opener, perhaps either confirming or transforming our ideas of the results of Hurricane Katrina. Charlie Smoke, director of the Mobile Arts Council, says the film is one of six in the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers.

“The reason we were interested in the series was that it would give film lovers in our area the opportunity to see films not otherwise available and, perhaps even more importantly,

to discuss the films with the people who made them,” said Smoke. “It’s a compelling story of a good deed that goes awry, featuring strong, interesting characters.”

Admission is free and open to the public. A question and answer session with the filmmaker will follow the documentary. For more information visit http://www.mobilearts.org.

Juried art show awards USA students Amanda B. Johnson STAFF WRITER amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com

Courtesy of Charlie Smoke

The film “Kamp Katrina” documents the lives of Hurricane Katrina victims during the storm’s aftermath.

This Saturday, Daphne's Bay Rivers Art Guild was pleased to present the opening reception of their juried photography show, "Life in Lower Alabama."

The show featured coastal and rural Alabama scenes from local artists, both professional and aspiring. President Valley O'Neal commented that this was the first photo exhibition for BRAG in many years, but promised many more to come.

"We are thrilled at the turnout this year," O'Neal remarked to a dozen onlookers as she eagerly announced the events winners. Serving as this year's judge was local Fairhope photographer Pinky Bass. Bass is known for her work with pinhole cameras and has exhibited her art across the United States.

“Four artists received honorable mention, including University of South Alabama photography student Amanda Johnson for her work 'Life,' a hand colored montage chosen for it's creativity,” Bass said. Also a South student, Kathleen Schmucker had all three of her works admitted to the jury's show.

MSO welcomes spring in upcoming concert Daniela Werner STAFF WRITER danigirl6013@gmail.com

In celebration of the departure of winter's chilly, dry winds and the arrival of spring's warmth, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra will perform “Overture to Spring” on March 8 at 8 p.m.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's “Overture, Le Nozze di Figaro,” from his opera “Marriage of Figaro” will be the first of three works performed.

The opera's first performance, conducted by Mozart himself, was held in

http://www.mobilesymphony.org

Guest singer Jayne West will be performing with the Mobile Symphony on March 8.

the Vienna Burg theater on May 1, 1786. Deemed as the oldest Mozart opera in traditional repertory, the popularity of “Marriage of Figaro” grew rapidly among its enormous audiences.

Mozart derived this piece from a libretto, or the text of a dramatic work,

by Lorenzo da Ponte, which came from Beaumarchais' comedy of manners “Le Mariage de Figaro,” a play that had entertained the French aristocracy.

Guest performer Jayne West, soprano, will perform with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

West is currently a faculty member of Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., and travels extensively throughout the United States performing repertoire by renowned composers such as Bach, Handel and Brahms.

Aaron Jay Kernis “Simple Songs” will be the second piece performed.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Kernis began studying violin at age 12. He began teaching himself piano and continued his musical studies at several prestigious institutions, including the Yale School of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

One of the youngest artists to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize, Kernis is one of the most respected musical figures in America and is currently Minnesota Orchestra's musical advisor.

“Simple Songs” was derived from religious texts out of numerous books that instill the value of living life simply.

Some of these include the “Book of

Psalms,” work from a Sufi poet and Japanese Zen master.

Characterized by romantic qualities and emotional tones, “Simple Songs” incorporates erratic harmonies and agitated melodies. The orchestral accompaniment to the soprano's soulful expression is dark and meditative at times.

The third work to be performed is Gustav Mahler's “Symphony No. 4 in G Minor.”

Mahler was born in 1860 in Kalischt, Bohemia and died in 1911 in Vienna.

During his lifetime, Mahler referred to himself as a “holiday composer.” His schedule as a conductor was hectic and intense, so he rarely found time to compose.

Mahler was the music director and first conductor of the Vienna Opera. He was known for his demanding and exhausting rehearsals and brought reform to the Opera.

The most lighthearted of Mahler's symphonies, titled “Fourth,” was first resisted by audiences who preferred his more dynamic, shaking pieces.

After Mahler died, it was performed frequently and eventually became his most popular symphony.

Tickets to “Overture to Spring” can be ordered online at http://www.mobilesymphony.org.

A sneak preview open dress rehearsal for this show will be held on March 8 at 2 p.m.

For more information, call the Mobile Symphony Office at (251) 432-2010.

Amanda B. Johnson / Staff Writer

Mary Elizabeth Davidson, a USA student, won second place at the Bay Rivers Art Guild juried show.

Third place was awarded to BRAG President Valley O'Neal for the image "Dining in the Delta." Bass, dubbing herself all but an expert on color photography, was "drawn by the subtlety of color ... and the unexpected contrast" of O'Neal's work.

The image depicts a convenience store shelf lined with Beanie Weenies, Sardines and MoonPie. Second place winner Mary Elizabeth Davidson, a painting major at USA, offered viewers a look at her influence from motherhood.

Her work, "Prior to Conversation," depicts two small dollhouse chairs sitting atop a pregnant belly. The printing quality and conceptual thought proves Davidson as a talented student emerging into the world of professional photographers.

Best of show was received by USA photography instructor Margarita Skiadas for her work "My Tamata."

The exhibit will be on display at the Bay Rivers Art Guild until March 26.

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Entertainment

Stephanie A. Hudson Entertainment Editor stephanieahudson@gmail.com

March 3, 2008

Game Developers Conference reveals ‘08 releases Nick Mondaini CONTRIBUTING WRITER ngm701@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

There is a place where many game developers go each year to nerd out: the Game Developers Conference. It is the biggest gathering of professional video game makers and is held annually. It began in 1987 in San Jose, Calif., in a living room populated by 27 game developers. Ever since then, the conference popularity has grown and inspired many to look towards a career in game development. This year’s show consisted of what is usually expected from GDC: teasers, announcements and release dates. All Points Bulletin, Final Fantasy XIII and Gears of War 2 were a few of the highlights that left fans thirsty for more.

David Jones is a game designer whose resume includes Lemmings, Grand Theft Auto and Crackdown. His next project is APB. APB is a term police officers use to inform other officers to be on the lookout for a wanted suspect. This videogame will place gamers into a Massive Multiplayer Online environment, or MMO, where they will get to choose whether to pursue justice or defy it. Players will either be the cops or the robbers, and the great news is there will be no list of characters to choose from. In fact, players will use a create system that lets them pick the physique, hair style, height, skin tone and eye color of their personal character.

The customization tool even goes as deep as letting players grow hair in pieces or over time and being able to add scars, which can be aged as time progresses. It also allows gamers to add veins and choose whether they want to make them more or less noticeable. Another nice treat is the fact that experience points and statistics will allow players to build a reputation as a not-to-be-messed-with police officer or an untraceable criminal. This game was created for the Xbox 360 and PC, but the actual release date is yet to be announced.

This year at GDC, Sony showed strength in their future lineup of games. They showed the Final Fantasy trailer and Square Enix announced that their newly named game

http:www.Xbox.com

The release of Gears of War 2 has inspired fans like the one above, who holds a replica of the GOW chain saw found in the game.

engine, Crystal Tools, will be available for the PS3, Xbox360 and PC. Do not worry Nintendo followers - a slightly downgraded version of the engine will also be available for the Wii game console.

The Crystal Tools engine is capable of providing amazing cut-scene visuals, as we saw in the trailer of Final Fantasy XIII, and in-game graphics that have never been matched.

Though Crystal Tools was a huge highlight of GDC, the biggest draw of all was a game that only Xbox 360 owners, and possibly PC gamers, will get to experience: Gears of War 2.

A little more than a year ago, on Nov. 12, 2006, gamers experienced a game that raised the bar for next-generation video games. Gears of War had emerged and it added an alternative for players who, for quite some time, had been settling for Halo 2’s multiplayer.

Gears of War held the top spot on Xbox Live for most multiplayer activity for a significant amount of time. It is a 3rd person shooter that keeps you coming back for more, and it instantly hooks you with impressive visuals and heartpounding combat. The good news is that Gears of War 2 is set for a November 2008 release. It already has been announced that GOW2 will have fully destructible environments and a far more outrageous single player mode than its predecessor. For players who love to chain saw others online, it has also been rumored that a one-on-one chain saw battle sequence might make its debut. If Gears of War 2 is anything like its former masterpiece, it will still be a great game, but with Gears of War’s game engine recently receiving an upgrade, a lot is expected from this highly anticipated sequel.

