Vanguard The
VOLUME 48, NUMBER 13
Fall Break Survey Gets Positive Feedback
Alex Whalen
ASSOCIATE EDITOR alexwhalen@gmail.com
A recent survey shows that a lot of people at USA liked having a fall break this year, despite recent the debates about it within the University community. The survey, which USA’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning conducted online shortly after the break ran its course in the beginning of October, saw 2,209 completed student surveys and 185 faculty responses. Students were asked if they generally enjoyed fall break, what activities (like studying or relaxing) they spent the break doing and if they would rather have a two-day fall break in October or start school a week later. The general response to fall break was positive, with 84.6 percent of those who responded saying they enjoyed fall break. And 74.2 percent of student responses said they would prefer a two-day break over starting school a week later. The survey also provided a comment section that, according to Director of Assessment Cecelia Martin, provides the richest data. “Usually with quantitative analysis, you try to look at themes,” Martin said. But with thousands of comments from students, the analysis could take some time. The Vanguard reviewed a copy of the survey results and did some initial analysis. There are two very clear themes in the student responses: a desire for a longer break and a disdain for the changes in the academic calendar. As to the latter point, students are upset about having Saturday exams and the extension of the semester into winter break. Faculty members who responded to the survey also shared these sentiments, many noting that a shortened winter break and Saturday exams could hinder students’ academics. These academic calendar changes, however, are not due entirely to the institution of a fall break. The Vanguard ran a story over the summer about the changes and, according to Dr. David Johnson, vice president for Academic Affairs, fall break was not the only factor behind the change. “It all began with the request for fall break and to start the fall semester a week later to see SURVEY | 16
Inside
Police Blotter p. 2
Voting Tuesday?
Check out Alabama’s gubernatorial candidate views on higher education funding (p. 7).
October 25, 2010
Jags Send Aggies Back to Farm
Friend The Vanguard on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ USAVanguard
Serving USA Since 1965 To see an online gallery of photos from Saturday’s victory, visit www.usavanguard.com.
• To see photos from the game and USA’s cross-country trip to Aggie Stadium, see pp. 10 and 11. •For a recap of Saturday’s game, turn to p. 12. • To read about USA’s Oct. 30 competitor, Georgia State, see p. 12.
Intramurals Heat Up
CAMPUS
Homecoming Elections Head Into Runoffs
Alex Whalen
ASSOCIATE EDITOR alexwhalen@gmail.com
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
Thursday night’s flag football league members compete at USA’s intramural fields. Flag football games happen at USA Sunday through Thursday nights weekly, barring weather delays.
Etc. p. 8
Sports p. 12
The Gulf Coast Exploreum: Fusing Science and Entertainment See Etc., page 8
Opinion p. 14
Saints’ Ivory Rises to the Challenge See Sports, page 13
Homecoming election results are in and all but one category will have runoff elections. Christian Smith edged out Courtney Jackson by a single vote for Graduate Student Homecoming Maid. The rest of the runoffs are as follows: Ebony Cornish and Tikira Gamble will have a runoff for Freshman Homecoming Maid. Lauren Ashley Easterling and Lindsey Sentell will vie for Sophomore Homecoming Maid. Cindy Metz and Brittany Ward made in to the runoffs for Junior Homecoming Maid. In the runoffs for Homecoming King are Cameron Macon and Christopher Martin. Katie Bandy and Ebonee Moody will face off for Homecoming Queen. There were just over 2000 total votes placed for Homecoming Queen and King
see HOMECOMING | 19
Distractions p. 18
Is Not Voting the Best Response to Corruption in Politics? See Opinion, page 15
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Vanguard The
University of South Alabama’s Student Voice Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights. Submission and Editorial Policies Send letters and guest columns to: Opinion Editor, USAVanguard.editor@gmail.com or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-1057, Mobile, Ala. 36688. Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Copy Editor, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor-in-Chief at 251-460-6442 or e-mail USAVanguard.Editor@ Gmail.com. The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Daniela Werner Managing Editor: Matthew Peterson Associate Editor: Cameron Adkins Etc. Editor: Laura Beth Calcote Arts & Entertainment Editor: Cal Thomas Opinion Editor: Alex Whalen Sports Editor: Matt Weaver Photo Editor: Colin McGee Webmaster: Rodney Thompson DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Johnny Davis ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager: Wesley Jackson Advertising Representative: Regi Allen Advertising Representative: Daniel Fordemwalt Graphic Designer: Brittany Hawkins MANAGEMENT Adviser: Jim Aucoin Accounting: Kathy Brannan
Web site: http://www.usavanguard.com Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Phone Number (251) 460-6442 Article XIV, Section 8 of The Lowdown: The editors of the student publications shall be free from any type of censorship and shall be responsible for the form, content and staff of the publication. SPLC Statement: The Vanguard recognizes and affirms the editorial independence and press freedom of all student-edited campus media. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently bear the responsibility for the decisions that they make.
October 25, 2010
P LICE BL TTER
10/11- Theft of Property, 3rd Degree At 4:06 p.m. a student reported cash, a backpack, a graphing calculator, an MP3 player, a key holder, glasses, and a Jag card stolen from the Library. The items were valued at $293. 10/12- Assault, 3rd Degree Officers responded to an assault call at The Grove at 12:51 p.m. 10/12- Failure to Appear A student was stopped and turned over to Mobile Police for outstanding warrants at 4:21 p.m.
10/12- Unlawful Restraint A student reported that on 10/10 at approximately 4:30 a.m. she and some friends rode back from downtown Mobile with a male acquaintance. The male dropped off the female’s friends and drove off with her still in the vehicle. She asked to be let out, and he drove to a gas station where he decided not to make a purchase. The male then drove her back to a parking lot where her friend was waiting. 10/12- Theft of Property, 3rd
Degree At 8:07 p.m. a student reported a bike stolen from the woods behind Epsilon 2. The bike was valued at $600.
10/12- Domestic ViolenceMenacing- Strong Arm A male student was arrested at The Grove at 11:54 p.m. 10/14- Unauthorized use of AutoNo Force A student reported the unauthorized use of auto at The Grove at 2:20 p.m. 10/14- Domestic Violence/ Intentionally Causing Physical Harm At 1:59 p.m. a female student reported being physically assaulted by an ex-boyfriend. 10/15- Burglary, 3rd Degree A student reported a laptop stolen from a Delta dorm. The item was valued at $450. 10/16- Criminal Mischief/ Domestic Violence, 3rd Degree The crimes were committed at The Grove at 12:12 a.m.
10/17- Theft of Property, 3rd Degree A Delta resident reported two $100 bills stolen by her roommate and/ or two guests. 10/17- Criminal MischiefDamage to Business Property A student reported his dorm window broken by a marble at 10:53 p.m. The damage was estimated at $250. 10/18- Theft of Property, 3rd Degree A red Jaguar banner was stolen from Mitchell Center Drive. 10/18- Theft of Property, 2nd Degree A laptop and generic Adderall pills were reported stolen from The Grove. The items were valued at $330. 10/18- Driving Under the Influence A male was arrested for DUI on Old Bayfront Drive at the Brookley Campus at 12:10 a.m.
