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The
February 14, 2011 |VOLUME 48, NUMBER 22
www.usavanguard.com
How To (Not) Mess Up That Perfect Valentine’s Date (see p. 10)
University of South Alabama’s student newspaper
Show Choir Shines in Concert
SGA appropriates almost $49k By Alex Whalen MANAGING EDITOR
The SGA held its spring budget meeting last week with $48,994.84 appropriated to student organizations. An additional $25,000 was allotted for the Campus Readership program, which provides newspapers for students, and $2,000 for SGA office supplies. The money for the latter two was drawn from the operating budget, however. This is a little less than half of the $100,000 available for appropriations, but there are still late appropriations packets and co-sponsorships that must be reviewed and voted on. These requests will be considered next week, as this week’s SGA see SGA | 19
inside
Opinion | page 7 Teachers With Guns
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
Should teachers be allowed to carry concealed weapons for protection?
The USA Show Choir gave its premier concert Feb. 7 in a packed-out Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. The group, the first of its kind at USA, sang and danced to a program laced with fast-paced songs and slower ballads ranging from rock and “hip pop” to popular show tunes. To read the review, turn to page 12.
Etc. | page 8 Strokes on the Rise New research shows you are twice as likely to have a stroke between ages 15 and 35 than at age 51.
New USAPD chief talks plans, policy By Cameron Adkins ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Transparency. Interaction. Community policing. These are the key concepts new USA Chief of Police Zeke Aull said he’s bringing to the table. “Transparency is going to be our key word,” Aull said. “I want [students] to feel very much open to come sit in my office ... and tell me what’s on their minds. “If you have some ideas that you feel like, if you come in and talk to me could promote South and promote our department, our interaction with our faculty and staff, I’ll welcome that.” Aull, who was previously the police chief at Centenary Col-
InPolice Blotter p. 2
lege in Louisiana and worked “So South is where I feel like as an officer at Louisiana State I’m going to have my strengths. University prior I’m glad to to that, feels that be here.” South will be a Accordgood place for his ing to Aull, want [students] to strengths. a real com“[At Cente- feel very much open to munity ponary] I was re- come sit in my office ... licing effort sponsible for will result parking, police, and tell me what’s on their in students, risk manage- minds.” faculty and ment, and I.D.s. I staff having am the Chief of an easier -Zeke Aull Police here. To time interUSA Chief of Police me, that’s why I acting with bought into law officers. enforcement: for “So, I the police aspect think if of it and for the parking aspect you were out and you were reof it. ally doing community policing
“I
Happenings p. 2
Campus Pulse p. 6
then I think that your trust levels with your students, faculty, staff and visitors is built, making it stronger,” Aull said. “Therefore, crimes that weren’t previously reported, necessarily, will make your public feel more confident in reporting that crime, that you will handle it and handle it professionally.” The biggest obstacle Aull feels he will encounter is the parking situation on campus. According to Aull, in an interview he had with students before being hired it was clear that the complaints were not the department or the officers but parking and the parking permit process. “We’re working on that pro-
Distractions p. 18
Arts & Entertainment | page 12
Show Choir Shows Potential The first ever Show Choir performance packed Laidlaw’s Recital Hall to the brim.
see CHIEF | 4
JagLife p. 19
Sports | page 14 Men’s Hoops Rejected The Jags drop another conference game to in-state rival Troy at The Mitchell Center.
Classifieds p. 19
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The
NEWS
February 14, 2011
Vanguard The
University of South Alabama’s Student Voice Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights. Submission and Editorial Policies Send letters and guest columns to: Editor-in-Chief, USAVanguard.editor@gmail.com or The Vanguard, University of South Alabama, P.O. Drawer U-1057, Mobile, Ala. 36688. Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Copy Editor, and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight during weekly Editorial Board meetings. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, call the Editor-in-Chief at 251460-6442 or e-mail USAVanguard.Editor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is a member of Collegiate Presswire and U-Wire, which syndicates to a national audience. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Daniela Werner Managing Editor: Alex Whalen Associate Editor: Cameron Adkins Associate Editor: Genny Roman Senior Reporter: Carey Cox Opinion Editor: Cassie Fambro Etc. Editor: Brett Williams Arts & Entertainment Editor, Webmaster: Rodney Thompson Sports Editor: Matt Weaver Photo Editor: Colin McGee
Vanguard
POLICE BLOTTER public road between the Library and the Life Sciences Building. Two males were in the vehicle with a laptop between them. They said they were using the University’s Wi-Fi. After checking the 2/7- Threatening perpetrators’ information Physical Harm/ officers found that the Harassment driver had an outstanding Officers responded to warrant for possession a report of a domestic of marijuana. The disturbance at Delta 6. passenger had warrants for possession of marijuana 2/9- Criminal Trespass, and writing worthless 3rd Degree A male was arrested in the checks. A suspicious smell Gamma residential area for believed to be marijuana was detected from the the listed offense. vehicle. A search revealed 2/9- Warrant-Possession suspicious financial documents and credit of Marijuana/ Warrantcards not related to USA. Negotiating Worthless Both perpetrators were Instruments turned over to the Mobile Officers approached a County Sheriff’s Office. vehicle sitting in the 2/4-Theft From Residence A cell phone was reported stolen from a Delta dorm. The item was valued at $80.
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SPLC Statement: The Vanguard recognizes and affirms the editorial independence and press freedom of all student-edited campus media. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently bear the responsibility for the decisions that they make.
Humanities and Social Sciences Colloquium What: “Did Muhammad Name Ali as his Successor? Anti-Shi’i Polemic in the Works of Ibn Kathir” -- a talk by Dr. Rebecca Williams, Department of History Where: HUMB 122 When: Tues., Feb 15 at 3:30 p.m. How much: Free For more info: Contact Dr. Ron Nelson at (251)460-6725 or rnelson@usouthal.edu.
MSA Food and Clothing Drive What: The Muslim Student Association will be taking donations of gently used clothing, jackets, blankets, shoes and non-perishable food items to distribute to the needy in Mobile and surrounding communities. Where: Student Center Lobby When: Wed., Feb. 16 at Noon How much: Free For more info: Contact Aysha at msa.usouthal@gmail.com or (251)382-2114.
USA Gender Studies Program Presents: Cool Lectures on Hot Topics
DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Johnny Davis
Article XIV, Section 8 of The Lowdown: The editors of the student publications shall be free from any type of censorship and shall be responsible for the form, content and staff of the publication.
happenings
Courtesy of Alan Waugh
USAPD arrested two males on the public road between the main campus Library and the Life Sciences Building Wednesday after finding that there had been warrants out for them on marijuana possession charges.
