September 27, 2010

Vanguard The

VOLUME 48, NUMBER 9

September 27, 2010

Jags Continue Streak

USA Dominates Edward Waters 64 - 0 in Dothan

Matthew Peterson / Managing Editor

USA freshman running back Kendall Houston runs through Edward Waters defenders during the Jags’ 64 - 0 thrashing of the Tigers. Despite the rain, the Jags rolled, continuing their win streak. The football team will next play Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium against Kentucky Wesleyan.

SGA

SGA Finishes Budget Process Cal Thomas

SENIOR REPORTER vanguardaande@gmail.com

The Student Government Association approved an additional $41,000 in appropriations to student groups Monday.

This brings the total approved this year to $66,023.53.

Most appropriations were approved without question.

The biggest funding issue was with the cosponsorship and appropriations sought by the USA cheerleaders. The cheerleaders and USA dance team requested $5,000 for travel and contest entry fees to attend a competition at Disney World that will be broadcast on ESPN. Several senators opposed the appropriation because the cheerleaders receive funding from the athletic department. Nev-

Inside

Police Blotter p. 2

The Vanguard is proud to introduce a new addition to the Distractions section: The Jaguar Cipher.

Turn to page 14 to see if you can decipher it.

ertheless, the funding won approval.

In spring 2009, SGA approved and then later rescinded funding for the Prowlers, the USA dance team, because they received funding from the athletic department.

This year representatives of the cheerleaders and dancers said most of the funds they need will be obtained through fundraising.

They requested from SGA $2,000 for student organization funding and an additional $3,000 co-sponsorship appropriation. The representatives said the SGA appropriations will not be enough to cover the costs, which is why additional fundraising is needed.

The Student National Pharmaceutical Association had a conflict with their requested $1,410 appropriation. Sen. Megan Woodward noted that shirts designed to be paid for in part by appropriations had “AU” on them Etc. p. 6

and nothing about the University of South Alabama. Representatives stated that the organization was based from Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy. Student members have Jag numbers and all of the same benefits as a full-time South student.

In addition they sought money to fund a Mardi Gras ball and fundraiser for Relay for Life. The ball would promote interdisciplinary organizations on campus. SGA policy states they cannot fund any event that charges for entry and cannot directly contribute to any philanthropic causes.

The appropriations committee will be reconsidering the Student National Pharmaceutical Association’s request.

The USA Color Guard also requested $2,404 for uniforms and equipment. Sen.

Sports p. 9

Have Punishments for Crimes Gotten too Soft?

See Etc., page 6

see SGA | 15

Opinion p. 12

Why the BCS Could See its Worst Fiasco Ever See Sports, page 9

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

Serving USA Since 1965

Admin Cuts Deficit in Half

Matthew Peterson

MANAGING EDITOR mwp601@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

USA will spend about $5.6 million more than it will receive during the upcoming fiscal year, according to University documents, compared to a record $10.2 million deficit during the fiscal year that will end Sept. 30.

University fiscal years run from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 of the next year.

Wayne Davis, vice president for Financial Affairs, said USA will still run a $10 million deficit for fiscal year 2010 despite losing about $2 million in state appropriations to proration.

That deficit and the one for the upcoming year will be absorbed by the University’s reserves of about $161 million.

Davis said the deficit cut can mostly be attributed to cutting expenses by leaving vacant positions open and other small cuts. 320 positions have been left open or cut in “strategic layoffs” since 2008, according to University documents.

“We’ve tried to trim where we can with the least impact on students,” Davis said.

Davis expects selling the Brookley Complex, for example, to save between $800,000 and $900,000.

The University also expects to receive $12 million in tuition and fee revenue than last year based on increases in tuition and enrollment.

Besides increased tuition, Davis said students will not be affected by budget cuts any more than they already have been.

Dr. David Johnson, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, plans on dealing with the upcoming budget the same way he has in previous years: by keeping positions open.

“There are some faculty vacancies that remain unfilled,” he said. “We anticipate that we will keep the faculty at its current size for the remainder of the academic year.”

Johnson added that some vacancies will be filled on a case-by-case basis and that they “have no plans to cut programs.” He also doesn’t expect any significant change in class sizes this year.

The situation will be similar in Student Affairs, where vice president Dr. John Smith said some positions will be left open, but he doesn’t expect any programs to be cut.

However, Johnson and Davis added an important caveat: the uncertainty of state education funding.

“We’re in the midst of dealing with uncertainty,” Davis said. “There’s no certainty our state funding will go back to where it was or even that it will stay where it is.”

The University’s state appropriations, its sinsee BUDGET | 15

Distractions p. 14

High Fructose Corn Syrup or Corn Sugar?

See Opinion, page 13

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

Submission and Editorial Policies Send letters and guest columns to: Opinion Editor, USAVanguard.editor@gmail.com or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-1057, Mobile, Ala. 36688. Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number.

All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer.

The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Copy Editor, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings.

The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor-in-Chief at 251-460-6442 or e-mail USAVanguard.Editor@ gmail.com.

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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 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.

September 27, 2010

P LICE BL TTER

9/20- Fraudulent use of Credit/Debit Card

9/21- Criminal Mischief, 2nd Degree

At 11:20 a.m. a Beta 3 resident reported his

On 9/20 between 5:50 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. a

stolen bank card had been used fraudulently

Ford Mustang in the Humanities Building

eight times.

parking lot was damaged. The damages were estimated at $9,000.

9/20- Theft of Property, 3rd Degree Between 9/17 at 8:05 a.m. and 9/20 at

9/21- Theft of Lost Property

3:30 p.m. a cell phone was stolen from the

At 3:32 p.m. a student reported that a cell

Humanities Building. The item was valued at

phone that had been left at The Market was

$80.

stolen. The phone was valued at $500.

9/20- Harassing Communications

9/23- Driving Under the Influence of

At 4:24 a student reported receiving

Alcohol

harassing phone calls.

At 3 a.m. a student was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Cleverdon

9/20- Article Theft from Auto

Parkway.

Between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. cash, a wallet, credit cards, driver’s license, a student ID and

9/23- Article Theft from Auto

a backpack were stolen from a vehicle at the

Between 9/22 at 8 p.m. and 9/23 at 7 p.m. an

intramural fields. The items were valued at

iPhone, Otter Box and a hat were stolen from

$710.

a vehicle at The Grove. The items were valued at $270.

Jag Growl What You’re (Still) Saying About “Tilting at Windmills: Admin Shows Gratitude

by Taking Away Benefits” by Managing Editor Matthew Peterson

“We students are paying a fee already. Building and facilities fee. But remember how they hid them from us this year? How about jaguar athletic apparel at the rec center to make up for the costs? Rec center water bottles?

Maybe [Tylenol] and hand sanitizer too. ... The point is, you shouldn’t have to pay to work.

I hope the teachers take their money to Planet Fitness.”

-Bobby Buford

(comments taken from usavanguard.com)

Game Day Transportation Proves to Be Less than Convenient for Students Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

The fans of South Alabama’s football team travel from all over to attend games and it is not as easy as some might think.

They attend these home games despite one of the most complicated parking scenarios in all of college football. Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the home of USA football, is a 40,000-capacity stadium that has parking for only a few-hundred private vehicles.