Jag Growl
What You’re Saying About “Alabama Lottery: Just Another Tax on the Poor” by Staff Writer Laci Gagliano “... All of my cousins had the opportunity to go to college for free because of the Georgia lottery while I am taking out student loans to pay for mine. The program offers scholarship to those students who do well in high school. A lottery in Alabama with similar stipulations would give high schoolers incentives to work hard and reward them accordingly. The positives vastly outweigh the negatives in this situation.” -Jagfan (comments taken from usavanguard.com)
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October 25, 2010
Education Dean: USA Won’t Nix Special Ed Administrators are reviewing USA’s special education program, but rumors that they’re going to kill it aren’t true, dean says.
Cal Thomas
SENIOR REPORTER vanguardaande@gmail.com
Rumors that administrators will cut the special education program are simply that: rumors from a disgruntled student, according to Dr. Thomas Chilton, associate dean of Education, and Dr. Harold Dodge, associate professor in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education. The program has in fact been temporarily suspended for revision, but under the new program students will be certified to teach special education as well as math, english and/or science.
Chilton said he hopes this will better prepare the program’s graduates to handle special needs children. The College of Education had 14 undergraduate teacher education programs reviewed this summer. Among them were Combined Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Collaborative K-6 Education and Early Childhood Special Education. These programs have merged with special education classes already. Collaborative 6-12, or secondary special education, will likely be available in spring 2012 after the proposed changes are reviewed and approved by the state. While Chilton would not address the subject of the rumors, he did say that all students in the old program have been assisted individually to ensure that they graduate on time without having to complete extra coursework.
HEALTH
Admin: Trojan Survey Mainly ‘News Peg’ for Conversation Daniela Werner
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a few articles about Trojan Brand Condoms’ annual survey studying the sexual health resource availability of 141 colleges and universities in the U.S. The 2010 results from an annual survey administered by Trojan Brand Condoms rating the sexual health resources at 141 U.S. colleges and universities are out and this year, USA’s ranking dropped six places to 111th. The Trojan Sexual Health Report Card is in its fifth year of examining certain aspects of the student health centers (SHC) – like hours of operation and availability of testing for sexually transmitted diseases – at these schools, as well as ranking their sexual health information and resource offerings. The focus of the study is not to measure sexual health because it “can’t be measured accurately,” according to the head of the independent research firm that fielded the study, Sperling’s Best Places (SBP). “We’re looking at information and resources for students,” SBP President Bert Sperling said. “The more information presented to students, the better choices they can make to stay healthy.” One thing Sperling said he hopes to accomplish with the survey is to stir discussion about the way higher education institutions address sexual health issues. “Schools are looking to see where they’re scoring,” he said, “and students are using it as a catalyst to bring this issue to administration. They’re demanding sexual health services and resources.” In short, the survey provides a standard by which schools can compare themselves to each other, according to Sperling. The survey has gotten people talking at USA, at least in USA’s SHC.
College of Medicine Public Relations Associate Director Paul Taylor and Student Health Center Practice Director Beverly Kellen said they both feel that because the study isn’t conducted scientifically and only examines certain aspects of schools’ sexual health programs and resources, it lacks qualities necessary for being a reliable measuring stick. “The bottom line on this survey is that it’s interesting and an opportunity to talk about this issue,” however, it’s still an incomplete collection of data, Taylor said. Taylor said he spoke with Sperling not long after the 2009 report card results were publicized, and they both agreed that the study “wasn’t scientific … but a news peg for conversation.” Like last year, Sperling’s staff did not contact USA’s SHC to gather information for this year’s report, according to Kellen. “We would appreciate the opportunity to talk with them,” she said. One of the main issues Taylor said he had with the survey is that it doesn’t separate schools by demographical characteristics, which cause numbers to change, he said. For example, about 40 percent of USA students graduate with a degree from a medical department, he said, so “a lot of our students are educated about their health.” The numbers for USA students falling into age ranges older than the traditional college student ages of 18 to 22 are also higher because of USA’s large commuter population, he said. Older students’ sexual health issues are different from the issues younger people face, he said, and the study doesn’t look at that, either.
3 Safety Forum Draws Out Student Commentary Cameron Adkins
ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
About 15 students gathered for the second annual town hall meeting Tuesday in the Student Center Ballroom to ask questions and voice concerns and opinions about the campus to University staff. Faculty and staff members were in attendance to answer questions on housing, parking on campus, and Dining Services. The main concerns for students in the area of housing were about maintenance. Recently the housing and facilities departments were combined, and several students reported submitting maintenance requests and never receiving responses to their requests. “If something is not being fixed please let us know again,” Director of Housing and Residence Life Chris Charlton said. “We have, now, a supervisor on staff who is checking these daily. He is going back to check if it was repaired and the status. There will be some kinks that we’ll have to work out in the system between housing and facilities, but we’re anticipating that this is going to be a quicker system for the students to get their see FORUM | 16
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October 25, 2010
Students: Stadium Closing More Than a Little Inconvenient Cameron Adkins
ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Traffic on campus, specifically at the exit on Cleverdon Parkway, has gotten considerably worse since the closing of the exit at Stadium Boulevard, according to some students. “The exit by The Grove is horrible at like noon,” Senior Mechanical Engineering major Jacob Pitts said. “It took me about 15 minutes to get out [of campus].” Other students have also reported waiting 10 or 15 minutes at the traffic light at Old Shell Road and Cleverdon Parkway. One
student also reported that traffic was backed up to the speed bumps that are on Cleverdon. “The one good thing is they put a stop sign [at Mitchell Center Drive and South Drive], so at least traffic will move,” Senior Mechanical Engineering major Tyrone Benjamin said. “Before that stop sign was there, if you were coming from the Mitchell Center you’d be there for who knows how long.” University Police Lieutenant Keith West said that the USAPD did not really have a hand in the closing and traffic rerouting, but they did request that the turnaround near see STADIUM | 19
Some students are complaining that some campus traffic, especially near Cleverdon Parkway, has worsened with the exit closing at the intersection of Stadium Boulevard and Old Shell Road, part of which is pictured at left. Edward Stratton | Contributing Photographer
October 25, 2010
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October 25, 2010
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October 25, 2010
Issues in Gubernatorial Elections 2010: Higher Education Budget We’ve compiled some information about the gubernatorial candidates’ views on higher education funding to help you make more informed decisions at the polls Tuesday. To read about which candidate The Vanguard feels comfortable supporting, turn to page 14.
Political Party:
Views on Education Funding:
Ron Sparks
Robert Bentley
Democrat
Republican
Sparks wants to institute a lottery to fund scholarships for students attending school and plug holes in the education budget.
Bentley wants to improve education funding by improving the economy. He also wants public universities to disclose their budgets on the web.
Have an Opinion? Let Us Know! Send Letters to the Editor to USAVanguard.Editor @gmail.com
Etc.
