10.24.2011

THE OCT 24, 2011

VANGUARD

INSIDE OCCUPY MOBILE (pg 8)

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

SGA senate projects

VOL. 49, NO. 13

JAGUAR FOOTBALL >> 20-27 GSU

Psychology department relocating

BY PATRICK HERRING Staff Reporter The Student Government Association approved a little over $95,000 in appropriations at the beginning of this semester.

That sounds like a large amount of Nick Lawkis money. So what exSGA Treasurer actly is this money going towards and who is receiving it? There are more than 200 organizations that get some sort of funding from SGA, and most of this comes through appropriations.

Almost every officially recognized student organization is eligible to receive up to $2,000 in funding from SGA. This of course is subject to prior approval.

Appropriations approved by SGA vary greatly. Some organizations request for things as simple as uniforms, while others may request money to pay for speakers to come talk to students. The Mitchell Center is actually rented for Chi Omega’s Songfest through SGA appropriations as well.

Organizations wanting to receive an appropriation must fill out a funding request, which can be found on SGA’s webpage.

These requests are then voted on by SGA at their appropriation meetings.

The way SGA regulates appropriations is through reimbursements. The organization pays for what they need and brings their receipts to SGA to get reimbursed. According to SGA Treasurer Nick Lawkis, only around 85 percent of the allotted appropriations are actually claimed.

After SGA has finished approving appropriations and salaries, they are left with what is known as an operating budget. Money in this budget goes towards a number of things, for instance, the Campus Readership Program that pays for all the newspapers in the blue bins around campus that are provided to students for free.

This operating budget is also where organizations are sometimes able to receive more than the $2,000 appropriation allotment.

Joining its clinic; no longer to be at LSCB

BY ALLISON WOODHAM Contributing Writer

GEREMY HANNE

Jaguars lose in double overtime to GSU. The game was a nail-biter until the very end. Jags take on Henderson State Saturday at home, where they’re undefeated.

Band: Student drug incident Two band students are in hot water over drug possession STAFF Vanguard Atlanta - The Vanguard received several anonymous tips on Saturday after an incident occured involving two Jaguar band members at USA’s away game in Atlanta.

The away game is the first the band has traveled on since the programs inception in 2008.

The band accompanied the football team to face Georgia State University and performed at the CNN center.

The two students were allegedly caught with drugs by band directer Ward Miller.

Miller has not confirmed this to The Vanguard.

Initially believed they had been in pos-

session of marijuana, it was later confirmed to be cocaine by someone familiar with the investigation.

Director of Public Relations Keith Ayers was unaware of the incident intitally and upon further investigation would only officially divugle that they were in possession of a “controlled substance.”

Ayers would also not release the students’ identities as per University policy.

The two band members were not allowed to participate in Saturday’s game and were escorted back to Mobile with police.

Officers from USAPD attend all away games with the team.

More details of this story will be released as The Vanguard learns of them via our website, thevanguardonline.com.

Rumors have spread across campus that the psychology department is moving from the Life Sciences Building.

According to Dr. Larry Christensen, chair of the psychology department, the rumors are true. The psychology department is moving across Old Shell Road and University Blvd. to University Commons, the present communications department location.

The exact time the move will take place is unknown. “Dominos have to fall first,” Christensen said.

Once the engineering complex, Shelby Hall, is finished, the engineering department will move to that location.

The communications department will move from their current location in UCOM to the old engineering building and its UCOM location will be renovated before the psychology department can move in.

The move is taking place because the department needs more office and classroom space.

The psychology clinic will be next door to the department and easy to access in its new location.

The doctorate program also works closely with the education department, which will be near the new psychology offices and clinic.

Psychology department organizers said it will be easier to coordinate these two programs in their new location.

There won’t be much space in the new location for labs; as of right now there is only one lab in the basement of the Life Sciences building.

Christensen believes the move will bring in more doctorate students. “Gradusee PSY, page 3

see SGA, page 5

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

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check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

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in this issue (pg 6): Opinion (pg 10): Life (pg 12): Sports

VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

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VOL. 49, NO. 12 / OCT 24, 2011

PAGE three

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

editorial editor in chief associate editor senior reporter copy editor life editor opinion editor sports editor web editor

Cassie Fambro Genny Roman Matt Weaver Carey Cox Bailey Hammond Imran Mohiuddin Jayson Curry Naquita Hunter

distribution distribution manager Johnny Davis

Police blotter -Will return next week on account of the away game this previous weekend.

In light of thatm, and with two of our employees’ cars being damaged this past week, please read these tips from USAPD’s website.

advertising

Keeping Your Property Safe:

advertising manager Wesley Jackson graphic designer Brittany Hawkins Assistant Muhammad Al-Zarrah

1. Always lock your vehicle no matter how long you will be gone.

management adviser James 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 surrounding areas.

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

submission and editorial policies

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. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity.

Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer.

The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Associate Editor, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings.

The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor in Chief at 251-460-6442 or 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 off-campus locations. The first copy is free.

Additional copies are $1 each.

1. Always lock your vehicle no mat-

ter how long you will be gone.

