*NEW YEAR * NEW MASCOT * NEW WALLACE*
The Mane Issue
Volume 6, Issue 3
January 2009
PICK IT UP-- OPEN IT-- READ IT-- ENJOY IT
Welcome to 2009 Upcoming Events Monday, January 26 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 5:30pm- Women's Basketball Gadsden 7:30pm- Men's Basketball Gadsden State Tuesday, January 27 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 8:00pm- Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, January 28 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, January 29 9:00am- College Transfer Fair 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 5:30pm- Women's Basketball
Bevill - Fayette 7:30pm- Men's Basketball Bevill Monday, February 2 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet Tuesday, February 3 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 8:00pm- Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, February 4 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet Thursday, February 5 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 5:30pm- Women's Basketball Lawson 7:30pm- Men's Basketball Lawson
Vote for Homecoming Queen this Week! Homecoming is February 23 Vote for the 2009 Homecoming Queen and Court - Wednesday, Jan 28th and Thursday, Jan 29th - 9am to 2pm in the Student Center Lobby. Only currently registered students can vote. Students need to bring current Student ID. Homecoming contestants are: Bethany Blackwell, Andrea Mason, Taylor Carpentar, Sharenda Brown, Channing O'Neal Moorer, Jalisa Lockhart, Allison Woodard, Kara Holton, Sallie Van Kirk, and Brooke Kinney. Students may select up to four contestants. The Homecoming Queen and Court will be announced during the men’s and women’s basketball games on Monday, February 23, 2009. The women’s game will begin at 5:30 pm to be followed by the men’s game at 7:00 pm. Presentation of the homecoming court and crowning of this year’s queen will take place during the halftime events of the men’s basketball game. For more information about Wallace State’s homecoming events contact Jennifer Hill at 256-352-8032 or by email at jennifer.hill@wallacestate.edu.
WSCC Health Fair - “A Heart for Health” February 11, 9am-1pm, JBC Lobby WSCC exhibitors: Nursing– Free Blood Pressure screenings Wellness Center-Body Mass/Body Weight Checks Physical Therapy Assistant-Prevention of Falls in the Elderly Occupational Therapy Assistant-An Ounce of Prevention, Promoting Health and Wellness Dental Hygiene-Clean Mouth=Healthy Heart Massage Therapy—Free Chair Massages Human Services-Depression Prevention & Screening Cosmetology-Skin Care and Hair Care Heads Up-Preventing Drug Abuse Community exhibitors: Encore Rehabilitation-Prevention of Exercise Injuries Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama-Health and Wellness Services AIDS of Alabama-Information and Free Screenings Mental HealthCare of Cullman Medical Weight Loss Solutions Curves for Cullman Professional Weight Loss Center *Booth Attendees will be eligible for great door prizes! *Food and Refreshments!
Saturday, February 7 1:00pm- Baseball - Motlow (DH) 4:00pm- Men's Basketball Shelton Sunday, February 8 1:00pm- Baseball Volunteer State (DH) Monday, February 9 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 7:30pm- Men's Basketball Bevill - Sumiton Tuesday, February 10 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet 8:00pm- Journey College Bible Study Wednesday, February 11 9:30am- Campus Ministry's Food Closet
2:30pm- Women's Basketball Shelton State 7-11 p.m. Valentine Film Night in the Student Center sponsored by SGA and The Mane Issue. Admission is free. Thursday, February 12 9:30am - Campus Ministry's Food Closet 5:30pm - Women's Basketball Snead State 7:30pm - Men's Basketball Snead State Saturday, February 14 7:30pm - Men's Basketball Marion Military For more events, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
THE MANE ISSUE NEEDS YOU! WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS For information about “The Mane Issue” or to join the staff please contact us by e-mail newspaper@wallacestate.edu
Wallace State Student Newspaper Staff. Sam Rolley: Editor Aldo Amato Andre Caldwell Elisabethe Dorning
Jasmine Hall Andrew Hill Bethanny Petty Tycheria Woods
Sponsored by the Wallace State Communications and Marketing Department, Kristen Holmes. Ph: 256/352-8118, JBC 11 Floor, kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu
Mission It is the mission of the Wallace State Student Newspaper to inform the Wallace State student body of campus news and events.
Participation The newspaper always welcomes new staff members. If you are interested in participating on the newspaper staff, please contact Kristen Holmes. or a staff member for info.
Submissions and Suggestions If you have a story idea or would like to make a submission to the Wallace State Student Newspaper, please send an email to newspaper@wallacestate.edu. All submissions must include the author’s name and contact information. The WSCC Student Newspaper reserves the right to reject any submissions and to edit all published material. It is the policy of the Alabama State Board of Education and Wallace State Community College, a postsecondary institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097. Ph: 404-679-4501).
