The Crimson White - 3/4/09

SPORTS

10

Tide falls to Auburn on senior night

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Serving the University of Alabama since 1894

Vol. 115, Issue 97

Bringing it home

Lakeside cars vandalized Oliver support messages written against will

By Josh Veazey and Patty Vaughan The Crimson White

Several students who do not support Steven Oliver found messages in support of his campaign written on their cars Monday morning.

Several cars that were parked at the Lakeside parking lot had Steven Oliver messages written on them, even though some of them did not support Oliver for SGA president. The messages were written sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Eric Chambers, a junior who works the office at Lakeside, said several people came to him Monday morning upset their cars had been written on.

“Sometime in the night they wrote on about every car,” Chambers said.

Chris Bryant, UA spokesman, said the University is fully aware of the situation and is handling it appropriately.

Students can report unauthorized writing to sgaelections@ sa.ua.edu.

Steven Oliver, SGA presidential candidate, said he first heard about the writing Monday evening.

“No one directly related to my campaign team did the chalking on the cars,” Oliver said. “I do not endorse it at all, and I apologize for any inconvenience that it caused. I do not endorse the chalking on cars. We have run a fair campaign this entire time.”

Kendra Key, SGA presidential candidate, said she thinks it is unfortunate that people’s cars were written on without their permission.

“I feel that people have a right to make that choice and to choose the best candidate on the issues based on this campus,” Key said. “I ask the individual if they would support me if they wouldn’t mind having their car written on, and I have my team write on their cars.”

See CARS, page 5

STUDENT TICKET COMMISSION

Group requests unused ticket punishments

By Sydney Holtzclaw Contributing Writer

Richard Byrd, head of the student football ticket commission and SGA chief of After listening to the concerns staff, said the purpose of the of UA students at the Jan. 26 commission was to review SGA town hall meeting, the stu- all student ticket policies for dent football ticket commission away, home and postseason has submitted proposed policy football games.

“In reviewing the policies changes to the Athletic Ticket Department to be considered for of the 2008 football season, implementation in the 2009 football season.

See TICKETS, page 3

UA weather

TODAY

Today’s paper

Innisfree Irish pub moves to new location ........5

61º/40º

Smith brings ʻshamefulʼ comedy to Tuscaloosa .5

Thursday

72º/52º

Lifestyles: Tuscaloosa celebrates Sakura Festival...............6

Friday

76º/52º

Sports:Womenʼs basketball ...................... 10

Clear

Partly cloudy

Witt: UA OK after budget cuts

By Danielle Drago Senior Staff Reporter Many universities are looking for a release from the grip of the current economic downturn.

UA President Robert Witt said relief may be in the distant future for the University, due to an increasing amount of budget cuts this fiscal year.

The University faced a $23 million budget cut from the state for the 2009 fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1. In

addition, a 9 percent proration was added to the cuts, which meant an additional $15.8 million, a total of almost $39 million, was cut from the University’s budget.

However, the effects weren’t completely crippling to the University, Witt said.

“We are in the fortunate position that although this has obviously has seriously impacted the University, we have been able to avoid any faculty or staff layoffs. We have not had to cut any programs, we are

continuing to recruit new faculty and staff on an as-needed basis and our construction projects are all moving forward on schedule,” he said.

Raises normally given to current staff and faculty members will not be provided due to the current budget squeeze.

“What we are not able to do is provide staff merit raises, which is of grave concern because we are still not where we need to be in terms of faculty and staff salary structures,” he said.

Witt also said the University has fared well considering the circumstances due to a reserve that was started three years ago.

“The reason that we have not had to make the decisions that other universities have had to make, such as cutting personnel and programs is starting approximately three years ago we began to build reserves when conditions were considerably better, to help work

See BUDGET, page 2

Mortar Board officer elections under scrutinyafter flaw found Personal info viewed in violation of rules

By Victor Luckerson Senior Staff Reporter On Sunday, members of the Mortar Board, a senior honor society, discovered a flaw in the Coordinating Council for Honor Societies Web site which allowed them to view the personal information of Mortar Board applicants. The Mortar

Board application procedure is supposed to be a blind process in which application reviewers cannot see the personal information of applicants.

“I was outraged,” said India Williams, a Mortar Board member who graduated from the University in December. “I thought it was absolutely ridiculous. [Selection] is supposed to be based on your academic achievement.”

The flaw was discovered in the midst of the Mortar Board’s selections meeting Sunday afternoon. Current Mortar Board members are supposed to review applications stripped of personal information and

give each application a “yes” or “no” vote. However, by navigating through the application Web site, members were privy to applicants’ personal information.

Although the problem was discovered through the Mortar Board, it reflected a flaw with the honor society Web site.

“This has affected every senior honor society,” said PattyAnn Green, Mortar Board President.

Green said she and the presidents of other honor societies would meet to decide what should be done to ensure the integrity of the current application pool is maintained. “We’ll see what we need to do to get it

right,” she said. “We’re taking all measures to ensure fairness and equality.”

Ryan Tate, president of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, said to his knowledge there were no Web site issues during their selection process in mid-February. “We definitely need to get it straight in the future so we’re sure of the fairness and quality of the selections,” he said.

Rosalind Moore, director of graduate student services, said a Web site administrator may have accidentally left access to the personal information open

See HONORS, page 5

INSIDE Presidential candidates round out final debate Opinions: Vandalism is unacceptable ...........4

Clear

CW | Marion R Walding Football head coach Nick Saban addresses the crowd at the basketball game against Auburn Tuesday night after receiving the James E. Foy Omicron Delta Kappa Sportsmanship Trophy for winning the Iron Bowl in November. The trophy will be on display at the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-4116 | Advertising: 348-7845 | Classifieds: 348-7355 Letters, op-eds: letters@cw.ua.edu Press releases, announcements: news@cw.ua.edu

By Drew Taylor Senior Staff Reporter Hours before the voting polls would be available online, SGA presidential candidates Kendra Key and Steven Oliver met at a packed Ferguson Ballroom Monday night to engage in the last presidential debate, which was hosted by Freshman Forum.

In her opening remarks, Key reiterated how she has been working for students since first stepping onto campus and if elected, she would not hesitate to work even harder.

“I’m focused on making the campus better, and making ‘better’ best,” Key said.

In his opening remarks, Oliver discussed his philosophy of working for students, detailing how sometimes, fighting University administrators to appease students is not always the best way to go about things

On the same note, Key quoted Ross Bryan, director of Housing and Residential Communities, saying how she first came across his name after researching legislation on recycling initiatives through the coverage of The Crimson White, and found him to be very instrumental in the process. Initially trying to collaborate with Bryan, Key said it was difficult getting in touch with CW | Jerrod W Seaton him at first, thinking that he thought that she would become Kendra Key and Steven Oliver debated Monday night. preoccupied with another iniistrator has the most impact tiative. Key said this was not as the SGA president.

“It’s about putting together with their work in the SGA, the case, eventually creating a coalition of students, fac- Oliver answered that among a her recycling initiative through ulty and administrators that list of many, Judy Bonner, pro- Bryan’s support.

“I hope to continue working will work together for the bet- vost to the University, and he terment of the University of share the same passion: work- with him in the future,” Key ing for the betterment of stu- said.

Alabama,” Oliver said.

When asked about his “miniMonday night, the candi- dents.

“I’ve really enjoyed working mester” policy that he plans to dates were asked predetermined questions from selected with her and I hope we can con- enact, Oliver explained how, if tinue to work together in the members of the audience.

When asked which UA admin- future,” Oliver said.

See SGA, page 2

2

PAGE Wednesday

TODAY • SGA ELECTIONS • Paul R Jones Artist Lecture featuring Freddie Styles and Mario Petrirena — 5 p.m., 205 Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

• Artrageous Riverfront Arts Tour — 5 to 9 p.m.

• History Graduate Conference on Power and Struggle — all day, AIME Building

• “The Environmental Family in a Changing World” presented by Saturdays at the Arboretum — 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., UA Arboretum

•Visual Arts Achievement Awards exhibit opening reception — 5 to 6:30 p.m., Bama Theatre, exhibit through March 26

• UA School of Music presents the opera “Pagliacci” — 7:30 p.m., Moody Music Building Concert Hall

March 4, 2009

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send announcements and campus news to cwnews@sa.ua.edu

Filling out a FAFSA still useful

By Josh Veazey Senior Staff Reporter

QUOTE OF THE DAY “The people of Habitat [for Humanity] are not in it for the pay and you can tell. They get emotionally involved and that makes such a huge difference.

They’re not just building homes, they’re building communities.”

— Melissa Jones, a single mother of six and a current recipient of a Habitat for Humanity house

BIRTHDAYS

Even though the priority deadline has passed, students are still advised to turn in a FAFSA application as soon as possible.

Filling out a FAFSA puts you into consideration to receive governmental grants, such as the Pell Grant, student loans and work-study opportunities.

Travis Hall, a student financial aid counselor, said availability of student loans and Pell grants were not affected by

the March 1 deadline.

“We always recommend you complete the FAFSA, even if you know you’re only going to qualify for a loan and you don’t want that loan, because situations can change,” Hall said.

“And if you have that application into us and something does happen where we do have to later re-evaluate you for something, or later it turned out something happened and you do need that student loan, having the application to us speeds up the process dramatically.”

On Feb. 18, Business Wire featured an article that listed

the “Top 10 Ways to Get More Student Aid.” The list included: ––“Don’t include untaxed Social Security as income. The law changed this year.”

––“Children of divorced parents typically believe that the parent they live with is their legal guardian and that they are in a legal guardianship.

This is not true in all cases.”

––“Don’t include your primary residence as an asset, or you will be inflating your expected family contribution and lowering your potential for aid.”

––“Double check all numbers.”

Students can fill out a FAFSA for free at fafsa.ed.gov. The federal government no longer sends out paper forms to colleges, but students can pick up a FAFSA walkthrough in the Office of Student Financial Aid in 106 Student Services Center.

Hall advised avoiding fafsa. com because they charge $100 to help you through the form.

“Even if you don’t think you’re going to qualify for anything, it’s always good to have the application on file,” Hall said. “If you don’t want anything, you can cancel it.

