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September 13, 2010
VOLUME 48, NUMBER 7
New Rec Center Seeing Heavy Student Traffic
Lady Jags Take On Georgia State
Matthew Peterson
MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
The administration already calls the new Student Recreation Center a resounding success, even after being open for a little more than two weeks. “I am very pleased with how things are going in the new Recreation Center,” Dr. John Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, said. “The number of students, faculty, and staff using the facility is extremely high, and the feedback we are receiving from them is all positive.” The numbers bear this out, too: Between 1,800 and 2,000 people visit the Recreation Center every weekday compared to about 600 in the old facility, according to Recreation Director Dr. Philip Theodore. “It’s an incredibly positive place for students to come and enjoy themselves in a healthy atmosphere,” Theodore said. “It’s doing wonders for the University community.” “I believe the popularity of the facility is due to the wide variety of options available and the high quality of the equipment that is available to use,” Smith said. “Also, the beauty and comfort of the facility is almost overwhelming, and that word is spreading quickly around campus.” “It’s pretty cool,” Tuguldur Mendbayar, a freshman English-as-a-Second-Language student, said. “But the locker room is too far away.” Once renovations are done, the locker room and pools will be connected through a hall that is now being renovated. The Rec Center has done this without one of its main attractions: a smoothie bar to be located near the facility’s entrance. Smith expects the bar to be fully operational by early October, but ARAMARK is looking at offering various drinks and snacks at the location “very soon.” “It’s really nice and big,” Rachel Wyers, a sophomore Political Science major, said. “Now I have no excuse not to work out. The one problem I have is that no one helped me in the workout room.” The new Rec Center is located on Stadium Drive near Old Shell Road and is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Inside
Police Blotter p. 2
Correction: An Aug. 30 article reported that Claire Alger-Young was gathering her belongings at Paul Bryan Young’s house to take them back to Penelope House (PH), a Mobile organization that aids domestic violence victims. Alger-Young was not part of the program at that time. PH staff stressed that victims are advised not to return to their perpetrator’s residence.
Colin McGee / Photo Editor
Sophomore Forward Lauren Marsh, from Fairhope, Ala., guides the ball passed by a Georgia State defender during Sunday’s game at The Cage. USA’s soccer team hosted Georgia State University, Troy, and Sam Houston State for the 2010 Port City Classic. The Lady Jags tied with Georgia State 1-1, scoring no points in overtime.
Admin: Gamma Parking Probably Heavier This Year Dean Harrison
indicates people are starting to discover the Gamma parking lot. “It’s only about a five minute Parking on campus has been a hotwalk from most of the academic button issue for many USA students buildings,” he said. “Not sure if [the who drive and have complained about overcrowding] can also be attributed overcrowded parking lots and limited to the new Student Rec Center.” spaces impeding their efforts to get to “Stadium drive will probably be class on time in the morning. heavily parked during the day because Though this year’s official campus of the Student Rec Center,” Willis parking survey numbers have yet to added. “In the past it’s been fairly be released, Director of Facilities lightly parked because it was more of Management Chris Willis said he has an after-hours housing parking lot.” a “gut feeling” Other than that, that the biggest Willis doesn’t expect surprise will any more surprises "It just seems like there's come from the to come from this more of a problem in parking lot year’s survey of the concentrated [parking] areas." between the parking situation on Engineering campus. Building and -Mary Candace Vegliacich “It just seems Gamma dorms. Communication Senior like there’s more “After driving of a problem by and talking in concentrated to people, it [parking] areas,” looks to be more heavily parked than Mary Candace Vegliacich, a senior in the past,” said Willis, who oversees majoring in Communication, said the annual surveys. about the parking situation on campus. Senior English major May Laughton “I can’t even park over by the library concurred with that assessment. “It’s like I like to.” gotten bad,” she said. That sentiment is echoed by May According to Willis, that possibly see PARKING | 8 ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com
Etc. p. 6
Sports p. 9
Tea: Warming the Body and the Soul See Etc., page 6
Opinion p. 12
Will the Saints Retain the Crown? See Sports, page 10
Serving USA Since 1965
Foundation Passes Brookley Resolution
Daniela Werner
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com
The University of South Alabama Foundation approved a resolution to purchase 300 acres in Brookley Field from the University at its meeting Thursday, which was held at USA’s Brookley Center after a bus tour of the property. The purchase, which also includes some of USA’s rental property, is intended by the University to fund the pediatric facility expansion planned for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, the Foundation’s managing director, Maxey Roberts, told the board Thursday. The Foundation, which exists to benefit USA but works independently of it, has agreed to pay for the $20 million arrangement in five annual payments of $4 million to USA. The facilities at Brookley Center include Middle Bay Café and some lodging services. The University also had some education programs on the property. The University waited on selling the property, Vice President for Financial Affairs Wayne Davis said, in case Mobile’s Air Force tanker contract came to fruition. The property could have been sold to the company building the tankers for “a nice chunk of change,” Davis said in August. When the contract was delayed, USA jumped at the chance to sell the property and accepted the Foundation’s bid, according to Davis. The Foundation was the sole bidder on Brookley Center. The arrangement allows USA to retain rights to the property until the $20 million is paid in full. Should the Foundation receive an offer for the property before then, the amount can be prepaid, allowing the group to obtain the property title and sell whatever parts of Brookley Center it wants to. “It’s the best arrangement we can make right now,” USA President Gordon see BROOKLEY| 8
Distractions p. 14
Is the War in Iraq Really Over? See Opinion, page 13
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University of South Alabama’s Student Voice Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights. Submission and Editorial Policies Send letters and guest columns to: Opinion Editor, USAVanguard.editor@gmail.com or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-1057, Mobile, Ala. 36688. Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Copy Editor, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor-in-Chief at 251-460-6442 or e-mail USAVanguard.Editor@ gmail.com. The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Daniela Werner Managing Editor: Matthew Peterson Associate Editor: Cameron Adkins Associate Editor: Dean Harrison 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
p lice bl tter 9/4- Possession of Marijuana, 1st Degree/ Possession of a Controlled Substance Three males were arrested at 9:51 p.m. for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Aside from marijuana, the suspects were in possession of ecstasy, a digital scale and cash. 9/5- Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle A student reported that between 9/4 at 10 p.m. and 9/5 at 2 p.m. unknown suspects stole multiple textbooks, a graphing calculator and a backpack from their vehicle. The items were valued at $480. 9/5- Menacing-Intimidation Only/ Possessing Stolen Property Police responded to a report of Menacing at the Grove at 10:40 p.m. The subject was arrested for being in possession of a stolen firearm.
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.
9/7- Receiving Stolen Property, 2nd Degree/ Possession of a concealed weapon without a permit A perpetrator was arrested at The Grove at 8:27 p.m. for being in possession of stolen property, possessing a concealed weapon without a permit and a violation of a criminal trespass warrant. One passenger was arrested and transported for an active warrant with the City of Mobile. The stolen property was valued at $650. 9/8- Theft-Vehicle Parts Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and unknown suspect removed a license plate from a vehicle. The item was valued at $50.
