September 20, 2010 by The Vanguard

Vanguard The

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 8

September 20, 2010

Jags Smash Nicholls State 39 - 21 Serving USA Since 1965

Rec Center Officially Open To read more about the Jags’ victory this past Saturday, turn to page 10.

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

CRIME

USA’S new Student Recreation Center officially opened Thursday, though students had already been using it for weeks. The University held a dedication ceremony and gave about 500 students free T-shirts commemorating the $116,000-square-foot addition to USA’s campus life.

USAPD: Campus Garbage Can Fire Could Be Arson

MONEY

Admin Anticipating Tighter Budget After Federal Stimulus Budget Money Runs Out

Dean Harrison

ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com

The University of South Alabama is tightening its belt in anticipation of the hit it will take once the $10.8 million in federal stimulus expires come the 20112012 fiscal year. The stimulus money is spread throughout the budget, according to Wayne Davis, vice president for Financial Affairs. The current stimulus started during fiscal 2010 and the next one will begin this October, the beginning of fiscal 2011. “It’s an important amount of money,” Davis said, adding that they have known about the loss for some time and have been planning on how to deal with it by implementing strategic cuts. For example, USA plans to close the Brookley Center, which includes lodging services, Middle Bay Café and education programs that the University had offered. The USA Foundation is

Inside

Police Blotter p. 2

Want to know what SGA is doing with your money?

The Student Government Association has set aside $20,000 more than last fall for student organizations during the appropriations process. See more on p. 4.

buying the property for $20 million, a decision the Board of Trustees approved Friday. “It was costing [USA] $800,000 or $900,000 a year,” Davis said. And while the University hasn’t made wholesale layoffs, salaries have not increased. Davis compared the tightening of the budget to managing one’s home money. “You got a little bit less to live on right now,” he said. “Thankfully, we’re big enough that we can keep strategic positions vacant if somebody leaves or retires.” Tightening the budget, however, will not absorb all the hits that will come from losing stimulus money, according to Happy Fulford, executive director for Governmental Relations. “We’ll do what we can, but we can’t continue with these cuts,” he said, pointing to a drop in the state appropriation numbers — without the Arts & Entertainment p. 6

Cameron Adkins

federal stimulus money — since fiscal 2008. According to Fulford, in fiscal 2008, USA state appropriation was about $138.17 million. In fiscal 2009 the number was about $108.45 million, and in fiscal 2010 it was about $97.86 million. According to Keith Ayers, director of Public Relations, the federal stimulus has been very helpful during this economic recession. “We’re trying to be very conservative with our money so we’ll be able to cope with the loss in stimulus money,” he said, adding that administration is waiting and hoping for the economy to turn around. Fulford said that the University cannot count on a second stimulus to plug the holes in the budget. “It’s too risky,” he said. Davis agreed, adding that he’s not banking on a second stimulus. Sports p. 10

To see shots from Saturday’s game, visit our gallery at usavanguard.com.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

A garbage can in the men’s bathroom on the bottom floor of the Life Sciences Building caught on fire twice Thursday morning in what appears to be an attempted arson, according to University police. “We have several reports of fires being started in the downstairs bathroom of the Life Sciences Building,” USAPD Lt. Keith West said. “The only damage done was to the contents of the trash can.” Two suspects have been identified using video surveillance footage from the building, but West was unable to provide details on the case because it is under investigation, he said. The fire was extinguished by a Geology student, Leland House, who walked into the restroom before the fire could spread past the garbage can. “I walked down to the bottom floor to smoke a cigarette, and then I smelled something burning. They cook food in that building so much I see FIRE | 2

Opinion p. 12

Why Go Pay to See Improv Comedy? Find out inside

USA Tennis Starts Strong on Fall Schedule

See Arts & Entertainment, page 6

See Sports, page 11

Distractions p. 14

Are Plastic Bags Really that Bad? 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, titled “Our View,” represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editorin-Chief, Managing Editor and Associate Editors. 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

9/10- Theft of Property, 3rd Degree An iPod was reported stolen from the Student Recreation Center at 5:07 p.m. The item was valued at $200.

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.

9/11- Criminal Mischief, 3rd Degree Criminal mischief was reported in the parking lot at The Grove at 3:39 p.m. Damages were estimated at $250.

USA Hospitals to Match 7 % Less on Contributions to New Retirement Plans Dean Harrison

ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com

University of South Alabama hospitals will match 7 percent less of their employees’ retirement plan contributions as a way to address the loss of the $10.8 million federal stimulus come the 2011-2012 fiscal year, according to Wayne Davis, vice president for Financial Affairs. “We’re at a competitive market, so we don’t get state funding for the hospital,” Davis said. USA administrators expect to save $3 million in the first year with the new 403b plan, which will be effective Oct. 1 and will replace the benefits offered under the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). Only new USA hospital employees will be under the new plan, according to Keith Ayers, director of Public Relations. “Nobody who’s currently employed will be required to change,” Ayers said. Under the current RSA plan, employees contribute 5 percent of their gross salary and then USA contributes 12 percent. Those who come in under the new plan will have the option to contribute 5 percent of their gross salary to their retirement.

from page 1

Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala. 36688

9/11- Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree A student reported that an unknown person vandalized his vehicle in the parking lot of the Sigma Chi fraternity house. Damages were estimated at $6,000.

9/10- Theft of Property, 3rd Degree Another iPhone was reported stolen from the Student Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m. The item was valued at $300.

Fire Web site: http://www.usavanguard.com

September 20, 2010

just figured someone burned popcorn or something,” House said. “I went into the bathroom before I walked outside, and I got covered in smoke as soon as I opened the second door.” After attempting to alert a janitor in the hallway about the fire, House went back into the bathroom and extinguished the flames with water from the sink, he said. According to House, the fire he extinguished took place after 10 a.m., and there was another fire in the same bathroom around 8 a.m. “The security cameras came in handy,” Dr. Jim Connors, assistant professor of Geology and Faculty Senate chairman, said. “From what I understand, they were able to find a person of interest and confront him about [the fire].”

The University would then match that contribution. “This plan and match rate is consistent with other hospital systems,” Ayers said. When asked if there was a possibility of a change in the pension plan for all USA employees, Davis said that the idea was not to change the whole University over to the new system because there are retirement laws that dictate that you must be under the retirement system of the state institution you work for. Davis added that when he and President Gordon Moulton met with RSA regarding the change in pension plans that they were very helpful because they understood USA was trying to deal with a difficult economy like other universities. “We went up there and said we have this problem with our hospitals – that we can compete on the income side, but not on the expense side because we have this incredibly big cost,” Davis said. He added that the meeting was a very good example of state institutions working together. “My hat’s off to them, because they could have said ‘No,’” Davis said.

Like to get your USA news on the Web? Friend The Vanguard on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: www.twitter. com/USAVanguard. You can also get our RSS feeds. Visit www. usavanguard.com, select “Options” and click on “RSS Subscribe.”

Jag Growl

What You’re Saying About “Soccer Preparing for Turnaround Season” by Sports Editor Matt Weaver “Early returns don’t look promising. We may have to turn around the turnaround. Hope the fans will come out and support the girls.” -Nurse Jag

What You’re (Still) Saying About “SGA Examining Mass E-mails” by Managing Editor Matthew Peterson “They do need to address the mass email problem (consolidation into one daily email seems to make the most sense), but to suggest that you should leave a school because of the amount of emails you get through your account is just plain stupid.” -SouthJag (comments taken from usavanguard.com)

September 20, 2010

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USA Dedicates New Student Rec Center Daniela Werner

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com

“For USA, this is a beautiful addition to the place we call home,” Student Government Association President Kimberly Proctor said at Thursday’s pep rally-like dedication of the newly built Student Recreation Center (SRC). “We are proud because this is just a glimpse into … the bright future at USA,” she said. That afternoon, President Gordon Moulton, along with Proctor, administration and staff, snipped a ribbon and dedicated the 116,000-square-foot facility in front of about 700 students, faculty and staff while the marching band played, and dancers and cheerleaders jumped and twirled. Having a state-of-the-art facility for students to relax and exercise in gives USA a leg up on the “competition for attracting the best students and faculty” to the University, Moulton told the crowd.