What: “And let the heart of Atys at last, at last be mine,” Gay Culture in the College of William and Mary chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order, 1894-1898-Craig Dosher, Adjunct Instructor of History Where: HUMB 150 When: Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m. How much: Free For more info: Contact Martha Jane Brazy, Director of Gender Studies at 460-7540 or mjbrazy@jaguar1.usouthal. edu
3 Mike Gottfried Named 2010 ‘Mobilian of the Year’ Admin, students By Daniela Werner weigh in on NSSE survey The
Vanguard
NEWS
February 14, 2011
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Cottage Hill Civitan Club named Mike Gottfried the 2010 Mobilian of the Year at USA’s Mitchell Center Wednesday morning. The club sponsors the award and annually gives it to people who have left a positive mark on the city of Mobile and its surrounding communities. The Ohio native and brother of USA former Athletic Director Joe Gottfried said he was honored to be selected and associated with the award’s previous winners. While the club’s president called every person nominated for the 2010 award an “outstanding Mobilian,” Randall Eckhoff said Mike Gottfried, a former ESPN analyst and founder of youth outreach group Team Focus, has served Mobile in numerous ways and “touched the lives of literally thousands of kids.” Mike Gottfried, a Mobile Sports Hall of Fame member, spent much of his career coaching college football, too. Team Focus is an outreach program for boys without fathers that he founded more than a decade ago. With chapters throughout the country, the program has provided role models for more than 2,000 young men. Mike Gottfried said his inspiration for forming Team Focus came from the loss of his father when he and his two brothers were just children. “It changed our lives,” he told The Vanguard after Wednesday’s ceremony,
By Genny Roman ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
Team Focus founder and former ESPN football analyst Mike Gottfried was named 2010 Mobilian of the Year by the Cottage Hill Civitan Club Wednesday at the Mitchell Center.
but “there were men and women who helped me make many good steps. “You lose hope, but if someone can walk with you, it helps.” Some of the opportunities Team Focus offers include scholarships and summer leadership camps, as well as social activities and tutoring and mentoring pro-
grams. “Growing up without a father around and knowing what it feels like, I have a desire to provide a place for young men to come and be encouraged, motivated and challenged,” Mike Gottfried said in a press release.
On Feb. 8, first-year freshmen and senior students received an e-mail in their Jaguar1 e-mail accounts asking them to participate in the 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The survey, written and distributed every spring semester by the Center of Postsecondary Research (CPR) at the Indiana University School of Education, asks students questions regarding their participation in programs and activities that the university provides. According to the CPR, the survey questions represent generally “good practices” of postsecondary institutions, in other words, the desired outcomes of college. Institutions that participate examine the results to see whether there are aspects of the undergraduate institution, both inside and outside of academics, that can be improved upon through changes either to policies or practices. “Students are an important constituency. Anytime we can gather data on how a constituency feels, it helps us learn about [the university], said Keith Ayers, USA’s director of Public Relations. While USA will use the results to see if there are ways to improve as an institution, students still have mixed feelings about the usefulness of the survey. see NSSE | 11
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USA Engineering professor leading NASA project By Courtney West
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
USA Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Kuang-Ting Hsiao has been chosen to lead a three-year NASA-EPSCoR research project aiming to develop a new lightweight composite for space flight use. USA is the leading institution on the grant of more than $1 million, but Hsiao is not working alone; his USA engineering colleagues Drs. Martin R. Parker and Anh-Vu Phan are collaborating with him; faculty from other schools such as Tuskegee University and Auburn University are working on the project, as well. This three-dimensionally structured material is made of nanofibers and carbon fibers and is used in the aerospace and defense industries, according to Hsiao. The composite plays a crucial role in the future of these industries, as “[it] is five times stronger than steel and is becoming more popular in certain industries,” Hsiao said. ‘These materials are made up of carbon fibers and nanofibers and will make a space craft’s exterior stronger and not as easily damaged.” Hsiao said he enjoys working with undergraduate and graduate students on his research projects because it gives them practice in the fields they are studying, as well as hands-on experience before they graduate. Many of Hsiao’s students have won prestigious fellowships from the state of Alabama and NASA, and several have won awards from USA’s undergraduate research program. This is not the first federally funded grant Hsiao has received while working at USA; he was recognized for his success in his field of study and as a professor with a
Chief
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cess right now so you’re not going to the Mitchell Center and standing in line for two hours to get your parking permit,” Aull said. “We’ve got some ideas there. Aull acknowledged that expenses are a factor in putting new programs into action, but the department is going to do everything it can within its resources. “I find it hard to believe that there’s not something we can tweak to make [the parking process] a little more palatable for our students,” Aull said. “Right now we’re working on that, and hopefully, and it’s just my hope, but because of the window of
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NEWS
February 14, 2011
Vanguard
Survey: Students still prefer print over e-textbooks
Although a huge changeover from print textbooks to electronic ones is sweeping through academia, a recent study’s results point to a loyalty to the old-fashioned text-on-paper way of learning.
By Carey Cox
SENIOR REPORTER
Courtesy of USA Public Relations
USA Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Kuang-Ting Hsiao was chosen to lead a three-year NASA-EPSCoR research project that will develop a new lightweight composite for use in space flight.
2010 Olivia Rambo McGlothren National Alumni Outstanding Scholar Award from the USA National Alumni Association. While Hsiao’s field of study consists of Mechanical Engineering, he has a hand in the creation of some experimental inventions and has even submitted many inventions to the USA Office of Technology Transfer. “The faculty at South Alabama are interested in something new, and research funding gives them the resources to do things differently and teach students in a new and exciting way,” Hsiao said.
time that I’m working with I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get it done for fall.” To emphasize how important student input is to Aull, he will be having lunch at the new Dining Hall on Wednesdays for however long he needs to stay, Aull said. He felt that it was a good, informal setting where anyone would come and speak their minds or just have an adult conversation about anything. “It doesn’t have to be about police or parking. They can learn me, I can learn them. It gets my face out there. It will give me some time to really get down with the students and have personal conversations,” Aull said.
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A survey from the Book Industry Study Group suggests that students prefer print textbooks over eBooks, despite students’ penchant for electronic communication like social networking sites and smartphones. Nearly 75 percent of students to recently respond to the new research survey said they preferred printed texts, citing a fondness for print’s look and feel, as well as its permanence and ability to be resold. “I don’t want to have to have batteries for my book,” Bernard Hickman, a Mathematics major, said. Eye strain, battery life and computer viruses are among the concerns dealing with eBooks. Student Monitor Lifestyle and Media Study reported that only 11 percent of current college students have purchased one or more eTextbooks. This number, however, could drastically change in the near future. “I would like eBooks if they were cheaper,” Jenny Bruegge, an international studies major, said. At CourseSmart, the world’s largest provider of digital books, eTextbooks can be purchased for up to 60 percent less than print texts and offer users the ability
to print what they need as well as search, copy and paste features, which can streamline students’ studies. Buying a device to read the digital books would be the most costly part of converting to digital textbooks. The eBooks can be read on a laptop or a portable reading device, like a Kindle or an iPad, which cost about $139 and $499 respectively. “Digital books are a game-changer for college students,” said Nicole Basseleh, a public relations representative for CourseSmart. “The ‘old school’ options for course materials, used and rental textbooks – with a wide range of pricing, unreliable availability, uncertainty with bookstore buyback, and potentially long wait times or associated shipping costs – are not the only options for tech- and budget-savvy students at colleges and universities across the country.” Digital books could be a game-changer for faculty, as well. “If students are already inclined to bring a laptop to class, eBooks would be convenient,” Dr. Annmarie Guzy, a USA English professor, said. “I have no problem if students want to use [eBooks], particularly with the cost, if the students want to save money.” Guzy said she sees more willingness to change over to eBooks from students in see TEXTBOOKS | 11
The
Vanguard
NEWS
Survey: Economic crunch taking toll on freshman minds Some students agree with a recent survey that says freshman mental health is at a 25-year low, largely because of a lagging economy.
