September 6, 2010 by The Vanguard

Vanguard The

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 6

For a glimpse into the spirit and pageantry surrounding USA’s ﬁrst football game, turn to page 11.

Serving USA Since 1965

September 6, 2010

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS

56-0

Enrollment Up 250 Daniela Werner

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com

USA Jaguars Send Pikeville Bears Into Hibernation

To see photos and read about Saturday’s victory for the Jags at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, turn to page 10.

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

USA’s fall enrollment has hit a record high of 15,007 students, USA President Gordon Moulton announced at the Mitchell Center Aug. 31. The number marks a 250-student increase from last year’s enrollment. Overall, USA’s enrollment has increased nearly 30 percent in the last decade, according to a USA press release. “Our growth reflects the quality of our institution,” Moulton said at the University press conference. “There’s an element of interest on our campus that we didn’t have before.” When asked what he thinks caused enrollment numbers to grow past the 15,000 mark, Moulton said he believed that it is the quality of USA’s academic programs, especially ones that require certification (like Engineering, Nursing, Accounting and Medicine). These programs compete with other schools nationwide, Moulton said. Paired with the University’s “competitive tuition prices,” USA offers students a quality place in which they can earn their degrees, he said.

Daniela Werner / Editor-in-Chief

USA President Gordon Moulton announced Aug. 31 that this semester’s enrollment reached a record high of 15,007, which is 250 students more than last fall.

“The quality of our students attracts better quality faculty,” and vice versa, he said. Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services David Stearns said he also besee ENROLLMENT | 12

Old Shell Road Construction Seeing Its Share of Problems Cameron Adkins

ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The construction project for widening Old Shell Road between Hillcrest and Schillinger Roads is on schedule for a Dec. 30 completion date, according to Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory. “The students and the faculty or any of the other staff members that work at the University of South Alabama will tell you that it is long overdue, so I’m really happy to see it,” Gregory said. “[Alabama Department of Transportation has] done a good job. They have worked with the residents and the business owners out there to make it as easy as possible for them.”

Inside

Police Blotter p. 2

Correction:

An Aug. 23 News Brief reported that funds paying for the campus entrance portals currently being constructed on campus come from a $1.2 billion bond issued to USA in September 2008. The bond’s actual amount is $112 million.

The project plans to widen Old Shell Road and repave it. “It’s just an incredibly traveled corridor, so it needed to be widened. It was on the city’s and the county’s future plans for this project to be done,” Gregory said. ALDOT’s 9th division in Mobile has put Assistant Division Engineer of Construction Matt Ericksen in charge of the project. Several utility problems have arisen since the start of the project on April 20, 2009, such as fiber optic ducts falling into drainage routes and drainage redesigns to accommodate those issues, according to Ericksen. “Once we get through that we’ve got the see CONSTRUCTION | 5

Arts & Entertainment p. 6

Colin McGee / Photo Editor

The City of Mobile is repairing the deteriorated sections of Old Shell Road that frame the south edges of USA’s main campus. The repairs are scheduled to be completed Dec. 30.

Sports p. 12

Opinion p. 15

Jag Radio: Launch Date And Future Plans

Catch The Football Season Opener Highlights

See Arts & Entertainment, page 7

See Sports, page 10

Distractions p. 18

Sudafed: Medicine Or Menace? You Decide See Opinion, page 16

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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.

p lice bl tter 8/26- Burglary of Auto

9/2- Possession of Marijuana

A resident reported unlawful breaking

A non-student was arrested for second-

and entering to their vehicle at the

degree marijuana possession.

Grove. The damages were estimated at $250.

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 Copy Editor: Genny Roman Etc. Editor: Laura Beth Calcote Arts & Entertainment Editor: Cal Thomas Opinion Editor: Alex Whalen Sports Editor: Matt Weaver Photo Editor: Colin McGee Webmaster: Rodney Thompson DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Johnny Davis ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Manager: Wesley Jackson Advertising Representative: Regi Allen Advertising Representative: Daniel Fordemwalt Graphic Designer: Brittany Hawkins MANAGEMENT Adviser: Jim Aucoin Accounting: Kathy Brannan

Web site: http://www.usavanguard.com Mailing Address The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala. 36688 Phone Number (251) 460-6442 Article XIV, Section 8 of The Lowdown: The editors of the student publications shall be free from any type of censorship and shall be responsible for the form, content and staff of the publication. SPLC Statement: The Vanguard recognizes and afﬁrms the editorial independence and press freedom of all student-edited campus media. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently bear the responsibility for the decisions that they make.

9/3- Auto Theft A vehicle was stolen from the Grove

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.

September 6, 2010

8/26- Theft of Property, 2nd Degree

between 9/2 at midnight and 9/3 at 1:58

Several sheets of aluminum were

a.m. The vehicle was valued at $1,000.

reported stolen from the campus.

Q & A with USA Chief of Police Normand Gamache Q: Has the USAPD ever had the need for a K-9 unit? A: At this point we don’t have one. We have looked at it a couple of times. We have the availability both through the city of Mobile and Mobile County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce if we need it. We do use K-9’s down at the football stadiums for bomb-snifﬁng dogs just to insure the integrity of the security. There are some economic factors. Is there a need here? I don’t think so at this point in our development. Maybe as we continue to grow and at some point we reach 20,000, 30,000 or 40,000 students in 20 years, maybe the chief of police at that time may feel there is a need for it. I don’t think there is a need yet.

Ask Norm

Jag Growl What You’re Saying About “SGA Examining Mass E-mails” by Matthew Peterson

“Silly business. How long does it take to scan the subject of an email and decide you don’t need to read it? The time they take to do this could be better used on other projects.” – Nurse Jag “When the problem can easily be solved on the front end by Keith Ayers choosing not to pass along spam, it doesn’t make sense not to do it. The question isn’t how long does it take to scan emails, but whether or not the University has any right to send those unsolicited messages in the first place.” – Leroy S. Jenkins (comments taken from usavanguard.com)

Admin, Students Weigh in on Meal Plans Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Construction difficulties have delayed construction of the new Dining Hall, but the administration thinks The Market is doing well as a temporary replacement. “Based upon the crowds and responses I have heard from students, I am pleased with how things are going in The Market,” Dr. John Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, said. ARAMARK’s software shows that about 50 percent of meal plans are being used, but Smith said this number may not be accurate. “We know the actual participation rate is higher than [that] because ARAMARK let a lot of students eat that did not have their ID card with them and issues they had with the computer software,” Smith said. Adrianna Meniaci, a sophomore Computer and Information Sciences student, said she definitely does not use all of her meal plans under the mandatory on-campus freshman-sophomore meal plan, which provides 15 meals per week. “There are just too many,” she said. “We need more bonus bucks.” In addition to the 15 meals, Jag 15 also has $100 bonus bucks per semester, and it runs $1,350 per semester. On Sunday, Sept. 5 around lunchtime, The Market was occupied by about 10 diners, many of whom were on meal plans. USA enrolls 1,872 students in its meal plans, according to Smith. Students were also divided on the quality of food at The Market. “It’s improved, but it still should be a lot better,” Lea Thurman, a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major, said. Thurman, a USA volleyball player, elected for 15 meals per week. “It’s the same [as it was before],” Alexandra Meniaci, a sophomore secondary education in Math major, said. “They don’t do a good job

