Feb. 12, 2018

anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

THE

MONDAY FEB 12, 2018 VOL 1719 ISS 18

w w w.t he vangu ardus a.com

Signing Day

Can the iPhone maintain popularity?

African-American Student Association

USA football signs on new players for the new season.

After admitting to slowing older phones, the iPhone faces backlash.

AASA plans to host a luncheon to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

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Tips to avoid the flu

USA’s Student Health Center has administered more than 700 flu vaccines, according to Beverly Kellen. Photo courtesy of USA President’s Office.

BY: RACHEL SULLIVAN AND MARISSA MASON | THE VANGUARD STAFF

flu outbreak an epidemic and they anticipate the flu outbreak is likely to continue.

The University of South Alabama Student Health Center urged

students to be proactive in avoiding the spread of this season’s flu virus. They provided some tips to help students stay well and avoid spreading the flu.

“The best way to prevent the flu is to be immune to the viruses,” Director of Operations of Student Health Beverly Kellen said. “Thus far this season, the USA Student Health Center has administered over 700 influenza vaccinations to students, and we still have a very limited supply available.”

Though the vaccine can vary in how it works, it is the first and best way to prevent seasonal flu, according to the SHC website. The SHC has the flu vaccine available to currently enrolled students for $20. An appointment is not necessary for the vaccine. The cost

Jim and Mary Mather are celebrating their 20th anniversary of helping international students in Mobile. Photo courtesy of Jim Mather

Club Spotlight: Friends of Are security cameras keeping you safe? Internationals This year’s flu mortality rates have prompted the Center for Disease control to declare this season’s

BY: ELAINE RUSS | REPORTER

There are more than 700 security cameras on campus, according to Zeke Aull. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Despite what television may lead you to believe, security cameras are only one of the tools that police rely on to solve crimes, according to Zeke Aull, chief of the University of South Alabama Police.

“What [mainly helps] us is information from the victim and information from the public,” Aull said.

“When you put that all together, that is what solves crime. What

Continued on page 3

works is not just cameras, but a combined effort of police, information from the public and technology. We have our saying, ‘If you say something, do something.’ It used to be, ‘If you see something, say something,’ but we changed that, because that is what stops crime: getting the community involved.”

“A camera is a camera,” Aull said.

“You can only see what it sees.”

Continued on page 4

BY: NATASHA SPRADLIN | REPORTER

Missionary leaders Jim and Mary Mather came to the University of South Alabama in 1998 after receiving a phone call to help international students on campus through the student and community organization, Friends of Internationals. The husband-wife Continued on page 6

2

Vanguard THE

University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336 Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-7966 I Fax: 380-2850 Advertising: 460-7966 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

NEWS USA Crime Report

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Web Editor Electronic File Mgr. Reporters

Shannon Lundgren Marissa Mason Richard Narramore Amber-Lynn Boothe Charles Harrison Krisha Amin Tricia West Hannah Blackburn Kenyan Carter Christian Hinkel Elaine Russ Evy Savoie Natasha Spradlin Rachel Sullivan Photographers Briana Cunningham Cartoonist Clay Lolley Keep your valuables out of view when storing them in your car. Photo by Muqit Asif Khan

Advertising Advertising Manager Preston Smith Graphic Designer Jennette Bago

Advisors Advising Heather Leigh Stanley James Aucoin Accounting Candice Jennings Advisor Emeritus John Sellers

Distribution Distribution Cory Judkins Cameron Hall

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.

Send letters and guest columns to: thevanguardeditor@gmail.com 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, JagMail and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail. com. 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 Office of Student Media. Issues are available at most University buildings and select offcampus locations. Freelance writers and photographers will receive payment upon successful publication.

To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com

01/26/2018 Property Damage Shelby Hall parking lot A parked vehicle was damaged by a motorized construction lift, operated by a maintenance worker in the Shelby Hall parking lot.

01/29/2018 Burglary Third Degree Brookley Campus Unknown person(s) unlawfully entered a building with the intent to commit a burglary.

01/29/2018 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Gamma Parking Lot Student reported that an unknown person struck her parked vehicle and left the area.

Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle USA Physicians Group An unknown vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot at the USA Physicians Group, causing damage to the left front bumper.

02/01/2018 Theft of Property Fourth Degree College of Education Unknown subject, with intent to deprive owner of property, stole victim’s wallet from listed location; value of stolen property does not exceed $500.

02/01/2018 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less Student Center A student ID card was stolen from The Student Center Fresh Market and unlawfully used twice.