The number of parking varies from each game day depending on the number of local and national media attending, as well as University VIPs and special guests.

“The parking isn’t very ideal,” South Alabama alum Kenny Mohren said. “I don’t have a parking pass, so it’s either riding The Wave or finding private parking near the stadium.”

The Wave Transit is Mobile’s public bus system that operates throughout the city’s metropolitan area. It runs continuous shuttles to Ladd-Peebles from Bel Air Mall during each USA home game.

The cost for a two-way shuttle is $2.50 per person, but South Alabama students ride free with their Jag cards. “The Wave” begins shuttling fans at noon on Saturdays and runs loops until 90 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

“The Wave does a pretty good job,” Mohren said. “Again, it’s not ideal but the rides are smooth, timely, and are generally without heavy crowds.”

The OUTLAWS met with the Student Government Association in July to appropriate funds toward an additional shuttle

from USA to Bel Air Mall but the athletic support organization failed to meet the SGA’s June deadline. The group also proposed a bus trip from the University to the Sept. 25 game in Dothan, Ala. versus Edward Waters College but again missed the deadline.

“We were reorganizing during the summer and as a result we missed our deadlines,” OUTLAWS representative Madison Salter said. “We’re still working very diligently with the SGA and [USA Athletic Marketing Director] Travis Toth to have future travel plans for basketball and baseball. We haven’t given up.”

Springdale Travel Group organized trips to the Dothan and Davis, Cal. road games but the latter is in question after the Beaumont, Texas trip for the Oct. 16 game against Lamar fell through.

“We needed 20 participants to green light a bus trip to Beaumont,” Springdale Travel representative Barbara Driver said.

“When only eight signed up, we had to cancel the trip. Most of our customers signed up for the Davis event.”

In the meanwhile, the best way to attend South Alabama home games are The Wave or private parking spaces just outside of the stadium. Nearby families also sell their driveways and yards as parking lots on game days, with prices ranging anywhere from $3-$10.

As for away games, carpooling is the best option with the trip to Beaumont, Texas coming up next month.

“We’ll find a way to get there,” Mohren said. “And we’ll have a good time regardless. It’s South Alabama football!”

Like to get your USA news on the Web? You can get our RSS feeds.

Visit www.usavanguard. com, select “Options” and click on “RSS Subscribe.”

September 27, 2010

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September 27, 2010

Admin Cracking Down on Bikes

Cameron Adkins

ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The Department of Housing and Residence Life at South Alabama has begun to assess the bike parking situation on campus by enforcing policies that were previously not enforced, according to Associate Director of Housing James Bridgeforth.

“What we have done is we have all read the policies and we have enforced them as though we thought the University was enforcing them,” Bridgeforth said, noting that many employees in the department are relatively new, himself included.

According to Bridgeforth, both the Department of Housing and Residence Life and the Dean of Students office have received several complaints from students about not having anywhere to park their bikes.

“We looked at that trying to meet students needs and realized that a lot of bikes weren’t registered,” Bridgeforth said. “So basically

Edward Stratton / Staff Photographer

Administrators are just now beginning to enforce rules for bicycles on campus that have been in place for a long time.

what is happening now is we’re following up on trying to make students happy and following through on their requests.” see BIKES | 14

Stadium Boulevard to Close Cameron Adkins

ASSOCIATE EDITOR cja501@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

Stadium Boulevard will be closed to thru traffic beginning Oct. 18 until about the first week in January from Old Shell Road to USA’s traffic circle, according to University Chief of Police Normand Gamache.

“We are going to put signage out at the traffic circle directing people to go out Cleverdon [Parkway],” Gamache said.

The road will be closed for construction of the next in a series of entrance portals that are

being added to the main entrances to the campus.

“They’re making very pretty, distinctive entrances to the three primary locations on campus: Stadium Boulevard, South Drive, and at some point on North Drive,” Gamache said.

“They are going to start there next because South Drive is pretty much done except for the bricking of the walls.”

“This is going to give us a lot more street presence,” Director of Facilities Management Chris Willis said.

see STADIUM | 14

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September 27, 2010

News in Brief New SGA Officials Welcomed Three Student Government Association officials were sworn in Monday.

They are Heather Fishel, a College of Medicine first-year senator; Riley Davis, chemical engineering, Freshman-at-Large; and Marcelinia Speller, business, Transfer at Large.

Career Services to Host Graduate and Professional School Expo.

The University of South Alabama Career Services Center and Spring Hill College will host the Graduate and Professional School Expo at the Mitchell Center Oct. 8.

The free event will feature representatives from more than 45 colleges from around the nation who will discuss graduate and professional school programs in law, business, and health care, among other things.

A workshop will be held Sept. 30 in Suite 2100 in Meisler Hall to help participants prepare for the event.

USA Stroke Support Group Meeting The Steps Against Recurrent Stroke (STARS) program will be presented at the next USA Regional Support Group meeting at the USA Medical Center.

The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the USA Medical Center’s dining room on the 10th floor.

STARS focuses on educating stroke survivors about how to reduce the risk of recurring strokes through lifestyle changes and medical condition management.

5

Air Pollution Monitor Installed at USA Daniela Werner

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF danielawerner87@gmail.com

USA alumni and faculty witnessed the installation of the first of 10 monitoring devices stationed along parts of the Gulf Coast to detect airborne pollutants from incidences like the Deepwater Horizon oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico Sept.

17 on USA’s main campus.

Part of the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) monitoring network, operated by USA’s Center for Hurricane Intensity and Landfall Investigations (CHILI), the antenna-like device appears to be a little more than two stories tall and stands behind Technology and Research Park Building IV (next door to the Student Health Center).

It is part of a network of 26-station weather data collection network CHILI completed this past June. The network has stations like the one installed at USA in the Alabama, northwest Florida and Mississippi Gulf Coast areas.

Each of these stations record temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, pressure, rainfall and levels of the sun’s atmospheric radiation, according to a USA press release. Some of these are stationed at schools where students monitor them.

VOCs like the ones released by crude oil from the Gulf oil leak can be harmful for people to inhale, said Meteorology professor and CHILI Director Dr. Sytske Kimball. Even though the well has been sealed, oil and dispersants are still in Gulf waters, so monitoring to see if these become airborne is important for people’s health, she said.

When asked if she thought the device would immediately begin picking up VOCs from the oil spill, Kimball said she was not sure.

“The possibility is very distinct,” she said. “If it happens, the next step is to relate the information to weather conditions,” and that is where the wind-monitoring device comes in.

Sean Huber and Ivory Reinert, who graduated from USA’s meteorology program in 2008 and 2009 (respectively) and now work at CHILI, became certified to monitor and calibrate the device Sept. 16.

Daniela Werner / Editor-in-Chief

USA has a new volatile organic compound monitor on campus.

It logs data about Mobile’s air quality and alerts scientists to any pollutants that may come through the air.

Aside from detecting air pollution, the device can also be used to monitor weather conditions during hurricanes, said Huber, who is CHILI’s research technologist.

“If a hurricane makes landfall, we have 24/7 observation,” he said.