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Laura Beth Calcote Etc. Editor
vanguardetceditor@gmail.com
October 25, 2010
The Exploreum: Take Time to be a Kid Again
Ashley Sutter
STAFF WRITER ars403@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
With the grind of midterms and the monotony you feel nearing the middle of the semester, you may feel an escape of some sort is warranted. For a chance to introduce your stuffy, academic routine with your playful, spirited inner child, look no further than the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center located in historic downtown Mobile. The Exploreum offers a guilt-free break from the routine of everyday life by fusing science and entertainment for a very small fee. They feature both permanent and traveling exhibits. Corporate donations made by the likes of Infirmary Health Systems, NASA and Ciba have given the Exploreum its state-of-the-art reputation. “My Body Works” is a permanent gallery dedicated to educating children and parents about health. It is featured as “the most advanced health exhibit in the nation” according the Exploreum’s website. One of the most impressive features of Body Works is “My Beating Heart,” a 12 ft. tall beating heart, which goes into cardiac arrest every thirty minutes. Visitors are able to watch the heart get resuscitated by health professionals. “Minds On Hall” boasts several virtual reality exhibits. Visitors are able to ride their own roller coaster after having designed and engineered it themselves. There are planets to investigate, weather patterns to observe, and countless other opportunities to explore with the luxury of virtual reality. “Explore Tec” is the product of a NASA grant awarded to the Exploreum. According to the center’s website, “no other science center in the country offers this level of programming.” Explore Tec is especially complementary to curriculums with concentrations in physical sciences and mathematics. Another unique characteristic of particular interest to those with very young children is the “Wharf O’ Wonder.” The exhibit is designed for children 5 years of age and younger, with emphasis on what stimulates learning best at this age group. The advantage to the Wharf is that the very small don’t have to compete with older children and adults to have their chance at a hands on experience. The Exploreum offers itself as a distinctive venue for special events and birthday parties. For more information on upcoming exhibits, IMAX films and facility rentals visit exploreum.com.
Molly M. Meherin | Contributing Photographer
Experience fun and science at the downtown Mobile Exploreum. It’s got exhibits that will amaze children and adults alike.
Sustainability Council: A Word from Their President
The Sustainability Council: helping to make a difference right here on South's campus. Cassie Fambro
STAFF WRITER caf707@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
The USA Sustainability Council (SC) was formed in spring 2009 through the initiative of student Meghan Gable. Gable hand-picked her sub-leaders, and I was lucky enough to be selected as one of them. I am currently president and serve under advisor Dr. Jim Connors, assistant professor of Geology. SC has prospered into being a well-known organization with the administration at South. While we have formed coalitions with both the Student Government Association (SGA) and Faculty Senate, we are our own entity. SGA has been completely supportive of SC since its inception and in doing so they are representing the students exceptionally well. We have found time and time again that students feel that South should be more environmentally conservative and sustainable. Lacking plastic recycling and popularity of paper and cardboard recycling, SC initially strove to initiate a plastic program. We were the first group to succeed with the help of SGA, Pepsi and a small core of dedicated SC members. We have five plastic recycling bins on campus, including the Beta/Gamma commons, ILB, Humanities courtyard, Student Center circle and the old Rec Center. By allying with other campus organizations, SC facilitates the process of taking caps off, bagging bottles and hauling them down to the recycling center. Currently TKE, College Democrats, the Pagan Student Association, students from the Biology club and the Honors program are assisting in the plastic recycling process as well as SC members. This year we have teamed up with the Faculty Senate and Housing to begin a massive conservation campaign on campus. With the support of eco-friendly faculty and staff like Dr. Doug Marshall, associate professor in Sociology and Anthropology and Chris Willis, director of Facilities Management, we will be launching a “Turn off the Lights” campaign before the end of the year.
Courtesy of Cassie Fambro
The goal is to reduce both energy costs and waste at South. Look around at night and see how many windows are glowing with lights that are on for no reason, and how many computers are never shut down. We also seek to kick off this conservation campaign with the assistance of Housing and Jaguar Productions with an event that features speakers, music, and educational booths for students to learn about things like phantom power and carbon emissions. SC recently held an event where students were able to write about how they felt about the BPPLC oil spill six months later, and we are forwarding the comments to legislators. SC has also engaged in philanthropy, in collecting canned food for the Bay Area Food Bank, and donating to local organizations supporting sustainable initiatives. In the past, the coffee shop Carpe Diem helped us with a terrific fundraiser that enabled us to sustain our plastic recycling program. Looking forward, we seek to expand the plastic recycling program and make it an administration-run program like the majority of universities in Alabama already have. We also desire to educate students and faculty about energy use, and plan on engaging in a water conservation campaign as well. Our ultimate goal is to help students and faculty take on personal responsibility to act in their daily lives to be more environmentally alert, recycle, reduce, and respect the world around us. Turn off the lights, unplug your phone chargers, and walk instead of driving. We also hope to see USA turn into a campus that has a great “green” report card and a place where people respect their environmental initiative. We will be having a fundraiser at the Humanities building Oct. 17, where half of the proceeds will go to a local program supporting sustainable initiatives that members will vote on at our next meeting. Our Facebook group is open, and you can find it when you search USA Sustainability Council. Our e-mail is sustaintrain@Gmail.com, or you can e-mail me personally at caf707@jaguar1.usouthal.edu.
October 25, 2010
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Dr. Connors Goes to Washington Speaking to Congress about Geosciences Timothy Borland
STAFF WRITER trb903@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian William Durant warned the public, “Civilization exists with geological consent, subject to change without notice.” Scientists, especially those with a focus in geology, are aware that our own planet is an ever-present threat to our own existence. As such, humans must strive to gain as much knowledge about Earth and its processes in order to anticipate possible threats. Dr. Jim Connors, a geologist who specializes in contamination issues, is no exception. USA’s own assistant professor in Geology has been influential within the oil and gas industry as a consultant on both sides of the debate. “[The public] receives an awful lot of misinformation,” Connors said. “We live on a big, rocky heat machine. [Earth] is the only place we can live in the universe, and yet almost no one knows that much about it. “Everything on the surface is controlled largely by society; why not educate ourselves more on the subject?” With this purpose in mind, Connors went to Washington D.C. Sept. 20-22 for the United States Geological Survey and the Geosciences Congressional Visits Day (GEOCVD). The agenda was to lobby Congress for adequate increased funding for science initiatives. The yearly event GEOCVD is host to some of the greatest scientific minds of the United States. Connors and state geologist Nick Tew were the only representatives from Alabama and among only a handful from the Southeast. In Congress, the scientists sought to safeguard government funding for science initiatives such as NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of Energy and the U.S. Science Foundation. “Investing in geosciences pays a dividend to society through increased energy resources and increased competitiveness in the international market,” Connors said. Many people do not understand how closely our country’s national policy, public relations, and even natural history are related to geology. The effects of geology can be measured as recently as the United States sending aid to Haiti in the wake of an earthquake disaster to events as historic as Columbus’s accidental voyage to North America via the warm Gulf Stream current. Better funding means that more students can partici-
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Connors
USA Geology Professor Dr. Jim Connors (left) is on a mission to bring more focus to Geosciences. He is seen here with Representative Jo Bonner (middle), and Alabama State Geologist Dr. Nick Tew (right).
pate in research projects and education resources, such as EDMAP, a student mapping resource project which funds students to form a geological map of an area, all while helping them gain knowledge and experience. These programs help graduates leave school adequately trained and ensure that when those graduates find jobs in their respective field they will be provided with the proper facilities and equipment to perform their duties. Another benefit of geological research is the development of solutions to the energy crisis; one possible replacement for fossil fuels is methane gas deposits that exist in
oceans all around the world. Government funding is the only way proper research can be performed in order to make such an option a realistic proposition. “Our national economic engine runs off of energy and mineral resources and, to a large degree, the way we acquire them,” explained Connors. In many ways, the United States cannot afford to rest on its laurels while other countries continue to invest in geological incentives. Geology will shape the future of not just our country, but of the world.
