June 2, 2014 by The Vanguard

VANGUARD THE

VOL. 55, NO. 1

“If it matters to the USA family, it matters to us.”

JUNE 2, 2014

INSIDE

Hangout Fest 2014 Interviews with Matt and Kim & Fitz and the Tantrums

► JagLife: Old Crow Medicine Show brings bluegrass to Saenger Theatre. See JagLife, page 4

► JagLife: Trivia nights bring big fun and even bigger prizes. See JagLife, page 6

UCUR begins year by expanding its scope By KARIE FUGETT Managing Editor

► Sports: Softball falls in regionals, ends season 42-14. See Sports, page 9

► Sports: Gleason earns only All-Sun Belt honors for Jaguars. See Sports, page 11

he University Committee on Undergraduate Research, University of South Alabama’s undergraduate research program, isn’t as well-known as it should be around campus, even if it is one of their shiniest gems. It gives undergraduate students interested in doing research in graduate school a chance to get their hands dirty early. Not only that, but they pay the students $2,000 for their work, too. This year’s group of undergraduate researchers at South began their work Wednesday, May 21, and are doing some impressive things. Andrea Butts, a biomedical sciences major, will be “ ... focusing on the effect of natural drugs on breast cancer” while Ellis Hicks, a computer sciences major, “ ... utilizes Artificial Intelligence and robotics in order to explore interactive learning environments.” Boni Yraguen, a mechanical engineering major, said she will be “ ... creating a model to show how women, specifically, thermoregulate.”

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The program began sixteen years ago as a small, unfunded program driven mostly by students and faculty. “Eventually we were able to secure external funding, then the University began matching it,” Dr.

Anne Boettcher said, the program’s director. When The Vanguard asked her how USA benefits from the program, Dr. Boettcher said it helps to recruit students to the University,

it aids in student retention and it helps students have a better chance of getting into graduate school. “It See UCUR Page 2

THE VANGUARD ARCHIVES

Nicholas Grondin (right), meteorology sophomore, and others examine UCUR findings at a past UCUR symposium.

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

In this Issue: Sports, Page 9 Opinion, Page 13

JagLife, Page 4

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

PHOTOS FROM JOSHUA TAYLOR’S FACEBOOK

Joshua Taylor, winner of best UCUR presentation in 2013, presents his findings at the National Conference in Lexington, KY.

UCUR Continued from Page One

contributes to the overall mission of the campus,” she concluded. UCUR offers two ways for undergraduate students to participate: through its paid summer Undergraduate Research Program or through its unpaid Volunteer Internship Program. The volunteer program is open to all undergraduate students and is year-round. It is meant for students who are planning to apply to the paid summer program in the future but would like to get some experience first. It is also meant for students who participated in the paid program previously and want to continue their work throughout the year. To apply as a volunteer, students are only required to have a mentor and sign a liability waiver. The paid program is during the summer only and is a bit more rigorous with deadlines to meet and weekly meetings to attend. A competitive application process is also required. Unlike the volunteer program, not everyone will be accepted. This year, approximately forty students were chosen for UCUR’s paid program, with another thirty volunteering, eager to get experience regardless of pay. Hicks has been in both. “This is my third summer getting involved with UCUR,” he said, “I did a volunteer UCUR after the end of my freshman year which expanded into a paid UCUR fellowship for the following summers.” Students are welcome to participate for as many years as they like, some even opting to get involved after graduation. The program is kept flexible so that it will be as beneficial as possible to each student. It is also not geared specifically toward science majors or even toward traditional students, but is open to all majors and all ages, something that seems to be a common misconception. When defining research, UCUR chooses

to keep it broad, inviting students of all backgrounds by applying the definition the Council on Undergraduate Research uses: “An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.” It is true that the program is currently packed full of science and engineering majors, but that’s only because very few students from other majors are applying. This year the program does have a visual arts major focusing on social media marketing and an English major researching the roles of widows in Victorian British literature, but Dr. Boettcher hopes to encourage similar students to apply in the future. UCUR is launching a new Ambassador Program this summer to help with this initiative. Students who have previously been involved with undergraduate research will have the opportunity to aid in campus-wide outreach. “I’m excited to see that (UCUR) is growing,” Dr. Boettcher said, “but I would like to see more diversity in disciplines.” To prospective UCUR participants, Dr. Boettcher said to start by e-mailing her to find a mentor that is well-matched to the project. She said a thorough application is key, and students are encouraged to send their application to her before it is due to make sure that it is on the right track. “I’ve seen many students with great ideas who would have benefitted by sending me their application ahead of time. I actually prefer students do that. We’re here to help.” When I asked Yraguen what advice she would give to students considering applying, she said similarly, “(Students) should find a mentor that they really like and can learn a lot from.” She continued, “They should make sure the project they will be working on is something that interests them to be successful at it.” Butts’ advice was an enthusiastic, “Do it!” For more information about UCUR, visit their website at southalabama.edu/ucur/.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Weather for June 2 - 8

Editorial Editor in Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor JagLife Editor Staff Reporters

Matthew Rex Strickland

Karie Fugett Rachel McMullen Jordan Knox Alyssa Newton Mitchell Kahalley

Laura Havard Jenna Munday Drew Scelsi Aaron Poiroux

Distribution

Distribution Bobby Faulk Alan Smith

Advertising Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller Sheldon Hall Promotions Director Jaclyn LeBatard

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

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: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688. Or 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 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. 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. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. 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 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. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.

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Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

USAPD Police blotter 04/28/2014 19:11 Marx Library Public lewdness The crime of public lewdness was reported at the library.

04/18/2014 10:03 Delta 2 parking lot Criminal mischief third degree Unknown person, with intent to damage property, punctured victim’s vehicle tire.

04/30/2014 10:40 Meisler hall Property damage A privately owned SUV hit a van owned by the university in a parking space.

04/22/2014 15:44 USA Federal Credit Union Harassing communications Known subject made verbal threats via phone causing the victim and employees of the business to be alarmed and annoyed in fear for their lives. 04/24/2014 8:35 Research park 3 Probation violation Officers responded to the front parking lot of research park 3 for the report of a suspicious male and female sitting in a white vehicle. 04/28/2014 14:01 Bookstore Theft of property second degree Textbooks were stolen from the university bookstore.

04/30/2014 19:44 USA medical center Theft of property The victim reported her iPad was stolen. The suspect was armed with a knife.

If you see something, say something! Call USAPD at 251-460-6312

05/01/2014 14:08 Shelby hall Theft of property third degree A student reported the theft of his thumb drive from Shelby hall. 05/01/2014 16:01 Stokes Residence Hall Burglary third degree A resident reported his headphones stolen from his room.

