The Vanguard 3.26.12 by The Vanguard

VANGUARD

THE MAR. 26, 2012

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

USA Jags play spring game against heat >>

Party on the deck! see page 11

VOL. 50, NO. 10

Academic calendar merges holidays next year Spring break and Mardi Gras will overlap in 2013 year BY MATT WEAVER Senior Reporter

he University of South Alabama Academic Calendar Committee approved changes that would see the Mardi Gras and spring break holidays merged together in 2013. The decision was made without input from student government as not a single representative attended the deciding meeting. SGA President Colin Al-Greene did not approve of the Calendar Committee’s decision and says that his organization will continue to meet with University officials regarding the 2012-2013 academic calendar. “We’ve attended several meetings where the calendar was discussed,” AlGreene said. “But we just missed the one where the decision was made.” When asked if the academic calendar was final, Al-Greene said that he believes

it’s still up for discussion. He plans on meeting with students over the next week and will relay that information over to University officials. “I don’t like this Colin Al-Greene at all – I really need SGA President the two distinct breaks,” Kelly Dixon, a junior Marketing major said. “I think it was irresponsible for the SGA to miss the meeting but it’s one of those things where no one seems to care until after the decision is made.” The Mardi Gras holiday was scheduled for Feb. 21 this spring with spring break running from March 12 to 18. Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, Feb. 12 next spring. Contact SGA at southalabama.edu/ sga.

USA Match Day opens doors From classrooms to white coats: What the future holds JAYSON CURRY/SPORTS EDITOR

BY AMBER DAY Staff Writer

Quarterback C.J. Bennet throws a pass in front of the USA Marching Band Saturday,

Red versus blue at Ladd Football isn’t only in the fall; Jags warm up in spring BY JAYSON CURRY Sports Editor

ne thing stood out after South Alabama football’s spring football game Saturday: the game is more for the fans than anything. Head football coach Joey Jones echoed that thought after the game. “Bottom line: we achieved what we wanted to achieve,” Jones said. “We didn’t have anybody that was hurt

badly, and our evaluations for the first 14 practices was really what it was all about. We are really pleased with their effort.” As Jones said, no player was seriously hurt, but with the unusual heat on Saturday many players needed to cool down on the sideline. USA linebacker Logan Bennett was one player who was obviously affected by the heat after he sat on the sideline with cold towels over his head and neck for much of the game. see SPRING, page 9

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

n March 16, 2012, at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, senior medical students at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine found out this year’s Match Day results. The National Residency Matching Program, or Match Day, is the annual event in which future doctors learn where they will be doing their residency training. Senior medical student, Ashleigh Butts-Wilkerson, had her eyes set on the USA College of Medicine family medicine residency program. Butts-Wilkerson is from Frankville, Ala. – a small community in Washington County. She attended USA for

check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

see MEDICAL, page 4

COURTESY OF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Medical students Phillip Bates and Hannah Eason are engaged and both going to the University of Florida.

in this issue (pg 07): Life (pg 12): Opinion (pg 09): Sports

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

Police Blotter 7-DAY USAPD: 460-6312 JAGCAST Editor’s note: Have a question for USAPD? Email us at editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com

Mar.26 - Apr. 1 Monday Mar. 26

Tuesday Mar. 27

Wednesday Mar. 28

Thursday Mar. 29

Friday Mar. 30

Saturday Mar. 31

Sunday Apr. 1

83 55 84 59 84 60 81 60 80 58 78 55 80 59

We’ll start off the school week’s beautiful weather with sunny skies and a high in the low 80s. The low on Monday night will be in the mid 50s with mostly clear skies. Mostly sunny skies will continue on Tuesday with mostly sunny skies and the high in the mid 80s with overnight lows near 60°. A few clouds will move in on Wednesday but, the temps will remain in the mid 80s with nighttime lows near 60°. A disturbance will move through on Thursday & Friday bringing scattered thunderstorms. Highs will be near 80° with lows in the upper 50s. Scattered thunderstorms will hang around for the weekend with highs near 80° with lows in the upper 50s. 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 search “stormteam4g9wx” and find Patrick Bigbie on Twitter search “metwxpatrick”

FAMBRO / EDITOR

Blotter will return next week.

Submission and Editorial policies “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 Aaron Etheredge Matt Weaver Carey Cox Bailey Hammond Jeff Gill Jayson Curry Naquita Hunter

Distribution distribution manager Johnny Davis distribution Angela Davis

Advertising advertising manager advertising graphic designer graphic designer

Wesley Jackson Mark Crawford II

Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688. or editor.in.chief@usavanguard.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. 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 251-4606442 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.

Brittany Hawkins Rex McKay

Management advising James Aucoin advising John Sellers accounting Kathy Brannan

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surroun ding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

SGA Elections process begins It is once again time for the campus to elect its Officers and Senators for the Student Government Association. Applications will be available in the SGA Office, located in the Academic Support Center, Room 1363. The deadline to submit your application is March 27 at 5 p.m. There will be a mandatory candidate meeting at 5:01 p.m. in the SGA Office. If you or your representative are not present at the meeting, you will be disqualified. Business attire is suggested as pictures will be taken. Elections will be held during the first week of April. If you have any questions, please contact Colin Al-Greene at coalgreene@comcast.net

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

Medical students receive residency assignments at Match Day MATCH, from page 1 undergraduate and received her B.S. in biomedical sciences in 2008. She is an Ernest DeBakey Scholarship recipient. The Ernest G. DeBakey Charitable Foundation gives scholarship funds to USA medical students who commit to serving in rural Alabama communities as primary care doctors for at least five years after medical school and residency training. Being a doctor has been a childhood dream of Butts-Wilkerson. “As a high school student, I watched my grandfather battle cancer,” ButtsWilkerson said. “When I was able to go with him, he would always tell his physicians who I was and that I wanted to be a doctor one day. He called me ‘Dr. Butts’.” Butts-Wilkerson’s dreams of becoming a physician were further solidified after watching the impact that physicians made on her grandfather, Butts-Wilkerson said. “I had many people tell me throughout high school that I would change my mind about what I wanted to be when I got to college, but I knew I wouldn’t,” ButtsWilkerson said. “I had my heart set on becoming a physician – a family practice physician.” Butts-Wilkerson served on the USA College of Medicine admissions committee

and is a member of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine Student Mentoring and Advising Program, the Christian Medical and Dental Association and the Family Medicine Interest Group, among others. After matching in family medicine at USA, Butts-Wilkerson said she was thrilled. “The USA College of Medicine offers a host of unique educational opportunities that other students have told me they missed out on while attending a different institution,” Butts-Wilkerson said. “I am very confident in the training that I have received here, and I know it will serve me well in residency and my career.” After residency, Butts-Wilkerson plans to return to a rural area to practice. “I hope to be able to work somewhere close to where I grew up – Clarke or Washington County – in order to give back to those that have given so much to me throughout the years,” Butts-Wilkerson said. “I enjoy small town life and feel that’s where I could be of greatest service.” Phillip Bates, another fourth-year medical student at USA, and his fiancée Hannah Eason, also a fourth-year medical student, attended Match Day to find out where they will do their residencies. Phillip

SGA art show under budget; happens March 31 BY MATT WEAVER Senior Reporter

n an update to the USA art show story published in last week’s V a n g u a r d ( S t u d e n t Government hosts art Jessica Byrd show), SGA SGA Vice-President Vice President Jessica Byrd submitted additional details regarding the Mar. 31 contest still scheduled to take place at Alumni Hall. The contest is set to be judged by South Alabama faculty and will award USA Bookstore scholarships to the top four presentations. The scholarships are valued at $600, $500, $400 and $300 respectively.