01/31/2018 Property Damage Health and Nursing parking lot On 01/31/2018, at 14:50 a sign 02/01/2018 belonging to the University of South Duty Upon Striking an UnoccuAlabama was damaged. pied Vehicle Humanities Parking Lot - North 01/31/2018 A USA Student reported damage to

his vehicle while on USA property.

02/02/2018 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle Location not available Unknown subject, with intent to deprive owner of property, unlawfully entered victim’s unsecured vehicle at listed location and stole listed articles; value of stolen items does not exceed $500.00.

02/05/2018 Theft of Property 4th Degree Delta 3 A male students bicycle was stolen from the bicycle rack at the Delta 3.

02/05/2018 Theft of Lost Property $500-1499 University of South Alabama Medical Center After observing the victim drop his wallet in the USA Medical Center Emergency Room exterior waiting area, the subject knowingly and purposely took the victim’s lost property, concealed it in his pants and then left the location.

If you SEE something, DO something!

251-460-6312

NEWS

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Avoid the flu, cont’d Upcoming Events 14 Wednesday

21 Wednesday

Jaguar Productions: Bae Application

World Languages Day Student Center East Lobby

Student Center 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Study Abroad 101 Student Center Room 253 1-2 p.m.

16 Friday

Junior Rachel Sullivan wears a face mask to avoid catching the flu. Photo by Shelby Guidry

Continued from page 1

of the flu shot is covered for all students who have coverage with the UnitedHealthcare plan, according to SHC. The vaccine can still be effective at this point in the flu season, according to the CDC. SCH also says to use common sense to prevent exposure.

“Avoiding exposure to the flu is helpful, but is very difficult,” Kellen said. “Ways to avoid contracting the disease include: wash your hands or use hand gels containing at least 60 percent alcohol; do not touch your face, eyes or mouth unless your hands are clean.”

The SHC advises students to avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, limit contact with other people and stay home, except to receive medical care. Local clinics are offering around-the-clock phone hours for patients to call in their symptoms instead of coming into the office and possibly exposing themselves or others to the flu.

Lastly, SHC advises taking care of yourself if you contract the flu.

“Self-isolate and only go near others or in public if you must for medical reasons. Then, you should use cough etiquette and wear a sur-

gical mask,” Kellen said. “If you live in a residence hall on campus, we ask that you consider going to your permanent home, if possible, until you have recovered. You may be able to resume activities when you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without taking medications known to lower your temperature.”

Shelby Hall WPS Starbucks supervisor Cecelia Sanders says she had the flu and recovered. She following the SHC’s guidelines to help prevent the spread of the flu.

“I kept a bottle of sanitizer on the counter for our guests to feel free to use anytime and I have told all employees if they have any notice that they have a fever, do not come to work because this is a red flag of spreading any virus to others,” Sanders stated.

Be sure to rest for as long as you feel sick to avoid spreading germs or worsening your symptoms. If you expect to miss a significant amount of class be diligent in contacting your professors.

“Your USA Student Health Center is available should you become ill and suspect that you might have the flu,” Kellen said.

Call the SHC at (251)-460-715 with any questions.

Jaguar Productions: Trivia Live Downstairs Student Center Lobby 9-11 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

22 Thursday USA Basketball vs. Troy Double-header Mitchell Center 5 - 10 p.m.

24 Saturday Dance Marathon Student Center Ballroom 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

NEWS

4

AASA to celebrate 50th anniversary

AASA members plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Photo courtesy of AASA BY: EVY SAVOIE | REPORTER

The University of South Alabama’s African-American Student Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a luncheon in the Student Center Terrace room on Feb. 22, according to AASA president Chelsia Douglas.

This event will give AASA students the opportunity to dine with AASA’s founder, Dr. James Kennedy.

Founded in 1968 as the Black Student Union, AASA serves over 4,000 students on campus, according to Douglas.

“I am so honored and so appreciative to serve an organization that has so much history, so much purpose,” Trey Ruffin Johnson, AASA’s co-director of outreach, said. “For us to still be here 50 years later says so much about the organization, its founder and every student that has been apart [of AASA].”

Both Douglas and Ruffin Johnson place great value in AASA’s purpose. Douglas transferred to USA in 2016 from a university that had no African-American organization, despite having a large African-American community.

“Just having a way to communicate with my brothers and sisters is very important to me,” Douglas said. “It’s important for us to stick together and say, ‘You can do it!’”

AASA’s outreach efforts aren’t limited to on-campus students. The

Cameras, cont’d Continued from page 1

Aull cited television as overstating security camera capabilities.