Vanguard Archives

Still undergoing construction, USA’s new Dining Hall was set to be completed this semester. Until it is finished, students will eat on campus at The Market.

of accommodating everyone with their meal choices.” Smith hopes that participation will be higher in the new Dining Hall, though. “I do believe when we make the move to the new dining hall, hopefully later this month, the participation rate will go up even more because of the convenience of the new facility by the residence halls,” he said. The administration is also working on allowing unused meals to be donated to other students, a program modeled after another university’s. “We are researching that and hope we can implement something similar later this semester or next semester,” Smith said.

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September 6, 2010

Proctor: Other Schools Avoid Mass E-mails Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Most schools like ours send out fewer campus-wide e-mails and have other ways to communicate with the students, according to research done by SGA President Kimberly Proctor and Student Center Director Robin Jones. “Other universities do not do this: Anyone cannot just send out a mass e-mail,” Proctor said. For example, the University of North Carolina in Charlotte requires that all mass e-mails be approved by the “appropriate administrative authority,” whether it be the department chairperson or dean. “Pretty much all [of our peer institutions] have restrictions of what can go out,” Jones said. Some of the schools have consolidated e-mails that go out daily, or a place on the website with information on events or other information. Some allow students to subscribe to things they wish to receive e-mails about. “The people who are looking at it want to,” Jones said. “It’s not unsolicited.” “Some schools rely on the organizations to promote their events outside of e-mails, while others have found that a one-a-day see E-MAILS | 5

The

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September 6, 2010

News in Brief

Bumps On South Drive to Be Leveled Soon

A plan has been put into place to level out the bumps along South Drive in front of Laidlaw Performing Arts Center where workers are constructing new entrance portals. The plan, however, will not be put into action until after construction of the South Drive Entrance Portal is complete. According to Dow Bark, project director of South Alabama Group, the issue is that the final layer of asphalt – known in the industry as wear-surface – has not been installed. “We want the final surface to be new when the South Drive project is finished,” Bark said. The project is under a $2.8 million contract. Each portal is structured to frame the road with a short duration of brick wall on each side with pavers and sidewalk work to create a more formal entrance. “Part of the master plan of the project is to give the University a more distinct presence,” Chris Willis, director of Facilities Management, said in an article The Vanguard published last June. The entrance portal at South Drive is expected to be completed first, followed by the Cornerstone project on the campus side of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard.

Write for The Vanguard!

Send Writing Samples to USAVanguard.Editor@gmail.com

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September 6, 2010

SGA Elects Committee Chairs

SGA selected its committee chairs for the upcoming year in its most recent meeting, Aug. 30. The chairs are nominated, then voted on the week following. The following senators were elected: Rules: Carly Hall (Education) Appropriations: Alan Sells (Education) Legal Affairs: Eric Beovich (Arts & Sciences) Government Affairs: Nina Wilson (Nursing) Student Affairs: Chris Jones (Business)

Alumnus’ Artwork to be Displayed in Library Local artist and alumnus Josh Ashley donated his “#10 (the Can-Can Girl)” sculpture to University of South Alabama Libraries, according to a USA press release. It will be displayed for viewing in the atrium on the first floor of the USA campus library. Other sculptures by Ashley will also be on display through Dec. 17. According to the news release, the exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. According to Richard Wood, dean of USA libraries, Ashley’s sculpture will be the first free-standing sculpture the USA main campus library ever had.

E-mails from page 3

email works,” Proctor said. “Our goal now must be to find the policy that works for our university. “We want something that fosters growth for organizations, not a policy that will hinder their initiative.” Most schools had official policies restricting mass e-mail on their websites, but USA also heavily restricts e-mails, if you go by their official policy on the website: “University of South Alabama employees may use the campus-wide e-mail system to communicate with other employees and/or students on matters of official University business,” according to the policy on the website. “These e-mails should be used sparingly to avoid unnecessary traffic on the e-mail system.” Public Relations Director Keith Ayers, who oversees the mass e-mail system, said he is open to SGA proposals to cut down on mass e-mails. “If the SGA came up with a system that reduces the number of e-mails and makes it easier for students to communicate, we are willing to embrace that,” Ayers said. He wants to make sure a new policy doesn’t restrict student communication, though. “Student-to-student communication is sacred, and I’d rather err on the side of letting it go through,” he said.

Shipp: No USA Faculty Signed on with BP so Far Dean Harrison

ASSOCIATE EDITOR millhaven1982@yahoo.com

University of South Alabama scientists were approached by BP PLC lawyers over the summer to assist in the oil company’s legal defense against spill litigation. According to Bob Shipp, chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, the lawyers initially claimed BP was interested in engaging with the department to help develop the best restoration program possible. But when they laid out their terms to the lawyers that all results of the research performed on behalf of BP were to be made transparent and available to the scientific community, Shipp realized that they probably wouldn’t be hearing back from BP. “We told them we would not sign anything where our data would be confidential or proprietary,” Shipp said. Other university scientists along the Gulf Coast had signed onto BP’s legal defense team. When asked if BP was continuing to approach USA scientists for assistance Shipp responded, “Not any of ours that we know of.” The Vanguard asked BP Spokesman Ray

Construction from page 1

rest of the project that should proceed pretty smooth,” Ericksen said. Since the project began many areas of

Melick the same question. Melick said that he didn’t know where that currently stood or if a roster was being kept, but added he would check and get back with an answer. As of this past Saturday, The Vanguard had yet to receive the requested information from the spokesman. However, six weeks to a few months after the meeting with USA, BP provided the state of Alabama $5 million that went through the governor to the Dauphin Island Marine Science Lab where USA students and faculty are in residence, according to Shipp. “There were no strings attached to that,” he said. “In that sense, they did what they should have done. That’s the way the science should be supported.” The Marine Science Lab recently sent out requests for proposals to every college and university in Alabama, according to Shipp. Scientists from those institutions were invited to submit requests for funding, which would be “peer-reviewed” by the Hart Institution—an independent scientific group—in Galveston. To be continued in an upcoming edition of The Vanguard. Old Shell Road and intersecting roads have been closed for some period of time. “Trying to accommodate the business owners and residential folks along Old Shell Road was something that we tried to do as best we could,” Gregory said.