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jagLIFE

MITCHELL KAHALLEY JAGLIFE EDITOR wmk1221@jagmail.southalabama.edu VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Old Crow Medicine Show bring bluegrass to Saenger By TAYLOR KINGREA Contributing Writer

he last boy band that I remember crushing on — I mean really crushing on — was Hanson. I’ve been pretty proud of myself, for a little over a decade now, to have dropped the boy band obsession there. But Thursday, May 22, 2014, that all changed. The scene: The Mobile Saenger Theatre. The vibe: laid-back and energetic. The Band: Old Crow Medicine Show. “Old Crow” is a bluegrass/folk/ alternative country string band concoction of seven wildly talented musicians who can fulfill any musical fantasy. The Nashville-based band is on tour promoting a mix of old and new songs, highlighting their upcoming album, “Remedy,” which releases July 1. All original members are together minus one, Willie Watson, who left the band in 2011. On average, the members can play two or more instruments with a boundless exhaust of energy that mixes with a technically sound, if not mastered, practice of their passion. And they’re all pretty cute, too. Now I’m no long-time Old Crow

groupie. No, I’m just a newbie to their tunes, but if you haven’t checked this band out yet, now might be the time. Here’s the rundown: there’s Ketch Secour, the lead singer, a musician who is more like a Kerouac character than an actual human being — a great figurehead for “Teen Bop: Bluegrass Edition”; Chance McCoy, the suspender wearing, renowned fiddling genius from Harrisonburg, Va.; Critter Fuqua, who can break it down on the guitar or slide guitar or banjo or vocals; Gill Landry, the newest addition, is subtle and sexy on the slide guitar; Kevin Hayes, on the guitjo who, as the eldest member of the group, radiates a life ripe with stories of moonshine and cocaine; Cory Younts, my pickme-up-off-the-floor-I’ve-faintedtwice personal favorite, whose wry, cajun twerking, piano playing, mandolin jamming, Nashvillian superstar vocals and drumming abilities will make any heart melt (read: bias); and Morgan Jahnig, not to be forgotten, on upright bass who hangs steady in the back and isn’t afraid to pick up his tool when the moment’s right and run it around the stage. The group plays and moves together like a whiskey-drunk prodigy of sound. And they sing about everything from said whiskey-drunk-

KARIE FUGETT | MANAGING EDITOR

Old Crow Medicine Show performing “Wagon Wheel” at the Saenger Theatre on May 22. enness, to love lost and found, to getting lost up shit creek (check out the new album), to mainstream favorites like “Wagon Wheel” and “CC Rider,” to being a prisoner of your own mind. The influence of old-time songwriters and storytellers like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie are evident, if not totally interwoven into their music. One of their songs

on this tour, “Sweet Amarillo,” is a splice between “some old scraps” Dylan offered to the group and their own lyrical digs. Their upcoming album has gotten the “stamp of approval” by the legendary Dylan, and has been projected to “raise hell,” according to Secor. All that to say, take a few cute, musical geniuses with a passion for

storytelling and bluegrass sounds, ask them to mess around with an easy bass, rambunctious fiddle, steady piano, a couple of mandolins and vocals that feel like a moonshineinduced float down an Appalachian river, and you’ll have a taste of what Old Crow is all about. They’re a band that, if you’re not careful, may make you fall in love with fun.

PHOTOS FROM OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Old Crow Medicine Show will be touring throughout the United States this summer and Europe this fall.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Mobile Theatre Guild Spoofs Classic Musicals In “Forbidden Broadway”

By MITCHELL KAHALLEY JagLife Editor

he Mobile Theatre Guild will be ending it’s 2013-14 season with a performance of “Forbidden Broadway: Greatest Hits.” Since 1982, the off-Broadway production has been parodying the shows, actors, writers and directors that make up “The Great White Way.” Writer and director Gerard Alessandrini has rewritten the revue over a dozen times over the past 34 years to include new shows. This summer, the Mobile Theatre Guild will be staging “Forbidden Broadway,” which will feature parodies of classic musicals such as “Annie,” “Les Miserables,” “Fiddler on the Roof ” and “Wicked.” Brandon Caten, a University of South Alabama graduate, says that even though the show is a parody, the effort being made by the performers is real. “We are singing our hearts out, giving the audience musical theatre realness that won’t be found anywhere else. There’s a lot of heart going into the show.” Caten graduated from USA in May 2014, with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. This summer, he’ll have his hands full playing multiple roles in “Forbidden Broadway,” including Angel from “RENT,” the Phantom from “The Phantom of the Opera” and Corny Collins from “Hairspray.” Musical theater is a genre built on grandiose gestures, over the top theatrics and big musical numbers. Because of this, Caten says that actors have to walk a fine line when spoofing the genre. “With a parody in theatre, the audience needs to still believe that the actor on stage is in the show that they are parodying. It’s

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PHOTO FROM MOBILE THEATRE GUILD’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Mobile Theatre Guild has performed countless shows since 1950. They staged “The 39 Steps”(above) in March of 2014. almost like the actor has to be convinced themselves that they are in the show, but allow the lyrics to make fun of that show or song. It can get confusing, but when it’s done right, it’s genius!” Caten says that all the shows that are being parodied are easily accessible to the general public and that even though the public might not be familiar with the entire show, chances are they know the songs being parodied. “A great example is ‘RENT.’ Many peo-

ple may not know this show, but chances are that they know (the song) ‘Seasons of Love.’” Caten was cast in the Mobile Theatre Guild’s 2012 production of “9 to 5” and has been working with the troupe ever since. He believes that the Mobile Theatre Guild produces some of the best live entertainment in the area and encourages all Mobilians to come out and see what they have to offer. “We have some of Mobile’s strongest

musical theatre performers on our stage and the antics that ensue once the curtain opens will be enough to bring the house down.” “Forbidden Broadway” runs for two weekends, June 20-22 and 27-29. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door, by calling 251-4337513, or by visiting www.mobiletheatreguild.org. Tickets are $20, but by showing their ID, students can get them for $15.

