October 22, 2012

VANGUARD

THE

VOL. 51, NO. 13

“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”

OCT. 22, 2012

Dyess to present breast cancer talk

JAGS MAUL OWLS IN DOUBLE OT New web Jags defeat Florida Atlantic 37-34 for their first Sun Belt win

filtering troubles students

By KALYN MCCLELLAN kbm1001@jagmail.southalabama.edu

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, USA professor Dr. Lynn Dyess will present her lecture, “What Every Woman Should Know about Breast Cancer” at this month’s Med School Café on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at noon.

Dyess will present this lecture on breast cancer as a part of October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the talk she will provide information on the diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer, as well as current and emerging treatment options.

Dyess is a physician with the Mitchell Cancer Institute and a professor in the departments of surgery and physiology at USA’s College of Medicine.

She has been a practicing surgeon in the Mobile medical community, as well as a faculty member at USA, for 20 years.

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

CASSIE FAMBRO | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Moments after the win, teammates and coaches rushed onto the field to celebrate the first-ever Sun Belt victory for the Jags. See the full story in Sports, page 9 and see more images on The Vanguard’s Facebook page.

See CAFE Page 4

USAPD releases 2011 fire and crime report

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

USA released their 2012 Annual Security and Fire Safety report and the report is filled with information that is important for students to know.

The report, released on Oct. 1 includes information on the campus at the University of South Alabama and information pertinent to staying safe on and off of campus. The report gives students information ranging from how to report criminal incidents, the University’s alcohol and drug abuse policy and even how to reserve a JagBike.

According to the report, the cam-

pus of over 1200 acres is home to over 3,000 residential students and over 15,000 total students.

The report is filled with important contact information for everyone. This includes the address of USAPD which is located at 290 Stadium Blvd. in the Beta/Gamma commons building. The number to USAPD is 251-460-6312.

There is also information for reporting sexual assaults and other serious crimes. The report assures students will be afforded all the privacy they want when reporting any crime and gives two separate options of giving anonymous tips. The USAPD anonymous tip line can be called at

INSIDE USA Football takes on Louisiana Monroe find us on Facebook “Facebook.com/ TheVanguardUSA”

Does chemistry mix with art? How is USA integrating disciplines?

251-460-6667 and there is also a silent witness form that can be found on the USAPD website.

The Security and Fire report also includes statistics from the past three years on campus crimes.

According to the report the numbers of crimes of forcible sexual offenses, burglaries and arson have all dropped from 2010 to 2011. There were six reported sexual offenses on campus in 2010 compared to only four in 2011.

The sexual offense statistics can vary when it comes to USAPD because the reported offenses include what was reported to on-campus counselors and

isn’t solely reported to USAPD. “To me you always respect the right of the victim but we want a chance to investigate every crime that occurs on campus and some of these we don’t get that chance especially in sex offenses,” USAPD Chief Zeke Aull said. “Even though they are down, it doesn’t provide an accurate number of what the police department investigates.”

Also, the number of burglaries went from 58 in 2010 to 33 in 2011 and arson dropped from 10 in 2010 to zero in 2011.

“Let’s use the Grove as an example.

Is Trey Fetner USA’s very own Tim Tebow?

Presidential debates, how do they affect the outcome of the race?

See Left of Center, page 15

See CLERY Page 4

See Opinion, page 12

See Life, page 6

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

Life, Page 6

USA has recently begun the blocking of websites that the University deem to be outside of official business purposes.

The web filtering has come into question by students and faculty on campus as all the University of South Alabama hard-wired computers follow the blocking regulation.

“The University of South Alabama’s computers and internet service are state property and the University is responsible for ensuring that state property is used only for official business purposes, whether it is equipment, facilities, computers or computer bandwidth,” USA Director of Public Relations Keith Ayers said.

“USA has contracted with an outside firm to help with issues related to the use of state-owned computers and internet service provided by the University.

“The purpose of these controls is to allow for the greatest legitimate use of the computer system, at the same time protecting the University from the liability of allowing illegal activity on its computer systems or allowing employees to use state property for non-business purposes,” stated Ayers.

“Many organizations have similar controls in place as part of their risk management,” Ayers added.

The web filtering blocks websites for a number of reasons ranging from gaming to adult material.

These sites are only blocked on University owned and operated computers, students in residence halls should be almost unaffected.

“For students in residence halls, the only sites that are blocked are See FILTERING Page 4

In this Issue: Sports, Page 9 Opinion, Page 12

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

PAGE three

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Weather for Oct. 22 - 27

Editorial Editor in Chief Copy Editor Life Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Left of Center Senior Reporter Web Editor

Cassie Fambro Bailey Hammond Jake Howell Noah Logan Patrick Herring JT Crabtree Jayson Curry Naquita Hunter

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Manager

Advertising Advertising Wesley Jackson Manager Advertising Mohammad Al-Zarrad Graphic Designer Rex McKay

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surroun ding areas.

The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688.

Or editor.in.chief@usavanguard. com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication.

Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number.

All submissions become the property of The Vanguard.

The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer.

The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed

Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx

of the Editor in Chief, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter, and Opinion Editor.

All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight.

The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications.

To report a mistake, e-mail editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com.

The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer.

The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs.

Issues are available at most University buildings and select offcampus locations.

The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each.

Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified accordingly.

See Something suspicious?

Report it to USAPD.

Have a news story or a tip?

USA Police Blotter 251-460-6312 10/18/12: 13:43- Alias Writ of Arrest.

Stadium Blvd. Beta Halls.

A vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation which revealed the driver had a

Email, Facebook or mail us a letter.

warrant out of Daphne Police Department. The driver was arrested for the warrant and turned over to Daphne police.

10/17/12: 13:37- Duty upon striking an unoccupied vehicle. Parking lot between Delta 4 and Stokes Hall. A silver mustang

<--------

backed into the listed victim’s vehicle and left the scene without giving information.

10/15/12: 19:05- Sexual harassment.

Dining Facility. Victim was

inappropriately touched by a known person.

10/14/12: 21:22- Theft of Property Third Degree. 6450 John Counts Dr., Intramural Field. Apple iPhone 4S black.

Cell phone was stolen out of individual’s shoe at the intramural fields.

10/13/12: 20:56- Theft of Property Second Degree. Recreation center. Cell phone, iPhone 4.

Cell phone case.

17:49- Lost item. Stadium Blvd. Individual came to USA PD to report he lost his green card.

4

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

Filtering USAPD Breast causes releases cancer med problems crime stats school cafe on campus Continued from pg. 1 those that are illegal by their nature, such as child pornography and sites that illegally reproduce copyrighted material.

“For employees, the system blocks sites that have no apparent University business need to be accessed. Examples would include certain gaming and entertainment sites,” Ayers explained.

Some people on campus have been affected more than others and harshly disagree with the web filtering, Stasia Weston, who works with the Second Life and Edugaming at USA has had her dissertation disrupted by the web filters.

“I’m the “go to” person on campus for Second Life and edugaming and what they’ve done has just amounted to unravelling 3+ years worth of my work and left me dead in the water as far as research for my dissertation using people from this university for interviews and virtual observations,” Weston explained. “I’ve basically had to refocus my dissertation so that I can use interviews and observations of people not affiliated with USA.” “This has been a major issue trying to do research and other things for classes, having to wait to have sites unblocked and fixed. This is becoming a mess to just get anything done,” stated Patrick Collins, meteorology major. “We couldn’t even get our radar data from Allison-house for the department till we called to unblock it.”