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Arts & Entertainment

Cal Thomas A & E Editor

vanguardaande@gmail.com

September 6, 2010

Discover Mobile: The Too Far from Amsterdam: Local Spirit Museum of Mobile Cal Thomas

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR vanguardaande@gmail.com

Timothy Borland

CONTRIBUTING WRITER trb903@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

www.wikipedia.org

Mobile's "Old City Hall" still stands at 111 South Royal St.

Mobile was formed in 1702 as the capital of French colonial Louisiana and was formerly inhabited by native Mobilian Indians as well as French, British and Spanish settlers. The Museum of Mobile is a worthy introduction to the rich cultural heritage that makes up Mobile’s unique history. The Museum of Mobile located on 111 South Royal Street is home to a vast collection of artifacts chronicling more than 300 years of Mobile. Admission to all exhibits for students is only $3, and the museum is open 9a.m.5p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 9a.m.-1p.m. on Sunday. The building is referred to as “Old City Hall” due to its original purpose when constructed in 1857. Years later, the building was renovated and now houses the permanent exhibits Old Ways New Ways exploring Mobile’s history of colonialism to present times, and Walls and Halls displaying several pieces of antique furniture and silverware. The museum also features outstanding rotating exhibits, such as George Washington Carver and his contributions to science and society. The exhibit dispelled the demeaning myth that Carver invented peanut butter. Rather, Carver was the first black student and teacher at Iowa State receiving an honorary Doctorate. He later became professor at Alabama’s own Tuskegee Institute. Carver solved the energy crisis in 1942 with a biofriendly automobile run on soybean oil. Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois, Henry Ford and Mohandas Gandhi all sought the advice of this great scientist. Indeed, Carver said, “You would think all I knew about was peanuts and sweet potatoes.” Continuing a proud celebration of U.S. heritage is Exposures and Reflections, an exhibition opening Sept. 2 featuring photography by Mississippi native Eudora Welty. This collection of memorable pictures was taken during the Great Depression displaying people from all economic and social backgrounds. Welty is also credited as being one of the South’s great twentieth century writers. Many of her short stories, such as “Why I Live at PO”, were inspired by her photography, causing her to view both art forms as “parallel activities” which dovetail in creative ways. This exhibit gains greater meaning when viewed from the lens of the current U.S. recession. Discover more history at museumofmobile.com.

Want to Try Starcraft II for Yourself ? Subscribe to The Vanguard online by sending an e-mail to mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu to be entered into a chance to win a guest pass, which gives seven free hours of gameplay. Include “Starcraft” in the subject line.

At one point in time, everybody wanted to be a rock star. Admit it. Dancing around in your underwear and playing that one awesome Hendrix riff on the air guitar (which you’ve been practicing for months, dude!), imagining the way your name will look written in neon. Well, a group of kids from Daphne High School managed to do just that – played air guitar and imagined the way their name looked in neon. Ben White, Arie VandeWaa and Mark Parrish formed a band in 2003 while sitting at the same table in a history class – Ben on bass, and Mark and Arie on guitar. They worked together “writing music and screwing around” for a few years until they got themselves together and became Too Far From Amsterdam (TFFA), a band that many may have heard playing around Mobile. TFFA is an energetic alternative foursome with strong neo-grunge tinges – a fantastically diverse performance that appeals to a broad audience. Ben, Arie and newfound drummer Cameron Alidor sat down with us to talk about music, being in a band and how much alcohol they can consume in one show. We were a bit curious about how they had gotten to where they are now. “We’re constantly using social networking to our advantage. Facebook is the biggest tool to get people out to the shows. Don’t be afraid to be a whore! Twitter is for hipsters. We’re not cool enough to be hipsters OR tweet,” Arie said. But they were cool enough to give some advice to those who want to be in a band. “When you’re onstage, just have fun. If you take yourself way too seriously it’s a chore,” Cameron said. “Our sets are fun to put together … we want variety in our set list. We don’t want to kill our own sound,” Arie added. “We also don’t want people coming in and expecting church-style music. Separation of church and rock, and church and TFFA!” “Most of our songs are about killing each other, anyway,” Ben laughed. “A lot are violent about each other and it’s OK! We’ve made peace with that,” Arie nodded. “When we started we played house parties and talent shows. Once we hit a legit age we did a Crestview Battle of the Bands, booked the Music Box with a few other bands, learned how to operate like a band, send e-mails, press kits, etc,” said Ben. “Yeah. But we really started playing a bunch of gigs and

www.myspace.com/toofarfromamsterdam

Too Far From Amsterdam, a local band that has a few USA students in the mix, is playing the Blind Mule Oct. 2.

taking ourselves seriously when Cameron joined the band,” Arie said. “We found him through recommendations – he came in and sat down and had actually listened to the album, said, ‘Hey let’s play this song,’ and played it better than we did.” Their advice for people already in bands? Persistence and flexibility. “And don’t start a band with someone you don’t even remotely like. That’s demanding you basically break up the band. And don’t have a band with more than four people – we know a ska band with nine members and the singer doesn’t even come to the Mobile gigs for some reason,” Ben commented.

see AMSTERDAM | 12

Starcraft II Lives Up to Original Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

As one of the most anticipated sequels to the most popular real-time strategy game in history, Starcraft II had a lot of room to screw up. Fortunately, though, it lived up to the hype. A host of new units, sharper graphics, and the same enthralling real-time action -- Starcraft II delivers it all and is well worth the $60 price tag. For those new to Starcraft, it follows three species in deep space -- the Zerg, the Protoss, and the Terrans (humans), each of which is exquisitely balanced to be completely equal to the others yet different strategically. Each race has answers to the strategies from the other two. It's a real-time strategy game, which basically means that you control units in real time as opposed to turn-based strategy. Now, on to the meat of the game. Even if no new gameplay were added, Starcraft II would still be worth the price simply because of the graphics -now you can actually see enough details on buildings and units to really understand them, a huge improvement from the 1998 version.

www.slickeel.wordpress.com

Starcraft II even updated its marines to be less unbearable looking. Try the game out for free: Look in the gray box on the left.