“What you see on some of the TV shows, when they pan and zoom and can move, that’s just not accurate,” Aull said. “I think we often get mixed up on what is television and what is reality.”

Despite cameras only being a part of what solves crime, USA is committed to placing cameras all around campus.

“We have over 700 cameras on campus and we’re adding more,” Aull said. “We’re always seeking to install and use our technology the best we can with the money that is available. We utilize our cameras and we put them up in places where they’re going to be helpful. We’re expanding our cameras now, and I think that [people] are going to start seeing more cameras around residence halls coming

soon. We have other cameras at the entrances to campus that were recently completed around the first of the year.”

The best way to stay safe on campus is to be aware, according to Aull.

“I’m not saying we have a dangerous campus,” Aull said, “but I don’t want students and faculty to get lax. You need to always have a mind-set of what your surroundings are. If you see something suspicious, it probably is. Use your LiveSafe mobile safety app or call the police department, and say ‘Hey, look, this just doesn’t look right.’ Don’t just rely on a camera.”

In order to contact the University of South Alabama Police Department, call 251-460-6312 or text 251-219-0219. The LiveSafe Mobile safety app is free and available in the app store.

organization was involved with an event known as Black Girls Rock, where two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to young black women in the Mobile charter system on Feb. 2.

“Black Girls Rock exemplified the beauty of being a black woman,” Douglas said.

Douglas aims to restore AASA’s original mission of serving African-American students through a year-long celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Douglas and Ruffin Johnson are excited to share AASA’s 50th anniversary with USA students.

“It’s important for us to get back to our roots and purpose,” Douglas said. “Stay tuned. We’re back, bigger and better than ever!”

Douglas believes that AASA is important to African-American students in transitioning to university life as well as in providing a sense of community and belonging.

Ruffin Johnson also believes in the

student organization’s purpose and importance.

“AASA encompasses everything that it means to be black at a predominantly white institution,” Ruffin Johnson said. “It means being proud of who we are and [of] everything that our ancestors went through for us. It means striving to make an impact on the lives of those who come behind us.

It means leaving a legacy! AASA means doing it for our culture.”

Douglas and her cohorts have big plans for the organization’s future, beginning this year.

“Somewhere throughout these few years we’ve lost sight of our purpose as a student organization,” Douglas said. “We’re not just a party organization. We are here to act and be a voice for AfricanAmerican students.”

AASA has weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Terrace room.

LIFE

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Debutantes: A Mobile Tradition

Emma Brown continued the tradition of being a debutante. Photo courtesy of Emma Brown

Junior vocal major Jamie Chow was presented into society in 2017. Photo courtesy of Jamie Chow

keeping the tradition of becoming a Debutante balls face being misthing that’s backward,” Brown said. debutante is important for cultural understood in the modern era.

How this tradition will change and traditional significance.

“I don’t want to see it die because with the times remains to be seen, In this day and age of women’s Chow said it was important for it’s a cool tradition, but I don’t want but one thing is certain: it will liberation, the term debutante con- her and that she was “honoring it to be misconstrued into somecontinue. jures images in the popular imagiwho I am becoming as a woman. nation of wealthy young women It’s honoring all the achievements being presented on the marriage I’ve made so far and everything I market. However, according to THE VANGUARD IS hope to do.” two University of South Alabama “It’s not just getting fancy and debutantes, Emma Brown and Janie going to a ball; it’s representing a Chow, the tradition of holding transition in your life where you FREELANCE WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS debutante balls is alive and well but are becoming a woman,” Chow has changed over the years. said.

Brown and Chow said the traWhile the meaning of the ball is dition of being a debutante has changing, some traditions remain become more of a social networkthe same. Brown said her organizaing event, as well as an opportunity tion had a dress code requiring her WRITER to keep a link to the past.

Tell us what is dress to be true white and modest Chow’s great-grandfather was and she was also required to wear important to Articles should be approximately 500 the first mayor of Mardi Gras for words and written in AP style. the traditional white gloves. you! the Mobile area African-American Chow said choosing a dress for COMPENSATION: $20 PER ARTICLE Mardi Gras Association after World her ball was a long process. Chow IF SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION War II. Chow said debuting the The Vanguard and her mother sampled some with same organization he was a is accepting dresses privately, then invited her PHOTOGRAPHER part of, the Comrades was imporgodmother and her mother’s godfreelance news tant to her and her family. mother to help in making the final articles and photos Photos should be shot in RAW format Brown’s family also has a long effective editing before exporting as choice. from students. We for tradition of being involved with the JPEG. Debutante escorts and presenters want to see what debutante balls. Brown’s mother COMPENSATION: $7 PER PHOTO IF wear tuxedos with tails and white you have to say! was also selected to be a debutante gloves, also. Presenters are typically SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION due to her family involvement in the debutante’s father and walk her the Mobile community. out during the debut. Escorts are “My mom was so excited when I chosen by the debutante, usually a got invited,” Brown said. “She said APPLY TO THEVANGUARDEDITOR@GMAIL.COM boyfriend or close friend, who walk ‘you’re gonna be a lady!’” the debutante’s mother out.