With games like GOW2, Final Fantasy XIII and APB creeping up on us, it is safe to say that the future of video games is set for a long run. After all the success in gaming that occurred last year, gamers were left wondering what 2008 had in store for them. It seemed as if all the exciting games had already been released in 2007, but thanks to this year’s Game Developers Conference, gamers can look forward to great choices this year.

Erykah Badu unleashes ‘4th World War’ with new CD David Hopper SPORTS EDITOR dsh401@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Erykah Badu is back with her most ambitious album to date. Released Tuesday, “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)” is Badu’s follow-up to 2003’s “Worldwide Underground” and the first of a series. The second “Amerykah” album is slated to drop this summer.

Badu exploded onto the music scene over 10 years ago with her impressive debut “Baduizm.” Featuring the hit “On & On,” the 1997 album was a genre-bending blend of classic soul, jazz, modern R&B and hip-hop. Badu continued the neo-soul formula on her critically-acclaimed 2000 album “Mama’s Gun” that spawned the groovy, funky hits “Didn’t Cha Know” and “Bag Lady.”

“New Amerykah” is by far Badu’s most avant-garde and least accessible album. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Like many maturing artists, she appears to be pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territory. Just don’t go in expecting songs like “Honey,” the bouncy, catchy single.

“Honey,” produced by 9th Wonder, sounds nothing like the rest of the album. And probably for that reason, it’s tacked on the end as a bonus track.

The album is her bleakest yet, and likely her most daring artistic statement. Badu hits on topics such as crime, drug use and ghetto life over dark ambient musical arrangements.

“New Amerykah” should be taken in as a whole and gets better with more spins. It’s her most hip-hop influenced album to date. The electro beats and unusual, strong structures are a far cry from the smooth jazzy instrumentation of her early work.

The opening song “Amerykahn Promise” is drenched with 70’s funk and soul, sounding as if it was pulled from the soundtrack to an old blaxploitation film à la “Shaft.” Badu slows the tempo on the following song “The Healer,” which

expresses the pervasiveness and influence of hip-hop. Badu chants “Hip hop is bigger than the government” over a stripped-down, hypnotic beat compliments of producer Mad Lib. Badu said in an interview prior to the album’s release that producers she collaborated with are “freshest, scientific, mathematical, absurd geniuses,” which sounds to be more or less true. The layered, dense production is definitely original, albeit strange at times.

“Soldier” is one of the stronger tracks. The sparse beat punctuated by steady drums and a flute-like backdrop makes you focus on lyrics. Badu provides words of encouragement to people from different walks of life. “To my folks on the picket line/don’t stop till you change they mind/We gone keep marching on/till we here that freedom song.”

The 37-year-old grew up listening to 70’s R&B and the influence shines through on several tracks. “Master Teacher” samples the lush strings of Curtis Mayfield’s 1972 single “Freddie’s Dead.” Like some other tracks on the album, the initial beat fades out and a completely different one replaces it. Three and half minutes into “Master Teacher,” a slinky synth-laden beat emerges while the original chorus continues. The unusual structure helps to keep things interesting as some beats grow repetitive.

The album finishes strong with two solid tracks: “That Hump” and “Telephone.” Unlike many songs on the album, they’re fairly conventional and could get radio play. It is worth noting that Badu actually sings throughout the entire song.

In many songs, Badu merely half sings, chants or speaks verses and her singing seems to take a backseat to the weird beats at times. Often compared to jazz great Billie Holiday, Badu’s pleasant nasal-tinged thin voice is not spectacular by conventional standards but her delivery and phrasing always X

see BADU, page 25

http://www.erykah-badu.com

Erykah Badu performed at the VH1 Soul Stage in Brooklyn, N.Y. Feb. 19, before the release of “New Amerykah, Pt. One: 4th World War.

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March 3, 2008

Grant proves ‘Relentless’ with music evolution Angela Langster STAFF WRITER asl662002@yahoo.com

At times, some artists in the recording industry finally break away from the style of music they usually perform. Often, the change illustrates the old saying that change is hard. However, for two-time Dove Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, breaking the mold seems to come naturally.

Her latest CD, “Relentless,” makes good use of her powerful vocals and songwriting skills.

Currently No. 6 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart, "Relentless" shows Grant's progression with more direct honesty in the messages of the songs and a new progressive pop and rock sound.

Grant's new sound kicks off “Relentless” with the song “I Will Not Be Moved” and is displayed again in “Wonderful Life.” Both songs showcase an edginess found in much of today's pop music, but Grant does not limit her sound to edgy raw pop.

"In Better Hands,” currently No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Chart, features a country music vibe to go along with its lyrics about contentment with life.

CD

Review

At times, Grant slows down the pace with the haunting “Back At My Heart” and “Make A Way (Brittany’s Song).”

"Make A Way" is inspired by a story of a young woman Grant met at the Revolve Tour.

Grant's new wave of honest lyrics is with the lines “There’s no such thing as perfect people/There’s no such thing as a perfect life" from the song “Perfect People."

“So Long,” which sounds similar to K.T. Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” goes into familiar content territory with a message about being born again with the lines “But underneath this shallow skin is a brand new me coming out from within.”

“Relentless” does showcases the growth of Natalie Grant as an artist and songwriter which will continue to progress her career further. Her experimentation with different kinds of music qualities and lyrics are strong indicators she will survive the music business.

Currently on The Relentless Tour with artists Jimmy Needham and Ashmont Hill, Grant is set to make appearances in cities such as Atlanta, Ga., Boca Roton, Fla. and in Mobile on May 2 at Christ United Methodist Church.

For more information on Grant and her music visit Natalie Grant online at http://www.nataliegrant.com and http://www.myspace.com/nataliegrant.

For ticketing information for The Relentless Tour visit http://www.itickets.com/artists/740.html.

Sean Penn directs ‘Into the Wild’ Nathan White STAFF WRITER vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

“Into the Wild” is a story about Christopher McCandless, portrayed by Emile Hirsch. This young man, upon graduating college, gives his entire life’s savings to charity, and sets off to live in the wild. The movie essentially tells the story of his travels and of the people he meets along the way. It sends a very potent message about living your life to the fullest. It also presents the message “happiness is only real when shared”--a lesson Christopher learns along his travels Actor’s Corner The acting seen in “Into the Wild” is probably some of the best I have seen from a movie in quite some time. Emile Hirsch did a splendid job in his portrayal of Chris McCandless and Hal Holbrook, who was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor in this film, was superb as well.

Overall, I really cannot complain at all about the acting in this film. However, I can complain about how Hal Holbrook did not win that Academy Award. Although, from what I have heard, the man who did win, Javier Bardem, deserved it much more for his work in “No Country For Old Men.” I suggest you see both of these films and make your own judgment.

Director And Company “Into The Wild” was directed and adapted from a book of the same name by Sean Penn, whose directing credits include “The Pledge” and “The Indian Runner.” Though he was not nominated for any Academy Awards for his direction, Sean Penn was nominated for many others including a nomination from the Directors’ Guild of America for directing the best film. He produced "Into the Wild" along with Art Linson and William Pohlad.

Plot Or Not? Most of the plot in the movie is revealed through the use of flashbacks, revealing how the main character, Chris, arrived at his current dwelling. Overall, the plot is fairly coherent. Only towards the end does it become cloudy and hard to understand, but even then it is wonderfully presented.

Extra Features The single DVD has few special features to speak of in spite of the extra disc included. However, the

DVD

Review

two-disc DVD includes two featurettes that include crew interviews about the characters and the different locations they filmed during their eight months of filming and the original trailer. Aside from that, there really are not many special features, such as bloopers or specials on wilderness survival.

Overall Overall, “Into the Wild” was a great movie. I highly recommend this movie to anybody, especially if you are a fan of dramas or movies about people enduring the harshness of the wild. “Into the Wild” will be available for sale and rent on March 4.

http:www.amazon.com

Natalie Grant is a favorite among both contemporary Christian and mainstream music fans due to her ability to change her music style.

