August 30, 2010

Vanguard The

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 5

August 30, 2010

FOOTBALL FIRST GAME DAY OF THE SEASON: See Coach Joey Jones lead USA’s Jags against Pikeville College at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Sept. 4. For more information, turn to page 10.

Friend The Vanguard on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ USAVanguard

Serving USA Since 1965

IS HERE! Get pumped for the football season with USA’s Pep Rally at the Mitchell Center Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, turn to page 2.

New Student Rec Center Opens

Former Student Sentenced To Life In Prison Cameron Adkins

ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

Students cool off in the pool at USA’s new Student Recreation Center, which opened this past Friday. The new facility features amenities like a rock climbing wall, kids’ play zone, indoor and outdoor pools, and exercise equipment.

SGA President Discusses New Goals, Projects Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

As hold music plays in the background, SGA President Kimberly Proctor speaks to Vice President Colin Al-Greene and a Vanguard reporter in her office. She’s busy planning, coordinating, and, now, giving an interview.

In other words, it’s just a normal Thursday for the leader of USA’s student body.

Proctor started in SGA about four years ago as the co-chair of its Social Develop-

Inside

Police Blotter p. 2

So Many Mass E-mails, so Little Time.

See News, page 2.

ment committee. After that, she was elected to a Senate position, then vice president, and now president.

Out of all of those positions, though, she found being a senator the “most rewarding.”

“You’re always in direct contact with students,” she said.

Proctor was elected to SGA president with one of the largest margins in recent memory, and she plans on using that mandate to make changes she believes necessary for this growing, changing university.

Etc. p. 6

Topping her agenda is security, which Proctor said SGA is going to “focus very highly on.”

“We’re looking at doing some security initiatives,” she said. “Our committees are in the early stages of planning right now.”

One of the major projects will come in an expansion of the lighting around the SGA pavilion. The Senate recently passed a rape defense package for the Police Department, too, but Proctor said more is on the way.

Sports p. 10

Miss Out On Beerfest? Get The Highlights Here.

See Etc., page 6.

see PRESIDENT | 8

Opinion p. 12

Lady Jags Look For A Winning Season In 2010.

See Sports, page 10.

Paul Bryan Young Jr., a former USA student, was sentenced to life in prison Aug. 23 after pleading guilty on charges of murder and attempted murder.

On June 8, 2009, 42-year-old Young shot his ex-wife, Anne Claire Alger-Young, 37, multiple times after she had returned to Young’s home in Tillman’s Corner to retrieve some of her belongings. Young Young was also charged with three counts of attempted murder for shooting at three people who were with Alger-Young the night of the incident.

The Admiral Semmes Avenue resident was booked at Mobile Country Metro Jail June 11, 2009 with no bail posted, according to online jail records.

The case could not have come to a better conclusion, because Young received the maximum sentence allowed, according to Mobile County assistant district attorney Ashley Rich, who represented the victim and the victim’s family.

Young took a plea in order to keep his and the victim’s family from an extremely painful appeal, Young’s attorney said at the hearing.

According to court documents read by Rich at Young’s hearing, Young shot Alger-Young in the leg, chased her as she attempted to escape, shot her multiple times in the back after she fell and proceeded to shoot himself in the chest.

The day of the shooting, Alger-Young was see YOUNG | 5

Distractions p. 14

The Real Factors Behind the NYC Mosque Debate See Opinion, page 13.

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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.

p lice bl tter

8/23- Theft of Article from Auto/ Criminal Mischief, 3rd Degree

A USAPD officer responded to a call of criminal mischief to two vehicles and theft from a vehicle in the USA Research Park II area.

8/24- Burglary, 3rd Degree A resident reported that known suspects damaged her apartment at The Grove.

8/26- Burglary of Auto A resident reported that between 8/25 at 10 p.m. and 8/26 at 3:30 p.m. the cloth top and a window of their Jeep were burglarized. The damages were estimated to be at $250.

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 Associate Editor: Dean Harrison Copy Editor: Genny Roman 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.

August 30, 2010

8/29- Harassing or Threatening Physical Harm/Harassment At approximately 3 p.m. a student reported that her roommate was harassing her.

Q & A with USA Chief of Police Normand Gamache

Q: Can USAPD officers only pull people over while on campus?

Ask Norm

A: No. We have the same authority and jurisdiction as the Alabama State Police. We are certified police officers in the state of Alabama.

The preference is that we enforce the rules and the laws on campus. Certainly, we’ve had issues where, say one of the officers is at the traffic light at Cleverdon and Old Shell Roads. He sees a guy run through the traffic light.

We can pull them over, and if he’s drunk we can make an arrest on Old Shell Road, which is not technically University property. But we do have the jurisdiction statewide.

SGA Examining Mass E-mails Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

If you check your Jaguar1 e-mail, you probably notice the numerous unsolicited e-mails in your inbox every day. The Student Government Association wants to do something about that.

“I think the way the system is being used makes it ineffective,” SGA President Kimberly Proctor said in a recent interview.

“Students aren’t reading their e-mails due to the amount sent out per day. Most emails we receive are not ‘of importance.’”

For the first week of classes, for example, nearly 40 e-mails were sent to student Jaguar1 e-mail accounts through the mass e-mail system, granted the first week of classes usually sees an unusually large number of mass e-mails.

“I feel like we get a lot of junk, so the important e-mails are overlooked,” Proctor said.

Proctor wants to narrow the number of e-mails down through filtration and consolidation.

“We’re working with student groups through the Campus Involvement office to send out either weekly or daily [e-mails],” she said.

These regular e-mails would list several student activities going on that week, activities which would otherwise have been advertised with separate e-mails.

Keith Ayers, who oversees the mass e-mail system in his capacity as director of

Public Relations, sees one major problem with this idea, though: organization.

“We’ve looked at a single-daily e-mails system, but the challenge has always been organization,” he said. “Most mass e-mails are of a random and breaking nature” so it’s hard to categorize them into a single e-mail.

E-mails for the first week of classes ranged in topic from sporting events to advertisements for Bayfest tickets, from letting students know about the new Recreation Center to the USA Bookstore.

“We take a liberal policy, because there’s such a diversity of student interests and projects,” Ayers said. “If it’s a legitimate student project or function, then we forward it.”

Ayers and his senior staff filter through the messages sent to the mass e-mail lists every day to attempt to filter out blatantly commercial e-mails, but they usually let them through.

“We don’t want to get into what projects relate to students or not,” he said. “We want the least censoring as possible, because one man’s spam is another’s treasure ... Everyone’s perception of what is vital is different.”

As far as duplicates that are sometimes forwarded, Ayers blamed these on “computer hiccups” and human error. So many people are looking through the list of so many e-mails to approve them that every once in a while, one will get approved

see E-MAILS | 14

Jag Growl

What You’re Saying About “Why Does Georgia State Get the Cover?”

by Sports Editor Matt Weaver “...Why should we be so concerned about Georgia State getting the cover? I say good for them.

USA’s football program is doing just fine...”

-B B

“...Bring some tissue for the Jags game. Because the baby is going to get smacked down by the more mature, alreadywalking toddler.”

-Big Easy (comments taken from usavanguard.com)

Come support your USA Jaguars!

USA Football Pep Rally When: Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Steps on South side of Mitchell Center (by Old Shell Road) Free hot dogs, drinks and popcorn will be handed out from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Pep Rally is sponsored by the Student Government Association and USA Dining Services. For more information, call Campus Involvement at 251-460-7003.

August 30, 2010

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USA Scientists Receive National Science Foundation Funding Dean Harrison

ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded University of South Alabama scientists funding through grants to research the long-term effects of the BP PLC oil spill on the Gulf Coast environment.