How To Take the JagTran: Khaela Huey
CONTRIBUTING WRITER KhaelaCH@gmail.com
The University of South Alabama is swarming with new students who don’t know the common courtesies of the JagTran, and old students who just never learned any better. Either way, one would be wise to follow along. Before getting on the tran, there are a few things you should know: Up at the top of the tran, there is a sign that tells you which route it takes: red, blue or green. Please consult the JagTran Map if you wish to know which route goes where. There are two green routes: one route goes to the Grove and the other to the Delta and Greek Row stops. There are signs to the left of the door that indicate which tran is which. Before boarding please understand that there are people on the tran who wish to get off. As a courtesy, please allow them to exit before you enter.
A Lesson in Campus Travel
The red and blue routes stop running at 2:30 p.m. There is a late green route tran that will take you anywhere you need to go until 9:30 p.m. Watch your step as you board the tran. Select your seat. Sit down. Do not dawdle at the entrance as there may be others behind you trying to board, and the driver must leave the stop as soon as possible. Do not take up space by putting backpacks or feet in the other seats, as the trans can get pretty crowded. Only sit in one seat! If, by chance, you board an already-crowded tran, look before you sit to avoid sitting on someone. Say “Excuse me” before you sit, and be careful to give as much personal space as possible. The person next to you is not an arm-rest. You may be forced to stand. If that happens, hold onto the bars at the ceiling of the tran. Do not lean on other people. Also, if you are short, your best bet would be to hold
onto the pole in the front, or lean in the back of the tran. Gentlemen, if you notice a lady without a place to sit, offer her your seat. Otherwise, you just look like a jerk. Avoid playing any loud music. The area inside the tran is very compact. Sound doesn’t have very far to travel, and not everyone cares what you are listening to. Music will be provided for you, courtesy of the JagTran radio. If you are not fond of the selections, bring headphones, or just wait until you get off. The ride isn’t that long. Avoid offensive behavior, such as swearing or farting. It makes you look bad. When exiting the tran, watch where you step to avoid stepping on toes or belongings. Thank the tran driver and exit quickly. These tips should help you become a successful JagTran rider.
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October 25, 2010
So. RB. T.J. Lawrence
Jag Fans celebrate.
Sr. WR Ralph Turner Senior Courtney Smith leads players to victory and celebration as the team takes the field to revel in their victory over the UC-Davis Aggies Saturday.
JAGS UPROOT AGGIES Top: Freshman RB Kendall Houston, plows his way into the Aggie endzone. Houston rushed 14 times for 47 yards and one touchdown. Left: South Alabama players hoist a jubilant head coach Joey Jones after the Jaguar's come-from-behind win over the Aggies. Left: Redshirt Fresh. LB Logan Bennett goes in for the sack on UC Davis QB Randy Wright. Bennett recorded four tackles, two for a loss and one sack. Right: Sr. WR Courtney Smith catches a pass against the Aggies. Smith caught six passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, with a long of 45 yards.
The Vanguard’s photo editor, Colin McGee, and sports editor, Matt Weaver, traveled with the USA football team to Davis, Calif., to see the Jaguars fight their toughest battle yet. To read about the Jag’s lastminute win, turn to p. 12. To view more photos of the game visit www.usavanguard.com.
October 25, 2010
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Top: Sophomore DL Anthony Taylor, sacks the UC-Davis quarterback. Taylor had a total of six tackles, including two sacks for a loss of 14 yards. Left: Freshman QB C.J. Bennett, completed seven of 13 pass attempts for 105 yards, with one TD, and no interceptions. His lone touchdown pass gave the Jaguars the lead in the last minutes of the game. Bottom Left: Freshman RB T.J. Glover, returns a punt. Glover had two punt returns for 43 yards, with a long of 34, and three kick-off returns for 93 yards with a long of 43. Bottom Middle: Sophomore RB Santuan McGee, was the leading rusher during Saturday's game. McGee rushed eight times for 53 yards, and caught one pass for nine yards. Right: Redshirt Freshman OL Sean Kennedy, celebrates after Courtney Smith's TD reception.
Freshman defensive back, Terrell Brigham, inflicts a hit on UC-Davis RB Josh Reece during a kickoff return. Brigham had a total of two solo tackles and one assist for the game.
Jaguars warm up before the game.
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Matt Weaver Sports Editor jmatthewweaver@aol.com
October 25, 2010
Charging the Mound
Opposition Providing Inspiration Matt Weaver
SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com
Returning from Beaumont and Davis the past two weekends has made me realize just where South Alabama football stands as a program. Despite all of our achievements in a short amount of time, we’ve still got a long way to go. It’s not that we’re behind schedule or even doomed to be bottomfeeders. We’re not. There are just some things that leave a lot to be desired. Most notable on this list is LaddPeebles Stadium. Prior to October, I was in the camp that supported staying in Ladd for as long as possible. Lamar’s Provost-Humphrey Stadium both blew me away and changed my mind. It’s a marvel of modern collegiate architecture, and UC-Davis’ Aggie Stadium holds a kind of classic charm. Polarized against the two, Ladd-Peebles looks like an old trash can. There’s no two ways about it. Ladd has to adjust with the times or just go away. I’m not advocating a mass renovation, especially considering Mobile and South Alabama have done so much to make the facility more presentable. But just for a moment, consider the rusty, old scoreboard sitting atop Ladd Stadium. Lamar’s state-of-the-art video scoreboard is exactly what a future USA stadium must have. And the pink elephant in the room is the reason why. I’m referring to Alabama and Auburn games played before or during our own. The University admits that it absolutely does create a conflict but the program can’t hide from the SEC forever. That scoreboard is the ultimate fan compromise. When asked which teams are the most displayed on the scoreboard before kickoff, Lamar officials responded with Texas and Texas A&M. Having a similar product in Mobile gives the ultimate southern football fan everything they need. It’s likely that even the Senior Bowl would crave it. Provost-Humphrey was even outfitted with the same turf and equipment that currently rests at Cowboy Stadium. It’s even more remarkable when you consider that Lamar is also a quasi-first-year program just like South Alabama. It’s a show of commitment. see INSPIRATION | 13
“And The Kick Is Wide Right”
South Alabama Survives Five Turnovers to Remain Undefeated Matt Weaver
SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com
DAVIS, Calif. -- South Alabama football barely avoided suffering its first loss on Saturday, needing a missed 33-yard field goal to defeat California-Davis 24-21 at Aggie Stadium in Davis, Calif. South Alabama trailed 21-14 with five minutes remaining in the game when C.J. Bennett hit Courtney Smith for a 45-yard touchdown. The drive gave South Alabama its first lead since the second quarter and set up the game’s climactic final seconds. Bennett fumbled the football with 1:51 remaining and the Aggies recovered at the Jag 33-yard line. Davis marched the football to the 23 yard-line, and Davis kicker Sean Kelley chipped the football just left of the uprights. “We went with an empty set (on the last touchdown) and waited for the defense to get set,” Bennett said. “They brought the house, and Courtney was one-on-one on a post.” “I threw it up there and he went and got it – it was just a great play. Their guy had good coverage, but as soon as I threw it up Courtney just broke away,” Bennett said. The contest was tied entering halftime, the first such game that USA hasn’t led by that mark. With little more than four minutes left in the third, the Aggies moved the ball 79 yards in seven plays as Davis quarterback Randy Wright connected with Tom Hemmingson on a 19-yard touchdown pass to edge Davis ahead, 21-14. “Davis is just a top-quality football program and we kept fighting them all day,” South Alabama Head Coach Joey Jones said. “We fumbled the ball on our 30, but we sacked them and made them kick a field goal that was fortunately wide right. “This was a good win for a lot of reasons.”