2. Don’t play your radio loud before you park somewhere - it attracts attention from everyone (including thieves).

2. Make sure all valuables inside the vehicle are either in the trunk or well hidden.

3. Don’t leave your car unattended in neutral gear. It can roll out of a parking space and hit people or other cars.

3. Do not leave personal property unattended in a public place, even for short periods of time.

4. If you have an aftermarket CD player with a detachable face, remove it before parking.

4. Do not display large sums of money.

5. Keep CDs and other property out of sight.

5. Report any suspicious behavior that you may observe.

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

Keeping Your Car Safe:

Grove Fire STAFF Vanguard On Tuesday, Oct. 18, a small fire occured at The Grove apartment complex on Cleverdon Parkway on the University of South Alabama’s campus.

Occuring at 8:07 p.m. according to director of Public Relations Keith Ayers, the fire began in the kitchen.

The fire did cause the sprinkler system to activate and it extinguished the fire.

A Grove maintenance worker entered the apartment and did make sure the fire was completely extinguished before Mobile Fire Department responded.

Residents were not in the apartment at the time of the fire.

The buiding and surrounding areas were evacuated as a precaution; the fire did not spread to any other apartment or building.

PLEASE report suspected thefts as they are occuring by calling 460-6312.

It only takes one call to stop a crime.

Psych dept.

PSYCH from page 1

ate students and doctorates will strongly benefit from it,” he said.

Ana LaBorde, a senior psychology major, said, “I feel like the psychology department moving would be better for us students due to the increase of the class space in UCOM and the psychology clinic being located next door.”

What will happen to the old space on the third floor of the Life Sciences Building? “The other departments will clamor for it,” Christensen laughed.

He has already had several inquiries about the available space from the departments already in the Life Sciences Building.

The space will be immediately occupied because all departments in the Life Sciences Building need more space.

weather forecast >> october 24 - october 30

We’re starting off the school week warm with sunny skies. Highs will be in the lower 80s with overnight lows near the mid 50s. Some clouds will start to move in on Wednesday as a sharp cold front approaches us from the west.

Highs will remain in the upper 80s and low mid 50s. Highs will be in the upper 70s on Thursday and will drop to the lower 70s

by Friday. Lows will be in the upper 50s on both days.

Cold air will rush in behind the front and even with clear, sunny skies, highs will only reach the low 60s!

Overnight lows will drop as well into lower 40s to upper 30s by Sunday Night!

So be sure you have a coat ready!

Forecast courtesy of student meteorologist Patrick Bigbie.

mon

81 54

tue

82 55

wed

83 57

thu

78 59

fri

72 58

sat

63 47

sun

60 40

for the latest on your forecast, severe weather updates, and what’s going on in the tropics, find us on Facebook

search “StormTeam4Gamma9Wx” you can follow us on Twitter, too

CORRECTION We at The Vanguard strive for perfection. Please give us feedback by emailing us.

search “stormteam4g9wx” and find Patrick on Twitter

search “metwxpatrick”

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VOL. 49, NO. 12 / OCT 24, 2011

Jags news in brief >>

thanks to Press Relations

Nursing scholars excel Jordan Eiland wns JMF Solutions Technology Scholarship

Family weekend at Ladd

In the Path of the Storms

With Family Weekend coming up on Oct. 29th with the Jags vs. Henderson State, the Athletic Ticket Office is providing a discount on sideline tickets if purchased online.

Please use the link below to access the ticket page and use the password Family2011 to receive special pricing!

If your parents are coming for the weekend, please pass along this information!

The University of South Alabama’s history and English Departments will be showing a new documentary called “In the Path of the Storms” on Nov. 3.

Produced by the Alabama Center for Public Television, the film is adapted from the book of the same title, co-authored by USA’s own Frye Gaillard.

The documentary, produced and directed by award-winning film veteran Mike Letcher and co-producers Sheila Hagler and Peggy Denniston, tells the story of Bayou La Batre and the fishing villages on the Alabama coast.

The showing is free to the general public and will be held in Room 150 of the Humanities building at 6:30 p.m.

https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go. htmI?l=EN&t=usa&o=442087&g=27

On Thursday:

From left to right in the photo: Graham Wooden, Ashley Hayles, Mike Francis, Jordan Eiland, Craig Faircloth, Lisa Arnold

All faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to attend the dedication of “Gridiron,” an original piece of sculpture located in front of the Football Field House.

It is being donated by David and Lynn Gwin. The 24-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture was designed by Bruce Larsen and constructed by Larsen and Frank Ledbetter.

The dedication will be held in front of the Football Field House on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Frye Gaillard at (251) 460-6972 or e-mail fgaillard@jaguar1.usouthal.edu.

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Ask Dr. Cannon

BY HEATHER CANNON Student Health Physician

Q: Is there any point of going to the doctor if you

think you have a sinus infecƟon?

A: The sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones of the cheeks, forehead, and nasal area.

These spaces are lined with mucous-producing cells, are connected to each other and drain through the nose. Most cases of sinusitis (sinus infection) are from the “common cold.”

The common cold is not one particular virus, but a group of symptoms that may be caused by any of more than 200 different viruses. Contracting a cold virus causes an increase in mucous production, thickening of the mucous and congestion of the nasal passages.

Dark mucous does not necessarily mean that it is a bacterial infection and does not always indicate that you need antibiotics. Most people with symptoms of sinusitis , over 95 percent, have a cold virus that will resolve within 10 days.

However, a small percentage of these people develop a bacterial sinus infection that does require antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of sinus infection include headache, facial pressure that worsens with bending forward, fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, decreased sense of smell.