Upcoming Shows in Mobile Tuesday, March 4 Banana Docks Cafe - Lisa Zanghi Blind Mule - Hank Becker Metropolitan Groove - Jon Maddox Wednesday, March 5 Chemistry - Tony “Da One” of the Lost Tribe Thursday, March 6 Chemistry - Rising Still Rising Grand Central - Dauphin Street Idol Friday, March 7 Bilotti’s - Jim Marshall Jazz Trio Club Casino - The Midnight Riders & Gary Tyson Double Olive - Andrew Tyler Grand Central - Jon Maddox Metropolitan Groove - Marcus & Ebony Saturday, March 8 Bilotti’s - Jim Armstrong Blue Gill Restaurant - Loose Cannons Friday, March 14 Bilotti’s - Jim Marshall Jazz Trio Grand Central - Peek Blue Gill Restaurant - Greg Brown

http:www.amazon.com

Emile Hirsch stars in Senn Penn’s “Into the Wild.” The DVD will go on sale March 4.

Saturday, March 15 Bubble Lounge - Justus Browning Gabriel’s Downtown - DJ Robby Grand Central - Peek

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Sports

John Kenny & David Hopper Sports Editors vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

March 3, 2008

Jags beat FIU, clinch top seed David Hopper SPORTS EDITOR dsh401@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

USA 74, FIU 55 The University of South Alabama men’s basketball team defeated Florida International 74-55 behind Demetric Bennett’s game-high 30 points Saturday night in Miami. With the win, the Jaguars (25-5, 16-2) earned their third consecutive Sun Belt Conference division title and secured a No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. USA also tied the school record for regular season wins with 25. “I thought our two seniors held us together throughout the game," said head coach Ronnie Arrow.

Brandon Davis and Ronald Douglas were the other two Jaguars scoring in double figures with 10 points each.

“Our inside guys, Brandon (Davis) and Ronald (Douglas), did a good job on their inside guys,” said Arrow. “Winning the East is a means to an end," Arrow said about the school's 11th regular-season league title.

“We earned the No. 1 seed and now we need to show up at home and win three more games to guarantee an NCAA bid. I am really proud of these guys.”

The Jaguars never trailed in the contest, jumping out to a 27-13 lead after a 13-1 run with six minutes left in the half. USA took a 33-22 advantage into the locker room.

The Jaguars lit it up the second half, shooting a blazing 63 percent from the field.

In the second period, USA never let the Golden Panthers get within 8 points and the Jaguars led by as many as 20.

USA dominated the boards, pulling down 41 rebounds to FIU’s 23. For the first time this season, Daon Merritt led in rebounds with eight. Merritt also dished out nine assists and committed only two turnovers.

USA 81, UNO 61 The seniors provided the punch for the Jaguars during senior night on Thursday at the Mitchell Center. With Thursday’s win over New Orleans, South Alabama finished the regular season undefeated (16-0) at home. Daon Merritt credited the fans as one of the reasons for USA’s success this season.

“Our fans have been our sixth man for us.

They’ve been real key in this run we’ve had at home,” Merritt said.

Seniors Bennett and Merritt, who were honored in a pre-game ceremony, combined for 42 points in the 81-61 rout of the Privateers. Merritt had 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Bennett matched his season average with 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

“These two guys have been very important to this basketball program for the amount of time that they’ve been here,” said head coach Ronnie Arrow. “The wins that they will leave behind here speak soundly for this basketball program.” Davis and Domonic Tilford were the other Jaguars in X

see JAGUARS, page 16

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

Junior Ronald Douglass goes over a Presbyterian player’s back in USA’s come from behind win Monday.

Lady Jags end regular season with wins Staff Reports vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

Junior Karina Sproal goes for the goal in USA’s 55-50 win over UNO on Wednesday night.

USA 62, FIU 47 The South Alabama Lady Jaguars defeated Florida International on Saturday 62-47 in Miami. USA ended the game on a 25-5 run that lasted the final 11 minutes.

The games remained close in the first half, with both teams leading. With seven minutes before the half, FIU led 20-19 after a couple of 3-pointers and a layup put them back in the game. Jeanette Tucker later took the lead back for the Jags after knocking down a jumper at the 4:48 mark. Skakira Nettles sent the Jags into the locker room with a one point lead with a couple of free throws just before halftime.

Monique Jones and Patrice Brunner each connected on treys to push the Jag lead out to 35-28 after halftime. FIU fought right back and had a 14-2 run to take the lead back at 42-37. The Lady Jags had enough though; the Golden Panthers were held to just five points in the final 11 minutes of the game. In those 11 minutes, USA scored 25 more points to win the game by a 15-point margin.

Jones led the team with 15 points, while Nettles added 13 and Jessica Starling scored 11. The Lady Jaguars scored 11 points off of turnovers compared to FIU’s four points.

The Lady Jags will start play in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament on Wednesday when the fifth-seeded Jaguars host Louisiana Lafayette at 7p.m. in the

Mitchell Center. South Alabama ended the regular season with a 19-10 overall record and a 10-8 conference record.

USA 55, USA 50 South Alabama used 24 points off turnovers to battle past the University of New Orleans to complete a regular season sweep on Feb. 27 at the Mitchell Center.

Shakira Nettles scored a career-high 22 points to secure an opening round home game in next week’s Sun Belt Conference Tournament for the Lady Jaguars.

Nettles scored 10 of the first 15 points of the game for USA. At the 5:30 mark Siedah Banks nailed a jumper to give the Jags their biggest lead of the night at 21-9. UNO answered back with a 9-0 run with just over three minutes left. Nettles and Karina Sproal ended the run with back-to-back treys just before intermission. USA went into the locker rooms at halftime with the lead 29-22.

In the second half, UNO made a couple of runs, but USA fought right back every time and kept New Orleans from taking the lead. With just more than 10 minutes left in the game, Nettles pushed the Lady Jaguars back out to a double digit lead at 40-29.

USA held on at the end to take a five-point win 55-50. UNO stayed close using 18 second chance points compared to only seven

by USA. Banks and Amanda Leonard each scored seven points to go along with Nettles’ 22. Patriece Brunner added eight rebounds.

Compiled by: Staff Reporter T.R. Risner

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March 3, 2008

Jags take Manhattan 3-1 Matt Weaver SPORTS REPORTER punkbrokenlove@aol.com

The Jaguar baseball team returned home to open a five game homestand, including four against Manhattan College over the weekend at Stanky Field. The Jaguars took three of the four while scoring 61 runs in four games.

A six run sixth inning doomed the Jaguars chances Friday night as Manhattan shelled the South Alabama pitching staff.

The Jaguar’s offense belted 11 runs on 12 hits but failed to keep up with the onslaught of the Jaspers’ bats.

South Alabama starter Lance Baxter gave up nine earned runs in 5.2 innings of work.

The bullpen did not fare much better as Travis Johnson could not record an out in relief of Baxter, while Miles Ethridge pitched three innings of mop-up duty.

The Jaguars tried turning the rally caps late in the game, scoring three runs in the final two innings but it would prove to be just short, as the Jaspers took game one, 1411.

Bunky Kateon mashed a home run to left field in the losing effort and Clint Toomey batted four runs in. Chad Salem and Dom Lombardi led the Jaspers, knocking in half of Manhattan’s run total between them.

Baxter (0-2) took the loss for South Alabama while Tom Costigan (2-0) picked up the win.

The Jaguars swept the Saturday afternoon double-header at Stanky Field. South Alabama grouped together 25 base hits while winning by a margin of 13-5 and 1512, respectively.

Opening day starter Eric Gonzalez pitched his second quality start in a row during game one as the Jaguars held the high-

John Kenny / Sports Editor

Junior catcher David Doss connects for his second home run of the year to put the Jags up 9-3 over Manhattan in the bottom of the third inning on Sunday.

powered Manhattan line-up to five runs on 11 hits. Bunky Kateon kept his bat hot, belting his second home run of the season.

David Doss and Ryan Bohannan also left the yard in game one. Osmani Sanchez led the Jasper offense by scoring three RBIs off the bench.

The Jaguars lit up Jaspers starter Dan Forman (0-2), as they scored nine earned

runs on nine hits, chasing the left hander out of the game after the fourth inning.