“It’s beneficial to have this in case we get another oil spill,”

see MONITOR | 15

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The Rant

Let’s Get Old-Fashioned With Crime Punishment

Laura Beth Calcote

ETC. EDITOR vanguardetceditor@gmail.com

H.L. Mencken said, “Injustice is relatively easy to bear; it is justice that hurts.”

In light of years of injustice for those who commit crimes, I’m asking the question: Where is justice nowadays?

It’s so easy to put someone in prison, but let’s finally just hit them where it hurts.

Let’s take a moment and reminisce of the good ol’ days of public floggings, people in stocks, and the punishment actually fitting the crime. When I think of the dollar amount that is spent on the upkeep of prisons and prisoners, not to mention the fact that most maximum security prisoners spend their time working out, joining gangs, and tattooing hate symbols on their bodies in “preparation” of their re-entry into society, it turns my stomach.

A good flogging is in order, and for those of you who are unfamiliar with the archaic term, it means “a beating” or a “severe whipping.”

Some might argue that this is cruel or inhumane, but what better punishment for the abuse of a child, or the rape of a young woman? A good public lashing would not only make that criminal feel the consequences of his actions, but also serve as an open reminder that the crime is not worth the pain that will be received.

Prison is not the bread-and-water scenario that it used to be. Prisoners watch television, read papers and books and are allowed materials for art and access to gym equipment.

Charles Manson continued to have a very successful following while he was behind prison bars, thanks to his Web site and sick-o fan base. Just two years ago, the New York Post reported that Manson was actually running a business from prison; he was selling his autograph and random memorabilia to buyers on the Internet.

These people are taken out of society to serve time and, in some cases, be rehabilitated back into society.

Despite the embarrassment and possible physical threats incarcerated criminals may face from those already in prison, there is no pain inflicted by the government onto these people. I mean, if you put a kid in time-out, what good does it do to let him play in the corner?

Let’s look at the prisoners. They have a bed, a shower, a roof over their head, cable and three meals a day, all at the expense of you and me.

Then, let’s take someone who has lost their home and employment due to a failing economy. This individual has been cast out onto the streets, with no bed, no food, and quite frankly, is treated with less respect than criminals.

Someone who has raped and tortured a child is living quite comfortably compared to a respectable citizen that has fallen on hard times. Where is the justice in that?

If you murder someone, you should relinquish your life, and in the same manner in which your victim died. If you rape someone, you should be made to be unable to rape again. Ever.

For the 98 percent of rapists who are male, this procedure alone would be enough for him to keep it in his pants.

And let’s not do it in a doctor’s office, under anesthesia, because that certainly was not the environment or the consideration given to the victim.

And child molesters? My blood boils thinking that some of these people are living unscathed.

Joseph Gardner of Kingston, MA, was charged with the rape of a 5-year-old, and while out on bail awaiting that trial, he struck again, charged with the rape of a 3-year-old.

The old saying, “An eye for an eye?” Well, a castration for a rape makes sense to me. A death penalty for a murder seems fair.

If people knew the significance of their actions, that the consequence would mirror their crime, we would see a colossal drop in crime rates, specifically in murder and rape.

People would think twice about shooting someone if they knew a bullet would be put into their head, and rapists would absolutely think twice knowing that they would be losing their “prized possession.”

It’s actually an idea worth looking into.

Etc.

Laura Beth Calcote Etc. Editor

vanguardetceditor@gmail.com

September 27, 2010

New Competition for Student Internships: Out-of-Work Professionals

greenascot.com

Never thought you'd be competing with this guy for that coveted internship, did you? Results from a recent CareerBuilder.com survey show that 52 percent of employers plan on hiring interns as full-time employees. While that sounds great for interns, there's a bleak side to things: Another trend shows that professional employees are also applying for the same interships as college graduates because of a fluctuating job market.

Timothy Borland

STAFF WRITER trb903@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The results of a recent CareerBuilder.com survey suggest that over 27 percent of employers plan to hire interns this fall.

These interns have more to gain than just job-related experience, as 52 percent of these companies are likely to hire interns as full-time permanent employees.

While these statistics seem promising, a new study reveals a growing trend of professional employees with 10 to 25 years of experience competing for the same entry-level internship opportunities normally reserved for graduates.

CareerBuilder conducted the survey among 2,534 U.S. hiring managers May 18 - June 3, 2010.

“The last 18 months have reshaped internships as more than an experience-builder for college students,” Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources at CareerBuilder, said. “Now they’re also a way for experienced workers to explore new opportunities. … Internships can act as an extended full-time job interview and potentially lead to more opportunities.”

Established professionals are feeling the need to invest more energy in their careers in order to survive the current economic recession. Flexibility has become crucial to

success.

Often, an entry-level position at a highly desirable business results in a long-distance job with a minimal paycheck.

Young graduates must be prepared to remain ahead of the pack.

While these trends may be appearing nationally, most USA graduates will be interested in knowing the availability of jobs and internships in the coastal community. Holly Woodall, associate director of Career Services and overseer of the Cooperative Education and Internship Program at USA, works to help students gain the skills they need in order to achieve their future career goals.

“Competition among internships is contingent upon the economy, but USA has had very successful placements of students in internship opportunities. I have not noticed a local trend among established professionals,” Woodall said.

“In any market we encourage students to be proactive,” she said. “The campus resources available at Career Services can help students with the job search process by helping future graduates construct a resume, learn how to network with employees and develop an effective career plan.”

Career Services is located on the second floor of Meisler Hall on USA’s main campus.

Afraid to ask the doctor?

Ask Dr. Cannon!

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

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

September 27, 2010

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A Day in the Life

Of Meteorology Student Jerrod Frederking

Robert Frye

CONTRIBUTING WRITER tornado82887@aol.com

An Oklahoma storm chaser gave up on tornado alley and moved his family to the hurricane mecca of the central Gulf states to complete his formal meteorological and geographical education at the University of South Alabama.

Jerrod Frederking, a husband and father of two, moved his family from Norman, Okla. to Mobile, Ala. after enrolling for fall classes at the University of South Alabama last year. Previously, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in meteorology.

Frederking said transferring to USA from OU had many benefits.

“I left Oklahoma because I like Krystals,” Frederking said jokingly. “Seriously, at OU I was studying research meteorology, however, South has more of an operational, i.e. forecasting curriculum and more tropical weather forecasting is offered here.”

Jokingly, he said, he decided to study meteorology and geography because of his interest in “tornadoes and maps or maps of tornadoes.” He grew up in Dodge City, Kan., where he experienced tornadoes, hail storms and sometimes heavy snow events, which sparked his interest at a young age. He continued by saying geography is a foundation for Geography Informational Science courses and that geography ties heavily into meteorology.

Jerrod said that the move to Mobile was no easy task for his family. His wife, Erin Burns Frederking, had never lived outside the state of Oklahoma. She said she didn’t really have an opinion when the idea was first suggested, however, Frederking remembered the exact words, “Hell no” were used when the topic was first brought up. After careful consideration and planning, she welcomed the idea.

“I was game for school reasons,” said Erin. “For family reasons it was harder to leave. My family lives in western Oklahoma about 850 miles away.”

Erin and Jerrod have two children: Chad, 4 and Calee, 4 months. Chad Frederking said he doesn’t like Alabama, however, he enjoys the swimming pool found on site at their apartment complex.