Dr. Bret Webb, a Civil Engineering assistant professor, received $79,163 to purchase a YSI Inc. Portable Seakeeper, an instrument he and his team can load on the department’s research vessel to measure the concentration of hydrocarbons in the near-surface layer of Mobile Bay. According to Webb, the plan is to analyze Mobile Bay’s hydrocarbon concentration, water temperature, conductivity and dissolved

oxygen content, which he said is important from a “habitat standpoint” because low levels of dissolved oxygen force fish and invertebrates to migrate in search of oxygen.

“If we had, in the summertime, low levels of dissolved oxygen in the surface layer from microbes and bacteria trying to eat the oil, consuming all the oxygen as they go along doing that, essentially the oil in many ways could cause an oxygen-starved environment,” Webb said.

Low levels of dissolved oxygen were found earlier in the first few months of the oil spill in deeper waters, but it is “very difficult to distinguish between microbes eating the oil and causing that, and the normal Gulf of Mexico dead-zone that happens every summer,” he said.

Dr. Kelly Major, a Biological Sciences associate professor, and Clinton Smoot Major, senior instructor of the Biological Sciences Department and coordinator of the General Biology Series for Majors, received $117,707 to research the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on coastal plant life.

“Our NSF-sponsored study specifically targets the effect of contaminant exposure on aquatic plant communities of the MobileTensaw Delta,” Major said. “We will be comparing post-exposure responses to pre-exposure baseline data.”

She added they have a good sense of how these communities respond to natural disturbance and are interested in both “immediate and long-term responses of the native plant communities of the Delta.”

“We’re interested in what ecologists refer to as ‘phase-shifts’ -- changes in plant community species composition and/or structure,” Major said. “If the community shifts following exposure to contaminants [such as oil], is it functionally the same as the original community?

“And what is the inherent resilience of the plant community? Given time to recover, can the community revert back to its original state, or does it persist as something altogether different?”

Presumably, native plants of the Delta are pretty “well-adapted” to disturbance, according to Major.

“However, the magnitude of this particular human-caused impact is unprecedented,” she said.

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August 30, 2010

The

News in Brief

South Drive Road Bumps To Be Leveled After Construction

A plan has been put into place to level out the bumps along South Drive in front of Laidlaw Performing Arts Center where workers are constructing new entrance portals, according to Chris Willis, director of Facilities Management.

Workers will have to wait to fix the bumps until the South Drive entrance portals have been completed in order to avoid complications with the current construction, according to Dow Bark, project director of the South Alabama Group, the University’s construction management firm.

SGA Senate Denies Presidential Appointment The SGA Senate made it clear that they would not tolerate Senate seats being filled without a full interview process in its meeting Aug. 23.

SGA President Kimberly Proctor

Young from page 1

attempting to retrieve the remainder of her things from Young’s house to take them to her room at the Penelope House, a Mobile shelter that helps domestic violence victims, Executive Director of the Penelope House

5 Security Increased at Dorms

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August 30, 2010

appointed freshman Riley Davis to fill the freshman-at-large Senate seat, a position the Student Senate must confirm.

After discussion on the topic, the Senate expressed concern that Proctor did not advertise this position to the rest of the student body.

Senators Chris Jones (College of Business), Alan Sells (Education), Lauren Gessner (Arts & Sciences), and Sean Ramsey (Engineering) were among those who protested the decision.

The Senate did make it clear, though, that this was not a problem with Riley Davis but with the process by which she was chosen.

Proctor agreed to send out a mass e-mail advertising the position and hold interviews this week, Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.

Last year’s Senate complained that then-SGA-President Glenn Gardner appointed someone for an open Senate seat without advertising the position to the general student body.

The Senate ended up confirming the student last year.

Tonie Ann Torrans told the Press-Register in an October 2009 interview.

Young was credited with time served for the year he spent incarcerated after being released from the hospital.

Young was pursuing a Master’s of Education in Counseling. He last attended classes spring 2009.

Cameron Adkins

ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Security measures in the residence hall areas have been improved with the addition of more security cameras, and several more will be installed when University funding allows, according to USAPD Chief of Police Normand Gamache.

Some of the new additions include six cameras on the perimeter of the new Student Recreation Center, about eight cameras on the outside of the new dining facility when it becomes operational and two cameras in the Delta Deli area, according to Gamache.

“My plan is, once my guy who coordinates [camera installations] catches up, I’m going to install, I think, eight cameras on [the Beta/ Gamma Commons building], and that will give us a sightline of most of the Gammas around here,” Gamache said.

Cameras will also be installed in front of Epsilon I and down in front of the sorority houses, he said. More cameras have not been installed to date because funding was not available.

According to Gamache the biggest cost of camera systems are labor and running the necessary power lines, but as more new sidewalks and buildings are constructed, conduits are being installed which will make it easier to install the security equipment.

“Now I have a pathway as more moneys come available to just run [power lines]. You don’t have to redig the sidewalk, you don’t have to retrench. So, from an institutional point of view, we have been able to have a lot of people to buy into this to help us,” Gamache said.

The addition of cameras to residence ar-

eas will help with both crime prevention and investigations after a crime has been committed.

“I think as we get more technology in place it certainly helps from a policing security point of view because you can’t have a police officer at every corner. It’s just not practical,” Gamache said. “But with the camera there it really gives you extra sets of eyes that one person can watch, and if something’s going on we can see it before it happens and send a police officer there.”

The combination of new security cameras and foot patrols dedicated to the residence hall areas are “going to certainly improve security,” but the best way to improve security is for the University community to use common sense, according to Gamache.

“Crime prevention starts with the members of the individual community,” he said.

“If they’re putting [cameras] in front of the new [Rec Center] then you don’t have to worry about anybody messing with anything over there,” Gamma resident Brittney Rawlings (Sophomore, Psychology) said. “I think it’s safer that we do have cameras over there.”

A freshman student who chose to remain anonymous said the cameras were a good idea because if something happened to him he would want the police to know who committed the crime.

“I’m kind of both-sided on it,” another student who chose to remain anonymous said. “Yeah, I would want to have some kind of feedback or something. If something happened to me or my stuff there is evidence there if the camera is in the right place, but you kind of lose a sense of privacy.”

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Etc.

Laura Beth Calcote Etc. Editor

vanguardetceditor@gmail.com

August 30, 2010

The Art Of:

The Audition

Laura Beth Calcote

ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com

If you’ve been through the audition process, you know that auditioning is an art.

It is an ever-changing, demanding, nerve-wracking ride that actors have to catch to get to the show.

On Aug. 24, USA’s School of Theater held auditions for its fall season, which includes “Rabbit Hole” and “The Beaux Stratagem.”

The audition consisted of two monologues, one classical comedic piece and one contemporary dramatic, each being one minute long.

The monologues were performed solo on the stage for the directors of each show. At the end of the audition, as with all, the directors created a callback list to bring actors back the following evening for specific reads.

In a world that has greats like Meryl Streep and Sally Fields, I can by no means qualify myself as an expert on the subject, but I’ve crossed paths with many talented people in my time in film and theatre, all of whom have passed on wisdom and tricks of the trade.

And I’ve even picked up a few of my own: 1. Preparation, preparation, preparation. If it’s obvious to the director/producer/casting office that you don’t give a crap about the material, they will write you off as not giving a crap about the project.

Know the play and know your character. If you haven’t made any kind of clear choices, your performance will be blurry and very forgettable.