There’s no detriment to having that FAFSA file with us.”

BUDGET

University off-balance.

“We have been able to absorb what has happened thus far,” he said.

Harold Elder, an economics professor, said the climate surrounding Tuscaloosa and the University as a whole is weaker than it had been in the past.

“It’s still a relatively sound economy, but obviously if budget cuts occur, then that could affect things,” he said.

The general economy’s decline could cause Tuscaloosa and the University’s economy to decline as well, Elder said.

He said budget cuts would not really have an effect on the people of the University.

“Individual parts of the University would be affected by [budget cuts], but generally speaking, I don’t think people are affected as much. Personnel are what get affected, generally,” he said.

Witt said the University could not make any permanent decisions regarding the next fiscal year until the legislative sessions took place in the summer.

“Part of the reason we won’t

really know where we stand until the session is over is because the situation is even more complex than usual because of the impact of the stimulus money. It is possible that the state’s allocation of stimulus money may provide a partial buffer protecting all of education. I think it will quite probably be even three or four weeks after the session is over before we sort through the situation and know where we stand,” he said.

The stimulus money could mean fewer budget cuts for the University.

“I think looking at it optimistically, it could be that the stimulus money could mean that we won’t face a permanent 9 percent cut. [The budget cut percentage] may come down a little bit, to maybe a 6 or 7 percent cut.

I think some cut is almost inevitable,” he said.

However, more budget cuts could be on the horizon if the current economic situation persists, Witt said.

“If the stimulus money doesn’t have that impact, we could be faced with a 9 percent permanent reduction. Or, if the economy continues to deteriorate more, we are continuing to plan financially with a best-case scenario, more limited cuts, or to deal with even more serious cuts without losing the University’s momentum,” Witt said.

Despite budget cuts, Witt said he is hopeful about the future of the University’s budget.

“I am optimistic that our financial planning and our fiscal prudence will allow us to maintain our momentum and to continue to add faculty and staff on an asneeded basis,” he said.

Continued from page 1

Sarah Rice, nursing Ryan Mazer, senior majoring in telecommunication and film

We want to list your birthday here. Send your name, birthdate, year and major to cwnews@sa.ua.edu. Put “birthday” in the subject line. And look for birthday greetings from us on your special day.

THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY 1933: At the height of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States. In his famous inaugural address, delivered outside the east wing of the U.S. Capitol, Roosevelt outlined his “New Deal” — an expansion of the federal government as an instrument of employment opportunity and welfare — and told Americans, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Source: history.com

through any difficulties,” he said.

The growth of the University has helped it bypass more harsh economic times, Witt said.

“Growth in enrollment has brought incremental tuition revenue. Another factor that has buffered us is, in a way, an unfortunate one but is necessary: we have increased residential and non-residential tuition,” he said.

All in all, Witt said that budget cuts had not thrown the

Cobb Theatres is NOW HIRING! Perfect part-time job for students.

We offer: Competitive Wages, Flexible Work Schedule, Free Movie Privileges, Snack Stand Discounts, Etc. Please apply Monday thru Thursday after 1pm.

Call for Showtimes

THE CRIMSON WHITE EDITORIAL • Corey Craft, editor-in-chief, craft@cw.ua.edu, 348-8049 • Phil Owen, managing editor, owen@cw.ua.edu, 348-6146 • James Jaillet, production editor • Breckan Duckworth, design editor • Robert Bozeman, assistant design editor • Marion Walding, photo editor • RF Rains, assistant photo editor •Kelli Abernathy, chief copy editor • Paul Thompson, opinions editor • Dave Folk, news editor • Brett Bralley, news editor • Ryan Mazer, lifestyles editor • CJ McCormick, assistant lifestyles editor • Greg Ostendorf, sports editor • Ryan Wright, assistant sports editor • Eric McHargue, graphics editor • Andrew Richardson, Web editor

ADVERTISING

• Drew Gunn, advertising manager, 348-8995, cwbiz manager@sa.ua.edu • Jeff Haas, territory manaer, 348-8044, territorymg2@ sa.ua.edu • Joe Greenwood, zones 3, (McFarland), 348-8735, smcwzone3-7@sa.ua.edu • Lance Hutchison, zone 4 (Northport), 348-8054, zone4@sa.ua.edu • Chris Green, zone 6 (15th Street), 348-6876, chrispgreen1@gmail.com

• Jake Knott, zone 7 (Skyland Blvd.) 348-8742, jknott23@gmail.com

• Carly Jayne Rullman, zone 8 (the Strip and downtown), 348-6875, zone8@sa.ua. edu • Dana Andrzejewski, zone 44 (downtown and downtown Northport), 348-6153, zone44@sa.ua.edu • Jarrett Cocharo, zone 55 (campus), 348-2670 • Torri Blunt, nontraditional advertising, 348-4381, smterritorymanager1@sa.ua.edu • Emily Frost, classifieds coordinator, 348-7355, smcwclassmgr@sa.ua.edu • Amanda Lacey, creative services manager, 348-8042, cwadv@sa.ua.edu

The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama.

The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students.

The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University.

Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389.

The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published weekly June, July and August, and is published four times a week September through April except for spring break, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and the months of May and December.

The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year.

Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389.

The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389.

All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2008 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws.

Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.

SGA

Continued from page 1

become ideal for students interested in taking additional credit hours toward the end of the semester.

“I’ve already spoken with the administration about this plan, and there has been an overwhelming amount of support for it,” Oliver said.

When asked about expanding Dining Dollars to other locations around Tuscaloosa: With her plan, Key said she would work with the University in promoting more businesses to collaborate with the program, seeing that the current two-year cycle is nearing an end, giving a prudent start to the program.

“I believe that this will motivate students to go out into Tuscaloosa and utilize their resources into the city,” Key said.

When asked what each candidate would do to increase student involvement at the University, Key said she would place an emphasis on working with international students.

“It is important to make sure that everyone feels like they are a part of the University,” Key said.

On the same note, Oliver maintained the importance of integrating student organizations into the workings of the SGA, helping to keep an open mind to others’ needs.

“I hope that we can reach out to every organization that we can and work together,” Oliver said.

Voting started Tuesday at 9 a.m. and will continue until midnight tonight. Visit mybama.ua.edu for additional information.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

3

Students work to build homes and lives

By Sydney Holtzclaw Contributing Writer Since its inception in 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa has been working to “build decent homes and decent communities,” with the help of volunteers made up of community members and the students of the University. In the last 22 years, the organization has grown from being able to build one home per year to three or five.

“We have such a tremendous support system, especially from the University,” Executive Director Alison Wade said.

“Currently we have a student interning on our board and several students working with us on a PR campaign. All along with those who volunteer during our work days at the constructions sites, whether affiliated with greek organizations, the Community Service Center or volunteering independently.”

Recently, the University reinstated its Habitat for Humanity Chapter with the help of

TICKETS Continued from page 1

the commission’s main goal is to work to allow the maximum amount of student access to home games by optimizing ticket usage,” Byrd said.

This goal is made evident through several of the policy changes submitted for review including punishment for three unused tickets on a student’s account.

The commission’s submitted “Recommendations and Rationale” to the Athletic Ticket Department reads, “Once a student has three ‘resets’ [unused, non-donated, non-transferred tickets], they immediately become ineligible for postseason tickets for that year and are also ineligible to purchase tickets for the following year.”

Although UA President Witt had not seen the list of recommendations when he spoke to The Crimson White on Friday,

Katherine Long, the chapter’s president.

“Last summer while I was working at Habitat as a secretary, the staff asked me if I could help start a student chapter of Habitat for Humanity on Alabama’s campus. So, at the start of the school year I worked to form the chapter with 15 members,” Long said.

A semester later, UA’s chapter has doubled in size and is not only working with Habitat to build homes, but also to raise funds to help the families assisted by the organization.

“A lot of the families associated with Habitat are large, low income families who sometimes have a hard time getting all the supplies their children need for school. So we are currently working with honor societies here on campus to collect school supplies for the children,” Long said Long said she hopes the chapter’s membership will continue to double in the future as more people realize the need of the Tuscaloosa community.

Currently the Tuscaloosa

office is laying the foundation on its next big project, the Melissa Jones Home which is part of the organization’s Faith Build Program.

“The Jones Home is being sponsored by nine area churches who have each contributed anywhere from $200 to $7,000,” Wade said. “This project is also sponsored by Nick’s Kids Fund, a charity started by Nick and Terry Saban, as well as the Community Foundation of West Alabama.”

Jones, the single mother of six children ranging in ages from four to 16, completed Habitat for Humanity’s extensive application process in hopes of making a better life for her family.

“I didn’t plan to be a single mother of six kids, but I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. When all you have is each other you become a really close family and we use that to our advantage. If we plan on going somewhere we all go together.

We’re each other’s friends and each other’s support system,” she said.

While Jones cherishes the

time her family is able to spend together, she also understands the limitations her current small home places on her children.

“When you have three teenage girls living in the same bedroom it can get a little heated, just like in any family.

Sometimes it can also be frustrating for my kids when they can’t bring friends home from school or to spend the night because we don’t have adequate room for them. I know this new home is really going to change that and a lot of other things for us. It’s just such a blessing,” Jones said.

Although work will begin on the Jones home in late March or early April, the date the family will be able to move in is not set yet. Unlike building a home with a contractor, a Habitat home’s progress is based on the amount of volunteers able to contribute time and work effort.

“The date doesn’t matter to us. We were able to get through the application process a whole lot quicker than I had expected

and it’s been truly overwhelming,” Jones said. “We know the house is going to be there and we know it’s ours — that’s all that matters. Habitat for Humanity has had such a huge impact on my family and me.

It’s been amazing. I can’t even begin to describe the blessing this experience has been and it’s not even over yet.”

Due to Jones’ own experience she has started to persuade others in the community to become involved with Habitat for Humanity, whether through volunteering or applying for a home.

“I’ve encouraged several members of my church to donate time, building materials or whatever else they feel called to contribute,” Jones said. “I’ve also talked to several people who are in situations like me. The worse thing that could happen is someone fills out the paperwork and is then told they aren’t qualified for the project, but then they’re just in the same situation they were before. They haven’t lost anything.”