Numerous students, some clutching free Tshirts commemorating the dedication, filled the halls after the ceremony, along with faculty, staff and administration members who toured the facility and were talking among themselves. About 500 students took home free Tshirts, according to Keith Ayers, director of Public Relations. The SRC boasts numerous amenities including multi-purpose athletic courts, weight rooms with machines and free weights, a cardiovascular theater, indoor and outdoors swimming pools and spa, saunas, racquetball courts, multi-purpose rooms for various types of exercise classes and martial arts, rock-climbing wall, children’s play area, and a dining facility that will sell smoothies and snacks. Biomedical sciences sophomore Ross Arnold, who was working out at the SRC after the ceremony, said he enjoyed using the see DEDICATION | 8

At USA’s New Student Recreation Center, You Can:

• Scale the Rock Wall • Take a Dip in the Pool • Pump Some Iron

• Play Racquetball • Have a Smoothie • Hit the Basketball Court

Board of Trustees Approves Brookley Center Sale Daniela Werner

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com

USA’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the sale of the University’s Brookley campus to the USA Foundation at its meeting Friday. The $20-million deal, which has been on the table for months between the Foundation and University trustees, allows the Foundation to make five annual payments of $4 million to USA for the 300 acres at Brookley Field. Until the amount is paid in full, the University can do what it wants with the property. USA intends on funding the pediatric wing expansion at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital with this purchase. Stan Hammack, USA’s vice president of Health Systems, reported to trustees at the meeting that eight companies have pre-qualified as bidders on the expansion. USA announced in July that it would be closing the Brookley Center and the Gulf Pines Golf Course this December. USA has subsidized most of the Brookley campus facilities for public functions, but the campus has been bleeding red for too long, according to Wayne Davis, vice president of financial affairs. USA has been losing $800,000 to $900,000

a year on the facility, Davis said. “We can’t in good conscience go on losing money there and continue to have tuition increases,” Davis said. The University held off on selling the property in case Mobile’s Air Force tanker contract came through, Davis said. The property could have been sold to the company building the tankers for “a nice chunk of change,” Davis said. When the contract was delayed, USA lunged at the Foundation’s bid, according to Davis. “I think it has worked out as best as it can, considering the economic circumstances,” USA President Gordon Moulton said at Friday’s meeting. “The residual property value goes to USA the same as if we kept it.” “It’s a win-win for us,” he said. “Any funds [the Foundation] has have to be used to benefit USA.” Moulton called the bay front property a “magnificent facility and campus” and a “great future investment” for the University. The Foundation, which has more than $264 in total assets, operates to directly benefit USA but functions independently of it. Moulton Discusses Proration, This Year’s Budget see BROOKLEY | 8

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SGA Gives $20k More to Student Groups This Year Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The Student Government approved a budget of $208,700, including setting aside $120,000 in appropriations, in its Sept. 13 meeting. This marks an increase of more than $20,000 over last fall’s budget of $182,500. SGA Treasurer Baldwin Michael Baldwin attributes the increased budget to the fact that SGA didn’t spend as much money during the summer as last year and that he’s “more attuned” to the percentage of groups that will seek reimbursements. Baldwin said about half of the groups that SGA sets aside appropriations for actually turn in the paperwork to receive that money. Appropriations work on a reimbursement system, where a group must first spend the money then turn in receipts to SGA to get reimbursed for it. Part of the increase can also be credited to the elimination of printing the Lowdown, which accounted for about $22,000 of the SGA fall budget. Baldwin also said SGA may not spend all of its appropriations money, since fewer groups make requests in the fall. He said SGA did not spend all of its $120,000 appropriations allocation from last spring, either. In the Sept. 13 meeting, SGA approved $24,575 in appropriations to specific groups ranging from Alpha Epsilon Delta to the USA Wesley Foundation. Baldwin said most of the appropriations will come up next week, since many groups applying for money either filled

out paperwork wrong or will be subject to questions by the SGA Senate. The Senate will consider more requests in its Sept. 20 meeting. Five of the groups requesting money in the first meeting did not show up and were thus removed from the appropriation packet. To receive money, a group must have a representative present according to SGA bylaws. The groups that didn’t have a representative present were the Association of Computing Machinery, Campus Outreach, Communication Graduate Student Organization, National Speech Language and Hearing Association, and Society of Women Engineers. SGA once again used the new method of mass appropriations, which drastically cuts down on the time of the meeting. In years before, the Senate approved each group’s request one by one, but now it approves the ones they have no questions about in one motion, then talk about the ones that some Senators questioned. “It’s effective,” Baldwin said. “The Senate puts more thought into [appropriations] because they have meetings [outside of the normal Senate meetings] and talk about the requests.” The Sailing Club’s representative even praised the new practice at the meeting. Zack Martin, Sailing Club treasurer and junior Information Technology major, called the process “very speedy” and said he was thankful he didn’t have to sit in on a three-hour appropriations meeting. The Sept. 13 meeting lasted about 30 minutes. SGA didn’t allocate any money for Supplemental Travel Grant, which funds students to participate in conferences, because no one applied for it. Last year, four groups applied for the funding. “Student organizations are free to apply for a travel grant,” Baldwin said, “but I can’t make any guarantees” the SGA will have money left over for it.

www.usavanguard.com Go there.

September 20, 2010

News in Brief

U.S. Senate Candidate to Speak at USA

William Barnes, the Democratic candidate running for U.S. Senate, will hold a public forum at the University of South Alabama Main Library Auditorium at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, according to a USA press release. The event is free and open to the public. College of Medicine Partners with Ohio Clinic to Offer Internships The University of South Alabama College of Medicine recently partnered with the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Reproductive Medicine in Ohio to offer summer internships in reproductive medicine, according to a USA press release. The 8-week long summer internship course attracts top graduate and medical students nationwide. Completion of the internship can earn students six credits of independent research, transferable to any major college or university in the country. During this year, the internship has accepted 22 students from 12 different states and over 20 colleges and universities. According to the press release, the internship offers an opportunity for students interested in gaining research experience in human fertility and reproductive biology, as well as the opportunity to work with world-renowned scientists and researches. USA Launches 2010 United Way Campaign

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September 20, 2010

The University of South Alabama recently launched its 2010 United Way Campaign with a kick-off breakfast in the Mitchell Center, according to a USA press release. USA’s goal for 2010 is to raise $281,000 for the United Way of Southwest Alabama. This is a slight increase from last year’s pledge of $280,212. The United Way has been serving the community for 84 years, tackling issues by partnering with 58 agencies in Mobile, Clark and Washington counties, according to the press release. Approximately 700 companies and organizations run an employee-giving campaign to support more than $125,000 individuals each year. Notes from USA Board of Trustees Meeting At Friday’s University Board of Trustees meeting, the board voted to: -Name the street leading up to the football field house the Joseph E. Gottfried Drive after the University’s former athletic director. The decision was made based on Gottfried’s dedication to USA, according to the resolution. -Name Dr. Steven Stokes Chairman Pro Tem Emeritus of the board. President Gordon Moulton unveiled a portrait of Stokes dressed in his doctor’s white coat that will hang in the Board Room of the Administration Building. -Honored Dr. Robert Shearer as an “exceptional administrator,” according to the resolution. Shearer has served at USA as a business professor and as special assistant to the president. He is resigning and taking a job at a Florida community college.