Q: Does the USAPD handle security at football games? A: Security at football games is a collaboration between USAPD, the Mobile Police Department and Ladd-Peebles security guards. USA officers handle escorting both teams, the band and many other locations where most students are because they have more experience working with college students.
Ask Norm
Have a question you’d like The Vanguard to ask Norm? E-mail it to USAVanguard. Editor@Gmail.com.
Jag Growl
What You’re Saying About “Tilting at Windmills: Admin Shows Gratitude by Taking Away Benefits” By Matthew Peterson “... The author does not realize that while student enrollment has increased, federal funding has significantly decreased. There is no extra cash stashed away. Running the facility takes money. There is maintenance, staffing, electricity, etc. Using the recreation center is not a right; it is a privilege.” -Anonymous “...I do believe you are in the minority when it comes to wanting to pay the fee. Try not to represent your colleagues when you haven’t spoken to them. Are you on the faculty senate? Maybe ask them? Before you dish more about dear Moulty, please consider than he is essentially a CEO, living with millions while some of your colleagues have second jobs to support their children. Something to think about.” -KittyShmatt
(comments taken from usavanguard.com)
Sea Lab Gets Oil Spill Research Funding from State ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com
Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala. 36688
9/7- Theft of Property, 1st Degree Between 7/26 at 3 p.m. and 9/3 at 1:06 p.m. a heavy-duty cooling fan and gearbox were taken from Central Utilities. The items were valued at $4,950.
Q & A with USA Chief of Police Normand Gamache
Dean Harrison
Web site: http://www.usavanguard.com
September 13, 2010
BP PLC provided the state of Alabama $5 million that went from the governor to the Marine Environmental Science Consortium (MESC), which is housed at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL), to study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon incident and its effects in the Gulf of Mexico. The bond was awarded as part of the BP Gulf Research Institutions Program, according to Dawn Patience, a spokeswoman for BP. She added that BP made a commitment of up to $500 million funded over a 10-year period to create independent research programs to investigate the “fate and effects of oil, dispersed oil and dispersant on the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and affected coastal states.” Gov. Bob Riley designated the MESC to
be the recipient of all science bonds intended for the assessment of the oil spill, according to John Valentine, chairman and professor of university programs at DISL. He added that funding decisions will be made based on a “consensus among workshop participants, an evaluation of the science by co-chairs of each of the four themes and an evaluation of the science by a panel consisting of scientists in residence at colleges and universities in states surrounding the Gulf of Mexico.” “Once the input is received, a final recommendation will be placed before the MESC executive committee for approval,” Valentine said. The “four themes” mentioned are: ecosystem integrity; physical factors that control the distribution of dispersants and the oil in the Gulf; chemistry of the oil dispersants; and the recovery phase of what’s happened in the Gulf.
Matthew Kensworthy, a USA graduate student in residence at the DISL, said that the bond is a “very good thing for the MESC and says a lot about the trust and confidence that the governor and BP has in the quality of the scientists within the consortium” and the research done at the University. Valentine underscored the statement by Bob Shipp, chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, in a previous article by The Vanguard that “no strings were attached to the science or what would be done with the science.” “In that sense they did what they should have done,” Shipp said. “That’s the way the science should be supported.” Patience said she did not have any information on whether BP had continued to seek out the assistance of USA scientists to assist them in their legal defense against spill litigation as they had over the summer.
September 13, 2010
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Student Vehicle Hits JagTran
Ayers: Survey Rating USA ‘Questionable’
Cameron Adkins
ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Dean Harrison
ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com
A 2011 survey released by U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of South Alabama 52 among the top 100 regional universities in the South. According to Keith Ayers, director of Public Relations, the University does not concern itself with this survey because it uses “questionable ranking standards.” “The survey ranks schools on how many students are rejected and on alumni giving,” Ayers said. He added that the survey has been criticized by many universities throughout the country for their bias in favor of “older and richer residential universities,” and against “young urban” universities such as USA. Multiple calls and e-mails from The Vanguard seeking comment from U.S. News and World Report were not returned as of print time. With enrollment numbers topping a record 15,000 this year, USA has been one of the “fastest growing universities in the region,” according to Ayers. “USA’s mission is not to reject large numbers of students, but to give every qualified student a chance to be successful,” Ayers said. He added that the University will not change and fail to serve its constituents in order to
September 13, 2010
Jaimie Kopf / Graphic Designer
USA ranked No. 52 in the annual U.S. News and World Report’s survey of the top 100 regional universities in the South.
serve better on “some questionable survey.” Other universities included in the survey were Spring Hill College at 17, the University of Mobile at 59 and the University of Montevallo at 40, according to timesdaily.com. Troy University was ranked 65, and University of North Alabama came in at 66. “USA is a young university and we are still establishing our name,” SGA President Kimberly Proctor said. “Many of the top schools on the list are old compared to us. Right now we’re growing ... I am certain the only way we will be moving on the list is up.” In another category by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Alabama ranked 34 and Auburn University 38 among national universities, according to timesdaily. com.
A South Alabama student collided with a Jag Tran just after 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the parking lot on the South side of the Humanities building. The Jag Tran was traveling westbound in the parking lot when Parker Rehwinkel, 19, rolled backward in his 1993 Ford Ranger causing the collision, according to a USA police report. “I had just pulled into the parking spot, and I was getting the books out
Get Your Opinion Published! Send Letters to the Editor to USAVanguard. Editor@gmail.com
of the back of my truck,” Rehwinkel said. “I have a standard [transmission], so I can’t just put it into park and take my foot off the brake. I reached back and my foot slipped off the brake and I rolled back and hit [the JagTran].” Rehwinkel stated that his truck sustained damage to the passenger’s side quarter panel. According to the police report, the JagTran involved sustained damage on the rear driver’s side and was carrying 15 passengers at the time of the incident. There were no injuries.
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September 13, 2010
News in Brief
Student Affairs Vice President Becomes Special Assistant to President Moulton
In addition to his position as vice president for Student Affairs, Dr. John Smith will assume the duties as special assistant to USA President Gordon Moulton, according to a USA press release. This decision follows the retirement of Dr. Bob Shear of the Mitchell College of Business, who long served in the President’s Office. Smith was named vice president of Student Affairs in 2007. He had also served USA as faculty athlete representative to the NCAA. According to a USA press release, positions Smith held prior to joining USA were interim president, vice president for Financial and Administrative Services, vice president for Student Affairs, dean of students and director of Residence Life. He also was a faculty member in the College of Education at the University of Central Arkansas. Smith attended Mississippi State University, where he earned a doctorate in education leadership.
USA Recreation Center to be Dedicated on Sept. 16
major step forward in this mission.”