Gonzalez (2-0) pitched six innings while only allowing a single earned run. In two starts, Gonzalez’s ERA stands at 1.50.

The second game was a slugfest featuring seven pitchers and 27 combined runs, yet South Alabama pulled off a victory that was much closer than it should have been.

A five-run sixth inning capped off by a Ryne Jernigan home run sealed the victory for the Jags. However, errant bullpen work late into the game allowed the Jaspers to score seven runs in the final two innings and nearly climb back into the contest. South Alabama reliever Greg Johnson managed to retire the side in the ninth and keep X

see BASEBALL page 24

Softball falls to LSU in semi-finals Staff Reports vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

LSU 1, USA 0 The South Alabama (9-9, 0-0 SBC) softball team fell to Louisiana State (14-4, 0-0 SEC) 1-0 in the semi-finals of the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge Sunday afternoon. With the loss, the Jaguars were eliminated and finished the tournament with a 23 record. LSU’s sole run came on a solo homer by Casey Faile in the fifth inning.in the USA starting pitcher Beth Pilgrim received the loss. Pilgrim threw during all six innings, giving up 3 hits, no walks and fanning five.

USA 1, USM 0 South Alabama defeated Southern Miss 1-0 in extra innings Saturday night at Tiger Park. Jenny Stevens started things off for the Jaguars in the eight inning with a triple to right-center. Autumn Hudson followed it up with a RBI single down the left field. USA pitcher Amanda Leggett (2-4) pitched all eight innings, giving up two hits and striking out seven. Southern Miss hurler Lana Vaughn (3-2) received the loss.

Ashley Salley / Sports Photographer

Junior catcher Kristen Hayes at bat against Southern Miss on Wednesday night at Jaguar Field.

Tulsa 3, USA 2 South Alabama fell to Tulsa 3-2 in extra innings Saturday morning at Tiger Park.

Sara Dyer of Tulsa hit a game winning single off Jaguar pitcher Shannon Smith (2-2), giving the Golden Hurricanes its first win of the tournament. USA rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force extra innings in the top of the seventh after Evelyn Pare and Jenny Stevens reached home on a throwing error by the third baseman. Ashley Elmore led the Jaguars by going 2-for-4.

USA 1, PSU 0 On the first day of the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge, South Alabama beat Penn State 1-0 in extra innings and loss to LSU 70. Jaguar pitcher Shannon Smith (2-1) threw a complete game shut out against the Nittany Lions. The winning run came in the eight inning off a sacrifice fly from Jenny Stevens to deep center. Ashley Elmore scored from third base. Stevens, Elmore and Eveyne Pare were the only Jaguars to get a hit in the game.

LSU starting pitcher Dani Hofer (7-1) pitched a complete game shut out while striking out 11 batters. Tara Donaldson, Corey Race and Kristen Hayes were the only Jaguars with hits.

Compiled by: Sports Editor David Hopper

16 STAFF REPORTS Staff Reports vanguard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Men’s golf grabs 14th place in Rio Pinar Invitational

The USA men’s golf team finished 14th in the Rio Pinar Invitational on Feb. 26, after scoring an 885 in Orlando, Fla. Marc Etienne Bussieres led the Jags on the last day with a one-under par 71, while Jonny Caldwell shot an even par at 72. Caldwell finished the invitational tied for fourth overall with a total score of 210.

Men’s tennis drops two in Texas

South Alabama’s men’s tennis team dropped two matches in the HEB invitational in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday.

USA was defeated by Middle Tennessee 41 after losing to New Mexico earlier in the day 4-1. The Jaguars won their final match of the weekend against 72nd ranked Nebraska. USA won both of the doubles matches they played in, while Jack Baker, Marek Sramek, Robert Hodel, and R.J. Nagel each won their singles match to give USA the 4-2 win over the Cornhuskers.

Compiled by: Staff Reporter T.R. Risner

The

Vanguard NASCAR SPRINT Cup Standings after Las Vegas (Race 3 of 36) 1. Carl Edwards

491

--

2. Kyle Busch

470

-21

3. Ryan Newman

450

-41

4. Kasey Kahne

440

-51

5. Kevin Harvick

428

-63

6. Greg Biffle

427

-64

7. Jeff Burton

421

-70

8. Martin Truex Jr.

371

-120

9. Elliot Sadler

368

-123

10. D. Earnhardt Jr. 361

-130

11. Tony Stewart

355

-136

12. Kurt Busch

348

-143

Next Race: Atlanta Motor Speedway Location: Hampton, Georgia Distance: 324 laps, 500 miles Defending Champion:

Jaguars X

from page 14

double figures, pitching in 11 points each. The Sun Belt Conference’s leading scorer Bo McCalebb of UNO scored a team-high 19 points.

The Jaguars jumped out to a 15-6 lead on a layup from Tilford with 11:51 left in the first half. After UNO’s Kechan Myers hit a jumper, the Jaguars responded with a 10-0 run that was highlighted by a lob pass from Merritt to Douglas for a powerful two-handed dunk.

The Jaguars took a 42-19 advantage into the locker room. Merritt led all scorers at the half with 14, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from behind the arc.

The Privateers were held to only 29 percent from the field in the first period.

“I thought the first half we really got after them. They didn’t get to the hole,” Arrow said. “I thought the guys did a really good job on not only Bo (McCalebb), but on the whole team.”

UNO outscored USA 16-6 in the first eight minutes of the second half, closing the gap to 14 at 48-34. However, the Jaguars then went on a 9-0 run and the Privateers never came within 19 the remainder of the game.

The Jaguars dished out 18 assists, while the Privateers had only four. Both teams had 38 rebounds. USA shot 50 percent for the game, and UNO shot 36.6 percent.

Next up for USA will be the quarter finals of the Sun Belt Tournament held at the Mitchell Center. Scheduled for Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Center, USA will play the winner of New Orleans vs. Denver.

March 3, 2008

Monday Morning QB

The madness of March Madness John Kenny SPORTS EDITOR chevyracin382931@aol.com

It’s here! It is the first week of March, and that means that March Madness is here and the South Alabama Jags are right in the middle of it. With the win over FIU, the Jags clinched the top seed in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament making them that much closer to the Big Dance. But first, we still (hopefully) have three games left.

With holding the top seed, USA is granted a first round bye and will play their first game on Sunday afternoon in the first game of the second round. We will play the winner of New Orleans and Denver. This is where our first problem lies. UNO and Denver can both get on very powerful scoring runs and generate a very up-tempo style, which is one of the things the Jags have been known for this season. However, going eight days without playing a single game can really ice down a basketball team. Our last game was against FIU on Saturday, our next game will be this Sunday, eight days later.

That is an exceptionally long stretch to go considering that teams have been playing two or three games a week since November. Remember what the long wait did to Ohio State in its last two seasons before the BCS Championship game.

X

see MADNESS, page 24

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March 3, 2008

Sun Belt Conference Brackets Men’s Bracket First Round (campus Sites) Higher seed hosts New Orleans (8)

W omen’s Bracket

Second Round March 9 South Alabama (1)

Game 1 12:30 p.m.

Second Round March 8 W estern Kentucky (1)

First Round (campus Sites) Higher seed hosts North Texas Texas (8)

Game 1 12:30 p.m.

New Orleans (9)

Denver (9)

Middle Tennessee Tennessee (4)

Arkansas State (4)

Louisiana-Monroe (13)

Florida Atlantic (13)

Game 2 3 p.m.

Game 2 3 p.m.

Louisiana-Lafayette (5)

South Alabama (5)

Troy (12)

North Texas Texas (6)

Louisiana-Lafayette (12)

W estern Kentucky (3)

Game 4 9 p.m.

Arkansas State (11) (11)

Florida Atlantic (7)

Middle Tennessee Tennessee (3)

Game 4 9 p.m.

Troy (11) (11)

UALR (2)

UALR (2)

Game 3 6:30 p.m.

March 10

Florida Int’l (7)

Game 3 6:30 p.m.

Florida Int’l (10)

Semifinals

Louisiana-Monroe (6)

Denver (10)

Semifinals

March 10

Game 5- winner of Game 1 vs. winner of Game 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Game 6- winner of Game 3 vs. winner of Game 4 at 9 p.m.

Game 5- winner of Game 1 vs. winner of Game 2 at 12:30 p.m.