Jerrod Frederking said there have already been several memorable moments while pursuing his degree at South.

He said passing “two of the hardest classes” he’ll ever take, and seeing his first tropical storms last year will stick with him forever.

He experienced 62 mph winds as well as storm surge for the first time on the Dauphin Island Bridge during Ida. However, none of that even compares to witnessing the birth of his daughter, Caylee this past February.

Frederking said he came into the program with certain goals in mind for the next year. Those same goals were met at the end of last semester.

“I passed dynamics, which will allow me to take my capstone meteorology classes starting in the fall,” he said.

Erin Frederking said that she is satisfied with Jerrod’s progress here at South. She went on to say she is happy being here with her husband and that the beach was an added bonus. Erin also said that she has made several lifelong friends here on the coast, and most are meteorology students at South.

Frederking said he would suggest USA to other students seeking a degree in meteorology or geography.

“Earth science is challenging wherever you go,” he said.

“The faculty really care and that makes a difference.”

Frederking went on to say that smaller class sizes are great compared to the extremely large class sizes he experienced at OU.

Tales of Future Present: Intel Upgrade

Gabe Grimes

STAFF WRITER gag701@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

So the Etc. section editor asked me to dust off my old column series, “Tales of Future Present.”

“Maybe there are some interesting technology stories out there, waiting to be shared,” she said. “Technology is boring and nobody likes reading about it,” I replied.

“Well, write anyway,” she responded. “It’s not like anyone reads this column.”

In these tough economic times, we all are looking to try and supplement our shrinking incomes.

The microchip manufacturer Intel is also looking to squeeze more blood from the stone as well.

A reader of the website Engadget was at his local Best Buy when he snapped a picture of an Intel upgrade card. This card, as the name suggests, is designed to upgrade your computer’s processor without adding any extra hardware, like when you purchase a weapons addon pack for your videogames.

And yes, according to Intel, this is an actual thing (not a photoshop or a gag). “But how is this possible?”

I can hear you say, “Processors are hardware.”

This would be like clicking a couple links on a Web site and instantly having bigger tires on your car. The world only works that way in cartoons!

And you would be correct, if you were actually adding on to your computer.

In reality, what the upgrade card does is remove restrictions that Intel has put on the processor. It would

be like clicking a couple links on a Web site and instantly getting permission to be able to drive your car faster than 50 mph. The processor is sold with the ability to do stuff fast, but not the permission.

Now there are at least two schools of thought related to this issue. The first is it’s not like Intel is saying you can’t use your processor, and besides, people buying this processor should know what’s going on.

The other is, “Now, wait a minute. I paid money for this processor, and I now own it, why do I have to pay money again? What good or service is Intel providing me with, exactly?

“The shipping costs, manufacturing costs, research and development costs, administrative costs and advertising costs haven’t changed just because I want to use my processor to its fullest potential.

“I’ve paid my share of all those costs when I bought the processor, so why do I have to pay again to use all of my processor’s power?”

Each person’s individual stance on this issue probably has a lot to do with whether the person is pro-consumer or pro-business, but I think everyone can agree that if the rest of the world follows suit (and some newer technologies, like Blu-Ray players and the like already have similar business models), it would suck balls.

I wouldn’t want to have to pay Charmin or Nike an extra couple dollars if my daughter needs to use toilet paper rolls or a shoebox for an arts-and-crafts project, would you?

Facebook.com

Meet Jerrod Frederking, a meteorology student who moved his family here from Oklahoma to attend USA.

When his degree is complete, he plans to move the family away from Mobile and work at one of the other 121 National Weather Service forecast offices in the country; there is an office in Mobile. He said he wants to use his knowledge and skills obtained at South to provide forecasts for the area in which the office governs.

Frederking said he has already been certified in weather observations and has ample experience forecasting inside a weather office.

Basketball on Wheels

Courtesy of Leigh Gibson

Third-year USA physical therapy (PT) student Stacey Schacherer organized a wheelchair basketball event where other USA PT students played against the Mobile Patriots wheelchair basketball team at Dumas Wesley Community Center Sept. 20. The Patriots beat the USA students 77 - 68. About 150 spectators donated money to the Patriots, according to Leigh Gibson, a third-year PT student. All donations were given the Mobile Patriots to fund their trip to Nashville for nationals, she said. "The event was a big success," she said.

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September 27, 2010

Sports

Matt Weaver Sports Editor jmatthewweaver@aol.com

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September 27, 2010

Curry’s Corner

BCS Madness Just Begun Jayson Curry

SPORTS COLUMNIST jayson-curry@hotmail.com

Like a rite of passage, fall has arrived, football has begun and all we can think of is how broken the BCS has become.

It’s already causing major headaches and it’s just September. This season could easily generate the worst BCS fiasco we have ever seen.

It all started three weeks ago as college football had one of the more explosive schedules of recent memory.

Headlined by No. 18 Penn State versus No. 1 Alabama, the undercard contained No. 17 Florida State against No. 10 Oklahoma and No. 2 Ohio State versus Miami.

Each of those contests have begun shaping the initial BCS standings, and the usual suspects have started their climb back to the top.

Last season it was obvious that Alabama and Florida were on a collision course and that whoever won the SEC title was headed to the National Championship.

Everything has changed this year as the first real BCS buster in decades has staked a claim for the national championship.

Boise State returns 21 of 22 starters from a team that went undefeated a year ago. Like Auburn in 2004, the BCS Supercomputers kept State out of the title picture, and fans everywhere paid the price.

With Alabama and Texas the undisputed championship contenders, why not give the Broncos a chance against an automatic qualifier?

Instead we were charged with watching an uninspired Boise State face Texas-Christian, hardly must-see TV. The first polls of 2010 gave Boise State a better shot as the Broncos began the season ranked third. But they’re still surrounded

by No.1 Alabama, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Florida and No. 5 Texas.

Each of those teams can afford a loss while the Broncos must run the table.

Alabama returns a young but historically talented defense. Ohio State has looked strong in the early running, but their questions always arrive during bowl season.

Florida and Texas have talent but will struggle with inexperience. And the questions will continue to arrive as the season continues.

Despite all of the important-to-the-BCS matches, we still don’t have a clue.

Boise State had a great comeback win against Virginia Tech but the country is even more skeptical of the win after VT’s upset loss to James Madison College on Sept. 11.

Boise State’s most impressive win of the season now means next to nothing.

The only big game left for Boise State is an Oregon State team that appears overrated.

Alabama will play five teams ranked in the AP preseason poll, of which three are on the road. Ohio State will play four teams in see MADNESS | 10

Total Team Statement

South Alabama Defense, Second Teams Shine in 64-0 Victory

Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

The University of South Alabama football team successfully finished its first-ever road trip with a dominating 64-0 victory Saturday afternoon at Rip Hewes Stadium in Dothan, Ala. South Alabama starting quarterback Brennan Sim was 6-of-11 and scored a career best three touchdowns on 85 yards.

The redshirt freshman started in place of the injured Myles Gibbon and was nearly flawless.

Sim orchestrated the first four offensive scoring drives and led South Alabama to a 29-0 first quarter cushion.