The project was first presented to the SGA senate during the fall semester where $2,500 was budgeted to the project’s success. According to Byrd and project manager Jayson Guynes, the project is under budget, having only spent $2,000 of that allotment thus far. Byrd insists that the event is well on track and poised to be a success. Judges have not been decided upon, but Guynes has approached the art department for interested panelists. “Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, but they are not finalized yet,” Byrd said. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and winning selections will be displayed around the campus. All projects must be Jaguar or South Alabama related and should be brought to Alumni Hall on Friday, March 29, no later than 5 p.m. For more information, contact SGA@jaguar1.usouthal.edu.

Bates’ younger brother, Nicholas Bates, also attends the USA College of Medicine as a second-year medical student. Phillip and Eason couples matched at this year’s celebration. They found out that they will both be doing their residencies at the University of Florida College of Medicine - Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. Phillip will be completing residency training in medicine-preliminary/ radiology and Hannah will be doing her residency in emergency medicine. Phillip received his undergraduate degree from USA and the two met while in medical school. They are planning to get married in the summer of 2013. “The most important personal impact that USA has made is that I met my fiancee in medical school,” Phillip said. “It is great having my fiancee in the same class because we both understand what each other are going through.” Now that Hannah and Phillip have found out their results from Match Day, younger brother Nicholas will be receiving his white coat in May/June, at a ceremony that makes signifies the transition into clinical experiences. Nicholas has been able to look up to Phillip and Hannah when he needed help

SGA election changes >> The SGA recently made changes to its election process by adjusting the minimum hour requirements needed to run for office. The changes are effective immediately and will apply to candidates who have registered for the upcoming spring elections. The new legislation requires that all officers complete 44 class hours by the end of their term at the end of the spring semester. This isn’t completely different than the original policy that stated that all candidates needed 44 hours prior to the election. “It seems reprehensible for the SGA to exclude students who do not fall below the credited hour standards from serving the student body upon entering their junior year just because they have withdrawals from classes so that they may try to protect their GPA,” Chief Justice Coleman Wolf said. “Therefore we have no bases on which to effectively punish a student who has exercised these rights, by excluding them from SGA elections.” Chief Justice Coleman Wolf proposed the legislation and it was unanimously approved.

throughout medical school. “I can remember one particular occasion in which Hannah helped my friends and me immensely,” Nicholas said. “The final for my Introduction to Clinical Medicine class consisted of performing physical exams on classmates while being graded by residents. Hannah demonstrated and taught us all of the procedures in which we were evaluated.” Phillip enjoys being able to help his younger brother when he can. “Sometimes Hannah and I are able to give my brother a more clinical perspective of what he is currently studying,” Phillip said. “And, sometimes Nicholas will even quiz me on something he is studying to test my memory.” As a family, these students have been able to share their experience in medical school at the USA College of Medicine. “Going through medical school with Nicholas has really shown me how unique each medical school class is and a reminder of how difficult the first two years were for me,” Hannah said. “I am really grateful for the conversations that I have with Nicholas and for the chances to help him with things that I struggled with during my years in medical school.”

Student Government Association. Applications are available in the SGA Office, located in the Academic Support Center, Room 1363. The deadline to submit your application is March 27 at 5 p.m. There will be a mandatory candidate meeting at 5:01 p.m. in the SGA Office. If you or your representative are not present at the meeting, you will be disqualified. Business attire is suggested as pictures will be taken. Elections will be held during the first week of April. If you have any questions, please contact Colin AlGreene at coalgreene@comcast.net

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

www.thevanguardonline.com

CLASSIFIED Nannies Needed! PT or FT, Mobile & Eastern Shore. Call 665-5180 or favoritenanny@comcast.net House-mate wanted! Modern home. Private bedroom and bathroom. No Substances, Use of Kitchen, living room, washer and dryer. 7 minutes from campus off of Cody near Providence Hospital. Rent=$350 per month, which includes utilities. References and deposit required. No pets or children. Call Aaron 251-680-1535 or John 251-605-4564. Want to place a classified ad too? Contact our advertising department at 251-460-6898

jagLIFE

Science fair at USA arch 30 and 31 will mark the 57th annual Mobile Regional Science and Engineering Fair held on campus in the University of South Alabama Gymnasium. Dr. Jim Connors, interim vice president for research, will be returning as director for this year’s fair, which is expected to draw near record participation. “We’ve seen attendance grow from 200 students in 2006, when the University got heavily involved, to more than 500 in the last three years,” Dr. Connors said. Prior to 2006, the fair was briefly discontinued due to declining participation. Connors was asked to reintroduce the event by the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. Attendance has grown in recent years due to University involvement, a more inclusive approach and adherence to the same standards as the National Science and Engineering Fair. The event is the largest in the state according to the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF) and one of the largest in the southeast according to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Participation is open to all sixth through 12th grade students in many neighboring counties. Students will compete for awards and prizes, including two four-year, full-tuition scholarships to the University of South Alabama and trips to the 2012 Intel ISEF for the top two senior division winners. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the University to see the best and the brightest up-and-coming students in the science field. When I was in the sixth grade, the science fair I attended was held in the exact same building, so it’s going to be a blast from the past for me,” Ron Schindler Jr., an Earth History teacher’s assistant said. Schindler is one of the many students and professors from the local community who will volunteer their time to judge the event.

see SCIENCE, page 8

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

In with the old...