Game 6- winner of Game 3 vs. winner of Game 4 at 3 p.m.

Final

Final

March 11

Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 Winner at 8 p.m. on ESPN 2

March 11

Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 Winner at 3 p.m. on Regional T.V.

Opinion

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EADS, Northrop contract a win-win for Mobile

T IS NOT often that a city has the opportunity to become the next aeronautics hub, but with the recent announcement by the U.S. Air Force that EADS and Northrop will be awarded a contract to build 179 next-generation refueling tankers, Mobile now is being handed that opportunity.

EADS plans to build the tankers at Brookley Field Industrial Complex in southeast Mobile. The expanded business is expected to create 1,500 new jobs at the Brookley site. All in all, economists expect a total of 25,000 jobs to be supported by the project.

This announcement comes on the heels of Mobile County being awarded to be the site of ThyssenKrupp $3.7 billion steel plant. The ThyssenKrupp steel plant is expected

to employ 2,700 people.

This is great news, not just for Mobile, but also for students at the University of South Alabama. The contract is expected to be carried out over the next ten to fifteen years.

Additionally EADS has decided to expand its other Mobile facilities that build civilian aircraft.

All this means long-term sustainable growth and high-quality, highpaying jobs. With all this growth, many graduates will no longer be faced with the dilemma of having to decide between staying in the area or finding a great job.

Mobile is currently experiencing much-needed, phenomenal levels of growth. This is truly a great sign for things to come.

Show care when posting online

T

Opinion Editor

pufferfishx@gmail.com

March 3, 2008

OUR VIEW

I

Matt Flanagan

HE RECENT JAGUAR Production-hosted event “Campus Computing and the Law” brought to light a lot of good information about online privacy - or more accurately, lack of it - and the potential risks associated with certain kinds of popular online activity.

Much of what was discussed should be common sense to the average college student. Unfortunately, college students across the world tend to be lacking in the common sense category.

Probably the most important and relevant discussion was the discussion concerning online activity on popular social-networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook.

Students need to understand what they post on these sites is viewable often by people they do not want to see their page and sometimes by people they never expect to view their page. This includes that girl or boy you are trying to court, or better yet, the parents of that girl or boy. It could also include professors, colleagues, grad school admissions officers, and potential employers.

It is one thing when Facebook or MySpace helps your girlfriend/boyfriend's parents see through your good-boy/good-girl façade. It is a whole another thing when a potential employer does not

hire you because they easily discovered your “true self ” online.

Yes, those random pictures of you drinking and partying - even if you are of age - and those random blog post talking about this-and-that can and will come back and haunt you.

Before a potential employer invests their resources and time into an employee, especially an employee trying to get hired for one of those plush, high-paying jobs, they are within every right to try to gather as much information about the potential employee. And you better believe that they will search out this information.

“What about privacy?” a concerned applicant may ask. What privacy? Facebook, MySpace and the such are public social-networking sites. People do not join them because they do not want their information to be seen. People join these sites to share their information.

Anytime someone posts something on the Internet, it is analogous to posting the information on a huge billboard for the world to see.

The quick and easy rule when it comes to posting information or pictures on the Internet is do not do it unless it is something you would not mind your mother or a potential employer seeing.

Your opinion matters.

Write a letter to the editor.

The

Vanguard

Fidel Castro’s resignation signals a promising future After nearly 50 years, Cuba's long-time leader since those words were spoken, history can now Fidel Castro officially resigned last week. judge. Did Castro deliver on his words? Does he While viewed by most as an oppressive dictator, still believe that his revolution brought Cuba into it is undeniable that Castro was a powerful, charis- the future? What will his legacy be? matic and very controversial leader. Castro led a Ernesto Che Guevara, who fought with Castro socialist revolution in Cuba inspiring millions, in the Cuban revolution remains the hottest Twhich transformed the island. He also denounced shirt print since the smiley face. Once upon a time communism and called for socialism and free elec- posters of Castro holding or smoking a cigar were tions. Sadly, Castro never delivered on any of his found everywhere, a symbol of change, a favorite promises. He adopted communism, never held with American hippies in the sixties. free elections and killed or Castro is known to us, the imprisoned many who chalyounger generation, as an irrellenged his position as presievant old dictator. It does not dent. matter that Castro led a revoluEllie Marks Castro's announcement that tion. What matters is that he will not return to duty was is now old and seen as Contributing Writer Castro made in order to acclimate the the person who froze Cuba in citizens of Cuba to the fact the fifties. If that is not irony, that he will not remain there then what is? forever. One may look at it as a gradual process, a History managed to turn Castro into the figure smart move by Castro and his followers. he was supposedly revolting against. He simply Fidel Castro's younger brother Raul will likely lived too long. He bored us with his ever-lasting remain commander in chief, at least for now. It is presence. Sadly it is likely that Castro's legacy will believed that Fidel will remain a member of the not be more than a sad chapter in the world’s hisparliament, a sort of “spiritual leader” lurking in tory -- a chapter that Cubans as well as Americans the shadows. Many hoped that with his retire- want to see end. Castro leaving office does not ment, Cuba would drastically transform into a mean much, as he has announced he “is not saydemocracy. It is believed though that all will ing goodbye but will remain a soldier of ideas.” remain the same at least until Castro dies.

Time will tell what Castro's true legacy will be.

In 1959 Castro was quoted saying “a revolution One thing for certain: when Castro dies, it will be is not a bed of roses; a revolution is a struggle the end of an era. between the future and the past.” After 50 years

Siegelman’s case means foul play for Alabama

I am new to the state of Alabama and I do not ply in the wrong political party for his state and had know much about the political scene except it is to be forced out in some way. pretty much a red state. However, I did pay atten“60 Minutes” interviewed a woman who claims tion while I was casually channel-surfing and “60 that current President Bush advisor and previous Minutes” had an exclusive on the former governor Alabama strategist, Karl Rove, asked her to get picof Alabama, Don Siegelman. tures of Siegelman in a compromising sexual posiThe opening scene really grabbed me. It began tion. She also claims that Rove’s associate and by revealing the hopeful ideas Siegelman intended Republican consultant Bill Canary told her that he to bring to the state and the improvements he was knew federal prosecutors that could “take care of ” seeking, especially in education. It looked like his Siegelman, one being Canary's wife. future was bright, though After a judge threw out the unconventional, as a case they were trying to make Democratic governor in a because of lack of evidence, Republican state.

Siegelman decided to try to run Jennifer Harris for governor for the 2006 elecIt then cut to an image of him emptying dirty mop bucktion. Federal prosecutors came at Staff Writer him again. Parts of the case ets in a federal penitentiary in began to seem fuzzy. The star Louisiana. In 2006, Siegelman witness, who supposedly saw the was convicted on charges of illegal activity, had to be coached bribery and obstruction of justice and sentenced to more than seven years in to give the same story. He also turned out to be a felon himself and worked with the prosecutors to prison.

Looking at the case on the surface, it seems rea- get a lighter sentence.

Looking at the details of this case brings many sonable. A witness testified that Siegelman took money in exchange for giving a businessman who doubts to mind. There is a felon as a witness with a ran a health care company a seat on the CON fuzzy memory, shady affiliations between Board, which regulates hospital construction. Republicans and prosecutors, and political motivation to assure Siegelman is not re-elected as goverShady, right?

But as you look closer at the details of the case, it nor. When politics takes precedence over a man's is not as black and white as it seems. In fact, fifty- freedom, that is a time we should begin to worry.

Another interesting element of this story two state attorney generals, from both parties, feel that this case needs to be examined more closely. occurred at the WHNT-TV station in Huntsville, There is concern that perhaps Siegelman was simX see SIEGELMAN, page 25

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The

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March 3, 2008

POINT COUNTERPOINT Should we create regional electoral caucuses? tI s fine as a state-by-state basis Matt Flanagan OPINION EDITOR pufferfishx@gmail.com

First off, I would like to thank the thinktanks who brought me to my computer tonight, typing this diatribe against the creation of a regional voting system. You are still fine Americans, looking for newer ways to create solutions to problems that face the nation, and I do not care if anyone else says anything different. Discussion of important ideas is truly the only way to advance any society, and I believe that was your aim in creating this idea.