Student Life
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January 2009
Wallace Student Knows When The Price Is Right By Sam Rolley On an October 20th episode of television’s long-running game show “The Price is Right,” a student of Wallace State Community College earned the opportunity of a lifetime. Amanda Shifflett was not told to “come on down” but rather landed a more permanent position on the show— she was named the newest member of its renowned cast of models. Shifflett, a native of Corner, Alabama, began working to become a model on the show in August when she attended a casting call at Watermark Place Outlets in Bessemer. “I was just trying my luck,” said Shifflett. “I never imagined that I would make it as far as I did.” After she was called back to tape an episode of the show, it became apparent that luck was not the only thing Shifflett had to work with. After the October 20th episode had aired, fans were able to vote online to determine who would be the new addition to the cast. Among the other possible choices were beautiful young women from New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Miami. Shifflett was the youngest of the women and
How To Get A Date In 13 Days By: Andre Caldwell From what I see from the fellas in Alabama, most of them are either very insecure or egotistical. We need to find a balance, gentlemen. Focus on your emotional health and being happy with yourself. Accept yourself, and be the most well groomed, charming, best dressed, confident, fly person you can be. Start the day off with the three S’s of life and go about your day with a smile on your face and the mindset that the cup is half full, not half empty. If that doesn’t work, then trust that someone of higher power will take care of you. Run by the library or Books A Million and check out “The Game” by Neil Strauss. It will help you build self esteem and help you reach your social goals. My goal is to help ten Wallace guys get a date for the Mingle with a Movie night on February 11th. Feel free to contact me on Facebook or Myspace at Ridewithdre27 / Andre Caldwell . If you see me around campus don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more.
had no professional modeling experience. When the voting began Shifflett did a great deal of campaigning, making appearances on television stations and guest spots on radio. “I decided that since I had made it as far as I did,” she said, “I would do everything in my power to win.” Her hard work paid off. Shifflett was called back once again and informed the votes were tallied and that she had won. She has since taped five episodes of the show that were shown January 12th15th. Though she has achieved great success in her budding modeling career, Shifflett has not forgotten her other ambitions. She is currently in her second year of Wallace State’s rigorous nursing program and also works part-time at Mercy Animal Hospital in Gardendale. “It is every little girls dream to be a model,” said Shifflett. “I am so happy that I have gotten the opportunity to live it, but my education is still very important to me.” One might say that Shifflett truly is a “model” student.
MINGLE WITH A MOVIE
Campus Ministries Update
Valentine Movie Night
In Campus Ministries news, the Connect Event drew 500-600 people, including two salvations, three assurances and four recommitments. Two fund raisers included a Bake Sale that raised $194.70, and Penny Wars that raised $132.93 (Auburn won). Recent events included Unmasking the Culture on January 27, and a Mystery Trip on January 22. Journey Bible Study takes place every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. in the Campus Ministries room of the Student Center. Everyone is invited to attend. Food for Thought is on 1st and 3rd Mondays at the JBC 12th floor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for only a donation. Additionally, Campus Ministries maintains a food closet for students in immediate need of food. For more information, stop by or contact Christy Hicks at 352-8280.
Coming Soon to Wallace State Brought to you by The Mane Issue and SGA Wednesday February 11 in the Student Center/ Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre 7 p.m. - P.S. I Love You Theater Department “Grease” preview 9 p.m. - The Notebook Drinks, Popcorn, Slow Jams, Excitement Free Admission Putting Some Pep in Your Step
By Jasmine Hall
Highest Honors
Work Study Positions Available
Wallace State has announced the names of more than 750 students making the President’s List and Dean’s List for the fall 2008 semester. To earn a spot on the Wallace State President’s List, students must maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester while taking a course load of at least 12 hours. Placement on the Dean’s List is awarded to students maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher. See the list online in the Press Release section of the Wallace State Web site.
Do You Need a Part-Time Job? Get A Job On Campus! The Financial Aid Office is accepting Work-Study applications for the Spring and Summer Semesters! Most students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 sem hrs) and are eligible for Pell Grant or Subsidized Student Loans are eligible for the Work-Study Program. Come by the Financial Aid Office for an application, or print the online application at www.wallacestate.edu. You must have a FAFSA Application for 2008-2009 submitted online to qualify (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Feel free to contact the Financial Aid office if you have questions.
Would you like to contribute toThe Mane Issue? Contact us at newspaper@wallacestate.edu or by phone at 256/352-8118
Page 4
Campus News
January 2009
Christmas Concert a Success
WSCC Student Profile Introducing Kerah Hyatt
By Jasmine Hall
By Andre Caldwell Q) What makes you unique? A) I’m a very fun, outgoing, and bubbly girl. I love life and I live in the moment because the next one is never promised. I have learned that everything isn’t black and white, sometimes you have to see gray. I’m very easygoing and laid back and I hate to rush. I try to treat others the way that I would like to be treated, I love God and do my best to make Him happy. Q) What is your major? A) I am majoring in forensic science with a minor in biology and chemistry.
While many Wallace State students went home for the holidays, many others rehearsed for the Christmas concert at the Student Center Theatre on December 18, 2008. It was rescheduled from December 11th due to inclement weather. The concert band was well rehearsed for this concert thanks to our directors. The saxophone quartet performed a few Christmas songs in the lobby while the choir and band members prepared to start the show. The Singers started first with arrangements of Christmas songs followed by the concert band performing their Christmas song arrangements. The concert choir has a bit of help with a few of the jazz band members and Mark Neal on guitar. The final stretch was the jazz band performing their Christmas song Arrangements. The concert had a huge turnout.