TIMOTHY BORLAND Contributing Writer

BAILEY HAMMOND, JAGLIFE EDITOR life.editor@usavanguard.com

JAKE HOWELL JagLife Writer

ast year, Disney brought the muchbeloved animated film “The Lion King” back to theaters. This year, James Cameron’s pre-“Avatar” blockbuster, “Titanic,” will be sailing into theaters once again. With Hollywood’s embracement of 3D technology, a wave of 3D re-releases is hitting theaters. “The Lion King” got the 3D treatment, as did “Beauty and the Beast” and “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” when they were re-released earlier this year. If these movies, which so many already know and love, can make such an impact, what can movies that were released well before most college students were born accomplish? On March 21, one of the most clasSTAFF ILLUSTRATION sic films of all time, “Casablanca,” was Some classic films and iconic faces are just impossible to forget. Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart brought back to select theaters. This film and James Dean just to name a few. hearkens from a time when the characters and their stories were the backbone of a good movie rather than special effects lease was the ballet “Swan Lake”, which be indicative of something entirely differeven got the 3D treatment. or world-destroying action. ent. The incredible thing about this evolu“While I love the blockbusters of today, “Hollywood today seems to be afraid I am grateful for older movies coming tion of cinema is that it gives people the of good stories. They remake and remake back in theaters. They are more about the opportunity to experience classic shows comic book and cartoon characters and story and the artistry rather than scan- when they normally wouldn’t be able to. nit-wit story-lines. I read a lot of books. It’s merging film and stage and intro- I know there’s good, original material dals and effects. Also, you just can’t beat the feeling of a movie theater and those ducing a new generation to characters and available. The big studios seem to have movies were made to be in that type of stories that are as iconic as the characters lost the ability to find original material,” and stories Haines said. setting,” Parker Chasthey’ve intain, a junior BiomedIn addition to the re-release trend, spired since. ical Sciences major, “Hollywood today seems to Hollywood tends to pride itself on making C a r o l y n critically panned but profitable remakes said. be afraid of good stories. Haines, au- of classics. A recent example of this would “Casablanca” is They remake and remake thor and be the “Footloose” remake. just one example of comic book and cartoon assistant how cinema is em“The purpose of remaking great older bracing the past and characters and nit-wit story- professor in films doesn’t seem to be to make them the English better- only to add special effects and changing for the fulines.” department, blow things up. There’s a phrase, chaos ture. praised the cinema, that applies to quick, jerky cutSoon, the musi– Carolyn Haines t r a n s i t i o n ting and high speed action. cal “Joseph and the Assitant English professor and author from stage Amazing Technicolor “Characterization and story go out the to cinema window to serve action, even if the acDreamcoat” will be brought to theaters such as the Rave Ju- by saying, “I also applaud the efforts to tion is stupid and nonsensical. I’m not a bilee Square 12 in Daphne. The event will film theatrical performances, ballet and big fan of these remakes. If you’re talkeven feature sing-along subtitles for those operas and make them available to audi- ing about the re-issue of film classics like who don’t know the music but want to ences around the globe by showing them “Casablanca” then I think that’s a fabuin local multi-plexes. join in with star Donny Osmond. lous thing... it’s so well done, so well writ“Hopefully, the film versions will allow ten, so well acted and directed, that it is What makes “Joseph” different from “Casablanca” is that “Joseph” isn’t a film. many additional people to enjoy these timeless,” Haines added. It’s a stage musical that was filmed and great actors, dancers, singers, directors, More information on upcoming reset designers, costumers and musicians.” leases or re-releases can be found at fathremastered for theatrical release. The re-release trend, however, could omevents.com. Another recent non-film theatrical re-

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

All hail the flute

Swedish flutist, Göran Marcusson, lit up Laidlaw with his performance.

Weekly Lowdown tue > mar 27

AARON ETHEREDGE Associate Editor

Cooperative Education and Internship Program Orientation Seminar

3 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall No pre-registration is required and for more information about the seminar please contact Career Services at (251) 460-6188.

n Tuesday, March 20, the University of South Alabama played host to accomplished Swedish flute player, Göran Marcusson. Marcusson has over 20 years of experience playing in the United States. He won the American National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition in 1987, and received his soloist diploma from the University of Gothenburg in 1992. Currently, Marcusson travels the country teaching master classes and performing concerts. The concert started with Marcusson entering into the concert hall of Laidlaw Performing Arts Center dressed in a classy black suit and shiny black shoes, holding a brilliantly polished silver flute in his right hand. Marcusson opened the concert with his first solo, “Partita in A Minor,” which consisted of four beautifully crafted movements, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The music flowed constantly from the master, stopping only long enough to regain his breath before he continued to play. At the end of the fourth movement, GÖRAN MARCUSSON “Bourée Anglaise,” he lowered the flute from the playing position and the crowd erupted into a tremendous explosion of pared for the next half of the concert with applause. Marcusson. “Now we see how good your French Holm is currently a professor of music is,” Marcusson joked as he prepared to at USA, where he teaches piano and diplay his second solo, “Cinq Incantations”. rects piano ensemble while also serving Marcusson exas accompianist for plained that the five “Marcusson explained... the Musical Arts movements were Series. movements...give the composed in a way He gained a docto give the effect of tor of musical arts effect of communicating communicating with in piano perforwith God...” God, or some other mance and literadeity, and each of ture degree in 1999 – Göran Marcusson the movements were from the University asking for “favors” of Illinois. from the gods. He has been a Marcusson then resumed his original semi-finalist and also a finalist in many posture with his flute up, and began to international competitions, and also work his magic anew as the music rolled won third place in the 1997 International over the audience. Beethoven Piano Sonata Competition in After a 15 minute intermission, Mar- Memphis, Tennessee. cusson returned to the stage, followed As the two played the piece “Two Senclosely by USA’s very own pianist, Dr. timental Romances, op. 28,” the piano Robert Holm. gave another timbre to the concert, givHolm wore a yellow tie and a dis- ing the music have a rich texture. played a large smile as he sat down in Marcusson swayed on his heels as front of the black, grand piano and pre- he played his flute to the piece, while

wed > mar 28 Career Services Spring 2012 Webinar Series: Strategies for Social Networking Seminar

2 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall No pre-registration is required for this event. Interviewing 101 Seminar

3 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall No pre-registration is required for this event.

thu > mar 29 Reception & Documentary Film: “Miss Representation” about women & the media WWW.NORDICFLUTE.SE

Holm kept perfect time as his fingers danced over the keys of the piano. The two played in unison until the piece ended, and then took slight bows as the audience expressed their delight with thunderous applause. Marcusson next spoke about how the Swedish composer Wilhelm PetersonBerger gained inspiration for his piece, “Flowers of Frösö,” in a meadow he often visited in the summer and how each movement has its own characteristics. Six movements later, Holm and Marcusson were once again bowing to the audience. The concert concluded on Jacob Thune Hansen Gade’s “Tangofantasia.” Prior to the start of the piece, Marcusson gave a conclusion to the concert, thanking Dr. Andra Bohnet for all of her hard work towards the concert, and also thanked the audience for coming to listen to his show. After his short farewell, he returned to his playing position and delivered one more, final piece to his audience.