In most cases sinus symptoms can be treated without a trip to the doctor. You should drink plenty of fluids to help thin out the mucous, use a saline (salt water) nasal rinse to help clear your nasal and sinus passages, take an over-the-counter decongestant medication such as Mucinex or Sudafed, and take an over-the-counter pain medication for your headache.

Avoid using over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays, such as Afrin, for longer than three days, as prolonged use of these medications will cause a rebound nasal congestion.

Antihistamines, such as Claritin, are not a good choice for sinus symptoms, because they can cause thickening of the nasal mucous. If symptoms do not improve after 10 days of at-home treatment, then you should make a trip to your doctor.

In some cases, you should see your doctor sooner than 10 days, especially if you develop a high fever (over 101), severe headache that does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication, swelling of the face or your symptoms worsen after a period of improvement.

SGA SGA from page 1

SGA allows organizations to apply for something called a supplemental travel grant.

This grant is available for organizations who want to send student delegates to conferences but don’t have the money budgeted to do so. Of course SGA wants students to be able to represent USA around the country, so they allow organizations to request a supplemental travel grant to pay for travel expenses.

Another place where money in the operating budget goes is towards senate projects. Senate projects are causes or campus improvements that are taken on by senators on behalf of their constituents. If someone notices a place where the University can improve safety, the educational experience or just quality of life on campus, they approach their senator and discuss the project.

The senator then brings forth the topic of the proposed project to the floor at the SGA’s weekly meetings. Other senators can then discuss the project in depth and decide whether or not it is worthy of receiving funding.

They will then hold a vote on whether or not to officially approve money for the project. This school year SGA has committed about $20,000 to senate projects.

Past senate projects have included funding for a much needed student computer lab in the new Allied Health building as well as

the campus lighting initiative that has seen numerous lampposts installed around campus to improve visibility and safety on campus at night.

One of the major senate projects that was started this fall is one to improve the quality of the Gwen Sebastian Nature Trail. The trail is used by numerous students and members of the community, so the senators felt it was important to fund this project. SGA has approved to fund a covered kiosk as well as signs for destination points to be placed throughout the trail.

Other organizations are also donating funds for the restoration of the nature trail.

The Society of Women Engineers, Sustainability Council and biology graduate students plan to help; ROTC has already pledged $1,000. Other suggested improvements include flattening the trail out and installing a gazebo.

Biology major Matt Anderson believes this project is a worthy destination for student fees.

“I think this is a good use of our fees because the nature trail is a valuable asset for all students,” Anderson said.

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Opinion Editorial Imran Mohiuddin

Though it started out slowly, this week certainly rocked the headlines.

The most ground breaking and heavily reported piece of news obviously concerns the recent death of Moammar Gadhafi, Libya’s ruler and autocrat. Last Thursday, after months of fighting, the rebel forces forged from last year’s Arab Spring captured and killed the dictator, signifying the fall of yet another Middle Eastern dictator.

Back here at home, the Occupy Wall Street movement contineus to highlight the rising disparity between the rich and poor, with demonstrations taking place in over 250 American cities and 80 countries worldwide.

Though both of these stories comes from different places around the world and are completely unrelated at first glance, I would venture to say that they are actually linked.

Looking at Libya, the end of the Gadhafi Regime represents the end of almost 42 years of tyranny. But what changed in Libya that allowed for such a radical change?

Unlike with most historical uprisings, the Libyan revolution did not center on an individual. No modern day Che Guevara galvanized the masses, convincing them to rise up against their leaders and attack the status quo. This time, the change came from the inside. Libyan society realized how unfairly they were being treated, how a government which undermines human rights and oppresses citizens has no legitimacy.

After coming to this conclusion, the people of Libya could not be stopped. It took less than a year to root out Gadhafi, and though the future is still uncertain, it certainly looks brighter than the past.

When considering the Occupy Wall Street movement, the same parallels can be drawn. Too many citizens of the United States have gained the same political lucidity as their Libyan counterparts for nothing to happen.

People who pay no attention to politics have begun to notice the inequality in political agendas, indicating just how pervasive the feeling of exasperation is.

Though the American people don’t demand a revamp of the political system, they do require some responsibility be taken in both Washington and Wall Street.

The middle and working classes took the fall for the big banks, and they know just how badly they were cheated.

A few days ago I saw a sign from one of the Occupy Wall Street protests. In it, a protester wearing a Guy Fawkes mask carried as a sign that read “The beginning is near.”

While we don’t know how it will all end, it’s undeniable that the future of this nation has been dramatically changed by the occupy movement. And like the people of Libya, it’s time for the American people to take a stand.

OPINION

IMRAN MOHIUDDIN, OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

Our view >> a staff editorial

Drug use a serious issue; help available One of the issues facing college sports and college-aged students in general is drug use.

The White House released a report stating that as high as 1 in 4 college students will abuse alcohol so severely that it will negatively affect their course work.

The US Department of Education reports that while illicit drug use is less common among college students, that they can’t be certain of how large of a percentage of students are actually using.

Most people would instinctively not admit drug use for fear of repercussion, even on anonymous surveys.

There’s no way to tell how prevalent the issue is at USA besides surveys conducted by Counseling and Testing (CT) as well as what you see each week in police blotter.

One thing that does bring the issue to center focus is when our student leaders make a mistake.

When we heard about the band students being caught with illicit drugs, we didn’t believe it at first.

We figured it must have been a mistake or even just a rumor that got out of hand.