Virginia College Advertises with The Wave, Students Ride Free Cameron Adkins

The Wave said they would greatly benefit them from the University arranging an advertising campaign similar to the one Virginia College’s advertising cam- Virginia College has made. paign with The Wave Transit System, “[Being able to ride The Wave for free] which allows students to ride the bus for would be great,” freshman biomedical free, could be duplicated by other uni- sciences major Renetta Vale said. versities in the area, according to Paula Vale, who said she rides The Wave alDicks, director of Marketing at The most every day, has opted to purchase a Wave office in Mobile. monthly pass for $20. “We sold wraps to Virginia College on The 31-day passes are $40 for anyone our buses, and in return their students who is not a Mobile City or County emcan ride the Wave for free,” Dicks said. ployee, disabled or a student. “We would be happy to sell ads to other Without a pass, fares are 75 cents with schools.” a student ID. The Wave curAccording to rently makes two The Wave Transit stops on the South System website, "[Being able to ride The Wave Alabama campus: in the bus wraps like for free] would be great." front of the Student the ones purchased Health Center and by Virginia Col-Renetta Vale next to the Health lege cost $1,100 Freshman, Biomedical Sciences for a 12-month Sciences Building. The University period. That cost does not have any does not include type of advertising campaigns similar to production and installation charges. that of Virginia College. As of print time Sunday, representa“This is really the first I’ve heard of tives of the Public Relations department [Virginia College’s arrangement],” Keith at Virginia College did not respond to Ayers, director of Public Relations, said. phone calls The Vanguard placed seek“Of course we have our own internal ing comment. transit system, but it’s definitely someFor a full map of The Wave’s bus thing I could check into.” routes visit http://thewavetransit.com/ With the current state of the economy images/systemmap.pdf. and the high costs that accompany higher education, some students who ride ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

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Arts & Entertainment

6 Improv Comedy Underground: Entertainment Worth Paying For

Daniela Werner / Editor-in-Chief

Improv Comedy Underground (ICU) performer Jonathan DePew catches performer Jennifer Platt as she feigns a chemically induced illness while they rehearse an improv comedy game typical of ICU shows. Daniela Werner

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com

Some may not appreciate the sharp wit and gutsy sense of humor required to successfully walk onto a stage in front of people you have never met before and make them think you are funny (with no rehearsed lines, mind you). Fortunately for Mobile, the performers of Improv Comedy Underground (better known as ICU) have the wit, humor and sheer audacity it takes to put on a solid show that leaves your sides aching with laughter. Face it. There is plenty of good comedy on TV that you can watch in the comfort of your own home. Why should you drive out and pay to see some random Mobilians traipsing across a stage? Because ICU is freaking hilarious. Their comedy is raw and intelligent, and if one of the performers misses a beat, the group recovers brilliantly. They tell ridiculous stories in refreshingly convincing accents. They do weird rolling movements that slightly resemble back flips that never leave the ground. They go all out. The group, which now has about 13 performers, first opened in 2002 at Spring Hill College with only three guys. Two of those three, Spring Hill College alumni Andrew Crider and Steven Castle, still perform with the ICU today. Since then, the group has added performers here and there through audition processes, according to Crider. ICU has just finished up two shows formats: In the first, “Survivor,” performers were eliminated one by one as audience members voted throughout the shows. The second, a sports-focused format, had the performers fighting for the title in teams. Castle said 2011 will bring a brand new format no one has seen come out of ICU before. People are picking up on the talent in ICU. At its last show in August at the Chickasaw Civic Theatre, about 125 people drove out to see the group perform. The group can be seen performing next in “classic ICU style” at Spring Hill College’s Arlene Mitchell Theater Oct. 8 at 8 p.m., Castle said. General admission will be $5. If you cannot make that show, no worries. These guys are slated to hit Mobile Theatre Guild in November, and this December they plan on heading back to the Arlene Mitchell Theater. Dates are tentative for those shows see ICU | 8

Cal Thomas A & E Editor

vanguardaande@gmail.com

September 20, 2010

Dauphin Street ArtWalk Draws a Crowd Cal Thomas

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR vanguardaande@gmail.com

The sidewalks of Dauphin Street murmur with the excitement of crowds picking through handmade crafts like crows. Galleries beckon in the heat with arms of cool air, and throngs part for mounted police like fish in a giant shoal, intoxicated by free wine and the sound of a jazz band bellowing from a nearby rooftop. This is the ArtWalk, part of a series that recurs the second Friday of every month. Started by the City of Mobile’s Community and Neighborhood Service organization in 2005, this event was started to help the community, individuals and businesses connect with one another. ArtWalk is an assembly of crafts, live music and art, in both fixed and temporary galleries The Mobile Arts Council has been a huge part of this since it began – this month hosting a multi-artist show for the ArtWalk that included urban fashion photography by DWest and mixed-media works by Skye, which integrated blue jean fabric and acrylic paints. But they are not only responsible for this event. The Arts Council has been in Mobile since it was founded in 1955 by the Junior League of Mobile, as a non-commercial gallery and as a contributing organizer for artistic endeavors downtown. “We work with local, emerging artists who are trying to establish a career. We provide first shows, we work with people who are taking a break from their established styles, we take student work,” Executive Director Bob Burnett said. “We try to give retrospectives to some artists who aren’t big enough to get into the Mobile Museum of Art.” They also help set up annual art awards that go to six individuals, business and organizations for significant achievement in the arts. Each year the award is created and presented by a different artist – this year’s was a small book, a combined effort from Wayne McNeil and Paul Moxon. The aim is to bring an artist into the public’s attention and assist in the artist’s pursuit of publicity. The Mobile Arts Council also does not restrict themselves to in-gallery visual art. They arrange a gathering called Engaging the Next Generation, for adults 21-40 that are looking to learn about volunteer opportunities with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and community life. “This is our fourth year collaborating with Strickland Youth Center,” Burnett said. “We work with kids on probation to experience the arts as another tool for developing positive life skills. We’ve seen this program grow exponentially – we have worked with groups of up to 18 kids at a time painting installation pieces.” “We’re not just involved in the visual arts, either,” Char-

Cal Thomas / A&E Editor

A crowd gathers in a hallway adorned with DWest's fashion photography at the Mobile Arts Council in downtown Mobile.

lie Smoke, assistant director, said. “That’s just the way it’s panned out. We’ve worked with national dance conferences, and have sponsored six ‘film scrambles’ where a team or individual has 48 hours to finish and submit a five minute film on DVD. We’ve had objects they’ve had to incorporate into the movies, lines they had to use, all sorts of prompts.” The Mobile Arts Council has also set up a veritable Craigslist for artists, where anyone can find and exchange information about available band or production mates, equipment and anything else they might need. “The aim here is simple,” Burnett concluded. “We need to make people understand that the arts are part of their lives whether they realize it or not. Find your muse – what makes life worthwhile? Do you read, paint, run, go outside and dance in the rain? We encourage people to find creative expression as a good thing. Everything is aesthetic, artistic choice – from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive. We are always using the arts to express ourselves.” Those interested in getting involved or just going for a visit can go to 318 Dauphin St or visit www.mobilearts.org.