The University of South Alabama will hold a dedication ceremony for the new Student Recreation Center on Stadium Drive Thursday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. The ceremony, to which the public is invited, will include tours of the 116,000 square-foot facility that houses multi-purpose athletic courts, a cardiovascular theater, weight rooms with both machines and free weights, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa, saunas, racquetball courts, multi-purpose rooms for aerobic classes and martial arts, rock-climbing wall, children’s play area and dining facility featuring smoothies and other healthy refreshments, according to a USA press release. “The essence of a modern University is to help students grow in all aspects of life, with the ultimate objective of producing well-rounded individuals who are ready to meet today’s challenges and create a better world for tomorrow,” President Moulton said in the press release. “With the dedication of this new Student Center, USA will take a
Annual Constitution Day Observance to be Held Sept. 17 The University of South Alabama will observe Constitution Day Friday, Sept. 17 with a presentation and discussion on the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming term. Dr. Ron Nelson, associate professor and pre-law adviser in the USA Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, and his students will offer a program titled “Supreme Court 2010-2011 Term: Case Reviews,” according to a USA press release. The talk and discussion will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 150 of the Humanities Building. Constitution Day is an annual observance on campuses nationwide. Legislation requires all educational institutions that receive federal funds to sponsor educational programs relating to the United States Constitution on Sept. 17 of each year, according to a USA press release.
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Etc.
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Laura Beth Calcote Etc. Editor
vanguardetceditor@gmail.com
September 13, 2010
The River Styx
Laura Beth Calcote
ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com
The River Styx, in Greek mythology, is the river that separates the Earth from Hades, circling the underworld nine times. The Styx River, in Robertsdale, Ala., offers a four-mile float down the lazy river in your own personal inner tube, and although it doesn’t separate us from hell, it does offer some insight to what might be on the other side. After paying the tube fee (14 dollars each), as well as an additional 7 dollars for a “cooler tube,” we parked in a dusty parking lot and waited for our ride to the top of the river. The ride came in the form of an old yellow school bus, and, except for the fact that our brown paper lunch bags had been replaced with coolers of Budweiser, there was a slight reminiscent feeling of our grade-school days. The driver of the bus was not unlike Dorothy Harris, the driver of Forrest Gump’s school bus, with deep smokers lines around her mouth, a gravelly voice, and a no-nonsense way about her. She insisted on waiting for a family who had just parked, saying, “Everybody’s waited for me my whole life. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t wait for them.” When everyone had boarded, the bus began the creaky climb to the top of the river along a winding country road. About halfway up the road, Dorothy Harris dropped something that was apparently of extreme importance, because she let go of the wheel with one hand and bent over to feel around for whatever it was that had fallen. The bus swerved accordingly, and we all avoided certain injury at the last minute when she popped back up just in time to swerve again, this time out of the way of a truck loaded down with firewood. The group on the bus was rowdy, and the conversations taking place around me seemed more than appropriate for an old school bus filled with beer-toting Alabamians. A group chain-smoking Camel Reds discussed Bobby, a friend of theirs who was up for release from prison, and a slightly weathered couple argued loudly about a fight that had occurred the previous night at the local honkeytonk. Arriving at the river, we all filed out, picked up our chosen tube, and headed down the bank to the River Styx. I looked around for signs of demons or other underworldly creatures, and I can’t honestly admit that none were to be found. Many roped their tubes together and proceeded down the river as one mass tube party, blasting Kenny Chesney as they went. The water was cold, and as we made our way down the river, we were privy to scenes of camping on both banks. If you listened very closely, you could almost pick up the faint sounds of a banjo playing, and I decided then and there I would not set foot on the bank, lest I meet a fate like that of Ned Beatty’s in the all-too-remembered river bank scene in “Deliverance.” It was impossible to avoid collisions, but no one seemed to mind, and the general atmosphere, although loud and somewhat ‘neck, was one of merriment. If you didn’t have a tattoo, a cigarette, a beer, and, in some cases a mullet, you were not the norm, but that was of little importance. I wasn’t quite sure what was normal anymore. This was one big floating party. The trip down the river took about three hours, and our empty cans outnumbered the full ones by the time we pulled our tubes from the water. When we did drive out of the parking lot, dust flying behind us, we just looked at each other and laughed. A journey down the Styx River could lead you to the underworld, or it could just take you on a surreal journey through Alabama backwoods. Bring beer, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sense of humor, and the journey will be one you won’t soon forget. Ready to take your own trip down the Styx? Visit www. floatstyx.com
Help for Mothers, Stories for Their Kids
Laura Beth Calcote
ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com
The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 70 percent of women in prison are mothers, and 2/3 of these women have kids under the age of 18. The Real Truth reports that there are over 2 million children in the U.S. today who have a parent in prison. That’s a lot of bedtime stories that are not being read. Deanna Lynd, a mother serving time at Homestead Correctional Institution in Florida, writes poetry about her separation from her child on the day he was born. Having been born in prison, he was taken immediately from her. She wrote, “From my arms you were taken, back to my cell I was sent. Fifteen years will never compare to what losing you meant.” The Real Truth also reports that a child whose mother had been in jail for six months so far said, “I got to visit my mom every week when she was gone to jail. My dad took us. It was hard because I wanted to touch her but she was on the other side of a glass wall.” There is hope for these children, and a great way for them to have a relationship with their mother, even while she is serving time away from home. Often, there is placement in foster care, and the attention that the child so desperately seeks from his mother is just not to be found anymore. Aid to Inmate Mothers has a mission, and the goal is this: “provide emotional interaction between inmate mothers and their children, support the children through outreach programs, improve inmate mothers’ parenting skills, and help the mothers make a successful transition from prison to community life.” Regardless of how a person feels about the crime the mother committed, it cannot be ignored that the child left behind at home needs his mother. For whatever reason, his mother now lives in a place that is not easy to visit. He needs real interaction and care, something that A.I.M. strives to
Courtesy of Corina Schulze
Seventy percent of women in jail are others, the U.S. Department of Justice reports. Organizations like Aid to Inmate Mothers help provide children of incarcerated mothers with emotional support and interaction with their mothers.
provide with each family. A.I.M. needs your help, whether it be money, time or donated items, and in addition to being tax deductible, you can live with the thought that you are helping to have a bedtime story read to a child who otherwise might live without. If you are interested in making this difference, please visit www.inmatemoms.org/Donations.htm or stop by Dr. Corina Schulze’s office in the Humanities Building, 216A by September 17. Items needed are paperback books, toys for visitation, birthday gifts for children, glue-bound journals for classes, and self-help books and novels for the prison library.
Short and Stout: A Word About Tea Ashley Sutter
CONTRIBUTING WRITER ars403@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
As a lover of tea and all things related, I wanted to share some of my experiences and newly found knowledge on the topic. Beyond the widely discussed effects of green tea used to supplement weight loss programs, the other health benefits of tea are not as commonly known. Upon talking with Virginia’s Health Food’s own tea aficionado, Justin McQuillen, I learned of some new herbal teas used by many to remedy a variety of common health problems. While many of these herbal remedies have more than one primary purpose for use, Justin gave me a run down on their most popular uses. There is a trend for those with high blood pressure to reach for Red Clover to aid their regimen. Chronic respiratory problems find comfort with Mullein. Milk Thistle is used as a detoxifying agent for the liver. Lavender is a popular sleep aid among those suffering from insomnia. If the health benefits alone don’t draw you to tea, there are some lovely places in Mobile to sit down and have a spot. Shamrock, Rose and Thistle Team Room and Gastro Pub is a traditional tea room accommodated with a very helpful staff, beautiful table settings and some of the most beautiful tea china I’ve ever come across. If you’re a collector of tea sets as I am, they have an exquisite collection for retail. Spot of Tea has been a Mobile staple for breakfast and lunch for many years. They are located in picturesque Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile. Their house cold brew is a sweetened strawberry tea that is so good its hard to deviate from, however they
Colin McGee / Photo Editor
Virginia's Health Food (shown above) or Spot of Tea both offer a wide variety of teas for many ailments.
have a nice selection of hot brews certainly worth giving a try. If you’re interested in delving into the world of herbal teas as a remedy to what ails you, I recommend doing your own research when looking to adopt your own herbal regimen. Only you know your body and can adequately explain what you’re looking for. Mobile is lucky to have Virginia’s. It’s located in Pinebrook Shopping Center on Airport Boulevard at McGregor Avenue. Don’t forget to ask for Justin.