Surely the people who are on a pedestal, likely receiving academic scholarships to be in a band that they had to try out for, would not risk their futures like that.

But they did.

Just like when star football players fall from grace, band is not immune to mistakes either. The incident that occurred at the away game this past weekend is downright scary.

It’s scary because they obviously had such a problem with drugs that they couldn’t control their behavior when they inherently knew they would be under a microscope.

Editorial Board

Cassie Fambro > Editor in Chief Genny Roman > Associate Editor

Faced with pressure, student athletes suffer the same issues, with the American Athletic Institute estimating that 4 in 5 athletes consume excess alcohol.

Does the pressure excuse the grievous error in judgment?

Absolutely not. If you’re at a conference, a game, or anywhere with USA attached to your name, you’re on a pedestal, representing your university.

You’re held to a code of conduct and your behavior mirrors this institution.

As a student, it isn’t just about you. It’s about the entire university.

It’s a sad lesson to learn that it was too late for these two band members to get help before they got in trouble.

But it’s not too late for those who haven’t.

Counseling and Testing states that its Substance Abuse Program services are confidentially provided.

Counseling and Testing is an underused resource, with free counseling available and free help.

Seeing a psychiatrist is even free.

It’s ultimately up to you to take advantage of the services USA provides in order to curtail any consequences that would be detrimental to your future.

Two band students’ lives are never going to be the same.

Sadly, it didn’t have to be that way.

Students who would like to receive assistance or further information are invited to contact CT’s office at (251) 4607980.

There is no shame in asking for help, USA.

Imran Mohiuddin > Opinion Editor Matt Weaver > Senior Reporter

Bailey Hammond > Life Editor Jayson Curry > Sports Editor

Jag voice >> opinion poll

What’s your favorite restaurant in Mobile?

I don’t know if I have a favorite place to eat.

Moe’s is good, so is Texas Road House and Hopjack’s downtown.

My favorite place to eat in Mobile is Satori. Satori has great wraps and sandwiches and the best environment for studying or just hanging out with friends.

The best place to eat definitely has to be Foosackly’s. It’s fresh, fast and always convenient

Though it’s kind of expensive, my favorite place to eat is Mellow Mushroom. The food is good, and it’s really close to campus

Jacob Sanders Biomedical Sciences Sophomore

Megan Heatherly Foreign Languages Junior

Miles Rivers Biomedical Sciences Sophomore

Meredith Monkell Nursing Freshman

My favorite place in Mobile to eat is Bangkok Thai Cuisine.

Its menu has a wide variety, and they can make their food spicy while tasting good.

Umair Savani Biomedical Sciences Junior

This week’s Facebook poll: How do you feel about stick people? Is it art?

To find us > search “The Vanguard USA”

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VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

Special: Occupy Mobile

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Occupy movement comes to south Alabama

GENNY ROMAN

Laci Gagliano returns to Government Plaza after marching downtown during the Oct. 22 Occupy Mobile protest. The group’s Facebook page, Occupy Mobile, lists future protest dates and details accordingly. Anyone can join the Facebook group and participate.

FB PAGE: OCCUPY MOBILE

Editorial: Occupy Wall Street movement hits home GENNY ROMAN Associate Editor Since Sept. 17, protestors have been occupying New York City’s financial district: Wall Street. The Occupy Wall Street movement has been cause for both speculation and commendation of the protestors’ motives.

Many media outlets paint a confused image, one where a mass of people gathers to make a laundry list of vague demands.

Despite this perception, the major contention of the movement lies with corporate entanglement in government.

The Declaration of the Occupation of New York, compiled by the New York City General Assembly, the citizens involved in the NYC occupation, states “We come to you at a time when corporations … run our governments,” and cites a list of corporate abuses.

This general message has spread throughout the United States, with major cities like Boston and Atlanta starting their own occupations.

One city experiencing its own Occupy movement is Mobile, Ala. Since Oct. 8 and subsequently every Saturday, a group of about 30 to 50 people have been coming to Government Plaza on Government

St. to demonstrate in solidarity with the movement. Included in the group are a number of concerned students from South Alabama.

Tyler Henderson, a communication major who describes himself as “just one of many” within the movement, stated that the Occupy movement is “above all an apolitical movement – it’s a human movement.”

At the General Assembly for Mobile on Oct. 17, a group of about 30 people in attendance organized into smaller groups, each with a unique role, such as the tech and media teams. Henderson described the organizing as “solid” and said that there are “different roles that everyone can take part in.”

At the protest on Oct. 22, Laci Gagliano, a philosophy major, said the movement is relevant to all working Americans, college students included.

“College students are working Americans as well – we have to support ourselves,” Gagliano said.

She added that the movement is for any American, whether they are in the ‘99 percent,’ everyone besides the richest 1 percent of Americans, or not.

The 99 percent movement, in conjunc-

tion with Occupy Wall Street, highlights stories from real Americans who worked within the system but were left with thousands of dollars in debt, unemployed or both. Gagliano said, as part of the 99 percent, she will “have about $20,000 to pay off [in college loans].

No one should have to forego an education because they can’t afford it.” Henderson echoed Gagliano’s sentiment, saying, “Our tuition goes up every year for a degree we worked hard to earn… the value of a degree is plummeting, though.”

Dr. Mark Moberg, professor of Anthropology at USA, has been attending the Occupy Mobile protests at Government Plaza.