“We did what we needed to on offense,” Sim said. “We’re very happy to get the win but there’s obviously some things we need to work on.

“We got a lot of help on defense and we learned that we really can’t let up on weekends like this.”

South Alabama intercepted the ball four times for a total of 74 yards and sacked the quarterback three times for 14 yards in preserving the shutout.

Linebacker Justin Dunn led the defense with an interception return for a touchdown and also recorded two total tackles.

“Getting a shutout is what it’s all about,” Dunn said. “But it’s always fun to score a touchdown.”

“I saw the guy curl up and the quarterback start to throw, so I just jumped the pass and took off. I saw green in front of me, but didn’t know what to do because I’m so used to chasing somebody.”

Some questioned how the Jaguars

Matthew Peterson / Managing Editor

USA placeholder and wide receiver Taylor Noon takes a fumbled point-after snap into the endzone for two points after USA's first touchdown on the way to a 64-0 trouncing of Edward Waters.

would respond to their first-ever road game. South Alabama head coach Joey Jones was generally pleased in his team’s response.

“We’re pleased with what we’ve done here today,” coach Jones said. “I really wanted to see how our kids responded to the road trip environment and I think the staff did a really good job of maintaining the schedule as if it were a home game.”

With the win, South Alabama improves to 3-0 on the season, while extending their

inaugural win streak to 10-0.

With the loss, Edward Waters is 1-4.

“I think they performed very well,” Jones said. “The bottom line is we just had better players than they did. They really have a class bunch. I thought it was a well-played and respectful game.”

The Jaguars will return home on Oct. 2 to face off against Kentucky Wesleyan at Ladd Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

USA Officials Ban Basketball Chant Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

Officials at the University of South Alabama announced to the cheerleaders, dance team and pep band that they can no longer lead the crowd in chants of, “USA, South in Your Mouth!” following a successful USA free throw.

“The Cheerleaders, dance team and the Band will not be using the ‘South in ya mouth’ chant this year,” said cheerleading and mascots head coach Steve Clanton.

The decision was made by South Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann, who cited University’s intent to move away from a potentially politically incorrect statement.

The chant has been a fixture at the Mitchell Center for over a decade and has been featured in several Sun Belt Tournaments and on nationally televised games on ESPN and Comcast SportsNet. The University feels that the chant is not a proper representation of South Alabama spirit.

“The decision came from above,”

usajaguars.com

Fans could be armed with one less taunt in 2010 after USA officials banned “South In Ya Mouth.”

OUTLAWS representative Madison Salter said. “We received the announcement from [South Alabama marketing

director] Travis Toth and he told us that we should consider new strategies and chants.”

The athletic support organization also had its newest T-shirt designed denied by the University as it featured the slogan on the back of the fabric.

The move has already been met with harsh resistance by students and fans alike.

“Where is the freedom of speech?”

USA student Kaileigh Simm said. “It’s a tradition. You can’t truly ban it if it’s something we want to chant.”

It’s unclear if the band, cheeleaders and dance team have received new cheers. It’s also unknown if the pep squads will attempt to chant over the fans.

“We’ve been asked to move on but we can’t make anyone change overnight,” Salter said.

South Alabama men’s basketball season will unofficially begin with a Nov. 12 exhibition versus Spring Hill at the Mitchell Center.

The women’s team will open its season on Nov. 8 at home against West Florida.

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September 27, 2010

Charging the Mound

Jags Scheduling With D1 Intent

USA Football

Getting to know Kentucky Wesleyan Jake Wasdin

SPORTS REPORTER jake-wasdin11@yahoo.com

On Saturday, Oct. 2, the South Alabama Jaguars football team will face the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers at Ladd Peebles Stadium.

From Owensboro, Ken., the Panthers are led by Head Coach Brent Holsclaw.

Holsclaw has coached the Panthers since 1993 and has posted a record of 12-41, including last year when they went 2-9 on the season.

The Panthers bring a multiple pro-style offense to Mobile, using the playbook and coaching to make up for the lack of personnel.

The Jaguar defense will look to shore-up the run as well as watch the quarterback’s eyes.

South Alabama will have to keep eyes on quarterback Chris Owen and running back Thomas Gordon if they are to succeed.

“This season has been good to us in regards of getting Chris,” Holsclaw said.

“He’s a talented, heady quarterback, but he’s also a senior veteran we can’t afford to lose. He’s our offensive leader, and we need him on the field.”

“I think the first thing with Chris is his confidence. He wanted to come back and prove something after [suffering a knee injury last year]. And he’s surrounded by good offensive players.”

Owen had a career day at quarterback

as a Panther on Sept. 26, hitting 31-of-44 passes for 423 yards and four touchdown passes.

Kentucky Wesleyan is 3-1 to start the season; their best start in the last eight years of Holsclaw’s tenure.

“Historically, we’ve gotten out of the gate slow, but this year is different,” Holsclaw said. “I’ve had more talented teams here at Wesleyan, but this team just has a refuseto-lose mentality.

“Even when we got behind at times [early in the season], the team remained calm and just sort of collectively said, ‘It’s OK, we’ll get it back.’ It’s one thing to say it, but then when you see the team deliver it is very rewarding.”

The Jags will see a 3/4 defensive scheme from Kentucky Wesleyan.

The Panthers’ key players on that side of the ball are linebackers freshman Andy Pirruccuello and junior Kenneth Little.

“We needed someone to step up while some of our best defenders have been sidelined,” Holsclaw said, “And these two guys have done just that for us. They’ve been absolutely outstanding.”

South Alabama will return home on Oct. 2 to face off against Kentucky Wesleyan at Ladd Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Sports Editor Matt Weaver contributed to this story.

The

Vanguard Sports Poll LAST WEEK:

THIS WEEK:

Has The Chase been good

Should USA ban the ‘South

for NASCAR?

In Ya Mouth’ chant?

* Yes * No I’m oldschool in that I liked the classic championship format better. Look at a driver like Jeff Gordon, the winner of four championships in the old format. The Chase has taken two championships from him in 2004 and 2007 and could realistically take this year’s. The Chase hasn’t added very many close title battles and doesn’t add to the sport.

Let’s move on.

-Rob Ellis, Vanguard Reader

Vote Now!

Matt Weaver

SPORTS EDITOR jmatthewweaver@aol.com

kwcpanthers.com

KWC QB Chris Owen. Owen is having an impressive season for the Panthers.

This Week in Football: South Alabama Vs. Kentucky Wesleyan Oct. 2, 2010 Ladd Peebles Stadium

Madness from page 9

the top 20 with two of the four being away games. Both schools play in elite conferences and have the one-loss buffer. These two should play in the BCS National Championship Game.

After the first three weeks of the season it would be hard to argue that any of the Top 10 teams other than Boise State and TCU will stay undefeated.

The only ranked team left for Boise State is No. 14 Utah.

Oklahoma has the best shot to go undefeated but might not survive with one loss.

Ditto No. 6 Oregon.

It’s hard to believe that any team outside of the top-10 have a legitimate shot. There are just too many teams to leapfrog.

There are six other teams in the SEC other than Alabama that are still undefeated and all ranked in the top 16.

The same goes for the Big 10, where two teams are undefeated and within the Top 15.