Both Brown and Chow agreed RICHARD NARRAMORE | ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

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LIFE

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duo met in Pennsylvania and married in 1985. Since then they have traveled around the globe, making their way through countries like Haiti and Pakistan. According to the Mathers, they share a heart for international people and the desire to intentionally pursue diversity in our communities.

In the twenty years since the Mathers took over FOI, their home has become a home-away-fromhome for international students, providing counsel, encouragement and sometimes a shoulder to cry on.

“International students leave what they know to experience what they don’t know, to develop their careers, explore the world and to build relationships,” Jim Mather said. “We want to assist that process.”

Jim Mather said his faith motivates him to reach across cultures and bring nations together regardless of age, race or religion.

“In the book of Revelations the last book of the Bible, is a scene of this wedding banquet,” Jim Mather said. “All of these people, multiethnic, come around this massive table to celebrate and share a meal together. That picture in my mind is something we should be doing now, which is intentionally building relationships with the whole world. Not in a confrontational way but in a family way.”

FOI hosts a variety of events

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Local and international students mingle at a FOI dinner. Photo courtesy of Jim Mather

throughout the school year to increase awareness of international students and give USA students, faculty and staff the opportunity to have cross-cultural exposure.

Events range from foreign movie nights, talent shows, community service opportunities, with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, group discussions, Bible studies and cultural nights where students can learn about cultures and experience food from other countries.

Bader Almutairi, an exchange student from Kuwait, recently attended a Bible study hosted by FOI. “I want to learn about all religions,” Almutairi said. “I’m reading about Christian and Jewish people and how they become close to their God. I wanted to go to FOI because the people seemed friendly. After I left, I felt happy because they are welcoming people. I learned not all people are bad. There are bad people, and there are good people in each religion. I met good people in FOI and that was an amazing experience for me.”

USA student Elizabeth Nettleton is from Mississippi and attended FOI events in the past. She said she always felt embraced by FOI. “Friends of Internationals gave me the perspective of the right way to serve internationals who are living in America,” Nettleton stated.

“FOI allowed me the opportunity to interact with people from countries that I had yet to visit.”

The Mathers and Nettleton said for many, speaking with people from different cultures can feel intimidating. Nettleton urges people to see others as people before their place of birth or spiritual belief and to think of a time when they were wrongly judged at first glance.

“Everyone deserves a chance of being known,” Nettleton said.

“No matter their skin color, their spiritual choices, or their clothing choice.”

FOI’s student organization is open to all students on USA’s campus. Visit their website www.foimobile.org for more information.

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SPORTS

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Jaguars pick up new faces on Signing Day BY: CHRISTIAN HINKEL | REPORTER

Steve Campbell picked up a huge recruiting class in first year as head coach. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

With the conclusion of the 2018 recruiting process, the Jags now have their first recruiting class under new football coach Steve Campbell.

The Jags’ 2018 class includes 23 players from six different states however, Campbell says he put a heavy emphasis on recruiting inside Alabama.

“There is such great talent here, and once we got out and started recruiting you could really see that,” Campbell said.

In the National Signing Day press conference on Thursday, Campbell said the Jags signed players that will fill positions of immediate need such as defensive line and running back. Campbell also likes the players he signed that will lay the foundation for the football program in the future.

“I feel like we helped ourselves, not only did we fill some immedi-

ate needs… but also we set ourselves up for some good situations in the future,” Campbell said.

The recruiting class for the Jags was very balanced. Of the 23 players recruited, 13 are on offense, and 10 on defense. Offensive players that headline the class include dual-threat quarterback Desmond Trotter out of Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, Alabama.

As a senior, Trotter scored 17 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns. He produced 4,040 yards of total offense in that year as well.

Tony Brown from East Central High School in Hurley, Mississippi, another offensive recruit for USA, is a player that Campbell pointed out specifically in the press conference. He was the Gatorade state player of the year in Mississippi.

In Brown’s last two seasons at East Central, he scored 88 touchdowns and rushed for 6,004 yards.