By Carey Cox
SENIOR REPORTER
Students’ self-ratings of emotional health dropped to a record 25-year low in 2010, according to the 2010 CIRP Freshman Survey, which is based on the responses of over 200,000 first-time full-time students entering four-year colleges across the United States. Only 51.9 percent of students reported that their emotional health was in the “highest 10 percent” or “above average,” a drop of 3.4 percentage points from 2009 and a significant decline from the 63.6 percent who placed themselves in those categories when self-ratings of emotional health were first measured in 1985, according to the survey. However, with this drop in self-rated emotional health, there has not been a recent increase in freshmen students visiting the counseling center, according to Dr. Al Clark, director of counseling and testing services; the numbers have been consistent throughout the years. Dr. Clark said this could be because some students arrive at college with pre-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They might have already been treated for a mental condition; therefore, they rate their emotional health low.
Morgan Myers, a 19-year-old first-time freshman, is among the students who rank their emotional health low. “Dealing with school, trying to find a job and keeping a stable relationship stress me out the most,” Myers said. Myers recently began searching for a job so she could pay her tuition. She says half of her tuition is paid for by scholarship, but she is responsible for paying the other half, which has become increasingly difficult since her mom hasn’t been able to receive disability checks for her. Myers’ mom has been on a heart transplant list for eight years, and the checks she received for Myers stopped once she turned 19. Another freshman, Adam Taylor, says his emotional health is better now than it was in high school, and money is not an issue with him. “I’ve never had money my entire life, so not having money doesn’t bother me,” Taylor said. Taylor grew up with a single mother and pays for his college with a scholarship and Pell grant. According to the survey, the proportion of students using loans to help pay for college remains high, at 53.1 percent, and more students reported receiving grants and scholarships than at any point since 2001 — 73.4 percent, a 3.4 percentage-point increase over 2009. “The increasing cost of higher education poses a significant barrier to college access for today’s students,” said Sylvia Hurtado, see MENTAL HEALTH | 16
February 14, 2011
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Opinion
6
February 14, 2011
The
Vanguard Cassie Fambro, Opinion Editor edgeofthisworld@Gmail.com
www.usavanguard.com/opinion
OUR VIEW EDITORIAL BOARD >>usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com
I
STAFF EDITORIAL Daniela Werner | Editor-in-Chief Alex Whalen | Managing Editor Cameron Adkins | Associate Editor
Genny Roman | Associate Editor Cassie Fambro | Opinion Editor Carey Cox | Senior Reporter
Budget meetings heading in right direction
t’s a fact: nobody likes SGA budget meetings. But they’re a fact of life - like final exams or going to the dentist. But the SGA finally has a formula that works and if this trend continues, the 3-hour long budget meetings of the past could just be a distant memory. The major factor behind this success is the ability to appropriate moneys to all the organizations with straight forward, unproblematic funding requests. In previous budget meetings, each request had to be discussed and voted on one-by-one. Now, with just one vote, the vast majority of club requests can be met, which dramatically reduces the amount of time representatives have to take out of their day. While this isn’t the first time the SGA has used mass appropriations, it’s the first time it has been used in an effective and fair manner. In past semesters, it was clear that the senate hadn’t reviewed the appropriations packets before the budget meeting. Without this crucial step, the senate was essentially voting blind, with no idea what these clubs were requesting money for. But thanks in large part to Senate Pro Tempore Paige Perry, almost all the senators were able to review the appropriations requests beforehand. This helps ensure a process that is fair while still making for thankfully short budget meetings. For this trend to continue, however, the SGA must make several steps to solidify the process for the future.
Remember the Golden Rule “Those among us with disabilities are often Rachel ostracized by peers beHoadley cause of their perceived as well as obvious differences. Rather than embracing differences, we often reject what is not familiar to us. USA students, as a diverse community of learners, may find it beneficial to learn more about disabilities, as Alabama ranks seventh in the nation in disability prevalence, according to the 2008 American Community Survey.” With that statement from Special Student Services Director Andrea Agnew, I think it’s important to note that college is cool. It’s a random thought that many of us don’t want to admit. We grumble that we just want our jobs, money, some sort of autonomy; but really, college teaches us to think beyond our window-view of the world. This is where we learn to evaluate others’ ideas, express ourselves, try new interests like a new musical genre or instrument. We gain exposure to art, history or lab
1) The senate must pass a resolution that will require senators to review the appropriations packet before the meeting. There is currently a resolution to this effect being tossed around, but it needs some work to make sure the process is clear and manageable. 2) The senators must make more of an effort to meet and review these packets, or else review them individually. Perry had to go to tremendous lengths to make sure the packets were reviewed. Since this is her last term in office, there must be some measures in place to take up the slack when she’s gone. 3) Future Executive Committees must continue to review appropriations requests with the same tenacity we saw this semester. The senators can’t be expected to be aware of all the nuances of what constitutes a uniform or how much a club has requested in a given academic year. 4) Clear and concise rules must be agreed upon and made public so student leaders can plan accordingly. There was some confusion at this past budget meeting, and while the information was there, recent changes to the rules led to some palpable frustration. 5) Finally, and most importantly, the senators must find a way to better communicate amongst themselves and the SGA Executive Committee. This is the only way to facilitate shorter budget meetings and make sure that the processes in place now will continue to work in the future.
experiments. This is the one chance we who is not treated as a peer even when he is, have to ask questions, all day, every day, and in fact, an equal under the law who deserves get answers from experts. an education, a cool college education. In Additionally, this is the one place on my experience, however, this student has earth where you are respected not only for not been treated as a peer. what you’ve done, but what you plan to do. This student has been ridiculed, mocked, These plans can include solving world hun- and scoffed at repeatedly. I understand if ger, obtaining a doctoral degree, or they you have never been around someone who could be more short-term (like how many behaves outside of social norms; yes, it can keg stands you plan to complete in the next make you feel awkward and commonly week). Worthwhile causes giggling. endeavors have a But after the first respectable posicouple of classes, this tion in the eyes of reaction would subside, students, as a many college stu- diverse community of learners, no? No, it hasn’t. dents. In the classes where may find it beneficial to learn more this situation has risen, But what about the students the teachers have hanabout disabilities, as Alabama who don’t usudled everything very ranks seventh in the nation in ally participate in well. They have treated these monumental disability prevalence ...” the student as a person, dreams? What simply a student strivabout the students ing for a higher educa-Andrea Agnew whose biggest feat tion, before treating the Director, Special Student Services disability. is being here? The student But we haven’t. We population I’m dehave continued in our scribing is a special population, and though incomprehension to scoff at the religious it is a minority, the increasing prevalence of zealot whose mental diagnosis makes it this group of people in our colleges brings more difficult to filter his comments or the new issues to our classrooms. “idiot savant” (as I’ve heard them called by With increasing frequency I have seen their classmates). this situation: a classmate diagnosed with True, this could have the potential to Asperger’s Syndrome or another handicap see GOLDEN RULE | 16
“USA
How can USA become more environmentally supportive and efficient?
