Oct. 21, 2013 Vanguard by The Vanguard

VANGUARD THE

VOL. 53, NO. 13

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

OCT. 21, 2013

INSIDE

► Life: Former student, Jordan Greer, inspires community to preform acts of kindness. See JagLife, page 4

Jags push past Kent State, win 38-21 See Sports, Page 10

PATRICK HERRING | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

► LOC: Basketball scrimmage spells well for upcoming season. See Left of Center, page 8

► LOC: USA women’s tennis finishes fall season strong. See Left of Center, page 9

UCUR presents findings By NOAH LOGAN

ncl1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

common goal and theme that occurs at different universities across the country is, “The great minds of today teaching the great young minds of tomorrow.” The University of South Alabama might prove some exception to this theme with the University Committee on Undergraduate Research (UCUR) symposium that took place in Shelby Hall Thursday, Oct. 17. The great minds of to-

sgsox@att.net

See Sports, page 13

See UCUR Page 2

MATTHEW STRICKLAND | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Nick Grondin (right) and other students share their research at the UCUR symposium on Oct. 17.

USA biomedical professor’s photography exhibit on display By STUART SOX

► Sports: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country finish 10th and 12th.

day might also be today’s students as well. Sixty-five undergraduates from a variety of fields and disciplines gathered to share their research, present abstracts and accept awards. Research varied, from Amber Cole’s topic of “Parent-Child Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” to Arslan Arshad’s “Design and Optimization of a High Powered Hyperspectral Illumination Source.” The UCUR program provides students

he USA Marx Library is showcasing a South Alabama professor’s collection of snapshots of eagles, cranes, Dr. Cindy woodpeckers and Stanfield other wildlife from all over the Gulf Coast. The photographer, Cindy Stan-

find us on Facebook search “The Vanguard USA”

field, is an associate professor in biomedical sciences and the director of the health pre-professional program. Originally from California, Stanfield worked in Iowa and at the University of Alabama in Birmingham before coming to USA, where she has been for more than 20 years. Stanfield’s collection was opened on the third floor of the Marx Library on Oct. 1 and will remain on display until Dec. 16. The photos are of many different species of birds

Check out our digital edition thevanguardonline.com

from Mobile, southern Alabama and Mississippi. Some photos were even taken at the wetlands on campus at USA, according to Stanfield. Stanfield began taking photos of the wildlife of the Gulf Coast three years ago when her husband gave her a DSLR camera. “I find the water and the birds to be fascinating,” Stanfield said. Her collection also includes photos of herons, egrets, bumblebees, See Exhibit Page 2

In this Issue:

Homecoming Queen 2013

JOHN ADAMS | USA PHOTOGRAPHER

Ann Huang

Life, Page 4 Left of Center, Page 8 Sports, Page 10 Opinion, Page 15

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Exhibit

2013

Continued from Page One.

dragonflies and many other creatures. She has even photographed bald eagles catching fish out of the water around Municipal Park, just a few miles from USA’s campus. “This is really just a fun hobby; taking pictures is very relaxing for me,” Stanfield said. “I usually spend my lunch hour going out to the wetlands here on campus and taking photos of the birds, the wildlife and whatever else I see.” Earlier this year, Stanfield invited a friend to view the photography hanging in her office and on display around her workplace in the Health Sciences Building. This friend recommended the photography to the Dean of the Marx Library Dr. Richard Wood who then asked Standfield for her photography to be showcased in the library for the public to see. “Dr. Stanfield’s photography is some amazing work, and we are honored to showcase it here at the Marx Library,” Wood said. “The fact that she is a member of our faculty makes it that much more special to have her collection on display here.” Abigail Sherman, one of the library’s technical assistants who is also in charge of public relations for circulation and administration, interviewed Stanfield and wrote the press releases for her bird photography exhibit. “I think it’s really interesting to see a professor who has a hobby be so successful with it,” Sherman said. “It’s also neat to see the artistic side of a professor who works in health sciences.” Breaking away from technology and experiencing nature is very important, according to Stanfield. “Nobody goes outside anymore. I would encourage readers to open their eyes to all of the life that the

Homecoming Court Coleman Wolf King

Ann Huang Queen Tiffany Stallings Graduate School Maid

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dr. Cindy Stanfield, a USA professor of biomedical sciences, stands in front of her photography exhibit at the Marx Library, which runs from Oct.1, through Dec. 16. wetlands on campus have to offer. … There’s beaver, woodpecker, herons and much more,” Stanfield said. “Students definitely need time to wind down and catch a break from work and classes. Going outside and seeing what’s out there is a great way to do that. … It’s definitely opened my eyes to a lot more things that you would otherwise miss in life,” she added. Stanfield’s dream is to do a National Geographic Tour to the Galapagos Islands, an endeavor that Stan-

field said costs about $6,000. “I’m saving up,” she said, laughing. “Hopefully one day I’ll be able to do that.” Stanfield’s bird photography will be on display in glass cases on the third floor of the Marx Library in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art until Dec. 16. The gallery is free and open to the public during library hours. More of her work can be found in the halls of the fourth floor of the health sciences building.

Tiguera Whatley Senior Maid Haley Kelly Junior Maid

Cortney Ballew Freshman Maid

Whitney Johnston Sophomore Maid

PHOTOS BY JOHN ADAMS | USA PHOTOGRAPHER

UCUR Continued from Page One.

with the funding and mentors required to do their research. For many students, though, the degree of satisfaction extends far beyond dollar signs. Psychology student Joshua Taylor, who won the 2013 UCUR Best Paper award, expressed his experience with UCUR and the satisfaction along with it. “When I was putting in an application for the program, I did not know what to expect, but I’m glad I did. … It’s amazing how one program can lead you to some many opportunities.” Taylor received the award for best paper and will be representing South at the National Committee of Undergraduate Research in Kentucky. He said getting the award came in two phases. First, getting the actual award was a very big honor for him. Learning that he will represent the University at a national

conference just added to his excitement. Some undergrads are already receiving awards for their research. Ellis Hicks, who gave an oral presentation of his work, received second place at the Mid-Southeast Chapter Fall Conference of the Association of Computing Machinery for his work in robotics. Along with fellow junior Patrick Poirson, he collaborated with Dr. Michael Doran of computer sciences for their research, “Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Real Time Systems with Lego and leJOS.” Arshad was one of 271 Goldwater Scholars last year as a sophomore for his research. To be honest, his research was so advanced that it was difficult for me to understand, let alone put into words. But in a general statement, Arshad has come up with an innovative way to use LEDs as a better light source for endoscopes that could eventually lead to finding out if something in the body is cancerous or not without a biopsy.