Due to the current economic situation, Jones feels the residents of the Tuscaloosa community and surrounding areas need a helping hand now more than ever and believes Habitat is doing a great job in fulfilling that need.

“Habitat is not a handout, it’s a hand up. I think its fine to get help as long as you’re willing to help yourself as well. I always tell my children, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but I have to be willing to help myself too,’” Jones said. “The people of Habitat are not in it for the pay and you can tell. They get emotionally involved and that makes such a huge difference. They’re not just building homes, they’re building communities.”

If you are interested in contributing to the Jones Home or any other project through Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa visit hfhtuscaloosa. org or search Facebook for the “Habitat for Humanity Student Chapter of UA” for more information.

he had a similar idea about what to do about students who do not use their tickets.

“I think without really having to reach very far, you could come up with a plausible set of explanations about why a student could not use his or her ticket for a given game,” Witt said. “That said, I think that the purchase of a ticket in a way is a privilege, and you owe it to your classmates, if you’re not going to use it, to get it back into the system.”

In case of emergencies and to field complaints the commission also submitted a recommendation to set up an SGA board and an appeal process in August with the start of the football season.

“The commission wanted to leave an option for circumstances we didn’t foresee to satisfy students. We know there are often circumstances beyond control and we wanted to be able to set up an appeals council for those cases,” Byrd said.

When asked if he thought the proposal involving penalties

would be met with much student opposition Byrd said, “I fully expect people to understand the commission’s reasoning. Three tickets is a reasonable number, especially when the system is simple to use and transferring tickets takes less than minutes.

I don’t expect any real opposition.”

Another major issue discussed in the commission’s submitted proposal dealt with the purchasing of student tickets.

The commission recommended the regular season purchasing process remain relatively the same with two conditions. The first condition addresses the problems dealing with the technical difficulties met by students in previous years when attempting to purchase tickets.

“We are working with the ticket department to ensure the servers will be able to support the amount of students online at the same time. In past years, students have been prevented from buying tickets due to security settings on their personal

computers or have been unable to log on because of servers crashing,” Byrd said.

In order to combat this issue, the commission’s second condition for the student purchasing system is the creation of an information campaign through the partnering of SGA and the athletics and University administration.

“In addition to making sure the RollTide.com’s servers are capable of supporting the amount of students online to buy tickets, SGA will also work to head a large information campaign on everything students will need to know about tickets,” Byrd said.

“We’re hoping to have a potential test website to ensure the servers will hold up. We’re also planning on educating students on the details of the security settings on their personal computers in order to have everything ready to go by ticket sale day.”

The commission recommended students who attend regular season home games be given priority for SEC Championship and

bowl game tickets over those who upgrade more than three tickets to paper tickets. Postseason tickets were also proposed to be sold according to the proportion of student in graduate and undergraduate studies, much like the allocation of Sugar Bowl tickets for the 2008 season.

“In order to fairly distribute tickets to the whole student body, we believe postseason tickets should be available based on the proportion of students in graduate and undergraduate studies.

We proposed 20 percent of the total population be sold to graduate students leaving the remaining 80 percent to undergraduate students,” Byrd said.

Overall, Byrd said he thought the policy that would have the greatest impact on the students is the proposed policy regarding unused tickets.

“There were too many unused tickets this last season and I believe this is the best policy we can put into place to help more students be able to attend home games. While having a penalty

system set in place may not always be the best, sometimes it is the most effective and efficient.”

Phil Owen contributed to this story.

Try our Biscuit & Gravy

We accept dining dollars 1301 University Blvd.

“On the Strip” 750-0203

Fill out a NCAATournament Bracket for FREE! The perfect bracket wins $100,000,000!

Visit the CW Online to find out how to fill out your free bracket! www.cw.ua.edu

OPINIONS

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Paul Thompson • Editor

4

letters@cw.ua.edu

OUR VIEW

Vandalism is unacceptable Over the last few days, we’ve been getting more and more reports of vandalism to the campaign chalkings and cars of Kendra Key supporters. From what we’ve figured out, a number of Steven Oliver supporters wrote Oliver campaign messages on the back of many cars parked in the Lakeside parking lot without the permission of the owners of the vehicles.

Oliver asserts — something that we thank him for — that his campaign is being run fairly and honestly, and that he did not approve of the vandals’ actions.

He said, “I do not endorse the chalking on cars. We have run a fair campaign this entire time.”

And we’re glad to hear that coming from the campaign, but we are still concerned that his supporters decided that they would write on cars without the owner’s permission.

The vandalism doesn’t stop there, though. Other students have noticed offensive drawings over Key’s campaign slogans on the sidewalks — including swastikas — and some of Key’s campaign staff have had their cars keyed.

All of this was enough to

draw the attention of University President Robert Witt in an email Friday to all students and faculty members decrying the vandalistic campaign practices.

To be sure, we aren’t suggesting Oliver had anything to do with any of this, but people who support him obviously did.

Connected with the campaign or not, Oliver needs to make certain that his supporters understand that this is not the way he wants to win this election. And that’s something he has now done, and we most definitely thank him for his statement.

At the same time, we absolutely detest these acts of vandalism. The perpetrators ought to be ashamed of themselves. This isn’t the 1950s — we don’t try and intimidate people and push them into voting for a particular candidate. It’s time all of this ended and we had a truly fair and honest election for SGA offices.

We understand a desire to help your candidate win, but it’s never acceptable to mistreat other students’ property in order to do so.

Our View is the consensus of The Crimson White’s Editorial Board.

Don’t let the terrorists win!

By Jon Lauer

That’s right. Terrorism. And I don’t just mean in this election; I mean in the University’s history.

Don’t believe me? Type “The Machine” into Wikipedia.

Playing “devil’s advocate” for a moment, the Machine’s ugly campaign history would actually strengthen the point that argues the vandalism is out of Oliver’s hands if the Machine has been able to get away with this stuff before.

Nevertheless, that would also strengthen my point that it’s about time that UA students as a whole take a stand against the Machine’s history of campus terrorism. If these tactics are allowed to occur without repercussions, they will continue. However, if we take a stand together now and stick it to those responsible, The Machine might actually learn its lesson next time around and not resort to the dirty tactics of its past.

While I agree that the issues themselves should be a more important factor for whom you vote for and that my personal reason for voting may not be the best, I consider opposing terrorism a way better reason for voting than just because I’m being compelled to by my sorority or fraternity. At least I’m permitted to think for myself.

I generally don’t care all too much about SGA elections.

I don’t find the SGA to be a particularly powerful body of change on this campus. But the recent epidemic of vandalism that seems to be coming primarily from the Steven Oliver side of the campaign, I’ve decided to forgo my neutral-as-Switzerland attitude to punish the Machine jerks who seem to think that support for any alternative candidate warrants having your car keyed or chalked.

Congratulations, Machine.

You just earned a vote for your opponent.

While this seems like lashing out against Steven Oliver, let me make clear that I don’t blame Oliver, per se. Maybe I’m naïve, but I don’t think he was personally involved in the planning or execution of any of the vandalism. Personally, I think he’s a smart guy who would know the backlash if he personally involved himself in such dirty tactics.

That said, as the candidate representing the unruly Machine, Oliver should take a more active role in stopping the vandalism from happening as soon as it began. Even if the vandalism is completely out of his hands I still don’t feel comfortable voting for the candidate whose base condones the use of campus terror- Jon Lauer is a sophomore majorism. ing in mathematics.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Appreciation for African American Heritage Month

By Beverly Hawk

MCT Campus

Calling Moscow’s bluff

By Alan Blinder For quite some time, I have been observing the Kremlin with an increasingly wary eye.

Vladimir Putin executed a brilliant power play to maintain his influence in Moscow. The man who succeeded Putin as president, Dmitri Medvedev, has sounded every bit the Putin protégé. Last year, he announced that the Russians would aim missiles at Europe if the United States installed a missile defense system, and he demonstrated Russian power with an invasion of Georgia.

All the while, Russian authorities have continued to stifle political freedoms as the nation remains mired in a culture of corruption.

Washington has struggled to formulate an appropriate response. Yesterday, reports surfaced that President Obama

I would like to offer many thanks to everyone who contributed to African American Heritage Month. The events brought people together to build community, and the preparation for the programs gave people a chance to work together and learn from one another.

As I look back on Martin Luther King Day and African American Heritage Month, I think of how much I have learned. These events allow a personal sharing of cultural experience that is really help- Beverly Hawk is the director ful in building in each of us a of the Crossroads Community better understanding of the cul- Center.

diplomats delivered the message, the Kremlin has yet to agree to the compromise.

Moscow, most likely, will continue to take a soft stance against Iran thanks to their massive commercial interests in that country.

Without the Russians and the Chinese, who also have a financial stake in Iran and have opposed American/European efforts to defuse the crisis, the international community’s options are quite limited.

But the timid reaction, if not outright resistance, on the part of the Russians is exactly why the Obama proposal — and the subsequent leak about its content — is an intelligent one. For the past few years, the Russians have been able, fairly or not, to paint the United States as an imperialist power seeking to check the Moscow’s influence in Europe. The American olive

branch — offering to end the program that the Russians have so mightily resisted — places the ball squarely in Moscow’s court.

During the Cold War, we played a decades-long game of bluffing the Russians. They did the same to us. Despite the fall of Communism, we’ve still been forced to play the game, and we finally called Russia’s bluff (well, what should be, based on their past statements, their bluff).

I have been skeptical on some of President Obama’s plans for the international arena. However, in this particular instance, well done, Mr. President.

Alan Blinder is a freshman double-majoring in history and journalism. He is a regular contributor to The Crimson White.

Floyd’s letter a misrepresentation

By Scott Vaughn I would like to let Megan Nix know that she is not alone.

I too am a virgin and it is because I have chosen a chaste lifestyle. I would also like to let Lauren Floyd know that those of us who choose this lifestyle do not do so because we think sex is bad; we do it because we believe that sex is good, beautiful, natural and an incredible gift that God has given to us.