Q) Any Pets? A) Yes! Guizzie Ray is my three pound, long-haired chiuaua. She is one and a half years old. Q) Do you have any siblings? A) I have a brother, Joey Hyatt. He is 23 years old and lives in Crane Hill. Q) Myspace or Facebook? A) I have both but I prefer Myspace—it is just easier. Q) Where would you like to be in five years? A) In five years I will be 26 years old. I’ll be out of school if all goes as planned. I will be working for either the state or the FBI in one of the forensics labs. Hopefully I will be married, living in a big house, and planning on having children. Q) What is your favorite food? A) My favorite food is chicken with ranch dressing.
Jacksonville State Scholarships Announced
Q) Who is you favorite artist/musician? A) I have so many, it depends on my mood really. I love Jessica Simpson, ‘T’Pain, Lil Wayne, Tar, and Nickleback to name a few. Q) Do you have a favorite nightlife spot? A) It was Sammy T’s in Huntsville but I also love the Zen nightclub in Birmingham. I really don’t get to go out that much because I am normally working at Wallace, in class, or studying. Q) Any big influence in your life besides family? A) My church family. They have shown me the path to follow without judging. They know that human nature allows for mistakes and are always there with open arms and smiles. Q) What is your favorite quote? A) “Hold on to what you love, stay true to what you know, take everything you dream, and never let go.”
Scholarship Opportunity - Design the Wallace State Christmas Card for 2009! Two categories: Front cover and Inside verse The design for the Christmas card front cover and inside verse must represent the Wallace State Community College family to our friends and to the communities we serve by upholding the College’s Tradition of Excellence in all we do. The inside verse may not be more than 30 words but may follow any suitable format that represents us as an institution and reflects our tradition. Important Dates: Front cover: 1st proof of submission due April 3, 2009, by 3:00p.m. Judges will submit comments to the top 25 by April 10, 2009 Final submission will be April 24, 2009, by 3:00p.m. Inside Verse: Deadline for submission is April 24, 2009, by 3:00p.m. Look for rules and criteria in the next Mane Issue Information will be emailed to students by January 30, 2009 (Should be on the WSCC Web site by February 13, 2009) Winners will be notified on May 8, 2009 Winners will receive a 3 credit hour scholarship for tuition and fees! For further information please contact Adrian Scott at 256-352-8145 or Adrian.scott@wallacestate.edu
Four Presidential transfer scholarships for Jacksonville State University are available for students interested in transferring there for the 20092010 academic year. The scholarships will pay full in-state tuition costs for fall and spring semesters for up to 16 hrs each term. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 and cannot have attended JSU before. Application packets are available in the Financial Aid Office and must be completed by February 23. If interested, feel free to contact our Financial Aid Office for additional information.
Student Health 101 Starting a new year is always an exciting time on campus...new classes, new schedules and more. It is also a natural time to reflect on some of our own behaviors and make some changes through New Year's resolutions. Be sure to read the January issue of Student Health 101, since it has lots of great info to help you make 2009 the best year yet. Plus – you can enter win a Spring Break Trip for 2 – by reading January’s Student Health 101 – so start reading today! It will take you 10 minutes to read, and give you a chance to keep your resolutions while in someplace warm this upcoming spring break. Find a link to this publication on the Wallace State web site at www.wallacestate.edu/currentstudents. Inside the January issue... Got Resolutions? 2009 is here, and maybe you’ve made, or even broken, a few resolutions already. What resolutions are other students making for 2009, and want some tips on keeping yours? Don’t miss this article! How can you make more time? There’s too much to get done today – too much work, too much to study, too many activities to tackle it all. We’ve got a couple of time management techniques that will help you to relax once in a while. Take a few minutes to read this article today and you’ll find more time for years to come! And... A Short Course on Healthy Eating Has the Internet got you hooked? New Ways to Spend Spring Break
Sports
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January 2009
Sports With A-Dizzle By Aldo Amato Super Bowl XLII pits the “Cinderella Story” of the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals, against the “Goliath” of the NFL, the Pittsburg Steelers. This has been quite a year for the Arizona Cardinals making an improbable run at their first ever Super Bowl appearance led by veteran quarterback Kurt Warner. The Pittsburg Steelers however were expecting to get this far from Day 1 of their dominant season with weapons like Troy Polamalu on defense and the gigantic Ben Roethlisberger at the QB position. So who is going to win the “Big Enchilada”? Here is my personal breakdown of both teams and how the game is going to turn out. The Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have three main components to their offense: Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., and the biggest baby in the NFL Anquan Boldin. Warner’s arm will be a factor and the receivers getting past those nasty Pittsburgh safeties. Larry Fitzgerald is quick and elusive so watch out for him to get open and Hightower might get open on a screen. Kurt Warner also has mad accuracy so watch the middle of the field on the slant rout. The Pittsburg Steelers: The Steelers have a plethora of weapons on offense. Ben Roethlisberger is a beast at quarterback and he is sort of the Tim Tebow of the NFL. He is big, he is fast, and he has got a gigantic arm. So watch out to hit his favorite receiver Hines Ward (if he plays). Hines Ward is good at getting open but if he does end up playing then watch to see how fast and effective he is due to an injury in the AFC Championship. Also watch out for Willie Parker on the outside on a toss because he can work the outside of the field. On defense, the man to watch is Troy Polamalu, if he gets an interception; he is more than capable to take it back for six so he will be playing man coverage. My final score predictions is: Steelers: 38 Arizona: 21