Discover Mobile: Experience Rich History at Fort Conde, Museum of Mobile Timothy Borland

CONTRIBUTING WRITER trb903@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

If you have visited downtown Mobile, you may have noticed a distinctive historic site on 150 South Royal Street called Fort Conde that defended Mobile citizens for nearly 100 years. Constructed in 1723, the fort served to protect the French from Spanish and British attack, and was christened in honor of King Louis XIV’s brother. In 1763, the fort came into possession of England and was renamed Fort Charlotte in honor of King George III’s wife. In 1780, Spain ruled Mobile and called the battlement Fort Carlota. Finally, U.S. troops occupied the fort in 1813. The location was no idle token; the strategic position protected lands between the Mississippi River and the Atlantic colonies along the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers. U.S. Congress authorized sale of the fort in 1820, and much of the original building was destroyed to

make way for new city streets. The current Fort Conde opened on July 4, 1976 as part of Mobile’s U.S. bicentennial celebration and is restored to only a third of the 11-acre distance and 4/5 of the original height. If the full size fort were present, it would take up large sections of Church, Royal, Government, St. Emanuel and Theatre Streets in downtown Mobile. Adjacent to Fort Conde on 203 South Claiborne Street is the Phoenix Fire Museum, originally host to Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No.6. Inside visitors can view turn-of-the-century horse drawn steam engines and early motor vehicles belonging to the volunteer fire companies who began their organization in 1838. Both historic landmarks are open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., and admission is FREE. For more information, call 251-208-7569 or visit museumofmobile.com.

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September 20, 2010

Local Company Sponsors Indie Artists

Bits and Bytes Double Feature: Dark Heresy Redefines Role-Playing

A&E EDITOR vanguardaande@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER jmf311@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Cal Thomas

Anyone can pick up an album at a record store (or at WalMart) that was signed to a big-name label like Virgin. This music was (mass-)produced by artists who had the funding and publicity to push their music out there. However, not all of them are as good as their record sales would indicate they should be, and even more unfortunate is the fact that there are hundreds of fantastic unknown artists who can’t afford all of the bells and whistles. MudBrick Media, a small company in Mobile, has been working to change that. Their original program, the Cassiopeia Project, sought to enhance education in science and has been one of the top science iTunes downloads in the world – but after five years, they have decided to go in a decidedly different direction with their program “M2B.” Todd Hall, executive producer, and Jason Harsany, marketing director, explained that this new program focuses more on the arts aspect of Mobile. “We are really here for any scene supporting the musical arts … we don’t want this to be just artists playing music every week,” Hall said. MudBrick Media already produces the Java 5 Concert Series on UTV44 on Sundays at 9 p.m. that features more established artists. But M2B is a show giving airtime to local musicians who otherwise would not have gotten noticed. Generally, it presents an interview with the artist followed by music videos produced by MudBrick Media – and oftentimes a studio performance or discussion afterwards. “We find the show gives more of a local feel than just promoting arts and music in general,” said Harsany. “Artists come to us, we like what they’ve done … and we put together their first album, video, etc. at no cost to the artist. It’s a really unique situation that doesn’t happen much.” Many local bands have gotten exposure from M2B already – most notably the Port Wine Stain and Jimmy Lee – but Hall and Harsany are preparing for a fall launch of the show at the end of this month. “The local scene started in the 80’s and we didn’t really have the ability to support it then. But now we do,” Hall stated. “We want to help the city be a better place and draw more people in. There are exceptional people who don’t get seen because someone is out there deciding what’s good and what isn’t. We can’t help everyone but we do help those who can and want to help themselves.” “One of the most important things is to figure out how to get more college kids involved with stuff going on downtown. They need to realize how important the arts are in Mobile … if they won’t support it, we’re going to fail,” added Harsany. Two South students, Mark Terry and Chris Adkins, volunteer their time helping produce, edit, and rough-cut some of the shows. You can support both them and Mobile’s music scene by checking out M2B Saturday nights after Saturday Night Live on NBC at midnight or view archived shows at www.M2Btheshow.com.

Want to go to BayFest this year for FREE?

James Fulford

Dungeons and Dragons has long been the staple of roleplaying groups for a variety of reason, but most of them for fairly bad ones. While it is the most commonly known role playing game out there, and the most widely liked, it also suffers from the fact that it needs to be as generic as possible to please as many of its fans as possible. It makes sense, considering how old the intellectual property is, but it does get stale after a while. It is also, from personal experience, not a very friendly system for first time game masters. There are alternatives to D&D, of course, but many of them suffer similar problems to the old staple of RPG groups. However, there is an alternative, and it is relatively new. Dark Heresy, published by Fantasy Flight Games and licensed by Games Workshop, is a fresh look at roleplaying games in general. It does, at first, seem like a steep learning curve to jump into the game as a new player or game master. This is almost entirely due to the fact that the universe in which Dark Heresy takes place is extremely lethal. Combat is a dangerous affair, with armor and

cover being the best way to survive combat rounds. Worse than combat, though, is the equivalent of magic in the setting which can kill player characters easily if they simply have really bad luck. And, unlike D&D, the morality system in Dark Heresy is ambiguous and falls firmly in the grey and black scale. Why would one want to play such a game? This is where the rules system shines. Utterly simple and intuitive for a game master to understand, the rules set can be learned fairly swiftly. Using a percentile based system for judging success or failure, it also requires far fewer dice than a traditional RPG, and far less haggling over what bonuses someone should or should not receive. The game also does away with rewarding experience for simply killing monsters, and instead rewards it for completing tasks set by the game master in the story. The result is that you end up with a story driven campaign which rewards good player decisions rather than simply slaughtering a room full of goblins. Combined with the fact that the core rule book contains a pre-made setting and story, it becomes clear that the game is a good deal for its price. I highly recommend the game for both new and old players alike.

Bits and Bytes: Munchkin Cthulu Good Time Even For Non-Geeks Daniel Capley

CONTRIBUTING WRITER adc803@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Recently I was rummaging through my gaming collection, a somewhat daunting task considering how disorganized that region of my room is, and I came across my copy of a game called Munchkin Cthulhu. Now some of you, my dear readers, may be familiar with Munchkin as the RPG parody/tribute card game where you can “kill the monsters, steal the treasure, and stab your buddy” – Munchkin Cthulhu continues in this vein, but focuses its love on the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and the Call of Cthulhu RPG. The object of the game is to kill enough monsters to become the first player to reach level 10. Sounds easy, right? Well the monsters you’ll encounter are the least of your problems: the most dangerous challenge in the game will be your fellow players. The game feels very much like a sadistic version of ‘Screw Your Neighbor.’ Other players can lay curses on your character and boost the strength of monsters you fight. And of course they can also help you in fights or trade useful cards with you. With that being said, no one gets to level 10 by playing

nice. Munchkin is as much a battle of wills as anything else - you must carefully weigh the potential benefit of helping your fellow players or stabbing them when they’re down (or helping them and then back-stabbing them if you prefer), versus their ability to do exactly the same, and worse, to you. The rules of Munchkin are fairly simple to learn and can basically be summarized as do what the card says, unless the card says otherwise. The actual rules say this: “When the cards disagree with the rules, follow the cards. Any other disputes should be settled by loud arguments among the players, with the owner of the game having the last word.” Munchkin Cthulhu is an excellent game to play with your favorite geeky friends (admit it, you have some) and has the potential to be a good drinking game, even with non-geeks. Since I detest ratings which use such arbitrary units as stars to show a product’s worth, I give Munchkin Cthulhu four out of five turtles. My advice is for you to go to your favorite local gaming store (if you can find one in Mobile), or to the website: www.warehouse23.com and purchase a copy right away, because, well, the stars are right for you to “kill the monsters, steal the treasure, stab your buddy, and GO MAD!”