The gameplay, though, seals the deal. Though each race has the same number of units as the original, many have been re-engineered, equipped with fancy new abilities, or just simply replaced. The diversity of the units makes you feel like it offers so much more with new colossal units for each race along see STARCRAFT | 12

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September 6, 2010

Jag Radio Preparing for October Launch

Cal Thomas

A&E EDITOR vanguardaande@gmail.com

Joshua Hydock and Jason Cooper have stepped things up in anticipation for the Oct. 1 launch of Jag Radio. They, along with professor Matt Logan, revealed the current plans for the radio station at a Sept. 2 meeting. “This is an organization, not a club,” said founder Jason Cooper. “We may have future funding. We have to go to SGA meetings to get appropriations and get the word out more – list it on the website with the other organizations.” Because the student-created content is being broadcast on the Internet rather than an actual radio station, it is not FCC regulated and will run for a few hours a day until enough interest is garnered to make it 24 hours. “It’s all online,” Hydock said. “This is your station. Whatever you want to do, you can do, but we’re still representative of the school so you’ll want to watch what you say. If they don’t like it, they can kill it.” “And plan that somebody will always be listening,” said Logan. “When this thing first hits, especially, everyone will be listening to it – just to see what it is.”

B.o.B. on Life Before His Success, Fame

Courtesy of James Mwengi

Jamal Q, B.o.B. and Tinashe Nyatanga on set in B.o.B.'s green room. Tinashe Nyatanga

CONTRIBUTING WRITER tbn601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Cal Thomas / A&E Editor

A look at the sound board in one of the University Commons radio booths.

What “this thing” is, according to Cooper and Hydock, is an “audio playground.” They will be operating with blockscheduled programming, each block a show about an hour long, broadcasting a wide variety of entertainment. “We can do pre-recorded music,” affirmed Cooper. “We have licenses with BMI and ASCAP, which covers pretty much anything you’d want to play. If you want to play a song, just make sure it’s on the list – and write it down. BMI can come back and check to see what we’ve played.” Jag Radio is seeking to air a much larger range of local artists than any other station. “92 ZEW tries, but there’s just not enough local music,” Logan said. They eventually want to be able to stream live content and take on-air calls. Until then, Jag Radio is working with prerecorded blocks; they have already recorded several episodes of a futuristic radio drama called “2000 ½” and vocalized wanting others to write/voice pieces for them as well. “Just because you don’t want to be a DJ and have a DJ show doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything,” Hydock stated. “We’re going to have a show where local authors can come on and read some of their poetry or novel … It’s really just whatever you guys want to do.” “And if you’re putting something together, don’t date the program,” Logan said. “We will be banking these and playing them for up to two weeks. Shows will have news features with priorities for dates. Don’t let the same dated announcement play over and over again.” As of right now Jag Radio has no set schedule – but once shows are compiled, they’ll be able to gauge the response and arrange the schedule accordingly. They will be collaborating with other student clubs and organizations, making commercials and shows with those who work with them – maybe even one day a Vanguard news program. For those interested in submitting content, send the polished .Mp3 (at around 196 kb/s) to usouthradio@gmail. com or contact Jason Cooper or Joshua Hydock about a CD drop-off.

A lot of you may not be familiar with the name “B.o.B,” but you may have heard his song “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams from Paramore on the radio. It is one of four songs currently getting heavy airplay across the world from his debut album “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.” B.o.B, 21-year-old Winston-Salem, N.C., native, is now enjoying global success, but he started out freestyling on the open mic circuit trying to make a name for himself. It wasn’t always glamour and luxuries for him, though. “I remember getting booed off stage,” he said. This was before the record contract when he still was trying to make a name for himself. “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray is really telling my life story,” he said. If you listen to the album you can pinpoint the songs that really talk about his life and the different stages he has gone through. “It’s a read along sing along brochure,” he said and burst into laughter. He got signed after a performance at T.I.’s night club. “Since then,” he said, “it’s been a living dream.” To reach where he is at, he had to overcome adversities. A lot of upcoming artists have ideas of how they want to be perceived but tend to not follow through on their principles. “As an artist what you have to overcome is the voice that tells you ‘I can’t do that. I may not be cool if I do that.’” It resembles what we heard from Trey Songz when we interviewed him a few weeks prior. “Music should always be authentic,” Songz said. He was attributing it to the fact that in the industry there is now a fast-food machine type of output in music, and that the music is starting to lose the originality. Both Songz and B.o.B are attaining high degrees of fame, but they are humble in every way. “The more success I attain the more humbling it is,” Songz said. An artist’s image is built around what they sing and how they portray themselves in public. If they want to come off hard as a gangster or as a mellow singer, it is all in their music. “Words have power, so whatever you charge your lyrics with, that’s what’s gonna come back to you,” B.o.B said. One wonders how an artist gets an idea for a song and turns it into a reality. Different musicians have their own techniques, but we can concur that a lyric is not complete without a beat. B.o.B said, “Its like clay. You start out with something. It may be mumbling then you turn that mumble into words.” If you listen to the album you can tell that B.o.B is not afraid to experiment with sound. No two songs sound similar on the album. “Ghost in the Machine,” “Magic” and “The Kids” are songs that really compliment his diversity of styles, and they do not disappoint. If you have not bought “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray” yet, I suggest you put the paper down and head on over to iTunes. Also, don’t miss him when he performs at the MTV VMA’s on Sept. 12.

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September 6, 2010

Sports

Matt Weaver Sports Editor jmatthewweaver@aol.com

The

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September 6, 2010

Curry’s Corner

Football: The New National Pastime Jayson Curry

SPORTS COLUMNIST jayson-curry@hotmail.com

How did we get here? It seems that every year, the national pastime becomes less baseball and more football. Long gone are the days where families gather around television and radio to listen to artists like Vin Scully carefully craft play-by-play to a national audience. Since the end of baseball’s steroidinduced home run era, fans have flocked away from that game and to another. Football is king now, especially the college variant. With television numbers slumping and live crowds dwindling, Major League Baseball only has to look toward fall to see where people are going. College football has become an incomegenerating monster. Adults and children alike each pay for media memberships just to keep tabs on the latest teenage prodigy. Scout and Rivals.com alone are proof that people choose to spend their cash on the college gridiron. Local radio is flooded with calls from ‘John’ and ‘Chris’ praising the virtues of their regional school over all others, while hounding for insider information and news. With ESPN College Gameday, sleeping in on Saturdays is a thing of the past. Husbands and fathers everywhere are forced to give up NFL Sundays in lieu of college football. It’s one or the other, she says. So again, how could we have possibly arrived here? We’re living in the fast food era of entertainment as society wants their action in the moment. Baseball is America’s pastime but for many is equivalent to watching paint dry. The typical national game of the week now lasts over three hours and typically ends as a 3-1 pitcher’s duel. What excitement can be drawn from that? Especially living in an age where SEC football is in our backyards and is the highlight of over 100 fast-paced game of the week matchups. College football is everything modern society requires. It’s bigger, faster, stronger and more popular than any other entertainment medium in North America today. It’s Hollywood scripts playing out within the theater of our homes with actors paid only by their love of the game. Much like the equally hip mixed martial arts fad, college football is powerful, violent, disciplined and young. But last and most important, college football gives people a sense of tradition, belonging and family. The basic values that every man, woman, and child lives for. And the ruler of this society? None other than King College Football himself.