Wallace State Cheerleaders Finish Runner-Up at National Championships
WSCC Lady Lions Lose to Snead State Lady Parsons, Men Win
By Bethany Petty
By: Bethany Petty
The Wallace State Cheerleaders took second place at the 2009 Universal Cheerleading Association’s National College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida. The cheerleaders definitely stepped up their game, though they had to rearrange their set due to an injury of MaKenzie Maze. Maze had dislocated her shoulder. Head cheerleading coach, Rob Metcalf, placed Stephanie Miller to fill her position. When asked if he thought that Miller was the next best cheerleader to fill MaKenzie’s spot with all the major stunts involved, Coach Metcalf replied, “Yes definitely, because she has all the skills Mackenzie has. Stephanie is very talented.” “Orlando, Florida was tough this year because every year our division seems to get a little more difficult, but I was pleased how the squad came together during tough times,” said Metcalf. Of the judges’ opinions regarding Wallace State’s cheerleaders Metcalf said, “Wallace State has a solid reputation for being a clean performing squad.” There were also small injuries while the squad was in Orlando, Florida such as bumps on heads, black
In Boaz, Alabama, Thursday, January 15th, 2009, the Wallace State Lady Lions went head to head with the Snead State Lady parsons. Unfortunately, the Lady Lions did not come away with a victory. Before the Game I asked Coach Larry Slater, “What are you planning to do defensive wise?” Coach Slater replied, “Well we plan on mixing up our defense, running zone, and basically getting them off balance in their offense”. The halftime score of the game was Wallace State 23 points and Snead State with 29 points. The final score was Wallace State 55 and Snead State 67. The highlighting stats for the Lady Lions were #55 Courtney Scott 11 points, #15 Julia Tupper 9 points, #23 Andrea Crawford 5/5 free throws, #55 Courtney Scott ¾ free throws, #23 Andrea Crawford with 4 assists, #21 Jessica Andrews with 3 assists. In the last quarter, two of our main starters Andrea Crawford and Courtney Bowens received 5 fouls which put them out of the game. I asked the leading scorer of the game Courtney Scott, “How it felt to be the lead scorer of the night?” Her reply was, “I enjoyed being the lead scorer, but even though I scored well we still lost, because it’s a team sport and not about one individual”. Although the team lost, one injured player who was on the roster received playing time, number 12 Jamie Lack, who injured her foot in December. Her reply on her playing time of the night was “It was
eyes, and a bitten lip. Through hard work, giving up part of their Christmas and Thanksgiving breaks for practice, the Wallace State Cheerleaders have become the champions they are now. Members of the 2008-2009 Wallace State Cheerleaders Lindzie Maze, Ashley Shoeybipour, Amber Dutenhoeffer, Stephanie Miller, Tallie Gibbs, Kyli Rasco, Ashley Holt, Paige Powell, Blair Coggin, Kristan Burgess, Whitney Shelton, Ashley Garcia, Kaycee Kamenski, MaKenzie Maze, Andrew Brymer, Mascot; Andre’ Caldwell, Chad Cremer, Charlie Asciutto, Drew Norton, Wesley Brown, Anthony Stidham, Eric Fisher, Nick Wrightson, Steven Stubbs, Justin Thrasher, Ben Sellers, Robby Cairns, Richard Delgado, and Tyler Hayes. See them perform at the next home Wallace State basketball game on Feb. 7. Congrats to our Wallace State Cheerleaders (You will always be #1 to us!)
pretty rough to start off with, because I injured my foot, it hurts more when I’m not playing. But for my soul it was just perfect to be able to get back on the court.” After they lost I asked number 21 Jessica Andrews, “What was her perspective on the game?” she replied, “I really thought we were going to come out here and get things done, but we honestly weren’t here tonight.” But we came back after half time with energy after the coaches talked to us.” I asked Andrews “What was the hardest thing about Snead tonight?” she answered by saying, “Every time we knocked down our shots, they would come running down the court knocking down their shots as well, so it made it hard to catch back up.” In addition, I asked head coach Jarrod Plummer of the Lady Snead Parsons, “Was their anything about Wallace Lady Lions that you didn’t expect to see on the court?” he replied, “Real amazed at their physical playing in the post, especially with number 55, who was one of our main concerns.” The Snead State Parsons’ leading scorers Thursday were #42 Shaletha Swain with 15, #11 Laterial Williams with 11 points. I asked coach, Larry Slater did his plan to mix up the defense work for the girls?” he replied, “we were kind of limited tonight, we ended up running man against Snead most of the night, but the girls didn’t give up, they fought to the end.” The Lions won their Snead matchup 71-49. They are 2-2 since then. The Lady Lions are 12 since Snead. Both teams play on Jan. 29 at Bevil-Fayette.