To apply, e-mail Cal Thomas at vanguardaande@gmail.com no later than Sept. 27. The Vanguard is looking for both writers and photographers.

The

Vanguard

Dedication

ICU

weight-lifting areas and cardio machines. Like at the old SRC, “the indoor track is great for when it’s raining,” he said. Dean of Students Michael Mitchell was among the crowd singing the new facility’s praises. “When I was in school, the now-old Rec Center was the new one,” said Mitchell, who earned his undergraduate degree at USA. “I feel dated when I see the vastness of what’s available here. “It’s like a resort on campus.” USA did not build the first SRC until 1992, according to SRC Director Dr. Philip Theodore, who oversaw that facility as well. “It gives students a positive place to go for a break from their studies,” Theodore said. “They’ll be energized.” Chemistry sophomore Ashley Gibson, who also worked at the old facility, said she sees more students using the new facility than the old one. Vice President of Student Affairs John Smith said the facility simply amazed him. “This is what campus life is all about,” he said.

right now, according to Castle. All proceeds from ICU’s December show will directly benefit Project Linus, a national non-profit organization with a Mobile chapter that uses volunteer “blanketeers” to make blankets and afghans for children in places like hospitals, shelters and social service agencies, according to the organization’s website. Interacting with the group between shows, which Castle said they try to schedule for every five weeks, is easy. ICU just finished up a Twitter trivia contest they called “twivia” where fans replied to ICU tweets that were trivia questions about the group. The winner, or the person with the most correct answers after 10 days of daily questions won an ICU T-shirt, Crider said. To find out show schedules, see pictures from past performances and read about the joyous characters performing with ICU these days, friend the group on Facebook or visit www.improvcomedyunderground.com.

from page 3

Brookley from page 3

Funds to keep USA’s operating budget from going into the red will have to come out of the University’s reserve, Moulton said after Friday’s meeting. Moulton said he expects USA to lose $2 million this year from proration for this fiscal year. The University will not lay off any employees because of the lack of money,

from page 6

though, he said. Even measures as drastic as employee layoffs would not save the operating budget from the effects of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley’s statewide cuts, according to Keith Ayers, director of Public Relations. “You would have to do something draconian” to save the operating budget without pulling from reserve funds, because the new fiscal year is two weeks away, Moulton said.

September 20, 2010

The

Vanguard

Sports

The

Vanguard

Matt Weaver Sports Editor jmatthewweaver@aol.com

September 20, 2010

The Players’ Unfamiliar Territory, Typical Results Lounge South Alabama Responds to First Deficit With 39-21 Victory

The Players’ Lounge is a semi-annual firsthand look at Jaguar athletics through the eyes of those who live it. This week features South Alabama men’s tennis student-assistant and Vanguard contributor Jade Culph. Jade can be reached at jwc902@jaguar1.usouthal.edu.

South Alabama tennis has just begun for the 2010-2011 season. Despite being some of the most prepared athletes on campus, it’s very important that each tennis player is mentally prepared for their role in the coming season. How is it that an athlete at this level can look so incredibly sharp one day and so lethargic the next? It’s my job as a coach to help find out why. Players tire mentally long before they do physically. Being an athlete is a tough road to haul. Homework and practice almost override game action. As a coach, my job sometimes becomes motivator and confidant more than coach. NCAA athletics is just a different animal than professional sports. There are just so many more distractions at the university level than there are at the professional or even prep level. It’s more of an emotional game than it is a physical one at this level. And a happier athlete is a more productive player. It’s no coincidence that a player’s drop in performance usually coincides with exam time or other important deadlines. The smallest distractions can make the most athletic Division 1 star into a shell of his former self. At this stage, it’s wise to pull the athlete aside for a few moments to just remind him of who he is. Tell him that hard work still equals results, even if the goals seem so far away. During the fall semester, we must work most on conditioning. Conditioning improves performance on both the court and in the classroom, often an overlooked concept. The fall is a chance for individual players to enter tournaments and try to obtain national rankings. With luck, a lot of this success could boil over to the spring semester where everything counts toward the University’s ranking and standing. With the heavy NCAA schedule under way, the student athletes will begin to practice less and play more. As a result, focus becomes just a bit easier to hold on to. That said, the days are still long and we have to preach rest, hydration and sleep. Homework generally has to be completed before tournaments and road trips. A coach’s style at the NCAA usually comes in three distinct brands: authoritarian, democratic or hands-off. At the end of the day, the most important thing is having the athlete primed and ready to perform at any given time. Helping him find a state of mind where he is fresh and focused is key. I’ll preach that the game still is and always will be about having fun Remembering that will always lead to success.

Jake Wasdin

SPORTS REPORTER jake-wasdin11@yahoo.com

The University of South Alabama football team found themselves in unfamiliar territory on Saturday afternoon as Nicholls State became the first team to hold a lead over the Jaguars. South Alabama responded by outscoring the Colonels 27-14 in the first half and defeating Nicholls 39-21 at Ladd Peebles Stadium. “It speaks to the character of our kids and our coaching staff with the way they coach them. We try to work on that in practice where they don’t feel pressure in games,” South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said. “I thought that was a great way to respond. Had we not responded like that and they scored another touchdown, then the ball starts to roll their way.” The Jags opened the game on offense, but Nicholls State held strong, forcing the Jaguars to punt. The Colonels wasted no time putting points on the scoreboard as Jesse Turner ran for a 32-yard touchdown. The Colonels tacked on the extra point making the score 7-0. South retaliated quickly as TJ Glover returned the kickoff 69 yards, receiving 15 additional yards for a horse collar penalty. Brandon Ross scored the Jag touchdown on a 1-yard run and the Jags would tie the game at 7-7 with the PAT. After a Colonels’ punt, USA switched quarterbacks as Brennan Sim went under center after a Myles Gibbon injury. After a USA punt, the Colonels threw a screen pass to Turner, who took it 95 yards for the score. After a successful PAT, Nicholls State regained the lead 14-7. At the start of the second quarter, the Jags countered with a touchdown pass of their own when Sim threw a 47-yard pass to Richard Ross. The

Colin McGee / Photo Editor Senior Defensive Back, Tim Harvey from Evanston, IL, intercepts a throw against Nicholls State during Saturday's game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

score stood at a stalemate, 14-14. “I felt real comfortable with this team, and I feel like the guys up front made it easy for me to go out and execute,” said Sim, who completed 10-of-12 attempts for career-high 185 yards. “I just prepare every game, whether I am first, second, or third string, like I am going to start. You have to be ready for anything. [Starting Quarterback Myles Gibbon] went down, and you have to be able to step in and make the plays we need. It’s easy when you have an offensive line that is playing hard all four quarters.” The Jags took over the rest of the first half as Santuan McGee and Kendall Houston added their own touchdowns,

putting the Jags up over the Colonels, 2714. McGee’s score would give South Alabama its first lead of the game. The Jags entered halftime nursing a 13-point lead. The Colonels received the ball to start the second half but failed to score and elected to punt the possession over. The Jags marched the ball down field but lost possession due to a fumble in the red zone. The Colonels converted the next possession when Andrew Wynn caught a 62-yard pass from LaQuinton Caston. The Colonels cut into the lead 27-21. The Jags scored on a 20-yard run by Houston, adding to their lead, 34-21 to see FOOTBALL | 11

Jags Take Show to the Road Against Edward Waters Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

www.greenascot.com

Freshman running back Kendall Houston hurdles the Nicholls State defense Saturday

South Alabama football will face perhaps its most challenging contest of the young season as they take to the road and the Wiregrass Football Classic on Saturday, Sept. 25 against Edward Waters (Fla.) College. The Jacksonville, Fla., school is mascotted by the Tigers and are in their ninth season after a 34-year hiatus prior to 2001. The NAIA D2 Tigers (0-3) are playing in their second Wiregrass Invitational after headlining the inaugural event in 2009. South Alabama is coming off its most impressive win in its short history, a 39-21 victory over nearby Nicholls State at Ladd Peebles Stadium on Sept. 19. “This is exciting for our kids,” South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said. “This is a new experience for a lot of our younger guys, and it will be a nice challenge to see how we respond to playing away from home.”