Amanda Brewton Elementary Ed. Junior
We need to keep building LEED certified buildings. Also, a plastic recycling program on campus would enhance longterm sustainability. Buying locally also supports farmers and is more efficient.
The use of solar power and building green buildings is a good way to go. Solar power could be spread throughout USA, and using rainwater for flushing toilets would make a difference too.
Chelsey Wilson Anthropology Senior
A closer recycling facility would make a difference. There is a large market for it on campus, but it’s far to go to Government St. Even if someone came once a month to collect it, I would save and then recycle everything that I could.
In Seattle, they use cornstarchbased sandwich wrapping instead of plastic paper like they do here. I was stationed there, and cornstarch based wrappers were normal since they are biodegradable.
Maelynn La Chemistry Sophomore
Ashok Gupta Electrical Eng. Junior
Kyle Massey Computer Eng Sophomore.
The containers they use in the Dining Facility are Styrofoam and instead of using that, they should develop Tupperware-like containers for those who regularly get their meals to-go.
The
OPINION
Vanguard
February 14, 2011
7
POINT COUNTERPOINT Guns in Classrooms: Is there justification for armed defense in schools?
Editor’s Introduction: Columbine and other school shootings have left a permanent scar on the educational system, not to mention created encapsulated fear inside the heart of every parent who entrusts their child to an educational facility during the school year. Guns are typically banned in school, but the recent debate has fueled talk about
Statistics Bring Reality Check
allowing teachers to carry guns to defend their students and themselves. Nebraska Sen. Mark Christensen even proposed legislation that would allow school faculty and staff to carry concealed weapons. Should fire be fought with fire, or should a zero-tolerance policy against guns remain in effect for schools in America?
Second Amendment an American Right
eight deaths attributed to school When Robert Butler Jr. rushed The Second Amendment in a vehicle. shootings during the 2007-2008 into Millard South High School states that, “A well regulated It was the normal thing and still school year. with a gun in his hands, he did Militia, being necessary to the is. Again, that was in a small MisWhen comparing the number of more than just take the life of his security of a free State, the right sissippi town where everyone knows these deaths to 2008 census data, assistant principal. of the people to keep and bear everybody. facts show that America has more As the disgruntled adolescent Arms, shall not be infringed.” When populations grow and get than 16.3 million high school stubarreled shots at school adminisSeveral people have intermore diverse, adding a gun to the dents. It becomes evident that 99.96 trators, fear began to lodge itself preted this as the right to own a mix is generally not a very good percent of high school students will into the hearts of millions of gun, which may or may not be idea. People see a gun on a stranger make it to graduation alive. Americans, sparking an argument the best translation since a large and instantly stereotypes and Imran Melinda Matching that data with the fact that the 17-year-old couldn’t posnumber of households in the rumors swirl. Shotguns turn people Mohiuddin that there were more than 600 fatal sibly have imagined. Dunn late 1700s and early 1800s had into red necks; small handguns gun accidents With the actions at Millard at least one turn people into paranoid rich kids. in 2007 alone, it South High School, as well as the highly gun. Larger handguns turn them into becomes obvious that publicized Tucson shooting that left six Others interpret gangsters and thugs. this bill is fundamenpeople dead and 14 injured, the topic of this to mean that only Why do teachers need guns, and should tally flawed. We live school shootings has again made its way to a militia has a right to teachers be allowed to carry guns onto a in an age where most the political debate forefront. bear arms. school campus? No one can universally say of our information This time, Nebraska Sen. Mark ChrisHowever, a militia, that all teachers should be carrying around comes from a few tensen, armed with a new piece of legislain its original context, guns and bringing them into classrooms or select news outlets, tion for the Nebraska legislature, devises to is a band of everyday on school functions. most of which report end school shootings with a bill that allows people established to There are some cases where teachers the same content. teachers to carry concealed weapons on protect a state. should have the right to carry a gun. While school campus. If one takes all of In places like New Mexico, Texas and shootings are media While it’s obvious that Sen. Christensen this and puts it in Arizona, Mexican gangs are targeting gold mines that get thinks this decision will keep more kids perspective of teachers schools. Schools have been shut down for chattanoogapulse.com with guns, things get a plastered on TV for alive, he is out of touch when it comes to security purposes. Schools and guns have proven to be a deadly little uncomfortable for weeks at a time, it’s dealing with an average high school. For Teachers and students are targeted as important to note how mix. Would it help or hinder students and fac- most. one, plenty of schools operate at above cathey are leaving school campuses or school irregularly they actuulty if teachers could bear arms at school? Or pacity, leaving teachers with more students The most uncomevents. ally occur. than they can possibly manage. would it create a more violent environment? fortable area, of Where does the teacher’s obligation to Though Sen. ChrisA concealed weapon can’t stay concourse, is what right his or her students end? cealed for very long in an overcrowded and tensen’s bill seems to does a teacher have How far does an attack on the Amerilook out for kids, it inevitably places them in out-of-control classroom, exponentially to own a gun and bring it onto a school can right to a safe education have to go more danger. Finally, passing legislation like increasing the risk of gun accidents. Poscampus or school event? before the Second Amendment no longer this ultimately sets America up for anarchy. sibly the most important things to consider Growing up in a small Mississippi town, has to be in a debate? By allowing non-security personnel to when evaluating the need for new gun it was nothing for me to see teachers No, a teacher should not bring a gun on take care of security threats, we fall onto a legislation are cold, hard, black and white and students bring their hunting gear to campus or to a school event just because slippery slope of where and when vigilante statistics. school, especially during deer season. he or she is paranoid about the outside justice is admissible. After all, there may be According to the National School Safety The guns, however, had to be locked in world. and Security Services, there were only cases with a gun permit on hand and left see STATISTICS | 16 see AMENDMENT |16
Cassie Fambro Opinion Editor
SMOKE ON THE WATER
No Reason to Neglect
In the first week of February, a woman went to see a circus in South Carolina and gave birth in a toilet. The 24-year-old woman proceeded to leave the child in that toilet. A janitor found the child miraculously alive, weighing six pounds and in good health. After being treated for hypothermia, the miracle child fascinated and disturbed mass media. The woman, Jessica Blackham of South Carolina, claims that she was unaware of her pregnancy and that she didn’t know
she had given birth. The young Caucasian mother of a four-year-old was charged with felony child neglect and child abuse. The infant was literally found with his little head on the rim of that public toilet, balanced upright in the water. By some miracle, this child survived even though his mother heinously left him there to die. I understand that in today’s world there are a lot of reasons that a mother would be afraid of the financial burden raising a child can be. It is inherently unacceptable, however, to ever leave an innocent child for dead. There is no way that Blackham could not have known she birthed a child that had its head resting on the rim of the toilet. There is no way she could have left that bathroom without being fully aware that she had left her baby to die. Blackham should be charged with attempted murder, because that was her aim. Whatever her reason, it is inexcusable, as well as cruel and unusual. You can take a newborn to any hospital,
fire department or police station and they will find a home for it. In most states, there are no consequences for doing so. Safe Haven laws are designed specifically to prevent danger to unwanted children. If the child is less than 72-hours-old, there is a Safe Haven option available, according to childwelfare.gov. Anyone interested can visit this Web site for in-depth coverage on what exactly the rules are in each state and what the Safe Haven legislation specifically says. Given this option, there is no excuse to abandon and murder infants. What bothers me most is that this woman would actually complain to the media that the cops who interrogated her called her character into question. How could a mother who abandoned her child in a public toilet not understand why her character was questioned? Trying to deny knowledge of the pregnancy and birth has been contradicted. Her father took her to the hospital after
she suffered a loss of blood and he had apparently seen the news and questioned if it was hers, knowing she had been to the circus. The child’s alleged father says she even posted on Facebook about being sick in the mornings and dealing with pregnancy symptoms, but told him that he did not need to worry about it because she would “take care of it.” Well, she certainly did. She committed a cruel and heinous act and deserves to be punished as such. Whether out of fear or ignorance, there is zero excuse for risking a human life for selfishness. It is a miracle that the child survived. Out on bond, Blackham needs to stop lying and come out and say that she intentionally neglected her child intentionally. Her four-year-old needs to be removed from her custody and she needs to be psychologically evaluated. With Safe Haven laws so prevalent in this country and in South Carolina, there was no excuse for this to have ever happened.