Basketball Set for 2010 Jake Wasdin

SPORTS REPORTER jake_wasdin11@yahoo.com

This season, South Alabama looks to play itself into the NCAA Tournament, but standing in its way is one of the more demanding schedules of recent school history. The schedule includes Louisville, Alabama and LSU as well as the competitive Sun Belt Conference. “We try to schedule the best season that we can every year to prepare us for the conference,” head coach Ronnie Arrow said. “Last year we defeated two SEC schools in Arkansas and Florida and the latter was ranked No. 18 in the country. “I hope this says that we can compete with anyone. Not only did we beat Florida, we beat them at their place. [Florida head coach] Billy Donovan is one the top coaches in the country and it was a major feather in our cap.” If the Jags are to compete in 2010, they must be healthier than they were last season. “Our main weakness will be injury,” Arrow said. “Last year we had some injuries that really hurt our run at the NCAA tournament after beating Florida. Arrow added the he expects leadership out of his players and believes his team capable of making a run at the Sun Belt Championship. Arrow also found himself in the middle of a mini-controversy this summer with the NBA and New York Knicks. During the offseason, former Knicks head coach and current Florida International headman took the job as the Knicks consultant while still coaching at FIU. The NCAA allowed the hiring to take place and the move would have become of-

Life Magazine

Ronnie Arrow’s (above) Jaguars expect to make a comeback this year.

ficial if not for the NBA’s disapproval. When asked his thoughts by the New York Times, Arrow said, “ I just can’t believe that the NCAA would OK him to be able to have dual roles, or dual positions, that I think would help one in recruiting,” The story received national attention and Arrow was thrust into the spotlight. The pressure or criticism from the New York media hasn’t changed Arrow’s opinions at all. “I was just surprised that the NCAA didn’t come in and say that it was a conflict of interest,” Arrow said. “It took David Sterns, the NBA commissioner, to come in and say it. It would have given him a really unfair recruiting advantage and the NCAA should have beat the NBA to the punch.”

The

Vanguard Sports Poll LAST WEEK:

THIS WEEK:

Will You Travel to Tuscaloosa

Will USA Football Defeat

for the USA/UA Basketball Game

Nicholls State?

* Yes * No

I’m going to be there! Do you think they’ll let me bring my vuvuzela? -Jon Garcia, USA graduate

Vote Now!

Sports Briefs Volleyball Sweeps Alabama State 3-0 at Jaguar Classic The University of South Alabama volleyball team swept Alabama State 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-11) on Saturday morning at the Jaguar Classic held at Jag Gym. “Yesterday, we talked about the fact that not coming prepared to play against a team is unacceptable,” South Alabama head coach Nicole Keshock said. “No matter who we are playing, we always have to be prepared to put forth our best effort. I was proud of the fact that with the short turnaround and recovery time, that our players came out ready to play today. With the win, USA improves to 2-5 on the season and will next compete at the Nicholls Invitational on Sept. 10-11 in Thibodaux, La. The Hornets fall to 1-3 on the year with the loss. Track and Field Opens Season at Southern Miss Invitational The University of South Alabama men’s cross country team had the top four finishers at the Southern Mississippi Invitational Friday to open the 2010 season by finishing first overall in the meet run at Tatum Park, while the women came in second place. The Lady Jags recorded 41 points to trail host Southern Miss by 17 points, with a pair of runners — Dani Sullivan and Jessie Mackie — finishing in the top five. Sullivan was second with a time of 19:07.35, while Mackie posted a 19:43.63 time to come in fifth. Soccer Falls to Austin Peay State at Trojan Invitational The University of South Alabama soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Austin Peay State Friday afternoon at the Trojan Soccer Complex in the opening match of the Trojan Classic. APSU midfielder Tatiana Ariza scored the unassisted game-winning goal in the 44th minute. South Alabama freshman goalkeeper Melissa Drish recorded a game-high 10 saves in the contest. Linsey Snavely led the Jags with three shots, including one on goal, and Kasey Crowe, Kristin Sutton and Brandi Smith added two shots each. “Overall it was a pretty even match,” said Jaguar head coach Mike Varga. “We gave up a goal with one second left in the first half. I give the girls a lot of credit for staying focused in the second half and coming back and fighting hard until the end of the match.” The Lady Govs (5-0-0) finished with 11 shots on goal, while USA (1-3-0) ended the match with four. -Wire Reports

The

Vanguard

September 6, 2010

Jaguars Upend Pikeville (Ky.) Bears 56 - 0 New Season, New Feel

Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

22,736

That’s the number of fans who attended USA’s first game this year

In what proved to be the most comfortable day of the year, South Alabama football defeated Pikeville College 56-0. While blowouts were frequent last year, there was a new feeling within Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday maturity. There were times during the 2009 season where the Jags and their fans were clearly feeling through the process. Jag Nation had been accused of being overly optimistic and at times, sometimes overly expectant. But on Saturday, Mobile witnessed a team and fanbase prepared to make the next step to Division-I football, they witnessed South Alabama. 22,000-plus packed Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday and were excited, loud and most of all, respectful. “It’s almost like we filtered out the nuts,” said USA graduate Kenny Mohren, who attended the game on Saturday. “Last year’s season opener felt really over-hyped, in regard to what this package was really going to be. We’re a different sort than Alabama and Auburn and in a lot of good ways. “I really think that shined through in our fanbase today.” If Saturday’s crowd was an indication of South Alabama’s longterm health and viability, the Jags are in good hands. “We’re building a nice community of fans here,” South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said. “Our players want to celebrate with the fans after the games and that’s as a result of our building the program as a large family.” Jones also noticed a maturation in the bond between the city and her team. “Mobile has been so supportive,” Jones said. “The city is growing with this team and we’re still working on building that community. We’re not done yet and there is definitely room to grow.” Jones could easily be talking about Alvin Redfern, a Satsuma native who made his way out to his first South Alabama football game on Saturday. “It was very cool,” Redfern said. “This was actually my first live football game and I wanted to take in the environment and total package. The tailgating environment was amazing and it’s something I’ll definitely do again this year.” His next chance will be on Sept. 18 when Nicholl’s State visits Ladd Peebles to face the Jaguars. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Photos by Colin McGee