The Tigers are expected to be led by Brandon Turman, a sophomore and eldest of the quarterbacks on the roster. They are coached by Kevin Clark. “We’re excited to have this opportunity,” South Alabama quarterback Brennan Sim said. “Road trips and staying in hotels and eating on the road will be a new experience for a lot of the younger guys and it presents a nice change of pace from our previous schedule. “Those guys do a lot of different things and we’re going to try to be prepared for them on Saturday.” “More than a Football Game” has become the slogan of the Invitational after Larry Patrick of Dothan Leisure Services used the phrase to announce the 2009 Classic. The contest has been founded on sportsmanship, spirituality and then athletics, a flattering notion for South Alabama. Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m. Saturday in Dothan, Ala., at Rip Hewes Stadium.

The

Vanguard

September 20, 2010

USA Tennis

Sports Briefs

South Alabama Tennis Begins Fall Schedule

Jade Culph

SPORTS REPORTER jwc902@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

On Sept. 9, two members of the South Alabama men’s tennis program competed at the Thomasville Collegiate Invitational. The event, held on clay, was the first active competition experienced by any member of the South Alabama roster this fall. In doubles play, freshman Parker Allen and junior Dauw Kruger defeated the Florida State team of Jordan KellyHouston and Blake Davis 9-7. “The tournament as a whole was very good, especially from what I saw on the court,” South Alabama head coach Nick Brochu said. “It will help those two guys get ready for the rest of the fall season.” Looking composed from the outset, Kruger had his way on the clay, moving on the court and controlling the pace of play. “[Kruger] was in good shape and played some good tennis,” Brochu said. “He had a really good tournament but needed to be a little bit sharper as far as execution and shot selection is concerned.” Kruger also advanced to the quarterfinals in singles play and faced Luis Loeffler of Valdosta State. The latter advanced to the final round and Kruger was left out but ran his tournament record to 2-1 to start the fall season. Allen was defeated in his singles match by Owen Long of Florida State 6-4, 6-3.

www.usajaguars.com

Dauw Kruger, shown above, was one of the stars of the tennis team's kickoff games.

“Clay is not [Allen’s] best surface,” Brochu said. “He hadn’t played on the surface a lot so this weekend was a huge adjustment for him. “But after his matches we were able to see that we need to work on shot selection and the ability to finish off the opponent when you have a chance to break. In college when you don’t close the door when you have the chance, your opponent will come back.” Allen was unsettled early and points were hard to come by. But the freshman became more comfortable on clay and

The

Vanguard Sports Poll LAST WEEK:

Will The Saints Repeat As NFC Champions?

THIS WEEK:

Has NASCAR’s Chase for the Championship helped the sport?

* Yes * No Saints win the NFC easily. This is the first time they have real depth at every position including at quarterback, behind Drew Brees. They should win the NFC South hands down at a minimum. From there it’s a crap-shoot. -Roy Bush Jr., Vanguard Reader

Vote Now!

he acquitted himself very well as the tournament wore on. Kruger and Allen combined for the first time in their careers in the doubles competition and looked to show some cohesiveness and smarts. With Kruger being one of the more consistent returners in the doubles game throughout the Sunbelt Conference, it was a chance for Allen to find his feet with a doubles veteran and force some action at the net. South Alabama and Brochu saw the Thomasville Tournament as a chance to test the two as a pairing and early results were promising. “The tournament as a whole was very good, especially from what I saw on the court,” Brochu said. “It will help those two guys get ready for the rest of the fall season.” Allen has been diligent in preparing for the upcoming season but the coaching staff still sees room for improvement. “We definitely saw some things for Parker Allen to work on,” Brochu said. “He realized today that at this level, everyone is here to fight for every single point. It was a learning experience for him and hopefully tomorrow will be better.” Kruger’s consistent play in singles competition and Allen’s growth are great signs that the program is in good hands The pair will look to continue that form as the Jags return to the court on Sept. 24-26 at the Southern Intercollegiate in Athens, Ga.

Football from page 10

close out the third quarter. Into the fourth quarter, South remained strong and finished the same way. The Jags would put on a defensive clinic as they intercepted the ball and used the clock to manage the game’s outcome. Backed into the end zone, the Colonels attempted to punt but the Jaguars blocked the attempt resulting in a safety, which made the score 36-21. To close out the game, South Alabama tacked on a 28-yard field goal. South Alabama looks to remain unbeaten as they play their first-ever game away from Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m. Saturday in Dothan, Ala., when the Jaguars take on Edward Waters (Fla.) in the Wiregrass Football Classic.

This Week in Football: South Alabama Vs. Edward Waters Sept. 25, 2010 Rip Hewes Stadium Kickoff at 3 p.m.

Soccer Drops 2-1 Contest to Morehead State The University of South Alabama soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision against Morehead State Friday night in Morehead, Ky. Brandi Smith broke free past the defense to score an unassisted goal in the 16th minute to give the Jags a 1-0 lead. The Eagles (3-5) evened the score in the 51st minute when Giuleana Lopez scored unassisted. Erin Adams sealed the victory for MSU when she scored in the 84th minute. Cross Country Captures Trophy at Azalea City Classic The University of South Alabama hosted the Azalea City Cross Country Classic today as the Women’s team had the top three finishers in the women’s 5k The women’s team ended the meet in first place overall with a 32 total points. The team finished 17 points ahead of second place West Florida and 20 points ahead of third place Southeastern Louisiana. The men finished in second place overall with 37 total points, only five points behind first place West Florida. The South Alabama men’s team had four runners finish in the top 10 on their way to a second-place finish in the men’s 5k race. The Jags were led by Scott Lasiter who finished second with a time of 15:31.96. Matt Miller finished fourth with a time of 15:50.69, Saber Salah finished seventh with a time of 15:59.97 and Damien Lee finished ninth with a time of 16:02.32. Zac Brantley finshed with a time of 16:31.53 and came in 16th, and Mark Sullivan finished 17th with a time of 16:41.62. Rich Schmitz finished 28th with a time of 17:58.44. Volleyball Falls 3-2 to Charleston Southern The University of South Alabama volleyball team fought hard but dropped a heartbreaking five-set decision Saturday afternoon as the Jags fell 3-2 (25-21, 1225, 25-19, 21-25, 11-15) at the Springhill Suites Invitational held at Hanner Fieldhouse. The Jags were led offensively by Samia Salomao’s double-double performance – 13 kills and 15 digs. The double-double was the junior’s third of the tournament and seventh of the season. Jillian Jordan and Olivia Mohler also chipped in with 12 kills apiece – a new career-best for both players. Freshman libero Jenna Hassell continued her strong tournament play, recording her third 20-plus dig performance with a team-high 26 digs. -Wire Reports

Opinion

The

Vanguard

Alex Whalen Opinion Editor AlexWhalen@gmail.com

September 20, 2010

OUR VIEW

Rec Center a Timely Addition

his past Thursday, USA students, faculty and administration gathered for what felt more like a pep rally and less like a ceremony to dedicate the newly built Student Recreation Center at the corner of Old Shell Road and Stadium Drive. When we think about where the University has come from, we are pleased to say that we were able to witness this monumental project, which took several years to execute after its plans were finalized, become a state-of-the-art addition to campus life. The last time USA celebrated an addition of this magnitude to campus life was when the first Rec Center was completed in 1992. Our 116,000-square-foot Rec Center shames any gymnasium in Mobile and possibly the Gulf Coast. It is something anyone at USA can be proud of. There is something for almost anyone to do. Whether you want to challenge your friends to a sweaty game of racquetball or catch some rays by the outdoor pool, the options you have for breaking up the routine of a monotonous school day are numerous. We agree with President Gordon Moulton when he says that investing in a new Rec Center will give us a leg up on the competition for attracting the best possible students and faculty to the University. Its presence will help grow recruitment numbers, and we think it will help lower attrition rates in the

Tilting at Windmills By Matthew Peterson mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.