Student Commentary
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January 2009
Is There Anything To Do In Hanceville? By Aldo Amato So this is my first time living on my own in a place that is not Huntsville, Alabama. Back when I used to live I there, I thought that it could not get more boring than living in Huntsville. Sure Huntsville has movie theaters, malls, parks, and more but when you have lived there for nineteen years, then it can get old. So I thought living on my own away from home would be a change and a new experience full of fun and excitement. It turns out that I was wrong. The town of Hanceville is the most boring and uneventful place I have ever been-especially for students attending Wallace State. I mean there is absolutely nothing that could slightly appeal to a person that is 18 or 19 years old living here except go mudding, hunting, and fishing which not all people find interesting. I was not expecting for there to be clubs or bars (especially since Cullman is a dry county and besides, I’m not yet 21) but there is nothing to do. I guess the expression “You don’t know what you have till it’s gone” is true. I never thought I would miss the city of Huntsville itself but as the days progressed living here, I found myself itching to be back home. Now I know sometimes people can get homesick but in my case, I was dying to get home to actually do something. I know Huntsville is not a BIG city like New York City or Atlanta and I know that first hand since my family is neither from Huntsville nor the South. But compared to this, it is pretty much in comparison a “big city”. But the college is basically the whole town. I asked someone
who has lived here for their whole life what there is to do and they responded “Well just about nothing except go and walk around the Wal-Mart up in Cullman.” Seriously? Is it that boring in Cullman County? Now don’t get me wrong, the county has beautiful landmarks and the people have that cute Southern charm that brightens your day but once you get past that, it’s excruciatingly boring. I understand Wallace State is a commuter college and not many people live on campus or close by but their needs to be something for people that do live here to do. Yes there is a movie theater up in Cullman but students should not have to spend gas to go spend more money to support a different city. It would be in the best interest for the County Commission and leaders to propose new projects to modernize this town. I myself still cannot believe that this county is dry. We are not living in the prohibition era anymore so why have a dry county? Jefferson and Morgan Counties are getting money that could be going into Cullman County that could be used to build more modern structures or invest in other projects, like good restaurants. And I understand that we are located in the so called “Bible-Belt” of the country but I mean come on, it’s 2009 not 1920. Yes, alcohol may lead to activities that are not of Christian nature but that is all based upon the person who is consuming the alcohol and the level of maturity he or she possess. Keeping it out of a county is not going to stop people from going 25-30 minutes down the road to buy some in Jefferson County and bringing it back here. Keeping it out of the county is not going to mean there will be no DUI’s in Cullman or Hanceville. So what is the point of not selling alcohol? Selling tobacco is legal here and it can lead to just as many bad things as alcohol such as gum disease, cancer, and birth defects. Arab finally woke up and voted to make the city wet so why
FILM REVIEWS
can’t Cullman or Hanceville do the same? Wet or dry, something still has to be done to spice up this little town. But in the mean time, I guess students will have to rack up their mileage going up and down I-65 to places like Birmingham or Huntsville to have a good time. Personally I think something needs to be done to appeal to the students attending Wallace State like having more dances or taking ideas from universities and putting them into place here. Please understand that I am not trying to offend the people of Hanceville and Cullman County at all. I chose to come to Wallace State for a reason because the education format is similar to that of universities like Alabama and Auburn. But I myself just think that this town and county are in desperate need of a complete renovation towards modern day ideas..
What do you think? Send us your thoughts. newspaper@wallacestate.edu NOTE: The printing of opinions in this publication is not indicative of endorsement by The Mane Issue or Wallace State Community College.
Twilight By: Katherine Dorning
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button By: Katherine Dorning I think this film will most likely become a classic and I have no doubt that Brad Pitt fans everywhere are going to love it. If you haven’t seen this film I can also refer you to it from personal experience. An excellent composition of romance, adventure and self discovery it is sure to entertain as you go on a journey with Benjamin Button--born old but growing younger day by day. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Bedtime Stories By: Katherine Dorning Who says you’re too old for bedtime stories? If you’re looking for a good laugh, from personal experience, I can say that this film is a must see. You’re sure to get a chuckle out of Adam Sandler’s antics as Skeeter Bronson in this fanciful tale full of comedy, romance and adventure as the “Bedtime Stories” he tells his niece and nephew begin to come true in the real world when they start adding their own little tidbits to the tales. It’s a film both kids and adults can enjoy. Great for a family outing, group date or a night out for some “me” time, I would recommend this film. While it is more for the younger generation, I think Sandler fans will appreciate it as well. Truly, it has the makings of an excellent film.