Colin McGee | Photo Editor Jaguars attempt to recover one of five Jaguar fumbles during Saturday's game against the UC-Davis Aggies.
Smith finished with his first 100-yard game of the season, and third of his career, after making six catches for 105 yards. “We went through man coverage all week, and they surprised us with cover zero,” Smith said. “C.J. recognized it, and he threw the post; I just went up for the ball. My team needed me and I had to come through for them.” “As you can see on the scoreboard, we came out on top. But we’re going to be back in practice working hard because we have a lot to do before next weekend.” Skeptics have been critical of South Alabama’s schedule, waiting until the Lamar and Davis games were completed before
deciding where South Alabama stands as a football program. Jones has an idea. “It’s just a great statement for our program. People have been asking me all year long, and I know where we are now,” Jones said. “We beat a great I-AA program that won its conference last year and should probably win it this year, and beat San Jose State this season. We’re up there with these guys. “Are we Division I-A yet? No, but we’re really close.” South Alabama returns home on Saturday for the Oct. 30 contest against Georgia State. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Jags To Face First Rivalry In Georgia State Jake Wasdin
SPORTS REPORTER jake-wasdin11@yahoo.com
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
Quarterback Brennan Sim scrambles before a pass on Saturday's game vs. UC-Davis.
Some are calling it the first grudge match in South Alabama football history. Others are just calling it a rivalry. The truth is that fans of both young Georgia State and South Alabama aren’t seeing eye-toeye. It’s a matter of pride and entitlement, and the fans of each team want both. So it should come as no surprise if South Alabama reaches its 2010 attendance high mark on Saturday, Oct. 30, when the Jags take on the Panthers at Ladd Peebles Stadium. The Panthers are sporting a 5-3 record under head coach Bill Curry, who is in his first year at GSU. Curry also coached at Georgia Tech, Alabama, and Kentucky during his coaching tenure and also played college football at Georgia Tech. GSU is led by quarterback Drew Little. Little has thrown for 14 touchdowns and has run for two already on the season while racking up 1,630 yards through the air.
Danny Williams may be Little’s key target. Williams has caught four touchdowns and 497 yards. GSU’s kicking is also another factor the Jags will have to watch for as GSU’s Iain Vance has nailed 12 of 14 field goals this season while contributing 64 points to the Panther’s offense. On the defensive side of the ball, the Jaguar offense should be completely aware of four players. Fred Barnes, GSU’s leading tackler, is a threat to almost any offense. Barnes accumulated 45 tackles and an interception this season in only seven games. Brandon Jones, another threat to the offense, has recorded 41 tackles. The next two key defenders come in a bundle as brothers Jake and Louie Muassau have controlled the Panthers secondary with 65 tackles while both have recorded an interception apiece. USA’s offensive line will be busy all day with the Panther pressure. South Alabama returns home on Saturday for the Oct. 30 contest against Georgia State. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
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October 25, 2010
New Orleans Saints
Saints Find Diamond In the Rough In Ivory Josh York
SPORTS COLUMNIST jdy601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Chris Ivory is Mr. Tiffin University, the latest starting running back for the New Orleans Saints. Ivory was a little-known running back from a little-known college. He transferred from Washington State to Tiffin and was passed over by every NFL team in this past April’s draft. Thus he became just another NFL hopeful; his only chance at making the league was as a rookie free agent. His only call came from the Saints, and on Oct. 17 in a 31-6 rout of Tampa Bay, Ivory answered to the tune of 158 yards on 15 carries for a startling 10-plus yards a carry. Ivory made a name for himself amongst fans during training camp after oft-injured running back Lynell Hamilton went down with a season-ending knee injury. Ivory showed the breakaway speed of former Saint great Duece McAllister, and the strength of former Saint and fan-favorite Craig Heyward. But the million dollar question was this: Could Chris Ivory ever see the field? And if he did, could he really produce once the shells came off and the pads and helmets go on? He has, now making the question general managers and coaches around the league ask, “Did we really pass this guy up?” The Saints nailed this one. Now Sean Payton can show off his newest bling; a nice diamond in the rough to go alongside his Superbowl ring. The Saints had been looking for someone
www.greenascot.com
Saints Running Back, Chris Ivory, charging through the Tampa Bay defense on Oct. 17
to step up in place of their top two rushers, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. Through the carousel of running backs: Ladell Betts, Julius Jones, and Deshawn Wynn, came Chris Ivory. It was apparent from the first play that Ivory was ready to make a name for himself. His first rush was for 18 yards, just a mere four yards less than the longest run of the Saints’ young season. The Saints won the Super Bowl due in large part to a strong running game. With Thomas, Bush and Mike Bell racking up 1,837 yards on the ground, the Saints finished the season 6th in the NFL in rushing.
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A great running back takes pressure off of the quarterback by bringing up eight defenders in the box, which in turn opens up the passing lanes. And last year Drew Brees was able to take advantage of the luxury as the Saints finished first on offense for the third year under fifth-year head coach Sean Payton. It took the Saints six games to find the swagger and offensive dominance that fans have grown accustomed to, and they have Ivory to thank for it. Ivory had runs of 11, 16, 18, 27, and 33 yards, the last two of which were team season highs. This type of success allowed the Saints to establish a balance not accomplished through the first five games with 32 runs and 32 passes. Brees was finally able to take advantage of the defense with touchdown passes of 41 and 42 yards. I’m sure that if Brees wasn’t preoccupied with his wife, Brittany, having their second child, he would have been delighted to take Ivory out for a nice dinner and pay for anything on the menu. He’d only be returning the favor as Ivory fed Brees on Oct. 17, allowing him to eat up 263 yards and 3 touchdowns. And so Chris Ivory is now going to be the center of attention for the next few games while Thomas and Bush rehab their injuries. And come playoff time, all three running backs will be needed if the Saints plan on re-creating some of the magic from last year’s Super Bowl run. And if Ivory keeps playing the way he did Oct. 17, Saints fans may never stop partying, because another Super Bowl ring could be in the future of the Bayou.