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VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Trivia nights lead to big fun and even bigger prizes

PHOTO FROM CHALLENGE ENTERTAINMENT’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Teams from across the region met in Tunica Resorts, Miss. for the Summer 2013 Mid-South Trivia League Finals. By JENNA MUNDAY Staff Reporter

o you think you have what it takes to compete for prizes in challenging trivia competitions? Put your knowledge to the test at any one of the trivia nights held around town. From facts about Ireland to ‘90s hit television shows, there are categories for every interest imaginable. Challenge Entertainment, the home of Live Trivia, was founded ten years ago in Memphis, Tenn., and has expanded across the southeast United States, finally establishing its first live trivia event in the Mobile area nearly five years ago. Currently, there are nine locations in the Mobile and Daphne area where Challenge Entertainment hosts trivia nights, with four of these locations being less than three miles from USA’s campus. “Participation varies from location to location, but the longest running show is Buffalo Wild Wings on Airport, which currently averages an attendance of 60 to 80 players a night,” said Eric Gallichant, area manager for Challenge Entertainment. “Momma Goldberg’s on Old Shell Road is the newest location for live trivia, and in just eight weeks is averaging nearly 40 players a week.” Not only do participants get to experience the fun of competing against other teams, but each night, the top three teams at each location win gift certificates to the host location’s venue. The prize for first place typically ranges from $25 to $50 depending on the location. As if that isn’t enough to attract players, teams also get a chance to compete for their share of $25,000 in cash and prizes during the Summer 2014 MidSouth Trivia League. Each team earns points based on how well they play at regular trivia nights until the end of the qualifying period, July 31.

The top five teams then move on to a series of semi-final events for a chance to win the grand prize. As teams progress through each stage of the Mid-South Trivia League, the stakes rise and the competitions increase in difficulty. The concept is simple and the questions are fun but, according to participants The Vanguard has spoken to, trivia nights are known to be challenging. Apart from Buffalo Wild Wings and

Momma Goldberg’s, Challenge Entertainment also holds trivia nights at Butch Cassidy’s Café, Moe’s Original BBQ, T.G.I. Friday’s, Orleans Poboys and Baumhower’s Restaurant. For more information, visit www.cetrivia.com. While Challenge Entertainment runs the majority of trivia nights around town, there are other bars and restaurants that do it as well. Serda’s Coffee Company on South Royal Street holds “Trivia Tuesday” every week at 7 p.m., offering contestants

the chance to win great prizes, including free drinks all night. Similarly, The Blind Mule has trivia nights every Thursday and Mellow Mushroom on Airport offers it on Mondays, both also at 7 p.m. So, if you’re looking for an entertaining night filled with cash prizes and free drinks, be sure to look out for the many trivia nights being held all around Mobile.

PHOTO FROM CHALLENGE ENTERTAINMENT’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Participants in the Summer 2013 Mid-South Triva League Finals compteted for prizes such as a big screen TV.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Matt and Kim party with 20,000 at Hangout Fest

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW REX STRICKLAND | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Festival goers keep beach balls in the air at Matt and Kim’s Hangout performance. By SAM ANDREWS Contributing Writer

ast month, the indie rock band Matt and Kim were welcomed back to the Gulf Coast by thousands of wild, sunburned fans at the 2014 Hangout Music Festival. The Gulf Coast is familiar territory to them, and in an interview with The Vanguard, they recalled their last show in Mobile, Ala., held at the coffee shop we all know and love, Satori. “I have a history in Mobile,” Matt Johnson, the lanky vocalist and keyboardist, said. “This was a number of years ago. I’d say five to six years ago, we’d play a little cafe.” At the time, the band toured exclusively through hole-in-the-wall establishments like Satori. “We were still doing coffee shops, art spac-

es, people’s houses, when we realized that we needed to actually go to a venue,” the spunky, every-smiling drummer, Kim Schifino, said. Word traveled about the band, and eventually house parties morphed into block parties because the crowds of 200-plus could no longer fit indoors. “It was kind of at the point where it’s like ‘This is not safe,’” Schifino said. Myspace boosted their popularity further, and eventually their small-show style couldn’t contain it anymore. “All of a sudden, like a hundred thousand people would listen to us a day, and they’d be like ‘How do I get tickets to Ryan’s mom’s house?’” Johnson joked. Though Matt and Kim say they miss hanging out with fans like they could at small venues,

they don’t miss driving nine hours only to have their house shows shut down after one song. “We try to keep the intimacy that we had from way back then,” Schifino said. The connection the band makes with the audience makes everyone feel like they’re at the party. “I think our whole style, of being the band that’s about having the party vibe, came from playing f***ing parties,” Johnson said excitedly. Matt and Kim added that their two-piece party is just the right size. “We tour with bands that have seven or eight members,” Schifino said, “and sometimes you’re kind of like ‘Really? Do you need that many?’” Even though any mistakes made are more prevalent, they say there’s less conflict with just

Matt and Kim perform for 20,000 at Hangout Fest. Their live show replicates a non-stop party.

two. “That’s one of the beauties of being a two piece,” Johnson explained. “Me and Kim were in a relationship for years before. We were just two people who get along together, and so for us, when we started playing music, we were already on the same page.” During their performance at the Hangout Festival, where giant beach balls were in great supply and an energetic setlist was played, Matt and Kim made sure to give a shoutout to Mobile. If you ask The Vanguard, it doesn’t matter whether it’s 20-something people crammed into a coffee house, or 20,000 on a beach at a major American music festival, Matt and Kim always know how to turn a show into a party.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Fitz and the Tantrums channel a new sound By SAM ANDREWS Contributing Writer

itz and the Tantrums, the indie/ soul group from Los Angeles, had no problem giving the Hangout Fest crowd what they wanted. After all, the band’s persona stems from a willingness to please the crowd. “Focus on the crowd,” is what bassist Joe Karnes told The Vanguard he does before stepping on stage. “Realize that this is some people’s night for that week or month or year, and that is a sacred and important thing. You have the responsibility to go out there and give them what they came for.” Noelle Scaggs, vocalist, said her goal is to make the audience feel free. “That’s definitely something that I ask for every single night before I go onstage,” Scaggs said, “is for everybody to really experience a joyful moment. Whether one song touched them or the entire set. Just let go of your inhibitions and enjoy the music because that’s what you’re here for.” The story goes that lead vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick bought an old organ and was inspired to write “Breakin’ the

Chains of Love” that same night. Some phone calls and few referrals later, Fitz and the Tantrums was born. A week later, they booked their first performance. Their first album, “Pickin’ up the Pieces,” quickly gained attention with it’s Motown vibe, particularly their single “MoneyGrabber.” Their latest album, “More than Just a Dream,” took on a pop aesthetic they’d wanted to try for a while. “We came right off the end of touring and basically locked ourselves in the studio and wrote, wrote, wrote,” Scaggs said. The band decided to explore their sound, focusing on their pop sensibilities. “There was a lot of adding other colors to the pallet,” Karnes said about their new album. “We really let the songs tell us how they needed to be presented.” The members of Fitz and the Tantrums had some advice for other budding musicians: “Play, play to your heart’s content,” Scaggs said. “Remember why you’re doing it. Remember it’s the love of music and the way it translates.” “Well also,” Karnes added, “if you want to do it as a career, make sure you have to do it in your soul because it’s a very tricky, tough road, and there are no guarantees.”