Chastity is not abstinence.

Abstinence is simply abstaining from sex. This could be because a person does not want to get an STD, become a parent, have a reputation or it

could simply be because that person is just not very good at getting someone else into bed.

Chastity, however, is having the strength to save your sexuality for the one person you are going to spend the rest of your life with and then using your sexuality to express your love to that person throughout marriage. Abstinence ends at marriage, but chastity strengthens a marriage and holds it together.

When a man and a woman have sex, what they are actually saying is: “I love you and I give myself completely to you.

My whole heart, mind, body and soul are laid out for you to

know and to love. Take me as I am and I will take you as you are because I don’t just love your body, or your mind, or your personality; I love every aspect of your being deep down into your very soul. This sexual embrace is a physical manifestation of the love that we share and it is wonderful because you are wonderful.”

If you have sex before marriage, have multiple sexual partners, masturbate, look at pornography, have oral or anal sex, have some form of “outercourse,” the sexual act is cheapened. Sex becomes merely physical gratification and not an expression of love.

I am saving myself for marriage because somewhere out there is the woman I am going to marry. She is beautiful and wonderful. She is the woman I am going to spend the rest of my life with and share everything with. She deserves to have a husband who did not share the gift of his sexuality with other women. She deserves it all. Sometimes, saying no to my physical desires is the hardest thing in the world. However, I do it for her because she deserves nothing less.

Scott Vaughn is a senior majoring in geography.

Sex is comedy, and comedy is sex

By Trey Irby

tures of people we work with on a daily basis. These programs and conversations brought people together and celebrated our shared beliefs. That is surely what it is all about, and it is more important than ever.

AAHM is a warm memory for those of us who participated, and its benefits will certainly continue to nourish our days ahead. I offer my appreciation to all those who worked the many hours to give our community this great gift.

offered a deal in a secret letter to Medvedev. The United States offered not to construct a missile defense system in Europe in exchange for the Russians taking a harder line against Iran’s nuclear intentions. The United States has said that the system is necessary so long as Iran pursues nuclear technology for its military. Medvedev has scoffed at the notion, saying the United States is actually mounting a defense against Russia.

The once-secret proposal is one of the more deft ideas to come out of the State Department in recent memory.

As one U.S. official told the New York Times, “It’s almost saying to them, put up or shut up. It’s not that the Russians get to say, ‘We’ll try and therefore you have to suspend.’ It says the threat has to go away.”

But, three weeks after U.S.

I found it funny reading The Crimson White that Holly Kennedy had a problem with M. Green’s last two columns in relation to sex. I also found it funny that one liners and “lame jokes” about the subject are bad things.

Because, as much as a big deal is made out of it, sex is hilarious.

It’s very hilarious. Just look at a guy’s face mid-coitus and try not to laugh. It’s probably harder than you think.

None of the “swipes” about kinky sex seems mean to me.

I do not get that at all, and I’m fairly certain that she isn’t intending it that way at all.

Still, at least it’s a swipe at

artistic talent instead of Megan Nix calling the subject of sex, which is done by millions of people a day whether it’s liked or not, as “indecent,” suggesting that because some people wait until marriage and that because the column supposedly pushes sex, that it creates pressure on others to do it. I don’t get why normal personal practice is indecent. I don’t want to see naked people having sex in the fields, either, but it’s happening regardless.

And I get a major kick out of the columns and find nothing wrong with them, even though I am actually a virgin. Yes, I am just like you, Ms. Nix, and I have no problem with the content

involved because we have this unique thing in America called freedom of speech. That means that you get to speak your piece, and I get to rebut it.

You also bring up facts such as condoms not entirely protecting from STDs, which is true. It was also true when I had this information beaten into my head in my health class, which better served to most students as “abstinence propaganda class.” But to speak honestly, abstinence won’t get you off on a Friday night.

Sex is hilarious and pleasurable to people. Whether that’s a great thing or a horrible thing is your own decision, but it’s hardly horrible to many. Does it

have emotional consequences?

Yeah. But so does kissing and holding someone and cuddling.

By nature, actions will have an emotional impact, whether it’s intended or not.

To Ms. Kennedy and Ms. Nix, I say it’s just a column. At the end of the day, anyone pressured into sex because of media, especially at collegiate age where surely those people would know better, is gullible and too easy to sway. But most people can hopefully just ignore it. It really doesn’t matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.

Trey Irby is a freshman majoring in journalism.

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Editorial Board

Corey Craft Editor Phil Owen Managing Editor Kelli Abernathy Chief Copy Editor

James Jaillet Production Editor Breckan Duckworth Design Editor Paul Thompson Opinions Editor

Letters to the editor must be less than 200 words and guest columns less than 500. Send submissions to cwopinions@gmail.com. Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their year in school and major. For more information, call 348-6144. The CW reserves the right to edit all submissions.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Innisfree moves to new location

By Jessie Gable Staff Reporter On Jan. 18, Innisfree Irish Pub moved from its location on Greensboro Avenue to a bigger location on the corner of University Boulevard and 20th Street. For the past 10 years, Innisfree has been at the Greensboro location, however, pub owner Tripp Rogers said it was time for a change.

Rogers said they needed a bigger place and they wanted to be part of the Tuscaloosa downtown renovation, which includes a new courthouse and other updates.

“We also wanted more patio outside space,” Rogers said.

“We found that building and we knew we wanted to stay downtown. It was a perfect fit for us.”

Also, pub-goers have more parking available than at the previous location.

Aside from the location change, Innisfree will now serve food as well as drinks.

Rogers said the restaurant would have a small menu with sandwiches, salads, grilled chicken wings and chicken sandwiches. In addition, they will serve some Irish-inspired dishes such as shepherds pie and fish and chips. They also

have a part of the menu for healthy eating choices such as wraps and turkey burgers, Rogers said.

The owners of Innisfree said their plans to expand the business into other cities also came into play with the decision to serve food. Rogers said they have been looking at setting up in other cities, but in order to have a liquor license in those cities, bars must also serve food.

Innisfree’s drink menu has stayed the same, Rogers said.

Since the move, Innisfree’s clientele base has grown tremendously, Rogers said. The happy hour crowd has grown, and there’s more diversity in the nightly crowd.

“More older people are coming in,” Rogers said. “They’re not going to just a bar, they’re going to a place where, if they’re hungry, they can eat and just hang out.”

“Everyone needs to come experience the new Innisfree,” Rogers said. “It’s a much nicer place now. You’ll be able to come hang out outside and enjoy the new nice weather that’s hopefully coming around the bend here.”

Innisfree will open daily at 4 p.m. and serve dinner until 10 p.m.

CARS

Continued from page 1 UA spokesman Chris Bryant said UAPD aggressively patrols campus parking in areas both a deterrent to criminal activity and as a means of spotting it.

Bryant said writing with an easily washed off substance on a vehicle, without permission, could constitute as a crime. It would require property damages of $500 or more and criminal tampering would require showing intent to damage.

“We, of course, expect our students to respect the property of others,” Bryant said.

“Students can be issued misconduct citations for matters that do not necessitate a criminal charge.”

Kelli Knox-Hall, co-convener of the Elections Board, said that at this point most of the information and complaints filed by students with the Elections Board were received after business hours.

“It’s still under consideration and investigation by the Elections Board,” KnoxHall said.

Steven Oliver said he wanted people to be aware that he was running a fair campaign and everyone in his campaign was being fair.

“I have instructed people if they choose to write on other’s cars that they have per-

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

mission,” Oliver said. “It has been the rule entire time and that’s what we have communicated to anyone that’s directly related to my campaign.”

Venus Pressley, a freshman majoring in special education, and Lauren Bradford said they found “Oliver” written in shoe polish on the back of their cars in the Lakeside parking lot even though they haven’t been following the election.

“I didn’t tell you that you could chalk my car. I didn’t tell you you could put anything on it — therefore, that’s vandalism,” Bradford said.

“Whether or not he wins, he needs to come wash it off, or pay to have it washed,” Pressley said.

Lawrence Dixon, a senior majoring in accounting, said he pulled into the Lakeside parking lot Monday morning and saw many cars parked consecutively with the message on it, and he said he recognized some of the cars.

“Almost every car out there had ‘Oliver’ on it. And a couple of friends that I knew were supporting Kendra Key and working with her campaign, so I thought, ‘Why do they have ‘Oliver’ on the back of their car?’” Dixon said. “It seemed like they tried to do the whole parking lot.”

Danie Vollenweider, a sophomore majoring in English, said she had “Oliver 4 Pres” written on her car parked in the Blount/Paty parking lot. The phrase covers her back window

so she can’t see out and was written with a reddish-orange substance she described as “definitely not shoe polish.”

“You can tell they bore down with whatever they used,” Vollenweider said. “I could not scratch it off with my fingernail.”

Nikki Waddell, a freshman majoring in nursing, found “Oliver 4 Pres” written on her car after parking it on Colonial Drive and said she thinks campaigners may have made the assumption that everyone parking there was a member of a greek organization supporting Oliver.

“You can’t just assume that,” Waddel said. “Get people’s permission before you write on their cars. Or at least figure out if they support him or not.

What if I support another candidate? Plus, that stuff’s hard to get off.”

Vollenweider said she does not think the incidents should sway people’s vote, because she can’t be sure Oliver can control what his supporters do with his name. Still, she is waiting on someone to help her be able to use her car again.

“This is damaging someone’s private property, and violating such can lead to a hefty fine if you are caught,” Vollenweider said. “Something should be done to amend this.

And I don’t mean some overly sincere editorial letter to The Crimson White. I mean they should come clean it up.”

5

HONORS Continued from page 1

after providing it to honor society advisors and presidents. “It was basically a Web site issue,” she said. “Since then it’s been corrected.”

Williams said the details of how the Web site flaw came about or who was responsible were not as important as maintaining the integrity of honor societies. “We need to come up with solutions to counteract this problem and not have to face this again,” she said.

Danielle Blevins, a Mortar Board member and senior majoring in telecommunications and film, said the Mortar Board selections are tainted and must be thrown out because members could have linked names to applications.