If any of these teams run the table, or lose just once, they will surely leapfrog ahead of a team like Boise State or TCU. So plan on a long, irritating and wonderful season of football.

There are so many games left and so many questions still unanswered. And as much of a headache as this may be, we’ll take it because we love our football.

It could be said that South Alabama football has traded its slow and methodical approach for one that is slightly crazier.

In scheduling LSU, Tennessee and now Oklahoma State, Joel Erdmann and Joey Jones have taken off the training wheels in lieu of a full-fledged Harley.

Football shouldn’t be expected to compete in the FBS by 2017, but don’t tell that to the Jags’ Big Two. Sure, the team will take several beatings along the way, but it’s foolish to believe that South Alabama can’t win.

Scheduling Oklahoma State and nearby Southern Miss both to away games is just a confirmation.

Playing this level of competition away from the conference definitely makes South Alabama more prepared for league play.

After all, winning the SBC should be USA’s first priority over the next decade.

Using South Florida as the model, South Alabama is right on pace to become a mid-major player and, in time, a BCS Buster. The Jags’ current scheduling practice gives USA instant recognizability.

Meanwhile, defeating programs like OSU and Southern Miss will give USA instant credibility.

Losses mean virtually nothing while a victory can mean everything to South Alabama.

Not enough good can be said about Erdmann and Jones’ diligence. The two clearly understand what it takes to be successful in a non-BCS conference and are almost Boise State-like in their practices.

Time will tell if the Jags win like the Broncos but their brief history shows that this is a good start.

The infant program eased into competition, playing an initial schedule complete with prep schools and military academies. As a result, South Alabama dominated in its first season to the tune of 7-0.

Some criticized the “walk before you run” approach, preferring the Jaguars to be bold. These fans prefer the tactics of a Georgia State, who in its first year scheduled defending national champion Alabama.

But Erdmann and Jones have committed to doing things their way. And why not? The results of 2009 have already positively affected the team in 2010.

Despite playing FBS-level schools and traveling on the road for the first time this past weekend, South Alabama is calm, cool and collectively unified on the Jaguar way.

Because of Erdmann and Jones, that way has quickly become a winning tradition. The Jags are still undefeated and USA is unblemished in its approach.

Remember this era, because history is unfolding before our very eyes. South Alabama football is a hit, and that’s not so crazy.

September 27, 2010

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Opinion

Alex Whalen Opinion Editor AlexWhalen@gmail.com

September 27, 2010

OUR VIEW

Student Fees Not Money To Burn

W

hile we commend the SGA for streamlining the budget meetings and appropriations process, we worry this has led to some severe oversights on the part of the SGA senate.

Perhaps it’s fatigue from these inherently long meetings, or perhaps it’s merely a complacency that’s inherent in the SGA senate, but money is being handed out like it’s going out of style.

Most funding requests by organizations are made through the appropriations process. Under this process, organizations are only allowed $2,000 per year, and there are rules limiting what expenses can be funded by appropriations.

Co-sponsorships, on the other hand, have fewer restrictions and, in theory, there is no cap on the amount of money an organization can request via co-sponsorship.

Take, for example, USA’s cheerleading program, which requested $3,000 in co-sponsorship funding on top of the $2,000 it already received through an appropriations request.

Now, we certainly don’t fault the cheerleading program for making this request. Any organization is entitled to request any amount of money it desires. But it’s the senate’s job to decide whether to honor the request.

This is not a matter of whether the cheerleading program deserved this money to attend a conference. Our concern is the complete disregard demonstrated by the senate for the implications of approving this request.

Since the senators were unable to look at the long-term effects of a move like this, we will analyze the situation for

them.

As was mentioned, this money was requested to attend a conference. But there is already a process through which organizations and individual students can request travel money. It’s called a Supplemental Travel Grant (STG).

STGs have their own rules and funding limits, at $350 per student. By allowing students to travel with co-sponsorship money, the STG process is completely circumvented.

This sets a dangerous precedent. Not only can students exceed the individual allotments stipulated by STGs, but this makes STGs essentially useless.

Why would anyone make an STG request when they can get more money through co-sponsorship?

By exceeding this per-student allotment, there will be less money available to other students or organizations seeking funding. And this is precisely why these rules are in place.

We’re not suggesting that the USA cheerleaders don’t deserve this money – that’s ultimately for the SGA senate to decide. But granting the request without realizing the implications is irresponsible.

One move like this can put the future of STGs and cosponsorships in jeopardy. If either is seen as unnecessary, abused, or frivolous, then future SGA Executive Committees could easily put either or both on the chopping block.

Budget meetings are inherently long – this most recent one lasting over two hours. And perhaps it is the length of these meeting that leads to complacency of senate members, but this is no excuse for the senate to vote as if it has money to burn.

Student meal plans were already a hot topic before the new dining hall was delayed. So how are students feeling about these plans? Here are a few of your reactions.

Scott Hennigar Biomed. Sci. Sophomore

The lack of the ability to eat with my brethren at the table within The Market is ruining the social networking capabilities of students on campus.

Eric Snellgrove Anthropology/ Geology Senior

Business Ethics Meets Business Sense On Sept. 23, six months after becoming law, the Affordable Care Act had a series of new provisions come into effect. Among the new provisions of this hotly contested legislation is a requirement that Tory Albertson insurers cover preSTAFF WRITER sonofalbert@gmail.com existing conditions for children under age 19.

Insurers fear that parents will choose to keep their children uninsured until after an emergency or illness takes place, thus placing the financial burden on other policy holders by increasing insurance premiums.

In response to this mandate, insurance companies are trying to find ways to operate within the bounds of this new legislation while still avoiding situations like those above.

Of primary interest recently are large insurance companies that have opted to remove child-only insurance plans from their offerings.

Ethan Rome, CEO of Health Care for America Now (HCAN), is quoted by several news agencies as saying this shift

on coverage for children is “immoral.”

Looking a little deeper, however, several important points surface.

First, these insurance companies are not denying health coverage to children; they are merely eliminating one type of policy through which children are covered. Children can still be insured through family policies or business policies held by parents.

The limiter here is that the parents or guardians must hold a policy of some sort prior to the healthcare incident.

Second, the insurance companies have claimed that all current child-only policies will continue to be honored.

Also, children enrolled in other types of policies that stipulate full coverage regardless of the pre-existing conditions will continue to be covered.

Third, child-only policies constitute a bit less than 10 percent of the overall market. There are children who will be affected by this lack of offering, but not all. And it will only be in this one aspect.

Now, for something other than an insurance company’s perspective: There are countless examples of how people have been hung out to dry by insurance companies that discriminate for one health reason or another. We

have all, or will have to work (or fight, as the case may be) with our insurance carrier over paying medical bills.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been quoted as saying, “Time after time, insurance companies will place profits over patients.”

That is exactly what an insurance company is doing with every policy written; but in their defense they are, after all, a business.

By mandating what insurance companies can and cannot do, the federal government seems to be taking on this responsibility of individuals' healthcare - despite protests to the contrary.

One of the problems with the government taking on this role is that it is incapable of meeting the needs entailed by taking on this responsibility.

The demand then is to provide a service the government’s way not in a way that makes sense for the organizations concerned.