2. If you’re lucky enough to be able to audition with your own monologue, take time in choosing the right one.

Don’t just do one out of the first chapter of your Intro to Drama textbook. Guaranteed, you’ll all show up doing the same scene from “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

Be original to be remembered. Additionally, pick a monologue that conveys the same type of character as the part for which you are auditioning. Make it easy for them to see you in the part.

3. Know your lines or monologue. Chances are you have had at least 24 hours with your material. Know it. It’s just that simple.

If you can’t memorize lines, you’re going into the wrong profession. If you forget a line, do not apologize. Everyone knows you’re sorry, so just take a moment to breathe and get it together.

4. Dress the part. If you are auditioning for a character significantly older than yourself, it’s not helping your case to go in wearing a short skirt, stripper shoes, and a nose ring.

If that’s you in real life, great. No judgment, but you will instantly be typecast.

Wear something that flatters you, but also helps them to see you in the light of the character.

5. Be on time. Late to audition means you will be late to rehearsals/shows/shoots. You will not get the part.

6. Have a quirky pre-audition routine. Have something you do that puts you mentally on your game. It can be as simple as a phrase you say right before you go in, or even switching a quarter from one pocket to the other.

It sounds a little OCD, but something about doing this simple step puts you into an immediate performance mindset.

7. After the audition? Let it go. If it didn’t go so well, shake it off.

You rocked? Let it go. Sometimes it’s not about the talent.

Sometimes you’re just a brunette and they needed a redhead, or you were an inch shorter than the girl they had already cast to play the girlfriend. If you don’t get the part, don’t be a diva.

For whatever reason, you weren’t right for this particular role, and there will be another audition.

Isn’t life just one big audition? If you show up on time, prepared, and knowing exactly who you are, you’re already ahead of the competition.

And if you’re lucky, you just might get the part.

Beerfest a Deliciously Intoxicating Success

Laura Beth Calcote

ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com

The wall at Dahlia’s Piano Bar on Dauphin Street is covered with lyrics and sayings, and as we waited in line, clutching our plastic beer steins, I read, “Welcome to your life.”

It seemed fitting for the night, considering we had just paid $20 for empty glasses and were now on a hunt for the perfect beer.

The 13th annual Beerfest was held downtown on Aug. 29, a Saturday night, and it was such a success that this article had to be written mid-afternoon the next day.

Dauphin Street was dotted with splashes of color from rain boots and umbrellas, and the atmosphere was undoubtedly loud, friendly, and tipsy.

Lt. Tommy Menton, of the Mobile Police Department First Precinct, agreed that the event was, so far, peaceful.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come downtown; it’s great for the businesses and the bars,” he said.

A group of ladies heading into Pat’s said they were “back for the White Rascal Avery,” a Belgian white ale brewed in Boulder, Colo.

Saga was packed, but we squeezed in, and with a good tip, retreated with almost-full mugs of Warsteiner Dunkel, a dark lager brewed in Warsteiner, Germany.

Several slightly swaying guys at Hayley’s sipped Sapporo Light, a light lager brewed in Sapporo, Japan, and when asked how many times they had been refilled at Hayley’s, they laughed and said they did not know.

Jennifer, visiting from Tuscaloosa, Ala., for the occasion said, “It’s been really good visiting with friends I haven’t seen in a while. In the daytime. Drinking.”

She also said that FestBier, an Oktoberfest-style lager, brewed by Gordon Biersch in San Jose, Calif., was the best beer on Dauphin Street. The beer was found at Heroes, and after a few samples, I also had to order another amazing Heroes treat: a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich.

All in all, there are 30 bars, serving three beers each, and Beerfest lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., so if you had your running shoes and your beer goggles, you could have tasted 90 beers at BeerFest.

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

At Beerfest this past Saturday, large crowds came out to have a good time on the streets of downtown, beers in hand, underneath a typical dreary Mobile sky.

Mike and Stacey Johns, MBA students at USA, said it was their fourth Beerfest.

“It’s overcast, but it’s still delightful,” Mike said, raising his mug.

Reading over my progressively less-legible notes from the event, I can decipher a few other memorable bars and beers: Purple Haze at The Garage (a raspberry wheat beer from Abita Springs, La.), Mojo at Wintzells (an India pale ale from Boulder, Colo.), Cherry Wheat at Catch 22 (brewed in Boston), and Murphy’s Red at Studio 5’4”(an Irish Red ale.)

Rain could not keep the beer lovers of Mobile from sampling the beers of the world, and anyone in attendance can agree that BeerFest 2010 was a delicious, intoxicating success.

The Wellness Report: Walk This Way Ashley Sutter

CONTRIBUTING WRITER ars403@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

We’re fast approaching the time of year when the leaves change, the humidity lowers ever so slightly and being outside is a joy. Celebrate this season and go for a walk.

Walking a nature trail can provide you with an outlet for exercise, an escape or just a chance to explore some of our indigenous flora.

Our campus has its own jewel of nature with the Dr. Sebastian Nature Trail, formerly the USA Nature Trail.

In case some of you are unaware, Dr. Glenn Sebastian is a professor of Earth Science here at USA and an absolute delight if you’re ever lucky enough to take one of his classes. The trail is located on the northern edge of campus.

The Department of Earth Sciences’ website has a link to a detailed map. According to the department’s website, the trail was restored and cleaned up several years ago

by Gamma Theta Upsilon, the Geography honor society, along with other teachers, students, and volunteers.

Close to the University sits Langan Park, though we Mobilians still like to refer to it as Municipal Park. It’s a beautiful area to run, bike, play disc golf or to just sit on a park bench to read.

Langan Park is also home to the Mobile Museum of Art and the Mobile Tennis Center. It is in walking distance of the University which makes it very accessible and a way to get more distance in to your route.

Another one of my favorites is Cottage Hill Park, which has entrances on both Hillcrest Road. and Knollwood Drive. The outdoor track is .75 miles a lap, so it’s easy to calculate your distance. Cottage Hill’s amenities include disc golf trails, tennis courts, playgrounds and soccer goals.

Colin McGee/ Photo Editor

Take a walk down one of the trails at Langan Park (known to some as Municipal Park), not far from USA's main campus.

If you’re less interested in nature and pavement is more your style, I recommend driving downtown. Cathedral Square is a great, safe place to park. And a stroll down Dauphin Street never gets old.

There are plenty of fun places along the way to divert your attention, including The Centre for the Living Arts, the Crescent Theatre, Hopjacks, Serda’s Coffee Company and numerous art galleries.

August 30, 2010

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I Just Lost the Game: Webcomics FLO

PROGRESSIVE AUTO INSURANCE ENTHUSIAST gag701@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Hello, Flo here. You know, from the insurance commercials.

Will Smith was too busy flying around the world in his solid gold jet to write another article this week, so I decided to step in and help out the world-famous Vanguard.

When I’m not busy being a shill for car insurance, I like to unwind by reading funny stuff on the Internet. And of course I like deals, which means my absolute favorite website is woot.com.

Woot combines great daily deals on random items with witty writeups of said items. Tuesdays are great ‘cause Woot gives you two of whatever they’re selling for the price of one, but what I really love are woot-offs: woot gathers together a limited amount of a bunch of stuff and puts up each item for sale.

Once the item is sold out, Woot puts up another item, and the process repeats for an entire day (or sometimes two). Woot-offs are unannounced and usually start at midnight CDT. How awesome is that?

Also, if you use an RSS reader (like Will Smith talked about in last week’s article), you can find the RSS feed address by typing “RSS” into the search bar on Woot’s website (it’s the first result).

The next two Web sites I love are webcomics. They are like newspaper funny pages, if the funny pages delivered one comic per newspaper page.