“We pride ourselves on the limited blind process involved with honor society selections,” she said. “Another selections meeting will have to be held on another system.

Honor has been removed from the honor selection process. This is completely unacceptable and should not be accepted by the University.”

No decision has been made regarding a revote.

According to Green, the senior honor societies are working with the office of the Dean of Students to arrive at a solution and are currently talking to administrators to decide what to do going forward.

Documentaries are focus of year-long class two days a week at the Good Samaritan Clinic in Tuscaloosa, which offers free health care to the uninsured.

“The subject of my film is health care and the people that are left out of the current health care system in the United States,” Patterson said.

“I have learned more about politics and issues facing the state than I have in any political science or history class.

“I plan on putting a copy of my finished film in my medical school application and I know it will make me stand out.”

The Bama Theatre will premiere the groups’ films on April 28 at 7 p.m.

No filmmaking experience is necessary to sign up for the class, but there is an application process. A link to the application is available at the bottom of the ‘programs and activities’ page of the Web site.

Priority applications are due Friday, but applications will be accepted until all CW | Drew Hoover class slots are filled. For further information, call 205-348- Marshall Houston, a sophomore majoring in English and economics, and Sarah Melton, a gradu6495 or e-mail Bourland at ate student in American s tudies, take exterior shots of the Foster Auditorium for their documenbourl002@aa.ua.edu. tary on the historical significance of the Foster Auditorium. The documentary is a part of the class Documenting Justice.

The Elephant Walk Short

$79.50 Sizes: 30-42

1218 University Boulevard

752-2990

www.Locker-Room.biz

18399

According to the University’s Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Documenting Justice is a documentarybased class that is beneficial to any major, as it allows students to form their assignment to fit individual interests The class, which spans an entire school year, is centered on how filmmakers and journalists portray society. During the fall, students learn the fundamentals of video production and complete assignments that focus on subjects such as ethical issues in documentary filmmaking.

In the spring, pairs of students make a seven to nine minute long documentary about a subject of their choice.

Though the class is centered on filmmaking and journalism, it is valuable to any résumé, because students may focus on a subject pertinent to their future career, said Lea Bourland, Research Project Coordinator for the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.

“We want the students to

be creative,” Bourland said. “[Making a documentary] shows a tremendous amount of creative output. [The students] have to conceptualize, create and finish a project, and that shows a good deal of commitment and perseverance.”

Students brainstormed possible documentary subjects during the fall.

“We each proposed a main idea and two other possible ideas,” said Sarah Patterson, a sophomore in pre-med who is a member of this year’s documenting justice class.

After students came up with story proposals they compared ideas and story compatibility in order to find which classmates’ interests were closest to their own.

“It was kind of a scary process, almost like speed dating but with partners and film ideas,” Patterson said.

In past classes, film subjects ranged from the effects of the Department of Veterans Affairs on three Vietnam veterans’ lives, to a couple who offer free classical dance classes in a rural Black Belt studio, according to the Web site.

Patterson said she spends

18096

By Hannah Mask Contributing Writer

LIFESTYLES

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Ryan Mazer • Editor

6

ryan.mazer@cw.ua.edu

Tuscaloosa celebrates Sakura Festival

By Jessica Cheek Lifestyles Reporter The Sakura Festival, a Japanese celebration in honor of blooming cherry blossoms, is being celebrated this month in Tuscaloosa for the 23rd year. Music, dance and art events are planned for Sakura, along with a tea ceremony at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and special exhibits at the Children’s Hands-On Museum. The festival is sponsored by the Capstone International Center Japan Program and will continue until March 31.

Rain is this year’s festival theme. According to the festival brochure, this theme serves “to remind people of the emotion a single act of nature may evoke.”

One of the opportunities to experience Japanese culture is “Matsuri in the Mall,” which will be Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. A variety of booths will be set up, including a bonsai sale, an origami exhibit, a martial arts demonstration and Japanese pop dance lessons.

There will also be stage activities such as musical performances, a swordsmanship demonstration and a comedy show.

“Matsuri in the Mall” will be at McFarland Mall on Skyland Boulevard.

Art exhibits are an important part of Sakura each year, and there are several opportunities to view traditional Japanese art on campus. This year the Ferguson Art Gallery is hosting an exhibit of Japanese woodblock prints by both modern

artists and more well-known traditional masters.

Also, in the “tatami room” of BB Comer Hall there is a display of artistic dolls representing the traditional Japanese royal court, originally meant for a purification ritual. Anyone can view these exhibits daily throughout the month for no charge.

Art can be viewed off-campus at the Children’s Hands-On Museum on University Boulevard.

The museum features an authentic replica of a Japanese home called the Japan House. Kimono dolls, cherry blossom pictures and Japanese fans will be on display at the Japan House, and a “Creation Station” is open daily so that visitors can make their own kimono doll bookmarks, and each weekend will offer additional activities.

Admission to the museum is $7, and information about individual art workshops is available on the Sakura Web site.

The Tuscaloosa Public Libraries are participating in the celebration as well by hosting free anime character creation sessions throughout the month at the various branches.

Japanese culture enthusiasts who are willing to venture outside of Tuscaloosa can visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Japanese Tea House on April 15 for a traditional tea ceremony performance and conventional tea samples.

Performances are at 10 a.m. and 11 p.m., and admission is free.

Through all of these events, the brochure says that the festival hopes to “remind many in Alabama of fresh beginnings and the renewal of the spirit that comes with friendship.”

EVENT SCHEDULE Sakura Festival at the Children’s Hands-on-Museum

To view by appointment, contact Catherine Pagani at 205-348-9944

March 2-31 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed on Sundays CHOM, 2213 University Boulevard, Downtown Tuscaloosa Information is available at 205-349-4235.

Admission is charged.

Tea Ceremony at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Doll Festival/Hina Matsuri Exhibit at UA International Center for Students

Anime Character Creations with Kittyhawk

March 2-30 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

121-F BB Comer Hall, UA International Center for Students Free admission

Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 p.m., Weaver Bolden Library Friday, March 13, 3:30 p.m., Tuscaloosa Public Library Thursday, March 19, 3:30 p.m., Brown Library

By Lilly Kimata Eagleson, the Omote Seke tea master Wednesday, April 15 Performances: 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Hanga: Two Hundred Years of Japa- Matsuri/Festival in the Mall nese Woodblock Prints Saturday, March 28 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Opening reception, Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m.

Art Gallery, Ferguson Center Free admission.

McFarland Mall Center Court 900 Skyland Blvd. East, Tuscaloosa

Smith brings ‘shameful’ comedy to Tuscaloosa

For three of the four comedians traveling cross-country in a van already exuding the symptoms of road trip guy-stink, Tuscaloosa is just another stop in a rowdy college town. But

for funnyman Law Smith, an Auburn alumnus, it’s more. It’s a return to a hound’stooth-hatstrewn enemy territory. And he is here to steal your T-shirt.

Well, sort of.

As seen on the popular comedy Web site funnyordie.com, The Walk of Shame Comedy

Meet Lauren Leonard at The Leona Trunk Show March 6 11 am to 6 pm drinks & hors d’oeuvres

18328

10% off Leona items Friday and Saturday

525 Greensboro Ave. 752-6931 • www.shirtshop.biz

Tour is a 55-day circuiting of the country by comedians Brendan T. Gleason, Nick Hoff, Kevin Richards and former Plainsman, Law Smith.

Smith, along with his fellow comic van-mates, rolls in to Tuscaloosa for the fifth stop of The Walk of Shame Comedy Tour tonight at 7 for Comedy at The Corner at Brown’s Corner, located at the intersection of Greensboro and University Boulevard.

The tour’s name — Walk of Shame — is probably familiar to a degree to many students — if they have friends who attend Auburn, anyway. These comics, now in their mid 20s, haven’t forgotten their own days of shameful walks.

“We are doing all of these 1nighters in 40 different cities,” Smith said. “And it kind of feels like we are having a bunch of one-night stands.”

For those that are not familiar with the phrase, or care not to admit it, the walk of shame is generally the result of a drunken one-night stand with a member of the opposite sex, Smith said.

“It’s when a girl spends the night, wakes up looking rough and dumpy wearing your tshirt that’s way too big for her and has to walk through your dorm or apartment for all of your buddies or roommates to see. Our tour is kind of like that.

We’re here for one night, and we are stealing your shirt.”

“Good walk of shamers,” Smith adds, “are the friendly girls that put their flip flops in their purse ahead of time to prepare. It can be a long walk in heels.”

Smith, a Tampa native, willingly chose to spend his college

walkofshamecomedytour.com Tuscaloosa is the fifth stop of the Walk of Shame Comedy Tous being held tonight at 7 at Brownʼs Corner. Their show is described on the website as “sarcastic, quick, smart and hilarious.” years at Auburn.

“Yeah, I went to Auburn,” Smith admits. “Here’s the thing about that — I should hate Bama, but I don’t. Here’s one thing we can agree on — we can all hate LSU. More than anything else.”

Smith was still a college student when he got his first taste of stand-up comedy at an open mic in Tampa on a dare from his friend and Walk of Shame tour-mate, Brendan T. Gleason.

“The place was sold out,” Smith said. “We killed it that night and got the itch from there.”

From there, he continued to perform at open mics whenev-

er possible, refining his comedy act in Atlanta comedy clubs and making detours during road trips to road games with friends for the opportunity to

FAST FACTS What: Walk of Shame Comedy Tour featuring Law Smith, Brendan T. Gleason, Nick Hoff and Kevin Richards

When: Tonight at 8, doors open at 7

Where: Brown’s Corner

perform. He even opened for Ron White, one of his favorite comics.

“I got serious,” he said. “I went from almost peeing my pants when I opened for Ron White to being a professional comedian. It’s what I do. Just hustlin’ hustlin’.”

White has since moved to Los Angeles, where he performs professionally.