There is a way to get a website unblocked if a student or faculty member thinks it has been wrongly blocked. If a site is blocked you receive a screen with information as to why it is blocked as well as links to send a request for a review of the website and possibly get is unblocked.

“Of course, no system is perfect and if an employee or student is inadvertently blocked from accessing a site that falls within the appropriate guidelines, he or she should follow the directions on the blocking notification system to restore access,” Ayers said.

Continued from pg. 1

Let’s say there are three rooms in an apartment and someone breaks into my apartment, they go in one room and take a TV and another room and take a cell phone and another room and take something else and then there is a common area, that counts as four burglaries where if you lived in an off campus apartment that is just one,” Aull explained. “So we have to count four burglaries when there is one door.”

The 10 arsons on campus in 2010 were actually all caused by the same individual and was arrested by USAPD. A rise in arrests and disciplinary actions on campus can be seen in alcohol and drug crimes from 2010 to 2011. In 2010 there were two arrests from alcohol and 29 disciplinary actions compared to 44 arrests and 107 disciplinary actions in 2011. The drug related arrests on campus rose from 14 in 2010 to 29 in 2011. This rise can be partly attributed to a crackdown by USAPD. “In talking to parents and talking to students, we received information that enforcement was key. They don’t want our department to turn a blind eye,” Aull explained. “If you see our ‘if you see something say something’ campaign and you see our puking pumpkin display or our dual police car-taxi, all of that is geared towards this kind of thing. We have had a dramatic increase in arrests and referrals. We especially pushed that because that was our biggest problem.”

There is much more information in the report that can be found on the USAPD website at southalabama.edu/ police/clery and can be found in paper form at USAPD.

Continued from pg. 1

Throughout her career, Dyess has continually worked with researchers to collaborate on developing new and better ways to treat patients. Her areas of concentration focus on the treatment of breast cancer and endocrine diseases.

She has collaborated on published research in tumor immunology and is currently working to better understand the process that allows breast cancer to spread into bone tissue. As breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women and bone tissue the most frequent area for metastasis, this type of research is critical in leading to better treatments and outcomes for women with breast cancer.

When asked about her involvement with this grant funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Dyess said, “Performing clinical research as well as ‘bench’ research provides great insight into the efforts required to effect changes in the practice of medicine.”

The Med School Café will take place at the USA Faculty Club on USA’s main campus. A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and the presentation will begin at noon. Both lunch and the presentation are free, but reservations are required.

For more information or to make reservations, please call Kim Partridge at 251-460-7770 or e-mail kepartridge@usouthal.edu.

Med School Café is a free community lecture series sponsored by the USA Physicians Group. Each month, faculty from the USA College of Medicine share their expertise on a specific medical condition, providing insight on the latest treatment available.

facebook.com/ thevanguardusa

Letter to the Editor TWLOHA speaks; Be a part of the hope Love and depression. Hope and suicide. Help and self-harm. Community and addiction. All of these words mean something to an organization that is incredibly near and dear to my heart. By this point, I’m sure a good bit of South Alabama’s student body has heard of us.

We are a University Chapter of To Write Love on Her Arms. Many people see the shirts on their fellow Jaguars or see the lead singer of their favorite band sporting the tee. As president of the UChapter this year I was faced with the same challenge as presidents and executive board members before me: spreading the word.

There are now upwards of seventy-five chapters located throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. That means there are seventy-five different groups of people seeking to spread the message and spread hope.

I won’t lie and say it has been easy.

I’ve been a member of the UChapter practically since the beginning. We’ve had people give us looks and walk away after we gave the spill. We’ve had people argue with us and tell us that TWLOHA is a scam or that we have no right to tell someone not to kill themselves. It has been tempting to just walk away several times and not look back. I wouldn’t be a very good president if I did that, huh? This organization means the world to me and I’ve had someone compare it to my faith. It is something I believe in with my entire being, because it matters to people and helps them. For some, it can be a guiding light in the darkness, a hand reaching out, or kind words when all you’ve known is hate.

You’ve seen the shirts and heard the songs and maybe you’ve even written love on your arm. Do you really know the organization though? Do you know the message that we stand by every single day and refuse to back

down when people tell us no? A lot of people fail to see the message.

They buy a shirt because it is pretty and write love because it looks cool.

Every morning I get up and am reminded of the message, of the hope that exists in our room every single Tuesday night. The members this year have made it worth sticking around and fighting against the naysayers.

We stand united because of them.

We believe in more than a shirt. We are the congregation of the broken and we are inviting you in.

Everyone is broken and pain exists in such a hard world where hope is only allowed out when it is convenient.

That shouldn’t be the case and we have worked hard over the past four years to create a place where people can feel safe and welcomed at all times.

Every year we are asked to hold an event on campus. The first year it was Lyrics and Conversation, followed by Six-Word Memoir, and last year it was Living Your Story which culminated in our Let It Go event.

This year we are hosting a Let It Go...Again event. Without giving too much away, I will say that it is educational and eye-opening, centering on the subjects of depression, self-harm, suicide, and most importantly, hope.

The event will be held at the humanities building on October 23, 2012 at 6:30 PM. This is your formal invitation, South Alabama, from me to come out and witness the message firsthand.

We are more than a shirt and a word. We are the ones who will stop the bleeding and change the world.

Maegan Torres TWLOHA Officer

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

jagLIFE

Uncovering mysteries of art through chemistry

COURTESY OF SANDRA HUYNH

Dr. Eric Uffelman and Codey Henderson, a student in the Chemistry of Art course offered at USA, analyzing Henderson’s lab pants with the portable XRF.

By JAKE HOWELL life.editor@usavanguard.com

U

SA was visited by a detective on Oct. 18 and 19.

This was no ordinary detective, however, as this detective was a chemist.

Dr. Eric Uffelman, a professor at Washington and Lee University, visited the University of South Alabama’s campus in order to speak about his work

combining chemistry and art.

Most people wouldn’t picture chemistry and art being compatible disciplines.

Chemistry is a hard science, while art is much more humanities based.

When asked how he got involved in the chemistry of art field, Dr. Uffelman said, “When I was 15 years old, I got to see my first Rembrandt painting and I wanted to know how Rembrandt made his paintings.”

Dr. Uffelman added that his professional interest in the chemistry of art initially started as a hobby, but that he, “wound up making the hobby part of my profession and now it’s sort of taken over my professional life.”

Dr. Uffelman’s work deals mainly with 17th century Dutch paintings and using various methods of analyzing said works of art.

The method that Dr. Uffelman highlighted during his visit was that of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

XRF allows scientists to determine the inorganic elements present in art work by shooting x-rays at a sample and then reading the rebounding “fluorescent” rays. These fluorescent rays are unique to each element.

These readings enable scientists to determine which types of pigments artists used and which could be used during restoration.

The most helpful feature about this technique is that it is non-destructive and can be used without even contacting the painting being analyzed.

XRF can be used to analyze more than just paintings, however, as Dr. Uffelman showed when he visited the Chemis-

try of Art class, taught by instructor Jennifer Coym, offered at USA this semester.

XRF and other methods have enabled Dr. Uffelman to reveal mysteries previously hidden in art, such as images that had been painted over or altered.

When asked about the most interesting thing he has worked on in terms of the chemistry of art, Dr. Uffelman explained how, via XRF, he and his team were able to identify forgeries of the Society of the Cincinnati porcelain that belonged to George Washington.