Inspiration From page 12
That said, I still understand why they play at Ladd. Not having to worry about stadiums is what allowed USA to focus on the football field house. For those who haven’t seen it, the facilities rival some of the best in the region. I’ll put our field house against anyone’s facility right now. It’s our facilities, recruitment and rabid fan base that has made South Alabama an instant success. Ladd is such a minor part of our upcoming struggles, yet it’s still one that has to be addressed as both the stadium and program age. If the Jags remain diligent in tweaking their presentation, a championship in Mobile could become just a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if.’ And that’s where the football program currently stands.
This Week in Football: South Alabama Vs.
Vote Now!
Georgia State Oct. 30, 2010
Ladd Peebles Stadium Kickoff at 3 p.m.
Curry’s Corner
Agents Are Just Part of The Game Jayson Curry
SPORTS COLUMNIST jayson-curry@hotmail.com
Imagine that you’re an outstanding football player and one day someone says they will pay you a large sum of money because you’re such a great player. All they expect in return is for you to play like you have been playing and eventually help them in return. Sounds simple right? Not exactly. Ever since the NCAA began investigating Reggie Bush and his family from when he played college football at Southern California, more and more information has come out about players getting paid by agents. Their end game is to have the player sign with them when they turn pro. It is an investment. An agent pays a player money while he’s in college, let’s say $10,000 to $20,000, and when the player gets drafted he signs a $10 million contract and the agent gets a percentage of that $10 million. He’s basically trading $10,000 for $100,000. Everyone acts as if they are so surprised. But honestly, if you dig deep and ask the right people, this is not a new concept by any means. Charles Barkley came out a month ago and admitted that when he played college basketball at Auburn in the 80’s, he accepted money from agents and boosters. So how can people act so surprised? I’m waiting to find out that top programs and boosters have been secretly paying players for decades. Why wouldn’t schools try it if they could get away with it? Heads are going to roll when this information comes out. We have already seen what happened in one case, where Reggie Bush lost his Heisman trophy and all of his memorabilia was removed from USC. All Bush did was accept a booster payment for a house that his struggling family needed. What college student wouldn’t agree to that? And what major harm came out of that in the long run? Again, it’s just an investment. And in the same sense that agents do it, why wouldn’t schools? We’ve all heard numerous stories of schools giving players money and gifts in recruiting. This isn’t new. As long as players live up to their hype, it becomes a great idea. There’s no telling how much money a school can make off of the talent of their athletes. You can pay players; the players help you win a National Championship which in turn, brings money in from all over. It’s trading thousands for millions. In any type of business that’s a good thing. And yes, I know college football is supposed to be about purity and tradition, but it’s time to wake up. Everything is about the money. So if you see breaking news about schools paying players, don’t be shocked. I told you so.
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Opinion
Alex Whalen Opinion Editor AlexWhalen@Gmail.com
October 25, 2010
OUR VIEW Sparks Offers Higher Ed Best Chance for Recovery
O
n Nov. 2, Alabama will vote to elect a new governor after a tumultuous election already. Ron Sparks offers the best chance to fix higher education’s budget woes, so we feel comfortable offering our endorsement to his candidacy. Sparks, who served as Alabama’s agricultural commissioner, offers a simple fix for education: instituting a state education lottery and taxing legalized gambling. Right now, many Alabamians travel to the surrounding states to gamble and play the lottery. Under Sparks’ plan, much of that money would instead go to fund our struggling schools. On the higher education level, public universities have suffered through huge cuts in state appropriations, meaning higher tuition bills for students and cut programs. The University of South Alabama, for example, has seen its state appropriations fall by nearly 30 percent, producing large tuition increases for the past three years. Beyond tuition increases, USA’s employees have gone without raises, and they’ve seen their workloads increase with many positions going unfilled. You’ve probably seen the grim picture in this paper – it seems the news never gets better for the USA budget. We cannot continue to run deficits, as USA’s administrators have consistently pointed out. Sparks’ lottery proposal could do wonders for these problems, though it probably wouldn’t be a complete
fix. Sparks estimates that a lottery and gambling taxes could bring somewhere between $300 and $400 million per year, but that may be a bit overly ambitious. If Alabama’s lottery did as well as Florida’s, the state could bring in a little more than $300 million per year, but other estimates put the number around $200 million or even $100 million, this in a state that spent about $5.3 billion in education last year. Even in the worst-case scenario, $100 million is much better than zero. About $1 billion separates Alabama’s current education spending with the boom days in fiscal year 2008, so, while $100 million may not fix all of the problems, it could go some distance toward doing so. Robert Bentley, Spark’s opponent in the election, has no plan to increase education funding. Instead he says vaguely that he “will demand that Alabama’s public colleges and universities put their spending priorities in order,” for whatever that’s worth. This would include making public universities publish their budgets online. This should be done anyway, but it won’t do a thing to alleviate the stifling problems in education funding, especially not hundreds of millions of dollars worth. Alabama deserves better in its governor than Bentley, and, though Sparks’ plan is a bit on the simple side, we believe he stands the best chance to fix Alabama’s education woes.
November elections are just around the corner. With what may be a very close race for governor, we asked students if they were planning on voting. Here are your responses. I’m not registered to vote, and I don’t really know much about the candidates. I don’t really follow politics that much.
Chelsea McCormick Freshman Biology
Voting is very important. I’m planning on voting in my home state. College prepares us to be contributing members of society, and voting is part of that [contribution]. Alisha Gant Junior Graphic Design
Obama and DADT: A Lesson in Inconsistency Whenever a president is readying himself for the exit sign from the Oval Office, academics, pundits and laymen alike promptly start discussing what type of legacy said president will leave stamped on the constituents of America. Justin Enduring what has Herrington been a tumultuous first term as president, Barack Obama’s future historical imprint on society has by all accounts started to coalesce. These generalizations may include him being the first ever minority to have been elected as president, him being accused of having socialist ideology ad nauseam and ultimately, a president who tried his darndest to restore honor to America. But what of hypocrisy? Perhaps two-faced? Maybe a liar who was buttery smooth with the spoken word? Now, such an ad hominem and vitriolic accusation must certainly come from a conservative-lovin’, liberal-bashin’, Tea Partyadmirin’, GOPin’ brownnoser, but here’s the kicker: it doesn’t. It comes from an individual who, before Obama, was apathetic to all things political; an individual who believed, perhaps out of naïveté, that Obama could rectify the de-
struction that was wrought under the Bush administration. An individual who cast his vote for Obama in the hopes and dreams of a better future, but has come to expect nothing but disappointment from the numerous and sanctimonious platforms he has pushed for - often times reneging or outright contradicting the promises he made to the public. How did this no-named, University of South Alabama college student living in a podunk part of Alabama come to express such discontent for our Commander-in-Chief ? The answer: facts. One of Obama’s apparently long list of contradictions, and an issue that has been populating the media a lot as of late, is the infamous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Obama’s stance on this issue has been mind-numbingly stupefying but no less egregious than any of his other positions and has been updated as of this article being written. But on Oct. 21, CNN.com reported that Obama’s D.O.J. has succeeded in convincing the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the lesser U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Phillips’ ban of the infamous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy. Phillips asserted that DADT infringed upon the First and Fifth Amendment rights of gay troops (this was the very same D.O.J., under Obama no less, that fought Phillips to keep DADT intact, but eventually lost on Sept. 9 resulting in Phillips issuing an injunc-
tion on Oct. 12, 2010, barring the military from enforcing the policy). This move by Obama’s D.O.J. seemingly counteracts an Oct. 10 speech Obama gave to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy group, which included this gem from Obama: “I'm working with the Pentagon, its leadership and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy [DADT], legislation that has been introduced in the House to make this happen, I will end 'don't ask, don't tell.' That's my commitment to you.” The morally bankrupt individuals comprising the cesspool that resides in the Capitol building (more commonly known as Congress) failed to advance the 2011 Defense Authorization Bill on Sept. 21. The bill included the Murphy amendment, which would have repealed DADT. Armed with Virginia Phillips’ ruling essentially giving Obama the golden ticket that would’ve allowed him to circumvent the Congressional (read: the Senate) route altogether, it makes no sense whatsoever as to why Obama did what he did. This is made even more apparent in light of the reasoning that his administration is disseminating, which mainly points out that Obama wants (a) Congress to repeal DADT, not some judge and (b) that changing the policy now could hamper military operations overseas.