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

Weather for Oct. 21 - 27

Editorial Editor in Chief Copy Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Left of Center JagLife Editor Web Editor Senior Reporter Staff Reporter

Samantha Andrews

Meg Lundberg Kelly Ficarelli JT Crabtree Alyssa Newton Emma Mitchell Matthew Strickland

Stuart Sox Noah Logan

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Matthew Rhodes

Advertising Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller Sheldon Hall

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, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter and Opinion Editor. 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.

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx

USAPD Police Blotter 10/4/2013 16:31 Harassing communications Gamma 6 Known female subject with intent to harass, annoying or cause alarm contacted the victim via cellular phone text message. 10/3/2013 15:42 Duty upon striking an unoccupied vehicle ILB Student reported that their vehicle was hit and damaged by an unknown vehicle in the Instructional Laboratory Building parking lot. Suspect did not stop or leave any of the required information. 10/3/2013 15:36 Theft of property Old engineering building Property owner reported that the tag decal was stolen off of his car license plate. 10/3/2013 15:14 Miscellaneous offenses, harassing, annoying or stocking Epsilon 2 Female reported being harassed by an unknown male

jagLIFE

Former student’s kindness inspires By STEPHANIE FEATHER sf1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

SA student Jordan Greer wanted to celebrate her 21st birthday by encouraging everyone to do at least one random act of kindness. Greer passed away March 26 after suddenly falling ill during a volleyball game at the USA recreation center. After her death, her friends and family wanted to make sure they carried out her birthday wish. Greer’s best friend Marisa Boyd and Greer’s teacher Karen Peterson created a Facebook page and made flyers hoping the idea would spread. It definitely has. Wednesday, on Greer’s 21st birthday, the people who knew Greer and those who never had the opportunity were all inspired to do random acts of kindness as a pass-it-on celebration. On Facebook, there was a flood of messages posted about the ran-

dom acts of kindness. Many people have taken the time to do one act such as paying for another customer’s grocery items or donating to a good cause. Others have done multiple little things for people like opening the door and letting another car go ahead of them in traffic. Some patrons, who have encountered these acts and heard about the wonderful selfless inspiration of Greer’s birthday wish, have been brought to tears. The Delta Lambda Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority helped spread kindness by making baskets and beautiful handmade cards to bring cheer to the residents at Spring Hill Medical Center. “We wanted to do something special,” Calvilyn Hooper said. “It’s a way to give back to those who worked so hard for others.” They See Kindness Page 5

EMMA MITCHELL, JAGLIFE EDITOR eem1002@jagmail.southalabama.edu VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Weekly Lowdown

Monday > Oct. 21 •

ISD Colloquium featuring Margaret Wrinkle - HAHN 1013, 2:30 p.m.

•

USA Piano Ensembles Concert - LPAC Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. $5 students and USA affiliates

Tuesday > Oct. 22 •

Dive-in movie “Hocus Pocus” - SRC, 7 p.m.

Wednesday > Oct. 23

STEPHANIE FEATHER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

•

WOW “Keep Calm and Stay Safe” - SRC, 2 p.m.

•

“Using Social Media in Your Job Search” - MH 2100 (Career Services), 3 p.m.

Marissa Boyd and Aaron Thomas reminisce about happy memories of their ‘sunshine,’ Jordan Greer.

Thursday > Oct. 24

The best of homecoming fashion

•

Jags soccer vs. ULL The Cage, 7 p.m.

•

JP “Rave from the Grave” - Mitchell Center John Counts Room, 7 p.m.

•

Daniel Driskell Faculty Piano Recital - LPAC Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. $5 students and USA affiliates

Friday > Oct. 25 •

LAST DAY TO DROP CLASSES!!!

•

Erin Davies “FagBug” documentary LPAC, 5:30 p.m.

•

Jags volleyball vs. Texas State University - Jaguar Gym, 7 p.m.

Saturday > Oct. 26 •

Nicole Durham Freshman Exercise Science

Kristina Winter Freshman Public Relations

Jacque Underhill Senior Occupational Therapy

Nicole Bliss Junior Communication

PHOTOS BY DANIEL MORAN | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Paddle Magnolia River - SRC, 7:30 a.m. call 251-460-6214

Want your event featured? E-mail the name, date, time, price, place and a brief tagline (under 10 words) to eem1002@jagmail.southalabama.edu

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Kindness Continued from Page 4.

want to continue doing acts of kindness, claiming this was just the start of a continuous pledge to help others. While these stories of kindness are amazing, it was the little acts of kindness Greer did every day that made her the special person everyone remembers. “When I picture Jordan, I don’t see big elaborate acts that she did,” Boyd said of her best friend. “It was a lot of little things she did every single day that made her the person that she was. From simply texting people in the morning and telling them to have a good day to smiling wherever she was. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to make someone’s day. It’s just being a nice person. I think she wanted to help people realize that, and help make the world a better place. We called her ‘Sunshine’ because that’s what she was, just happy.” Boyd made a memory book filled with pictures for Jordan’s mom Tra-

cie Brown. Boyd stated that one of the things that has helped Brown get through this hard time is hearing about memories Greer’s friends shared, and the way she impacted their lives. Brown likes to hear about the people Jordan had in her life, and what they are doing now. Boyd also said that it’s especially nice for days like today when everyone is posting on Facebook about their acts of kindness. Aaron Thomas was Greer’s boyfriend, and for one of his acts Wednesday he passed out coupons for Krispy Kreme Donuts attached to the random act of kindness flyer. He also talked with Greer’s mom to see how she was doing. “I talked with her mom last night,” Thomas said. “She sounded energetic, not sad at all. She knew that today would be tough, but that she’d get through it.” The random acts of kindness inspired many people to go above what they normally do for others. Celebrating Greer’s birthday with kindness will hopefully encourage a continuation of acts for others, not just on Oct. 16 but all year.