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW REX STRICKLAND | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Noelle Scaggs (top) and Joe Karnes (bottom) spoke with The Vanguard about songwriting, performing and expanding their sound.

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SPORTS

ALYSSA NEWTON SPORTS EDITOR akn1104@jagail.southalabama.edu

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Follow us for news, updates and play-by-play tweets: @USAVGSports Blair Johnson @BlairBear_2 Infielder “When it’s your turn, turn up.” #getRyledup #GoJags Alyssa Linn @alyssalinn14 Outfielder A smart car with rims, I guess that’s one way to make it cool. Drew Dearman @Dewski72_ Offensive Lineman ALYSSA NEWTON | SPORTS EDITOR

Senior Hannah Campbell and junior Farish Beard have been nationally recognized for their performances this season.

Softball falls in regional, ends season 42-14

It’s amazing the redneck pearls of wisdom you can learn from my fellow Alabamians on the Finebaum show. #pawl Justin Cullifer @J_Culli14 Infielder

Jags make third-straight NCAA Tournament Regional appearance, third 40-win season

Whoever came up with the idea of a Nerd slushy... You’re awesome. #SonicSwag

ALYSSA NEWTON

Bud Collura @BudCollura Third baseman

Sports Editor

he South Alabama Jaguar softball team’s postseason play was extended when given a spot to play in the Tuscaloosa Regional after falling to the Sun Belt Champions LouisianaLafayette in the Sun Belt National Championship game. A day before the championship, second-seed USA defeated the Ragin’ Cajuns 4-2 to face ULL once again in the championship game. In the final contest, after being tied at one after the first inning, two singles and a threerun homer in the sixth inning gave ULL the SBC title breaking the Jaguars’ streak and hopes of a three-peat as Sun Belt champions. During the tournament, three Jags were named to the 2014 SBC All-Tournament Team. This included Hannah Campbell, Emily

Messer and Amanda Minahan. But this was not the end for the Jags as they took part in the NCAA Tournament for the third year in the row. The Jags were slated to compete in Tuscaloosa Regional against USC Upstate, SIU-Edwardsville and No. 2 in the nation Alabama. No. 21 South Alabama faced No. 24 USC Upstate in the opening round of the Tuscaloosa Regional at Rhoads Stadium. In their first contest, the Jags fell 5-3 in eight innings, their first loss in extra-innings this season. Kaitlyn Griffith hit her third home run to tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth to send the game into extra innings. The teams traded a run apiece in the first frame and Upstate scored a run in both the top of the fourth and the sixth. Jag errors allowed Upstate to

reach in the top of the eighth and from there two additional runs were added to the Spartans score to give them the win. This put the Jags in the losing bracket to face SIU-Edwardsville and face USC Upstate one again. Winning both would mean facing Alabama in the final while a loss meant elimination and the end of the Jaguars’ season. On Saturday, May 17 the Jaguars won both elimination games back-to-back with a 5-1 win over SIU-Edwardsville and shutting out USC Upstate 5-0. Junior pitcher, Farish Beard, recorded a career-high 16 strikeouts against SIUEdwardsville improving her season strikeout total to a careerbest 223. Chloe Rathburn would give the Jags their final runs with a three-run homer in the top of

the seventh inning. Against USC Upstate, Campbell finished the night with three strikeouts to no walks and five hits allowed. She improved to 18-6 on the year. Blair Johnson gave the Jags their first of five runs with a solo bomb in the top of the fourth, her fifth home run of the year. A mishandle of an Alex Breeden single scored Julie Moss and Griffith to make the score 3-0. Herron then joined the South Alabama bomb squad with a two-run homer to score Alyssa Linn pinch-running for Breeden to give the Jags their final run of the ballgame. With these two wins, South Alabama would face Alabama in the Tuscaloosa Regional See Softball Page 10

The kid just asked for the word in a sentance and the judge gave him “although her milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard” haha Chris May @CmayFive5 Offensive Lineman Just now figured out that the Brady Bunch is only related by marriage... They’re only step siblings.. I feel lied to and cheated. Derek Westbrook @thedwestbrook25 Track and Field There is something with me and Gulf Shores that always results in me getting a sunburn, no matter how much sunscreen I put on. #YOLO

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Softball Continued from Page 9

final, their third trip to a regional championship in as many years. Against Alabama, the Jags faced the task of a must-win doubleheader to advance to the Super Regionals. But unlike their efforts the previous day, it took Alabama only one game to shut out the Jaguars to end their postseason play with a 3-0 victory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am extremely proud of my kids,â&#x20AC;? USA head coach Becky Clark said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can honestly say that they left everything on the field â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there was no holding back. Our kids went after it 100 percent, even in front of a stadium full of people. They had the audacity to believe that they could come out and win two games. That is what you are supposed

to do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you are supposed to step out on the field knowing that you can get it done. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be on the field. Our kids did that and I am proud of them for making that decision.â&#x20AC;? For seniors Moss and Campbell, this was their final game as Jaguars. After an arm injury that limited her play time her final year, Moss batted .302 (13-for-43) with five runs and three RBIs. She led her team at the Tuscaloosa Regional, going 6-for-15 (.400) with .400 slugging and on-base percentages. According to USA Jaguars, Campbell finished her Jaguar career as the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-time leader in fewest walks allowed per seven innings (1.24), wins (83), saves (16), appearances (149), complete games (93), games finished (40), innings pitched (791.1)

and strikeouts looking (180). Campbell made her debut as an Akron Racer Friday, May 30, 2014. Campbell was drafted third overall in the National Pro Fastpitch draft and is the first female in South Alabama history to be drafted to a professional team. Campbell earned an AllAmerican distinction for the second year in a row this year. Campbell was an All-South Region selection in each of her four years at South Alabama and was thrice named to the first team. She is USAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only All-American. The team finishes 4214 on the year, marking their third-straight 40win season and regional appearance.