On defense, Campbell feels con-

fident in the defensive linemen that he signed, and he likes the size and length of the defensive backs that the Jags acquired.

Jordan Beaton, a transfer from Jones County Junior College, will fill an immediate position of need at defensive tackle. Beaton recorded 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks his sophomore season at JCJC. Another signee from JCJC, cornerback Travis Reed, has the ability to lock down one side of the field with his 6’2” frame. Reed’s efforts at JCJC helped lead his team to a top 25 national ranking in points and passing yards given up per contest.

These few players are a few of a class that Campbell referred to as physical and productive. Campbell is very excited about what the future holds for this program.

For more information about Jaguar Athletics check out USAJaguars.com, or check out the latest issue of The Vanguard.

Men’s basketball gets big home win BY: HANNAH BLACKBURN | REPORTER

The University of South Alabama (12-12, 5-6 SBC) topped University of Arkansas Little Rock (5-20, 2-10 SBC) 73-56 in a home conference matchup at the Mitchell Center Thursday night to end a threegame losing streak.

In the Jags’ second-biggest win over a conference team, Trhae Mitchell was one of three Jags who shot double figures as he went 8-of-12 from the field in his 32 minutes of play. Mitchell also snatched seven rebounds. Forward Josh Ajayi had 16 points, making 5-of-14 with six of those from the free-throw line. This game marked Ajayi’s fifth in the last six games in which he had double-digit scoring.

Sophomore guard Herb McGee had 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting in 23 minutes of play. Freshman guard John Pettway had a career-high eight points and four assists. Senior forward Nick Davis had a gamehigh nine rebounds.

“The one thing we talked about coming into this game was playing with energy, effort and enthusiasm and as great teammates,” head coach Matthew Graves said.

“Those things are the controllables.

Tonight, it was good to see guys smile and play hard for each other.

I was really pleased with the overall outcome.”

Pettway’s three-pointer closed out the first half with the Jags on top 34-30. The momentum shifted in the Jags’ favor at the beginning of the second half when Mitchell made a three-pointer, igniting a 12-2 run for a 46-32 lead early into the half, which is what Graves wanted to see.

“Coming out of the second half, we started slow and we wanted to pick things up, get after it and extend the floor with the press a little bit,” Graves said. “We did a good job of forcing them to play faster than they wanted to and that allowed us to get some transition

looks.”

Graves contributed the win in part to players off the bench who helped give the starters motivation.

“Guys like John Pettway and Joe Thompson off the bench were really huge for us,” Graves said. “When those guys come in off the bench, that gives our other guys confidence. Those guys played really well for us. When they were faceguarding, double-teaming Rodrick [Sikes], it opens up the floor for everybody else, and sometimes, your job is to stand there and watch everybody else drive the ball, get the ball in the paint and space the floor.”

The defensive effort on the Jags’ part also was factor to the team’s win.

“We did a good job of flying around and being aggressive,” Graves said. “I thought we executed that well. Tonight we were able to coach execution and I was really proud of our guys.”

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SPORTS

8

Women’s basketball struggles dropping third straight game

Head coach Terry Fowler watches from the side line during the game against UALR. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars BY: CHARLES HARRISON | SPORTS Offensive struggles hampered EDITOR

The University of South Alabama women’s basketball team lost its third straight game after struggling against the University of Arkansas Little Rock and Arkansas State University.

The Jags returned home to the Mitchell Center on Feb. 8 to take on the University of Arkansas Little Rock and fell 47-35 in their worst offensive outing of the season.

the Jags in the first half as they struggled with the physicality of the Trojans. However, the Trojan offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 13 points before the Jaguars got on the board.

The four points scored in the first period of play were the fewest scored by the Jags in a single quarter of play this season.

During the second period of play, the Jags found more rhythm,

outscoring the Trojans 12-8. However, it wasn’t enough to pull past the Trojans as they went to the half with a 24-16 lead.

“The 13-0 start is the difference in the game,” head coach Terry Fowler said. “Take that away, and it’s a plus one game for us.”

Senior center Chyna Ellis lead the Jags in the second half, scoring eight of her 14 points as the Jags struggled to come from behind.

Despite a strong second half push from the Jags, the Trojans outscored them in the third and fourth period, as the Trojans cruised to the win.

The Jags remained at home for their next match-up, losing 75-60 to Arkansas State University.

The Red Wolves and Jags traded shots early, making it a 5-5 game.

Ten unanswered points from Arkansas State set up the lead they carried through the rest of the game. The first period ended with the Jags down 24-10.