The demands placed on the insurance companies with this child-only policy do not make sense from a business perspective.

In any other industry this would be considered a wise business move.

Instead it is being considered a moral outrage. Something to think about.

The food itself is OK, but the actual setup of the plan is bad. I wish they would add other food locations around campus as a meal option, and that those places had a healthier variety of food to choose from.

William Egbert Undecided Junior

It is so great that the administration has consistency. Over the last couple of years they have aggressively made this campus worse. I am extremely excited to find out what horrors they have in store for next semester.

It’s the same plan we had last year, with a higher price.

We are paying higher for the “Fresh Food Company” and it is not fresh food.

Andrea Scott Engineering Sophomore

Want a soapbox?

Well, here you go!

Just e-mail your campus thoughts, complaints, or ideas to usacampuspulse@gmail.com and we’ll print them right here!

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September 27, 2010

POINT COUNTERPOINT Corn Syrup or Corn Sugar?

Editor’s Introduction: In response to negative publicity about High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), the Corn Refiner’s Association is proposing a name change.

They argue that HFCS isn’t actually all that high in fructose content, and that the body responds the same to HFCS as it would to ordinary sugar. In that line of thinking, they propose calling HFCS simply corn sugar. Opponents, however,

Awareness, Not Deception

cry foul, arguing that these claims are unfounded or just plain false. There is also a worry that by calling something corn sugar, you are giving the impression that it is naturally produced like real sugar. But will a name change have any effect?

And is the current name more misleading than the proposed name change? The answers are unclear, but we have the arguments here.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Think of corn sugar. It sounds artery-clogging Hungry Man meals The name high fructose corn otherwise. natural; something created by the to seemingly healthy Special K syrup (HFCS) is confusing and According to the American synergistic relationship between cereal, is exempt. misleading as to what this ingredient Dietetic Association (ADA), the Father Helios and Mother Gaia, Though proponents argue that found in many foods truly is. This majority of experts have found which blossoms under the carehigh fructose corn syrup is no worse confusion has led the Corn Refiner’s that high fructose corn syrup and ful toiling of man, something that than natural sugars, new evidence Association to petition to the U.S. other added sugars “produce humanity has healthily ingested for is constantly arising and scientific Food and Drug Administration similar effects on human metabolic millennia. studies continually attribute it to (FDA) to change the confusing responses,” showing that the differNow think of high fructose corn the obesity epidemic in the United name to the more accurate term ence between table sugar and high syrup. The name conjures images States. “corn sugar.” fructose corn syrup is negligible in Imran Kaitlin of grimy factories responsible for This year alone, researchers at Allowing people to easily recogits effects on people. human rights scandals and the nize the added ingredient as a sugar, Further, the American Medical Mohiuddin Princeton University found that in Webb seemingly inevitable heating of the a study involving rats, those that as opposed to being completely Association (AMA) concluded that earth; images of a consumed high fructose corn syrup confused about the composition of “high fructose world where everything is a gained substantially more weight than their high fructose corn syrup, is actually a service syrup does not appear to dull grey and natural foliage table sugar eating counterparts. to the consumer. contribute more to obesity is a thing of the past.

The study shows that, though high The Corn Refiner’s Association has a valid than other caloric sweetenThe name high fructose fructose corn syrup is chemically similar to concern about the name of high fructose ers” indicating that, despite corn syrup sounds too scinaturally produced sucrose, ingestion of the corn syrup since the name has a negative claims to the contrary, high entific to be good for you, two substances produces radically different connotation suggesting that the food is high fructose corn syrup is no like the product of some results. in fructose while it is, in fact, a combinamore likely to make somecomplicated reaction your While the rats that consumed sucrose tion of the two simple sugars fructose and one fat than cane sugar or chemistry teacher makes showed expected weight gains, those that ate glucose. other added sugars. you memorize. high fructose corn syrup began to develop The two most common forms of the In fact, both high frucAnd that’s just what it is. the telltale signs of obesity. product are HFCS 55 and HFCS 42, which tose corn syrup and table caymanmama.com High fructose corn syrup Their abdominal fat and triglyceride levels are found primarily in soft drinks and many sugar have the same caloric Is it corn syrup or corn sugar to you? Is sounds synthetic because shot up, signs that in humans are indicative foods, respectively. HFCS 55 contains around value of around 4 calories of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

55 percent fructose and 42 percent glucose, per gram. The only differ- its name as important as its effect on it IS synthetic. It can’t be found growing in any Because there is no current explanation while HFCS 42 contains around 42 percent ence is that high fructose the body? You decide. pumpkin patch or orchard; for why high fructose corn syrup triggers this fructose and 53 percent glucose. corn syrup is cheaper than it’s native only to the turweight gain, corn conglomerates pretend that The ratio of fructose to glucose in the high table sugar due to the abunbines and reactors of factories. the correlation doesn’t exist. But after thinkfructose corn syrup is very similar to that dance of corn available for its production.

In moderation, high fructose corn syrup, ing about it, it’s easy to see that this mentality of table sugar, which is composed of equal Importantly, changing the name to corn like most other things, isn’t astonishingly is fundamentally flawed. amounts of fructose and glucose. sugar will also allow those unfamiliar or conterrible. However, its pervasiveness in the After all, no evidence can explain the Despite the comparable ratios between the fused by the term to easily identify the added market makes it a force to reckon with. It presence of gravity; yet it still exists at the two, one is labeled as being “high” in frucsugar to their foods while still allowing the takes only one trip to the grocery store to foundation of modern physics, and there are tose, while the other is known by the natural consumer to know that the sugar originated see that high fructose corn syrup is in almost few that question its existence. sounding name of sugar. as a corn product. everything. If a food has been the least bit High fructose corn syrup is commonly Continued at www.usavanguard.com. processed, it’s sure to have been drenched Continued at www.usavanguard.com. cited as causing more obesity than other in this gooey concoction, and nothing, from sugars, yet studies have consistently indicated

Clearing the Air

By Alex Whalen alexwhalen@gmail.com

Yay Democracy!

The polls are closed in Afghanistan and another successful democratic election has taken place in this war-torn country. It must have been successful, right?

Otherwise, why would U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Gen. David Petraeus give themselves a pat on the back and praise the elections?

But before we break out the bubbly, let’s clear the air.

There is at least one necessary part of a democratic election – candidates being

elected to certain positions. Yet, according to AP reports, the election results won’t be in until the end of October, after the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) investigates some 3,000 complaints of election-day irregularities.

Odds are most of these complaints aren’t about the coffee at the polling stations. Several hundred of the complaints came from FEFA observers who noted coercion and intimidation of voters and officials. I’m sure there were a few reports concerning the “33 bomb explosions and 63 rocket attacks” as reported by the Ministry of Interior.

Overall, there were 11 civilians and three police officers killed, according to AP reports.

This number is well below the 30-plus people who died in last year’s election, but we should keep in mind that this was an election for seats in Afghanistan’s lower house of parliament – not the presidential election of last year.

Ultimately the Independent Election Commission (IEC) will count up the ballots and help determine if the election was even

legitimate. I just don’t see how it can be, even if there are clear winners in the election.

For starters, there were around 2,500 candidates running for 249 seats in the parliament. This divides up to around 10 candidates per seat.