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February 14, 2011
The
Vanguard Brett Williams, Etc. Editor btw702@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
www.usavanguard.com/etc
Strokes South Alabama alum Chasity Byrd becoming recalls graduation, talks employment more common in youth
Based on results from the last national survey of hospitalizations in America, men ages 15-34 have been suffering more strokes than women in the same age group.
By Brett Williams ETC EDITOR
There has been some movement in the job outlooks since January, but there’s also been some upsetting news in health for students, too. A recent study published by the Center for Disease Control says that between the ages of 15 and 35 you are twice as likely to get a stroke as you are at age 51. I know how much you’ve been dying for this week’s lecture on what I like to call “we-gonomics”, but I can’t stand idly while news goes unpublished. If, however, you’re desperate to know how this affects you economically, look at it this way – if you punch out early, then you won’t be receiving any paychecks. According to CDC research, the sharpest increase in hospitalizations by age came in men between the ages of 15 and 34. Strokes also rose among women, but not at such an unnerving rate. Retirement and social security are already tense issues, but they shouldn’t be concerns if you’re not projected to live long enough to receive your pension. The numbers reported in the article, “More strokes hitting American Stroke Association young, middle American Heart Association aged folks” from President Dr. Ralph Sacca, the CDC Web who practices neurology site also tells us at the University of Miami that there were in Florida, called the re15 stroke cases cent news that young men for every 10,000 are suffering more strokes men hospitalized "alarming." and four cases per 10,000 women. The American Stroke Association was founded by the American Heart Association as a separate faction in 1997 to diagnose, prevent and treat cases where strokes are involved in the U.S. Neurologist and President of the American Heart Association Dr. Ralph Sacco said that this news is “definitely alarming.” see STROKES | 16
Byrd on the set of her Fox 10 'Techwise' segment, providing her viewers with the need-to-know about a new iPhone app.
By Brett Williams ETC EDITOR
“What’s next?” It is the first thought after graduation, and it’s probably overthought among graduates. But Chasity Byrd was different. She had already gotten a job with Fox 10 before her spring 2007 commencement. It is a trademark for Ms. Byrd. “I’m a planner,” Byrd said, “weeks, months, years.” As far back as she could remember, Byrd had always known she wanted to be a journalist. Byrd says her mother has home movies of her standing in the rain pretending to broadcast the weather. By February 2007, Byrd had accomplished that feat, and amazingly enough, she did it by literally walking through the front door. But it was not easy. Byrd followed the guidebook: a polished resume, good grades, references from teachers and a can-do attitude got her an internship with
fox10tv.com
Local newswoman, meteorologist and Studio 10 personality, Chasity Byrd stays busy with multiple jobs.
Fox 10 in January 2007. Still, Byrd was only another intern. She shadowed Fox 10 news people: anchors, meteorologists, etc. She went through the daily routine the same as any other intern. Then, she did something that wasn’t so
fox10tv.com
routine. Despite that unspoken rule in the office about working your way up the ladder, Byrd went directly to News Director Bob Cashen and introduced herself. That rule isn’t spoken for a reason. Byrd hadn’t heard it and out of sheer innocence, she had opened the door to a whole new world for herself. The next thing she knew, her name had come up in conversation about the next staff meteorologist. Cashen had nominated her without her knowing. “I hadn’t planned to try out,” Byrd recalled. But Cashen says he saw a “spark” in Byrd. He says he has an eye for talent that hasn’t let him down yet, and based on that he decided to take a chance on her. According to Cashen, Byrd had impressed him and had also left an impression on him, but she needed a college degree and all her certifications before he could truly give her an opportunity. She went back to school,
see BYRD | 16
Broken Heart Syndrome not a hoax By Brett Williams ETC EDITOR
They call it Broken Heart Syndrome. As sci-fi as it sounds, it’s real, but only temporary. Brought on by serious stress stemming from “matters of the heart” such as the death of a loved one, Broken Heart Syndrome is a condition first explored by Japanese in 1991. A form of cardiomyopathy that resembles a heart attack, Broken Heart Syndrome probably will not be on the rise this Valentine’s Day because of all the sweethearts out there. Still, just to be safe, it’s believed that Broken Heart Syndrome is caused by a sudden rush of stress hormones that could potentially harm the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, the “how” isn’t clear yet, but the Clinic does tell us that
the syndrome is triggered by an “intense physical or emotional event”. It’s a rather ambiguous term for an ambiguous disease, but it is probably safe to fake being excited over those dozen roses you get on Valentine’s Day. People who should be worried probably don’t or won’t have dates on February 14. Because most testimonials concentrate on serious depression or fits of anger, people who are single on or after Valentine’s Day are at much higher risk of experiencing Broken Heart Syndrome. An article published in November last year from the Press Trust of India called “Valentine’s Day leads to break-ups, suggests Facebook” lists the days immediately following Valentine’s Day and the days preceding Christmas as the days when people are most likely to break-up. Speaking from
experience, breakups can be extremely damaging especially if they’re sudden or come after long-lasting relationships. So, how do you prevent yourself from being a victim not only of breakups, but of Broken Heart Syndrome as well? Personally, be a better person. Be the type of person no one would ever want to leave. When that doesn’t work, take better care of yourself and lessen the chances that you’ll contract Broken Heart Syndrome. The Syndrome is a health issue, so like any health issue there are possible preventative measures. Unfortunately, nothing is certain, but according to the WebMD Web site, heart medication like beta blockers could be effective in prevention. According to WebMD, although Broken Heart Syndrome appears like heart attack, it usually fades with bed rest.