The chemistry of art is just one way that radically different disciplines can come together and benefit one another.

When asked about her experience as a student in the Chemistry of Art class, Ann Huang, a junior biomedical sciences major, said, “I’m an art minor and I really enjoy chemistry, so it’s a really interesting class! I’m learning a lot of new things about art, especially about pigments in oil painting, which is my favorite medium to work with.”

By exposing students to such interdisciplinary thinking, classes such as the Chemistry of Art class are teaching students how to view problems in a new and fun way.

Thrills and chills abound during Halloween

By EMILY JEANMINETTE jemily21@gmail.com

O

ctober is a great month to get outside and enjoy the earthy scents of autumn and the beginning of some well-needed cool weather. If you’re looking for something fun to do in your spare time, the Port City has many things that you can “fall” into!

Seward Farms’ fall season has officially begun. Located on Tanner Williams road, close to the Mississippi and Alabama border, Seward Farms is the place to enjoy fun, fall festivities for a reasonable price.

“One of the great things about Seward’s is the fact that it offers something that everyone can enjoy, from babies, all the way up to grandma and grandpa,” stated Melanie Thompson, a junior education major.

From the complex corn maze to the energetic pig races and “jumping pillow,” the possibilities for a good time are endless.

Jessica Wright, senior communication major, visits the farm every year.

“It’s awesome! We reserve a fire pit and bring our own drinks and food.

Anything that we can cook over the fire,” Wright said.

If you’re a Halloween junky and love to be scared, then you’ll find a good time on ScareFest nights, which take place on the last two weekends of October.

These nights include a haunted hayride and a trip through the haunted corn maze. However, Seward Farms closes Nov. 3 so don’t miss out!

Fall in Mobile sets the stage for a visit from the Greater Gulf State Fair.

The fair opens on Oct. 26 with the everpopular Midnight Madness. For just $18, you can enjoy any ride as many times as you would like until midnight. The fair will be here till Nov. 4.

We all know that it wouldn’t truly be Halloween without making a visit to a haunted house.

This year, the well-known House of Horrors will be located in the Springdale Mall Shopping Center behind Burlington Coat Factory.

Trey Johnston, a USA student, lent a hand in helping setup this frightening attraction. He claims that this location is spacious and they have more room than ever, which allows more opportunity to incorporate a variety of new horrors that

they feel relate more to their audience.

Johnston states, “I can’t give you any more information than that, but I will tell you that it’s our best one yet.”

House of Horrors is open October 14 to 16 and 21 to 31. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight and tickets are just $12 at the door and group rates are available. Concessions are also available.

Feeling energetic this fall season?

Well, then head on over and sign up for the Dog River Ghost Chase 5K on Oct. 27 at the River Shack.

Run in-costume and enjoy one of the mot beautiful views of Dog River and Mobile Bay as you run the racecourse over the Dog River Bridge.

This race is perfect for first-time and seasoned runners. Food, drinks and live entertainment will be available afterwards to make up for all those calories you burned!

On Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., Playhouse in the Park will debut “The Conclusion of Edgar Allen Poe,” a strikingly funny adaptation of Poe’s last moments on earth.

This 75-minute play is said to be spooky, funny, and full of surprises.

Playhouse director Danny Mollise said

JAKE HOWELL, JAGLIFE EDITOR life.editor@usavanguard.com

6

WEEKLY LOWDOWN Tuesday, Oct. 23 ►5:30 p.m. - Relay for Life meeting in the Library, Room 181.

► 6:30 p.m. - “Let it go...again,” a journey through depression, self-harm, suicide and into hope, in the Humanities Building.

Wednesday, Oct. 24 ►3 p.m. - “Social Media: New Expectations for the Job Search” in Meisler Hall, Room 2100.

►12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. -

“What’s On Wednesday” It’s Only a Test in the Fresh Food Company Meeting Room.

Thursday, Oct. 25 ►1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - UCUR

Symposium oral presentations in Shelby Hall, Room 2119.

►2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. - UCUR

Symposium poster session in the Shelby Hall Lobby.

►3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Westminster

Fellowship Volunteering at Light of the Village meet at Faculty Court South, Room 8.

►6:30 p.m. - 35th Annual

Taste of Mobile at Mobile Convention Center

Friday, Oct. 26 ► 4:59 p.m. - Last day to drop a course or withdraw from the university.

Sunday, Oct. 27 EMILY JEANMINETTE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

House of Horrors is one of many places to enjoy the Halloween season with terrifyingly awesome results.

that “it was written by playhouse alumnus Jonathan Olensky in 1988. We have performed it three times since then, always to great audience response.”

This is a great Halloween treat for the old and young alike! Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

►Outdoor Adventures: Paddle the Bartram Trail. : $20 for students and $25 for staff/ faculty/alums.

Want your event featured in the Weekly Lowdown? Email the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under seven words) to life.editor@usavanguard.com

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

Jaguar fashion: making a statement Horror rules on Halloween

COURTESY OF SANDRA HUYNH

Fashion and personal style say a great deal about a person. When in doubt, however, Jag Swag could always be an interesting choice.

By DANIEL MORAN k.danielmoran@gmail.com

C

ollege is a time when you discover the individual you aspire to be. This journey can extend to your studies, to campus activities and to friendships.

There is another important aspect of college life, however, that many students tend to forget: fashion.

College is when you grow and learn as a person.

While the focus should be pre-

dominately on your education, your style and attitude towards your appearance should not be excluded.

Most professions will not allow you to arrive dressed in sweatpants and t-shirts, so why not break the habit now?

Most college students value comfort over what they describe as “getting dressed up.”

“I just want to be comfortable,” agree freshmen Kristen Reints and Grace Hofer. Comfort, though, comes with consequences.

Rachel Zoe, famed fashionista, once said, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”

What you wear is an expression of who you are and it affects how people view you.

The same can be said about your college experience.

The effort you put into your appearance says something about your character.

Taking time each day to put thought into your outfit, plan your makeup or pick which backwards cap you’re going to wear could make a difference in making a new friend or acquiring judgmental eyes.

“You’re going to make friends regardless, and it’s not going to matter what you’re wearing,” said Reints.

In contrast, some have found

what you wear and how you present yourself can have a huge impact on your relationships.

“I’ve started so many conversations based on shoes,” said sophomore Samantha Hamilton.

“Your outfit is a focal point in your identity, you decide what that is,” Hamilton continued.

Freshman Janine Waters mirrors this viewpoint and stated, “It symbolizes who you are. Presentation is everything, some of these professors may be your future boss.”

While you are less likely to see the majority of your professors after graduation, they can remain an asset in your future.

You may need a recommendation letter, and they will remember how you dressed for class.

By paying attention to how you act and dress for class tells them something about your level of professionalism.

Fashion, whether looked down upon or embraced, will remain important in your life.

You have control over your personal attire and can influence how others perceive you.

Take time in college to experiment with your style and find what is comfortable—and presentable— for you.

“Argo” draws praise from critics and fans alike

By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

O

n Nov. 4, 1979 the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran was stormed by an angry crowd of Iranian protestors that were outraged by America’s protection of the recently exiled Shah of Iran.

All employees of the embassy were taken hostage except six individuals that escaped and found refuge in the house of the Canadian ambassador.

Their rescue from Iran was attributed to Canada until 1997 when President Bill Clinton declassified the operation.