The Parrot Media Theorists bleat constantly about the media in a democracy standing up against distortions by those in power, being the vanguard against untruth and the blind boosterism of public relations spin doctors. Looking at the way the Mobile press covered USA's enrollment, though, makes me question just how much truth that statement holds. Every year, the USA Public Relations Department creates a circus in the local media with its enrollment announcement. Reporters try to get the scoop on the number, almost inevitably failing to do so, and then are spoon-fed the information in a press conference during the second week of the semester. The "skeptical" media then swallows the story, hook, line, and sinker. For the past few years, the Public Relations line has been "USA Enrollment

student body. Students will be motivated to exercise there, and a healthier student body means more focused, well-rounded academics and representatives of USA. Not only does it enhance the perks of earning a degree at USA for students, but it gives faculty and staff the chance to work out and relax not far from where they work every day. The opportunity for students, faculty and staff to interact with each other when they take exercise classes together or see each other in the halls further opens the lines of communication and increases recreational opportunities within the University community. That is invaluable, too. Student Government Association President Kimberly Proctor told The Vanguard she has been dreaming about the Rec Center’s opening since she was a senior in high school. Think of how many other students’ dreams this fulfills, too, particularly for students who are teaching classes and training other students in the Rec Center. This is part of their education, too. Thumbs up on this project, USA. The new Rec Center is officially one of the highlights at our University and a privilege to have on our campus.

Sets a Record!" Well, if one more person comes to USA than graduated the year before, then enrollment has "set a record." Essentially, it's not groundbreaking stuff and not really an angle that's anything other than PR nonsense. But, for the past two years, the Mobile Press-Register has dutifully printed that angle, celebrating that USA has "set a new record" each year a few more students come to USA. Last year, it added to the enrollment festivities by saying we should "strike up the band." What about looking behind the numbers, though? This year, for example, the press release about enrollment, otherwise known as the script for enrollment stories, boasted that "In addition to numbers, USA grew in academic quality as well," a line that has been used verbatim in these releases for the past four years. The releases then advertise the number of freshmen with good ACT scores (so it says "in addition to numbers," then gives more numbers. Not only is the line used over and over, then, but it doesn't make any sense.) This year, the freshman class included 141 students with ACT scores of 28 and above, 94 with 29 and above, and 64 with 30 and above. The problem? The numbers of freshmen with stellar ACT scores actually shrunk from last year, according to USA's own press release. From the 2009 press release: "The

entering freshman class included 149 students with ACT scores of 28 and above, 102 with 29 and above, and 71 with 30 and above." When I asked the author of the release why it said "USA grew in academic quality," the answer was the ACT scores, which actually went down. Even The Vanguard's own story didn't note this. It simply repeated the numbers. Granted, USA's freshman class this year actually has a better average ACT score than last, 22.9 compared to 22.1, but a vigilant, even awake, press should have caught this. Additionally, USA once again reported the numbers of students who graduated last year, but, for some reason, the number actually decreased from last year's release, 2,465 compared to 2,580. Maybe USA's higher enrollment has something to do with the fact that fewer students are graduating -- the difference accounts for 115 students, while USA's enrollment increased by 250. USA spokesman Keith Ayers pointed out that the graduation numbers fluctuate and are in no way directly proportional to enrollment, but, once again, the media should have caught this. Of course, USA enrollment is not nearly as important nor does it deserve as much scrutiny as something like the oil spill, which the Press-Register has done more than a good job with, but if it deserves to be reported, then it deserves to be investigated.

Parking issues are a common complaint amongst commuters to USA. We asked students how they feel about the parking situation this year, and whether it makes them late for class.

Jacob Manning Exercise Science Senior

Parking sucks. I have trouble every day trying to find a spot. I usually just part at the Mitchell Center, but that’s getting full too, so I have to park in the back. I’m late for class at least four times a month.

It’s pretty terrible -- I had to park in the woods today. I circled the lot four times before I just had to park somewhere. I’m usually late for class at least once a week because I can’t find a space. Kristen Thrash Management Junior

Sharon Irwin Elementary Ed. Junior

It’s awful. I park in the Central zone and my classes are across campus. I have to leave really early; if I’m late, just forget about it. The [Jag Trans] don’t count either; I’d never get to class on time using those.

There’s not enough parking. I park in the South lot; first I’ll try the computer science lot, but that’s usually full so I try the business lot, but now that’s full. It would be useful if they distributed classes more evenly throughout the day.

Roshan Patel Computer Sci. Senior

Want a soapbox? Well, here you go! Just e-mail your campus thoughts, complaints, or ideas to usacampuspulse@gmail.com and be heard!

The

Vanguard

September 20, 2010

POINT COUNTERPOINT Paper or Plastic?

Editor’s Introduction: A movement started a few years ago in San Francisco to ban plastic bags from large supermarkets. Instead, shoppers would use either paper bags or buy reusable shopping bags. The argument against plastic bags is visually and environmentally compelling. Looking at pristine landscapes marred by plastic bags scattered about, or poor little otters who mistook a plastic bag for

The Big Picture Environmentalists have been attempting for years to keep plastic bags out of retail, citing that the petroleum-based production of the bags is harmful to the environment and uses deplorable amounts of energy. Once produced, the bags clog landfills, pollute ecosystems, kill wildlife that mistake the bags for food, Laci and wear out their welcome Gagliano by taking WAY too long to completely decompose. The plastic industry may feel passionately about keeping business booming, but the glory years of plastic forms of containment may soon be coming to a halt. More and more, Americans are developing an awareness of what we have to show for all these years of using plastic bags. The Progressive Bag Alliance, a lobbyist portion of the plastic industry, makes several claims to thwart bag opposition. First and foremost, the industry paints itself as a leader in sustainability. They argue that rather than banning or charging for plastic bags, more emphasis should be placed on recycling and reusing them. They’re correct that many people reuse the bags for various household needs. Who doesn’t keep an entire drawer or bag holder full of them? Unfortunately, there are two glaring problems with the PBA’s argument. For one, despite claims of intentional durability, plastic bags are still just thin sheets of plastic and are only reusable for a short amount of time before they tear, become too dirty or wet from what they

Clearing the Air By Alex Whalen alexwhalen@gmail.com

Abortion: The Final Argument? The abortion debate is so overdone, but it’s one that needs to continue. Now, I’m certainly not going to waste your time by not bringing something new to the table. But first we need to clear the air and get at the core premises of the debate. The typical classification you see groups people as either Pro Life or Pro Choice, but I don’t like these classifications or what’s implied by the names of the classifications.

a tasty meal, it’s natural to feel like we need to do something. But planning plastic bags could have its own slew of negative consequences - from the economic to the merely pragmatic. While this issue is unlikely to face Alabama any time soon, it’s still one that’s well worth exploring.