STEPHANIE FEATHER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Delta Lambda Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. delivered baskets and cards they made to senior adult patients at Spring Hill Medical Center. Pictured from left to right: Whitney Washington, Jade Williams, Ebony Cornish, Calvilyn Hooper, Amber Blackmore, Amber Scott, Charlece Bishop.

From the 21 Random Acts of Kindness Facebook event page:

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

USA Children’s and Women’s to host Trick or Trot By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

he first Trick or Trot 5K and Scary Scurry Fun Run, which sponsors plan to hold annually, will be held Friday, Oct. 25 on USA’s campus by Moulton Tower to benefit the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Evaluation Center. The Trick or Trot 5K will begin at 6 p.m. The Scary Scurry Fun Run will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. After the Trick or Trot 5K event and the fun run, there will also be many familyfriendly activities such as pumpkin decorating tents, an inflatable movie screening, an inflatable slide, a “ghost train” for kids, costume contests, free food and drinks and more. Contestants are encouraged to come to the event in their Halloween costumes. The money raised for the event will go toward the redesign of the hospital’s evaluation center, which essentially serves as a hospital emergency room. The evaluation center is a 14-bed emergency department that sees over 35,000 patients each year. The cost of the new center is expected to exceed 3 million dollars. The redesign includes plans for an expansion to 25-30 beds, smaller waiting rooms and relocation to the end of the hospital building with the ambulance entrance opening directly into the ER. “Mobile is such a great running

community, and we wanted to incorporate the Halloween spirit into a fun, family-friendly event that will raise awareness and funds for the hospital,” said Dr. Jason Richardson, a physician at the evaluation center at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital and the chair of the Trick or Trot committee. “We’re looking into future fundraising efforts for the EC redesign project,” said Nancy Calhoun of the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital development office and the hospital’s Children’s Miracle Network coordinator. The fee for pre-registered contestants is $20 for adults and $10 for kids (15 and under). Late and day-of registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Participants who preregister by Oct. 18 are guaranteed a T-shirt on race day. Other participants will receive T-shirts as long as supply lasts. Registrations for the event by mail should be postmarked by Oct. 18. To register in person, do so at McCoy Outdoor or Run-N-Tri in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope, Ala. until noon on Oct. 23. To register for the event online, visit www.cwhtrickortrot.eventbrite.com and sign up by Oct. 23 at midnight. For running or sponsorship information, contact Calhoun at 251-415-1636 or ncalhoun@southalabama.edu or visit the event’s Facebook page.

COURTESY OF DR. JASON RICHERSON

Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society student volunteers, Natalie Carlisle (left) and Payal Patel (right), prepare the award medals for the run.

AMB begins Indiegogo fundraiser to save venue By TIMOTHY BORLAND trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

n Oct. 15, the Alabama Music Box began an Indiegogo campaign to save the music venue. The management of the building has been engaged in ongoing lawsuits with neighbors due to noise complaints. This has caused a financial drain on the business, from court fees to reduced ticket sales as a result of curtailed operating hours. “We realized we needed some outside help,” said Dave Mathews, manager of the Alabama Music Box. “Since none of us come from wealthy families, we had nowhere else to turn but to the people who have kept us open for so long all this time. Indi-

egogo seemed to be a fitting outlet for us given the nature of our business and the primary function of it—live music.” The primary goal of the campaign will be to raise the funds needed to properly soundproof the facility. An expert recently estimated the cost of such a measure to be $30,000. The hope is that the extensive upgrade will appease courts and pacify the neighbors. The Alabama Music Box has already shifted operating hours and sometimes turns down larger events, yet they still manage to book three times the number of bands as other downtown concert venues. “The noise is apparently not transferring through the wall but emanating from structural weaknesses on

the front and back wall as well as the ceiling and then bouncing between the buildings,” Mathews said. “It’s more of a bass frequency issue than an actual noise issue.” The Indiegogo campaign will run until Dec. 14. That day, the Alabama Music Box will throw a party for all who contributed. Other kickbacks include venue-branded merchandise such as Koozies, hand screen-printed T-shirts designed by Nick Eberlin and Rachael Robinson and even concert tickets. Unlike with Kickstarter, the Alabama Music Box will be able to keep the funds they raise whether the goal is reached or not. “We are important because we bring a cultural value to this city that no one else does to the extent that we

do in regards to live music,” Mathews said. “We constantly bring in acts to help stimulate and enrich what it is we are passionate about—the arts.” As a successful, independent business in the downtown area, many feel the Alabama Music Box is worth preserving. Aside from legal struggles, the operation has also managed to outlast being excluded from the entertainment districts downtown. The fact that enough patrons still support the venue in spite of these challenges should be evidence of the business’s appeal. The Alabama Music Box is also notable for its support of local musicians. Bands such as Underhill Family Orchestra, El Cantador, The Vivid Verbs and many more often appear at

the location. Additionally, the facility is one of the primary venues for the annual Southsounds Music Festival. Many bands get their start at 455 Dauphin St., and losing that asset for musicians in the area would be a shame. Readers who have attended events at the Alabama Music Box and would like to contribute to the cause can visit the venue’s Indiegogo campaign at the following web address: http://www.indiegogo.com/project/ preview/771cd9fe There is no required donation amount, but larger packages will include more kickbacks. For fans of the business, this is an opportunity to have a say in what features of downtown Mobile individuals find most important.

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Hate crime documentary to be screened at USA By NOAH LOGAN

ncl1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ith unintentionally perfect timing, Erin Davies will be screening her popular documentary “Fagbug” at South Alabama on Oct. 25 at Laidlaw. This comes a month after multiple vandalism incidents involving cars with the famous equality sign stickered onto them. While the timing is not intentional, it is very difficult not to notice the coincidence when you hear what her documentary is about. Erin Davies was a victim of a hate crime in New York. Her VW beetle sported a rainbow, and consequently, Erin’s car was spray-painted with the words “fag” and “u r gay” by a vandal with obvious grammar skills. She initially covered up the vandalism but later decided to embrace the opportunity. She took her car, now known worldwide as the “Fagbug,” on a 58-day trip around the United States and Canada. During her trip, Erin discovered other, more serious hate crimes, had people attempt to remove the graffiti, and experimented with having a male drive her car. Taken from her website, fagbug.com, “The mission of Fagbug is to raise awareness about hate crimes and homophobia, to give a voice for those who are silent, to inspire others to take a

stand against bullies and to be an example of how to overcome obstacles in bringing creative projects to life.” Founder of Secular Student Alliance Ayme Broyles expressed the overall goal of this event as, “Just to bring an educational opportunity where people have the time and opportunity to discuss civic matters. We can’t just keep going around and hating each other for reasons that we really don’t even understand.” She continued, “The beautiful thing about the documentary is that it raises the simple question of why do you believe in something? A lot of people really don’t have an answer to that question. Even after they think about it for a while, they still don’t. Whether it’s because they were raised in this idea or for whatever reason, they just have this belief and they continue to perpetuate it until they go to college.” After the screening of her documentary, Davies will hold an open forum for all students present to ask questions and seek more information. Four different groups on campus are helping to organize the event: the Secular Student Alliance, Spectrum, Allies United and USA Unity. Each group will have a table set up at the event for students to gather information.