6 p.m. at Marriott Hotel at Bel Air Mall Transportation provided- JagTran will leave Moulton Tower at 5:15 p.m. and return after This event is FREE for students with a valid student ID

fri > mar 30 A New Day for the Civil Service: Finding and Applying for Jobs in the Federal Government Seminar

2:00 p.m. at Career Services, 2100 Meisler Hall Please call Career Services at (251) 460-6188 to pre-register for this event. Want your event featured? E-mail the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under 7 words) to life.editor@usavanguard.com. Include “Weekly Lowdown” in the subject line. E-mails must be received at least 7 days before the event.

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

Will a gator getch’a? S

ummer’s coming and it’s going to get hot! To cool off, many of us will be drawn to the water’s edge. Swimming, fishing, skiing and just hanging out Tom Meyer can be a reason to Clinical Assistant be around one of Professor our area’s many aquatic settings. For quite few of the legions of subtour, super-par hackers, even golf can be a reason to get their feet wet. Most will never even consider that they have entered the realm of an ancient dragon, a truly primal and dangerous predator. However, just let the word alligator pop up in a conversation and most would be quick to offer what they “know” or “feel” or have heard or seen. Yet, few would be able to contribute more than rumor, myth and rampant imagination. So let’s take a look at the risk to our health and well-being posed by this formidable beast. Let’s see if the beast really lives up to the reputation we are so quick to give it. Or if the risk lies within our own actions. Believe it or not, it was a couple of scientists from Utah State University who were among the first to take a closer look at alligator attacks on humans in the United States. But that was in the late 1990s. More recently others have published data on alligator attacks on

humans, bolstered by improved reporting. Some of the results demonstrated in this data may surprise you. Between 1948 and 2007, over a half century, there were a total of 376 recorded attacks (with injury) of a human by an alligator, 334 (89 percent) in Florida. The vast majority of attacks happened after 1972. Fifteen (four percent) attacks were fatal: 14 in Florida. Can this information be right? After all, by all accounts, the gator population has exploded since 1970. At the same time, concurrent explosions in waterfront residential development, water recreation and the human population in the gators’ home territory must certainly have resulted in a veritable “all you can eat” buffet of tasty people nuggets. It’s pretty well certain that, if you’ve gotten close to or in fresh water in the South, you’ve given a gator a chance to chomp you. Now, how many times has this happened for the last 50 or 60 years? Only 376 attacks? A measly 15 fatalities out of over a thousand-million chances to chomp? What kind of fearsome beast is that? What about your chances here in alligator central, near the Mobile Tensaw Delta? Of all the 376 attacks, just five (approximately one percent) have occurred in Alabama. There has never been a fatal attack reported in Alabama. In fact, only one fatality has been reported outside Florida and that was in Georgia. If alligators are spooking you, just staying away from Florida can reduce your already astronomically low chances of being attacked to vanish-

Science fair at USA FAIR cont. from page 6 Coordinator of Academic Success Su san Brochu will aid Connors, along with Dusty Layton and Alison Henry of USA Research Compliance and Assurance. Other prominent supporters on campus include President Gordon Moulton, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. David Johnson, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Andrzej Wierzbicki and College of Engineering Dean John Steadman. President Moulton introduced the scholarship awards in an effort to further elevate the prominence of the

event. USA student Mark Menn was a winner in the first year of the fair’s rejuvenation, and he is now completing a masters degree in environmental toxicology. “We cast a really wide net. Any student who follows our rules and standards is welcome to submit a science project. I can almost guarantee that student will learn from their peers and return the next year with an even better project,” says Connors. Guest viewing will occur from 5-7 p.m. this Friday and is open to the general public.

GATORLAND.COM

The American Alligator can be found in watery areas across the Southeast and its formidable jaws are a warning to be wary. ingly remote. trieve golf balls. Contrast the 15 fatalities over a peInstead of “Fore!” do they holler, riod of 50 years of alligator attacks “Soup’s on!”? with the 200 fatalities a year that All jokes aside, it’s obvious that we occur from a deer running into a ve- put ourselves at risk when it comes to hicle. getting chomped by gators. In the 60 years of reporting of gaThe alligator is no doubt a formitor attacks, this would have totaled dable predator, capable of inflicting nearly 12,000 folks killed by a Bambi. great harm, even death. Fifteen killed by gators; 12,000 But they are shy and reclusive, killed by deer. Interpret that as you fleeing at the approach of humans. will. They will only lose this shyness Of course, if you are the one get- with deliberate encouragement, esting chomped, the odds of it happen- pecially by feeding, from humans. ing and the In the vast mafearsomeness jority of “attacks,” “If alligators are spooking of the monthe human has ster take on gone out of his or you, just staying away from a whole new her way to aggraFlorida can reduce your almeaning. vate the situation. ready astronomically low But let’s As an avid kaylook at our chances of being attacked to aker, I paddle vanishingly remote.” side of the atseveral times a tacks. week somewhere Researchin the Delta. I see – Tom Meyer ers have listed alligators almost Clinical Assistant Professor brief descripevery trip. tions of the A night trip in humans’ activity prior to the attack. summer will always reveal hundreds Here are just a few of them: “feed- of red eyes. ing Alligator,” “wading, kicked alligaYet, the hard part is getting close tor,” “ forcing alligator from shore,” enough for a really good look. It takes “moving alligator from utility room,” patience and stealth to approach an “picked up alligator in yard,” “walked alligator closer than 20 or 30 feet. up to alligator on road” and “jumped I can’t imagine being so patient on alligator in water.” and stealthy that I could get close Now I ask you: should the gator get enough to risk an attack. the blame for the attack when the huThe gators simply don’t tolerate man’s activity is described as feeding, curiosity well. kicking, moving, picking up, walking So leave the poor ferocious dragon up to and jumping on the gator? beasts alone and they’ll likely leave My favorite tidbits (yes, actual tid- you alone. bits) from this article are the several Your health and well-being will be dozen golfers attacked trying to re- the better for it!

SPORTS

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

USA spring football

The Jaguars took the field at Ladd for the red vs. blue game

JAYSON CURRY/ SPORTS EDITOR

Left: USA’s Demetre Baker makes a run after a catch, Right: USA coach Tommy Perry talks with his players.