The Jaguars nearly rallied in the second half with Williams hitting a big three-point shot with 5:54 to go, cutting the Red Wolves lead to a slim three points. Arkansas State then pulled past the Jags in the final

minutes out-scoring them 16-4 to set up the 75-60 USA loss.

“We got off to another slow start,” Fowler said. “We’ve been a team that has started fast for most of the year, but we got off to a slow start tonight and they took advantage of it and then held on. To our kid’s credit, we fought back, we made it a onepossession game.

The loss to Arkansas State is the third straight defeat in this February slump and was the first loss at home since the defeat at the hands of the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Dec. 21.

The women’s team’s next game is expected to be on the road in a rematch with the Appalachian State University Mountaineers on Feb. 15, where the Jags will be hoping to pick up a late Valentine’s Day gift in the form of a big win.

For more game coverage, exclusive content, and to stay caught up on the latest in Jaguar Athletics check out the Vanguard on Facebook @thevanguardusa or see our website VanguardUSA.com

Women’s softball one run short against Alabama COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

Before a sell-out crowd of 1,152 in its season opener, the University of South Alabama had its chances against No. 10/11 Alabama, but missed opportunities proved costly Thursday night as the Jaguars dropped a 1-0 decision in their season opener at Jaguar Field.

South Alabama (0-1) got the leadoff batter aboard in the third, fourth and fifth innings, eventually placing two runners on base in each of those instances – two of those times with one out – but the Jags were unable to come up with the timely hit.

USA softball players watch from the dugouts as a teammate bats. Photo by: Briana Cunningham

OPINION

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USA professor gives 50 tips to improve your life BY: DR. MIR ZOHAIR HUSAIN | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

wind, relax and do something you enjoy.

1. Live life by the Golden Rule: 16. Keep a time log for at least do unto others as you would have one week to examine how your them do unto you or do not do to time is spent. Use these findings to others what you would not have manage your time more effectively. them do to you.”

17. Budget and spend your 2. Honesty and integrity are almoney wisely. Remember: “A fool ways the best policy. and his money are soon parted.”

3. In all things, the Golden Mean 18. Beware of time-wasters (such (moderation) is best. as talking on the phone, surfing the 4. Maintain an optimistic outInternet, streaming videos, playing look—hope for the best, but prevideo games, watching television, pare for the worst. shopping, partying, etc.). Also, have 5. Live life as if every day was the courage and confidence to say your last; in this way, you live a “NO,” especially to activities that purposeful, meaningful life. interfere with your priorities.

6. Be grateful for what you have, 19. Streamline old habits by getand never stop striving to make a ting rid of activities, things and difference in the world. individuals that bring you down 7. Learn how to control your ego because they can often be more of a and practice humility. On that note, liability than an asset. be respectful and kind to everyone 20. Do not be an obsessive peryou meet. You never know who will fectionist. As human beings, we are be in a position to help or hurt you imperfect and fallible. in the future.

21. Learn from mistakes. Analyze 8. Develop empathy and forgivewhy they happen and learn from ness. Harboring grudges and letting them. Allow setbacks to contribute them fester will contribute to stress to your wisdom, which helps you in and ultimately hurt you more than the long odyssey of life. The probothers. lems and failures that inevitably 9. Set realistic life goals and emerge are part of your education visualize a successful, happy career. and will remain indelibly etched in This all helps you avoid disappointyour mind for the rest of your life, ment, frustration and most imporcontributing to your wisdom. tantly stress.

22. Maintain a healthy diet. Have 10. Do your very best when you a light lunch because a heavy lunch assume responsibility. Never dismakes you sleepy, making it difficriminate, but strive to be honest, cult to read or memorize informatrustworthy and just. tion. Eat foods rich in whole grains, 11. Be enthusiastic, sensible, vitamins and minerals, such as pragmatic and adaptable in all fruits, nuts and vegetables. Portion endeavors. control will prevent you from con12. Develop the virtue of pasuming too many calories. tience. It will serve you well 23. Avoid energy drinks, coffee throughout the roller-coaster ride and other highly-caffeinated beverof life. ages. While providing momentary 13. Carry yourself with confienergy, they result in a “crash” dence and dignity and speak with one or two hours later. It is also self-assurance. advisable to drink at least eight 14. Establish practical and 12-ounce servings of water and achievable short-term goals and take a multivitamin every day. make every effort to accomplish 24. Reserve 20-30 minutes for exthem. Make a to-do list each and ercising daily. Research shows that every day and carry it wherever exercise increases strength, flexyou go. Keep a small pencil in your ibility and stamina; controls your pocket to adjust the to-do list as weight; reduces anxiety and depresyou add or cross out items. sion; improves the quality of your 15. Schedule downtime to un-

sleep; and increases your chances of living a long and healthy life.