Webcomics can be as funny or unfunny as you like (on a scale from “worse than ‘Garfield’” to “funnier than ‘Calvin and Hobbes’”), and there are webcomics for almost every subject matter imaginable.

The first webcomic today is a ‘slice-of-life’ comic about indie scenesters. They’re all friends, and they work at coffee shops and libraries.

It’s called “Questionable Content” (www.questionablecontent.net), and it is written and illustrated by Jeph Jacques and, despite the name, it really doesn’t have anything in it that would be considered “not safe for work.”

Well, except for the occasional swear word or risqué joke.

So if your workplace is like my workplace and doesn’t allow anything more risque than talking about the weather, you might want to steer clear. And find a better job.

Also, the RSS link is right at the top of the main page. Yay! The second webcomic is a more science-y webcomic called “Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal” (www.smbc-comics.com). It’s written and illustrated by Zach Weiner, a physics student. It’s a “one-off ”

Haley Cook

CONTRIBUTING WRITER hmc702@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

usaautomobileinsurance.blogspot.com

Meet Flo, ever ready with insurance advice and knowledge of Webcomics.

webcomic, so there aren’t too many recurring characters, but it’s still really funny. There is some risqué stuff in this webcomic, too, but fewer swear words.

The RSS link is on the main page, just under the comic, but the main page also has a special surprise: if you hover your mouse over the red button that’s just below the comic, you’ll get a second comic that adds yet another punchline to the current day’s comic! I love surprises!

Well, that’s all from Flo for this week. I would write more, but the customers at the insurance store I work at can’t figure out which car insurance to get.

Even though it’s all the same insurance. There’s only one box, people! You don’t need to walk up and down every aisle to see that!

Ugh, I need a new job. One where you’re allowed to be surly.

Editor’s note: Staff writer Gabe Grimes writes “I Just Lost the Game.”

Geocaching: A Modern Day Treasure Hunt Laura Beth Calcote

ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com

It’s a phenomenon that’s sweeping the world, and if you do it once, I guarantee you will do it again.

Geocaching (pronounced “geo-cashing”) is a game, or more specifically, a treasure hunt. Your treasure map? A global positioning system (GPS).

Geocaching, in its simplest form, means geography and caching, or the method for hiding and concealing something (used most often in hiking and camping as a place to hide supplies along a trail).

Geocaching is a game, played by anyone with access to a GPS navigation tool. Here’s the game: someone hides a “cache,” and this can mean a mason jar, waterproof box, film canister, or the like, and within this container is placed a logbook and a pen or pencil.

The coordinates are then recorded, using latitude and longitude, and those coordinates are logged into the national Geocaching log at www.geocaching.com.

Anyone can find it by logging into the national website and retrieving the coordinates. Log the coordinates into your GPS, and you’re officially on the hunt.

The caches are usually hidden, and you often find yourself standing right on top of them before you really see them. When someone finds a cache, they sign the logbook, and usually leave something behind, such as a coin, ribbon or feather.

It’s amazing how far back the logbooks date. On our hunts, we have seen entries as far back as 2006, and often there had been people there just before us. We have seen several caches that contain a disposable camera (we always take a picture of the dog).

If you’re lucky, you might find a trackable item, called either Groundspeak Travel Bugs or official Geocoins. Every Travel Bug has a hoped destination given by the owner, so when finding it, you want to help it to get closer to that place.

We found one that the owner was hoping to get to the moon, by way of Cape Canaveral. It was found in Mobile and had come from

The Balance: Time for What’s Important I was once told that parenting is the hardest job in the world.

Before I became a parent myself, I didn’t realize how true that statement really is.

There are many different things that parents have to juggle to maintain sanity. Any parent must plan meals, housing, schedules, bath time, and bed time.

But parents who are also students must decide when to study and find a suitable school schedule to fit your already busy day.

Here are some helpful tips I have come to find help make everything a little simpler when things seem out of control.

Always have a backup plan.

If you rely on a certain person or day care to keep your children during the day, try to find someone who would be willing to help if your child gets sick or your sitter has something come up; this is especially helpful during class time when you have an important exam or lesson you cannot miss.

Find a few places around town that your children enjoy. Try to set aside a specific day of the week to spend solely on your children.

They grow up fast and it’s important not to miss any moments.

Personally, I enjoy spending a good bit of my time at the park.

Medal of Honor Park on Cottage Hill Road has a great playground and a good place to take a stroller along for some exercise. Chuck E. Cheese, located at 710 Downtowner Loop West, is also a place that my daughter really enjoys.

Find a time to study that works for you and interferes as little as possible with family life.

I usually study at night after I have put my daughter to bed. This way there are no distractions, and I am not taking away any time I could be spending with her.

It’s not always easy but I usually put in about two hours every night and hit the sack before 11 p.m.

There are so many parents that want to get their degree who are afraid of this seemingly impossible feat. If you feel this way let me say: While not the easiest thing in the world to accomplish, getting a degree as a parent is possible and well worth it.

Most parents I know who are in school are happy with their decision and wish they would have done it sooner.

Afraid to ask the doctor?

Ask Dr. Cannon!

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

Try out geocaching, a treasure hunt anyone with a global positioning system can play. Check it out at www.geocaching.com.

out West.

According to the national Geocaching website, there are 1,168,416 active caches and an estimated 4-5 million geocachers worldwide.

The website also reports there have been 4,735,368 new logs submitted, just in the last 30 days.

According to Emma Waverman of Globe and Mail, geocaching started after the demilitarization of GPS technology.

The rules of geocaching are simple: 1. If you take something, leave something of equal or greater value. 2. Write in the logbook. 3.

Log your hunt on www.geocaching.com.

It sounds a little crazy, but you won’t truly understand until you find your first cache.

And you know that little kid inside of you that always kind of wanted to be a pirate that looked for buried treasure? Now’s your chance.

E-mail your health questions and concerns to Dr. Cannon at usavanguard.editor@gmail.com.

Heather Cannon, M.D. is USA’s recently appointed Student Health Center Medical Director. Anonymous e-mails are welcomed.

8 President from page 1

But more is not on the way for the University’s budget, which has been cut by more than 30 percent from three years ago. This has led to cuts in all areas of the University.

“It’s scary to see where [higher education funding] is headed,” she said.

Proctor plans to counter this partly through conservation and being more involved in state-level higher education lobbying.

“We’re going to start a conservation effort on campus,” she said. “It’s a very multi-faceted project. Administration, faculty, students and staff -- it will go out to everyone.”

The plan will be mostly about education, letting students and staff know about the costs of utilities on campus and how they can help.

“When you leave your room, cut off your lights,” Proctor said. “Your air doesn’t have to be on 60 -- it can be on 72. For a lot of people, if you never see the bill, you’re not being held accountable.”

“We don’t expect it to save us millions of dollars, but the campaign is going to be centered around being a good Jaguar, being a good citizen,” she said.

Proctor may be most excited about her Senate this year, though.

“They’re an extremely eager and intelligent group, which might be new for us,” she laughed. “They’re well educated about things that go on on campus.”

The Senate brings experience this year, with most of them being second- or thirdyear members, but even the newbies offer something -- contacts with groups on campus, which Proctor said is crucial.

Even if you’re not directly connected to a senator, Proctor said you can still get your voice heard at SGA with the new “Your

The

Vanguard Voice” feature on the group’s website, www.southalabama.edu/sga.

“We’ve had the SGA boxes around campus, but the only things that end up in them are trash,” she said. “So students are going to have a chance to enter their ideas, concerns, opinions, complaints to us, and it will go straight to our e-mails.”