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VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Baseball hosts Sun Belt Conference Championship USA earns No. 7 seed, falls in second round with double elimination losses against UTA, ASU

AARON POIROUX Sports Reporter

he South Alabama Jaguars were eliminated from the Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament after back-to-back losses to UT-Arlington and Arkansas State. The No. 7 seeded Jaguars (22-31) fell to No. 2 Texas Arlington (30-25) 8-4 on Wednesday, May 21, the opening night of the tournament. Travis Sibley led UTA with four RBIs and two runs scored. Drew LaBounty led the Jags at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs, tying his career high in hits. The Mavericks took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning when Greg McCall scored on JM Twichell’s double. UTA brought the score to 2-0 in the bottom of the third when Ryan Bottger scored on a double by Matt Shortall. UTA scored once again in the bottom of the fourth when Sibley’s RBI allowed Darien

McLemore to reach home plate. Sibley scored later in the fourth on a wild pitch by James Traylor, bringing the score to 4-0. During the fifth inning, UTA doubled their lead with four runs by Twichell, Levi Scott, McLemore and Sibley consecutively. The Mavericks led 8-0 heading into the sixth inning. South Alabama scored their first runs in the top of the sixth. With the bases loaded, LaBounty singled to right field, allowing Connor Hawthorne and Cameron Cummings to score and cutting the UTA lead to 8-2. Garrett DeGallier’s double later in the inning allowed Davis Knapp to score, bringing the score to 8-3. The Jags’ final run came in the top of the ninth when Cole Gleason scored on a Hayden Jones single for the 8-4 score. The Jags took the field again Thursday afternoon to take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Gleason led South at the plate, going 3-for-

5 with one RBI. DeGallier went 2-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs. Tanner Ring led the Red Wolves offensively, going 2-for-4 with one RBI. Arkansas State (31-26) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, with Zach Maggio scoring off Ring’s RBI. With the bases loaded for South in the bottom of the first, DeGallier scored a run on Eric Hindmon’s RBI. USA took the lead in the bottom of the fourth, when DeGallier reached second base on a fielding error by AUS first baseman Matt Burgess, and later scored on Hawthorne’s RBI single to give South a 2-1 lead. ASU came back to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by Derek Briginske. Austin Baker hit an RBI single to give the Red Wolves a 3-2 lead. Stuart Levy reached second base on an error by Cummings, and later scored on Lucas Feddersen’s RBI double,

South Alabama held the 2014 Sun Belt Conference Baseball Tournament at Stanky Field.

bringing the score to 4-2 in favor of ASU. DeGallier scored his third run of the day, and South’s final run of the game, on an RBI single by Gleason in the bottom of the ninth. The 4-3 loss marked the end of South’s postseason. “We left a lot of men on base early on,” USA head coach Mark Calvi said in a postgame interview. “You look back on it, and if you could have scratched one or two in the early innings, you wouldn’t be in that predicament, but we were, and that’s been a theme with our offense this spring, and it got us again today.” The tournament culminated in an exciting championship game between the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and the UT-Arlington Mavericks. Ultimately, ULL took home the championship after defeating the Mavericks 6-5.

ALYSSA NEWTON | SPORTS EDITOR

Gleason earns only All-Sun Belt honors for Jaguars By AARON POIROUX Sports Reporter

t the 2014 Sun Belt Conference family fun night and home run durby, University of South Alabama baseball player Cole Gleason was named second-team all-Sun Belt Conference. Gleason, a junior outfielder, led the South Alabama Jags in batting average (.333), runs scored (26), hits (68), home runs (3) RBI (33), slugging percentage (.436), and on-base percentage (.422) in 53 games. Against Sun Belt Conference opponents, Gleason hit .381 with seven doubles and three homeruns. He hit 29 RBI and scored 15 runs in SBC contests with a slugging percentage of .522 and an on-base percentage of .454. In the first round of the Sun Belt Conference tournament, Gleason

went 3-for-3, scoring one run against UT Arlington. In South’s second game of the tournament against Arkansas State University, he went 3-for-5. Gleason had a remarkable season in an otherwise down year for the South Alabama Jaguars. Some of his highlights include a walk-off double in the bottom of the tenth inning to lift the Jaguars to a a 2-1 victory over Troy to even the SBC series. Gleason also hit his first career home runs with two in as many games in a home series against Louisiana-Monroe. An April 26 game saw Gleason hit a career high four RBI against ULM. Gleason also managed to come back from hand injury towards the end of the season that was at first glance was believed to be a seaon ending injury. Gleason is the only Jaguar this season to receive All-SBC honors.

ALYSSA NEWTON | SPORTS EDITOR

Junior outfielder Cole Gleason was the only South Alabama baseball player to receive an All-Sun Belt honor. Gleason was named to the second team All-Sun Belt team and represented USA in the home run derby.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

USA track and field place in Sun Belt Championship Men finish third while women place fifth, two student-athletes to go on to NCAA Championship By DREW SCELSI Sports Reporter

he South Alabama men’s track and field team finished third in the Sun Belt Championship this May, behind a strong performance from distance runner Michael Pienaar. Pienaar won the 1,500-meter with a time of 3 minutes, 49.93 seconds and finished third and second in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter events, respectively. The freshman finished with 24 points, tied for the most overall with Western Kentucky’s Elvyonn Bailey, who notched victories in both the 200and 400-meter events. South Alabama held a five-point lead heading into the final day of competition, but Texas-Arlington and surprise team Western Kentucky were able to overtake the Jaguars. UTA’s strong performance on the final day included both a first- and third-place finish in the 100-meter dash and a victory in the 4x100meter relay. WKU surged to their secondplace finish on the final day behind

a dominating effort in the 200-meter dash, an event in which three Hilltoppers finished in the top four – including Bailey’s first-place finish – earning 21 points for that event alone. Western Kentucky also took first place in the 400-, 800-, and 5,000-meter events, as well as the 4x400-meter relay. The Jags’ best event was the hammer throw competition, with four athletes scoring points. Freshman Renaldo Frechou won the event, with Adam Patterson, Jeff Long and Jan-Louw Kotze finishing third, fifth and sixth respectively. The Jaguars won again in the discus throw behind Kotze, who defended his Sun Belt title from last year with a throw of 56.20 meters, nearly 3.5 meters longer than Texas State runner-up Kole Knutson’s toss of 52.74 meters. The 4x400-meter relay team comprised of Michael Smith, Spencer Anderson, Tevin Barnett and Mark Watts took third with a time of 3:13.75. Other strong performances posted by the Jaguars included second- and fourth-place finishes by Connor Smith and Garrett