Bigger Fish To Fry

were storing or carrying, or are used for The plastic shopping bag has Packaging and Films Associathe disposal of unsanitary materials. drawn a lot of criticism. The most tion showed that 0.05 percent of Inevitably, most plastic bags are persuasive arguments have to do landfills are made up of plastic eventually thrown away no matter how with aesthetics, and the problem bags, and that is with 17 percent many uses can be had from them, which has mostly to do with us, not the of the overall waste being made is what the entire issue boils down to. plastic bag. Here are a few points up of household waste. Of that Second, if the industry truly places for your consideration. 17 percent, plastic bags made up emphasis on recycling and reusing According to the London 0.2 percent. plastic bags, and acknowledges that Times, the data most commonly There is proof that plastic people generally save them for later use used to condemn the impact of bags are in the oceans and are since they often take purchases home in Tory plastic bags on the environment is causing deaths. Actual quana new plastic bag each time they shop, cited from a 1987 Canadian Study tifiable proof of the numbers Albertson on what grounds is there in Newfoundland. however, is not available, and an argument left for the This study found estimates are low at best. In comcontinuation of producthat between 1981 and parison to the overall amounts of waste ing and distributing them 1984 “more than 100,000 produced by humankind, it is a mere fracthrough stores? marine mammals, includ- tion threatening the environment. Wouldn’t that be a ing birds, were killed If we consider alternatives to plastic contradiction of said by discarded nets,” not bags, the most obvious choice is paper. It recycling and conservation plastic bags. turns out paper bags take approximately initiatives? What is clear, however, 300 percent more energy to produce than According to World is that human manufacdo plastic bags, as well as producing 70 Watch Institute, 4 to 5 tured waste is affecting percent more atmospheric pollutants. trillion bags are produced Earth’s ecosystems. AcThey take up more space and cost more annually, and Americans cording to The Greenists, to transport. discard 100 billion of there are 500 billion to As for long-term reusable bags, studSarah Wraight / Staff Photographer 1 trillion plastic bags those bags. This despite ies have shown they can become active the assertion that produc- Scenes like this one are a major moti- consumed annually and microbial habitats that can foster bacteers of plastic are doing vation behind legislation to ban plastic of those only 1 percent ria like yeast, mold and coliforms, even their part to help with bags. are recycled. Also, only 1 E. Coli. Compare that with a plastic, sustainability. to 3 percent make it into hygienically friendly bag. It has also been Instead of churning out the “litter stream.” Note found that 59 percent of people who have plastic bags by the trillions, perhaps efforts that the litter stream includes all forms reusable bags forget them and purchase should be made to use what’s already availand locations of litter, not just oceans or new ones at the store. able. waterways. The cost of waste management, and in By banning plastic bags from shopping To put that 1 to 3 percent in perspecparticular cleaning up the litter of plastic centers, not only would more people bring tive, consider that a plastic bag tax assessbags, is often cited. This is a problem with reusable bags along to carry purchases ment study done in the United Kingdom user habits, however, and not of plastic home, but the goals of the Progressive found that only 0.2 percent of average bags. It is lazy and apathetic people who Bag Alliance would also be realized, with household garbage is plastic bags. need fixing. see PICTURE | 15 Another study conducted by The see PERSPECTIVE | 15

So I’m going to propose two basic premises that better capture what we’re talking about. (PL): Unless the mother’s life is threatened, abortion is never morally permissible. (PC): There are situations outside of rape and danger to the mother in which abortions are morally permissible. Now, PL is extreme, but it’s also the official stance of the Catholic Church. There are a class of people who feel abortions are morally permissible in cases of rape or endangering the mother’s life, but let’s put this aside for now. Now, the PCers aren’t saying that abortion is a morally correct choice, or that all abortions are morally permissible. What’s really behind PC is the circumstances – people don’t want abortion to be used as an alternative to birth control. Consider two women, Sally and Sue, who have each had three abortions. Sally has been raped on three separate occasions while Sue just doesn’t like how condoms feel. Whatever your thoughts on the subject,

doesn’t it seem that Sue is more morally culpable here than Sally? We might wonder what on earth Sally is doing that she keeps getting raped, but again we’re concerned with the circumstances, not the abortion itself. PL doesn’t have that luxury. They are going to have to argue that all human life has some intrinsic worth while fending off claims that a fetus isn’t alive in any real sense (claims which, by the way, I disagree with). Now back to those who think that cases of rape and danger to the mother are the only times when abortion is morally permissible. If they’re accepting the PL claim, then it’s inconsistent for them to say that rape victims can have abortions. If all human life has an intrinsic worth, then so does the life that may result from a rape. Since this middle ground looks to be inconsistent, let’s just focus on PL and PC. For PL to work, there is going to have to be some serious work to defend the notion that every human life is inherently wor-

thy and has a right to live. Now, since you would want this position to become law, you’d have to argue it in the absence of any god – an even greater challenge. Bringing in the notion of a god to a legislative debate simply won’t cut it. Congress would essentially be passing a law that supports a particular religious doctrine, which is unconstitutional. To put it simply, PL is an awfully hard position for which to argue. It would also mean that victims of rape have no recourse should they get pregnant. The problem with PC is that it can lead to a slippery slope. If we’re going to allow a mother to abort because she doesn’t want to be pregnant, what’s to stop her from doing it again and again? Clearly, there’s a line where having an abortion is no longer morally permissible. I think we can stop this slippery slope, but I might not earn many fans with this idea. I suggest that everyone gets one mistake, but if a woman needs a second abortion, she see ABORTION | 15

Distractions

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September 20, 2010

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Caption Contest

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“This is thriller, thriller night, And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about strike...” -Stacee Dinkin Honorable Mention: “Everybody was Kung Fu fighting...” -Diana McSheffrey

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Perspective

actual, legitimate recycling of bags taking place. Perhaps if a ban were enacted, community plastic bag recycling drives could be held, and recycled bags in good condition could be distributed to local stores. Then, a person who lacks a reusable bag would still have access to a way to carry his or her purchase home. This is a much more reasonable alternative to fresh batches of bags arriving in stores, if shoppers still insist upon having access to some form of plastic bags. Sustainability involves seeing a bigger picture of the issue, and the bigger picture here is that plastic bags are no good for the well-being of the planet and its populations. With all of the more durable, reusable bags in the world, why should retailers still supply new plastic bags?

On a positive note, Plastics Myth Buster points out that 90 percent of consumers in the United States reuse their plastic bags for personal waste management. There has also been a 24 percent increase in the recycling of plastic bags and films. It seems that of the current issues facing our nation, states, and local communities, the banning of plastic bags is insignificant at best. Solutions are being discovered and progress is being made. We need to be patient and not lose site of the bigger picture of our lives, our country, and the world.

from page 13

Abortion from page 13

must agree to a tubal ligation (a vasectomy for women). It may seem harsh, but a woman who needs two abortions just isn’t in the best place to make proper decisions when it comes to safe sex. Then, if the woman decides she actually wants to get pregnant, she can pay to have a tubal reversal. Now with all this, there should also come a much more extensive counseling process before

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September 20, 2010

from page 13

any abortion. I’ve never had one, but from what I understand it’s an awful process – both physically and emotionally. Women preparing to make this huge decision should be as informed as possible before signing that consent form. My position certainly isn’t ideal. But it avoids the unsettling conclusions of PL, and it avoids the worry of having women simply using abortions as an alternative to contraceptives. And hopefully this is something that meshes with how many people intuitively feel about the subject.

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