Simply click the banner on the website, under “Exercise Your Right To Rant,” and put in your idea. SGA officers will then be able to work with you on your issue.

“We’re going to have a binder up here with all of these in them for senators and officers to ... see the problems on campus,” Proctor said. “We’ve never really bridged that gap of communication with students, and I feel this is something that’s really going to benefit all of us.”

August 30, 2010

August 30, 2010

The

Vanguard

9

Sports

The

Vanguard

10

Matt Weaver Sports Editor

jmatthewweaver@aol.com

August 30, 2010

Charging the Mound

USA Goes 9-1 In Second Season Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

This is the time of the year when every publication psychoanalyzes the local school football schedule and spits out a predicted win-loss record.

Why buck tradition on the final week of the off-season at the University of South Alabama?

How long will the Jags remain unbeaten? Will visitors to Ladd-Peebles present a challenge and can the Jags survive on the road?

The path to the Football Division-I resumes in 2010.

Week One vs. Pikeville: Make no mistake, Pikeville is on the schedule to serve as an over-glorified scrimmage.

The Bears were 3-8 in NAIA play and if not for the Jags transitioning to Division I, Pikeville would get nowhere close to Ladd-Peebles. Expect a blowout.

USA 52, Pikeville 6 Week Two vs. Nicholls State: At last, a name opponent for USA. The Colonels constitute a name only for their proximity to USA and familiarity with the Jags.

They are not known as a national football program. The Jags will finally play their first competitive opponent and win by a touchdown. And that outcome will be the best thing to have happened to USA. USA 24, NS 17 Week Three vs. Edward Waters (In Dothan, Al): Everything that applied to Pikeville in week one could also be said of EW College. The real challenge will be in how the Jags react to playing in Dothan.

There was no way the Jags would force the issue and risk a sure-loss in their first road game. South Alabama wins big in a mostly friendly environment.

USA 31, EWC 6 Week Four vs. Kentucky Wesleyan: The Division II independent Panthers will not face a stronger opponent all year. The talent disparity and playing at home so often begins to shine through as the Jags win big.

USA 31, KWU 7 Week Five vs. Missouri S&T: Like KWU, Missouri S&T has carved a niche for itself as a DII independent, positioning themselves to play transition programs and gaining valuable experience from them. USA is no exception and is by far the most difficult team that S&T will play all year. By week five, the Jags should be firing on all cylinders, solidly beating Missouri S&T. USA 32, Missouri S&T 9 Week Six at Lamar: Lamar is returning to the gridiron for the first time since 1989. The team had closed for financial reasons, but like the Jags, Lamar is climbing their way toward Division I FBS. Lasee FOOTBALL | 11

Countdown to Touchdown

Jaguar Football Prepares for Season Opener Versus Pikeville College

Stephen Newhouse SPORTS REPORTER st2new@msn.com

The level of talent surrounding South Alabama football has invited a tougher schedule in 2010.

The increased team scrimmages should prove to be a great boon for the Jags, who will face stiffer competition against schools from all four-year divisions.

The fight for starting quarterback highlighted fall camp for the Jags. The race for the position has had fans buzzing, as four players came out of spring with a chance at starting.

After USA’s second scrimmage, two emerged as frontrunners: Myles Gibbon, who started most of the Jags games last season, and C.J. Bennett, a freshman from Tampa, who received the most reps with the first team offense.

“Myles and C.J are basically splitting reps with the first team,” offensive coordinator Greg Gregory said. “Myles and C.J are running neck-and-neck.

They both have their strengths and we’re comfortable with each of them running the offense.”

The most important competition on offense may have been for the guys who will protect the quarterbacks.

“Games are won and lost up front,” head coach Joey Jones said. “These guys won’t get their names or pictures in the newspaper but our team is going to live and die by their success.”

One position that is already set for opening day is right tackle. Brian Krauskopf played multiple spots on the offensive line last season and his versatility is a strong attribute for the Jags.

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

The Jags continue to perfect their game through scrimmages and drills in preparation for their Sept. 4 opener against Pikeville.

“He’s such a valuable asset to our line,” offensive line coach John Turner said.

“What we’ve done all camp is allow him to play right tackle position and allow him to learn the spot.”

The Jags have been fortunate in avoiding injuries to key players. However, injuries to key contributors including safety Ken Barefield have tested USA’s depth. As such, his status for the Pikeville game is still uncertain.

As a result, the secondary is looking for more depth.

“We’re progressing at a good pace but we’re also the youngest position on the team,” defensive backs coach Duwan Walker said.

“We don’t have a lot of experience at safety, and that’s a vital part of our defense.

We’re trying to build depth but it’s a long process.”

Anton Graphenreed, Jerron Mitchell and Michael Wilson are a trio of cornerbacks that should make an impact. South Alabama opens its regular season Saturday, Sept. 4 against Pikeville at Ladd Peebles Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Soccer Preparing for Turnaround Season Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

usajaguars.com

Junior South Alabama forward Brandi Smith is healthy after a subpar 2009 season.

South Alabama soccer is looking forward to a fresh start in 2010 after a 3-15-1 season a year ago. The Jags finished 12th in the Sun Belt, going without a postseason appearance for the first time since the Sun Belt started tournament play in 2000.

USA had high expectations entering 2009, but hopes were derailed after injuries contributed to a slow start.

“I wish that I could tell you with certainty why we struggled so badly last year,” head coach Mike Varga said. “We started strong with a win against Southern Miss but losses to Florida State and South Carolina really derailed our confidence. We battled several odd injuries all year with swine flu and appendicitis. But with that said, we still should have fought through it and been successful and we weren’t.”

The Jags also suffered depth problems, an issue that should remedy itself in 2010.

Varga made a point of having several players adjust to new positions, adding depth and new wrinkles to his 2010 game plan.

“We moved Landi Wilson to defender in

the middle of the season and we got a lot of production from it,” Varga said. “I feel that we could have moved her sooner and she would have been all-conference. As a backfielder she’s extremely difficult to catch and that gives us production there for the next two seasons.”

South Alabama also has a new face at goalie as freshman Melissa Drish is starting in the net. For USA to succeed this year and beyond, they’ll need to replace the production of the 2009 tandem of Katie Berry and Cassie Lythjohan.

In 1,760 minutes, the two logged 145 saves and three shutouts. With USA struggling to perform on offense in 2009, the goalie play was invaluable.

The Lady Jags hope to be stronger on offense this year with junior forward Brandi Smith (7 goals in 2009) leading a threepronged attack that also includes junior Kristen Sutton and freshman Linsey Snavely.

“We’re a young team,” Varga said. “With 18 freshmen it’s important that we come out prepared and ready each week. I think that we have players on this team who are see SOCCER | 11

11

The

Vanguard

August 30, 2010

Sports Briefs Volleyball Fall 3-0 to Southern Miss in Season Opener South Alabama volleyball dropped its season opener, falling 3-0 (12-25, 15-25, 15-25) to Southern Miss on day one of the Southern Miss Invitational at the Reed Green Coliseum.

“Our offense wasn’t on it today,” South Alabama head coach Nicole Keshock said. “I thought we did well in our passing and serving. Southern Miss is a very experienced team and we didn’t do well in the areas we needed to in order to score points.”

USA Soccer Defeats Alabama State 6-1 in Home Opener Krystin Thacker scored two goals and recorded one assist to lead the University of South Alabama soccer to a 6-1 win over Alabama State Friday night at The Cage.

Lizzie Goldsmith, Kasey Crowe, Linsey Snavely and Natalie Parsons added goals to deliver USA its first win of 2010.