September 13, 2010
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I Just Lost the Game: Voice of Reason Dear Mom: Professor Farnsworth
EXPERT ON EVERYTHING gag701@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Good news, everyone! I’ve invented a device that allows me to project my voice directly into your head! I asked around at the Academy of Inventors annual symposium about writing a column on “webcomics,” thinking it would put all those young whippersnappers in their place, but they all said “webcomics are a young person’s game! Leave the webcomics to the 120 year olds!” Then I remembered that the last person to almost ruin this column wrote about “webcomics.” I asked around, but that column did not, in fact, put any young whippersnappers in their place. Now that it’s my turn to almost ruin this column, I decided to write about my favorite funny-page comic ever: “Garfield.” Oh my yes, “Garfield” is still around in the 30th century. The head of Jim Davis is still cranking out the funny: Garfield kicks Odie off the table, Garfield tries to pull a fast one on Jon, Lyman’s corpse is rotting in the basement. It’s like nothing has changed since the Carter administration, which is just the way I like it. Fortunately, the Internet has websites to spice up “Garfield” for all you young hoodlums. Websites like “Garfield minus Garfield” ( http://garfieldminusgarfield.net/ ) erases Garfield from the comic strip, leaving only Jon. The comic strip changes from one about a lonely man and his cat to one about a lonely schizophrenic and his invisible delusions. It’s still funny but in an “I shouldn’t be laughing at this” kind of way. The forum “Truth and Beauty Bombs” had a meme ( http://www.truthandbeautybombs.com/bb/viewtopic. php?t=4997 ) centering around what the strip would be like if humans didn’t know what the animals were thinking. You know, like in real life. This strip changes Jon from lonely bachelor to lonely bachelor who talks to his animals like an old, senile person. You young folk might think the antics of a senile person talking to his cat are funny, but they’re not! The only thing worse than senility is when you damn kids walk on my lawn. Get off my lawn! Oh wait, I don’t have a lawn. Or senility, despite what everyone might tell you. Another meme from your 20th century Internet-tubes is Randomized Garfield: random Garfield boxes thrown
together. The website “Cracked” had this meme on its forum ( http://www.cracked.com/forums/topic/18145/ random-garfield-comic-generator/120 ). Members went to this site ( http://www.dougshaw.com/garfield.html ), which generated randomized Garfield strips, and posted their results. Generating a humorous randomized strip is largely hit-or-miss, but the forum members seem to pull it off, most of the time. All right, I’ve got a delivery business to run, and crewmembers’ lives to put in perilous danger. To see the hilarious results of my crew’s perilous danger, tune in to “Futurama” Thursdays on Comedy Central. Unless we’ve been re-canceled again, then you can go fornicate yourselves.
Editor’s note: Staff writer Gabe Grimes writes “I Just Lost the Game.”
fanpop.com
Professor Farnsworth: "Nothing has changed since the Carter Administration, which is just the way I like it."
Cheap Yoga Classes For Every Body Laura Beth Calcote
ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com
Yoga is an exercise for both the body and the mind, something that all college students could use. It relaxes the body while strengthening it, building a firm core and lean legs and arms, but if you’re paying an arm and a leg to take the class it doesn’t always seem worth it. Enter the Kula Yoga Community, which, beginning on Labor Day, introduced the first Mobile area “pay-what-you-can” yoga classes, designed for every different type of body and skill level. Creators Dana Goudie, a USA alum, and Amanda Brenner, a University of Mobile alum, said they hope this will offer the yoga experience to those who otherwise would not be able to participate. Goudie said, “At the end of every class, we invite you to pay whatever you can afford to support the teachers and keep Kula growing.” Their mission statement? “To create and support a community of yoga students linked by the common desire for healthy bodies, mental clarity, and spiritual well being.” While there are private sessions available beginning at $50 an hour, the regular classes are open to the public, and you simply pay what you can. Classes are grouped by different difficulty levels and needs. There is a Yoga for Healthy Weight class, if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, and there’s also a Move and Groove class that is meant to “raise your heart rate and your spirits.” There is even an all-ladies class (Ya Ya Yoga), in case you’re nervous about putting on those yoga pants in front of the guys. Hot Yoga Party, offered on Friday nights, promotes the release of toxins through, yep you guessed it, sweating your butt off.
Personal Space Mom
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE GIVER vanguardetceditor@gmail.com
Dear Mom, I have a professor that likes to get really close when he talks to me. Not in a flirty way but in a way that makes me (and everyone else he does it to) uncomfortable. How do I show him that my personal space is a private party-and he’s not invited? Dear Private Party, Oh, I feel your pain … the thought of someone standing close enough to smell what I drank for breakfast gives me chills (and not the good kind … more the ‘it’s-dark-and-didyou-hear-that?’ in a horror film kind of chill). Several unrealistic strategies come to mind for warding off a hover-man – a giant Lucite box-outfit for that class, wearing a spike-covered T-shirt that says “five feet away at all times”, exacting revenge by crop dusting when you pass his lectern, an anonymous note with a complimentary tube of airplane Crest … so many unrealistic options! Unfortunately, your situation is sticky; it is hard to tell a friend that they’re smothering you, let alone the man who determines whether or not you graduate on the four- or the five-year plan. I am sure you have tried strategic leaning when he talks to you. So, let’s explore other options. Consider putting an object between you (like a yard stick). Stand behind a table or desk when you approach him if these close encounters occur before or after class. Failing that, a reverse wingman – a pal to run interference (maybe if there are two faces to lean into, he’ll get confused and choose neither) could keep him out of your face. If he likes to get too close while you are working at a station or computer, try turning to face him in your seat and talk with your hands. Gesticulate wildly … maybe he’ll back off for fear of being hit? Another option is to let loose a snot-slinging sneeze as he approaches. Usually, a preemptive strike will stop him in his tracks and perhaps you can extend an arm or something to indicate he should not come any closer. It also helps to throw in a comment, “Oh, excuse me. It must be my West Nile Virus acting up. Whew.” That’s right. Back off, Dr. Creeper. Failing all of that, try a bald-faced lie. “Dr. Creeper, I’m sorry to interrupt, but do you mind taking a step back? I’m freakishly claustrophobic, and I don’t want to panic and mace you in a fit of terror.” (Your pseudo reaction to claustrophobia can be whatever you want! Choose your own ending!) Or, you could just politely ask the guy to take a step back. Chances are, if he is a chronic hover-man, he’s heard it before; not everyone is shy about stating their needs. He will most likely just laugh, step back and keep talking.