I believe our current system of caucus voting, although perhaps it is a bit strange, is an idea worth keeping. The power struggle that exists for certain key states follows from the fact that the first states essentially eliminate the other candidates.

If you do not know what I am talking about, it is fine. I will explain.

Our current system of primaries and caucuses is based on a state-by-state vote in which citizens of each city can choose delegates for the presidential race based on party affiliations.

Lately this has been starting in Iowa (God knows why), and spreading across the United States like a patriotic wildfire.

After the voting, these delegates will appear at the party’s respected national convention held later in the year.

That is the system we currently use.

The main aim of the supposed regional caucus system, as I understand it (albeit somewhat haphazardly), is to grant citizens equal voting power in choosing presidential candidates.

While at a glance this appears to be a simpler way to go about the elections, the glaring truth in the matter comes from

Regional caucuses are the way to go

neglecting the fact that this election is Angela Langster meant to “weed out” other candidates STAFF WRITER along the road who may be unfit for the asl662002@yahoo.com office of the president. This is why caucusIn September 2007, the Democratic es exist in the first place: to eliminate Joe National Party stripped Michigan and Blow Democrats/Republicans from the Florida of its convention delegates poll and leave the respected majority winbecause officials moved up the date of ners. their primaries. This move was made due That’s how our entire electoral process to feelings of insignificance in comparison works in general: by subjecting candidates to states that hold earlier primaries. to the scrutiny of a few In this year’s tight early states, the respecrace, Michigan and tive political parties Florida’s delegates themselves can force could have been a candidates who are unfit deciding factor. for office out of the race, 24 states, including and keep the ones Alabama, moved their America wants. primaries to February.

Back to the regional Why did they decide to idea: if it were impledo this? The answer mented, I don’t think it comes from the influenwould be the end of the tial voting power in world as we know it. But these states.

I believe that the idea of Why is it that the this system necessarily states of Iowa and New making electoral Hampshire every four processes “easier” or years get the privilege of “more efficient” is a bit being the first to select http://cen.csinet.org/ misguided. from the crop of candiThe main reason any- There is debate about making presidential dates who might one might think a region- caucuses a regional vote instead of an become president? No al system would make individual state-by-state vote. offense to those states, more sense than a statebut needs and issues in by-state system is because those states are drastically different it deals with regions of states rather than according to region. states themselves. That just means you are If the powers to be wanted to be all dealing with higher volumes of votes at symbolic in showing the values of once, since you are talking about 3 or 4 America why not hold the first presidenstates voting at once per day. It may not tial primary in Jamestown, Va.? After all even make any real difference in determinthat is where the first US colony was ing the outcome, so why change it? established.

On another note I find it quite annoy-

ing that presidential candidates, when campaigning across the state make one stop in a city in one state and spend a majority of their time in a larger delegate rich-state to appeal to those individuals for their vote. I feel as a voting citizen that my vote is just as important as a voter in California or Texas.

With that said, if the process of selecting the President of the United States was on a region-by-region basis such as the northeast/southeast/midwest/southwest/Pacific coast instead of the current system that is in place now, it would be a more efficient and equal system.

The way that it would work is that one region of the country would hold their primaries or caucuses on a certain date.

Thus this would shorten the time of selecting the presidential nominee of each respective political party. Prior to that election the candidates would be forced to hold a large debate concerning the issues of that particular region of the country.

If such a system were implemented, candidates would be forced to spend more time and advertising dollars to campaign in not only larger delegate states but also smaller delegate states. Just maybe the candidates would then focus more on the issues and concerns of the American people.

Most likely changes in the electoral system of selecting the President of the United States are not going to occur anytime soon, but it would be quite nice if the powers to be would read the hints from what has occurred in this election and when 2012 comes around be more prepared since Americans do want something different and efficient from their leaders now more than ever.

Question of the week: What are your plans for Spring Break?

“I’m going to visit my brother in San Antonio.”

“Hanging out with family and friends, and studying for Physics.”

“I’ll definitely go to the beach.”

Jeanetta Bennett Junior Communication Joe Hainsworth Senior Occupational Therapy

“Visiting family in Mobile.”

Shruti Pura Sophomore Biomedical Sciences Sam Snow Freshman Computer Science

20

The

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The

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March 3, 2008

Funding X

from page 1

Science Center on campus also has additional funding for other programs at the USA. Other funding South Alabama will receive includes an approval of $611,000 for the Coastal Inland Hurricane Monitoring and Prediction Program.

This program seeks to acquire the ability to predict the intensity and potential damage of hurricanes that affect the Gulf Coast. The program will help prepare the public for future natural disasters by studying land-falling hurricanes.

“This research will provide coastal communities a better picture of what to expect from tropical events so that they can be better prepared for these natural hazards,” Sen. Shelby said.

The budget also approved $258,500 for the USA Meteorology Department’s monitoring equipment.

The money will allow the USA Meteorology Department to place monitoring equipment along the Gulf Coast to provide a more detailed and complete understanding of the impact of the various factors inside a hurricane.

A funding of $246,000 was added to the bill for the USA Mitchell College of Business Library and Career Center.

The money would be used for the college’s new library, reading room and career resource office.

USA has already raised $1.4 million in private donations for the new project.

South Alabama also received $940,000 for Oyster Bed Reseeding that will continue to enhance the habitat for fisheries throughout the state, $329,000 for a domestic violence reduction program, $550,000 for the Mitchell Cancer Institute for a vault liner and $500,000 that will be used for a new medical records system in the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

Some of the funding has already made its way to the University, while the rest is on its way to improve to University of South Alabama.

Blotter X

from page 3

02/27/08 Theft – Article from Auto/Burglary of Auto A female student reported that her car was broken into while parked at the gym. An iPod and an iPod docking station, valued at $549 total, were removed from the vehicle. No suspects were identified.

02/27/08 Property Damage A vending machine was damaged in the Mitchell Center. Police do not have any suspects at this time, but are investigating.

02/27/08 Theft of Property The insides of a computer processor were removed at the Mitchell College of Business. The computer parts are valued at $250. No suspects were identified, but an investigation is pending.

02/28/08 Burglary Two laptops, valued at $1,200 each, were stolen from an Epsilon 1 dorm room. An investigation is pending.

02/28/08 Simple Assault – Domestic Violence A female student struck a male student during a domestic argument that was observed on a security camera in the College of Education. An investigation is pending.

02/28/08 Harassing or Annoying Another Person A female student was harassed by an acquaintance at the Student Center. An investigation is pending.

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March 3, 2008

Elections X

from page 2

those students will give our referendum a majority,” Harris said.

Harris stresses his desire to give students their money back.

“I am running for president to stop the SGA from doing more damage,” Harris said. “It is time for students to address the fraud perpetrated against them in the form of the SGA. It is time for students to take back their school.”

South Alabama student Mikey Hendrich always knew he was going to go to South Alabama as a young boy. For him, whoever wins the position as president of SGA must have school spirit.

“I think whoever wins should have crazy school spirit. I would like to find ways to have other students gain school spirit by getting them involved,” Hendrich said.

Hendrich’s current leadership roles at South Alabama include being the current president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, creator and president of Students Who Stand, recruitment officer of Outlaws Recruitment, member of the Freshman Advisory Board, SGA senator, and a member of the USA Dining Services Committee.

“SGA President is something I know I can do really well,” Hendrich said. “I want to get other students as excited about South as I am, and I want to get people’s concerns heard.”

Hendrich was credited as one of the student leaders who helped bring NCAA Football to South Alabama. After creating Students Who Stand, Hendrich was able to get the students and SGA involved.

One of the candidate’s biggest concerns and changes he would like to see made involve aid for international students on campus.

“International students who have to stay on campus over the holidays are left in a serious food situation; with all dining services closed down starting at the last day of finals, international students are left to fend for themselves,” Hendrich said.

Hendrich proposes many new changes that will help inconvenienced students at South Alabama.

“Having an enclosed JagTran route to Wal-Mart once a day maybe twice a week over the break would at least give students the opportunity to make it to a grocery store,” Hendrich said. “Another thing I think is most logical is to have the Delta Deli open for limited hours over the break.”

Current SGA Senator Michael Smith plans to run for Vice President because he sees SGA as an extension of the student body and has a solid grasp of how the senate operates.