On Oct. 12, 2012, the rescue operation was released as a film adaptation titled “Argo.”

Ben Affleck not only stars in “Argo,” but he is also the director.

As he has shown us in films like “The Town” and “Good Will Hunting,” Affleck can write and direct just as well as he can act. All of his talents are on display in “Argo” as he portrays CIA agent Tony Mendez.

Unsatisfied with the other rescue operations that the CIA has proposed for the rescue of the six Americans in

hiding in Tehran, Mendez makes the daring suggestion of foraying into Iran under the guise of a Canadian film producer scouting locations for his latest sci-fi movie “Argo.”

In order to be rescued, the six Americans must take on identities as members of the film crew. Unfortunately for them, Americans are not welcome in Iran during this time.

If caught trying to escape Iran while the rest of the Americans from the embassy are held hostage, it means certain execution.

Other notable stars in “Argo” are Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who play Hollywood producers that make the fake movie seem as real as possible to the public and the media.

“Argo” is fast-paced, suspenseful and well written. The viewer never gets lost in spite of a complex storyline.

The film has also been widely praised by critics. According to online review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, “Argo recreates a historical event with vivid attention to detail and finely wrought characters.”

What makes Argo truly special is that it is based on actual events. This

STUART SOX | STAFF REPORTER

Ben Affleck tackles a real-life crisis using a fake movie in “Argo.”

makes the film even more real and poignant for the viewer, almost as if we live and die with the characters as they struggle to escape Iran and survive.

The only drawback in “Argo” is the excessive use of film production lingo and covert operation jargon.

Even this, however, isn’t enough to distract from what is truly a masterpiece in filmmaking that will be relevant for years to come.

By KATELYN GAINES kag1105@jagmail.southalabama.edu

W

hat is it that we like about scary movies? What do we get out of horror films that we can’t get from another genre?

Dr. Annmarie Guzy, an associate professor in the English department and faculty advisor for the Horror Club, has an answer.

“Some scholars argue that horror is cathartic, that you feel a release of adrenaline and subsequent gratitude that you’re alive, like riding a roller coaster,” stated Guzy.

“Other critics are starting to admit that we simply like to explore our darker natures from time to time, vicariously participating in the danger,” Guzy continued.

When asked to recommend the best movie to watch on Halloween, Guzy said, “If you’re going to watch one movie on October 31, you have to watch the original ‘Halloween’: the narrative simplicity, the gorgeous cinematography, and the timeless musical score make that film a classic.”

Taking Guzy’s recommendation as a starting point, a list of the top five horror movies to watch on Halloween has been compiled: 1. “Halloween” “Halloween” was originally released Oct. 25, 1978, and spawned the slasher film sub-genre.

6-year-old Myers slaughters his teenage sister with a kitchen knife on Halloween night and is institutionalized for 15 years.

When he escapes, he continues his murderous spree as his psychiatrist and the authorities race to stop him.

This movie doesn’t have too much gore, but it more than makes up for it with the suspenseful, paranoia-inducing moments within the film.

2. “Nightmare on Elm Street” Directed by the legendary Wes Craven, released in 1984, “Nightmare on Elm Street” was where Johnny Depp ,made his feature film debut.

The movie starts out with high school students having vivid dreams of their own murders at the knifefingered hands of Freddy Kreuger.

What makes this film different is how terrifying the concept of actually being able to die in your dream really is.

3. “Poltergeist” This is the 1982 horror film about a little girl name Carol Anne,

JAKE HOWELL | JAGLIFE EDITOR

“Halloween” was the beginning of the slasher film sub-genre and is still a classic horror film to this day.

who gets sucked through a portal in her closet, to the Otherside where she is held captive by a sadistic priest and his followers.

One of the scariest parts of this movie is when caskets shoot up from the ground and bodies fall out, one casket and it’s owner even blocks the escape route of the fearful family.

This is one of those movies that can still scare you even if you have seen it many times, a true classic.

4. “The Ring” This 2002 movie features a journalist named Rachel(played by Naomi Watts) and her precocious son, Aiden.

As Rachel investigates a rumor about a mysterious VHS tape, which is said to kill people within a week if they dare to watch it, she gets way more than she ever thought possible.

At one point, Rachel, herself, watches the tape and stands frozen if fear as an insidious little girl crawls out from the TV screen toward her.

5. “Rosemary’s Baby” This is and oldie but a goodie.

As the name suggests, it’s about a woman named Rosemary, and her baby.

Rosemary’s husband, however, isn’t the father, and he’s okay with that!

Do you know who the father is?

Well, if you don’t, the devil worshippers down the hall of Rosemary’s apartment can tell you.

This movie isn’t gory at all really.

It’s more psychologically freaky, in the best possible way. Once you see this movie, you never really forget it.

LEFT OF CENTER

JT CRABTREE, LOC EDITOR jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

8

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

Kick, Owls, kick

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

T

Quarterback Trey Fetner has been compared to Tim Tebow by teammates and fans, is seen “Tebowing” on Sept. 29 against Troy

CASSIE FAMBRO / EIC

Fetner becomes South Alabama’s Tebow Backup QB draws comparison to Tebow for his role and open faith

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

S

outh Alabama’s football team has had a quarterback carousel for much of this season, splitting starting time between CJ Bennett and Ross Metheny.

But one quarterback who may have been overlooked in the QB talk is backup Trey Fetner.

Fetner is a redshirt freshman from Woodland, Ala. who didn’t play a down in 2011, but was voted the most improved quarterback by the coaching staff after spring practice. However, during fall practice, he lost ground to Bennett and Metheny after sustaining an injury that slowed his progression.

“Last year, I was pushing for the starting job and then in the fall I got hurt,” Fetner said. “And then Ross came in and had a good fall, and CJ did too, and that kinda put me back.”

But it’s not Fetner pushing for the starter’s position that everyone taking notice of him. It’s the transformed role the coaching staff have created for him. And many are comparing him to Tim Tebow, quarterback for the New York Jets.

Fetner has been used in special packages and was seen in preseason taking reps with special teams, playing the role of personal protector in punt formations, similar

to what Tebow can be seen doing in the NFL. “Basically right now, I’m third string quarterback on the depth chart, but I come in for certain packages like short yardage game,” Fetner said. “I’ve accepted that role and I’m thankful for the opportunity from the coaches and I prayed about it for a long time and I’m just excited about it.”

Fetner has come through in the clutch on several opportunities. His first career play was a 3-yard touchdown run up the middle on a quarterback keeper. Against Arkansas State, Fetner he came into the

“

I really am open about my faith and I’m not ashamed to be a Christian.

-QB Trey Fetner

as effective of a leader as Tebow is yet.”

Another comparison Fetner draws to the former Florida Gator quarterback is that he is very open about his Christianity.

If you browse through his Twitter account, you will find several tweets reciting Bible verses.

“I really am open about my faith and I’m not ashamed to be a Christian,” Fetner said. “This platform that I’ve been given as a D-I quarterback is an exciting and great way to get my faith out there.”

Fetner also mentioned that when deciding on where to go for his college career, he felt that he was being called to South Alabama.

“Coming out of high school, I had two Division I offers from Air Force and Army, and West Alabama offered me. The rest were D-IAA baseball offers,” Fetner

recalled. “My dream was always to be a Division I quarterback, and I really wasn’t interested in joining the military. Coach Jones said that I could be a preferred walkon here and earn a scholarship, so I just thought that was my opportunity. I just prayed about it and talked to my family about it and I felt that God was leading me down here.”