Afraid to ask the doctor?
Ask Dr. Cannon!
E-mail your health questions and concerns to Dr. Cannon at usavanguard.editor@gmail.com.
www.southalabama.edu
What better way to spend a Friday night than at a Hot Yoga Party?
In Mobile, you can find classes at the Conscious Mile Center for Spiritual Living, at 1230 Montlimar Dr., and for more information on class schedules you can visit the Web site at www.kulayogacommunity.org or call 251-202-YOGA (9642). Your body and your mind will thank you, and downwardfacing-dog never has to be expensive again.
Heather Cannon, M.D. is USA’s recently appointed Student Health Center Medical Director. Anonymous e-mails are welcomed.
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September 13, 2010
Parking from page 1
Laughton, a senior majoring in English, who said the north parking lot behind Humanities and the library never used to be so crowded. “I don’t remember it being that filled up before,” she said. In response to such concerns Willis has his employees conduct a survey of vacant parking spaces every fall semester during the week after Labor Day. “In the first week or two of the semester you have some students who aren’t serious about being students and then disappear,” Willis said. “Later in the semester you have people who adjust their plans and are not coming. So the worst parking problem that’s representative of our students is right after Labor Day, with fall semester being busier than spring semester.” The survey is conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Friday is considered a lighter turnout day, so Facilities Management employees do not count vacant spaces on that day. Willis added that they try to pick the “worst possible conditions” in which to conduct the survey. Such conditions occur between the peak hours of 10a.m. to 1p.m. when classes are “more heavily scheduled” and more cars are parked. “I don’t think the [counters] are ever surprised that the lots that are very lightly parked are ones that tend to be away from the academic building,” Willis said.
Brookley from page 1
Moulton told the Foundation Thursday. “We’re losing money every month.” USA has been losing $800,000 to $900,000 per year on the facilities, Davis told The Vanguard in August.
At the meeting, Moulton called Brookley Center a “magnificent piece of property.” “It will be a great investment,” he said. Although the resolution passed Thursday, the USA Board of Trustees will have to approve the deal at its meeting this Friday.
www.usavanguard.com
Go there.
Sports
Matt Weaver Sports Editor jmatthewweaver@aol.com
September 13, 2010
Rugby: South Wales to South Alabama Amanda Polley
SPORTS REPORTER apolley@gmail.com
For most people rugby is a mixture of football and soccer. It is a fast moving game played almost the same way football is played. Rugby was first played as one of the many different variations of soccer and was played in the 19th century at several English schools. There were not many rules at the time, including an unlimited number of players on both teams. It was a very violent period for the sport, and injuries were very common. Between the years of 1859-1865 came the advent of running the ball. William Webb Ellis invented the rule after breaking pre-existing rules and by running across the field with the ball. Rugby evolved throughout the years, and in December 1870 the Rugby Football Union was founded and drew up the first set of rules to be approved in 1871. In 1870 rugby became an internationally played sport when the English and Scottish played in England with the Scottish winning in overtime. The English would win the first rematch in 1872. In 1884 when they were again playing, the English and Scottish had a disagreement about a goal that was scored by the Brits. The International Rugby Football Board was founded by Ireland, Scotland and Wales after the game because of this incident. At this time England had several more clubs than any other country and refused to join because they felt that they should play a bigger role on the board than they were given. England would not join the International Rugby Football Board until 1890. In 1877 the number of players for a side was changed from 20 to 15. One point was officially recognized for a “try” (when the ball was kicked over the cross bar and through the posts) and two for a conversion. In 1893 the points changed. Three points were awarded for a try and two for a kick. The number of points again changed in 1971 to four and a final time in 1992 to five. When rugby first began, the game was played with pig’s bladder. As the game became more organized, the ball changed as well, eventually using a ball that resembled an American football. By the 1980s, a leather ball had been introduced. Rugby was introduced to the summer Olympics in 1900 when games were played in Paris. The French won that year, and the rugby events had the largest crowd of all Olympic events. In 1908, when it was again played in the Olympics, a Wallaby team won. The see RUGBY | 10
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Humble Houston Rolling On
South Alabama Running Back Continues to Find Success in Mobile Jayson Curry
SPORTS COLUMNIST jayson-curry@hotmail.com
There are two sides to every story. This is especially true when speaking of South Alabama freshman running back Kendall Houston. There is an obvious duality to him. Houston has a timid and quiet voice off the field and you might just miss what he says if you don’t pay attention. But on the field, Houston is a different type. He’s brash and loud, not with his words but with his helmet and pads. Houston describes himself in three words: respect, honesty and kindness. But he transforms the moment he straps on his helmet and laces up the cleats. He’s none of the three. Houston becomes big, strong and mean. A well-read scholar could cite Jekyll and Hyde’s multiple personalities in regard to Houston. He’s just as likely to help you off the field, as he is to run you over while on the gridiron. Houston started playing football at the age of four and has always been one of the best. The freshman is the type of player a fan wants on his team as he is really just a spectacular talent. During one of Houston’s middle school contests, a defender attempted a tackle, completely ripping his undershirt out from under him. The shirt was lost but Houston scored a touchdown regardless. The truth is that Houston is just a beast. And nothing changed when Houston got to high school. It was a blessing to have him on your team and a curse to be the opposition. As a junior at Vigor High, Houston ran for over 1,200 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. As a senior, he ran for over 2,100 yards and scored 25 touchdowns while helping his team win the Alabama 5A State Championship. And in the biggest game of his career, Houston stepped up and ran for 180 yards, three touchdowns and won the
greenascot.com
South Alabama freshman running back Ken Houston carries the ball during the Jaguars preseason drills. Houston, a Mobile native, transferred from Arkansas State to play closer to home.
games’ MVP award. Houston went to a prep school after graduating in order to buy time before choosing a college to apply his craft. Houston ended up at Arkansas State in the spring and after a short time, transferred back home to South Alabama. Houston says that “it just feels great to play at home” and having his first college game in Mobile was beyond amazing. In the Jags’ season opener versus Pikeville, Houston ran the ball six times for 36 yards and although he didn’t score, he’s glad that South Alabama scored the win. In true running back fashion, Houston says that he admires Viking’s back Adrian Peterson and emulates his running style ev-
ery day. Houston believes that his first touchdown for South Alabama will be a tough run up the middle. Houston wore No. 5 in high school but gave that privilege up with grace. Beginning in 2010, the Jags will honor former player Anthony Mostella, who died in a motorcycle accident in June, by allowing current respected Jaguars to earn it. South Alabama is still undefeated, and Houston believes the Jags won’t lose a game anytime soon. If that remains the case, you had better believe that Houston will be a major reason why. Houston is a great teammate and it’s hard not to see why “respect, honesty and loyalty” sums up the South Alabama running back.
Nicholls State Next to Challenge South Alabama Jake Wasdin
SPORTS REPORTER jake-wasdin11@yahoo.com
Colin McGee / Photo Editor
Jaguars football head coach Joey Jones paces the sidelines at Ladd Peebles Stadium.