South Alabama (1-2-0) will return to the pitch Friday when it opens the Trojan Invitational against Austin Peay in Troy, Ala. Baseball adds Baker High School Standout to Roster University of South Alabama baseball head coach Steve Kittrell announced the addition of Jordan Patterson to the 2010-11 roster Friday after he signed scholarship papers with the school.

Patterson, a 6-4, 190-pound lefthanded pitcher, went 8-1 last season with a 1.63 earned run average at Baker High School in Mobile. He averaged a strikeout per inning as a senior, finishing with 56 strikeouts in 56 innings. He also batted .439 with four home runs and 20 RBI with 12 doubles, one triple and eight stolen bases for BHS head coach Bill Glover.

Basketball to Play University of Alabama in December The University of Alabama announced its 2010-2011 schedule last week, revealing a Wednesday, Dec. 5 contest with South Alabama.

The two programs were working on possibilities of a contest all summer before the official announcement.

“We try to schedule the best schools that we can every year to get us ready for conference play,” Coach Ronnie Arrow said. “Last year we beat two SEC schools in Arkansas and Florida when the latter was ranked #18 in the country.”

This will be the first time the schools have played since the 1989 NCAA Tournament, an 86-84 South Alabama victory.

-Wire Reports

Getting to Know Pikevillle

Jake Wasdin

SPORTS REPORTER jake_wasdin11@yahoo.com

The University of South Alabama football Jaguars will face off against the Pikeville Bears on Saturday, Sept. 4 for the season opener at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. This is also the Bears’ season opener.

The Bears, from Pikeville, Ky., are coached by Joe Johnson, who served as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator in 2008.

That team, under Mac Bryan, played to a 2-9 record with Johnson also serving as the kicking and special teams assistant.

Soccer from page 10

leaders and several role players who give us a nice mix.”

Testing the 2010 team will be a grueling 21-game schedule that includes matches against the SEC, Southland Conference and the Jags’ own Sun Belt.

“I think our schedule is really good this year,” Varga said. “We’re playing against some of the best women’s soccer programs in the country. The Sun Belt has improved so much as a whole and we needed to boost our non-conference schedule to prepare us for conference play.”

The non-conference challenges should come on the road in the form of Mississippi State (Sept. 5), Georgia State (Sept.

12) and Kentucky (Sept. 19).

Johnson took the head coach job in 2009, where he led the Bears to a 3-8 record, an improvement from prior seasons under Bryan.

Junior quarterback Dan Wideman is a scrambler but will take to the air when called. Despite the run-first mentality, Wideman became the Bears all-time leading passer last season.

The Jaguars should be cautious against the pass as well as quarterback keeper plays but are expected to win by several touchdowns The game starts at 4 p.m. and should be a great season opener for both teams.

The Jags will start conference play with two on the road versus Louisiana-Lafayette (Sept. 24) and Louisiana-Monroe (Sept.

26) before returning home for two against Florida Atlantic (Oct. 1) and Florida International (Oct. 3).

The Jags will then play host to Denver (Oct. 8) and North Texas (Oct. 10). That should be a telling weekend for South Alabama as those two schools have dominated the league over the past decade.

“I feel that Denver has earned the right to be called the favorites and North Texas is not far behind,” Varga said. “I think we can compete with anyone in the conference and I don’t see any reason why we can’t give everyone up there a fight. We’ll be in the mix each week and we’ll see where things are in November.”

The

Vanguard Sports Poll LAST WEEK:

THIS WEEK:

Will USA Football Stay

Will You Travel to Tuscaloosa

Unbeaten in 2010?

for the USA/UA Basketball Game

* Yes * No South Alabama football has really stepped up with the schedule this year. With the Jags playing all four-year levels in 2010, the competition will be greater than the program has ever seen.

I like the direction the program is heading but the streak will likely end against Davis or Lamar.

-J.M. Thomas, USA sophomore

Vote Now!

Football from page 10

mar has a comparable talent pool but will be outmatched by South Alabama’s experience. USA wins by 20.

USA 30, Lamar 10 Week Seven at UC Davis: The most unique game on South Alabama’s schedule will be played in Davis, Cal. Davis has a reputation for giving top programs a fight, and USA will be the norm. Davis has a new offense and new QB but will handle the Jags anyway. The Aggies end the streak and win by six.

USA 21, UCS 27 Week Eight vs. Georgia State: The Vanguard is likely guilty of overhyping this game versus Georgia State. But why not? Each of USA’s prior 14 games will have lacked any real emotional resonance from both USA fans and players. The Jags need a big-game atmosphere and the blossoming media sweethearts will bring it.

Georgia State is quickly going to become a college football mainstay. But for one day in October, the Jags will reign in the most dramatic game of the year.

USA 17, GS 12 Week Nine vs. Henderson State: The Jags could easily face their toughest home contest against the underrated Henderson State. Henderson plays and has found success in the Gulf South Conference, a league some call the SEC of Division II. GSC schools have the same recruiting home base as the SEC (and C*USA and the Sun Belt) and many of their players transfer to D1. Henderson State also looks to be the most aggressive team on the schedule. The Jags take a beating but edge out the Reddies.

USA 20, Henderson State 14 Week Ten vs. Arkansas-Monticello: Like Henderson State, ArkansasMonticello calls the GSC home and plays a very aggressive style of football. Monticello will take the early lead against the Jags before falling down the stretch. USA wins on an early fourth quarter touchdown, sending the Jags home with a 9-1 2010 record.

USA 17, UAM 13 South Alabama maintains its steady pace in 2010, losing only to UC Davis on the west coast. By all measures, 2010 should be a success if USA ends up close to the projections.

This Week in Football: South Alabama Vs. Pikeville College Sept. 4, 2010 Ladd-Peebles Stadium Kickoff at 4 p.m.

The

Vanguard

12

Our View

Opinion

Alex Whalen Opinion Editor alexwhalen@gmail.com

August 30, 2010

OUR VIEW

Parking Services Needs a Ticket

The week before this semester began, freshmen, transfer students, and returning students had plenty to do to prepare for the new school year, including registering for a campus parking permit.

In previous years, the registration process for receiving a parking permit would usually take no longer than 30 minutes, and students could wait the entire first week of school to slip into the Student Center (SC) and pick one up.

This year, though, a new location and an unanticipated large number of requests combined for a perfect storm. Students stood in ridiculously long lines that stretched from inside the Mitchell Center, down the sidewalks and almost to Old Shell Road; some students waited for more than an hour in the sweltering heat just to get permission to park.

Parking Services set up the parking permit distribution area inside of the Mitchell Center’s circular atrium instead of the SC Ballroom. USAPD Chief Normand Gamache, who oversees Parking Services, told The Vanguard that he had anticipated holding distribution in the SC Ballroom, but because the Ballroom was being used as an overflow area for students eating at The Market (until the new Dining Hall is finished later this semester), distribution had to be moved to the Mitchell Center.

At the Mitchell Center, Gamache said, Parking Services staff faced more space constraints as Campus Involvement staff set up booths for the Aug. 21 Jagfest, a Campus Involvement event where freshmen and their families strolled the Mitchell Center and picked up information and goodies from booths advertising the benefits of joining on-campus organizations.

Some students said they were turned away from the line more than an hour before that day’s scheduled distribution time was over.

Gamache said he made the call to cut the line off an hour or two before the day’s distribution time was supposed to finish so

students wouldn’t have to wait out in the heat.

While we can understand where Gamache is coming from when he said he “didn’t anticipate the mad rush” for parking permits Aug. 18 and 19, like a lot of things done at USA, the handling of parking permit distribution was more like an afterthought than a planned event.