see DADT | 19
I’m not registered to vote because I just don’t care. I don’t really have the time to care. And I feel like whoever I vote for doesn’t make a difference anyway. Patricia Willis Senior Biological Sciences
I’m not as educated [about politics] as I’d like to be. But I plan on doing some research to see what candidates would be favorable for me ideologically. Jordan Smith Senior Criminal Justice
Want a soapbox? Well, here you go!
Just e-mail your campus thoughts, complaints, or ideas to usacampuspulse@gmail.com and we’ll print them right here!
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October 25, 2010
POINT COUNTERPOINT Student Group Says “Don’t Vote”
Editor’s Introduction: A student-run organization in North Carolina is urging people not to vote. The group, called the Unifying Truth Project, seeks to end division among people by finding some sort of universal truth. Within this goal is the idea that the only legitimate response to corruption in politics is to not vote. Here’s an explanation given on their website: “By observing how our critically
Changing The Rules
flawed election system works and how politicians behave, it is clear that there is no point in voting, so everyone should stop voting until the system is changed.” So, universal truth aside, is this a reasonable response to perceived corruption? Or is this an over-the-top and ineffective response to basic realities about the political system?
A Homeostatic Balance
Imagine a game that you have ciple, and it should be clear how The case can easily be made that majority perspective. to be 18 years old to play. As you it applies to voting. You shouldn’t our political system is corrupt. There Recently a new group has grow up, you hear a whole lot vote for a candidate simply beare agendas driving our politics that emerged which strongly disagrees about this game. Your teachers cause he or she is the lesser of two do not have to do with our simple with both established political parties tell you that it’s very important evils. You should either support wellbeing as a people. and is working to establish its own to play this game, and so do your some of that candidate’s campaign Because of this, some find platform. Initially the movement was parents. principles or have some other reathemselves compelled to use this viewed as a trifling fad that would Eventually the big day comes son for voting for him or her. corruption as a reason to withdraw pass away. and you finally get to play this Now, if I’m going to abide by from the system. Their reasoning: Now this group has become a game yourself. You’ve learned my own principle, I can’t rightif we (the citizens of the United contending force. Not to the capacall the rules, studied all the plays fully support UTP. I don’t fully States) stop feeding the system with ity of the other two, but it is growing Tory Alex and are fully prepared to join the understand their cause (probably our participation, then it will coland receiving an enormous amount Albertson Whalen grown-up world. because it’s nonsenselapse and have to start of attention. Now imagine that once you ish), and much of afresh. Politically speaking, water and finally get to play, you realize the rules and what I do understand, I don’t This is fallacious thinking. oxygen are found in votes. plays you spent all that time learning don’t agree with. To see why, let’s compare our Regardless of your ideological and thus really apply. Everyone around you is cheatWhat I do endorse is the political system to the human political perspective, it is clear to all of us that ing, and the referees are just awful. perfectly viable option of not body. When exercised, the body this mid-term election is going to be crucial to Most people would decide at this point voting. Just because you’re not begins to build up heat and how we as a nation move forward. This is a that this game sucks, and they don’t want voting doesn’t mean you’re not lactic acid. time to get out and vote, to be active particito play anymore. This idea is at the heart playing the game. Seeking homeostatic balance, pants in our governing process. of the Unifying Truth Project’s (UTP). There was a time when the body produces sweat and William Wilberforce, the great abolitionist According to a press release, the group the decision to not vote was begins to breath harder. If, in an from England, is an example of a man who “is calling forth a protest urging people to tantamount to a withdrawal attempt to fix the perceived imlearned to be a consummate politician within stop voting all-together until elections are from the political arena altobalances, we were to stop drink- his particular system. Through a very long fair and untainted by monetary and politigether. Now that we’re in an ing water, or place ourselves in and patient campaign (taking his entire adult www.unifyingtruthproject.org an oxygen free environment, cal influence.” I’d like to take a second to age where a relevant and well life), he was able to work profound change A simple sign for a simple the outcome would not be point out the irony in wanting the political thought-out idea can spread within the entire world, not just his own message from students disil- recovery – it would be death. sphere to be untainted by political influlike wildfire, that time is past. system. ence. If UTP wants to take The current political scene is By participating within the system, he lusioned with the American Actually, most of what this group says candidates head on, they may political process an excellent example of homeo- facilitated change that matched his ideologies is pretty stupid. But that doesn’t mean the gain some headway. If their static balancing. The current for what he considered to be a better world. core principle behind this protest doesn’t concern about corruption administration and legislation Very few of us are consummate politicians, have anything going for it. is genuine, they should make this case enjoy a solid majority. With this, they are able but we all have the privilege of participating Here’s the principle (as I take it) in a publicly and try to show that no candidate to accomplish an enormous amount of work in a system where we can support those who very basic form: Unless you have a good deserves voter support. in line with their ideologies concerning the we feel are. reason for doing so, you shouldn’t volunThe best thing UTP can do right now role of government, community, finances and By doing so, we give air and water to the tarily lend support to a cause which you is quit trying to save the world and simply national interests. body; all the while helping to eliminate the either a) don’t understand, or b) don’t try to get the conversation headed in their And there are those who hold a differing waste products. support. direction. Of course, there will always be perspective (at least in part) who are workThose who withdraw from the process, no This seems like a pretty reasonable prining very hard to undercut and overcome the see BALANCE | 16 see RULES | 16
Clearing the Air By Alex Whalen alexwhalen@gmail.com
A Smoke Screen I love Catholicism. I’m absolutely fascinated by the ritual, symbolism and history that surround the faith. And of course the crippling guilt. And now parents have one less thing to feel guilty about. According to L’Osservatore Romano, the semi-official newspaper for the Vatican, it’s OK for children to watch “The Simpsons.” The title of the article, “Homer and Bart are Catholic,” says it all. From this we can
conclude that Marge and Maggie are also Catholic, although Lisa’s status is questionable. Remember the episode where Lisa becomes Buddhist and meets Richard Gere? But the debate over whether the Simpsons are really Catholic is better facilitated with lots of beer. Absent that requirement, I will focus on a much more important question: why the hell does the Church even care? My initial reaction to this story, which was shared by many, was that the article was a publicity move. This is understandable; a common complaint against the Catholic Church is they’ve lost touch with modern social concerns. Then I realized this couldn’t be the real reason for the Church’s concern about “The Simpsons.” I mean, I’ll still watch the show if I happen to catch it, but it pretty much stopped being relevant back in the mid ‘90s. I think the real reason behind this move has to do with something else that was going on in the mid ‘90s. It was during this time that allegations of widespread molestation by
priests and the alleged cover-ups exploded in the mainstream media. This story about “The Simpsons” just looks to me like a smoke screen, so let’s clear the air. First off, I want to make it clear that I’m not detracting from Pope Benedict XVI’s formal recognition of and apology for these sex abuse scandals. Apologies aren’t really the Church’s thing – it took almost 400 years for Galileo to be pardoned for positing the crazy notion of a heliocentric model of the solar system. So when the Pope apologizes, it’s a pretty big deal. But an apology and a Simpsons reference does nothing to convince me that the Church is in touch at all with the needs of its faithful members. But acknowledgment is a nice first step. Instead of talking about TV shows, media sources for the Vatican should focus on addressing the concerns of those affected by sex abuse. And while the Church is making an effort to counsel and assist the victims, this effort doesn’t appear to be properly prioritized.