He sees the movement as attracting a large amount of student support “because college students are bearing the brunt of downward mobility and income inequality.” Moberg also sees the Occupy movement’s message as having significance in higher education.

“The corporate model of reward and growth, unfortunately, has also taken over higher education… According to data from the American Federation of Teachers, over the last three decades the largest expansion of university employment and

the largest increases in university salaries have occurred among upper administrators.

In comparison, faculty and staff positions and salaries have languished,” he said.

“It seems to me that universities ought to be seen as centers of inquiry, learning, critical thought and research. I don’t see these values as being particularly consistent with a profit-oriented model of higher education, where resources are channeled into programs according to their credit hour generation.”

While talk of an impending occupation takes place, so does the organization for an Occupy USA group. Gagliano stated that the group would be for those students interested in the Occupy protests and possibly working with Occupy Mobile.

A mass email will be sent out soon and the first meeting will be Oct. 25. Gagliano said she encourages students or anyone with questions to contact her, occupymobile.org, or find Occupy Mobile on Facebook.

“Read the Declaration, get involved, and get active,” she said.

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INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR THE VANGUARD? Send us an e-mail.

Opinion Editor opinion.editor@usavanguard.com Life Editor life.editor@usavanguard.com Sports sports.editor@usavanguard.com Story ideas, letters to the editor, etc. editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com www.thevanguardonline.com

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jagLIFE

BAILEY HAMMOND, JAGLIFE EDITOR life.editor@usavanguard.com VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24,

Mithril: music for the spirit The local group that brings musical tradition to life for modern day audiences.

BAILEY HAMMOND JagLife Editor Do you dream of green fields, steep cliffs overlooking steel waters or the sound of lilting music drifting down the lane, coming from a corner pub where the light winks cheerily at passersby?

If not, you may find yourself feeling sentimental for the simple life of such a place after listening to the enchanting music of Mithril.

No, I’m not referring to that white metal shirt that saved Frodo’s life in J. R. R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, “The Lord of the Rings.”

The Mithril of this world may derive its name from that fictional land, but shines in a far different way.

With roots here at USA, Mithril is a Celtic/World music band that has come to gather a cult following locally and abroad, and has several albums available for purchase.

Their music has even been played on national Celtic radio stations, and the band has had the chance to work with some of the great names in Celtic music.

In congruence with the seasons, Mithril put on a performance Oct. 17 and 18 that gave audience members a taste of their arsenal as well as a part of their journey as a band.

The performance was titled “Celtic Octoberfest” and in addition to their regular set, Mithril played Harry Potter-like tunes and other scene-setting selections that sounded crisp like the color-changing leaves and the drier air of fall.

Mithril has been “together” since early 2003, and since that time has expanded into a Celtic musical force in the South, with performances across the region and with the Mobile Symphony.

Each member has studied and practiced his or her craft extensively in regards to the Celtic music played by the group.

This distinguishes them not only as a

COURTESY OF MITHRIL

Ben Harper (left, guitar), Tom Morley (middle, fiddle), Andra Bohnet (top right, flute), and David Hughes (bottom right, drum) play a variety of traditional Celtic songs and modern tunes as the group known as Mithril.

group, but as artists in their separate musical fields.

Currently, the group is working on their sixth album to be released in March and a performance with the Mobile Symphony Pops also in the spring.

As a unit, Mithril is a well-oiled machine, with an electric performance atmosphere.

Tom Morley plays the fiddle, Andra Bohnet plays a selection of flutes and pipes, Ben Harper plays guitar and David Hughes pounds and taps away on a variety of percussion instruments as well as a keyboard.

Taken together, the sound of the variety of Mithril is beautiful and exciting to the senses.

At some point in a performance, one

can almost feel the music trying to enter the body through the pores.

The Celtic jigs, reels and other selected tunes seem designed to make your very molecules want to dance or cry depending on the selection.

According to Gandalf, the wise wizardguide of Middle Earth, “Its beauty was like to that of common silver, but the beauty of mithril did not tarnish or grow dim.”

It is fitting then that the sound produced by Mithril is full of beauty and neither tarnished nor dim with repeated listenings.

Mithril’s next engagement is at the Mobile International Festival, where they are sure to be a big hit with those in attendance on Nov. 19.

Interested in writing for the JagLife section?

Send a sample of your writing in an email to life.editor@usavanguard.com to get started on your own path to greatness.

(Come to the JagLife side. We drink coffee.)

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VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

Man versus zombie not so far-fetched

Top expert in the realm of all things zombie, Matt Mogk outlines the history and possibility of zombies in real life.

JAKE HOWELL JagLife Writer For those of you who didn’t attend the “Zombies, Run!” presentation on Oct. 19, you’re probably not going to survive the zombie apocalypse.

Matt Mogk, author of “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies,” examined what a zombie actually is, what they eat and how to survive the coming zombie apocalypse.

According to the Zombie Research Society, which was founded by Mogk, the modern zombie is “a relentlessly aggressive, reanimated human corpse driven by a biological infection.”

Zombies, however, are a relatively new addition to the horror movie genre.

With the release of 1968’s “Night of the Living Dead,” George A. Romero ushered in a new wave of horror movie.

Playing off of the vampires that were firmly established in the pop culture of the time, Romero crafted his zombies as vampires that eat flesh.

Romero’s film started the zombie craze that includes movies such as “Dawn of the Dead,” “Zombieland” and “28 Days Later.” Born from movies as they were, the concept of zombies is based in biology.