Even though Parking Service’s plans went wrong, a “plan B” should have been in place to keep students – especially the new ones who were on campus with family and forming their first impressions of USA – from the frustrating experience this became.

Sure, we understand this was a rare circumstance that was dictated by a situation Gamache couldn’t control, but we hope the University will take care to handle future situations involving students – especially new ones – and their families with more consideration.

When asked if the University has considered letting students register online to get a parking permit mailed to them, Gamache said the University is “exploring the mailing possibility” but that a computer software upgrade would have to happen beforehand. The other problem with that, Gamache said, is that students would have to have all their University bills paid before their permits could be mailed.

This debacle should prompt Parking Services to seriously consider mailing out parking permits in the future. Since they don’t start ticketing until the second week of school, that should give enough time to make sure student fees have been paid before permit distribution begins.

These new students were certainly left with a bad taste in their mouths, as they were more than willing to express to us.

The University doesn’t need new students to feel like an afterthought in its planning.

If Parking Services were a student, they would definitely find a little yellow envelope under their windshield wiper.

Should USA residents 21 years and older be allowed to keep and consume alcohol in their dorms?

Yes, but only in moderation. Maybe just a casual drink or two, but no big parties. I don’t live on campus, but if I did I’d like it to be like that.

Vincent Petro Psychology Junior

Only those who are of age and only if it’s monitored to keep alcohol away from minors.

If someone is of age to drink, you shouldn’t deny them their right to consume alcohol.

Dining Hall Delayed But Headed In Right Direction

The dining facility drama has been a great source of tension between students, staff and administration.

Through the debacle of having to accept mandatory meal plans and the massive bill that we are footing for the new facilCassie ity, cynicism has grown Fambro rampant. When we all got back to campus and the dining hall was not done, I can’t say I was surprised.

We’re still being charged full price for half if not less of the options we will be offered at the new facility. Fresh market land is supposed to be a cornucopia of freshly chopped vegetables and shredded cheese right before your eyes, in case you weren’t aware.

The cooks even have chef hats now.

ARAMARK has tried to replicate the experience to the best of their ability within the dilapidated and inefficient Market. I’ve eaten there for four days.

It consists of variations of pasta, salad and ice cream and some random main course. It’s not so bad though, so why is everyone so upset?

It’s the principle of the thing. We are forced to foot this bill because the money

Alex Whalen / Opinion Editor

The new dining hall, which was supposed to have been completed by this semester, is still undergoing construction.

has already been spent on the building. The contractor hasn’t done their job on time and we are all suffering because of it. One might venture that USA even spread itself too thin by taking on too many projects at once.

That’s why we’re upset.

We haven’t seen fired contractors, fines levied upon someone or any kind of punishment. We have heard a half-hearted apology and the inclusion of Zoca and sushi in the buffet. Pretty soon we we’ll all be sick of sushi and Mexican food.

Really guys, it was top notch when the “blue plate” area had nachos the other

night. Two places to get the same thing. Just goes to show you they don’t have as many ideas as they claim.

On a bright note, ARAMARK made a smart decision in hiring Michael Brown, who came to USA a month ago from the University of Southern Mississippi. Brown is someone who not only cares what is going on, but wants to see it resolved and is actively showing students his commitment.

Proposing ideas like meal plan appeal committees for students who feel they don’t need the meal plan they have, and the institution of block meals, is a step in a very positive direction.

However the people I feel most sorry for are the employees. They are miserable right now, just talk to them. With the Market being packed out, their jobs are stretched to the limit, when they were hoping for better conditions in the new facility.

Many have even quit and refused to be demoted to their old positions, so they’re understaffed. I witnessed an employee yelling at a girl who didn’t want a tortilla with her fajitas.

He said he would get fired if he didn’t give her a simple tortilla. You can certainly tell they are stressed. On the opposite side of that coin, I do encourage everyone involved to show more patience for the process.

Other locations such as Quiznos, the

see DELAYED | 15

Deena Johnson Meteorology Freshman

I think they should be able to, since these students are of age and responsible. Plus, it’s safer to drink in your dorm - that way you’re not out driving, just hanging out in your room.

I think they should. If you’re of age, you should be able to do what you want. You can drink without getting drunk. It also saves money, and not allowing it may be incentive to drink on campus anyway.

Nathan Paul Journalism Freshman

Mark Sarza Meteorology Freshman

Jennifer Irwin Chemistry Freshman

It could go both ways, but it depends on the person. Some people can drink and are fine, but there are some people who can’t control themselves. It’s a complicated situation.

Point: Should Students Who Are Of Age Be Allowed To Drink In Their13 Vanguard The

August 30, 2010

POINT COUNTERPOINT Counterpoint: Should Students Who Are Of Age Be Allowed To Drink In

Editor’s Introduction: Currently there are only a few venues on campus where the sale and distribution of alcohol is permitted. Unless you’re attending a basketball or baseball game, or a University-approved event, you’ll have to go off campus to buy or even drink alcohol. The Vanguard spoke with a number of students, almost all of whom feel that of age students should be allowed to

A Cumbersome Policy

Some argue that if a legallyin my own room after a long week aged student wants to drink and of work and classes, just for the attend school at South Alabama, sake of keeping the irresponsible he or she should live off-campus. among us in line.

For some people, however, it’s The regulation of who is drinksimply more practical to live in ing alcohol and where probably the dorms. Plus, doesn’t the uniwouldn’t be as chaotic as policy versity encourage it? makers might worry, especially With that said, I think it is unsince the school wouldn’t be alone necessary to single out dormiin doing so. Most major universiLaci tories as places to entirely ban ties permit residents to drink in alcohol, which thereby subjects Gagliano dorms, and have found ways to students of legal age to punishkeep the policy under control. ment if they are found to have it.

For starters, the school should I’d like to preface by saying I do not live obviously continue to ban alcohol in the on campus, so I can’t speak from experiEpsilon dorms, since they are exclusively ence as far as what it’s like being a student for freshman. Other dorm complexes of legal drinking age while living on a dry could require R.A.’s to be more vigilant of campus. alcohol use, but not to penalize an of-age I lived in a dorm for one semester in drinker if “caught.”

2006, but I was an 18-year-old freshman, Many schools have very strict policies and the issue of whether or not I was alregarding the use of alcohol on campus lowed to have alcohol in my dorm room and in dorms. For example, the University wasn’t relevant at the time. Either way, I of Colorado in Boulder has some interesthad to sneak it in, or else visit friends in the ing sanctions in place with their alcohol now-demolished Hillsdale neighborhood. policy.

It is no secret that students in dorms, On a first offense alone, the student is regardless of age, acquire alcohol in some sentenced to Parental Notification, 5 hours form or another, and word is that how easy of community service, attendance at an it is largely depends on which Resident alcohol awareness class for a $137 fee, and Advisor (R.A.) you have. probation for one semester.

I don’t know the median age group livOn the second offense, the student ing on campus, nor the prevailing opinion receives all of the above, except the comamong the 21 and up dorm-dwellers, munity service goes up to 10 hours, a $360 but I’ll venture to say that there are likely city “2nd Offender” program replaces the plenty of legal drinkers who find the policy $137 class, plus possible suspension. cumbersome and ridiculous.

The university could even slap on some I am going on 23, and frankly, I’d feel fines itself for underage violations or even a certain displeasure if I lived on campus for providing it to minors, and make clear and still had to sneak a beer or wine bottle that they will notify the police, as a further in my backpack like a miscreant to unwind see BOOZE | 15

Clearing the Air

Clearing the Air

By Alex Whalen alexwhalen@gmail.com

A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy No doubt you’ve heard about plans for an Islamic mosque and community center to be built near the World Trade Center memorial. Judging by much of the conversation, it would seem that people are opposed to the location of the mosque, but not necessarily to the building itself.