Described on the tour’s Web site as “sarcastic, quick, smart and hilarious,” Gleason also resides and performs in L.A. He has toured across the country performing in colleges and

Cost: Tickets $5 See COMEDY, page 7

HARRY’S BAR Since 1972

$1 PBR & Natty Light / $1.50 HighLife / $2.50 Baby Bombs

Wednesday

Plato Jones

$1 Well drinks for everyone Thursday

Whiskey River Band Friday

All-American Tragedy Saturday

8th Street (205) 758-9332 18329

By Josh Hedrick Lifestyles Reporter

1330 Hargrove Rd

19 & Up

The Crimson White

LIFESTYLES/NEWS

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

7

COLUMN | COMIC’S CORNER

Comic shows Moore’s early brilliance

By Robert Bozeman Assistant Design Editor With the film version of Alan Moore’s masterpiece, “Watchmen,” coming to theaters this weekend, I thought that it was only appropriate to review the comic that thrust him into the American mainstream: “Swamp Thing.”

In 1984, DC Comics decided to take a chance on Moore, a relative unknown at the time writing for Marvel UK. DC decided to hire him to write for “Swamp Thing,” which was being considered for cancelation after the series had become stale and sales had fallen. DC gave Moore free reign on the series, and Moore used the freedom to experiment with his style and forms.

Moore’s experimentation was a success, and the series wasn’t canceled. The series itself is a great example of Moore’s style: very descriptive, with artfully written narration and complex,

well-rounded characters. The similarities can be seen easily between “Watchmen” and “Swamp Thing,” and the characterization makes one often question who the real monster is.

The story, pre-Moore, is that of scientist Alec Holland, who is killed by an explosion in his lab in Louisiana while working on a plant restoration formula. The chemicals combine with the swamp and Holland, creating the Swamp Thing.

However, when Moore started writing for “Swamp Thing,” he changed the story using a corporate scientist to theorize that the “Swamp Thing” wasn’t actually Alec Holland, but merely his consciousness passed on to some plants, which were imbued with the memories of Holland.

When the Swamp Thing finds out about all of this, he struggles with existential problems of existence and similar themes; Swamp Thing, eventually accepting himself, tries to live a meaningful

existence. The stories break away from that of traditional sci-fi monster formulas and mix with elements from the superhero genres, but as long as Moore was writing the series, it always seemed to have a strong literary element that is consistent with the rest of his work.

“Swamp Thing” is also a great example of the transition between the Bronze and Modern age of comics, where comic books were first starting to be written primarily for adults.

Overall, the series isn’t as polished or definitive as his more famous later works, but it is just as provocative and aware of form, and if you have been a fan at all of any of Moore’s works, “Swamp Thing” is a must read.

Moore’s run on “Swamp Thing,” issues #20-64, have been collected in trade paperback form by Vertigo, and are available at the Comic Strip on Hackberry or any online retailer.

goodcomics.com

Ad Team combats binge drinking On Feb. 27, members of the UA Ad Team broke up into groups and went out to several local bars to warn people of the dangers of underage drinking.

Ad Team members went to Gallettes, Innisfree, The Red Shed and Jupiter Bar & Grill to shoot pictures for advertisements warning of the dangers of over drinking and also to hand out bottles of water, condoms and stamps as part of the LessThanUThink campaign.

Each year the Ad Team, consisting of 16 advertising, marketing, public relations and graphic design majors, participate in a nationwide competition put on by the National Student Advertising Competition. They are given a client, objectives and budget and then put a campaign together.

This year the team worked

COMEDY Continued from page 6 bars for several years.

Rounding out the L.A.-based comic trio is Nick Hoff. Hoff has been in L.A. for over four years and has made a name for himself on the L.A. comedy circuit and across the country, having performed at the Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles comedy clubs and most recently for Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham.”

The fourth van-mate and tour member, Kevin Richards, performs across the Pacific Northwest. This Seattle native has even been a featured comic for Comcast on Demand, according to the tour’s

with the Century Council on the LessThanUThink campaign to warn students of the dangers of binge drinking. The campaign began on Feb. 27 when team members handed out frisbees with the less-than sign on the quad.

Adam McCormick, a senior majoring in advertising and part of the Ad Team, was one of the team members went to the bars to hand out water, stamps and condoms.

“The ones who were against what we were doing were pretty much past the point of intoxication that we were trying to combat,” McCormick said.

Austin During, vice president of the Ad Team, said binge drinking is a problem at the University because most students don’t even know what it is.

“Our campaign is not telling individuals to stop drinking.

We just want them to aware of how much they are drinking,”

During said.

“We knew it would be a tough job going out to bars and having a major impact on individuals since we were only implementing the LessThanUThink campaign for 3 days,” During said.“We feel that our efforts were not wasted due to some of the responses we received from individuals and bar owners. On the other hand, we did have those who were not receptive of the idea and voiced their opinions about it and were destructive towards our posters.”

In addition to handing out frisbees, water and condoms, the Ad Team hung posters in bars presenting the shortterm effects of binge drinking, placed tissue boxes in the girls’ bathrooms that said, “You thought you were over your ex, and you were three drinks ago,” and wrote “You thought you could fix your makeup, and you could four

Web site.

“We’re all in our 20s, so our stuff is definitely relatable for a younger crowd,” Smith said.

“I know, I can speak for myself, my comedy — well it’s a little more low-brow, but it usually appeals to college kids. The crowds in college towns are always a lot of fun. You don’t always want to have to think too much to be able to laugh.”

More information about the artists and clips from their stand-up routines can be found at walkofshamecomedytour. com.

“Those guys just happened to be in Alabama and were looking for a place to play,” said Brown’s Corner proprietor Rush Watson. “Luckily they found our site and we got to

talking and set the date for the show.”

Students will also have the opportunity to see all four comedians live, each performing 20-25 minute routines.

Tickets are $5, with drinks and snacks available at the bar. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

“I know I’m not going to have any one-night stands tonight with any pretty Bama girls because I went to Auburn,” Smith said. “That’s their choosing, not mine. But if you do come to the show, it’ll be like hooking up with a girl — we’ll have a good time that night, then you’ll be walking around thinking about it the next day, and grin and start laughing to yourself.”

there again.’”

Before beginning the campaign, the Ad Team researched the dangers behind the overconsumption of alcohol. The team conducted over 2,000 surveys, 100 in-depth interviews and several focus groups to determine what classifies binge drinking, how many students are affected by it and the dangers it presents, Welch said.

“We created the Web site, lessthanuthink.org for students to visit to learn more about our campaign” Welch said.

“Everyone seems incredibly open to the cam-

paign, and most people see the ads and want to make their own up.”

Jonathan Smithart, general manager of The Red Shed, said the Ad Team’s posters and hand-outs reached more than 300 people each night they were present at the bars. Smithart also said binge drinking wasn’t a big problem at The Red Shed because it was a 21-and-over bar.

“Binge drinking is more likely to happen at house parties where people are playing drinking games,” Smithart said.

Making sense of living.

6SDFLRXV %HGURRP 8QLWV 3RRO DQG 7DQQLQJ 'HFN &HQWUDO /RFDWLRQ )HQFHG %DFN <DUGV 3HWV $OORZHG

VLJQLQJ ERQXV LI OHDVH LV VLJQHG EHIRUH VSULQJ EUHDN

+DUJURYH 5RDG 7XVFDORRVD $/

ZZZ YLOODJHDWEURRNPHDGRZV FRP

/HDVLQJ )RU 6DOHV ,QIR &DOO 'RQQD 3HWW\ DW 6WDUWLQJ LQ WKH ·V

Real Estate, Inc.

Rooftop Grand Re-Opening

College Station Property of the Week

11:00- Monday, March 2nd Thru Friday, March 13th

Preston Place

Bring a friend for Buy One Get One Free Special on all Appetizers, Sandwiches & Backyard Burgers

1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments.

Washer, dryer connections available in most. Pool, walking distance to campus. Located on Reed St., Grace St., 12th Ave, 13th

18251

Ave, and 8th St. 1306 University Blvd # F Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 • (205) 759-2444 www.collegestationproperties.net

drinks ago” on the bathroom mirrors. A giant less-than sign was also projected on the side of Strip Teas and Coffee.

Morgan Welch, president of the Ad Team, said students responded well to the way the campaign was presented.

“The government defines binge drinking as four or more drinks for a female and five or more drinks for a male in a twohour span,” Welch said. “We’re bringing this serious message to them in a way that makes them laugh but then think, ‘Yeah, I’ve been there and done that. Probably shouldn’t go

New Menu Items Available Daily Rooftop Drink Specials Monday thru Wednesday

18390

By Jessie Gable Staff Reporter

8 Wednesday, March 4, 2009

NEWS

The Crimson White

SPORTS BRIEF | FOOTBALL

ESPN to televise A-Day live UA Athletics

Alabama’s annual A-Day Game will be televised live to a national audience by ESPN on Saturday, April 18. A-Day is April 15 and final practice of the spring, with kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Admission will once again be free to the public.

“This is a great opportunity

to showcase the University of Alabama and our football program,” head coach Nick Saban said. “A-Day is a special weekend at Alabama and our fans have responded with two of the largest crowds to ever watch a college football spring game the last two years. That positive energy and enthusiasm by our fans has had a significant impact on our success. I encourage

all of our Crimson Tide fans to fill Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 18 and show everyone why we have the best fans in the land. There’s nothing better than coming out of the tunnel to a full stadium, whether that is A-Day or at our home games in the fall.”

Over the last two years, Alabama leads the country in spring game attendance with a combined total of 170,338.

The University set a college football record in the spring of 2007 as a capacity crowd of 92,138 watched Saban’s first ADay at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Last year’s attendance of 78,200 led the SEC and was the second largest in the country.

Florida (61,000), Arkansas (40,200), Auburn (35,000) and LSU (33,624) rounded out the top five in the SEC. “College football fans follow

the sport year round and as proven in the past, Alabama has some of the most loyal and passionate followers in the country,” said Dave Brown, vice president, ESPN programming and acquisitions.

“We look forward to capturing the exciting atmosphere at Bryant-Denny Stadium and to provide a preview at the 2009 Crimson Tide. We thank Alabama for their cooperation

in making this work.”

Alabama made 10 national television appearances last season, which was tied for the most in the country. Three of those games were on ESPN and four games were the site of ESPN College GameDay. Alabama’s first spring practice will be held on March 13, followed by a week off for spring break. Practice will resume March 23.