Many fans have come recognize when Fetner comes into games, with screams of “Tebow is in!” coming from the student section. Regardless of what his role is, Fetner still treats every game the same, regardless if he is starting or coming in for a quick run. “I still prepare the same way. I go as hard as I can every day at practice.”

On the season, Fetner has appeared in three games, and rushed for 14 yards and one touchdown.

”

game four times, all of which were on 3rd or 4th down.

His teammates joke with him about being like Tebow as well. Teammate and fellow quarterback Brandon Bridge called Fetner “Treybow” on Twitter recently.

“Some of them joke around and call me Tebow,” Fetner said. “I don’t think I’m not

Kicker Michel Chapuseaux after the 37-34 victory over FAU

CASSIE FAMBRO / EIC

hree blocked field goal attempts, only one turnover and a 14 point comeback in the 4th quarter gives the South Alabama Jaguars their first ever FBS and Sun Belt Conference victory over Florida Atlantic on Homecoming 2012.

Let that sink in for a second.

The Jags were down 31-17 with 14 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, and even after FAU marched down the field to attempt a game winning 32-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the game, the Jags didn’t let up. They blocked the kick to send the game into overtime, where they would block yet another field goal and win 37-34 in grand fashion.

The students who remained for the entirety of the game were treated with one of the greatest games in school history. The emotions were low in the 3rd quarter, but quickly turned high by the hands of Pat Moore blocking two field goals, and Clifton Crews another.

The players went ballistic after Michel Chapuseaux’s game winning 35-yarder sailed through the uprights.

Chapaseaux was mobbed by his teammates. Senior safety BJ Scott was seen diving on the field in celebration.

Quarterback Ross Metheny was fist pumping across the field like he was Tiger Woods winning The Masters.

Coaches were dunked in Gatorade.

Even a few students ran onto the field. Players came to the student section and celebrated with their classmates It was electric.

It was a special moment where the boundary between fan and player was gone, and we were all there for the same reason: to watch this team succeed.

For all the fans that left early and didn’t get to see the end of this game, I feel sorry for you. It was a game played on emotion, and it spilled over to everyone left watching.

Good job guys. Jaguar Nation is proud of you.

(Thanks to Sam Wicker on the title idea)

SPORTS

PATRICK HERRING, SPORTS EDITOR sports.editor@usavanguard.com

9

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

Wide receiver Gabe Loper (left) right before he comes down with the game-tying touchdown pass. Quarterback Ross Metheny drops back to pass.

BY CASSIE FAMBRO|EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jags pounce on Owls, get first FBS win in double overtime Moore blocks two field goals, Chapaseaux hits three, including game winner, as USA wins 37-34

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

I

t was a tale of two kickers in Mobile on Saturday. One made all three of his field goal attempts, including the game winner in the second overtime, while the other had three blocked. Luckily for USA, Michel Chapaseaux was the former.

The South Alabama special teams unit came up big with the three blocked kicks, all in the second half, to help give the Jaguars (2-5, 1-2) a 37-34 victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls (1-6, 0-4).

After trailing 31-17 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, with the stadium emptying, the Jags were able to make an improbable comeback to force overtime and eventually beat their conference foes.

Head coach Joey Jones was proud of the fight his team showed throughout the game.

“The main reason we won this game was because of character,” Jones said. “We were down 14 points

in the fourth quarter and I didn’t see quit in anybody’s eyes.”

Converted wide receiver Gabe Loper, just three weeks removed from playing defensive back, played a key role in the win. He caught 4 passes for 91 yards, one of which went for a touchdown to tie the game with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter.

Defensive end Pat Moore came up huge on the defensive side of the ball for the Jaguars, blocking a kick that would have won FAU the game with 11 seconds remaining, and slapping down another that would have given the Owls the lead in the second overtime. He finished with 3 tackles, all behind the line of scrimmage, and a crucial sack in overtime.

“Pat’s improving every game and he’s got the body and the character to be a great player,” Jones said. “He’s going to be a great player and he’s starting to show it right now.”

To start the game, Florida Atlantic quarterback Graham Wilbert completed passes on three of the first four plays for 46 yards to put the

Owls in USA territory at the 19yard line. From there, running back Jonathan Wallace carried four straight times, punching it in from the one on the last carry to give FAU an early 7-0 lead.

The Jaguar offense got rolling on their second drive. Quarterback Ross Metheny ran and passed his way for 30 yards and third-string quarterback Trey Fetner converted a third-andone with a 5-yard run. Running back Demetre Baker rushed for 20 yards on the drive, including a touchdown run from four yards out to tie the game at 7-7.

The Owls kept the scoring affair going on their next drive. Romelle Jones was called for a facemask on a 9-yard sack which moved the ball to midfield for FAU. From there Wilbert completed two quick passes for 37 yards. Martese Jackson then ran for a 14-yard touchdown to put the Owls ahead again, 14-7.

Florida Atlantic got the ball back after the USA drive stalled, but theirs would have the same fate. On third and 2 from their 20, the ball was

snapped over Wilbert’s head. He recovered at the FAU 5-yard line. Florida Atlantic punter Sean Kelly shanked the punt out of bounds at the FAU 35.

Metheny made short work of the short field, hitting Loper on a 28yard pass down to the 7-yard line of FAU. Two plays later, he ran a bootleg around the left side and dove in for the 5-yard touchdown. Chapaseaux’s extra point tied it at 14 with 12:18 left in the second quarter.

Both teams went cold for the remainder of the half, until the Owls took over at their 45-yard line with 2:33 left before halftime. Wilbert completed six passes for 32 yards to put Florida Atlantic in field goal range. Mitch Anderson kicked a 23yard field goal to give Florida Atlantic the 17-14 halftime lead.

On the Owls’ opening drive of the second half, Wallace broke loose a 46yard run to the USA 18-yard line. The drive wouldn’t go any farther, and Anderson was called on to kick the field goal.

His 39-yard field goal attempt was

blocked by linebacker Cliffton Crews and recovered by cornerback Tyrell Pearson, who fumbled the ball on the return. It was recovered by FAU. A sideline infraction on USA gave the Owls the ball at midfield. It took Wilbert just one play to score, hitting William Dukes for a 50-yard touchdown to give the Owls a 24-14 lead.

Dukes finished with a career-high 119 yards on five catches.

The running game made up of Terrence Timmons, T.J. Glover and Kendall Houston gained 31 yards on the ensuing Jaguar drive. However, the drive would stall, and Chapaseaux was called upon for his first field goal of the day. The 69 percent kicker proved his worth and split the uprights to bring USA to within seven, 24-17.

After the teams traded three-andouts, the Owls got the ball at their 24-yard line on a Scott Garber punt.

Wilbert ran for six yards and completed all five of his pass attempts for See Football Football, Page 11

10

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

Football

South Alabama men’s and women’s track teams prepare for Ice Breaker

By JAYSON CURRY jayson-curry@hotmail.com

U

SA track and field team is preparing for the begining of the 2012-13 season opener on Dec. 7 of this year. The men’s and women’s teams will compete in the Birmingham Ice Breaker.

Both the men’s and women’s teams have a good mix of returners and upperclassmen as well as a large group of improving and talented underclassmen.