Schumacher in the pole vault, a second-place finish by Patrick Rohr in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, and a fifth-place finish by Rohr in the 1,500-meter event. Schumacher also finished second in the decathlon competition. “I think our teams now know that we are capable of winning a Sun Belt Championship,” coach Paul Brueske said. “Despite the fact that our league is the toughest it has ever been, we are very close to a championship level with our program. We just have to be focused on continual improvement.” Brueske was optimistic about the teams’ performances, despite coming up short at the end. “This season we had a dozen new school records, a pile of All-Sun Belt performers and several athletes qualifying for the NCAA East Preliminaries. We are doing that while maintaining the highest team GPA our program has ever had. Academically, we are ranked amongst the highest teams at South Alabama and in the Sun Belt, so I am proud of our efforts as a whole and look to continue getting better.” On the women’s side, freshman Kaitlyn Beans set a new school

record in the triple jump with a distance of 13.19 meters, which was good enough for first place and was the top distance in the Sun Belt for 2014. Beans also took fourth in the long jump with a distance of 6.11 meters and sixth in high jump with a 1.61-meter mark. “It truly was an honor,” Beans said of her performance in the triple jump. “This is my first year triple jumping, and when I was learning, I was extremely nervous about doing something new. When I got to (the Sun Belt Championship), I was shooting for 41 feet, but my best (jump) ended up being 43 feet. I was so proud of myself. My hard work paid off, and now I’m striving for more.” Sophomore Phoebe Dawson extended her school record in the discus throw to 48.11 meters, earning third place, and senior Bobbie Williamson took second in the hammer throw with a toss of 58.86 meters. “Our women’s team was still relatively young,” Brueske said. “It was good to see both Kaitlyn (Beans) and Phoebe (Dawson) emerge at the Sun Belt meet. I think if we can get

some of our other younger athletes to emerge, we will continue to get better and improve our standing in the league.”. South Alabama sends nine athletes to compete at the NCAA Division I East Region Preliminary Championships. Three Lady Jaguars qualified for their third-straight preliminary event: Noelle Jones and Leah Hixon both qualified for javelin, and Williamson qualified for the hammer throw. Jones also qualified for high jump, and Beans qualified for triple jump. Five men qualified for the Jags, with Smith and Kotze making their second-straight appearances in pole vault and discus respectively. Patrick Rohr will compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, while Sun Belt champion Frechou and senior Patterson qualified for the hammer throw. Freshman Beans and sophomore Frenchou both qualified for the NCAA Championship. Beans is the first in school history to advance in any jumping event. They will represent the South Alabama in the championship in Eugrne, Ore. June 11-14.

South bass fishing competes in national championship Two teams qualify for championship and a multitude of obstacles in the collegiate competition By ALYSSA NEWTON Sports Editor

he University of South Alabama Bass Club competed in the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship in Florence, Ala., May 21 through May 24. This is the third consecutive time that multiple teams have qualified for the championship, but with this trip the third time proved not to be a charm, but a challenge for the team as they faced multiple obstacles over a period of five days. In the championship, over 180 boats participated in the event representing colleges from all over the United States, two of which were USA’s teams made up of duos, Travis Johns and MJ Vihnanek and Jennings Earnest and Murphy Klumpp. Johns, a senior officer of the team, returned the championship for his third time representing South Alabama. He told The Vanguard that this year was unlike any other with multiple strange mishaps. The first day of the teams’ arrival and practice went as normal with no complications in sight, but with the second day came the domino effect of strange occurrences for the team. “The second day of practice nothing went

wrong,” Johns said. “That was until MJ got a hook through his teeth.” Vihnanek, the member fishing with Johns, through some strange mishap managed to have a hook through his gums between his front two teeth while practicing. Not only did that injury, but Johns also took a three quarter ounce jig to the head, giving him a cut right above his eyes from a miscast during the first day of the tournament. Both injuries were minor and didn’t require medical treatment. “The third day we had been practicing for about two, three hours.” Johns said. “Then my gear casing (on the boat motor) went out.” This was a big problem for the Jaguar team, the means of fixing the boat and competing would include spending over $1,500 on repairs. The chances of both teams competing looked very slim. “There was no possible way to fix it in time for the national championship,” Johns said. “After thinking our trip was over I told my partner ‘Just wait, maybe a miracle will happen.’” Whether you want to call it a miracle or a random act of kindness, the team had just that happen. “Our miracle came in the form of a loaned, almost new boat from Shane Cox, the owner

COURTESY OF USA BASS FISHING TEAM

Jennings Earnest and Murphy Klumpp finished 31 of 180 collegiate teams. of Hammer fishing rods,” Johns said. “He let us go get his boat from a dealership and use it for the tournament. I was amazed by this. I will now always use Hammer rods, due to their kind owner.” Both teams went on to finish in the top 65 with a 32nd finish by Earnest and Klumpp and a 61st finish by Johns and Vihnanek. Earnest did give the team some national attention by winning a $200 lifejacket after winning a cast-

ing contest put on by the event by out-casting over 300 participants. With this year completed the bass fishing team will be losing many members and encourage all those interested in becoming part of the team and possibly be a part of another trip to fish for a national championship to contact the group and join. The competition will be on aired on NBC Sports this coming August.

LEAVE COMMENTS FOR OPINION AT thevanguardonline.com/opinionfeedback VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Opinion

JORDAN KNOX, OPINION EDITOR kjk1103@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Safety on campus is a growing concern among students

By ALEXANDER MOYLAN Contributing Writer

n the fall semester of 2013, a personal security system in the form of a smartphone application was introduced to students, faculty and staff of the University of South Alabama. USA partnered with MyForce to create the app, appropriately named MyForce Campus System, as an additional force of protec-

tion on South’s campus. Though the app can be downloaded by anyone in the country who has a compatible smartphone, USA was the first university in Alabama to incorporate it into its existing campus safety program. It works like this: once a user sends a MyForce alert, a security agent will contact local authorities (in this case, the campus police) while also tracking the user’s movements through realtime GPS location updates and recording any available audio. In addition, the app transmits user-provided personal information to emergency personnel, including the user’s name, photo, phone number, emergency contacts and known safety issues. Initially, such an application appears to be beneficial on a campus like South’s which is devoid of Blue Light Emergency