Pregnant? We have answers. What we offer: Lab Quality Pregnancy Tests Ultrasound to verify pregnancy Options Counseling

You have more options than you think. Call 251-344-HELP in Mobile And 251-675-0911 in Saraland

All services are free and confidential.

LEFT OF CENTER 8

ALYSSA NEWTON, LOC EDITOR akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS Monday, Oct. 21 ► GOLF

South Alabama at theMiddle Tennessee State University

Tuesday, Oct. 22 ► GOLF

South Alabama at theMiddle Tennessee State University

Thurday Oct. 24 ► SOCCER

South Alabama vs University of LouisianaLafayette

7 p.m at The Cage

Friday Oct. 25 ► ALYSSA NEWTON|LOC EDITOR

Enters senior season seventh in school history in points (1,390), second in rebounds (891), fourth in free throws made (414) and eighth in field goals made (488)

VOLLEYBALL South Alabama vs Texas State

►

Men’s basketball has successful scrimmage akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ead Coach Matthew Graves gave the men’s basketball scrimmage last Monday a passing grade, not only on the court, but in the stands. When Jags faced each other, Graves said he was surprised at the strong fan turnout and support. And, he looks forward to seeing them in the stands again Nov. 5. Leading the game in points was 2012 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Augustine Rubit, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Both teams played for four 8-minute quarters and combined a 46.7 shooting percentage in the first half and 30 percent in the second half. Ten players played for both the red and the blue team. “I thought we did a good job taking care of the basketball for the most part,” first year head coach Matthew Graves said. “The thing that concerned me as we got later on in the scrimmage was I thought our shot selection started to wane. We need to continue to move the

ball and get the best shot for our team, not necessarily the best shot for that individual.” This year, numbers should increase for 3-pointers under Graves who has put emphasis on taking the best shot possible. Senior Antoine Allen is a key member in scoring twos and threes. Allen averaged 9.1 points and appeared in all 30 games last season. “His shot selection is the biggest key for him,” Graves said, according to USA Jaguars. “He has a very good, smoothlooking shot and he needs to understand that the better shots he takes, the more opportunities he’ll have for them to go in. I think his percentage was really misleading last year. He’s a lot better shooter than that percentage. It simply goes to shot preparation and shot selection for him. He has an ability to go on a run and hit three or four 3s in a row and has an ability to shoot with good range. It’s about picking his spots.” Overall, Graves was happy with the first scrimmage and the support that

attended. “First off I’d really like to thank the fans that came out to watch” said Graves. “I was surprised at the number here and look forward to seeing them again on Nov. 5. I wanted to get these guys out here with the three officials and see them go up and down and execute. You could see some of the flaws we had today but we have two weeks before we have a closed scrimmage so we certainly have some things to work but overall I’m pretty pleased with our effort.” Dionte Fergeson had a total of 12 boards during the scrimmage matching Rubit. “Our bigs did a really good job of going to the offensive glass,” said Graves. “I thought Dionte and Austin both did a really good job getting us extra possessions. It’s the good and the bad when you’re watching your own team: on one end, guys are going to the glass but then someone isn’t blocking out so it’s a two way street.” The Jaguars season opener is Nov. 8 against Detroit.

Quick Facts

(Courtesy of USA Jaguars) • Head coach Matthew Graves enters his first season at South Alabama and first overall as a head coach • The Jaguars have won 17 games in each of the last two seasons • USA’s 14 league wins in 201213 are the program’s most since 2007-08 • Returns top three scorers from last season, including Augustine Rubit, the 2012-13 Sun Belt Player of the Year • Coming off first postseason appearance since 1998 • Earned second win over a ranked opponent since 200910—76-71 at No. 25/24 Florida State—in season opener

SOFTBALL South Alabama vs. Northwest Florida State College 4 p.m at NWFSC

Lead by seniors, team puts emphasis on best possible shots, possessions By ALYSSA NEWTON

7 p.m

Friday Oct. 25 ►

FOOTBALL South Alabama vs. Texas State 6 p.m. ESPN3

Want live play-byplay tweets of USA sporting events and other sports info?

Follow USAVGSports on Twitter and like USA Vanguard Sports on Facebook

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

USA women’s tennis finishes fall season strong Tennis season in Auburn, Alabama at the ITA Southern Regional Championship By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he University of South Alabama women’s tennis team went to Auburn, Ala., to finish out the fall season at the USTA/ITA Southern Regional Championships this past weekend. “Our expectations for this weekend are the same as always, trying to incorporate practice into our matches,” said USA head coach Jaco Keyser, according to USA Jaguars. “More importantly, there isn’t going to be an easy match, no matter who we play. We need to focus on our own game and not worry about who’s on the other side of the net.” In this tournament, teams such as Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, LSU, Tulane, McNeese State, Louisiana Tech, Samford and Louisiana-Monroe were a part of the competition. South Alabama sent all nine players on the roster to the

tournament. The doubles teams combined for a 3-1 record Friday, the tournament’s first day. An additional five wins in singles had two reach the quarterfinals. “It’s always nice when you can grind out wins at a strong tournament like this weekend,” Keyser said. “Every win will be a quality win this weekend. Individually we can always do things better. As a group we are really shaping up to become a very good team. I’m looking forward to tomorrow with a day that should be jam packed with quality tennis.” Junior Mary Angela Martin and freshman Silvia Martinkova won their opener 8-6 over Isla Brock and Emma Kranendonk of Nicholls State. Sophomore Paula Sanchez and freshman Monica Mitta reached the semifinals. Junior Emily Newton and freshman Laura Matuskova each won in straight sets in singles with Newton defeating Anastasia Surkova