Red team wins spring game SPRING, from page 1 And although the game is a fan event, especially the autograph signing after the game, key players still stood out. USA linebacker and team captain Jake Johnson made six stops on the defensive side of the ball and caught an interception before he came out of the game. “I thought we did well. We have come a long way since the first practice in spring. We still have leaps and bounds to get better and better, but I was still impressed with the guys,” Johnson said. Another standout in the game was running back Demtre Baker. Baker looked solid on only five carries for 22 yards and two catches for 17 yards. One of Baker’s five rushed went for the game’s first touchdown. “It was a good environment, and I thought both teams did well,” Baker said. “And I think we have more to come in the fall.” The USA running back has enjoyed playing in the newly installed offensive, and he pointed to that as part of his performance during the game. “We try to keep a quicker pace than what we are used to so when we run at a faster pace it’s easier to run the play and easier for me to read,” Baker said. “Both teams were fired up. It’s different than practice because we looked at this as a game so we were fired up and I think everybody had an equal amount of reps

JAYSON CURRY, SPORTS EDITOR sports.editor@usavanguard.com

and I think we had a great time out here.” There were a few plays that stood out during Saturday’s scrimmage. One came earlier in the game when running back Julien Valentin was thought to have been brought down but his knee never hit the ground and there was no stoppage of the play by an official. Valentin realized the play was still alive and dashed toward the end zone for a 45 yard touchdown. Another highlight type play came late in the game with the red team down by a touchdown. Quarterback Myles Gibbon hit receiver Anthony Ingram on the run on a post pattern and Ingram attempted to outrun the defensive back into the end zone. Ingram suddenly lost the ball before he could cross the plane of the end zone and cost his red team the game tying touchdown. Another standout performance came from quarterback C.J. Bennett who completed 14-of-17 passes for 128 yards. Bennett seemed to be in control of the new offense during Saturday’s game. The offense features many quick or short throws to receivers and running backs and that showed in the scrimmage. “What I’ve seen is the ones are doing really well and a couple guys that are backups on the offensive lines are doing well,” Jones said. “We have to find some depth on the offensive line but our ones at quarterback and receiver and running back have been moving the ball well all spring.

JAYSON CURRY/ SPORTS EDITOR

Top: USA tightend Ryan Onkka leaps into the air. Bottom: USA defensive lineman Byron Sneed reaches out for quarterback Trey Fetner.

Athletics updates JAGS SWEEP HAMMER THROW AT FSU RELAYS ON FRIDAY Latifah Johnson recorded her third-consecutive win in the women’s hammer throw, while Joey Torres won his first in a 1-2-3 men’s finish in the event in the men’s competition on Friday at the FSU Relays at the Seminoles’ Mike Long Track. Johnson posted a 59.57m (195-05) throw for the win, followed by Bobbie Williamson, who finished second to notch her third topfive finish of the season on a mark of 53.27m (174-09). Williamson also took fifth in the discus (42.51m/139-06). Johnson’s previous two titles came at the Southern Miss Invitational (Mar. 10) on a then-school record 57.69m measure, then topped that USA all-time mark with a 59.96m at last weekend’s Louisiana Classics. Prior to Friday’s performance, Johnson had broken school records in the hammer for three consecutive meets, dating back to the indoor season’s Sun Belt Conference Championships, where she shattered her own standard on the USA all-time women’s indoor weight throw in a fourth-place finish. JAGUAR BATS DELIVER IN 20-13 WIN OVER ULM

University of South Alabama baseball set season highs for runs and hits in a 20-13 win over Louisiana-Monroe Friday at Warhawk Field. South Alabama (7-14, 3-1 SBC) pounded out a season-high 23 hits while scoring 20 runs with five multiple-run innings. Seven Jaguars recorded multiple hits, led by Graham Odom who went 5-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. Nick Zaharion went 4-for-6 with two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored, and Dustin Dalken finished 4-for-5 with two doubles, one RBI and four runs scored. Odom, Zaharion, Hunt Griffith, Brad Hook, Drew Cofield and Nolan Earley each drove in multiple runs. Jaime Dennis (1-2) earned the win in 5 1/3 innings in relief, and allowed just one run on five hits with five strikeouts and one walk. The Jags jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first on an RBI double by Whitt Dorsey and two-run doubles by Zaharion and Griffith. ULM scored two runs in the bottom of the first on a solo homer by Jeremy Sy to lead off the frame, and a bases-loaded walk by Taylor Abdalla to cut the Jaguar lead to 5-2. The Warhawks added a single run in the bottom of the second on an RBI double by Caleb Clowers to cut the deficit to 5-3.

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

Deck addition equals home advantage JT CRABTREE Sports Reporter

nother dimension for watching baseball games at South Alabama has been added to Stanky Field. During spring break, South Alabama unveiled three new party decks in Right Field of Stanky Field, known as Jaguar Alley. These decks are free to students, and allow for several new things to do during game that were not previously available. The decks are located in the outfield of Stanky Field, directly behind the Right Fielder, and provide a perfect view of the game from above the outfield fence. Fans can choose to watch the game from one of two levels on each deck, or from the ground and watch the game through the fence. Combined, the decks can hold 75 to 100 people. Students are allowed to bring food, drinks, grills, chairs, tables, or whatever they want to the decks. They are also allowed to bring alcohol to games, as long as they are kept in a cup. Fans may drive their vehicle carrying their supplies into the area behind Jaguar Alley and drop off their things before being asked to park in the Gamma parking lot behind the stadium. There will be shuttles that will bring you to the only gate that accesses Jaguar Alley, which is located behind the center field wall.

Drewski @DrewDearman- Old player new game, I’m focused, thinking like I got 2 brains Brandi ‫@ ‏‬Brandiii_19- You gotta dress for northern winters to be sittin in these classrooms. CJ Bennett ‫_@ ‏‬MrOneFive_- From this point on I refuse to talk to anyone from the red team till after we spank that a$$ #bluesquad JT CRABTREE/SPORTS WRITER

Stanky Field now has a deck that can hold 75 to 100 Jaguar baseball fans. Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann said that the decks were made with the students in mind, hoping the students will come out and bring a home-field advantage to Stanky Field that has lacked in previous years. Dr. Erdmann also talked of the possibility of adding additional parking to the Gamma cutthrough. The decks are in popular demand by different student associates, as they

are available to be reserved for games. However, there will always be at least one deck open to the public. Space on the deck is on a first come, first serve basis. The decks are open rain or shine, and reentry is allowed if you keep your ticket stub. The Jags return home this Friday for a three-game weekend series against Middle Tennessee State, with first pitch at 6:30 p.m.

March 16 named Tim Tebow Day in Ala. BY CASSIE FAMBRO Editor-in-Chief

CASSIE FAMBRO / EDITOR IN CHIEF

NFL Quarterback Tim Tebow is presented with a key to the city of Montgomery, Ala., after appearing at the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Ala.