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February 14, 2011
DRAMA! Black History Month: A Week In Review
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South Alabama students, faculty and guests discuss negative effects of a lack of pride within the African American community
Photos by Brett Williams | Etc. Editor
(Left) James Watson cries in the arms of a fellow MADDRAMA performer as the troupe fields questions and compliments from the crowd. (Right) MADDRAMA closes a powerful skit about the strength of black people amidst cheers and appluase from the audience.
By Brett Williams ETC EDITOR
When word got out that Jackson State University’s MADDRAMA performance troupe was coming to the University of South Alabama, it spread like wildfire. Students from across Mobile came together in the Student Center ballroom Wednesday night to form an impromptu congregation. When they did, their shared feelings of pride, power and nostalgia turned the performer’s show into church. Last week, someone brought up the point that in the African-American community, the feeling of community had gotten lost somewhere along the way. They say it used to be that one person’s success was everyone’s success and when a child strayed from the path, he or she would be reined in by the community. Black folks believe this started with the church, and this idea may have gained some ground Wednesday.
Someone talked about how they remembered their mom going out on Saturdays and “talking about folks” then turning around going to church Sunday and “doing the same thing”. The crowd laughed because the memory was shared. When someone shed tears of regret and sorrow, the audience grew silent. When a young woman sang and bore her heart and soul to the crowd, for a moment, it felt as if there had been some shared feeling of success and triumph. There was that much power and shared feeling in the room. Students from the University of South Alabama, MADDRAMA performance troupe and a large consortium of others from around the city gathered and seemed to grow for an hour or two collectively. MADDRAMA brought its best songs, most powerful stories, the rhythm of interpretive dance, heartfelt praise and worship with it to a performance that drew out the best in its audience. That old school com-
munity feeling was on full display, too. After the show, Mobile natives like Jared Haynes, the president of MADDRAMA, came home to the open arms of families who shared their feelings of success and happiness with the crowd. Everyone cheered together when one after the other, the troupe members took center stage and introduced themselves. It felt as if someone had just introduced you to an old family member. Finally, just like when church ends on Sunday, the majority of the congregation stayed after to swap stories, take pictures and genuinely meet and greet. If you’ve ever stayed after church was over waiting on your grandmother or mother to leave, you know the feeling. The acronym MADDRAMA stands for “Making A Difference Doing Respectful And Meaningful Art,” according to President Jared Haynes. The performance troupe consists mostly of volunteers and members come from other campus or-
ganizations at Jackson State University. Without any scholarships for drama or performing arts, the students are pursuing a passion and putting their extra energy into something they say they genuinely enjoy doing. In addition to MADDRAMA’s performance Wednesday night, students also attended the African American Student Association Legacy Basketball Game held Monday and the USA vs. Troy basketball game Friday in support of the African American Student Society Show Choir. The other event, the Black History fasion show, was rescheduled for April. No further information such as dates or times has been announced yet. For more information on Black History Month 2011 activities or to find out about upcoming events, please visit the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs downstairs in the Student Center beside Jaguar Productions.
Star Betelgeuse not set to become second sun By Gabe Grimes Staff Writer
It’s possible that in the near future, the star Betelgeuse is going to be bright enough to act as a second sun. We could have two suns in the near future! Just like Luke Skywalker’s homeworld Tatooine! Holy Guacamole! That, or Betelgeuse will kill us all. Well kids, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Betelgeuse, the star in the constellation Orion, isn’t going to kill us all. The bad news is that means you still have to pay back your student loans. How did this confusion come about? Let me lay out a timeline for you all: first, that bastion of journalistic integrity that is news.com.au said Betelgeuse will explode in 2012 and create a second sun for us, al-
beit temporarily according to scientist Dr. Brad Carter from the University of South Queensland. Then, the Huffington Post, as well as other reputable news organizations, picked up the story and ran with it. Finally, people are partly expected to head into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters. The only problem is that Dr. Carter didn’t say any of that. Yes, he said Betelgeuse will more than likely supernova sometime soon and blow up. Yes, he said this supernova will “visually light up the night sky.” He never said when it will happen, though. And the biggest thing that the article fails to mention is that the doctor was speaking in terms relative to other astronomical events. Luckily, Discover Magazine’s Web site has a “Bad Astronomy” column, written by
night or it could happen in 100,000 years. Second, the supernova will be brighter than Venus but not as bright as the moon. It will likely be bright enough to cast a shadow, but not nearly bright enough for us to have a Tatooine-like two-sun firmament. Dr. Plait says that this supernova will be closer and brighter than anything we’ve been able to see before and will be a benefit to the professional and amateur astronomic NASA.com community members alike, but any doomsExperts say Betelgeuse (depicted at the top day scenarios caused by this supernova are incredibly wrong. left) won't explode until 2012 at the earliest While this will disappoint Tusken Raid- if at all. ers and Jawas everywhere, the rest of the astronomer Phil Plait. In one article, he de- planet can breathe a sigh of relief. And tails how everything Dr. Carter said is cor- while you’re breathing your sighs of relief, rect and pretty much everything news.com. my fellow Earthicans, why not set up a teleau said is wrong. scope and a camera and take some snapFirst, the supernova could happen to- shots?
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VALENTINE’S DAY 2011
A couple of Vanguard writers weigh in with their take on the internationally recognized day of love, from advice aimed at helping you not screw up that perfect date this year to discussing exactly what love is.