Unlike caffeine, exercise provides sustained energy.

25. Cultivate the vitally important art of networking/socializing in order to build connections that may help in your future.

26. Give a close, nearby friend an extra key to your car and apartment/home.

27. Follow local, national and international news in print, radio, television and on social media.

You will be more informed and respected.

28. Think before speaking. Wise people think before they speak, while fools speak before they think Remember: “Silence is golden, while speech is silver.”

29. Control what you say or send when angry or depressed because it can never be taken back and could come back to haunt you.

30. Don’t be a rumor-monger.

You will be distrusted and disliked, ending up with virtually no friends.

31. Expand your social network to include people from diverse cultural backgrounds and learn about their countries, cultures and religions. This will help you become more enlightened.

32. Look, dress and comport yourself appropriately in public.

33. Cultivate effective listening skills, which entails paying careful attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues. It is not merely hearing what someone says. There is a reason why we have two ears and only one mouth. Each person can teach you something.

34. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills. They are vitally important to every part of your life.

35. Sleep at least seven hours each night. A proper amount of rest will lead to more energy and help your mind stay sharp. But, most importantly, it contributes to a longer, healthier life.

36. If you feel fatigued during the day, take a 15-20- minute power nap. It will refresh and rejuvenate you to take on the rest of the day enthusiastically.

37. Try to smile when you meet

or pass people. It is a positive, reassuring gesture of goodwill.

38. Don’t waste time worrying about things you cannot change.

Instead, direct your time, attention and energy to constructive pursuits in the present.

39. Negativity, anger, hate and envy can be toxic. Be thankful for what you have and strive harder to make a difference in people’s lives.

40. Winning every argument is not possible. Agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

41. No one is responsible for your happiness but you. Therefore, try your best to have a positive mindset every day.

42. Stay close to your family.

They are your support and will always be there for you.

43. Spend quality time listening and learning from your elders.

Due to their numerous experiences, they are often repositories of wisdom.

44. No matter how bad, the current situation will pass. During difficult times, do not exaggerate or magnify its impact on your life; doing so will simply depress you.

45. If you feel sad or discouraged, discuss your problems with family, close friends, or a counselor (secular or religious).

46. Learn that time is vitally important. Once it has slipped by, it will never come back. In fact, many say “time is money.”

47. Take responsibility for your actions and apologize when appropriate—you can’t always be right.

48. Be curious, cultivate an insatiable appetite for acquiring information and knowledge, and become a lifelong learner. In due course, knowledge often translates into money, respect and influence.

49. See mistakes as opportunities to enhance such virtues as introspection, creativity, humility, patience and wisdom.

50. It is good to be confident and independent. However, when your need assistance, never hesitate to seek help from those more knowledgeable and competent than you.

It will save you time, stress and money.

OPINION

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Dear Debbie: getting over my ex BY: RACHEL SULLIVAN | REPORTER

Dear Debbie, Is it possible to still love a guy who treated you terribly? A guy that I dated for almost two years dumped me last year after cheating on me during the entire relationship. Things ended badly and to this day I’ve never gotten the closure I need.

Recently, I started to admit to the fact that in spite of it all and no matter what I have told other people, I am not over him and I still love the guy I thought he was. It’s been a really confusing and depressing thing. You see, he got a new girlfriend two weeks after we broke up and has been happy-go-lucky ever since. Meanwhile, I’ve been left with a lot of issues and hurt that I’ve tried to repress.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, a lot of tender memories have resurfaced and I’m having a really hard

time. I keep thinking about the good times and wondering if I’ll ever be ok. I can’t focus on my life anymore because I’m so caught up in wondering if he ever thinks about me and if he is sorry for all the things he did. And a little bit of me wonders if things will ever change back…

I need help with moving on, with or without closure. How can I get through all of this distress and hurt, and possibly love again?

-Hopelessly Devoted Dear Hopelessly Devoted, Getting over a bad relationship, especially one where cheating was involved, is never easy. It takes time to heal and move on. The most important thing is to give yourself that time to heal. Too often we rush things and put on a happy face when really that is just feeding our hurt.

The fact of the matter is, you

don’t need to be with someone who puts no value in other people’s feelings and love. He clearly did not treat you the way you deserve and took you for granted. The first step is realizing that, and accepting he is not at all the guy you thought he was. Unfortunately, he is not your fantasy.