of McNeese State 6-1, 6-2, and Matuskova beating Roseline Dion of Mississippi State 6-2, 6-3. Martin and Sanchez advanced to the quarterfinals of the singles ‘B’ draw Friday. Sanchez and Mitta advanced to the doubles ‘B’ draw final Saturday. Mitta and Sanchez won 8-6 against Auburn’s Paula de Man and Lindsey Whitehead. “It was a solid day for us if you take into consideration that we had to grind it out indoors due to weather,” Keyser said. “I really thought we competed at a high level as a team and showed some good toughness even if the faster indoors does not really suit our game styles. I’m very excited for the girls that are in the doubles final and still alive in singles.” The Jaguars didn’t win any of their three singles consolation matches. Michaela Meszarosova fell 6-2, 6-3 to UAB’s Rachel Daniell, while sophomore Cinta Maria Papke was defeated by Catherine Ragan of

UAB 6-4, 6-3 and Martinkova lost to Klara Skopack of Nicholls State 6-4, 5-7, (10-3) This is the end of the Jaguars fall

season until they start their new season in the spring. (Statistics/scores from USA Jaguars)

COURTESY OF USA JAGUARS

Freshman Monica Mitta reached doubles final this past weekend at ITA regionals.

South Alabama vs North Texas Predictions The Vanguard Sports Team Oct. 26, 2013 South Alabama vs. Texas State Kickoff at 6 p.m Broadcast: ESPN 3

JT Crabtree, Sports Editor

Alyssa Newton, LOC Sports Editor

Patrick Herring, Sports Reporter

Renato Mazariegos, PxP Announcer

Texas State is flat right now and they are still trying to find a quarterback to lead the team. They only managed 47 total passing last week against Georgia State, who has the 108th worst passing defense in the country. The Jags will be riding high off momentum from the KSU victory, South Alabama wins 34-24.

Texas State has scheduled South Alabama for their homecoming. Big mistake. Without the leadership of a steady quarterback and poor passing numbers, the Jags will be sure to ruin this homecoming. Jags 34-17.

USA hasn’t fared too well in the state South Alabama will gain another of Texas, but their luck changes this weekend. The offense is clicking on all win on the road this weekend. South cylinders. The Jaguars maul the Bobcats. Alabama defeats Texas 28-17. Jags win 34-20.

SPORTS

JT CRABTREE, SPORTS EDITOR jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Follow us for news, updates and play-by-play tweets: @USAVGSports Joey Jones @CoachJoeyJones: Head football coach Great win today for JagNation!! So proud of our guys and the fans! #JagNation Wes Saxton @ Juice_Supreme: Tight end Just ate a sack full from krystals... Rubs belly mmmmhm Caitlin Cox @Caycay_cox: Defensive Specialist/Libero

Jay Jones (No. 8) led the Jags with a career-high 99 rushing yards.

PATRICK HERRING|CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jags run past Kent State Flashes, win 38-21 South Alabama remains undefeated all-time on homecoming, improve to 3-3 By PATRICK HERRING pwh802@jagmail.southalabama.edu

or the first time this season, South Alabama’s football team was able to relax in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars (3-3, 1-1 SBC) held a comfortable lead over Kent State (2-6, 1-3 MAC) for virtually all of the game en route to a 38-21 victory on Homecoming weekend. “That was a solid win for us. I thought we played well in all phases and played for four quarters,” head coach Joey Jones said. “We challenged our players all week to take it a quarter at a time and win each quarter, and I thought they did that.” Starting quarterback Ross Metheny played a great game going 16 of 23 for 224 yards and 1 touchdown with no interceptions. He added 21 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground as well. Metheny now has at least one rushing touchdown in five consecutive games, becoming the first Jaguar to do so since Demetre

Baker accomplished the feat in 2011. “That’s the best team football we’ve played since I’ve been here; all three phases for all four quarters,” Metheny said. “The last couple of games we’ve had these lulls in the second quarter into halftime. Coach Jones really stressed this week: winning each quarter individually. I think that mindset going into the game really helped us.” With the exception of two huge scoring plays for the Golden Flashes, the Jaguar defense held tough. Kent State’s Dri Archer scored touchdowns on a 74-yard run and a 73-yard catch. Outside of those two plays, the Golden Flashes gained just 281 yards of offense. Archer accounted for 199 all-purpose yards on 12 touches. Defensive captain Romelle Jones was proud of how his defense played. “As a whole today, guys were motivated, and we played with a great swagger,” Romelle Jones said. “Guys were celebrating after every

play we made.” The Golden Flashes won the opening coin toss and elected to receive. A promising drive saw Kent State drive into USA territory on 5 rushes for 44 yards and a 17-yard completion from quarterback David Fisher to Casey Pierce. The drive would stall at the USA 25-yard line and the Flashes would attempt a field goal. Montavious Williams got a hand on the attempt to block the field goal and give the ball to the Jaguar offense. Metheny hit Jay Jones on the Jaguars’ first offensive snap for a gain of 38 yards into KSU territory. On alternating passes and rushes, Metheny gained 32 yards to move the ball to the 5-yard line. From there, Jay Jones ran it in to put the Jags up 7-0 early. Kent State’s offense again found themselves in USA territory on their following drive, but they turned it over on downs when a fourth-down rush by Traylon Durham came up 1

yard short. South Alabama took over at their own 34-yard line. South Alabama’s next drive also ended in a turnover on downs as Cris Dinham was thrown for a loss of 1 yard on fourth down. The defense got Metheny and company the ball back after forcing Kent State to go three and out. Metheny hit Wes Saxton for a gain of 10 yards and then handed off to Jay Jones who found a hole for a gain of 11 yards. The drive would again stall shortly thereafter, however, and kicker Aleem Sunanon was called on to add to the score. His 45-yard attempt was good all the way, and USA took a 10-0 lead. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Archer broke off his 74-yard run to cut the score to 10-7. South Alabama found themselves in a third and 12 situation on their