How to (not) ruin Valentine’s Day By Laura Beth Calcote HOW-TO GIRL
It’s the holiday of love and romance, the day that’s nationally recognized as the day you should show that special someone exactly how you feel. It’s also the day that you can disappoint them the most. If a rotten Valentine’s Day is exactly what you’re looking for, here are some ways to really screw it up. Ruining it with the Ladies: 1. Completely forget Valentine’s Day. Do not remember until she asks where you’re going, as you are on your way out the door to meet the guys at ye old pub. 2. Give her an empty chocolate box with a gym membership tucked inside. 3. Reserve a table. At Taco Bell. 4. Don’t tell her she looks beautiful. Instead, find something wrong with her and point it out. 5. Have too much to drink at dinner and hook up with the waitress at the restaurant. 6. Take her out to the most expensive restaurant in town, order steak, lobster, and a bottle of Dom. When the check arrives, say you have to go to the bathroom, walk right out the front door of the restaurant
and catch the next cab you see. 7. Buy a fake diamond ring, set up an elaborate proposal, get down on one knee and ask. When she gushes, “Yes!” say, “I was just kidding.” Ruining it with the Guys: 1. Miss whatever he had planned because you take at least two hours getting ready. 2. When he arrives with flowers, no matter what kind they are, say, “Ew. I hate that flower.” 3. Demand that you go to the most expensive restaurant around, order at least $100 worth of food, then spend an hour just pushing it around your plate. Don’t eat any of it. 4. Give him a framed picture of you and some random foreign guy, and when he opens it, say, “Oops! That one was meant for Ricardo. Must have gotten the tags switched.” 5. When he arrives at your place, have candles lit everywhere, with soft music playing, and tell him you’ve got a surprise for him. Then draw a pentagram on the floor and tell him you two are going to raise the spirit of your dead Aunt Judy, because she died on Valentine’s Day. see HOW TO | 16
One writer’s definition of love By Richard Schmitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“I love you.” We have all said it before. There is an entire holiday devoted to buying gifts to say this over used phrase. But how many take the time to think about what the most powerful human emotion really means? Our struggle in relationships is over our struggle to understand love. If more people knew the definition of love, there would be more successful relationships. In contrast, if you do not know what love is, how can you experience love? You are probably thinking, “Of course I know what love is. My boyfriend and I are SO in love. We spend every minute together, constantly praising our love. We even went to Lovers Skate Night last Thursday and he bought me chocolate.” You may be in love. Or you may be a lustful, dependent person that becomes easily attached. Knowing the difference is essential to life. Love is a broadly defined word, and it is constantly evolving. Somehow this sacred see LOVE | 11
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February 14, 2011
Textbooks
NSSE
her technical writing classes. The textbook used for the class utilizes websites and interactive documents. “From time to time, I’ll use the eBook in class,” Guzy said. Simba Information, a leading authority for market intelligence and forecasts in the media industry, predicted that eTextbooks will grow at a compound annual rate of 48.5 percent, reaching $585.4 million in sales by 2013. A lot of students may seem inclined to continue purchasing print textbooks, but the upcoming generation of college students could be the ones to make the switch to digital. Just as the floppy disk gave way to the compact disc, and soon after the jump drive, looking at a book’s index then flipping through paper pages will soon be replaced by typing in a keyword and scrolling down a screen.
“I thought the questions were thorough and good,” said Martha Collins, a graduating senior, “but since they didn’t deal with specific departments, I don’t think the information will be that useful because every department is different.” First-time freshman Joe Burgum will not be taking the NSSE because he feels “it would be pointless. The [universities’ administrations] release these surveys to serve themselves.” The NSSE asks questions about the schools’ level of academic challenge, student and faculty interaction, campus environment, and the educational experience as a whole. The survey results will be compared to other urban institutions and to southeastern peer universities. Students will be given three additional reminders about the NSSE throughout the spring semester.
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Love
from page 10
word, originally used as the ultimate compliment for someone, has become diluted. People are now loving pizza, movies, and their jobs. Love has come to mean so much with so many definitions, that now it means so little. Most cultures realize there are multiple forms of love. For example, ancient Greeks had four different definitions for love: storge, meaning affectionate love between family; phileo, the unselfish love you find in friendships; eros, the sexual lust and affection and agape, the current Greek word for love, which means the unconditional giving of self to another. Agape is the love most associated with Valentine’s Day and is the purest love there is. It must be grown into and nurtured, creating real substance. It is patient and does not just happen, for this is called lust. Lust is a great ride, but always runs out of fuel in the end, creating a terrible crash. Far too often, love and lust become confused. This is when people struggle in relationships asking, “What is love,” but they are really asking, “Am I in love?” Lust takes, creating an empty feeling of something missing. Pure love is all about absolute giving. The best way to differentiate is with proper boundaries and values. The most
from page 3
important boundary that establishes true love is trust. Two people cannot work if they are constantly worrying about the other person. It is too much stress for the human body and the relationship will collapse from jealousy. Sadly, today’s culture makes it harder and harder to trust someone. Go downtown and you will find people in relationships, even married adults hooking up with several people in one night. This lustful behavior is inspired, even encouraged by pop culture songs and movies. In love, it is better to trust and be cheated on, then to be controlling. If the person that loved you cheats, it is for the best. They did not have good values and were not meant for you in the first place. This is healthier than keeping someone trapped in a damaging relationship where lust and jealousy outweigh love. If it is meant to be, it is meant to be. If not, say good luck and goodbye, as there are plenty of better fish in the sea to truly love. The only remedy in this broken world is to be mature and rise above the challenge. Love is a bridge between two hearts, and the best bridges are made with bricks of trust. Still asking about love? It is the deepest level of trust between two people. Love is a beautiful reality when done right.
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Arts & Entertainment
February 14, 2011
Le Boeuf: Michael Winslow
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Rodney Thompson, A&E Editor ane.editor@usavanguard.com
www.usavanguard.com/a-e
Show Choir performs for packed house
In its premier concert, the USA Show Choir brought its audience an exciting and energetic performance of contemporary songs and dance.
By Rodney Thompson
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The door opens, footsteps come down the stairs, a code is punched into the keypad, however as all of this happens, you realize you aren’t watching anything actually happen. You are merely staring in awe as a man creates all of these effects with his mouth. Michael Winslow, actor and comedian, soundboard and musical ensemble, performed his live stage show to a packed house on February 12th at Pure- The Experience.
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
The USA Show Choir gave its premier concert Feb. 7 at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, where the house was packed and energy levels were high.
By Rodney Thompson
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The USA Show Choir celebrated their premier on Feb. 7 at the Laidlaw Recital Hall. Doors opened at 7:00 p.m. and it was not long thereafter that the performance space was packed to the brim with curious patrons and supportive fans of the latest effort to bring something new and exciting to the South Alabama campus. The USA Show Choir’s Glee-Like performance draws in a generation of people that have fallen in love with the singing and dancing on the hit series Glee. This particular night the USA Show Choir was able to generate over $700.00 in ticket revenues. That money will go towards
http://www.puretheexperience.com/
Michael Winslow, shown above as Larvell Jones from the Police Academy series, put on an astounding performance at Pure.