September 6, 2010

The

Vanguard

Right Where They Left Off Stephen Newhouse SPORTS REPORTER st2new@msn.com

Despite a new season, the University of South Alabama football team picked up exactly where it left off last year with a 56-0 victory over Pikeville to open the 2010 campaign. “First of all, I’m obviously pleased with the game. I thought we came out and executed pretty well and did some good things,” USA head coach Joey Jones said. “I thought we came out and executed pretty well and did some good things.” Defense was the highlight of the afternoon for the Jags as they allowed only 88 yards and kept Pikeville off of the scoreboard. “One thing we harp on is shutouts,” defensive back Ken Barefield said. “If we don’t get a shutout, we feel like we didn’t do our job.” The defense also added a touchdown on a 22-yard interception return by Bryson James. “I just did my assignment, watched the quarterback’s eyes and followed the ball,” James said. “Taking that interception for a touchdown was a great feeling.” After a slow start on their first offensive series, the Jags opened the scoring on its second possession. USA marched 57 yards in four plays, with quarterback Myles Gibbon connecting with wide receiver Bryant Lavender for 54 of the yards. Brandon Ross scored the Jags first touchdown of the season with a 1-yard run. South Alabama pushed its lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter with a 63-yard touchdown drive led by freshman quarterback C.J. Bennett. The drive was capped off by a Ross 3-yard scamper, his second of the day. “I think that everyone did a great job today, especially the offensive line making it happen in the trenches,” Ross said. “It was a team effort and everyone put in a lot of work today.” The following possession, James intercepted a Pikeville pass and extended the lead to 20-0. South Alabama closed the half with another touchdown drive that capped off with a 6-yard reception from Courtney Smith from starting quarterback Myles Gibbon to give USA a 27-0 lead at the break. South Alabama’s offense went right back to work after halftime, and scored again on a Bennett 31yard TD strike to T.J. Glover. The score was Bennett’s first touchdown of his career. USA cruised from there on adding three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Ellis Hill broke a 56-yard run up the middle for a 43-0 lead, and two minutes later Jeremé Jones returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown. Johnny Lockett’s 1-yard TD run closed the scoring for the Jags. “I was really glad we were able to open up the passing game a little bit more this year,” Gibbon stated. “Everybody knows we have dominant running backs, so it was good to get on the field and show that we could throw the ball too.” South Alabama threw for 220 yards and rushed for 242 yards against the Bears. USA will play host to Nicholls State at LaddPeebles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 18, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.

Photos by Colin McGee

Don’t forget to check out our online slideshows. usavanguard.com

12 Amsterdam from page 6

“But the most essential thing to sounding good is a good drummer and practice. You can get by with mediocre singers and guitarists, but if you don’t have a good drummer to tie it all together it’s just going to go to hell.” Too Far From Amsterdam’s next

Starcraft from page 6

with revamped air units. The Terran wraith, for example, has been replaced by the Banshee that, although it can still cloak, can only attack ground units. This vast array of new units intimidated me at first, but you gradually learn to use them as you progress in the game, with each one being introduced in a separate Terran level. As for the story mode, it gives the player more customizability and depth than the first campaign mode -- partly because people actually have different facial expressions, not just the same ones repeating. You can also decide what units you want to upgrade with what abilities and even upgrade your buildings along different paths. Plus, you even get to choose the next level you play.

The

Vanguard show is at the Blind Mule on October 2. Yes, Bayfest Weekend – if you’re not going to shell out the $45 for passes, go see a smaller set and support your local musicians! If you just can’t wait to hear them, check out their MySpace page (myspace.com/toofarfromamsterdam) or find them on Facebook.

Part of the problem with this extended mode, though, is that it gives Blizzard more room to flesh out the already corny storyline. Now you can see the trainwreck in full color and modern graphics. But you only get the chance to take on the Terran campaign in the first $60 installment, as the other two will be released later in expansions (and priced as such). If you can wait, then, it may be worth waiting until a combo pack comes out, price-wise. The game also features the famous multiplayer mode, completely re-tooled with new features. It's also integrated into the game -- which is basically just an excuse to make it harder to pirate. Essentially, Starcraft II is an upgraded version of the mega-hit original, completely different yet more of the same. Well worth the buy.

Enrollment from page 1

lieves that it is USA’s atmosphere – a positive culmination of things like availability of stateof-the-art academic content, new facilities, the hype surrounding football and marching band – that drew students to the University this year. “What this speaks is volumes about the status and the stature of USA in that students are recognizing that the quality of our education and facilities represent one of the best values for their education dollars that they can find anywhere in the southeast,” Stearns said. Stearns said he anticipated that enrollment numbers would hit around the 15,000 mark. “We put our best foot forward to make sure that everyone who applied was able to register,” he said. Other records were set this fall, including a record 11,658 undergraduate students. This semester, more than 2,800 students live on campus, another all-time high for the University. Campus Housing turned away no students who were on the summer waiting list to get into campus dormitories, according to John Smith, newly appointed special assistant to Moulton and vice president of Student Affairs. The University housed some students at Brookley Center for a few days at the beginning of this semester, he said. USA’s current freshman class consists of students that come from more than 200 schools nationwide, according to a USA press release. The top five feeder high schools for USA this year included Davidson, Murphy, Alma Bryant, Baker and Mary G. Montgomery. The college of Arts and Sciences saw 4,200 enroll this semester. Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

September 6, 2010 David Johnson said this college is hit hardest when enrollment numbers spike because lower classmen take several class requirements in it. Like Stearns, Johnson also prepared his staff for the enrollment increase, he said. “The faculty have been extremely cooperative with managing the needs of students,” he said, adding that he felt most classes had enough sections scheduled to accommodate students. USA’s average ACT score, 22.1, exceeds the state and national averages, which are 20.3 and 21.0 respectively, according to the press release. This semester’s new freshman class includes 141 students who scored 28 and higher on the ACT and 64 students with a 30 or higher. Students scoring high on the ACT are gravitating toward the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Allied Health, according to Stearns. “The general sense is that programs attractive for high-achieving students [at USA] are prehealth professions,” Johnson said. “Those programs are always in high demand, particularly in high-achieving undergrads.” The most diversity, Johnson said, is seen in USA’s honors program. “We’ll have students who are interested in humanities, the arts, engineering, meteorology, computer information sciences, and it’s very encouraging to see the diversity,” he said. “We’re glad to have pre-med, but it’s good to see students recognizing the [academic] quality we have throughout the institution.”

www.usavanguard.com Go there.

September 6, 2010

The

Vanguard

The

Vanguard

Contact Editor-in-Chief Daniela Werner at usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com.