Phones that other campuses use, including Auburn University, University of Alabama and Troy University. But, if all of the other large universities in Alabama have Blue Light Phones, why don’t we? Blue Light Emergency Phone Booths are manufactured by the Code Blue Corporation whose company goal is to instill a sense of security wherever the booths are placed. These stand-alone call boxes come in the form of a pole or wall-mounted unit and have either an area light or blue strobe light on the top. They also include a two-button speakerphone, an overhead camera mount and vandal resistant hardware. Easily visible from long distances, these booths serve not only as an emergency response tool but also as a crime deterrent

in particularly dangerous areas or, in this case, just the typical, poorly lit areas that can be found on any campus in America. Instead of investing in Code Blue telephones, South recommends purchasing and installing the MyForce application, which requires a paid subscription. MyForce is $99 a month, or by using the promo code “Jaguars,” students are able to purchase the app for $11.99 a month after a 30-day free trial. I, for one, do not think we should be expected to pay more, on top of the thousands we pay for tuition already, to feel safe on campus. Is USA really doing everything it can to keep us safe? In 2012, South was ranked the eighth most dangerous college in America by Business Insider, making it the most dangerous campus in Alabama. With these

statistics, I can’t help but wonder if having Blue Light phones would make a difference. While some question whether Blue Light Emergency Phones are even utilized on campuses that have them installed and argue that they only offer a false sense of security, I sincerely ask the administrators of our university to consider this added safety precaution. Too many students on campus and in the immediate surrounding areas have fallen victim to criminal acts. On my small Colorado campus, Blue Light Emergency Booths made me feel safe. As recent incidents have proven that crime can occur in any area of South’s campus, night or day, they must consider this option as well. MyForce and the campus police are simply not enough.

Facebook is taking “creeping” to a whole new level

By JORDAN KNOX Opinion Editor

s a millennial living in the age of ever-evolving technology, not much surprises me anymore. Every time a new gadget comes out, I casually accept that it was bound to happen eventually. But do we really need all of this technology? I have both a Twitter and a Facebook account. Due to the excessive amounts of useless notifications, just having those two is enough to make me want to chuck my smartphone. Yet, it seems that just about everyone is able to manage multiple social media accounts. I don’t know how they keep up with all of those notifications. According to the Social Media Update 2013 by Pew Research Center, the most

popular social media platform in 2013 was Facebook. PRC said that 71 percent of adults reported using it while only 18 percent said they used Twitter. Interestingly, 42 percent of all online adults use some form of social media, so it seems almost taboo not to be involved. The moment you tell someone you don’t have a Facebook account, they look at you like you have five eyes and an extra arm growing out of your chest. As reported by Business Insider, one in every five people in the world owns a smartphone. I have an iPhone, and I recently found out that it has a creepy feature called “Frequent Locations” that is automatically turned on when I activate my phone. To find it, open the “Settings” app, tap “Privacy,” then “Location Services,” “System Services” and finally “Frequent Locations.” You might be surprised to find that your iPhone has a list of all the places you’ve visited lately. This feature also categorizes the locations based on where you have been and what time you went there. My phone knew how many times I had been to Wal-Mart in the past month, and even catalogued my address and my boyfriend’s address. Things like that make me wonder what Apple is doing with my information. Why

is it being stored on my phone and could it possibly also be stored somewhere else? Maybe that’s just me being paranoid but you have to admit, it’s a little scary. Facebook has taken steps in order to stay relevant by creating a new feature called “Nearby Friends.” Now not only does your phone know where you are at all times, but so do your buddies! You can awkwardly creep on what they’re doing in real time instead of waiting for them to post about it after the fact! Hooray! Like most of Facebook’s other features, this one isn’t turned on by default, thank God. If you do choose to turn it on, you will see a list of all your nearby friends who also use the feature. It will

display their general location and if you want, it will even show their precise location. In an interview at the release event for the new feature, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says that “Nearby Friends” is meant to encourage “face-to-face interaction.” Allowing you to see how many of your friends are close by is supposed to make you feel inclined to put your phone down and have real human interaction instead of hiding behind a phone screen. Maybe it will work, maybe it won’t. To me, this is just one more way that our addiction to technology has gotten out of hand. Personally, I miss the less technologically advanced ‘90s.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Music festivals: good clean fun or an environmental disaster? Editor’s note: Music festivals are a wonderful way to bring people from around the world together in the name of a common interest: music! However, some people still find that the bad outweighs the good.

Festivals can bring people together

Karie Fugett

othing quite compares to music when it comes to uniting people. Where there is music, people will come together as they dance and sing and will momentarily forget the cares of the world. Packed with the best musicians of the time and a congregation of infectiously friendly people, music festivals are no different. One of my favorite memories was during the 2013 Hangout Festival. My boyfriend Nick and I stood next to Perdido Beach Boulevard waiting for our cab when a man in a bright blue jeep with the top and doors taken off pulled over. He stuck his head out, his curly afro wild from the open salty air, and asked, “Ya’ll need a ride?” Never before would I have considered hitchhiking, but it was sunny out and everyone I had met that day was smiling. It felt right, and I was pretty sure the guy wasn’t a murderer, so we jumped in. Our new friend drove us to the festival and dropped us off, his hand waving a peace sign as he turned around and drove back the way we came. The entire weekend was that way – everyone more friendly and generous than usual, like a big family – a nice change from the usual averted eyes that I’m accustomed to when crossing a stranger’s path. I went to the 2014 Hangout Festival with high expectations because of the good time I

had the year before. I was not disappointed. The food was surprisingly delicious (I suggest the falafel with hummus), the line-up was amazing and because I knew how to plan I was able to avoid some of the things naysayers warn about. Here are some things I recommend to ensure an optimal experience: To save money, get the less expensive ticket price by purchasing early. Often there are water filling stations that allow patrons to refill their water for free, so bring a camelbak or water bottle. Just outside the gates of the Hangout Festival, Pink Pony Pub sells regularly priced food and alcohol, a great way to save some cash in between bands. Often local campsites turn into communities of fellow festival-goers for the weekend, so consider booking a campsite instead of a hotel. They are less expensive and are a great way to meet new people. Be creative and research each festival to see what other money saving options you can come up with. Comfort can be a concern, particularly with such large crowds, but it’s all in the mindset. There are typically main pathways that the masses will follow. Avoid them and, instead, find the ones less wandered. Also bring a backpack with essentials. A few items I like to bring include sunscreen, chapstick and a long-sleeve pullover. Every festival is different so do your research and plan ahead. The effect festivals have on the environment is definitely a concern, so be conscientious. Do your part as an individual. Keep track of your things. Use the recycling bins. And don’t forget your camelbak or water bottle as that will cut down on plastic waste. For more ideas on how to make festivals more green, visit www.agreenerfestival.com. As with anything, it’s not good to be reckless, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. So don’t let fuddy-duddies convince you to miss out. Get your early-bird ticket, book your campsite, and get ready to have the time of your life!