After coming off a 56-0 victory over Pikeville College, South Alabama was given a bye week. The off-week gave the Jags time to prepare for the Nicholls State Colonels, a familiar opponent, Saturday afternoon at Ladd Peebles Stadium. The Jaguars and Nicholls State are frequent opponents in several other NCAA sports. “I think this is a great challenge for our players and our football organization,” South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said. “This is really an FBS program that has a lot of tradition. They have as many scholarships as we do, and they have a good head coach. We’re excited about this.” The Colonels are led by Coach Charlie Stubbs and are 0-2 on the season, falling to Western Michigan and San Diego State. Stubbs, in his first year at Nicholls, will bring a multiple-pro offensive scheme to Mobile.
South Alabama’s offense will see a multiple 4-3 defensive scheme. Coach Stubbs brings an impressive resume to NSU. He began his coaching career for Brigham-Young University, then became the offensive coordinator at Oregon State. After successful stops at The University of Memphis, The University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Alabama, University of Tulsa, University of Louisville and University of Central Missouri, Stubbs found a home at Nicholls as their head coach. Jones has said that Nicholls may be the best coached team that the Jags will have ever played “I have a lot of respect for coach Charlie Stubbs,” Jones said. “I learned a lot of my passing game from him when he was at Alabama. He does a great job of calling plays, and he understands how to attack defenses.” The Jags will face off with Nicholls State this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Ladd Peebles Stadium. Gates open Saturday at 10 a.m.
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Sports Briefs
2010 NFL Preview
Saints Unlikely To Repeat as NFL Champions Stephen Newhouse SPORTS REPORTER st2new@msn.com
Pigs flew last season as the New Orleans Saints captivated the NFL universe and won Super Bowl XLIV. Once a miserable franchise believed to be jinxed and full of bad luck, the Saints have now arguably replaced the Dallas Cowboys as America’s Team. Even quarterback Drew Brees’ one-year-old son Baylen has become a familiar face, appearing on Sports Illustrated and a Huggies diaper commercial. The Saints return most of their championship roster from last season and have one of the easiest paths to Super Bowl XLV. Brees has cemented his place as one of the NFL’s most accurate passers, and his core of receivers should once again light up the scoreboard in 2010. The Saints will not have history on their side as no team has repeated as champions since the 2005 New England Patriots. If New Orleans falters, one will not have to look far to find their possible successors. The Atlanta Falcons should emerge as major contenders this season in both the division and the NFC. 25-year-old quarterback Matt Ryan will lead a young and talented team that’s just a few years removed from controversy and mediocrity. Super Bowl XLV will be played in Dallas, and it could mark the first time that the home team will be in attendance. Tony Romo and the Cowboys won their first playoff game in a decade last season and are looking for more postseason success in 2010. One of the most balanced teams in the league, the Cowboys
foxsports.msn.com
Saints quarterback Drew Brees with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLIV.
will be a factor in deciding who plays in their stadium next February. However, the strength of the NFC may lie in the North as the Green Bay Packers have become a trendy pick during the off-season. Aaron Rodgers commands a high-powered offense, and Charles Woodson powers a strong defensive squad. Meanwhile, Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are still the defending conference champions and will be tough to remove from the top. When discussing the AFC, Indianapolis is once again the team to beat. Future hall-offamer Peyton Manning is under center for the
The
Vanguard Sports Poll LAST WEEK:
THIS WEEK:
Will USA Football Defeat
Will The Saints Repeat As
NSU?
NFC Champions?
* Yes * No Nicholls State Presents the toughest challenge South Alabama has faced to date. But I’m looking at momentum and the Jags have all of it heading into Sept. 18. “Still Undefeated” still stands Saturday night at Ladd Peebles. South Alabama 24, Nicholls State 17 Kenneth Mohren, South Alabama Alum
Vote Now!
Colts this season, and another 10-win season is not out of the question. However, the competition within their own division should present more of a challenge in 2010. Last season, the Tennessee Titans reeled off eight straight wins with the help of 2,000yard rusher Chris Johnson, and dual-threat quarterback Vince Young. The Houston Texans should also be improved and have been a popular choice among league experts. The New England Patriots’ hold over the AFC East was relinquished last season after a surprising playoff run by the New York Jets. Brash head coach Rex Ryan and team follows a formula of tough defense and rushing, which is a rarity in the modern pass-first NFL. The Jets also have a wealth of confidence from last year, and quarterback Mark Sanchez has one more season under his belt. However, the biggest acquisition of the offseason arguably went to South Beach this summer as wide receiver Brandon Marshall was traded to Miami. Marshall likely makes the Dolphins contenders in the division, but fans shouldn’t sleep on Brady and the Patriots. The San Diego Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens are a few of the other teams to watch this season. The Chargers cut ties with long-time running back LaDainian Tomlinson and are looking to get over the hump. The Ravens have upgraded their offense, and the defense should once again be among the top in the league. We say Green Bay meets the Baltimore Raven in Super Bowl XLV with the Packers winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Cheese heads will fly this season.
Rugby from page 9
United States won in 1920 and again in the 1924. Following the Americans’ win, it was dropped from the Games and has not returned since. In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee voted that it return in time for the 2016 Games. There are several different sports events at South Alabama and students now have a club rugby team starting in the fall. If you’re a fan of football or soccer, you might just enjoy a match of rugby. So come and play South Alabama rugby.
This Week in Football: South Alabama Vs. Nicholls State Sept. 18, 2010 Ladd-Peebles Stadium Kickoff at 4 p.m.
Colin McGee / Photo Editor
Freshman Mid-fielder Krystin Thacker goes for a header against a Georgia State defender during Sunday’s game at The Cage.
Volleyball Plays Well But Falls 3-1 at Nicholls State The University of South Alabama volleyball team played well early, taking the first set of the match, but couldn’t sustain the momentum as Nicholls State picked up the next three sets to capture a 3-1 victory Friday evening at the Nicholls Invitational. The Jaguars received a couple of career-high performances from a pair of freshman – Torlandria Jones and Jessica Lewis. Jones had 11 kills, while Lewis had 10 kills of her own. Jones and Lewis were each efficient in their attacks as the duo both recorded an attack percentage of .321. With the loss, South Alabama falls to 2-6 on the season. Basketball’s Lundy to Miss Five to Seven Months University of South Alabama men’s basketball student-athlete Antione Lundy has undergone knee surgery and will be out five to seven months, head coach Ronnie Arrow announced last week. Lundy, a 6-5 junior that signed with USA in April 2010, suffered an ACL tear during preseason workouts. The Saginaw, Mich., native attended Neosho County Community College before signing with the Jaguars and was a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American and was the 2010 Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference East Player of the Year. Basketball Loses Assistant Head Coach South Alabama basketball assistant head coach Chuck Taylor resigned last week and took the head coaching job at Paris Junior College in Texas. Taylor was an assistant at PJC from 2000-2002 and served under South Alabama head coach Ronnie Arrow for the past three seasons. -Wire Reports
September 13, 2010
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Opinion
Alex Whalen Opinion Editor alexwhalen@gmail.com
September 13, 2010
OUR VIEW
Mass E-mail System Needs Serious Help
I
n the name of “student communication,” USA Director of Public Relations Keith Ayers and his staff allow just about any campus mass e-mail to fly through unfiltered to your Jaguar1 account.