“Overall, I would say training is going well. The team is being pushed very hard and they are responding. We should be in great shape,” USA head track and field coach Paul Brueske said. “We have an opportunity to be very competitive this season. However, we just have to stay healthy.”

The Lady Jags have Bobbie Williams and Latifah Johnson returning for the throws portion of the women’s team. Both Johnson and Williams starred for the Jags last season. Also, all-conference performer Brianna Aiken will be back at South for her senior season and will look to improve

on her top-5 performances from last season.

The Lady Jags also return USTFCCCA all-academic team member from a year ago, Leah Hixon, who will compete in the combined events for USA. The USA men bring back Demetre Baker in the throw events. Baker, who also starts at running back for the Jaguar football team, broke the record for the shot-put at USA after only being on campus for a short time after transferring from Georgia.

The men’s team also returns Garrett Schumacher who competes in the combined events and finished second in the decathlon in last year’s Sun Belt Conference championship.

There are some talented newcomers to the USA team who Brueske said could be part of their best recruiting class yet at USA. The list of freshmen includes Sarah Petty who was the 2012 Louisiana state champion in the javelin throw and Jaylon Holt who was the North Carolina state champion in the triple-jump.

Continued from Page 12

41 yards and a touchdown to Nexon Dorvilus on the following drive.

Dorvilus ended the day with three catches for 48 yards and the score.

Down 31-17 with ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Jaguars had to put points on the board.

Metheny answered the call, completing four passes for 57 yards. He also drew a personal foul to move the ball to the 5-yard line. After a pass interference call gave the Jags the ball at the two, Baker ran it in for the touchdown to make it 31-24. He would gain 73 yards and two scores on the day.

Another FAU three-and-out gave the Jaguars the ball on their own 15 to start the drive. Two Baker runs and a pass interference penalty on FAU moved the ball to the 50. Baker ran twice more for 12 yards, Terrence Timmons added four more and Metheny broke off an 18-yarder of his own to push it to the FAU 16. He then hit Loper, who used one hand to pull in the 16-yard touchdown pass as the other was being held down by the defender.

“He had my hand hooked, and it was similar to a play at Arkansas State last week,” Loper said. “I just remember telling coach that I had to redeem myself.”

And he sure did. Chapaseaux’s extra point tied the game at 31-31 with 1:05 left in regulation play.

The Owls looked like they were going to march down the field and win it when Wilbert completed three passes for 51 yards to Dukes to put the ball on the USA 15. Moore blocked Anderson’s go-ahead field goal attempt with 16 seconds remain-

ing to send the game to overtime.

“On the last kick, I had to get in there, cause(sic) I felt like I was gonna get it,” Moore said.

It was the Jaguars’ first overtime game since losing at Georgia State in double overtime one year ago.

Both teams went three-and-out and made field goals to send the game into a second overtime knotted up at 34.

On the Owls first possession of the second overtime period, Moore blocked his second Anderson field goal to give USA the ball back with a chance to win.

Baker gained 7 yards on second down to make the Chapaseaux kick more manageable. The 35-yard kick was good and the stadium erupted.

Chapaseaux was overrun by his elated teammates, and the smile didn’t leave his face for a second during postgame interviews.

The 37 points for USA was the most since a 37-31 homecoming victory over Henderson State on Nov. 2, 2010.

Metheny went 13-27 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown and added 34 and a score in the run game.

Jereme Jones snagged three balls for 19 yards to extend his school record for consecutive games with a catch to 21.

Four defenders registered doubledigit totals in tackles for the Jaguars.

Terell Brigham, B.J. Scott and Enrique Williams totaled 11 each, and Alex Page added ten more. The defense matched its Sun Belt- leading average of eight tackles for a loss in the game.

Coach Jones had one last thing to say before walking away in the postgame news conference.

“Those people who left missed a heck of a football game.”

College Football Predictions

Editor’s Note: During the 2012 football season, we here at The Vanguard Sports Section will be doing weekly predictions of South’s football game, popular in-state games and one or two nationally significant games. We will keep a running tally of who’s “winning” the prediction game.

Week Three Season Totals

Patrick Herring Sports Editor (25-7)

Jayson Curry Senior Reporter (24-8)

JT Crabtree Sports Editor L.O.C. (21-11)

USA vs.

Louisiana-Monroe

ULM has been strong this season, averaging nearly 40 points a game. I think they take this one, but the rejuvenated Jaguar offense keeps it close. ULM 38-30.

Louisiana has been a national favorite all year after beating Arkansas and almost upsetting Auburn and Baylor. ULM 36-14.

The Jags are coming off their first FBS win, and have improved every week since their bye.

They’ll have a tough task at ULM. ULM 35-31.

Alabama vs.

Mississippi State

Auburn vs.

Texas A&M

Notre Dame vs.

Oklahoma

The Bulldogs are looking better than they have in recent memory under Coach Mullen, but they’re still not on the Crimson Tide’s level.

Alabama 41-21.

Bama remains undefeated and beats State in the toughest game the Tide have played all year. Bama 31-23.

Alabama can’t be stopped. It’s impossible. The Tide will destory MSU. McCarron throws for 4 TDs and Yeldon has 150+ yards on the ground. Bama 41-14.

Auburn is just plain bad this season, and A&M is proving that they won’t be a bottom tier SEC squad. Frazier or Moseley, it won’t matter.

Texas A&M 45-17.

Johnny Football gets another SEC win for Texas A&M. Auburn keeps struggling.

Texas A&M 45-28.

Auburn is just awful this year, and Texas A&M gave LSU a run for their money. Auburn’s season gets worse, Aggies win 49-13.

Norte Dame has surprised much of the country, but the Sooners pull off the upset.

Oklahoma 38-31.

Oklahoma dismantled Texas a few weeks back, while Notre Dame hasn’t allowed more than 17 points all year. It’ll be a close one, but Irish will take it. Notre Dame 27-21.

Oklahoma exposes the Fighting Irish in this game, much like they did to Texas a couple weeks ago. Oklahoma 38-20.

Want us to follow you?

Tweet us @USAVGSports Ross Metheny @RMetheny15: Quarterback Boom. History made.

Javier Carter @AirCarter32: Forward If u have bumps and dints all on your car, ain’t no such thing as a RIGHT-a-way for you no more, u apparently been WRONG one too many times.

Chris May @CmayFive5: Offensive Lineman That awkward moment when you get caught singing shania twain outloud in marble slab.... #dontjudgeme C.J. Bennett @CJbennett15: Quarterback I know it was a great nap when there is a little drool on the pillow lol Greg Hollinger @LeonG_10: Tight End Walking dead over studying for anatomy II Drew Dearman @DrewDearman: Offensive Lineman I thought tennis was a proper country club sport... Just watched a girl turn around to hawk a lougie on the fence hahaha. Grossed out tho Rush Hendricks @_RusHen_: Tight End Hoping I’m a good guesser leaving that test Kyle Bartsch @Kyle_Bartsch: Pitcher Mean Girls on Lifetime?? #yahtzee Ben Whiteside @B_Whiteside88: Wide Receiver I’m a Christian man..but to the sob who stole my phone 140 characters can’t describe what I think of you..I hope you burn in HELL!!