The Catholic Church catches a lot of flak; some of it is deserved, some is over the top. But without a proactive approach to the problems of sex abuse, there is a risk the victims will be forgotten – and nobody wants this. On so many social issues, like safe sex, gay marriage, and abortion, the Church’s hands are tied because of Catholic doctrine or strong articles of faith. I’m fine with that. It’s their religion and they’re free to support whatever causes are consistent with that religion. But if the Church wants to be seen as a force of good, as an entity that is in tune with its members, Catholic officials must tackle head-on the problems they are able to deal with. Sure, those priests who molested children will be held accountable before God, but someone needs to take responsibility for the victims. This is precisely the role the Church can fill, while demonstrating their concern for real world issues.
16 Survey from page 1
avoid the oppressive heat of August,” Johnson said. This week-late start to the semester meant the University would be even harder pressed to get final grades posted before the end of the calendar year. Student Government Association (SGA) President Kim Proctor, who was behind last year’s push for fall break also expressed some
Forum from page 3
issues resolved,” she said. When parking was brought up some students still voiced opinions of a lack of parking on campus in spite of the results of the recent parking survey conducted by Facilities Management. Ticket limiting was included in the questions and comments of one student who expressed displeasure in being unable to register for classes after receiving a certain amount of tickets. “I think it is a help to students because it doesn’t let you get all the way to the end of your career, get a degree and then not be able to get [your transcript],” Dean of Students Michael Mitchell said. The forum concluded with a discussion on Dining Services and The Market with Food Services Director Adam Nevill. Nevill stated
The
Vanguard frustration with Saturday exams. “I’m interested to see how Saturday exams work out,” Proctor said. “But I don’t think it’s conducive for student learning.” “I’d rather school start on time so we can get out on time,” she said. The SGA has no official position yet on what next year’s calendar should look like. Ultimately, the decision on next year’s academic calendar will be up to the Dean’s Council and Calendar Committee.
that he would like to say the new dining facility would be open Nov. 1, but he was hesitant to give a date due to issues with the food inspector and other possible setbacks. It is still uncertain as to exactly what will be in The Market after the new dining facility opens because no contracts have been signed at this point. “We hope to have a national brand chicken concept,” Nevill said after a student repeated a rumor that a Chick-Fil-A would be one new attraction. Nevill also noted that sushi and Zoca Mexican food would still be there, and there is a possibility of a convenience store opening in the area the salad bar currently occupies. According to University Police Lieutenant Keith West, the event was a good thing for the campus. “I wish more people would take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
Rules
Balance
those for whom critical thinking is not their forte. By encouraging voters to not support a candidate without a good reason for doing so, voters can start looking for these reasons. Using this technique, not voting doesn’t take UTP out of the game, it just shifts the focus of those playing.
matter how good their intentions, are supporting the death of our nation, and something else growing up in its place. In the end, what arises will not be “us,” and the chance to help the body find homeostatic balance will be gone. “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,” Edmund Burke said.
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from page 15
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October 25, 2010
October 25, 2010
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Distractions
Caption Contest
Do hilarious things come to mind when you see this photo? E-mail your funniest caption for it to usavanguard.editor@gmail.com. The winner will be published next week!
Vanguard Staff Staff usavanguard.editor@gmail.com
October 25, 2010
Caption Contest Results
Winner: “Help! They’re trying to stuff me.” -Sabrina Chestang
Sudoku Sudoku puzzles brought to you by USA’s Student Health Center. To make an appointment, call 251-460-7151. Rules: Fill each row, column, and square of nine boxes with the numbers one through nine without repeating any. Answer keys provided at www.usavanguard.com/distractions.
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“Jag Life”
A Comic by Ben Lewis
Stadium
DADT
the baseball field be left open so any vehicles that drove that far down Stadium Boulevard would be able to get off of the road without any trouble. Stadium Boulevard has been closed since Oct. 12, so contractors could begin construction on the second of three entrance portals to campus, the first of which is still currently under construction at South Drive. The road is projected to be open for traffic by Jan. 1.
These two reasons are, at best, pathetic. For the first one, apparently Obama didn’t notice with his time in the Senate that Congress is incapable of tripping over itself and getting anything of consequence done. As for hampering military operations, if anything (and I’m conceding that I am basing this off of initial assumptions) it would reduce the hampering as a result of the military no longer having to perform time-consuming show trials based on a soldier’s personal life. As for why this bill failed the Senate, I’ll allow Senator McCain to espouse his logical fallacies, as well as his acquired taste for flip-flopping that stems from having his head buried up his constituents’ asses: “…a blatant and cynical attempt [from the
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from page 14
Democrats] to galvanize the Hispanic vote in the case of the DREAM Act and to also energize the gay and lesbian vote in the case of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’” When in 2006 he said this in reference to DADT: “The day that the leadership of the military comes to me and says, ‘Senator, we ought to change the policy,’ then I think we ought to consider seriously changing it.” All of this foolish political posturing happening under Obama’s watch, even with a May 25 CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll stating that 78 percent of the public polled would favor having gays in the military. For a president who championed civil liberties in his historic 2008 campaign, this position he’s currently taking is not only void of
reason, it’s also blatantly unconstitutional and oppressive - keeping qualified individuals out of the military for something as trivial and inconsequential as sexual orientation. It’s too soon to start judging what Obama’s legacy will be for future historians, but as time wears on his endowment to future generations is looking increasingly tainted.
Homecoming from page 1
each, and about 800 for Freshman Maid. The other categories saw about 400 votes, with the exception of Graduate Student Maid, which had just over 100 votes. Runoff elections will be held Oct. 25 and 26.
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