Yes, that means all the e-mails advertising bake sales and moonlit canoe rides you do not plan to attend land in your inbox because Ayers’ staff want to keep an open line of communication between the employees and students at USA. Ayers also said it is too challenging to collate the daily deluge of information into a weekly, biweekly or monthly list grouping various campus events together – which would be a one-stop shop for students and employees. “We’ve looked at a single-daily e-mails system, but the challenge has always been organization,” he told The Vanguard. “Most mass e-mails are of a random and breaking nature” so it’s hard to categorize them into a couple of e-mails, he said. Last we checked, the only real “breaking” e-mails students and employees receive are about things like occasional power outages on campus. Ironically enough, staff send those ahead of the outage because they are usually planned for construction or renovation purposes. The excuse that organizing e-mails is too challenging of an endeavor does not persuade us that an overhaul on the way USA’s mass e-mail system operates is not immediately needed, especially if administration, faculty and students want others to actually read what they are communicating. When students and employees have to wade through pages of daily e-mails to make sure they are not missing
what is important for academic success – like a professor’s e-mail to their class stating that a test has been rescheduled – they probably began to lose enthusiasm for Jaguar1 after clicking the “Delete” option 30 times. While students have no excuse for laziness in checking their University e-mail accounts for messages like these, Ayers and his staff should be more considerate of the strenuous amounts of time students and employees must spend going through e-mails if they are to read the important ones. Along with Ayers’ statements, last week we also published information regarding research Student Government Association President Kimberly Proctor and Student Center Director Robin Jones did about mass e-mails on other collegiate campuses in the U.S. They found that most other campuses closely monitor the e-mails passing through their systems. “Pretty much all [of our peer institutions] have restrictions of what can go out,” Jones said. At the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, for example, e-mails are approved by the “appropriate administrative authority,” whether it is a department chairperson or dean. If USA implemented a similar policy, not only would more of the e-mails floating around be read because they would be more closely monitored, but fewer e-mails titled “Correction” would bombard inboxes because faculty or staff would catch most mistakes in drafts. We suggest that more on-campus entities send e-mails advertising an e-mailing list where recipients can sign up to receive more updates. The students and employ-
As its second season gets rolling, USA’s football program is advertising hard for its undefeated team. But is this focus affecting fan support for USA’s other sports programs? They really have been advertising football hard. I’ve been to a lot of games and I’ve noticed an increase [in attendance] at football games, but other sports are kind of stagnant. Kyle Taylor Pre-PT Sophomore
By advertising and enhancing the football program, then maybe there will be more funding to spread around to other sports. And if you can get people drawn in to one sport, they may get involved in others.
see E-MAILS | 15
The football program is doing really well, and it makes sense to advertise when things are going well. It could compete with other sports for fans, though, during football season.
Communication Will Be Key To JagRadio Success We've all seen popular television shows that glamorize college radio and the independence it typically garners. Local music and segments where listeners can call in and gripe about daily life and ask for advice are pretty typical of a college Cassie radio station. Fambro JagRadio has an opportunity to reach a wide variety of listeners and become a well-recognized part of the culture of South Alabama. There are going to be some hurdles, though, if it is going to last. Jag-TV is not well known - many of the new freshmen I've talked to aren't even aware of it. Jag-TV will make a comeback if they get a broadcast schedule out in The Vanguard each week. JagRadio could do the same. Advertising around campus and publishing segment schedules will foster attention, and people will be more likely to tune in. With the freedom that internet radio has and JagRadio not being regulated by the FCC, it's up to the leaders of JagRadio to keep things relatively classy and respect-
able. If they lace commentary with profanity or make the mistake of being politically one-sided, their retention of listeners will suffer. Founder Jason Cooper says they can play pre-recorded music, which can give local bands the opportunity to be discovered and advertise their concerts and events. Other than just bands, student organizations can use JagRadio as an advertising tool for fundraisers and speakers. However, I would caution JagRadio to not overwhelm listeners with advertisements, or people will drop JagRadio like Jag e-mail. Another thing to think about is safety. JagRadio can potentially be used to warn students about weather and traffic conditions. By forming an alliance with the Meteorology Department and the campus police, JagRadio can make themselves a crucial part of a student's morning. Radio dramas like the founders mentioned are going to be either a complete success or a complete failure. It will be imperative that they listen to student feedback about anything with long chunks of audio. It's one thing to be sitting in your dorm listening to different music and light commentary but quite another to willingly tune into a segment where you have to pay attention to keep up.
A school radio station can also promote a more unified campus. All too often we hear professors, administrators, and club leaders talk about student apathy. JagRadio could create a stronger bond between students. But the communication between media and students must go both ways. If students or faculty disapprove of things in these media outlets, they must let their voices be heard. How can anything ever change if no one says anything? The Vanguard has a place for comments on articles on its website usavanguard.com, you can comment on Jag-TV’s website at southalabama.edu/jagtv, and JagRadio has an e-mail set up with usouthradio@gmail. com. You can send your music MP3 (at around 196 kb/s) to that e-mail and founders are going to set up CD drop off in the future. It’s important to remember that JagRadio is in its infancy. The only way for this idea to grow is through listener and campus support. It can only be successful if the organization devotes their time to it and sets personal bias aside. The station should be about what the listeners want, and if they get what they want, they will come back. Good luck, JagRadio.
Robert Munger Chemical Eng. Sophomore
Nyeeti Walos Nursing Sophomore
South already had these sports before football, and so there are already fans there. I don’t see these sports as competing - it’s just that some people like volleyball or basketball, but not other sports. Carshaniqua Davison Premed Sophomore
Want a soapbox? Well, here you go! Just e-mail your campus thoughts, complaints, or ideas to usacampuspulse@gmail.com and be heard!
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September 13, 2010
POINT COUNTERPOINT A Withdrawal Of Troops, Whatever That Means
Editor’s Introduction: One of President Barack Obama’s campaign promises was a troop reduction in Iraq, which he ordered by August’s end. Careful not to claim victory in Iraq, the key phrase Obama used was, “By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end.” But war in the 21st century has a new face. We’ve come a long way from the fire-bombing of Dresden to a point where what it means to be
In Name Only
victorious is unclear. For that matter, the word “combat” has a new connotation that could involve anyone from uniformed soldiers to some kid with a rocket propelled grenade. With all these issues, a simple debate cannot be had here. Instead, we question what is behind the rhetoric, with two analyses of what’s really going on in Iraq.