September 6, 2010

Alex Whalen Opinion Editor alexwhalen@gmail.com

Opinion

The

Vanguard

September 6, 2010

OUR VIEW

Thumps Up On Enrollment

ongratulations, USA, on your record enrollment Multiple academic buildings are popping up all over of 15,007 students, as well as your numerous campus, and they are sights to see. The Engineering other records this year, like the 2,800 students and Computing Sciences Building, for example, is goyou accommodated with campus housing this semes- ing to be a statement to everyone who passes by it that ter. USA is becoming a force to be reckoned with on the Victorious announcements like the enrollment state- Gulf Coast. ment President Gordon Moulton made this past week We agree with Moulton about a statement he made are what students can look to when they get caught in to The Vanguard at his press conference this past week: midday traffic stemming from on-campus construction It is never good to get comfortable or be satisfied with or when they foot steep tuition bills. where we are at now. We must always strive for improveEnrollment increases bring change to the University. ment. Through these transition periods, we insist that when Now is not the time to sit back and relax; just because administrators arrange class sections and schedules, enrollment numbers are up this year, it does not mean they keep the amount of seats in a class reasonable so that the University is exempt from endeavoring to make that students receive the academic attention they pay attending USA an enriching, fulfilling experience for good money for every semester. every student that walks onto this campus. As with academics, we expect to see the University Not only should administrators keep working toward reach out to students and encourage them to join cam- improvement, but we as students need to maintain a pus organizations. level of involvement that shows faculty and staff that There is an on-campus group for just about any stu- we care about our school. Talk to your professors and dent’s academic or extracurricular interest; the Univer- administrators about things that concern you, and at sity should be pushing students toward joining these the same time, do not hesitate to let them know what so that they can take on positions that will teach them you like about their work. leadership skills and enhance their individual collegiate There is a lot of momentum in USA’s stride right experiences. For that, they will be alumni whose educa- now; let us keep it up by staying involved. tions and resumes testify to USA’s academic quality. Support your fellow Jags. Attend a soccer game or Our University is growing by leaps and strides right peruse student exhibits in the Visual Arts Building. before our eyes. USA’s football team has walked into If our University’s students, faculty and staff will work its second season undefeated, and students can enjoy a as a unit toward greatness, little can stop us, and signifibrand new Recreation Center that shames any gymna- cant increases in enrollment and academic quality will sium in town. become a way of life at USA.

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

Admin Shows Gratitude by Taking Away Benefits

USA President Gordon Moulton gives University employees all of the credit for the University’s success through these “tough economic times”: “This list [of University accomplishments] ... provides an impressive array of success brought about by your efforts,” Moulton said in the employee newsletter, the Midweek Memo. “The reasons [for this success], again, reside in your personal commitment to the institution.” Warms your heart, doesn’t it? The president of USA thanking those who have gone without raises for three years, had their jobs expanded to make up for vacancies, and dealt with harsh budget cuts -- those words must have touched plenty a USA employee.

But they’re just that: words. All USA employees will now be charged $10 per month to use the new Student Recreation Center. If Moulton were sincere in his gratitude to USA’s hard-working employees, why would he not show that appreciation by letting USA employees in the Rec Center for free? They have gone without raises for so long that any sort of benefit would be long overdue. In fact, employees were allowed into the old Rec for free, so the new policy in fact takes away a benefit. Even worse, all non-student memberships have a mandatory 12-month contract, meaning those who go out of town for the summer are stuck paying for it anyway. If this is what the administration does to reward the “determined efforts” and “many contributions toward helping USA”, I certainly hope I don’t do anything to incur Moulton’s thankfulness. Instead of treating employees like the valued part of the University they are, the administration takes advantage of them like customers, charging them entrance fees and making them sign long contracts. If they wanted money made off of them, they could go to Planet Fitness, where they could get access to a 24-hour gym for $10 per month. The University was even going to charge them $15 per month before the Faculty Senate raised a ruckus about that.

The customer-like nature of the situation becomes clearer when you consider that employees are charged $20 for parking -- it seems like something out of John D. Rockefeller’s Robber-Baron America to charge people a fee to get to work. $10 per month and $20 per year for parking aren’t an insurmountable burden for faculty and staff, but it’s the symbolism of it -- treating those who have sacrificed so much as sources of money. The Recreation Center expects to make only about $100,000 off of employee memberships, according to Rec Center Director Dr. Philip Theodore. This could be made up elsewhere easily, if the administration really wanted to. The administration retorts that this is an issue of fairness: Students pay to use the recreation center, so why shouldn’t faculty have to? Many students probably agree with this sentiment, but that doesn’t make it any more valid. Students pay to go to school here, but employees work here -- the two situations are fundamentally different. Essentially, we students are more analogous to the customer model, who have to pay for services. But, c’mon, even Wal-Mart gives their employees the basic benefits they deserve. In the end, though, faculty and staff deserve better than to be treated like customers by those who are supposedly so thankful to them.

To help with the upkeep costs of USA’s new Recreation Center, USA administration is imposing a $10/month fee on faculty and staff who wish to use the facility. This week, both faculty and students weigh in.

Faculty and students should be allowed to go in for free. It’s ridiculous that faculty should be charged in the first place, but it’s still a good deal compared to a regular gym membership. Ashley Lassiter Chemistry Freshman

I think it’s fine, but ten bucks a month might be a little high. Although, with all the fees that students have to pay, it might be worth it to charge professors who want to use these facilities a fee.

Ethan Fishman Political Science Professor

Justin Bruce Philosophy Senior

It should be free. If you are an active member of the USA community, whether you are a student, faculty, administrator, or staff, the [administration] should honor your commitment to the community.

They shouldn’t charge anything or they should charge more. 10 dollars a month is not going to help pay for the new $40-million facility. Robert Heitman Phys. Education Professor

The

Vanguard

September 6, 2010

POINT COUNTERPOINT Should Pseudoephedrine Products Be Prescription Only?

Editor’s Introduction: In an effort to combat methamphetamine production and use, the state of Mississippi recently passed legislation making pseudoephedrine available by prescription only. This is the main ingredient found in brand name products like Sudafed, which have typically been used as an over-thecounter decongestant. You get a stuffy nose, take some medicine, and feel much

better. But it’s also being widely used as a main ingredient in the production of methamphetamine, commonly called “meth.” So now, if you have a stuffy nose, you have to go see a doctor or use a non-pseudoephedrine product, of which many are available. But is this move overkill? And should the state of Alabama, one of the leading states of meth production, follow suit?