Baseball falls at Troy, 6-2 UA Athletics

TROY | Troy scored three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, scoring four runs against the Alabama bullpen, en route to a 6-2 win in front of near record 2,413 fans at Riddle-Pace Field on a chilly Tuesday night.

Troy right fielder Michael Precise had three hits and three RBI to lead the Trojans’

RECAP Continued from page 10 few more foul shots, the game could have been maybe 15 or 16 points instead of 10. The guys hung in there. We made a couple good plays; it just wasn’t

11-hit attack. Alabama senior right fielder Kent Matthes set the school record with a home run in his sixth straight game, a towering smash over the center field wall in the first inning, to give UA an early 2-0 lead.

The fifth inning proved to be the difference maker for the Trojans, who have one win over the Tide in each of the last four seasons.

Troy right-hander Jeff Green enough. It was a tough game.”

Alabama had a dominant grip on the game by the end of the first half. The two teams played to a 20-20 tie before the Crimson Tide mounted a 14-2 run to break away.

Relying on grit rather than flashy play, the Tide pounded the hustle statistics early.

field wall of reliever Adam Scott to put the Trojans in front 6-2.

Green (2-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief for the Trojans. He struck out three and walked one. Head (0-2) was the losing pitcher for the Tide after he allowed four runs and three hits in 1 1/3 innings of work.

Josh Storm retired three batters in the ninth for his second save.

Matthes continued his hot hitting with a two-run home run in the first inning to give the Tide a 2-0 lead. Rutledge opened the game with a single to left and scored on Matthes’

towering blast to dead center field. Alabama managed only five hits in the loss, but none after the fifth inning.

The Trojans scored three times in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 3-2 lead. Steven Rosado led off the inning with a single to right and moved to second on the second balk of the game by UA starting pitcher Nathan Kilcrease.

Michael Precise followed with a one-out single to center to score Rosado with the first run. Head replaced Kilcrease on the mound and promptly gave up a two-run home run to Ryan Ditthardt as the Trojans grabbed the 3-2 lead.

entered the game in the top of the inning with the bases loaded and one out and threw one pitch as Brandon May rapped into an inning-ending double play. In the bottom of the inning, Alabama came within one pitch of escaping a basesloaded jam, before Michael Precise blew open a close game with a three-run double as Troy took a 6-2 lead.

“That was it,” Alabama head coach Jim Wells said.

“That was the difference in the game. You only get a couple of opportunities, and they took advantage there. We give them credit. The game came down to that, and they did it and we

did not.”

Alabama (5-3) loaded the bases with one out in the fifth inning. Jake Smith drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on Josh Rutledge’s one-out single. Taylor Dugas was then hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out to chase starter Travis Burge. Green needed one pitch to get the Trojans out of trouble as May hit into the inning-ending double play to leave Troy up by one run.

Troy (6-2) loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning and came within a pitch of leaving the bases loaded before Precise slammed a three-run double off the right

Alabama built its 39-29 halftime lead with rebounds, free throws and second chance points.

Senior Alonzo Gee grabbed seven rebounds by the half, a quarter of the team’s 28. Half of the points in the Tide’s key first-half run came at the foul line, most of those a result of rebounds and putback attempts.

Meanwhile, Alabama held the Tigers to 2-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc and put Auburn on the free throw line for just three attempts.

“We had a 10-point lead at half time. I thought we were pretty good,” Gee said, “but Auburn made their run and some big-time plays. We were forcing stuff (in the second half ), not executing our offense, not going after it on defense as well. They had a run.”

The win marked Auburn’s second sweep of the season series against the Tide in the last three years. With its seventh SEC win in its last eight

games, Auburn secured the second spot in West and its most conference wins since 2000.

The loss was a swing in fortune for the recently explosive Tide.

Alabama is a team that is just two months removed from the loss of its head coach of 11 years, best player and most of its SEC games.

The team headed into the game riding a three-game winning streak. A win would have given Alabama a fourgame winning streak and put the team in the discussion as a potential SEC tournament dark horse, having the distinction as one of the league’s hottest teams and the only one that could claim a win over the conference’s outright champion.

Instead, the team lost its second game to its biggest rival, lost its chance to finish the season with a .500 record in the SEC and gained all the emotional baggage that comes with it.

“Now you gotta guard for a letdown,” Pearson said. That letdown would be against Tennessee. The Tide will close up the regular season on the road against the Volunteers Sunday.

The game was the last in Coleman Coliseum for Gee and Brandon Hollinger, who celebrated senior night. Gee finished with a game-high 17 points and eight rebounds.

“He meant a lot to me this season,” freshman JaMychal Green said of Gee. “He’s a great part of this team, a leader of this team. We’re going to CW | Marion R Walding miss him.”

Senior Alonzo Gee lost his final regular season home game against Auburn Tuesday as the Tide fell 77-73.

Sale or Rent starting at $1,500

www.thechimescondos.com

18392

Matthes sets record, hits seven home runs in last six games

For Rental Information for The Chimes call 469-3219 For Sales Information call Donna Petty at 799-7200 or Wes York at 799-8080

Rent or Buy call us today!

Starting at $600 per bedroom

Amenities

*Gated Parking *Central Elevator *Rooftop Sun Deck *Private Balconies *Ceramic Tile *Granite counters *High efficiency *Multiple floor plans *Plus much more!

21st ANNIVERSARY

Mandarin-Szechuan-Chinese Restaurant Open 7 days a week

Lunch Buffet Dinner Buffet

5.75 7.75

Take out buffet available

Beer Wine Cocktails For Rental Information call 469-3219 For Sales Information Call Wes York at 799-8080 www.crimsoncommonscondos.com

69

KMART

CVS 82 WALGREENS

N

1816 Mcfarland Blvd Northport, AL 35476

K-Mart shopping center

Carry out

18168

18393

-Free sweet tea for students-

333-0361

The Crimson White

CLASSIFIEDS

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

9

CLASSIFIED RATES

205-348-SELL (7355)

Emily Frost – Classifieds Coordinator

Open Line Rate . . . . . 50¢ per word Student/Staff Line Rate . . . . . 35¢ per word Display Rate . . . . . $8.15 per column inch

Place your classifieds at www.cw.ua.edu/sell Memorial Parkway.

UA CAMPUS, 22 &2857 :22'6 ZZZ MEADOR DR. - EU ED delview.com this home is fully renoNOW & FALL LEASING. YDWHG QHZ KDUGZRRG Tanning beds; Fitness FDUSHW SDLQW OLJKWLQJ &HQWHU )LUHSODFHV *DV FDELQHWV VWDLQOHVV DSSOLLogs; Monitored Secuat Tuscaloosa DQFHV HFW 1HZ PDVWHU rity Systems; POOLS; bath is huge! This is a %HGURRPV PXVW VHH SHU CAMPUS- Behind the ROOMATE NEEDED 554-1977 palisadesapPRQWK University Strip. Small 4 SUBLEASE Female thomes.com (I¿FLHQF\ $SDUWPHQWV Student needed in 2BR/ WHEN PRICE MAT$300-350/ mo. Utilities 2BA apt. in University TERS-- 1 & 2 Bedrooms. included. Lease and de'RZQV 5HQW QHJRWLDEOH CLOSE to CAMPUS!!

Place Your $250 Deposit posit required. No pets.

Short walk from the Water/ WIFI included. *EŽǁ >ĞĂƐŝŶŐ* 7RGD\ 6XPPHU )$// Call 752-1277. stadium Today & Begin 1RZ from $295-$995. www. *ĨŽƌ &Ăůů* CAMPUS-DOWNTOWN 5795 delview.com FREE Unlimited Use Ϯ Θ Θ Ϯ Θ ϯ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ 4 blocks from strip. 1 BR BEST LOCATION & Apts. $375/ mo.

Lease of Our Recreational ƐƚĂƌ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ Ăƚ Ψϵϴϱ PRICE! Stadium Apts. and deposit required. No Now Leasing for SumAmenities Immediately!

Z>z DKs /E Z pets. Broadstreet Apartmer & Fall. 1BR $350/ Must Move In By June 2009 s s /> > ͊ ments. Call 752-1277 mo. Call Mike 205-345CAMPUS- EFFICIENCY /ŶĐůƵĚĞƐ͗ Rental: 205.469.3219 7905 1 & 2 BR Apts Starting at $535!

APARTMENTS next tĂƚĞƌ BOARDWALK SUBSales: Wes York, • Golf Privileges at our door to Publix SupermarLEASE $460/MONTH 205.799.8080 tĂ tĂƐŚĞƌͬ ƌLJĞƌ ket. $350/ month. Water 18-hole Golf Course Female needed to FR R FREE ƚĂŶŶŝŶŐ included. Cobblestone • Fitness Center sublease 1Br/1Ba in a Court Apartments. Lease Ϯϰ Ϯϰͬϳ ^ĞĐƵƌŝƚLJ 4Br/4Ba apartment until • Tanning Beds 'HSRVLW UHTXLUHG QR August. All utilities inpets. 205-752-1277 • Business Center FOXGHG ZDVKHU GU\HU LQ OFF CAMPUS RIVIERA • Whirlpool/ Sauna XQLW HPLSHWH #JPDLO APTS. 'RZQWRZQ 1RUWKFRP • Resort Style Pool port. Newly renovated 2 'ĂƚĞĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ Professionally Managed by Lindsey %5 0WK /HDVH WRKĸĐĞ ŝƐ ŽƉĞŶ Management Co., Inc. GD\ ĞǀĞƌĚĂLJ͊ Apply online at www.lindseymanagement.com WILLOW WYCK 2 t(205)750-2260 INTERNET SALES EHGURRP EDWK +HDOWKFDUH 3DLG 7UDLQVTXDUH IHHW SHUIHFW IRU CAMPUS Huge 3BR ing Commissions Only URRPPDWHV VZLPPLQJ +RXVH KDUGZRRG ÀRRUV Part-time/Full-time SRRO ¿UHSODFH ¿YH PLQvery nice. Helen Keller LVWULSOLQ#IDVWKHDOWK FRP utes from Campus. 391Blvd area. $1200/ mo.