I know that the subject of Twilight is wearing a little thin but I thought it necessary to revisit the finer points. I myself waited a little while before I started reading the series and was skeptical at first. I thought, “A love story about vampires?” Where’s the action? So I held off as long as I could, but then I started running out of things to read, so I decided to give it a shot. If I didn’t like it I didn’t have to finish it. So I checked it out from the library and before I knew it, I was finished and ready for the next book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t just a love story but it had the action I was looking for as well. I finished the series and eagerly awaited the release of the movie. The people I had talked to who had seen the movie before me had nothing but good reviews for it, so I had high expectations when I sat down in the cinema to watch it. When the movie ended, I came out disappointed. They had skipped so many parts of the story that I, myself, found crucial to gain the full aspect of it. So much was missing and so many things were different than they were in the book. In itself it was an okay movie and there was the plus of seeing the Cullen men, who I might add, were spectacularly cast, and I’m sure many women would agree with me on this. I am writing this review because I feel that those who have never read the books are missing out on this excellent story.
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The 2008 Bowl Recap By Aldo Amato
Wel,l the 2008-2009 season of college football is over and all of the bowls and BCS mess has come to rest for another year. The bowl season kicked off with a Wake Forest thumping of triple-option oriented Naval Academy. The same day, Colorado State pulled off the first upset by beating Fresno State led by their beast of a runner Gartrell Johnson. In the first ever St. Petersburg Bowl, the University of South Florida ran all over the Tigers of Memphis with their over-hyped quarterback Matt Grothe. Capping off the first night of the bowl season was yet another surprise when the Arizona Wildcats shut down former Heisman candidate Max Hall and the Brigham Young Cougars. The next day was not easy in the “Big Easy” for the Troy Trojans hailing from the great state of Alabama. Going in as favorites to win the game, it seamed destined that they would dominate in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Instead Southern Miss kept it close and forced the game into halftime scoring first with a field goal. So it was all up to kicker Sam Glusman to tie it up for the Trojans and send it into second overtime. Either Southern Miss was intensely pumped up or the Offensive Line for Troy was taking a break but, whichever it was, it had the ending result of a blocked field goal and a bowl win for the Golden Eagles. The next night posted perfect Boise State playing against a once considered “BCS Buster” TCU and boy it was a good one. It was defensive struggles until Joseph Turner scored a 17-yard touchdown to lift the Horned Frogs to a one-point win over the Broncos, spoiling their shot at a perfect season. Ah, Christmas Eve, the fire is crackling, the anticipation for Santa is buzzing, and the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl is on. After a disastrous season last year, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame barely made it to a bowl game but actually showed up on Christmas Eve demolishing the home team Hawaii by five touchdowns led by quarterback Jimmy Clausen. The day after Christmas, Florida Atlantic head coach Howard Schnellenberger captured yet another bowl win to go to a perfect 6-0 in bowl games. The following day, a player went a perfect 4-0 in bowl games and he hails from Daphne, Alabama. His name is Pat White and he pulled out a close one against the UNC Tar Heals to give West Virginia yet another bowl win. California was the “Best” team in the Emerald Bowl led by their quick footed running back Jahvid Best and, also that night, Coach Bobby Bowden destroyed Wisconsin adding another win to his already impressive record. Louisiana Tech pulled one out to win the Independence Bowl by seven over the Northern Illinois Huskies. About 30minutes south in Birmingham, Rutgers battled the Wolfpack of North Carolina State and won the battle in a quite heated contest. Later that night, Missouri duo Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin survived a scare against a tough and resilient Northwestern team to win in overtime in San Antonio at the Alamo Bowl. The next day, Maryland fought back and forth with Nevada but pre-
In Other Sports News vailed to win on the blue grass in Boise at the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl and the Rice Owls just dominated the Western Michigan Broncos only allowing them to score in the final quarter. That night however was the best bowl of the bowls played so far. After trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli rallied back and finished the night with four touchdowns to beat Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State Cowboys in Holiday Bowl. On New Years Eve, the bowls did not compare to the Holiday Bowl. Houston beat Air Force in the Armed
The sweet taste of victory Forces Bowl by a touchdown. That was followed by one of the most boring bowls in bowl history in El Paso at the Brut Sun Bowl with Oregon State winning the game 3-0. But the magic moment of the bowl season came in Nashville when Vanderbilt, who had waited 53 years, won the Music City Bowl thanks to their kicker nailing a 45-yard field goal to break the streak. Kansas later handed Minnesota a loss in the Insight Bowl. Probably the most one-sided bowl game was the last game of 2008 in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. Whoever picked LSU to be an underdog must have been cringing at halftime. LSU completely demolished Georgia Tech 38-3 and shut down the “unstoppable” triple-option brought by new Tech head coach Paul Johnson from Navy. New Years Day yielded two BCS bowls and some good non-BCS bowls. The “Old Ball Coach” Steve Spurrier and his Gamecocks were completely shut down by Shonn Greene and Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Matthew Stafford led Georgia back in the second half to beat Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. First year coach Bo Pellini also led a second half comeback to beat Clemson in the Gator Bowl. In the “Granddaddy of Them All” (The Rose Bowl), Mark Sanchez looked like an absolute superstar passing for 413 yards and four TD’s picking away the Penn State defense. Joe “Pa” and his team tried to rally back in the second half but it was just too much offense to overcome as the Nittany Lions fell short to USC in the Rose Bowl. In the annual contest between the Big East and the ACC in the Orange Bowl, it got one sided for three-fourths of the game. After jumping out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, that would be it for the Bearcats of Cincinnati. Tyrod Taylor and the Virginia Tech Hokies scored 20 unanswered points to win the Fed Ex Orange Bowl in Miami. January 2nd began with the AT&T Cotton Bowl in Dallas, pitting SEC rebound Ole Miss Rebels against the dominant offense of Texas Tech featuring Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. The Rebels fell behind by a