In fact, according to Dr. Samita Adransky of the University of Miami, “This is the age of microbiology. We can create a zombie virus if we want.”

Mogk added that Dr. Adransky said that creating a virus that could cause a

STAFF ILLUSTRATION

Matt Mogk’s mulitmedia presentation, “Zombies, Run!” drew a large crowd at the Allied Health Auditorium Oct. 19. His book, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies,” was availabe for purchase and signing after the presentation, and there was also a chance for audience members to ask questions. Are you ready for a zombie attack?

zombie outbreak would be easier than cloning a sheep.

Mogk proceeded to detail two diseases that, if they continue to mutate, could develop into a zombie virus.

Rabies and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease are both infections that cause the infected to go violently insane.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is particularly frightening because it involves improperly folded proteins, called prions, that can cause normal proteins in the

brain to be improperly folded as well. It is the same type of infection that causes Mad Cow Disease, and no cure exists.

Mogk then moved into the zombie diet, dispelling perhaps the most pervasive myth of zombie lore. As it turns out, zombies, at least most of them, don’t eat brains.

According to Mogk, only the zombies from “The Return of the Living Dead” series eat brains. Scientific testing has also determined that the human jaw,

even without zombie decomposition, is not strong enough to bite through the human skull. All other zombies eat flesh.

Finally, Mogk detailed how to survive the zombie apocalypse.

Surprisingly, he prefers bludgeoning weapons to anything else. Guns make noise, which is like ringing a dinner bell to zombies and a giant “come steal my stuff” sign for any humans around.

Mogk said that besides the zombies, or, perhaps even more so, the other surviving people would be your biggest danger.

This has been shown throughout history after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina when rioting and looting spreads like wildfire.

Just think of the way people act on Black Friday, trampling people to get flatscreen televisions. Imagine what would happen in the event of a zombie apocalypse.

Mogk advised focusing on water and food, considering you’ll die without those even if you can fight your way through the zombie hoard.

He also said, rather than a car that will eventually run out of gas, a bike would be a decent way to travel.

A Jagbike, however, might not be your best bet when trying to out-pedal a voracious zombie hoard intent on eating you alive.

Indie band spotlight, flickering Canadian flame STUART SOX Contributing Writer When you experience good music for the first time, it’s like receiving a gift for no apparent reason, or finding a $20 bill concealed in the depths of an ignored laundry pile.

You know the feeling, right?

Well, if your search for quality music has reached a dry season, look no further because The Wilderness of Manitoba brings you a satisfying cascade of melodies.

As an avid fan of indie music, this writer’s heart soared when the whispers of the new, dynamic indie band filtered through the noise.

Come Nov. 8, the Alabama Music Box will be hosting The Wilderness of Manitoba for a night sure to entertain the indie at heart.

This Toronto-based band is on tour

promoting their debut album, “When You Left the Fire,” and it is the perfect soundtrack to a relaxed bonfire or a reflective late-night star gaze.

The Wilderness of Manitoba is a fivepiece band that boasts diverse instrumentation and impressive four-layered vocal harmonies.

This is a band that started by accident, or so they say in their biography.

One of the more interesting parts of the album--and the reason behind its name-is the fact that the subtle sound of a fire permeates the background of each track.

The use of fire as an instrument is certainly something to attribute to their unique flavor.

They’re also generating plenty of buzz on the underground indie scene.

Their music video for the track “Orono Park” was recently honored as the “Video of the Day” by Spinner.

To experience the musical brilliance of

The Wilderness of Manitoba before seeing them live, visit their Facebook page.

A personal favorite is the track “Hardship Acres.”

But as blissfully as their music may beat from your speakers, it will not compare to experiencing them in person.

According to Time Out Chicago, the band is “totally modern yet captivatingly anachronistic at the same time” and MTV Hive called their music “achingly poignant.”

Both descriptions seem to fit perfectly with the overall freedom of the lyrical simplicity of The Wilderness of Manitoba.

If you enjoy tranquil, melodic folk/alternative rhythms and can marvel at a musician’s prowess, then on Nov. 8 go to the Alabama Music Box. They will be playing in conjunction with Rasputina on this leg of their tour.

Do your “indie senses” a favor and venture into the wilderness.

THEWILDERNESSOFMANITOBA.COM

The cover for their first full-length album gives a visual taste of the earthy quality ofn the music it represents.

SPORTS 12

JAYSON CURRY, SPORTS EDITOR sports.editor@usavanguard.com VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

Dome field advantage

Sports Briefs

South Alabama falls to Georgia State in double overtime

WKU EDGES USA SOCCER 1-0 The University of South Alabama soccer team suffered its first loss at The Cage this season when Sun Belt Conference foe Western Kentucky topped the Jaguars 1-0 Sunday afternoon.

“I was very disappointed with our effort today,” said USA head coach Mike Varga.

“We didn’t look tired from our effort, but we looked lethargic and that’s not acceptable at this point in the season. We’ll try to get our legs back through the week and be ready to play Troy on Friday. Hopefully, we’ll be rested through that game to go into the conference tournament and be ready to play our last few games.”

USA falls to 11-4-3 on the season and 4-3-2 in the SBC while WKU advances to 11-6-1 overall and 6-3-1 in conference play.