National Football League player Tim Tebow attended the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama’s (CWFCA) banquet March 16 in Montgomery. At $100 a ticket for the dinner and $400 for VIP meet-and-greet tickets, the event sold out. The media table was even sacrificed to make room for more attendees in order to raise money for people in 33 counties relying on CWFCA for cancer treatment according to the cancer center. Baptist Health presented “An Evening with Tim Tebow” as well as an auction. According to tallies announced at the end of the presentation, nearly 2,500 people attended the event, many to hear Tebow speak words of encouragement. In the question and answer session with Montgomery news affiliate WSFA’s sports anchor Jeff Shearer, Tebow emphasized that he intended his legacy to be about his philanthropy, the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“Football is a huge part of my life, but mission work is what I wanted to do with my life. Life is not about material things. We’re building a hospital in the Philippines, and we are trying to believe in kids that not many people do. When you let someone know you believe in them, it’s amazing to see what they can do,” Tebow said. He related this to children with cancer and how sometimes in the darkest of situations, he clings to his religion. “God put this on my heart.” The famous verse he inscribed into his eye black, John 3:16 was Google-searched millions of times, and he feels “honored” to have inspired that because John 3:16 is “the essence of your hope.” A week later, Tebow was traded from the Denver Broncos to the New York Jets. With that looming over him and the crowd assuredly wondering how he was feeling, he ended his last answer with this advice: “Finish strong, in whatever you do. That is what integrity is about.” “Win or lose, finish strong.”

Corey Waldon ‫@ ‏‬lilwaldon_81Watchin Friday...on Friday..”we bout to get high we bout to get F’ed up” Brandi ‫@ ‏‬Brandiii_19- I CAN NOT deal with this grown man being a baby in My crazy Obsessions on TLC right now. Taylor Malone ‫@ ‏‬TaylorMalone77- I know @DrewDearman is ready for yet another successful wing night TreyFetner™ ‫@ ‏‬Tfet16- “If we go out there and give it everything.. that’s heroic! Let’s be heroes!”-Mox. “ Whataya say boyzz?!?!?”-Tweeter. #GreatMovie Jereme L. Jones ‫@ ‏‬J11Jones- Does every kappa in the world exchange the letter C with K? Tatum Perry ‫@ ‏‬TatesMcGates20“@UnoDosTrey123: Every morning I walk out of my apartment with absolutely no idea where I parked my car #worstmemoryever” #building15probs Trey Anderson ‫@ ‏‬UnoDosTrey123on’t wanna be the guy that rides the hype too long but this YOLO hoody I got is too damn comfy not to wear anymore Anthony Izzio ‫@ ‏‬Aizzio5- Going to war means a lot more when your fighting with the team I’ve been blessed with! Win every pitch and play like its your last!#jagpride

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

Who doesnt love a little “Madness” LEEQUINTON BLACKMON Sports Columnist

magine a series of epic battles, consisting of tales of victory and bitter defeat. Imagine underdogs grabbing attention by pulling off huge upsets, while local school stars become household names as they shine in the national spotlight. Excitement like that is what adds to the drama and anticipation of the NCAA Men’s Division I College Basketball Championship, which is appropriately named “March Madness.” This year’s tournament, much like past ones, does not lack drama. The second round featured one of more shocking upsets so far, with 15th seeded Lehigh University defeating the 2nd seeded, Duke University. Behind the 30-point effort of junior guard, C.J. McCollum, Lehigh University not only gave the highly favored Duke Blue Devils an unexpected and early exit from the tournament, but the 75-70 victory gave Lehigh its first NCAA Tournament win in school history. They were 0-4 in their previous NCAA Tournament appearances.

JAYSON CURRY/SPORTS EDITOR

“March Madness” is all fun and games until someones bracket gets busted The 16th seeded Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were another underdog team looking to shock the world. Western Kentucky had previously defeated North Texas in a 74-70 victory in the Sun Belt Men’s Basketball Championship, giving them a NCAA

Tournament berth. Western Kentucky entered the tournament as the only team with a losing record (16-19), and they went on to pull off an incredible 59-58 comeback victory in a thriller against Mississippi Valley State University in the tournament’s “First Four,” before losing to top seeded

Kentucky Wildcats. With automatic qualifiers in smaller conferences, the tournament is bound to have multiple underdogs. But even teams like Baylor and Louisville who have lower seeds are considered underdogs by some. Despite their records in the regular season, they’re still not seen as possible threats in a single elimination tournament where we all know anything can happen. It’s hard to believe that they’re still actually considered underdogs. It’s not all that unlikely to see either of those teams win it all. On the other hand, there are still teams like top-ranked Kentucky that will be hard to upset. They have been the most dominate team all season and that level of dominance has certainly increased in the tournament. With their star, Anthony Davis, anchoring the middle with his length and shot blocking ability, teams will struggle to find success scoring in the paint. Most teams find out the hard way that John Calipari’s Wildcats are just too talented. But then again it is March Madness. Anything can happen.

Lady Jags dominate FAU Owls

USAJAGUARS.COM

Blair Johnson JAYSON CURRY Sports Editor

he Lady Jags travelled to Boca Raton, Fla., to square off with Florida Atlantic in a Sun Belt Conference series that took place at Florida Atlantic University’s softball stadium. The Lady Jags entered Saturday’s game, the first of two, with an overall record of 17-8 and a nearly perfect SBC record of 5-1. The Jags lead the SBC in team pitching with a 2.12 ERA, with sophomore Hannah Campbell lead the

way with a 9-6 record, four shutouts, and a save. The doubleheader began at 5 p.m., while Sunday’s began at noon. This is the Jags’ third conference series in which they shut down FAU in the first game of the doubleheader 3-1. The Lady Jags were able to send three runners home despite having no hits in the game, where as FAU had six. The hitless win by the Jags was due to some sloppy pitching and fielding by FAU. FAU had three errors to USA’s one.

FAU pitcher Taylor Fawbush who entered the game with a 3.51 ERA and has thrown 58 strikeouts in 89.2 innings, hit two Lady Jags, Brittany Fowler in the fourth inning and Blair Johnson in the sixth. Campbell pitched another great game by allowing only one run for FAU in the second inning after Fawbush hit a triple giving H. Barnes the chance to bring it

home. For USA, the action did not pick up until the fourth inning where they saw their first run. After Alyssa Linn and Blair Johnson both grounded out, Brittany Fowler stepped up to the plate only to be hit by a wild pitch. This gave her the go ahead to first base, and then next at bat was Meghan Collins who was walked allowing Fowler to advance to second. Christin Crocker, who was next to bat, was also walked which allowed Collins to

advance to second, and Fowler to third. Julie Moss then reached to second base on a fielder’s choice. Crocker advanced to second on a fielding error by the second baseman and Collins advanced to third, allowing Fowler to score unearned. The sixth inning was where the Lady Jags scored their final two runs. Johnson was hit by a wild pitch bringing, in Kaitlyn Griffith to pinch run for her. Then after Fowler lined out to right field, Collins reached on a fielding error by the second baseman advancing Griffith to second. Crocker reached on a throwing error by the shortstop advancing Collins to third and Griffith to home. Crocker then stole second and Moss was walked. Hayley Richards also reached on a fielder’s choice and Moss then advanced to second. Crocker got out at second and Collins scored the final run of the night for the Jags. After throwing all seven innings and allowing just one run, Campbell had nine strikeouts including 64 strikes in 121 pitches. Fawbush for FAU also pitched all seven innings with 64 strikes and two strikeouts. With the win the Jags advance to 6-1 in conference play.