touchdown in the first quarter but then took the game into control on defense, special teams, and offense to pull off the upset in Dallas. Kentucky pulled off an upset in the following game against Skip Holtz and the ECU Pirates to win the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. And then there was the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama had a stellar year going 12-0 in the regular season and keeping it close with Florida in the SEC Championship. The Crimson Tide were 10 point favorites going into the match up against Brian Johnson and the Utah Utes. The team that played so hard during the year did not even show up in New Orleans falling behind 21-0 in the FIRST quarter. In the second quarter, Alabama dominated narrowing the lead to 10 points but played sloppy the rest of the game allowing Brian Johnson to pick apart the secondary and lead the Utes to another BCS win. John Parker Wilson played his worse game of the year partly due to the part that the best OL in college football (Andre Smith) was suspended due to illegal talks with an agent (it was his mother). But even when he had time to throw, he would miss high or overthrow his receivers Julio Jones and Nikita Stover. The secondary was terrible in coverage and could not keep up with the no-huddle offense of Utah. If Alabama had not taken Utah for granted and actually showed up to play, they would have actually won the Sugar Bowl but one thing is for sure, Utah showed up with their “A” game and showed the nation that they mean business to cap off their perfect season. The next day, the Buffalo Bulls went into halftime looking for their first bowl victory in a long time but could not stop the rushing and passing attack of Connecticut. Probably the best bowl game of the bowl season was the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Within 16 seconds of loosing to Ohio State, Colt McCoy led back the Longhorns with a lucky touchdown catch by Quan Crosby to steal away victory from Terrell Pryor and the Buckeyes. There was a hurricane warning down in Mobile on January 6th when Tulsa came in and just embarrassed the Ball State Cardinals. The National Championship followed two days later where a defensive battle ensued and Tim Tebow wasn’t his best that night. But still, it’s Tim Tebow--of course he is going to find some way to win. And he did by throwing for two touchdowns and leading the Florida Gators to another National Championship in three years solidifying him as a college football legend. So all in all this was a pretty mundane bowl season and everything went for the most part as expected. There were no 2007 Boise State upsets. There were no Doug Flutie Hail Mary plays. It was just business as usual for most teams. Utah (like every BCS buster before them) is trying to make a case about how they should have played Florida for the championship but I have a feeling it is going to go nowhere and the BCS will remain the same when it is all said and done. I cannot wait to see what the 2009-2010 has in store for us college football fans.
January 2009
And The New Auburn Coach is…Gene Chizik? By Aldo Amato AUBURN, AL-So the search for the new head football coach at the University of Auburn has come to an end. This comes after the “resignation” of 10-year football coach Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville went 8540 at his tenure at Auburn, which is one of the best posted by and AU coach. So the question comes to mind, why leave after becoming one of the hottest coaches in Auburn football history? That question has yet to be answered. When the news broke first, media outlets both local and national first reported that Tuberville was fired. But the next day, Auburn AD Jay Jacobs mentioned in a news conference that he was shocked to learn that Tuberville decided to hang up the headset. Then, just a couple of weeks later, Tuberville’s mother told reporters that her son told her that he was fired. It is all a big mystery that isn’t worth the effort to solve. But I think everyone can agree that Tuberville’s 5-7 season concluding with the complete and total 36-0 rout by cross-state rival Alabama did not help. Nevertheless, the university and Tuberville decided to part ways and Auburn would begin their search for a replacement to repair their battered and disorganized offense. Names like coaches in waiting Will Muschamp and Jimbo Fisher popped up along with Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. But after receiving huge benefits from the current school’s they are at, Auburn did not have a chance snagging them. Other names from smaller schools with successful programs came into to the picture also like the 12-1 Ball State coach Brady Hoke and MAC Championship coach Turner Gill. One would think with winning coaches like that, Auburn would narrow their search to the two of these coaches. Yet Auburn shifted their focus to the Midwest to a little place called Iowa State where one of their ‘Good O’l Boy’s’ was the head ball coach. Suddenly, days later, Auburn made their decision to hire Gene Chizik as next the head football coach at the University of Auburn. Gene Chizik? Who is he? Before going to Iowa State, Chizik had brief stints controlling the defense at Texas and before that, Auburn. Granted he is one heck of a defensive coach, but I think Auburn fans would agree that he is no Nick Saban. Many defense-oriented coaches can have very successful careers as head coaches like Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, and Tony Dungy. But the same cannot be said for Chizik (so far). In just two seasons as the head football coach at Iowa State, Chizik has posted a 5-19 record. Granted that Iowa State is in a conference where they have to play top ranked schools like Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, etc. Essentially they are the Mississippi State of the Big XII Conference. But 5-19 with losses to schools like Kent State? So one could question why Auburn would pick a guy with multiple loosing records? That question will be answered in the Fall of 2009 when he takes the field for the first time as the head coach at Auburn. In the mean time, one can only watch the ongoing drama in the soap opera that is Auburn football.