Not a Problem for Legit Users

Costs Outweigh Benefits

On the topic of making Sudafed Let’s get real and put this in a prescription only drug, you really perspective. People who are adhave to consider what exactly you dicted to prescription drugs will are making prescription only. always find a way to buy it or talk The focus should mainly be on a doctor into another dose. That’s the particular variant that contains just a fact. the active ingredient pseudoephedAnd making Sudafed prescriprine. tion only isn’t going to take meth For those who don’t know, not off the market. only will it help with cold sympHowever, making it prescripRodney toms, but it is also a key ingredient tion only is a good way to slow in some good old-fashion homeThompson them down. brewed methamphetamine. Tasty. And any move that takes a hit If you didn’t know this, don’t on the production of worry. There are plenty of online resources this psychoactive brain rot is a giving up the crystal meth secret recipe. good move. Therein lies one of the main problems. There can still be nonCrystal meth is the poor man’s drug, easy pseudoephedrine forms of to make at home for family and friends to Sudafed available for the mild enjoy. God praise the World Wide Web. cases, and for those who need Not only can I learn to make a pipe the hard core stuff, maybe a bomb and get strategic structural bluedoctor’s visit wouldn’t hurt. prints for most government facilities, but Now, I definitely had my now I can get the low down on Uncle fair share of toothless freak Bob’s Special Rock Candy. show encounters just going to It is too easy for any John Boy or Billy to and from school. produce crystal meth. The government has In fact, a fire that resulted from an already addressed the problem in a passive exploding meth lab victimized a relative way. It is now incredibly annoying to buy of mine. And when these things go, they Sudafed with the super pseudoephedrine go big, and the smoke is of a very toxic factor. nature. You have to ask for it at the counter, The labs are just too volatile to not take show identification, and sign a registry. It seriously. gets logged, and you can’t buy anymore Bringing it back around, who is hurt by of the “good stuff ” until your mandatory making this particular product prescription limitation period expires. only? I personally will go see a doctor if So, what’s the point? If I wanted to my cold gets so bad I need meth strength get my meth surplus going, I just have to Sudafed. round up enough of my buddies to hop Yes it may be inconvenient for some, but down to the local drug store and I am back it is probably because you were trying to in business. Awesome! make crystal meth anyway.

Presumably, the only reason a Xanax, Oxycodone or whatever I state would make pseudoephedwant from a dealer, not a doctor. rine (PE) related products availIt’s an unfortunate truth that able by prescription only would there are doctors who are willing be to combat methamphetamine to write prescriptions for controlled production and distribution. But substances to people without a this move is short-sighted and genuine need for these medicacumbersome to the majority of tions. the population. And if certain doctors are so Currently, if you want a PE readily handing out schedule-II Alex product, you have to go to a narcotics, then a substance like PE pharmacist, show your identificashould be a breeze to get. Whalen tion, and sign a log book. One effect of making PE The fact that prescription only is the increase in people are still able to obtain cost and time for obtaining the medicine. PE is an indication to some Drug-seekers will have to pay for a doctor’s that this method does not visit, get the prescription, and take it to a work. pharmacy to have it filled. But it’s not a problem of But the same barrier that would stand methodology, it’s a problem in the way of meth production would also of implementation. If these stand in the way of a far larger group of pharmacies distributing PE people – those that legitimately need a were more diligent about strong decongestant. recording sales, and the state To see how short-sighted this legislation registries of this information is, let’s look at some of the negative consewere more diligent about quences that could come about. updating their information, it wouldn’t be If someone has a head cold and visits a a problem. doctor to get PE, the patient might also feel Proponents of the new legislation in inclined to make good use of the visit by Mississippi argue that even if the PE getting, say, some antibiotics as well. registry system worked perfectly, it could As it stands, antibiotics are already overstill be exploited by using multiple people prescribed and this would only exacerbate to obtain the products necessary to make the problem, resulting in new and highly methamphetamine. resistant strains of illness causing bacteria. Maybe so, but this tactic could still be The added cost of obtaining these PE used to simply obtain multiple PE prescrip- products might also deter legitimate custions from different doctors, making the tomers from purchasing them at all, thus new laws ineffective. hurting the companies and workers who The simple fact is if people want to obmanufacture them. tain illegal or prescription drugs, they can. The costs of this kind of legislation far I could go right now and buy Lortab, outweigh the benefits.

Counter Terrorism

The proposal of a mosque near the site of Ground Zero gained its notoriety as a passive water cooler topic with Laci benign, though misguidGagliano ed, statements of opposition tossed about. Gradually, a more noticeable stirring developed, and as fears festered protests arose. Now, halfway across the country from the controversial New York City mosque, the debate over Muslims in America is gaining heat -- literally. On August 28, an arsonist set fire to the location where the Islamic center in Murfreesboro, Ten., which has already existed peacefully for more than 30 years, intends to move for expansion purposes.

Although the fire only destroyed a few items of construction equipment and machinery, the message was clearly one of intolerance. The next morning, several gun shots were fired nearby as CNN filmed an on-site piece about the debate. In the days since the incidents, Muslims throughout the Murfreesboro and neighboring Nashville areas have reportedly been conducting their Ramadan observations in private, and stepping up security in alreadyexisting mosques. Many are hiring security guards to watch over prayer meetings, and some Muslims say they are even afraid to send their children to school. What an irony that, by definition, these law-abiding citizens are being victimized by -- wait for it -- terrorism. It was one thing to believe the mosque being proposed in NYC is simply in “poor taste.” After all, misconceptions and irrational fears of Islam and Muslims in America abound in this post-9/11 country.

However, the buck stops when a proposed Islamic center nowhere near the touchy area of Ground Zero receives violent objections. If we’re not careful, we’ll risk shifting the paradigm of the ways in which U.S. citizens freely express disapproval of anything, be it a religion that isn’t their own or another’s bigoted opinion. We simply cannot fight our own fear by inciting it in others. The best weapon against anxiety over the unfamiliar is to become educated about that which we are unfamiliar with. For instance, many people don’t know as much about Islam as they think they do. Generally, it seems as though people don’t realize that, like America’s prevailing Christian faith, there are many denominations of Islamic faith, and the tiny pockets of radical extremism that are so highly feared simply aren’t accepted among the average Muslim in America. Nor is it true that Islam always encourages the oppression of women. Muslim women in the modern age, particularly

in America, generally choose whether to adhere to traditional methods, like covering one’s head, or to forgo such a practice. If anything, protestors are just proving that adherents of any religion or belief are capable of oppression and extreme ideals. Not to mention, Christianity has been known to occasionally oppress entire groups of people ... Proposition 8, anyone? The pattern throughout the ages has typically been that everyone wants their religion to be the seen as a quintessential truth. Yet, thus far, no one religion has proven itself completely free of oppression, bias and occasionally bigoted ideologies. If only people of all faiths could recognize that what they’re all working toward is essentially the same thing: coming to terms with the fact that someday we’re all going to die, and figuring out how to make use of our lives before that time comes. While we are still living, though, I can’t think of a worse way to bide the precious time we have than by inflicting hatred and terror upon one another.

September 6, 2010

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Caption Contest

Do hilarious things come to mind when you see this photo? E-mail your funniest caption for it to usavanguard.editor@gmail.com. The winner will be published next week!

Caption Contest Results 1

“It’s called falling, with style!” - Ralph Wallace

The

Vanguard

September 6, 2010

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jag Lifeâ&#x20AC;?

A Comic by Ben Lewis

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

The

Vanguard

September 6, 2010