Facing Reality
The media and Obama adminIt’s a public relations move, Within the last couple of weeks with fewer numbers and a differistration hailed Aug. 19, 2010, as and the U.S. media fell for it. there has been much ado concernent name. the end of the Iraq War, despite TV crews and reporters were ing our combat troops leaving Sitting at a Rasmussen Poll apthe fact that about 50,000 troops there to watch the 42 Stryker Iraq. President Barack Obama proval rate of 42 percent, one can remain in the country. Brigade leave Iraq on the 19th, has claimed success in meeting his understand how Obama would President Barack Obama had and they enthusiastically toed the deadline of Aug. 31. There are seek to find and point out positive been planning this since at least line in saying this was the end of however several difficulties surfacprogress for himself and his party. February of last year, when he combat operations in Iraq. We ing that place these claims and Unfortunately for him, conannounced: “By August 31, 2010, all love a heart-rending story, but milestones in question. nections are being made between our combat mission in Iraq will we also deserve the truth. Kenneth Pollack, in his Aug. these claims by Obama and Tory end.” Not only are 50,000 troops 22 opinion piece in the Washingthe infamous “Mission AccomMatthew This sounds like a president remaining in Iraq, but other ton Post points out that currently Albertson plished” statements by President Peterson fulfilling an anti-war campaign soldiers are coming there are still 50,000 Bush. promise, doesn’t it? We all want in to replace those American military For Bush, the “Mission Actroops out of Iraq, the war to be over and who left. personnel in Iraq. They are complished” signs and celebrations had a American troops to stop dying in the counFurther, 3,500 mercenaries also still regularly going into severe political rebound. While being caretry, but that’s not what this is. are scheduled to be deployed “harm’s way.” ful to avoid such extreme rhetoric, Obama This is not the end of an occupation -to Iraq to replace those reguThere are American pilots could nonetheless face a similar backlash. it’s a transformation of one. lar troops that just left. still flying combat missions, What is happening here is a promise If the combat is over, then what are Moreover, regular U.S. and our Special Forces are being kept on the surface; a promise that is 50,000 troops still doing there? troops are still being sent to engaging in anti-terrorist kept in name only and is little more than a At the height of the war, the U.S. had Iraq, like the 3rd Armored conflicts. political move. 144,000 troops deployed in Iraq, so 50,000 Cavalry Regiment, which Another interesting point is Façade is not the answer, rather acdoesn’t represent that much of a scale was deployed a week after the discrepancy between the knowledgement of reality is needed. Only down. the supposed end of combat official Iraqi Health Ministry by acknowledging the facts on the ground According to CNN, “the remaining operations. death toll for July and those can we come up with answers. itn.co.uk of the U.S. Military. Accordtroops would take on advisory roles in The U.S. military made no By this I do not mean an answer that training and equipping Iraqi forces, supsecret that they don’t believe President Barack Obama an- ing to the Guardian, those involves committees developing and mannouncing the end of combat op- respective numbers are 535 porting civilian operations in Iraq and con- this is a true withdrawal dating new regulations or plans. Instead, erations in Iraq. ducting targeted counterterrorism missions, -- Lt. Gen. Babakir Zebari (Iraqi) and 222 (U.S.). we need our leaders and our people doing which would include some combat.” recently said that Iraqi forces The numbers from the what is needed to get the job done. Essentially, then, they’ll be “advising” won’t be able to cope without Iraqi document when comIf however, we are presented half truths, Iraqi forces and essentially doing combat. U.S. help until 2020. bined with their published numbers from or façades that do not relate to reality, It’s basically rebranding the same troops as It would take a ridiculous amount of August (500) mark these last few months as then all efforts to fix the problem will be something besides “combat troops.” hairsplitting to suggest that the Iraq War some of the bloodiest since 2008. misguided and fraught with distrust and They’re now “counterinsurgency” is truly over. 50,000 rebranded combat Put all of this in the context of midterm confusion. troops, not “combat.” Why were they troops remain in country, and U.S. soldiers elections and the intensity of the political Semantics are not an answer and will called anything other than “counterinand mercenaries are still flowing into the climate, and Obama’s claims seem to hold not help with our situation in Iraq. We surgency” troops in the first place, as they country. It may very well be a step in the a very thin resemblance to the actual state need our leadership to be honest with us so have been essentially fighting an insurgency right direction, but the war is certainly not of affairs. The United States is still very that we can all face reality and get the job since 2003? over. much invested in a combat situation, albeit done.
Clearing the Air By Alex Whalen alexwhalen@gmail.com
Rogue Society You can tell it’s coming – some filthy, shuffly vagrant happens to catch your eye and starts heading your way. You’re already coming up with excuses for why you can’t give this guy a cigarette or some change. When people talk about the homeless problem, they talk about the lack of affordable housing or assistance programs. I’m talking about a different kind of homeless problem – the homeless themselves. I see the homeless topic as two distinct
areas: the causes of homelessness and their respective solutions, and the actual street level effects of homelessness and their possible solutions. There are already a plethora of groups out there addressing the former topic, but my focus is on the latter. Those who spend their days sleeping on the streets and walking around in a haze are more than just a minor inconvenience. I mean, it’s a nuisance when someone with a job and money asks to bum a cigarette, but what we’re talking about here is far more severe. For those who have simply resigned themselves to living on the streets, they have to find the things we pay for (e.g., food and entertainment) in their environment – and this is where things can get dangerous. It seems to be that it would be quite easy to go from a fairly harmless routine of digging through trashcans to stealing, vandalizing and robbing innocent people. After all, if you get caught, you get to go to jail where there’s a bed, a roof over your head and
three meals a day. And this is where my animosity stems from: those who have just given up on trying to better themselves have effectively taken themselves out of our society. For a society like ours to function, its wheels need to be moving and all the parts should be in working order. Yet the vagrants who wander the streets of Mobile and the rest of the world take whatever they can without having anything to offer. When you add cheap drugs to the mix, those that are desperate for a fix will commit some pretty heinous crimes just to score. This also means that these people aren’t eligible for many homeless programs, simply because they can’t stay clean long enough. Not only have many of the people taken themselves out of our society in an economic and legal sense, they also have little concern for social customs and courtesies. Take, for example, a guy who approached me last week. He had on dark glasses and a cane as if he were blind, but it just didn’t seem right to me. I thought maybe he was
faking, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and actually helped the guy out. A few hours later, I saw the same guy with his cane folded up, glasses off, and texting on his phone. I actually said something to him, but I can’t repeat even a snippet of that conversation here. Maybe I was just mad because his phone was nicer than mine. But it’s not a stretch to go from a blindman con to burglary or robbery when you live in a society with no real consequences. Jail time is a joke, and many who commit petty crimes are just sent back into the streets due to an already overcrowded jail system. The victims here are the members of our society, the people being harassed, threatened, or even attacked. And these people are being preyed upon by those of a different society who answer to a different set of maxims and consequences. I know it seems cruel, but unless you can act like a person, I’m simply not going to acknowledge you as such.
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E-Mails To write for The who do not want more e-mails are Vanguard, Contact ees spared from the daily influx. Even USA’s mass e-mail policy Editor-in-Chief states that the system should be “used to avoid unnecessary traffic Daniela Werner at sparingly on the e-mail system.” It is time that Ayers and his staff usavanguard.editor@ hold to that policy. Ayers said his staff takes a “liberal Gmail.com. policy because there’s such a diverfrom page 12
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sity of student interests and projects. If it’s a legitimate student project or function, then we forward it.” Whether their cause is legitimate or not, on-campus organizations and administration should be mindful of the amounts of e-mails they are sending out every day; eventually students will add the senders to their junk mail filter lists to stave off the influx of messages. When that happens, the whole point of a University e-mail system is spoiled. According to Ayers, one man’s spam is another man’s treasure. In our eyes, it is just another man’s spam.
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