An overpriced environmental disaster

Rachel McMullen

or the average college student, the music festival scene is the mecca of entertainment and weekend debauchery. Flower headbands and tie dye regalia reign supreme at this pseudo hippie gathering, where drug induced dancing and mosh pit thrashing move the throngs of music fans packed together like unwashed sardines. It’s a sweaty, hot mess. Music festivals are known for both their characteristically colorful crowds and their internal drug networks. Ranging from the harmless marijuana enthusiast to the more troubling Molly dealer, the array of ticket holders can have a tragic influence on the experimental college student somewhere in between. Numerous overdoses have occurred within the barricades of any given music festival, and some cases can be uncomfortably extreme. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 70 people attending the 2013 Paradiso outdoor music festival in Gorge, Wash., were sent to area hospitals after a “mass overdose” on MDMA. As widespread drug usage rages on inside music festival gates, security remains a difficult issue to resolve. This year in Miami, a security guard was trampled by a stampede of music fans trying to hop the fence supposedly guarding the Ultra Music Festival. Here and at other music festivals worldwide, individual festival-goers dissolve into an uncontrollable herd of devotees.

How exactly can a limited police force regulate a tightly compacted mass of fanatical fandom? This is to say nothing of the disastrous environmental consequences of such a short festival. Consider all of the aluminum beer cans and plastic plates and paper cups needed to satisfy the thousands of attendants, in addition to the expanse of abandoned tents, sleeping bags, and other gear. These items are discarded haphazardly until the scarce trashcan are overflowing with a unique collection of waste encouraged by the massive party atmosphere. Recycling practices are generally inadequate on festival grounds and attempts by festival-throwers to be more environmentally friendly with a Leave No Trace approach are often ignored by festivalgoers. Trash is not the only type of waste mass produced at a music festival. Fleets of fuel-burning transport vehicles and fields of gas-guzzling generators leave an enormous carbon footprint behind, as demonstrated by a 2010 report published in the journal, Environmental Research Letters. The study found that 500 music festivals in the UK emit a combined 84,000 tons of CO2 a year. According to the World Bank’s calculations for CO2 production in the UK, this accounts for the yearly per capita output of nearly 11,000 individuals. I can only imagine how high that number would be if it were applied to the hundreds of music festivals put on in the United States. As the illusory ambiance of peace and free love collides with the harsh reality of unsustainability and destructive consumption, I have to wonder if festival-goers will ever recognize the consequences of their annual all-out rage. They need to realize that the effects of their weekend of decadence lasts longer than an aching hangover or peeling sunburn. In the end, the cost of an overpriced ticket is eclipsed by the social and environmental price that is paid in the name of celebration and fun.

Are music festivals good clean fun or do they do more harm than good? Julie Roden Music festivals are great and I think the good weighs out the bad Stuart Sox Of course there can be issues when you have a bunch of people in one place. But the experience is worth it! Sheree’ Covington They can be both. Facebook.com/ TheVanguardUSA

Shannon House I like music festivals, but I feel that there are definitely some negative aspects. For one, water is always super pricy, and communal water generally is hot or overcrowded by other festival goers. Also, you really only hear the hits of the bands you see because there are so many bands that perform. I like smaller venues because you hear more of a band’s work, but festivals are awesome for seeing a bunch of bands you may not have been able to see under normal circumstances.

VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014

Distractions

Horoscopes Aries 3.20-4.19: With the spring semester in the rearview, all your sense of responsibility has been lost. But try not to go too crazy this summer. You may only live once, but letting your frat brothers shave YOLO in your chest hair after a night of binge drinking might not be the best idea. Taurus 4.20-5.20: Your stressful semester has left you feeling a bit psychotic so maybe it’s time for a ”me day.” Sometimes it’s okay to let loose and get a little crazy, young bull, but yelling at the barista for not giving you that extra shot of espresso is starting to scare everyone. Gemini 5.21-6.20: Ah, Gemini. Your fun-loving attitude is not easily missed. Maybe it’s time to use your energy in a more constructive way. Here’s a tip: you could take up a hobby other than binge eating Doritos and watching Netflix. Cancer 6.21-7.22: You haven’t exactly been the easiest person to be around the past few weeks. You’re done with the semester but you’ve had no trouble finding new things to stress out about. It’s no wonder your sign is a crab. Leo 7.23-8.22: Your bravery has definitely not been in short supply this summer, lion cub. After all your crazy adventures you’re getting a little worn out. Take some time to chill and relax. You don’t have to be a daredevil 24/7.

JORDAN KNOX, OPINION EDITOR kjk1103@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ANSWER KEY FOR APRIL 28

Virgo 8.23-9.22: This summer is full of opportunity for you, Virgo. Step out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the guts for. I’m not saying you need to go cliff diving or propose to your favorite server at Chipotle, but jeez kid, go have a little fun. Libra 9.23-10.22: Romance has been at the top of your priorities for a while now and you may think you’ve found “the one,” but think twice before you lock in your answer with that guy you met at the club last week. If his ex-girlfriend’s name tattooed on his bicep, he’s probably not the guy for you. Scorpio 10.23-11.21: You could not be more relieved that the semester is far behind you. You’ve even gone as far as throwing an “I hate school” party at your house. So what if you didn’t invite anyone, and yeah you may have ordered five pizzas, but at least you’re letting your frustrations out in a healthy way … right? Sagittarius 11.22-12.21: You’ve always been a big believer in chasing your dreams, and so far it has paid off. Now, more than ever, it’s important that you stick to your guns and go for any opportunities that might help you reach your goals. Capricorn 12.22-1.19: Oops, you’ve done it again, Capricorn. And I’m not talking a simple,

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my-shirt-is-on-inside-out-again mistake like you oh so often make. This time it’s much bigger and the consequences are yet to be seen. You might want to be looking for as many four leaf clovers as you can find. You’re gonna need a lot of good luck to help you get through this one. Aquarius 1.20-2.18: Stop what if-ing every little thing. The past is the past and no matter how hard you try, you’re never going to change the fact that you didn’t say anything to Ryan Gosling when you saw him at the airport that one time. Pisces 2.19-3.20: If you’re feeling a little tired lately, it’s probably because you’ve been up all night, every night trying to catch up on “Orange is the New Black” before the new season comes out. Stop. Sleep. Your body will thank you and you’ll finally be able to exist like a normal human. And that eye twitch you’ve developed will be as good as gone.

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VOL. 55, NO. 1/ JUNE 2, 2014