“I believe that there is so much that SGA can do for students, and I really want to see a continuation of what has been going on this past year,” Smith said.

Smith has been a senator of the College of Arts and Sciences for the past two years. This past summer, he was elected Senate ProTem. He is active in a number of other organizations, including Freshman Advisory Board, Model UN, Mortar Board and TKE. Smith has many goals for the new SGA year if elected as vice president.

“Next year, I really want to work on revamping the SGA committees that are open to all students to participate in,” Smith said. “I think that if the system is tweaked a little bit, it can be more effective and get more students involved with SGA.” South Alabama student Jason Shepard hopes to secure the treasurer position for the 2008 SGA. Shepard’s main goals are to involve more students in campus activities.

“The students are the lifeblood of this campus, and my goal is to serve the students to the best of my ability,” Shepard said. “As treasurer, this means communicating effectively with all students and finding ways to help fund events and activities that are meaningful to the students.”

Shepard proposes to achieve these goals by maximizing the amount of money SGA gives directly to student organizations, simplifying the appropriations and co-sponsorship process, and being readily available to the student body.

“As a treasurer, I bring to the table a much needed sense of maturity and dedication, strong leadership skills, strong organization and experience,” Shepard said.

Shepard has held various leadership roles including editor-inchief of The Vanguard, a lead organizer in bringing a national student philosophy conference to South Alabama’s campus, served as chairperson of SGA’s non-traditional students committee and has been involved in educational outreach off campus.

TKE member Todd Fowler has also reportedly filed to run for SGA treasurer, according to current SGA President Jennifer Edwards. Repeated attempts to contact Fowler were unsecessful.

Ashley D. McGee applied for the position of the attorney general for SGA. For McGee, the attorney general should be a student who has a deep love and devotion to South Alabama, someone who is trustworthy and has a just and fair way of thinking.

Prior to wanting to run for attorney general, McGee served as senator for the College of Arts and Sciences for two years.

“While serving, I always make decisions based on the betterment of the University as a whole, not for personal gain,” McGee said.

McGee is also an I.M.P.A.C.T mentor, the lifestyles editor for The Vanguard, a resident advisor and a 2007-2008 USS Alabama Crewmate.

“I hope to increase student involvement on campus when it comes to organizations as well as athletics,” McGee said. “I've seen an amazing amount of growth and support in both of these areas, and I plan to do all I can to keep this positive trend in place.”

Current SGA Senator Hannah Skewes plans to apply for chief justice of SGA to “work with the other officers and senators to make improvements where possible and make sure SGA is doing what it's supposed to do.”

Skewes is also the president of the Creative Writing Club, Habitat for Humanity member and a senior reporter for The Vanguard.

Skewes stresses the importance of making the student body understand that SGA is for all the students.

“SGA does have influence over funds for student organizations and some decisions within the University,” Skewes said. “It's pretty important for students to know that the door is open and that members are listening to what they have to say.”

Current SGA President Jennifer Edwards outlines the essentials to being a good executive committee member.

“It is extremely important that people running evaluate their time commitments before filing,” Edwards said. “Most people don't realize how much time it takes to be on the executive council; it’s a lot of fun and very rewarding, but very demanding of your time.”

Students interested in running for an executive committee or senator position must turn in a completed candidacy application to the SGA office by March 17 at 5 p.m. Applications are available in the SGA offices. A meeting for all candidates will take place immediately after deadline at 5:15 p.m.

Executive officers are required to have 44 hours completed at South Alabama and a 2.5 grade point average. All senators must have a 2.0 grade point average and represent the college of their major. Online voting for all SGA positions begins March 24.

Campaigning for all SGA positions is allowed after the March 17 meeting. Students are encouraged to vote online for executive committee as well as senator candidates from March 24-28. Executive committee officers can show their commitment and desire to become officers in an executive committee officer candidate forum taking place March 20.

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24 Madness X

from page 16

This could potentially be a non-issue, especially if the energy of the crowd and the early parts of the game are high. If we make it past the second round game, we could potentially face Middle Tennessee State in the semi-finals. MTSU did deliver USA one of its two conference losses this season, as well as knock USA out of the tournament last season. Our road to haul is easier than Western Kentucky’s and UALR as they must face each other before a potential showdown with USA. Our next step would obviously be the championship game. I feel this is where we need to get in order to receive an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. Should we make it this far, we will hopefully not play Western Kentucky in the title game as it is hard to beat a good team three times in one season.

If we win it all, our chances in the NCAA Tournament are very good.

According to espn.com’s Bracketology, the Jaguars are projected to a nine seed in the NCAA tournament playing Arizona in the Little Rock regional. This shows the recognition that USA has picked up this year. With a double-overtime loss to Vanderbilt in Nashville and a three point loss to Ole Miss on the road, the Jags have showed this season that they can play with the big dogs. A win over Mississippi State in the Coors Classic helps that much more.

The fact that Ronnie Arrow gave USA its only postseason win and he’s back to coach

Baseball X

from page 15

Manhattan no closer than 3 runs.

Jernigan and Kateon both added three RBI’s in the victory while Manhattan first baseman Austin Sheffield led the Jaspers with four runs batted in.

Kevin Nabors (2-0) notched his second victory allowing five runs on five hits in six innings of work. Kyle Waddell (0-1) took the loss in relief for the Jaspers.

The South Alabama offense continued to impress and head coach Steve Kittrell received some clutch effort out of the bullpen as the Jaguars took the series on Sunday afternoon defeating the Japers 156.

South Alabama starter Derek Hanks had no command and was chased out of the

The

Vanguard increases the Jags’ potential of making this season one to remember. Most of all, the players on this team are probably the strongest minded team of the teams I have seen in my three years here at USA. The near come-from-behind win against Ole Miss showed this as did their comefrom-behind win over Louisiana-Lafayette at home. Last season, the Jags traveled to Syracuse to face the Big East foe in the first round of the NIT. On more than one occasion, the Jags led Syracuse by double digits, only to have a late game surge end our hopes. If you remember, Syracuse was the one school that many were surprised to not see in the NCAA Tournament. Our team this year has little to no drop-off from the bench and is more mentally tough than last year’s. With us getting as close as we did a year ago, a better teams conveys we could surprise some people.

One more thing in our favor is our seeding. If we stay the course and come out where we are predicted, it gives USA a good chance to advance. A nine seed playing an eight seed is very favorable for either side as they are pretty close in talent.

However, that would mean likely playing a top seed in round two.

All of this is only speculation, we need to take it one step at a time. We are three games out of the Big Dance with a lot still to do. But if something should go horribly wrong, there is still the NIT. Call it the “Not Invited Tournament” if you may, but at least we will not come away from this season empty-handed.

game in the first inning. Miles Ethridge made up for it giving the Jaguars five scoreless innings in relief.

Chris Davis spent Sunday afternoon tearing apart the Manhattan pitching staff, hitting two home runs and seven RBIs in the winning effort. Ryne Jernigan also added two hits increasing his season average to .421.

Ethridge (1-0) notched the win in relief while Brian Pendergast (0-2) took home the loss.

With the series conclusion South Alabama improved to 6-3. Manhattan falls to 1-6 on the young season. South Alabama is back in action Tuesday night as the Jaguars host Samford. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Stanky Field.

March 3, 2008

Welcome JAGTRAKS Registration Guide

N Replaces the Schedule of Classes N Contains all the information needed to prepare for advising and registration N Course listings no longer included.

Access up-to-date course listing with current section information and availability on PAWS at http://paws.southalabama.edu Office of the Registrar Meisler Hall, Ste. 1100 (251)460-7227 registration@usouthal.edu

25

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March 3, 2008

Computing X

from page 4

country, including the University of South Alabama, uses to combat plagiarism. Every time a paper is compared, it is added to the expanding-by-the-minute database.

The most pressing issue, according to Lindsay, is online privacy. He claims that it is difficult to create laws that provide concrete standards for privacy invasion and stalking.

“It usually depends on how the victim perceives the intentions of the possible offender,” Lindsay said. “You don’t have to be creeping behind a tree to be a stalker.”

He provided examples of two students

Badu X

from page 12

flows nicely with the music.