@USAVGSports

11

VOL. 51, NO. 13/ OCT. 22, 2012

Senior Mohler is the “spark plug” for Lady Jags volleyball

By PATRICK HERRING sports.editor@usavanguard.com

I

BY BOBBY MCDUFFIE|USAJAGAURS.COM

In her fourth year playing volleyball at USA, middle blocker Olivia Mohler is the most experienced player for the Lady Jags.

f you’ve gone to watch a volleyball game in the Jag Gym anytime in the last four years, you’ve undoubtedly seen, and probably heard, Olivia Mohler. The auburnhaired, 6’1” senior middle blocker from Vancleave High School in Mississippi is unmistakable.

One of the more vocal and visually emotional leaders for the Lady Jaguars, Mohler is a catalyst for her teammates.

During warm ups she can be heard leading the squad in a pregame battle cry. While the match is going on she is the passionate voice you hear shouting when her team gets a point, and the encouraging one you hear when they give one up.

“I like being the person my teammates can look to when they need some enthusiasm,” Mohler said.

“I’m just a happy, crazy hyper person and I think you can see that on the court.”

Head coach Amy Hendrichovsky sees Mohler as the team’s energy

booster.

“I consider her our spark plug,” Hendrichovsky said. “She’s always communicating high energy to her teammates.”

Junior libero Jenna Hassell describes Mohler in a similar light.

“Olivia is the heartbeat of our team,” Hassell said. “She is a leader on and off the court. Her energy is so important to our success.”

But energy is only half of what Mohler brings to the table. Having been on the squad and seen significant playing time over the past four years, she also adds an element of experience to the team.

Since her freshman year, Mohler has competed in 112 matches for USA, starting in 93 of them. That’s 19 more matches played and 20 more started than her closest teammates in those categories.

“We have some inexperience on the floor this year, but it balances with our experience,” Hendrichovsky said. “Having Olivia with her experience helps us because I know she wants the ball and I know she

wants to be a leader for this team and she’s putting in the hard work to be that for our team, both physically and emotionally.”

Mohler is putting up good numbers in her final season at the University of South Alabama. Through the first 24 games of the season, she leads the team in blocks (74) and block percentage (0.90), while also recording 165 kills. She’s totaled 206 points thus far, which is good for fourth on the team.

Mohler has helped the team to a 12-11 record on the season with seven games and the conference tournament still remaining.

With the end of her senior season rapidly approaching, Mohler is doing her best to soak it all up.

“It’s crazy thinking that I have five home matches left in Jaguar Gym,” Mohler said. “It’s a surreal and bittersweet feeling.”

South Alabama won’t be the end of the line for Mohler’s playing career though. She intends to keep playing volleyball, hopefully catching on with a European league.

Opinion

NOAH LOGAN OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

12

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

VANGUARD VIEWPOINT The last presidential debate gives Romney window of opportunity EditorialBoard

The

Students that left at halftime let school down

Student organizations that won awards for homecoming floats or raising money for charity and left at halftime should be stripped of their awards.

At the end of the football game on Saturday, the student section was desolate as the Jags rallied to overtake the Owls in double overtime.

Winning an award doesn’t mean that you “won homecoming” as so many social media statuses said yesterday.

The Jaguar football team won homecoming.

Student organizations raised just over $1,000 with the penny drops for USA Children and Women’s hospital.

Something we wonder of the organizations that won: how much money did you spend on the floats?

At the homecoming parade, one fraternity thought it was an appropriate time to promote a presidential political candidate instead of the Jags, and they should have been disqualified immediately.

Homecoming is for unity in support of the school, not your political preferences.

The selfishness exhibited this year is appalling, and in the future it should absolutely not happen again.

There needs to be strict regulation

on how much is spent on floats and it needs to be equal across the board.

The entire concept of a penny drop is not about charity, it’s about competition and that is not what homecoming should be about either.

Are you really thinking about the children or women at USA hospital or are you just happy you’re throwing a dime in another bucket to hurt your opponent?

Halftime on Saturday was more of a mass exodus than a celebration of the University we attend, and it was embarrassing.

Many students spent more time tailgating than at the game itself and as coach Jones said, they missed a heck of a game.

The fans that remained got to see a team rally, come together and rise up against adversity. It wasn’t about the pomp or circumstance, it was about character.

“There was never any quit in their eyes,” Joey Jones said.

But so many students couldn’t even stay for the whole game to see it. If you want a campus stadium, step up USA. If you want a larger Jag fanbase, step up USA. Lead by example. Don’t just follow people out of the gates because you share the same organization ties.

By NOAH LOGAN

ncl1101@jagmail.southalabama.edy

Timing can be the most crucial element regarding presidential campaigns and how they Noah Logan succeed.

Opinion Editor A d ve rtisements and good debate performances can be even more effective if they are timed correctly.

One main example of perfect timing from campaigns is George Bush Sr.’s political advertisement centered around first-degree murderer Willie Horton in which Bush’s opponent, Michael Dukakis, is reported to have given ten weekend passes out of prison to Willie Horton through which he eventually kidnapped and murdered a couple.

While the point was valid and the advertisement was well made, the ad is best remembered for it’s immaculate timing as Bush Sr. was down double digit points right before the election and the effects of the well timed ad went on to help Bush win in a landslide.

JagPulse

Evan Hardin I vote based on my friends’ facebook statuses....

Dennis Mersereau I don’t think that the debates matter so much as the spin afterwards.

Candidate A could win in a landslide, but if the media is adamant that it’s a tie or Candidate B won, the debate itself didn’t really matter

Marissa Catherina Boyd: Everyone already has their mind set on who they want to vote for. The debates just make people trash talk more than they already do. Romney interrupts Obama and he’s seen as assertive and strong, Obama interrupts Romney and he’s rude.

No one will be happy, just adds to more hypocritical biased views.

Mitt Romney is now in crunch time of his campaign and timing has never been so crucial. With the recent debate reactions and the seizing of the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Mitt Romney is in a prime position to capitalize with the upcoming foreign policy debate.

Foreign policy was the most memorable moment of the last debate as it led to a heated exchange between the two candidates on whether Barak Obama called the attacks an act of terror or not.

The polls show it worked out for Romney even though the consensus of most polls showed that President Obama was the victor in the last debate.

Recent polls from the Pew Research Center show that when it comes to foreign policy, 47 percent of voters prefer Obama as compared to Romney’s 43 percent.

In September, Obama led Romney by 15 percentage points in that category.

This Monday, the debate topic shifts completely to foreign policy and Mitt Romney is now presented with maybe his last opportunity to pull even with Obama in the polls.

Research and polling done by the Better World Campaign report that three out of four people polled have their vote influenced by foreign policy issues.

Also, half of the people polled stated that foreign policy issues have not been discussed enough in the first two debates.

With so much voter persuasion on the line, both campaigns will surely equip their candidates with the best statistics and zingers. It’s not like the campaigns aren’t being helped either.

Public Opinion Strategies published a report after interviewing several congressman and civilians from the Republican, Democratic and Independent party that the one question American’s will be most anticipating in the next debate is as follows: What can the U.S. do to reduce our troop presence in Afghanistan; what is each candidate’s Middle East strategy; and how can we address nuclear threats such as Iran?

With so much on the line in this debate, I expect quite a few heated arguments and both campaigns should be bringing out all the stops.

Obama and Romney will both be asked some really trying and difficult questions that cannot warrant the same answer every single time, “It starts by creating jobs in America.”.

Look for both candidates to lose some political shine and undecided voters should get a clearer look at the actual person under the political machines that have been the debates so far.

Do the presidential debates influence your vote?

Alyssa Kaitlyn Newton: Makes me feel even better about my choice. You should always watch the debates and do research before voting. But the way my candidate is going, I’m still standing strong!