Make it a habit to replace the old good with the new good. There are going to be a lot of memories from him that will stay with you. What if you were to make new ones? Go to the restaurant that was his favorite, but go with friends and make new memories. Listen to those songs you used to sing together, but sing it with a friend who doubles as a karaoke partner. Make new memories.

There will always be a part of you that loves him. You will find yourself thinking of all these wonderful

things about him. What if every time you thought of those things, you sat up and listed three good things that have come out of him being out of your life? Or, if you have to, three bad things about him. Instead of wallowing in the past, appreciate who you have become and what you have overcome since being with him. Find joy and comfort in yourself.

I know this is the season of love and engagements, and it can be extra hard to be single and heartbroken. But just admitting that you’re still healing is a huge step.

You know you’re not ready for a new relationship. Give yourself the time to heal and gain trust in the people around you. One day, a guy will come who will treat you like the treasure you are and give you the love you have never been given.

Until then, grow slow.

Can Apple maintain its popularity and sales?

BY: KENYAN CARTER | REPORTER

The year is 2010. Apple released the iPhone 4 to unprecedented fanfare. The iconic feature set for the phone included the FaceTime video call for the first time ever, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone and a new design of glass and stainless steel making it the thinnest smartphone at the time. This was said to be the device that brought smartphone technology into the mainstream. The hype was real with the phone selling 1.7 million units within the first three days, according to an Apple press release.

“This is the most successful product launch in Apple’s history,” then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs said about the iPhone 4.

With this release, Apple showed they were willing to try new things, push the cutting edge of modern technology and emphasize quality.

More importantly, however, is the amount of goodwill the iPhone 4 earned Apple customers with the company, which continues to this day.

Now we are back to present day.

Apple is dealing with the controversy of the company throttling the speed of it’s older devices. According to a report by NPR, iPhone owners were furious when the company admitted that it intentionally slowed down older phones to preserve battery life. Some users filed class-action lawsuits. The phones affected by this slowdown include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone SE and the iPhone 7.

The problem with this is that users experiencing their phones getting worse could have just replaced the battery and the phone would be back to running like new. However, with Apple’s lack of transparency regarding the slowdown, it helps vindicate the planned obsolescence strategy pushing users to buy newer phones. Apple, in response to the backlash, issued an apology and lowered the price on a new battery from $79 to $29. According to the Verge, Apple is also beta testing a way to disable throttling in its 11.3 iOS update.

This also comes in the wake of

Apple dropping the 3.5 mm headphone jack feature since the release of the iPhone 7. According to a poll done by Macworld, a site dedicated to following Apple products since 1984, 58 percent of voters wanted Apple to keep the headphone jack.

The reasoning Apple gave for taking this commonly used feature away is puzzling. Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, attempted to justify the removal during the phone’s debut.

“Now, some people have asked why we would remove the analog headphone jack from the iPhone,” Schiller said. “The reason to move on really comes down to one word: courage. The courage to move on and do something new that betters all of us.”

By moving on, they’re referring to their high-end Bluetooth headphones, AirPods, that come separately from the phone for a hefty $159. These headphones come separately and cordless so the possibility of misplacing them is a real problem, and replacing them won’t

be cheap. Apple does include a lightning adapter to allow customers to plug in 3.5 mm headphones like before, but it takes the place of the charging port taking away the ability to listen and charge the phone simultaneously.

So, with Apple’s new devices, they’ve taken away features and replaced them with more things to spend money on. This becomes more egregious when taken in the context that Apple in 2017 was Fortune 500’s most profitable company for the third year in a row. Instead of investing those huge profits into making a more durable and longlasting device, Apple has shown that each generation they will not only do the bare minimum but find more ways to take advantage of their loyal customers who are responsible for their success.

According to Forbes, Apple’s profits dropped 14 percent compared to 2016. The momentum from the success of the iPhone 4 can only last for so long. If Apple doesn’t refocus on customer service instead of profits, even the most loyal buyers will reach a limit.

DISTRACTIONS

Valentine’s Day Facts

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• California produces approximately 60 percent of the roses grown in the United States.

• The majority of roses purchased for Valentine’s Day are from South Africa.

• Daniel Chase invented a machine in 1866 that could print messages on food using food dye. This led to Necco’s candy Sweethearts.

• Feb. 13 and 14 are the largest individual days for chocolate sales, but the Christmas season is longer, earning more overall sales.

• Men account for 73 percent of Valentine’s Day flower sales.

• Over 50 million roses are given for Valentine’s Day each year.

• About one billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year.

• Cupid is said to be the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty.

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