Badu sings about striving to overcome adversity in “That Hump.” “If I could get over that hump/Then maybe I will feel better/Maybe I won’t.” “Telephone” is a pretty, heartfelt tribute to the late hip-hop producer J Dilla. “Just fly away to heaven brother/Make a place for me brother.”

“New Amerykah” is recommended to fans of Badu and those who like experimental hip-hop and soul with socially conscious and introspective lyrics. It is a challenging listen at times complete with moments of brilliance and moments when you may want to push eject.

Nevertheless, Badu is one of the most intriguing and consistent contemporary artists of the genre and, like all her other albums, this one is definitely worth checking out.

who had met people online and were killed after encountering them in person. One was a female who had met a male on http://www.myspace.com going by the moniker “BigThickDude.” On their second date, he berated her physically and killed

“When you stick personal stuff like photos up on the Internet, it’s like putting it on a billboard for the world to see.”

- C.L. Lindsay her with his own hands.

The second was a male named Kerry

Kujawa who met a man online, acting as a female imposter. He drove to the man’s residence after e-mailing him for several weeks under the assumption that he was going to see a female. He was killed after being solicited for sex and refusing.

Lindsay gave tips on how students can keep themselves safe, including not posting “seductive” or “compromising” pictures, stating more than 25 percent of businesses look at MySpace and http://www.facebook.com.

He reminded the audience not to post too much personal information, such as phone numbers and addresses and, in general, to “be smart” in the realm of cyberspace.

Talent X

from page 8

talent show on a Friday night is a wonderful occasion to get everyone together as one group,” Coleman said.

Coleman also commented on hopes for further talent shows incorporating students and faculty.

“For future honors program talent shows I would like to see more dance performances and have students deliver dramatic monologues. I would also like to have more honors faculty members come and perform,” Coleman said.

“Like the honors students, there are undoubtedly lots of faculty members who can perform for everyone.”

Freshman Ayesha Jaleel, who participated and watched the show, says that it was a wonderful experience.

“It was fun coming out and seeing hidden talents,” Jaleel said. “My favorite of the night was Jake's classic tuba playing because I got to interpret and dance to his music. Nothing beats that.”

Siegelman X

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Ala. During the “60 Minute” segment on Siegelman, which most would say painted Alabama politics in a negative light, went black during most of the segment in what is said to have been technical issues.

Coincidence or conspiracy? The general manager of WHNT has repeatedly declared there was no foul play behind the blackout.

Since it happened, the station has replayed the broadcast as well as offered a link to a web version. It was probably just a fluke with terrible timing, but the fact that many people's minds immediately designate it a political cover-up tells you a little something about the trust, or lack thereof, that politicians inspire in the public.

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CAMPUS

IN BRIEF PA studies host golf tournament The department of physician assistants studies is hosting the 8th annual golf tournament by the class of 2009 in support of the local Child Advocacy Center of Mobile.

They will be running a four-man team scramble, so you can either sign up a team of four or just yourself and be placed on a team.

They are also having a silent auction in conjunction with the golf tournament, so if you aren't a golfer, come out and bid a number of prizes donated from the local area. If you would like to support the silent auction with a service or product, it needs to be mailed by March 14.

To sign up for the golf tournament you can go to the Web site http://www.usouthal.edu/pasociety to print the form. Make checks payable to ALPASS and send it to the PA department.

The tournament will be at the Timber Creek Golf Course off I-10E exit 38 in Spanish Fort.

You can mail checks and forms to the University of South Alabama Department of PA studies c/o Deana Porter at 1504 Springhill Ave., room 4410 Mobile, Ala. 36604-3273.

If you have any questions please call Deana Porter at (334) 663-7366 or e-mail at deana6504@aol.com.

USABC campus hosts film series

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Israel to compromise with peace Dear Editor: I read the Feb. 11 article, "Hamas Stands in Way of Peace" with the story about the tragic story about the Palestinian suicide bomber. While I do not condone violence on either side, I think the article omits Israel's role.

I saw a story, which objectively analyzed the media coverage with regards to Israel and Palestine. Interestingly, the casualty rate was sometimes roughly 10.

Palestinians: 1 Israeli death. However, the American media would typically opt to report the relatively few Israeli deaths, generally omitting reports of Palestinian deaths as if they never happened.

As a result, the American people continue unaware of what is really happening in Palestine at the hands of the Israelis.

It's as if we do not want to see that and prefer to pretend it isn't happening or that it is not significant.

A good book on the topic is "Peace Not Apartheid" by Jimmy Carter. He tells about how the abuses at the borders and more. For example, Israel has prevented Palestine's ambulances from passing because they were a couple inches too large. They would hold up people's crops for days or weeks till they spoiled, seemingly as political retaliation.

The West Bank was 22 percent of the total land and given to the Palestinians.

Yet, a number of Israelis seem adamant

March 3, 2008

about controlling Palestine's land.

The Israelis can charge Palestinians double or triple for essential services (though Palestinians are typically poorer) or deny them services, altogether. Israelis are allowed to use roads that Palestinians are not allowed to use. The list goes on and on.

However, it seems that when it comes to Israel, most Americans have a difficult time being objective and fair. I think our Judeo-Christian heritage helps us think of Israel in a favored role. We seem to view the Jewish people/Israel as the "chosen" people, who are somehow inherently better, and can do no wrong.

Maybe we have also come to view Israel as a victim because they have been often victimized, historically. Now, things have changed, and Israel has been mistreating the Palestinians. We send Israel billions and arms.

Yet, if the U.S. even so much as suspects one of Israel's neighbors of having a bomb, it will attack them pre-emptively.

Israel can have as many bombs, and nuclear bombs, as it wants, and it does.

In fact, this tiny country has one of the largest nuclear arsenals in the world.

I really think Israel is the main one that needs to compromise in the interest of peace.

Lynn Seewer

USA Baldwin County announces its upcoming movies in our foreign film series. The films will be held at USA Baldwin County Performance Center, corner of Summit and St. James Streets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the film starting at 7 p.m.

On March 7, they will show “Black Book.” The Paul Verhoeven’s classy take on old-time war thrillers has a cast of irresistible Dutch war resistance characters. The film is rated R. On March 14, they will show “Pan’s Labyrinth.” This isn’t remotely made for children.

A magic realist revision of Alice in Wonderland is set in the 1940s in Spain.

On March 21, a showing of “The Valet” will be shown. The director of La Cage Aux Folles comes a comical farce with an outstanding cast that includes Kristen Scott Thomas and Daniel Auteuil.

March 28, they will show “The Willow Tree.” This film is about a blind man who helps those see through different eyes. It was filmed in Tehran and Paris.

For more information, contact Robyn Andrews at (251) 928-8133.

Exhibit showing effects of Iraq War An exhibit called “Eyes Wide Open: The Cost of War in Alabama” will be displayed on March 14 and 15 about the soldiers who have died in the Iraq War. More than 68 pairs of empty combat boots, tagged with the names of Alabama soldiers who have died in the current Iraq war, will be displayed, together with a visual representation of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians who have died during the conflict.

The exhibit will be held two different locations. The first location is at Memorial Park, Government Street and Airport Boulevard, on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For directions to this location, please go to http://www.ussalabama.com/html/hours/index.php.

The second location is at Municipal Pier, South Park located at the west end of Fairhope Avenue March 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For directions to this location, please go to http://www.800alabama.com/things-todo/alabama-attractions/details.cfm?id=734.

“Eyes Wide Open” is the American Friends Service Committee's widely acclaimed exhibition on the human cost of the Iraq war.

For more information go to http://www.afsc.org/eyes.

This event is co-sponsored by Fairhope Friends Meeting.

USA student ticket information USA Students can pick up their tickets for the March 9 basketball game beginning at 10 a.m. on March 3.

Student tickets will be free with your student ID. Each student can get one ticket per session. You can get one for Sunday, then if we win, you can get one for Monday and so on.

USA student tickets will be for sections 101, 201, 108 and 208, the ones on the ends of the court. The tickets for these sections listed above will be general admission.

It is critical that you pick up and use all of these tickets. There are approximately 600 seats in those four sections, and we need to fill every one of them to cheer on the Jags.

The championship game of the Sun-Belt Tournament will be televised nationally on ESPN. The Jags need every one of those 600 seats to be packed.

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