Opinion

JEFF GILL, OPINION EDITOR opinion.editor@usavanguard.com

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

SGA website needs real changes JEFF GILL Opinion Editor

f a student is interested in getting involved in his or her student government, they should feel empowered and proud to go to the website of such a prestigious sub-institution. Unfortunately, the site screams just the opposite. Why should there be such leniency on the quality of our websites here at South Alabama? There are exceptions: the Visual Arts and English pages are clean and efficient, for example. It could be worse: Spring Hill’s SGA page is completely missing. If there is a page, it is well-hidden behind a deleted blog page. Having a page is better than no page, right? Wrong. The USA SGA page could easily be amended by just fixing a few things. The biggest complaint I really have about it is the outdated updating of the SGA transcripts. The system is great, but whoever is uploading these transcripts is behind schedule and needs

prodding. Oh, there’s a search bar! It should be so easy to find anything on the SGA website. No. In a stroke of lunacy, or an elaborate plot to troll students, the search bar takes you to a warning with an index instead of listing actual search results. Well done, SGA: you’ve duped your own constituency. Relentlessly complaining about websites isn’t a very constructive practice, but it should show that there are both functional and aesthetic problems with the University and SGA’s websites. Some teachers’ computers can’t even run Flash or open Word 2007 documents on their computers. It would be silly to start from scratch to make a Flash-formatted website. Just a few touch-ups would be needed to make the website go from a four to a seven. There is supposed to be an election soon (be sure to check The Vanguard for the campaign platforms), and making it a priority to amend their sites from so-so to spectacular would be a good first step.

The Vanguard’s Viewpoint A STAFF EDITIORIAL

Holidays shouldn’t overlap When Mardi Gras occurs, we’ve just about hit our mental breaking point. Spring break arrives just in time to shake us out of an academic coma. Our heads hurt. Our bodies hurt. We just want to sleep on the beach and lose our shoes. College students need spring break like elementary kids need recess. Mardi Gras is traditionally one Tuesday off and students can either go downtown, stimulate the economy or stay home and catch up on homework. For parents, local schools are out and it’s a day to have family time. Lumping Mardi Gras in with spring break would force parents to choose between going to parades or getting out of town that week. Many USA students return to their home states as well, and it’s not fair to take away the one huge cultural event Mobile offers from non-locals that leave during spring break.

JagPulse: How often do you visit SGA’s website? “I didn’t even know they had a website, so I really don’t have any input. Maybe they should publicize that they have a site more often.”

Brandin Brosh Elementary Education Senior

“I don’t ever go. It’s there, but it’s just a rule book and an incomplete roster. The site is shoddily kept up, from what I remember.”

Mallory Ellis Nursing Freshman

“What does the SGA even do? Give money to people that ask for it? I have never heard that they have a website at all. I guess I haven’t ever gone on there to submit a request for funding or anything.” Jennifer Haimowitz Nursing Junior

This is a common sense issue, and we’re willing to bet SGA feels guilty about not being at that meeting. The Academic Calendar Committee (ACC) should also be ashamed of itself for trying to pull this over on students. This is reminiscent of the Saturday exam debacle from last year. SGA vehemently opposed Saturday exams and so did The Vanguard. The ACC should have learned its lesson. USA students don’t want breaks consolidated. You’ve already taken away so-called “dead days” before exams, therefore not giving us ample time to study like numerous other universities grant their students. Don’t split up the few breaks we get, USA. And SGA, we’re looking at you to do what was done last year after the Saturday exam incident. Speak up for the students.

EditorialBoard

The

Cassie Fambro Aaron Etheredge Jeff Gill Matt Weaver Bailey Hammond Jayson Curry

> > > > > >

Editor in Chief Associate Editor Opinion Editor Senior Reporter Life Editor Sports Editor

Find us on Facebook! Search “The Vanguard USA” Write for The Vanguard, why dontcha? Contact Jeff Gill.

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

POINT COUNTERPOINT Is the Student Loan Forgiveness Act a smart policy?

Editor’s Introduction: On , 2012, Hansen Clarke (D-MI) introduced HR 4170, commonly known as the Student Loan Forgiveness Act. This policy sets a cap of 10% of their disposable income on student loan fees. After ten years, any debt left on the graduate’s loan is forgiven. So where does the money come from? The P/CP explains.

Point » Getting schooled in bad economy

Counterpoint » Great idea for tough times

he Student Loan Forgiveness Act will, in the end, only serve to pass the buck to future generations, and I am not willing to have my responsibilities handed Josh Bond down. Contributing writer At the heart of the problem is the rising cost of tuition and the current atmosphere for funding and loan repayment options. Working with graduates to manage their debt is one thing. Adding it to the national debt is irresponsible. As the federal government has taken on military endeavors, bank and industry bailouts, energy reform, and healthcare reform, the plate is already full. The idea of a student loan bailout only stands to expand our debt and further contribute to inflation. Additionally, colleges have increased tuition partly to offset decreases in state funding and endowments as well as adjust for inflation, all of which will worsen with the passage of this bill. Also, schools have increased their spending in the areas of capital improvements, administration, and counseling while they compete for the best students. Consequently, colleges do not have to consider tuition increases as a problem as students have access to readily available

he Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 has suddenly become a big issue in higher education today. The act, called H.R. 4170, is a proposal that seeks to Grant Defrancisco rectify the problem Contributing writer set out by the theory that, while college tuitions nationwide are rising, the rate of return on college degrees is falling. It is well-noted that, where a bachelor’s degree would have sufficed a generation ago in securing a job, students now must seek a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree for the same job, thereby accruing more debt. According to some top investors and economists, higher education may be the next ‘bubble’ to burst - perhaps larger than the housing bubble debacle. Total outstanding student debt is projected to surpass $1 trillion this year, according to The Economist. The act itself states that, a student can convert their private debt into federal debt, and then pay 10 percent of their discretionary (basically, money left over after taxes and essential spending) income for the next 10 years, and the rest of the debt is automatically forgiven. This proposed bill stands for a few main points: first, to make student loan repayment simple and fair. Secondly, it stands to

federal and private loans. That is simply a reality. Private lenders have increasingly become a source for secondary education funding, and strangely enough many students have turned to private loans before exhausting other options. Interestingly, the protection from bankruptcy that private lenders were granted in 2005, which takes away a significant portion of the risk assessment, has made them an aggressive contender for offering student loans, and many potential students are none-the-wiser. However, the lender will maximize their profit potential, as businesses do, with high interest and harsh repayment terms at the expense of the borrower because the former does not have to consider the latter filing bankruptcy. The incentive for the lender to work with the borrower does not exist. The demand for education is high and, in light of this, the student loan process should be taken out of the hands of government and put into the hands of private entities to compete without the protection from bankruptcy. Tax incentives to encourage lending as well as terms that allow a student to get their footing at the time is most important- making the transition from school to the job market. The relief we really need is in the form of jobs to repay our debts. Only a sound economy can consider subsidizing academic infrastructure and programs.