See Jaguars defeat Kent State Page 11

Might be the only girl that doesn’t care for Miley Cyrus... I just can’t do it. Derek Westbrook @ thedwestbrook25: Men’s cross country That Go Jags chant might have been the coolest thing I’ve ever heard! We gettin rowdy!!! Brandon Boyle @BrandonBoyle08: Pitcher I really can’t stand manziel. Too cocky for his own good. I just don’t see him being too successful in the NFL. Emily Messer @emily_messer20: Outfielder Well guys, if I die within the next week, its because of the flesh eating bacteria in my oysters. Russ Willemsen @RussWillemsen: Assistant men’s basketball coach Best practice of the year today for #JagNation

@USAVGSports

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Jaguars defeat Kent State Continued from Page 10.

next drive, but Metheny found Shavarez Smith on the left sideline for a gain of 19 yards to keep the drive alive. Dinham rushed for a gain of 15 to put the Jaguars in the red zone. Two plays later, Metheny hit Danny Woodson Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown toss. Sunanon’s extra point extended the Jaguar lead to 17-7 and ended the scoring in the first half. The teams exchanged punts to open the second half of play before South Alabama put together a meaningful drive. Metheny found Smith again, this time for a gain of 22 yards. The Golden Flashes were penalized for a late hit out of bounds on the following play to give USA great field position at the Kent State 15yard line. Kendall Houston found the end zone on a 3-yard rush a few plays later to give USA a 24-7 lead. Kent State’s kicking team failed them again on their next drive as Brad Miller missed a 31yard attempt wide right. South Alabama’s ground game fueled the following drive as Jay Jones and Dinham combined for 58 yards on the drive to set the offense up at the Kent State 16-yard line. Misdirection fooled the defense and Metheny ran it in from 16 yards out to put the Jags up 31-7 just 36 seconds into the final stanza. Archer answered again with his 73-yard highlight touchdown catch. He spun out of a tackle on the sideline and stayed in bounds, made more tacklers miss and found the end zone to cut the lead to 31-14. Special teamer T.J. Glover had an answer when he returned the following kickoff 67

yards to the KSU 30-yard line. Houston was handed the ball on four straight downs and found the end zone on a 14-yard rush to put the Jags on top 38-14. Houston finished the game with 43 yards on 7 rushes and became the first USA rusher to have 2 touchdowns in a game since Demetre Baker did it in a contest versus Mississippi Valley State in 2011. The Jaguar offense went into clock-running mode from there on out, not attempting another pass for the last 11:28 of the game. KSU would put together a drive at the end of the fourth quarter to make the score look a little less lopsided. Fisher found Pierce for a 4-yard touchdown catch with 6 seconds left in the game to cut it to 38-21. South Alabama gained a season-high 257 yards rushing led by Jay Jones who had a teamhigh 99 yards on the ground. Dinham added a career-best 67 yards. Terrance Timmons and Julien Valentin tacked on 21 and 20 yards respectively. Shavarez Smith led all receivers with 63 receiving yards. Woodson, Saxton and Jay Jones all ended with 38 yards receiving. Defensively, Maleki Harris notched a 10-tackle performance, including .5 sacks. Montell Garner added 7 tackles and a pass breakup. Alex Page recorded 2 sacks to match his output from the last five games combined. USA is now 5-0 all-time in homecoming games. The Jaguars will go on the road next weekend to play new Sun Belt foe Texas State in San Marcos. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

PATRICK HERRING | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

LB Maleki Harris (center) led the Jags with 10 tackles.

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Lady Jags drop their first home game of the season South Alabama soccer loses 1-0 to conference foe Western Kentucky By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

he University of South Alabama’s women’s soccer team dropped their first home game and first conference of the season to Western Kentucky 1-0 on Oct. 13 at The Cage. The Lady Toppers’ lone goal came from Kelly Phipps’s cross that Lauren Moats fired into the net from the endline in the 68th minute on a counter attack that the Lady Jags could not overcome. South Alabama (10-4-2, 3-1-1 SBC) outshot the Lady Toppers 7-2 down the stretch, spending the majority of remaining regulation in the visitors’ half, but the Lady Jags could not tie it up. “I thought we edged it in the second half; we had the better chances, but Western Kentucky was very well-organized defensively. Their defenders deserve a lot of credit,” said USA head coach Graham Winkworth. “Our girls, though, have played with the team picked to finish first in the conference, and we hope

we have the opportunity to see this team later in the season, and, hopefully, do ourselves proud again.” USA outshot WKU (7-3-4, 5-0-0 SBC) overall in the match, 15-11, and 11-6 in the second period. Clarissa Hernandez, Lauren Allison and Alyssa Mayer each produced three shots to lead the Jaguars offensively. Monique Autmon presented the best chance of the day for the Lady Jags when her header sailed just over the crossbar in the first half. Jaguar keeper Melissa Drish made three saves on the day and contributed greatly to USA’s attack in the second half, forcing WKU’s defense to track back on punts that caught a steady second-half breeze. The Lady Jags have only two games left, both at home, against UL-Lafayette at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 and UL-Monroe at 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 for Senior Night before heading to San Marcos, Texas for the Sun Belt Conference Championship.

MATTHEW STRICKLAND | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Defender Nini Rabsatt-Smith is tied for third in shots (21).

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country finish 10th and 12th By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

outh Alabama’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams finished 10th and 12th, respectively, at the Crimson Classic at Harry Pritchett Running Park in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Oct. 18. The men’s team, led by sophomore Patrick Rohr’s 32nd individual finish and 25:41.90 time, finished the day with 269 points. Rohr’s 32nd individual finish was out of 187 runners. The Jags also finished the day higher than their Sun Belt Conference foes Troy and UL-Monroe. Junior Robert Mann finished with a time of 25:56.56. Joe Gratton (26:07.19), Justin Housley (26:13.33), Alex Shields (26:40.53), Buddy Soto (26:50.92) and Derek Westbrook (26:55.84) were each one of the top seven team members to contribute points to the total. Daniel Carter (27:15.70) and Ian Bordelon (28:08.84) completed the race for the Jaguars.