SYSTEM ADMINIS Available Fall 2009! Call TRATION /LQX[ 6RPH BRAND NEW APART752-1277 Lease & deWindows Web Based 1RZ MENTS! Walk to class. posit required.

Healthcare Company +XJH OD\RXWV 3RRO 3ULIRU CAMPUS Houses for Part-time/Full-time vate balconies. Fitness WKH Rent. Fall of 2009.

'HYHORSPHQWDO 3RVLWLRQ &HQWHU *UDQLWH &RXQFOR SALE Crimson Lease deposit required.

UFDUU#IDVWKHDOWK FRP 3ODFH FRQGR %5 %$ No pets. Call 752-1277 + ! $"" % ters 205-750-2135 LEASING FOR SUMZDVKHU GU\HU LQFOXGHG DUPLEX-CAMPUS + "! &"$ '$ &* MER & FALL!! %5$1' JUDQLWH FRXQWHU WRSV AREA 1-4 Bedrooms.

NEW really NICE 1 & *%& $"( walk-in closets. Starting Spacious hardwood 2 Bedrooms. Walk to # &DOO 5R\ + % " $ # % ÀRRUV HWF &ODVV +XJH /D\RXWV !BARTENDING! Up to

2, 3, and 4 bedroom + "" % 3RRO 3ULYDWH %DOFRQLHV BRAND NEW, 2 BDRM GD\ QR H[SHULHQFH homes for Fall. Call Mi+ &! %% "" % )LWQHVV &HQWHU *UDQLWH 2bath Houndstooth con- necessary. Training prochael Jaobson Real EsCounters. 205-750-2135 do. Kitchen has granite YLGHG ,I LQWHUHVWHG FDOO + !! ! % WDWH SUMMER & FALL!! & stainless. Refridgera- ([W WASHER, DRYER, Spacious 1 & 2 Bed& WRU ZDVKHU GU\HU LQFO BARTENDERS % & "'$ ) % & DISHWASHER!! 2 bedrooms with 2 FULL %DOFRQ\ ¿WQHVV FWU SRRO BANQUET SERVERS rooms 1 and 2 baths.

BATHS! Convenient!! & parking. $1250/ month. Banquet Servers & Bar WK $YH 1 ( Across street to Home tenders are needed for &DOO ZZZ 'HOYLHZ $ $"( %& 'HSRW 9HWHUDQV WKH DUHDV ¿QHVW KRWHOV '% ""% com and Country clubs. Must

have prior serving experience. Flexible schedules available. Apply immediately- Five Points 6WDI¿QJ EARN SPRING BREAK MONEY NOW!!! $14 EDVH DSSW )OH[ VFKHG FXVWRPHU VDOHV VHUYLFH FRQGLWLRQV DSSO\ VFKRODUVKLS SRVVLEOH &DOO Now 205-344-9292 !!

GET PAID CASH AND REWARDS for taking online surveys. www.

CashToSpend.com RESIDENT MANAGER Older Campus Apt. comSOH[ XQLWV )UHH rent & Bonuses. Please send resume to: Weaver 5HQWDOV //& WK 6WUHHW 7XVFDORRVD $/ 35401 STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers needed in Tuscaloosa. 100% FREE to join!

Click on Surveys.

SURVEY TAKERS now until March 31st NEEDED: Make $5-$25 SHU VXUYH\ 'R LW LQ \RXU VSDUH WLPH ZZZ *HWPaidToThink.com

247.9978 342.3339 Play NOW...

Move in Later!!

For Sale or Rent

Advertise with CW Classifieds cw.ua.edu

TRADITIONS

TRADITIONS

Contact

3DOLVDGHV /HDVLQJ

)DOO

using The Crimson White

(205) 349-CARE Open Daily SM 32 15th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

(VWDEOLVKHG LQ

This Crossword Puzzle sponsored by: Emergi-Care

Buy & sell

classifieds

FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC

You Stay Classy Tuscaloosa...

Advertise wth CW Classifieds!

348-7355

Country Club

Super TANtastic Airbrush Spray Tans Buy 2 tans for $40 205-345-7783

mention this ad and get 1/2 off a manicure

APARTMENTS Only 7 minutes from campus!

;PYLK VM *HTW\Z 3P]PUN& Stop looking today.

Call or come by

Eddins Estates

Just minutes from campus. )9 (WHY[TLU[Z :[HY[PUN V\[ H[ -PYZ[ TVU[O MYLL 4V]L PU YLHK` :OVY[ [LYT SLHZPUN ^LSJVTL mrdapartments.com 205-554-1725

Pre-Leasing for Fall now!

Large Floor Plans

Homemade Mexican Food Free Internet WiFi Everyday Specials

Less Than $5

One, two and three bedroom Townhomes Excellent for roommates - Sunken living rooms - Large, sparkling pool -Two tennis courts -Playground and clubhouse -Laundry Facilities

205 - 345 - 2081

WE DELIVER

Hours:

Mon-Fri: 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm Sat: 11am-3pm Closed Sunday

508 13th Ave. 345-0899

Advertise with CW Classifieds

BUY THIS AD !

E C SPA Call Drew @ 348-8995 TODAY!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

SPORTS

Greg Ostendorf • Editor

10

crimsonwhitesports@gmail.com

MEN’S BASKETBALL | AUBURN RECAP

Tide loses first-half lead, second game to Auburn

By Ryan Wright Assistant Sports Editor

Despite leading by as many as 13 points, the Alabama basketball team suffered a bitter 77-73 loss to rival Auburn at Coleman Coliseum Tuesday night.

By the end of the first half, Alabama had the momentum, and the raucous crowd, wrapped around its finger.

The fans stayed with the Tide until the buzzer; the momentum did not.

Auburn’s big run began at the 10-minute mark in the second half, when the Tigers trailed 59-51. Auburn pumped

out an 18-2 run in just five minutes that included three 3pointers to take a 69-61 advantage.

Mikhail Torrance capped a six-point sprint for the Tide with a left-handed dunk over Auburn’s Lucas Hargrove to cut the lead down to two. After an Auburn bucket and a couple free throws, the Tigers managed to push the lead back to three with 1:20 remaining.

Freshman Andrew Steele nailed a spot-up 3-pointer to knot the score at 73-73 with 1:10 remaining. It would turn out to be the Tide’s final points.

Auburn senior Korvotney Barber made a lay-up to give

Auburn a 75-73 lead. Senario Hillman missed a shot on the next possession, and Auburn got the ball back with a ninesecond differential between the shot clock and the game clock. Without any timeouts, Alabama gambled. Instead of fouling, the Tide decided to try and lock down its defense in hopes of getting the final shot.

The gamble didn’t pay off.

Auburn freshman Frankie Sullivan weaved through multiple defenders on his way from the wing to the glass where he dropped in a dagger lay-up with 11 seconds to go.

“They were making their free throws. We didn’t have

any timeouts left. It just didn’t work out,” interim coach Phillip Pearson said of the decision.

Anthony Brock missed a meaningless 3-point attempt and time expired.

Alabama left a lot of points on the court at the free-throw line, a stat that Pearson said could have been the difference in the game. The Tide finished 15-of-29 from the line.

“I didn’t think we played as sharp tonight as we have been,” Pearson said. “I thought that one thing that hurt us in the first half, had we made a

See RECAP, page 8

CW | Marion R Walding Alonzo Gee scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his final game at Coleman Coliseum Tuesday.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PROFILE

Raffington on the rise for Tide

By Will Barry Senior Sports Reporter

With the Tide ending the Varisia Raffington has spent the season making strides to regular season with a 13improve a team that won only 16 record, 1-13 in the SEC, Raffington is the third leading Alabama sophomore guard one SEC game all season. scorer for the Tide with a 9.7 points per game average, just behind junior Tierney Jenkins and freshman Ericka Russell.

Raffington has been a major force on the boards as well, Croakie ranking second on the team with Lens Cloth with 4.5 rebounds per contest.

The statistics only confirm what others have noticed: Raffington has established herself as a player who will lead the team even as a sophomore.

“She’s brought a lot of energy, and there was a point where I thought she stepped w w w. t h e s h i r t s h o p . b i z up and took the team on her D o w n t o w n Tu s c a l o o s a shoulders, from the standpoint — and did it in practice also 5 2 5 G r e e n s b o r o Av e n u e and basically said — ‘Hey, if

\h[[ ]_\ji fkhY^Wi[

752-6931

you’re going to play and come out here and be on my team, if you’re not going to play hard then don’t come out here,’” head coach Wendell Hudson said.

Raffington started 28 of the Tide’s 29 games this season and improved on both ends of the court.

With only the SEC tournament remaining in the Tide’s season, the 5-11 guard from Tallahassee, Fla., will enter next season as a junior with the playing experience that will cast her into a leadership role as the Tide continues to rebuild the program.

“I’m hoping to be able to take the team on my back and just be able to lead both by example and be a vocal leader,” Raffington said. “I think that it is important for us to actually

have that leader on this team. I feel as though we’ve had leaders here and there, but we need a consistent one, whether it’s me or one of my teammates.

“I just think that we need a consistent leader to be there, to help us when our heads are down, frustrated and just to get us through those though times and those good times as well encouraging us. As far as leadership, I just think that I’m going to step up anyway I can,” she said.

With Alabama finishing last in the SEC regular season standings this year, Raffington and her teammates will have a tough task to shoulder.

“I think everybody understands that she can be one of our better players,” Hudson said. “And I think that people are looking for you, when you

have the talent that she has, to step up. And if she would step up and grasp that leadership role, there would be more people willing to follow.”

It will be a team effort after the SEC tournament to build a stronger squad throughout the off-season that hopes to contend in the SEC next season Raffington knows if the team focuses on the basics, the only way the team can go is up.

“Our goal is to get stronger, work on our defense, work on our offense,” Raffington said.

“Just to keep our mindset because, we are going to be faced with a lot of adversities.

You may or may not win every game so you just have to keep fighting and keep your head up and keep going day after day after day.”