stimulate the economy. Thirdly, to promote financial responsibility. Most importantly for the student population, it will lend a desperately needed lifeline to students who have fallen on hard times. Universities nationwide have been inflating the cost of a degree, and now many students are having difficulty paying for their education, as evidenced by the evergrowing number of student loan defaults. This bill would lighten that burden, and cap interest rates at a low 3.4 percent. On that note, the bill also seeks to protect student borrowers who have fallen on hard times - illness, unemployment, divorce from rising interest rates and crippling payments. The bill encourages entrance into public service, or professions students desire. The bill falls under fire for its claims of slowing the economy. Opponents argue that the economic stimulus is not enough, and could be better spent by ‘giving’ the money to groups who are worse off and more likely to spend the money- but we’ve all seen the ‘benefits’ of corporate bailouts! Surely, this bill would increase the purchasing power of millions of Americans and incentivize them to invest and spend their newfound money. Current students are eligible for full forgiveness - future students would be eligible for up to $45,000 of forgiveness, to promote financial responsibility. I implore all readers to research this bill and voice their support - the benefits far outweigh the costs.

HB 56 shows correlation with Alabama proration WILLIAM SMITH Contributing Writer

n February of 2011, the state budget for 2013 seemed to be slightly a bit

off. Experts estimated Alabama would miss their project budget by $30 million. Not horrible, but due to the current economy, acceptable. March of 2012, Governor Bentley announced a budget shortfall of $130 million and announced a 10 percent proration cut across the general fund according to the Montgomery Advertiser. What happened? One explanation could be the passage

of HB 56, or Alabama’s immigration bill. A study by economist Samuel Addy from the University of Alabama concluded that this bill would cost the state about $11 billion in economic growth and $130 million in taxable income. States surrounding Alabama with similar economies have not been affected nearly as much. Mississippi even boasted a budget surplus of $50 million according to CBS News. One can make the argument that this may be due to an influx of illegal immigrants fleeing Alabama for agrarian jobs in Mississippi. Georgia and Tennessee have not seen nearly the budget shortfall Alabama as experienced. Anytime Mississippi is reaping the re-

wards of Alabama’s mistakes, it is time to rethink true cost of HB 56. With lawmakers still flabbergasted about how they miscalculated the budget, harsh cuts had to be made. Where are these cuts to be made? Politically, the easiest choice is education. Education has no tangible, immediate rewards. A person can count police officers, drive on bad roads, and taste poor water. A quality education is much more difficult to tangibly see everyday, making education easier to dismiss. However, education is essential for long term growth and stability of any economy. The other cuts will come from state employees.

Governor Bentley also said no cuts will be made to the Department of Corrections. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Jeremy King, deputy communications director for Governor Bentley said, “We do feel it is crucial for public safety that we work to protect Corrections, and we are working with the Legislature on that.” This means Alabama lawmakers would rather pay to keep Alabamians unproductive and locked up than arm Alabamians with the knowledge and tools needed to complete in a global marketplace. Lawmakers created this budget crisis with HB 56, and now education is left to bear the burden of bigotry.

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012

Weekly Quotable Quote A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. -Lois Wyse

Distractions

HOROSCOPES

Aries: 3/21 - 4/19 This week, during our unnaturally windy weather, your homework that you stayed up all night finishing will be wrenched from your grip and float down the street. Do not try to chase it, the vehicle you have to dart in front of to catch it will not stop. Taurus: 4/20 – 5/20 You will make a decision to have one more at Bubble. The bartender will ask you if you’re sure. You should have said no. Your mom will call you and tell you Papa John’s has your cell phone and that you owe them for ten pounds of pepperoni. Gemini: 5/21 – 6/21 Your best friend is going to be hit by a car for ignoring his horoscope and jumping in front of a car in an attempt to catch his homework that is being whisked away. Cancer: 6/22 – 7/22 I don’t like you. I’m just kidding, but obviously fate really doesn’t, because your horoscope is unfortunate this week. So unfortunate, actually, that it’s unspeakable.

Picture of the Week

Leo: 7/23 – 8/22 There is a Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg are coming to the Wharf in May. Will you be suffering from a double ear infection so bad that both ears go deaf on the exact day of the concert. Virgo: 8/23 – 9/22 Fate doesn’t understand why your horoscope is Virgo: The “Virgin”. This doesn’t make any sense to the almighty powers that be. Someone must of read the invoice wrong and put you down as Virgo, rather than a Cancer. Libra: 9/23 – 10/22 Someone told you “WTF” meant “Well, that’s Fabulous” and “LOL” meant “Lot’s of Love”. Whoever told you this is wise beyond their ears, and you must respect their wisdom in all aspects. Scorpio: 10/23 – 11/21 The universe in unbalanced. As a result, it requires you to break up with your “friend” to restock the campus with a fresh supply of single people for everyone else. Please note, if you are suffering from a childhood disease and are currently taken, y ou are exempt from this.

Sagittarius: 11/22 – 12/21 You just think that’s a cold sore on the inside of your cheek... Capricorn: 12/22 – 1/19 It’s your luckly week, while everyone else is suffering from being ran over, ear infections, relationship failure, or personal health problems, The worst that will happen this week is when you miss that Star Wars episode of Big Bang Theory. Aquarius: 1/20 – 2/18 You recently made a great pilgrimage to Florida this past week with a co-worker, or two. You have gained an understanding rivaled to that of your professors now. Use this new-found wisdom to your advantage. Pisces: 2/19 – 3/20 Please avoid the elevators in Stokes Hall, whether you’re a resident or not. You run a chance of it plunging 8 stories the moment you step into it. Also, if you are below 5’2, please be aware that you may suffer injuries if you’re near the elevator at the time of the incident. Also, don’t touch my laundry in Stokes. Thank you in advance.

Student Health u d o k u

COURTESY OF JT CRABTREE

Students JT Crabtree and Sam Wicker ‘Tebowing’ at Ladd Peebles in support of the Jags Saturday. We dig it.

For Student Health appointments, please call 460-7151 For Counseling and Testing, please call 460-7051

VOL. 50, NO. 10 / MAR. 26, 2012