Campus News
Page 8
January 2009
Wallace State’s Finest By Sam Rolley
to check for anything that may look suspicious or out of place. Wallace State is fortuCollege campus security has become a nately located in a county where the crimepinnacle issue in recent years and a main rate is very low but the officers must resist concern on the minds of many students. complacency and are always on the lookRealizing the importance of campus securiout for potentially dangerous situations. ty, Wallace State has, over the past three Casey said, “During the time I have spent years, made an effort to provide a safer and at Wallace State, I have noticed that the consequently more enjoyable college expestudents are very respectful of the law,” rience for attending students. Proactive adding, “That makes it a real pleasure to approaches to security such as the recent work in this area.” implementation of the student ID system, Casey, who formerly worked as the an effort to increase lighting at various school resource officer at Holly Pond High points on campus, and more emphasis on School, and his deputies are all highly campus patrol have combined to maintain trained law enforcement officers that are the traditionally very low-crime campus extremely dedicated to their professions. environment. Casey and Bennet have a combined expePerhaps one of the most noticeable rience of nearly fifteen years—Miller and Students of Wallace State may have noticed Sherriff’s Deputies on aspects of increased campus security at Baker are recent graduates of the police Wallace State has been the college’s part- patrol around campus academy and are excited and passionate nership with the Cullman County Sherriff’s about each day’s work. Prior to academy present at all times. office to facilitate the addition of four deputy Miller spent four years serving his country The officers have received a warm welcome sheriffs to the campus security department. through active Army duty; he has truly dedicated from students and faculty even despite the occaOfficers Adam Bennet, Casey Baker, Dustin his life to service and protection. Deputy Baker’s sional traffic citation. Miller, and their supervisor Corporal Perry Casey father was also a law enforcement officer which “We are here to protect students,” said have been working alongside the college’s “in gave him a pre-existing knowledge of law Casey. “That protection falls under all areas of house” security officers, Ron Stallings and Kenny throughout his time in the academy. Each officer the law so we are required to watch the traffic Smith, to ensure the constant safety of each stuis a welcome addition to the campus of Wallace and to write tickets at times.” dent and faculty member on campus. The offiState as they increase security, student safety, During a normal day’s patrol the officers run cers patrol Wallace State’s campus day and and preserve the school’s reputation of safety. radar around the campus and visit each building night, with the ultimate goal of having an officer
WSCC Baseball Coach Inducted to Hall of Fame Wallace State head baseball coach Randy Putman will be inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Friday. The event will be held at the Marriott Downtown in Birmingham. According to Lee Gann, president of the organization, Putman was chosen from a field of candidates from among the high school, junior college, and university ranks. “We choose those who we feel are most qualified to be in the Hall of Fame,” said Gann, who coaches at Mountain Brook High School. “Coach Randy Putman was one of the nominees who stood out this year.” Still a relatively new organization, the ALABCA inducted its first Hall of Fame member in 1999. Since this time, approximately four members are inducted each year representing career excellence in high school and college coaching, said executive director Barry Dean, who coaches at Lawson State. Putman will be inducted this year along with Jim Wells of the University of Alabama, Rick Patterson of Hueytown High School, and Ron Nelson of Central Park School in Phenix City. “It’s a great honor to be inducted into any Hall of Fame. The Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame is particularly special because it represents recognition from your peers for a job well done,” said Putman. “I appreciate the nomination…and am proud to be a baseball coach.”
This year marks Putman’s 20th year as
the head baseball coach at Wallace State, where he has posted an overall record of 736-268. His teams have won seven Conference Championships, six Southeastern Regional Championships and have made six appearances to the Division I JUCO World Series finishing as high as third. Putman was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006. In 1991, he was elected into the Alabama Junior College Hall of
Fame. He was selected ACCC Baseball Coach of the Year in 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006 by Louisville Slugger, Diamond Baseball and the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association. Before becoming a coach, he played baseball at Calhoun Community College, Jacksonville State University and for three years with the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree from UAB. Prior to assuming the head coaching position at Wallace State in 1988, Putman spent six years as the head baseball coach at Tate High School in Pensacola, Fla. There, his teams had a record of 152-28 and won two state championships and one national championship. More than 30 of his players have gone on to play professional baseball. Two played in the Olympics, and 18 are now coaches themselves. Putman and his wife Danna reside in Cullman and have two daughters, Shelby and Cassidy. The Wallace State baseball team opens against Motlow in a 1 p.m. double header at home on February 7. For more information about Coach Randy Putman and Wallace State baseball, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
WSCC SPORTS NOTES: Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Baseball Softball
Record 18-3, ACCC 4-2 Record 10-6, 2-3 Home Opener is Feb. 7 Home Opener is Mar. 5
Go Lions! Next Home Game vs. Shelton on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. Next Home Game vs. Shelton on Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Double header vs. Motlow at 1 p.m. Double headers vs. Indian Hills at 1 p.m.
For complete schedules and results, visit www.wallacestate.edu