For the women’s team, Kristin Parry led the Lady Jags, finishing in 18:05.27 to place 32nd overall in the 210-woman field. Freshman Nicole Durham followed Parry, finishing with a time of 18:31.81. Tori Lawson (18:49.33), Ashley Heitling (18:52.06), Joanna McCoy (19:05.55) and Ivy Chastain (19:49.33) filled out the finishers for the Lady Jags, who combined for 335 points. “Overall, I’m pleased with the effort given and the times run today,” said head cross-country coach David Barnett. “I think everyone got better today, and we’re definitely heading in the right direction as we gear up for the conference meet.” The Crimson Classic concludes the Jaguars’ regular cross-country season, and the Jaguars will now look ahead to the Sun Belt Conference Championships Nov. 2 in Troy, Ala. “We’re expecting to carry this positive momentum into conference and have some great results in two weeks,” Barnett said.

Sophomore Patrick Rohr finished 32nd out of 187 runners.

AD Space Advertise your businsess here. With up to 18,000 weekly readers, the Vanguard is the place to advertise. usavanguard@gmail.com (251) 460-6898

COURTESY OF USAJAGUARS.COM

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

JT CRABTREE|SPORTS EDITOR

When the Jags traveled to Tennessee on Sept. 28, they received $800,000.

Dr. Erdmann explains how guarantee games are made Athletic director sheds light on how games are scheduled and where the money goes By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

cheduling games is not as easy as calling another university and asking if they are free that week. There is a long process involving large sums of money, and in the case of football, schedules are made several years in advance. South Alabama Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann talked with The Vanguard last week to further explain how games are scheduled and where the money made from scheduling games goes. The Vanguard: “How are games scheduled and negotiated?” Dr. Joel Erdmann: “Honestly, it’s amazing how much work goes into a football schedule. It takes a lot of time and communication and coordination. Basically, we have four types of nonconference games. You’ve got what I term as a regional type of home-and-home series, where we’re going to Southern Miss and they come back here. Or Louisiana Tech or Tulane. That’s a home-and-home series.

“There’s also a home game for us in which we host a Football Championship Subdivision team and we do not return to them. We are not going to Southern Utah, they came here. And when there’s not a return, there’s generally a payment. So we pay Football Championship Subdivision schools, and depending on the circumstances, it can be from $100,000 to $200,000, somewhere in there, depending on their travel requirements and the time of year. If this is last minute or it’s done far in advance, the price tag might go down or go up. We got Southern Utah late this year. Due to a shift in conference affiliation, we had an opportunity to have a home game. But we didn’t know that until January, February of 2013. In football scheduling terms, that is very late in the game. We paid Southern Utah $230,000. And really, the upper price of that game is because they had to get on a plane to get here. “And then the third type of game is where we go to a school and they do not come back to us, such as Tennessee. And the price for those

games varies, but it might be $800,000 to $1,200,000. I personally have access to a database that through state and national open directories, the database collects all gaming contracts. So I can see what university A, B and C paid for home games over the past five years and into the future five to 10 years. So you can get a feel for what the going rate on that game is. “And the fourth type of game is a two-for-one. We are in the midst of a two-for-one with North Carolina State, where we went there twice and they come to us in a couple years. We are in the midst of a two-for-one with Mississippi State, where we played them, they come to us in 2014, and we go back to them in 2016. So that fluctuates price of the games a little bit, too, where we have an opportunity to play an SEC or ACC team where, yes we are playing them on the road twice, but they are going to come to us. In the future, we have the same deal with Oklahoma State. “We try to, but it doesn’t always work this way, but if we play a 12game season and we have eight conference games, we will try to have

a home side of a home-and-home and an away side of a home-and-home. We’ll buy an FCS, and we’ll get a paycheck from going to, in this year’s case, Tennessee.” VG: “What is the money we receive from games used for?” JE: “It goes straight into the football budget. Very similar to guarantee games in basketball. For all practical purposes, it is a revenue that goes to offset the cost of the program. Travel, equipment, recruiting.” VG: “Can you tell me a few figures about some of the games we have scheduled, such as Tennessee (2013), Navy (2013), Nebraska (2015, 2019), LSU (2016)?” JE: “For Navy, it’s a two-game series. What we’ll do in that case is trade money. They’re paying us $200,000 to go up to them this year, and we will pay them $200,000 to come down here next year. It helps manage the travel costs. We received $800,000 to go to Tennessee. Next year, we will receive $900,000 to go to South Carolina. In 2015, we will get $980,000 from Nebraska. In 2016, we will receive about $950,000 from

LSU. In 2019, we get $1.1 million to go back to Nebraska. “It’s kind of fun and nervewracking at the same time. And in along with that, you have the interest of TV, which sometimes plays into your schedule and moves things around.” VG: “When teams travel for away games, for example football, how much does it cost for the whole team to travel?” JE: “In the spring prior to a season, we will identify what games we will fly to. We put that out to a bid. We specify what kind of plane we need, and that’s why we always get the same type of plane. Depending on the distance, say flying to UC-Davis three years ago was more expensive than flying to Raleigh, N.C. last year, a flight will be anywhere in the neighborhood from $55,000-$80,000. If you factor in one night in a hotel, basically two to a room for the most part, four to five meals, you are looking at a flight trip in the area of $120,000-$130,000. “If we go by bus, pending it can be $25,000-$45,000.”

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013

Opinion

KELLY FICARELLI, OPINION EDITOR kficarelli@gmail.com

Staff Editorial: Let’s not deter students from South By KELLY FICARELLI kficarelli@gmail.com

ast month, the Board of Trustees revised the resident and nonresident tuition policy. Some of the changes were motivated by law and are a positive way to go, such as allowing veterans and National Guard members the instate tuition rate. However, some of the changes were not motivated by law and will make applying for residency much more difficult for students. In the past, students who came to school from out of state could apply for residency after a year and receive the instate tuition rate. Now, an outof-state student must show strong evidence that he or she is living in Alabama for purposes other than education to claim residency. Students have to prove residency under some pretty strict guidelines, such as proving they have lived in the University’s service area for at least one year prior to registration and that the student, his or her spouse, or his or her parents, are working here full-time

as well (proving they begin working at said job within 90 days of registration at South). Other ways to be considered a resident are by the student or his or her spouse being employed by the University full-time or as a graduate assistant, or the student or his or her spouse being a member of the military on full-time active duty. There are several problems with this policy. The policy revision includes the statement that “if a person is in Alabama primarily for the purpose of obtaining an education, that person shall be considered a non-resident student.” I believe that if a person moves to Alabama for the sole purpose of attending school, that should be reason enough to be considered a resident after one year. They will pay rent here, buy gas and groceries here, attend church and otherwise contribute to the community, and also pay taxes and tuition here for at least four years due to being enrolled in our school. The Board of Trustees should stick with the old policy of allowing a person to be deemed a resident after living in Alabama and attend-