MATT WEAVER Senior Reporter South Alabama football blocked a potential game-winning field goal in overtime but was unable to complete the comeback, falling to Georgia State in double-overtime 27-20 Saturday night at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Georgia State running back Donald Wilson scored the game-winning touchdown at the beginning of second overtime, breaking off an eight-yard rush to give GSU a sevenpoint lead. South Alabama had the chance to even the score in the bottom half of the frame but came up short when quarterback CJ Bennett lobbed a tipped interception into the hands of Georgia State linebacker Mark Hogan on second down.

“They played real tough on the goal line, and we dialed up the play action pass,” Bennett said. “I think someone hit my hand when I passed the ball, but I didn’t see where the penetration came from. I probably should have taken the sack, but I wanted to preserve field position.”

The Jags forced overtime, when trailing 20-13, scored on a nine-yard touchdown pass from CJ Bennett to Corey Waldon in the closing seconds of regulation. “The play wasn’t designed for me. We just showed confidence and pride,” Waldon said. “It’s not about what Georgia State did but what South Alabama did.”

The game had prematurely ended just moments before, but game officials decided South Alabama had committed a false start on a CJ Bennett interception. This gave the Jaguars one more shot at the end zone, albeit five yards further from the end zone where South Alabama evened the score.

“C.J. made some great throws on that drive. He kept his poise and cool. Any collegiate team can beat you. Not that our team wasn’t prepared, but when you go on the road, you have to make all the plays and we didn’t,” USA head coach Joey Jones said.

“We’re not a big play offense, so we have to methodically make the plays.”

The Jags forced double overtime when Clifton Crews blocked his second field goal of the year, preserving what had been 20-20 game after South Alabama failed to score at the start of the first overtime period.

It was a first half of what could have been for South Alabama as the Jags opening drive reached the Panthers’ one-yard drive but stalled on four straight rush attempts by Houston and Baker. The duo failed to punch

South Alabama’s defense swarms a Georgia State player

COURTESY OF GEREMY HANNE

COURTESY OF GEREMY HANNE

South Alabama’s Paul Bennett breaks a tackle

the ball in, and the Jaguars turned the ball over on downs. The scoring attempt was set up by B.J. Scott’s 71-yard opening kickoff return to the Georgia State 24 yard line.

The Panthers struck first with 5:05 remaining in the first quarter when quarterback Kelton Hill connected with wide receiver Albert Wilson on a 78-yard touchdown pass to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead.

CJ Bennett evened the score with 5:20 remaining in the second quarter when he connected with Paul Bennett to tie the game at 7. Bennett targeted his namesake several

times throughout the game to mixed results, ending with two receptions for 22 yards.

The two teams traded field goals until the closing minutes of regulation with South Alabama’s Jordan Means connecting on kicks of 46 and 38 yards. Georgia State’s Christian Benvenuto connected on kicks of 46 and 45 yards.

“Congratulations to Georgia State. They came to win. It came down to long plays and they made them. We really played hard to get in to overtime,” Jones said. “There are always mistakes that change the game.”

MEN’S TENNIS WRAPS UP PLAY AT SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The University of South Alabama’s men’s tennis team concluded their final day on Saturday at the USTA/ITA Southern Regional Championships.

“Today we played three close matches,” said USA head coach Nick Brochu. “Our guys fought very hard considering the fatigue playing for the third day in a row.”

Senior Dauw Kruger (Pretoria, South Africa) started the day with a 6-3, 2-6, (10-8) win over Elliot Minivielle of Louisiana at Lafayette in the third round of the consolation draw, but lost to Johan Backstrom of Ole Miss in the quarterfinals on a walkover.

Senior Hanno Bartsch (Pretoria, South Africa) lost 6-4, 6-3 to Backstrom in the third round of the consolation draw, while freshman Daniel Leitner (Niederfischbach, Germany) also fell 1-6, 6-3, (10-8) to David Roberts of LSU. WYATT COMES OFF THE BENCH TO RECORD CAREER-HIGH BUT JAGS FALL 3-1 TO DENVER University of South Alabama freshman volleyball player Amber Wyatt came off the bench and sparked the Jaguars with a career-high 13 kills, but Denver still managed to pick up a 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-13) Sun Belt Conference victory over USA Saturday night at Jag Gym. With the loss, USA’s losing streak extends to seven as the Jaguars drop to 7-14 on the season and 2-7 in the SBC South Alabama will now begin a three-match road swing on Friday when it heads to Florida Atlantic. First serve versus the Owls is set for 5:30 p.m. (CT).

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VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

Experience is the key JAYSON CURRY Sports Editor In sports, it is easy even for the nonfan to see and understand the tangibles of athletes. The NFL measures every prospect that is invited to the NFL combine. They get weighed, get their height measured, are asked to run 40 yard dashes and any number of other things to help gauge their athletic ability and future potential.

Athletes are also tested on a mental level. They are interviewed by so many people they lose count and are forced to take exams to help understand how intelligent they are about the sport they play.

But for some teams and some players, it is all about the intangibles. How good of a leader are you? Are you a winner? How hard do you work? The intangibles are things that no test or person can put a value next to.

This fall at South Alabama the intangibles are the highlight of fall sports. The football team has lost three football games this season after going two seasons undefeated. The soccer team started out the season with the best record in school history.

They are now 11-4-3 and 4-3-2 in conference play. The track and field teams have had multiple first and second place team finishes and have had a runner win the conference runner of the week.