Matt Waltman: I would say yes, it’s the first unfiltered opportunity to see how they respond to each other and to criticism.

Brad Spears: Wait when did they actually hold a “debate”

Aaron Finn: I believe it allows us to see each candidate out in the open instead of hidden behind media. Also to those not voting, if you decide not to vote you are only hurting America by not voting for the man who will bring us out of this economy. Also if you don’t vote I would hate to hear you complain about the country when you did not do the one thing you could do to try to fix it.

Matt Kelly: The debates would matter if they would let the libertarian candidate in. Gary Johnson has brilliant ideas on how to fix the issues that have gotten us into this crap shoot we are in.

Unfortunately, the government, just like our parents, knows what is best for us.

13

VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

POINT COUNTERPOINT What did you gain in the second Presidential Debate?

Editor’s Introduction: With Barack Obama returning to his game, the second presidential election has been widely proclaimed more entertaining for all audiences with the candidates being allowed to walk around that stage and some politically charged face-to-face conversations. Who do you think was the victor in the debate and what was the main point taken away after watching the debate?

Point: Romney avoids major damage

“

The crowd, the moderator, the questions – it seems the deck was stacked in the President’s favor.

Jacob Burchfield To determine the winner of last Tuesday night’s debate, one must first define victory. Do you count points? If so, what constitutes a scoring blow? If you have ever watched a boxing match that went the full fifteen rounds, you know no one has any idea, really, about the points in a close fight, save the judges.. The boxing analogy came to mind when I thought for a moment the debate would come to blows over “the truth.” Setting aside the points system, determining the victor essentially comes down to personal opinion. For my part, Mitt Romney won this debate by showing up and avoiding any costly mistakes.

President Obama was very good, probably better than Governor Romney.

Post-debate polls conducted by CNN (46%-39%) and CBSNews (37%-30%) reflected this slight edge. But this race changed two weeks ago. Over 90 minutes in Denver, Mitt Romney discredited hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign advertisements depicting him as a man who wants the poor to starve, the cancer-stricken to die and to “take women’s rights back to the Middle Ages” – or to January of this year, because that’s when women were granted the “right” to contraceptives and abortifacient drugs. As it turns out, such disingenuous caricatures lose some of their effectiveness once you give the bad man a rebuttal.

The President, it seems, never bothered to take Mr. Romney seriously until after his entire campaign strategy of showing the governor to be too dangerous, too indifferent to human suffering, had fallen through. Whatever one feels about his proposals, it became much harder to think of him as a cold-hearted buffoon after the first debate. This was clear in the President’s line of attack in the second debate – Mitt Romney is a flip-flopper. This is a perfectly valid criticism, and I am sure it had some effect.

But the larger victory is Romney’s: Every

Counterpoint: Obama the performer

“

Overall, I would say that Obama spoke more effectively, while Romney made more substantive points.

”

minute the President spends attacking Mitt’s having changed positions on abortion and fossil fuels contradicts the stories we have been told for months about Mitt’s extremist beliefs.

Mitt Romney won for another reason too – he managed to hold his own against the odds. The New York Times and MSNBC “narratives” of President Obama’s astounding comeback were simply waiting for a few quotes and details. The “swing voters” on Long Island asked, to a man, questions from a Liberal perspective – about women’s pay, immigration reform, healthcare for all, etc. And who gave Candy Crowley permission to “factcheck” Romney’s response to the Libya question? The President said “the United States will not tolerate any acts of terror,” in the middle of a 15 minute address after discussing the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

That is not explicit, and implications are not facts. The crowd, the moderator, the questions – it seems the deck was stacked in the President’s favor. Romney came out of it without any lasting damage being done, and the Libya question has actually served to remind Americans over and over again that there was a terror attack in Libya, we did not do much to prevent it and we did not do all that we could to save the lives of four brave Americans.

Two weeks ago, Mr. Romney’s ascendancy to “acceptably presidential” changed the entire campaign. Given the state of the economy, the unemployment rate, the Affordable Care Act that is neither affordable nor desired, and the ongoing dissolution of our diplomatic relations with, well, everyone, this fact alone may be enough for Governor Romney to win in November. Now he has to show up and hold his own – because the tie goes to the runner.

Connor Favreau The latest debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney supplied little sustenance for the hungry, thoughtful voter. Roughly midway through the debate, the two looked poised to physically beat the bamboozle out of each other. Unfortunately, such a spectacle failed to occur, and instead, we, the audience, were again bamboozled by talking points and misdirection. Overall, I would say that Obama spoke more effectively, while Romney made more substantive points.

Obama the masterful orator returned last Tuesday night in a persistent display of forcefulness. Those who bought into his empty hope and change slogan four years ago likely found comfort in Obama’s confidence, and even those who did not buy into Obama’s previous sales pitch must admit that Obama has a remarkable way of sounding plausible.

Even in his weak areas, such as the suggested cover up of the recent Benghazi terrorist attack, Obama in general managed to come across more in command than Romney, albeit with the help of the moderator.

Yet, Obama’s oratory prowess also comes with his lack of substance. In the exchanges over deficit reduction plans and creating jobs, Romney’s stronger segments, Obama offered two answers for the debt: his token solution of taxing the rich, a solution that would do almost nothing to solve the debt crisis, and redirecting the unpaid money currently spent on the two wars to our roads in an effort to create jobs. After Obama spent most of the time attacking Mitt Romney for actual specifics on budget cuts, vague as they nonetheless are, Romney correctly drew attention

” to Obama’s lack of a plan and poor record.

In his responses, Obama almost always either attacked Romney or spouted empty but effective words.

Romney also spent most of his time attacking his opponent, but he at least managed to offer some specifics, such as his stance on tax deductions.

To reiterate, neither candidate really did a stellar job at the debate, and the strengths of each, Obama’s aplomb and Romney’s more substantive answers, only slightly outweighed the other.

Romney, in some instances, particularly in the beginning, exuded near the same level of confidence and oratory prowess as Obama, if not more. Likewise, Romney had his share of empty or misleading verbiage. We learned that Romney now apparently supports affirmative action based on his “binders full of women.” He also now suddenly supports raising Pell Grant funds, though, as USA Today reports in its fact check, Romney clearly has not supported this in the past.

Still, I think the real loser of the debate had to be Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who, according to the International Business Times, was arrested for trying to enter the debate area.

At least Mitt Romney and Barack Obama got their chance to speak.

The options for the American people are few, and unfortunately more diverse viewpoints such as that of Jill Stein or Libertarian Gary Johnson will not be heard.

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

HOMECOMING HOOPLA

Homecoming court with their escorts.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER DEBORAH CRABTREE

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER KRISTY BRITT

The cake for alumni celebrating homecoming week.

CASSIE FAMBRO\EIC

Jaguar Productions and SGA held one of the largest attended events in a decade with Fun Fest, the homecoming carnival.

CASSIE FAMBRO\EIC

Award-winning twirler Melissa DiCesare.

CASSIE FAMBRO\EIC

President Moulton, King Antonio Birch and Queen Meredith Vigilant.

Before the game began on Saturday.

CASSIE FAMBRO\EIC

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER KELSEY GUY

Catholic Student Association.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER ANGELINA PIERCE

Fireworks at the pep-rally on Friday.

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012

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VOL. 51, NO. 13 / OCT. 22, 2012