even for the previous year doesn’t necing South for one year. There is also a problem with the essarily mean that a person will work residency requirement that a student full-time after registration; they only must have a full-time job. Attending have to prove they are working fullcollege full-time and working even a time around the time of registering for part-time job can be extremely difficult school. Tuition is steadily rising at South to do. There is no legitimate reason to exclude someone from residency be- and most other universities, but here’s cause they hold a part-time job rather what the big fuss is about regarding out-of-state tuthan a full-time job. ition. Instate tuWorking part-time ition ranges from doesn’t make you Now, an out-of-state $277 to $296 less of a citizen and doesn’t reduce your student must show strong per credit hour, where out-ofchances of moving evidence that he or she state tuition costs out of South’s seris living in Alabama for between a whopvice area while atping $554 to $592 tending. Additionpurposes other than per credit hour. ally, some students education, in order to Per 3-credit hour work two or more class, that’s around part-time jobs, claim residency. $830 for residents earn more income and $1,660 for and pay more taxes than some students with one full-time nonresidents (plus fees, books, regisjob, so it is unfair to require a full-time tration costs, et cetera). That’s approxiemployment status. And having a full- mately twice as much in tuition. An time job for one year in USA’s service official with the University said they area within 90 days of registration or were making these changes to be “con-

“

”

sistent with the intent of the law,” and also to make South “on par” with residency tuition policies of schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University. While there is no disagreement that the policy changes regarding veterans and National Guard members are consistent with the new laws, there is an issue with South Alabama being on par with the tuition policies of these larger schools. The fact is, the University of South Alabama is a great school, but it is not the University of Alabama or Auburn University. If we want to continue having people from all over the country choose USA, we need to give them incentives for enrolling here, not push them away with exorbitant tuition costs with no possibility of being considered a resident while attending. By all means, make this institution friendly for veterans and military personnel, but let’s not make changes that might dissuade a student from moving here and attending our school. Let’s be welcoming and inviting to out-of-state students.

Git’r done: always strive to find ways to improve

By JOHN BLYTHE johnblythe@gmail.com

.R.R. Tolkien once said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” I don’t think he could be more right. We millenials are known for spending more than we make and have had some lessthan-comforting predictions concerning our ability to pay off our credit card debts. Woohoo, go team! Everything bleeds into everything else in life. Compartmentalization is a mental trick to avoid cognitive dissonance and keep things tidy in our brains, but it’s not the way the world actually works. It shouldn’t be surpris-

ing that members of the most indebted and overspending generation are probably going to be pretty poor stewards of other resources, namely time. Unlike money, though, time is spent once and only once. You can never get it back. Tolkien was right. We have but one task: choose how to spend our time. Therein lies the foundation for making progress in any area of life. Without spending time properly, nothing else will work quite the way it’s supposed to. Our money will be blown, our relationships will shrivel, our careers will falter and a slew of other important areas of life will erode. But hey, at least we were able to binge our way through every season of “Breaking Bad” AND “Pretty Little Liars” this week, right? So, with that foundation laid, the question is begged: how can I better use my time? I’m glad you asked! I’m not perfect at this by any means, and your mileage may vary, but here are some things that have helped me keep all the plates spinning in my life. Time: Since I’m beating the drum of time management, this is probably a

great place to start. There is a great little app called Rescue Time (rescuetime. com) that monitors all your computer activity. You can rank programs, websites and the likes on a scale of -2 to +2 regarding their productivity value. Their free plan is more than enough to help you drill down into the digital habits you’ve built that are damaging to getting things done. Another great time helper is the Pomodoro method. The basic idea is to block out your time into mini-sprints and tackle things in successive fashion according to an allotted amount of time. Tomato-timer. com provides a nifty little tool to help you employ this method while online. Money: Now that we’ve wrangled our time a bit more, let’s move on to the bling-bling, shall we? Hands down, the best, easiest, most-integrated and awesomely free tool out there is Mint. com. If you haven’t heard of it, then you can send me a love offering after you start saving money with it. USE IT! Tie your bank account, student loans, credit cards and anything else you can think of to this and then keep track of it all. You set up a savings plan, a vacation goal, alerts based on

spending habits, a budget and all sorts of other goodies. Better still, it’s available on all your mobile devices. In other words, any attempt to make excuses concerning your finances bounce like a bad check. Oooo, finance burn! Oh, and one more little hack to help: make yourself put into savings any amount of non-essential discretionary spending you do. This helped me save up fast when I got engaged. If you want to buy a beer, put the same amount in savings. Everything that you want but don’t need suddenly doubles in value and you either a) don’t spend any money and thus save, or b) spend money and force yourself to save while doing so. It adds up fast, too. Health: We all want to look good for beach season. More than that, though, we should want to live lives that aren’t complicated by health problems that could have been easily avoided if we’d just strayed from going to Foosackly’s 14 times a week. There are too many apps and sites to list to help with this, really. MyFitnessPal is a great diet diary. The Jawbone, FitBit or Nike self-quantification products help ‘data-ify’ your life. Fitocracy is a great,

fun way to keep track of your exercise routine, score points and integrate into a fitness community. Brain: You’re really getting a good head on your shoulders by now, huh? Great, but let’s not forget to take care of the ol’ brain, too. I’ll keep this one simple: read. Pick up a book, grab a magazine, browse online, use Pocket or Instapaper (not Instagram!) and just read something. Start your day with reading. End your day with reading. Spend your 10-minute break (via the Pomodoro technique above) reading. Read broadly and read deeply. Read fiction, read science. Just read. And, for a bonus round, learn to speed read. It’ll save you more time than you can throw a book at. Acceleread for iOS is a great tool for learning and a quick Google search produces plenty of other options. There you go. A few tricks of the trade. I won’t bore you with listing out why I’ve had to learn these and other life hacks the hard way, but if you’d like to talk about any of this, feel free to hit me up on Twitter, @johnblythe. Best of luck on juggling everything a little bit better.

VOL. 53, NO. 13 / OCT. 21, 2013