But in a country that UNICEF reports as having a literacy rate of males at 49 percent and females at just 18 percent, it’s hard to make a case that the population was well informed.

Plus, voter turnout was understandably low, given the threats of violence made by Taliban insurgents against potential voters and candidates. It’s not really a free and fair election when polling centers are forced to close because of security reasons, and voters are afraid to cast their ballot for fear of being blown up.

I’m also interested in what happened to the ballots that were sent to those closed polling stations. A bunch of blank official ballots just lying around in a country where ballot box stuffing is commonplace will make the outcome dubious, at best.

The upshot: this event went through the motions of a democratic election, but that’s where the similarities end. Just because you have an animal that can gallop, trot, and canter doesn’t mean it’s a horse.

The reason why this election is so important is because it’s the first completely Afghan-run election since the U.S. invaded in 2001 to overthrow Taliban rule. People want it to be a success because that will show that Afghan officials can run a government without interference from Taliban insurgents.

But clearly that isn’t the case. Taliban strongholds dot the Afghan countryside, and their presence was obviously felt throughout the entire country. Just over a month ago, a couple was stoned to death by the Taliban for having an extramarital affair, and there really wasn’t anything anyone could do about it.

And a quick look at the Ministry of Interior’s website shows just how “under control” the situation is. The police force there has its hands full with trying to find mines and explosives set by insurgents and dealing with the see DEMOCRACY | 15

Distractions

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September 27, 2010

Sudoku

Sudoku puzzles brought to you by USA’s Student Health Center. To make an appointment, call 251-460-7151.

Rules: Fill each row, column, and square of nine boxes with the numbers one through nine without repeating any. Answer keys provided on www.usavanguard.com.

Vanguard Staff Staff usavanguard.editor@gmail.com

Caption Contest

JAGUAR CIPHER

Each letter in this puzzle stands for a different letter. Decipher the puzzle to reveal a quote from someone famous.

“EV EK VTM WUZA SX UH MBGQUVMB WEHB VS FM UFRM VS MHVMZVUEH U VTSGITV CEVTSGV UQQMDVEHI EV.” - UZEKVSVRM CLUE: E = I

Bikes

Stadium

Though the need for more bike racks is being addressed, some students feel that it is not necessary for an extra $5 to be able to have your bike on campus.

“I was not anticipating paying for it and they say they had it written down but the thing is I don’t have a car and our tuition pays for parking permits,” Hali Mason, a freshman Foreign Languages and Literature major, said. “I don’t see why I could get a free car parking permit but I have to pay for a bicycle permit.”

According to Mason, the idea of a bike policy is a good one because there are not many bike racks and many bikes get left, but she feels it is obvious which ones are not in use. “[Registering your bike] should only be for people who think their bike is going to get stolen. I’m not worried about mine, and it looks like it’s in use,” Mason said.

“If they would do like a universal transportation permit, you could have one for either your bicycle or your car and then you have to pay like a $5 fee for the next one,” Mason said. “I think that’s reasonable because I don’t have a car and I don’t want to pay for that when it’s not in use and have to pay for this.”

The $5 charge for registering a bike goes to the cost of the decal, USA Chief of Police Normand Gamache said.

The requirement for bikes to be registered has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2002, according to both the USAPD website, and the Housing and Residence Life Policies and Procedures also states that bikes must be registered with the USAPD.

According to Willis, the Stadium Boulevard portal’s architect also designed the North and South Drives portals. Even though the entire road will not be available for thru traffic, it will still be available for use to get to the new Student Recreation Center and for residents or dorms in the area.

“You will still be able to go from the traffic circle up to the Rec Center,” Gamache said. “They are going to do a cut-through right next to the Rec Center so you can park up there, and when you back out you will just have to turn around and come back down.”

Students who live in the residence halls closer to the traffic circle will still be able to get to their dorms, but they will just have to leave through the main part of campus, according to Gamache.

The road closing is not expected to affect operations of the USAPD because they are on the side of Stadium Boulevard close to the traffic circle.

“It’s not really going to impact us. It’s going to be more of an inconvenience for the student population coming to class and leaving,” Gamache said.

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from page 4

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

Winner: “I would say only in Mississippi, but that’s an Alabama tag.” -jtl703@jaguar1.usouthal.edu Honorable Mention: ”What parking problems? I never have trouble finding a parking spot on campus.” -David Pham

SGA

Monitor

Paige Perry and Sen. Alan Sells, chair of SGA’s appropriations committee, debated the necessity of uniforms before it was noted that the uniforms applied for were dress uniforms for ROTC members who present the flag and represent South Alabama at a variety of events. They received a total of $2,000.

The more than $20,000 increase over last fall’s budget of $182,500 was furthered by the decision not to print out copies of the USA student handbook The Lowdown – lending to a current appropriations balance of about $53,976.47.

Few organizations applying for appropriations this year continued the trend of absence or misfiling paperwork.

There were, however, several groups that did not fulfill the requirements for appropriations – the biggest issue being the three semester rule, which states that the organization must be active for three consecutive semesters in order for eligibility.

Kimball said. With it, “we can issue warnings and give people a sense of direction as to where [airborne] pollutants are going,” because it “paints a better picture of weather patterns and the wind field,” she said.

The instrument is also useful in case there is an industrial accident with hazardous materials, she said.

As CHILI’s weather station technologist, Reinert demonstrated the device to media and faculty Sept. 17.

The device monitors the air several times a minute, Reinert said as he showed onlookers how different parts of the device work.

If he or Huber were to see VOC spikes in air levels, he said, they can gather pollutants samples from the in-

from page 1

Democracy from page 13

aftermath of explosives they didn’t find.

I’m all for a strong government in Afghanistan, but it just may be the case that the country isn’t ready for a constitutional democracy with a president and a parliament.

We’re trying to take a system that evolved within already-functioning countries with well-established principles, and apply that to a dramatically different political, economic,

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September 27, 2010

from page 5

and social landscape.

In the end, this election can’t be a success because it’s not about the candidates.

For those who voted, it was about standing up to Taliban threats and trying to have a voice that was stronger than that of terrorism.

And until the election process is about the candidates, and not about facing insurgents, there isn’t going to be a successful election in Afghanistan.

strument.

People’s reactions to a USA Baldwin County Campus forum series about the oil spill’s effects on the Gulf Coast spurred the device’s installation at USA, according to Director Phillip Norris.

The forums delved into subjects like legal and real estate issues and air quality, he said, and people responded to the information they heard at the forums by pooling monies together to buy the device.

“The outcome is the University, through [Vice President for Research Russ] Lea, funded this,” Norris said.

The device’s readings will be published online at www.chiliweb.southalabama.edu, according to Huber.

Budget from page 1

gle largest source of revenue, has decreased from $139 million three years ago to about $100 million for the upcoming fiscal year.

Alabama’s education budget is based on sales and income tax revenues, which decline when the economy does.

“The budget is a dynamic process in Alabama, particularly this coming fiscal year because of the possibility of proration,” Johnson said.

If state tax revenues decline in the middle of a fiscal year, the state government can retroactively reduce the amount given to each University in appropriations in a process called proration.

This prospect looms over the entire budget process, creating rampant uncertainty.

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