But this criticism is directed toward more than just a building. It’s evidence of clear ignorance and bigotry.

Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone who opposes the mosque is a bigot. There are plenty of people who don’t mind a mosque being built – just not so close to ground zero.

I was mildly sympathetic to this argument, until a few weeks ago when NPR reported on a similar protest near Nashville, Ten. Local Muslims also wanted to build a new 52,000 square-foot mosque in their community.

Consider Ben Fletcher, a Tennessee resident who told NPR, “We’re Christians and this religion represents people that are against Christians.”

Flanked by a crowd of protestors carrying signs with slogans like “Stop Terrorism,” people like Fletcher are radicals themselves, using their ignorance and right to protest as weapons against a group of innocent people.

What started as a fairly reasonable (if misguided) debate has turned into an opportunity for religious intolerance to take the stage. Anti-Islamic sentiment can be seen all over the world, but in a country founded on

drink in their dorms. And while arguing against this isn’t a popular position, that doesn’t mean there aren’t good arguments on both sides to be had. That being said, I encourage the readers to keep an open mind and realize that just because someone can argue for a position doesn’t necessarily mean they actually support it.

Two Separate Worlds

Allowing those who are 21 or alcohol out of the hands of minors older to drink on campus would (for the most part) and discourages be apocalyptic. The Dog River those who are of age to partake in watershed would run red with risky drinking behaviors. blood and a plague would be Apparently, one of the major wrought upon every student and attractions for students to apply to faculty/staff member. an institution of higher learning is OK, of course none of that how freely the alcohol flows. This would happen if USA’s higher ups shouldn’t even be a consideration were to allow of-age students to when choosing a university in Genny keep alcohol on campus. There which to apply or attend. would probably be a few altercaThe idea that a school is known Roman tions here and there, but that’s more for its partying than its acatrue of anywhere in the United demics is a sad state of affairs.

States where alcohol is allowed. It happens.

The main reason one should want to However, issues like binge drinking and attend a university is to garner as much drunk driving are fairly prevalent among knowledge and know-how as they can in a college students. Not much has changed few short years before they venture out into when it comes to these high-risk behavthe real world. iors; the national rates for high-risk college Knowing how long it takes to cure a drinking have remained fairly stagnant over hangover or to never fear if you have the past 30 years. liquor before beer shouldn’t be the paraIt seems a fact of life that college mount of knowledge gained at a respectstudents drink more than most other age able institution. groups; according to the U.S. Department Universities are supposed to produce of Health and Human Services 2005 educated individuals who are learned substance abuse survey, college students enough to take part in a discourse in their are more likely to drink than their collegearea of concentration and beyond. The foaged peers (18-22) who are not enrolled full cus of higher education should be just that; time. it should be more than an argument on It’s also more likely that college students whether to let of-age students have alcohol will binge drink. The binge rate for college on campus. students is 44.8 percent compared with The fact of the matter is that alcohol 38.3 percent for the same age group not does not enhance the university educaenrolled full time. tion of a student. Some may jokingly say Since the rate for binge drinking is so it does, but the emphasis is on the word high for full-time college students, it seems “jokingly.” reasonable that universities would want to Drinking is definitely a recreational take matters into their own hands and ban activity and it can exist well outside of the alcohol on campus. world of higher education. It doesn’t hurt It’s a preventive measure; it keeps anybody to separate the two.

religious freedom, it’s unacceptable.

It’s gotten to the point where even the proponents of the New York City mosque are missing the point of the debate. I’ve seen a lot of time spent arguing that this building isn’t really even a mosque, but merely a community center, and it’s not at ground zero, but only near it.

But let’s clear the air: This building is a mosque. Just because something has a swimming pool and a ping pong table doesn’t mean it’s not a religious structure. Look at the plethora of mega-churches that dot the bible belt with their fitness centers, game rooms, etc.

And while it’s not on the actual spot where the twin towers fell, the Burlington Coat Factory building where the proposed mosque will go was close enough to be damaged by the attack.

But neither of these points really matters, and changing the nature of the debate simply directs it away from the real issue: religious tolerance. And with all the different Christian denominations, you would think

people could understand how people in the same religion can still subscribe to very different maxims and dogmas.

This simple realization should make those who are simply uncomfortable with the mosque’s location understand that this building is neither a threat nor an insult.

And if it doesn’t, then being lumped together with a bunch of people who just hate Muslims should at least get them to distance themselves from the rest of the opposition.

I do have a worry, though, that the people who vehemently oppose mosques being built in America for fear of a terrorist attack might be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

As Yoda once said, “Fear leads to anger.

Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

With all the negativity toward the Islamic community, there are going to be people in that community who feel marginalized. And marginalization is the first step toward radicalization. Especially when there actually are terrorist groups looking to recruit those who feel marginalized.

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Sudoku

Distractions August 30, 2010

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 on www.usavanguard.com.

E-mails from page 2

twice.

Other students have complained about the USA Credit Union, a University entity, sending out e-mails advertising cars they have for sale, and Ayers said after discussing it, the Credit Union will make their e-mails less commercial.

In the end, though, Ayers said if students

don’t want to get as many mass e-mails, they can simply filter them out themselves.

“We let students self-police their e-mails,” he said. “Use the junk mail filter.”

The mail filter can be found under “Options” in the Jaguar1 e-mail page.

Ayers warns students to be careful with it, though, because if you filter out an address, you will not receive any e-mails from that person or entity, even if they are something you’re interested in.

Vanguard Staff Staff usavanguard.editor@gmail.com

Caption Contest 1

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Do hilarious things come to mind when you see this photo sequence?

E-mail your funniest caption for it to usavanguard.editor@gmail.com.

The winner will be published next week!

Caption Contest Results

“OOH! I think I just pooped my pants.”

-Trevor Caswell

August 30, 2010

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Mosque

deterrent.

Noise and respect policies should, of course, remain in place, and any student who violates them could be subject to additional punishment if alcohol is involved.

If there were any lingering weariness of releasing the student body into the wilderness of dorm room drinking, perhaps dormitories could even go so extreme as to require students to register alcoholic beverages brought in with the R.A., who would then make certain the student is over 21 and write down when, and where the student is consuming the beverages, and with whom.

Documentation could aid in regulation, and anyone caught drinking without being “registered” could be penalized.

If USA created more on-campus alcohol awareness and responsibility campaigns, adopted and enforced similar penalties for violators, and structured the dormitory enforcement to be more vigilant of age infractions rather than having alcohol altogether banned, it could encourage more students to remain living on-campus, as well as promote the “up-and-coming university” image it is currently attempting to build.

So even if you oppose the New York City mosque for reasons that have nothing to do with religion or race, you’re still inadvertently giving power to the voice of intolerance. This is our opportunity to stand behind the principles upon which this nation was founded, or else we risk creating our own self fulfilling prophecy.

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Sandwich Shoppe, Delta Deli and the Daily Grind are seeing a difference in business. With fewer bonus bucks than used to be allotted, these places are going to be used for convenience only.

In this time of transition, I encourage ARAMARK to listen to Michael Brown’s ideas and implement them. I also encourage patience, because the new facility really will be great. Last but not least, say hello to your server tonight, because they have it pretty rough right now.

CLASSIFIEDS

Student Assistant Position The office of web services is looking for a student assistant to create and maintain University web pages. Experience with Adobe DreamWeaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, HTML and Javascript. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Send resume to webmaster@usouthal.edu

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