For the football team, losing any game is considered to be world ending because of the two straight undefeated seasons. But even in sports, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. The football team has learned it is good enough to play and seriously compete with FBS schools. Even in two losses to FBS opponents, the Jags came very close to winning.

At N.C. State, the team couldn’t capitalize when they needed to and it that cost them the game. In the Kent State lose, the Jags were down 33-0 and rallied to score

JAYSON CURRY Sports Editor

COURTESY OF FREEBIRD FOLLYS

Former Jag David Freese

25 unanswered points to give Kent State a serious scare. That shoed the team and the fans, they are never out of a game. They just can’t give up.

Last week when the Jags played UTSA, they learned going they could go on the road and steal a win. They might have to block a game winning field goal to do so, but they can do it. And against Georgia State they have really learned what a rivalry game is like.

The key is learning from your mistakes, taking something from every game and gaining that experience. It’s all about the intangibles.

Last season the USA soccer team could only win five matches. USA head coach Mike Varga had a very young team and that is why there was such a struggle in every game for the Lady Jags. The one thing Varga was happy about from that season was that his team this year had all the experience they would need to compete with anybody. This season the experience has paid off.

The soccer team has even learned from this season. They have played in almost every game situation they could imagine.

They have been blown out, they have won

big, they have had comeback victories, shut teams out, had scoreless ties and it all helps the team gain experience. That experience will hopefully help when the team Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

The lack of experience is what has been different on this year’s men’s and women’s cross country teams. For the men’s team, there are only two upper classmen and only one of which is a returner from last year’s team. The women’s team is almost as young as the men’s team with five underclassmen.

And one big difference for the cross country team is having a new head coach.

Head coach Mike Barbee is in his first full season as the Jag cross country head coach.

But even with new runners and a new coach, the Jags have had a successful year.

The men and women have finished first or second in multiple meets this year and the men’s team finished with a perfect score at the USA hosted Azalea City Classic.

Just like the soccer team last season, the cross country team will only get better with time and experience.

For all of USA’s sports teams. The intangibles and the immeasurable will eventually lead to the most important thing in sports, wins.

Former Jag named MVP David Freese, a former South Alabama Jaguar and current St. Louis Cardinal, was recently named the most valuable player of the National League Championship Series in Major League Baseball.

While at USA, Freese won the Sun Belt Conference player of the year, had a .414 batting average, 73 runs batted in, 12 home runs and 99 hits.

Freese was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2006 and, while in their minor league system, was traded to the Cardinals. Freese has been moved up and down in the Cardinals’ farm system

over the past few seasons due to injury.

Even this season, he was hit in the hand with a pitch and was out for a long period of the season.

Even though he was injured, Freese finished the 2011 regular season with a .297 batting average, 10 home runs, and 55 RBI. In the playoffs this year, Freese has done exceptionally well. His Cardinal team has now made it to the World Series.

Freese led the way in the NLCS batting .545 (12 for 22) in the NLCS with three homers, three doubles, nine RBIs and seven runs winning him the MVP award.

DrewPac72 Drew Dearman- just bought nba street vol 2 for a whopping... $2 before S&H. Drewski’s going back like throwbacks Eazy_E13 Ellis Hill- I really wonder how many words people say everyday because theres some talkative people out in world. Lol crazylegs_1990 Gabriel Loper- Woke up this morn with no txts from anyone, I feel so unloved # CJBennett15 cj Bennett- adele is so talented man, i could listen to her sing and fall asleep every night Lavend_ER_ Bryant Lavender- Why she got her shirt tucked?...ain’t in middle school JBlaire17 Jacey Chandler- Hey, pull my finger!

JBlaire17 Jacey Chandler- @ SouthAlabamaSoc just said #nomnom in a tweet. I’m ROTFL! Just some grown men being kids again... crazylegs_1990 Gabriel Loper- Worst random phrase to hear from someone is, “Oh, I’ve heard about you”!!! Smh...tough jessoram4 Jessica Oram- Couldn’t stay awake in class, touched some smelly feet in lab, and locked my keys in my car. Today seems promising. jgeezy54 jon griffin- I swear @ CJBennett15 called out the play today in the huddle and said “lion right far, alfredo dripped chicken marinaraaaaa” CJBennett15 cj Bennett- the fact that there aint going to be an NBA season will just make it even harder for queen james to ever get his ring(s) missmorgan492 Morgan MotesSitting in the line to get into MY OWN apartment complex. Going on 15 minutes.

Visitors #goaway #ridiculous I LIVE HERE #pissed _RusHen_ Rush Hendricks- If you’re rocking an Alabama or Auburn flag on your car at south #goplayintraffic _RusHen_ Rush Hendricks- Am I the only one who wants to wear a tuxedo to a job interview one day DrewPac72 Drew Dearman- Found a treasure chest of music in my car, this cd case is taking me back to 7th grade with all of these edited songs -___Bj_Scott_1 Bj Scott- Somebody in here needs a mint * holding my nose * nd it ain’t me UnoDosTrey123 Trey AndersonI for real eat lunch every single day by myself #mrsolodolo #wherearemyteammates?

J11Jones Jereme L. Jones- Feelin fresh today for class for some reason..idk why tho...

VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

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VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

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Write about it and share your views.

E-mail a writing sample to opinion. editor@ usavanguard. com and get the ball rolling today.

VOL. 49, NO. 13 / OCT. 24, 2011

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