At risk of sounding like a publicity agent for Pure, I must say that this club has become one of my new favorite places to hang out. Pure has an awesome menu, great entertainment, and penny drinks. What more could an entertainment addict with a drinking problem ask for? I will admit right off the bat that I was a bit skeptical about Winslow’s show. Winslow was suppose to perform at the Mitchell Center awhile back and unfortunately had to cancel, so it was great to have another opportunity to see him. However, when Larvell Jones from Police Academy fame comes to mind, all I could picture was the endless amounts of sound effects that Winslow did while playing this role. How could he translate this talent into a comedy show? Effectively, that is how. Winslow opened see WINSLOW | 17
the purchase of jackets for the group to give them a more uniformed look, as well as fully developed costumes and the purchasing of new music to perform. The USA Show Choir has already begun work on their next set list which will include: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, “Proud” by Heather Small, “River Deep, Mountain High” by Celine Dion, as well as a medley for the girls of the hits songs “Bad Romance,” “Express Yourself,” “Telephone,” “Toxic,” and “Single Ladies.” Open auditions were held on Saturday, February 12th. “We always are looking for someone with a love for show choir and a strong work ethic! Someone who brings something new to the table but also will fuse well with the current members,” said direc-
tor and president of the USA Show Choir, Brandon Caten regarding the type of performers they were searching for. The USA Show Choir’s first full performance was an excellent sample of the group’s potential. While the sound was a bit difficult at best, when the group came together as a whole, their voices carried far and reverberated the ear drums with a pleasurable ensemble of sounds. “We’ve received a lot of feedback about the performance, and most people say we need to do something about the sound. I am looking into us getting lavalier microphones for all the members, and hopefully with some help from the SGA and a possible Senate project, we can get those before the next
see SHOW CHOIR | 17
“The Last Night of Ballyhoo” coming to Laidlaw By Rodney Thompson
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
It is time for Theatre USA’s first spring 2011 performance. They are kicking off 2011 with a play by Alfred Uhry titled “The Last Night of Ballyhoo.” According to the Department of Dramatic Arts’ website, “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” is set in December 1939. Focused on the Frietag family of Atlanta, Georgia, the play revolves around the premiere of the famous movie “Gone with the Wind,” and if the character Lala will be able to find a date for a Jewish social event known as Ballyhoo. The play is directed by Keone Fuqua. “‘The Last Night of Ballyhoo’ is indeed a special play. It is an American play, a Southern play, and a Jewish play. It presents an exceptional story about family, society, and faith, rich with culture and character,” stated Fuqua in his director notes regarding
the play, adding, “Ballyhoo provides a slice of life of the Freitag family dealing with many conflicts from differences that predate the horrific events of the Holocaust. I find ‘The Last Night of Ballyhoo’ to be a beautiful, powerful and humorous story
"The Last Night of Ballyhoo is indeed a special play..." ~Keone Fuqua, Director which will touch the heart of the audience through understanding the importance of developing a strong commitment to heritage, beliefs and values.” Keone Fuqua is of Hawaiian heritage and currently teaches acting and various other theater courses at the University of South Alabama and the University of Mo-
bile. Fuqua received his Master’s of Fine Arts Degree in Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Locally Fuqua has directed such plays as “Hear the Voices Ring” at the Saenger Theater, “Singing in the Rain” with the University of Mobile’s Upper Room Theater, “The Women of Lockerbie” with Theatre USA, and “Lost Highway” with the Joe Jefferson players. The production crew includes: scenic and lighting designer, Lyle B. Miller; costume designer, Rebecca F. Britton; and stage manager, Tara Gebhard. The cast includes: Neil Henderson as Adolph, Ashley Sutter as Boo, Devin Patrick as Reba, Christina McCarty as Lala, Meliah Scarbrough as Sunny, Carlo Freda IV as Joe, and Evan Wilson as Peachy. “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” will be presented in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center beginning Feb. 19 and ending Feb. 27.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thom Kaz: Motivator first, hypnotist second By Madison Murphy CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Moving to Las Vegas and beginning a career as a professional hypnotist is not most people’s dream. It certainly was not a goal for Thom Kaz when he was a student at the University of South Alabama in the 80’s. He was a medical student and a successful baseball player, but not an entertainer. Kaz was first introduced to the art of hypnosis by a Sports Illustrated article. It instantly sparked in him an interest in the “power of the mind.” Unfortunately, without a way to study it, his curiosity fell by the wayside and he joined the military. In 1991, while stationed in the Air Force, he had the opportunity to see a hypnosis show by James Medicineman and his interest in mind tricks returned. After the show, he asked Medicineman about his art and promised to return to another show. He came back the next night, sneaking in a Sony walkman with a microphone and recorded the entire show. He later transcribed every word. Before long, Kaz was performing hypnosis on his friends and soon started playing local clubs, gradually moving up to fully paid performances. After his time in the military, he came back to Mobile and was soon thereafter married. Kaz performed shows around town, but never really developed a strong following. After losing two close friends to drugs and alcohol, he decided to dedicate his time to a charity of his own creation. Kaz started Home Run Against Drugs to encourage children to stay in school and away from drugs and alcohol.
Courtesy of Thom Kaz
Thom Kaz is a man of vision, who has a strong desire to share his gifts both to entertain and to motivate people to achieve the impossible.
When an opportunity came, Kaz and his family packed up and moved to Las Vegas with little next to nothing to support them. Kaz worked on the charity by day and was an aspiring entertainer by night. He went several months without performing and just as he had decided to give up, he came upon the Palace Station Casino. Kaz guaranteed the Palace Station entertainment coordinator that he had the “best show on the planet.” Surprisingly, he was given a month of
booked dates which quickly sold out. The Palace Station Casino gave Kaz another month and another month until finally he was signed to a contract and began performing shows at several venues. Home Run Against Drugs grew as well, and today, the program, which is sponsored by baseball legend Ozzie Smith, is active in over 23 U.S. states. Thom Kaz had the opportunity to network with some of the biggest names on the Vegas Strip and became a widely renowned hypnotist and entertainer. The ride lasted for about seven years until a desire to bring his family home took over. He and his wife moved back to Mobile. Kaz is currently the director of marketing and special events at Pure - The Experience and also performs his hypnosis show every first Friday of each new month. He is also a motivational speaker and is a clinically certified hypnotist. Home Run Against Drugs is growing, and Kaz is working on generating more awareness around Mobile. Kaz made it clear that being an entertainer is the joy in his life, but it takes a back seat to his true passion, which is helping others find the confidence to do great things. Kaz assuredly professes his ability to motivate a person and find their true potential. Kaz also claims that there is limitless potential to the application of his techniques, which can be used to improve your work and social life, both in school and in the real world. Hypnosis is not something everyone can just pick up as a hobby; take it to Vegas, and book casino gigs and HBO specials. At the end of the day Kaz says, “Do what you love, and love what you do.”
‘Twilight’ making its way into college syllabi By Nick Griffith
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As recipient of the British Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year and the Kid’s Choice Award of 2009 for Best Book, The “Twilight” Saga by Stephenie Meyer has obviously earned the best credentials fictional writing has to offer these days. Therefore, it should be no surprise that this adolescent fiction series should make the prestigious leap from pop teen sensation to collegiate classroom, correct? Understandably, any college student who pays tuition should instinctually develop a pit in the bottom of their stomach upon such accusations as the “Twilight” novels becoming official college literature material. Imagine a world in which the brightest students of any major university can accrue student loan debt paying for a course that teaches about fictional, sparkling vampires and handsomely-ripped werewolves who epically battle for an awkward, underage girl. Unfortunately, this is no figment of your imagination. Ohio State University enrolled students in a 2009 Honors Introduction to Fiction course that used “Twilight” as a required text. The duly accredited “Twilight” series accompanies other actual substantial fiction novels, such
February 14, 2011
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Rod’s Weekly Planner
Here are some Arts & Entertainment activities on and off campus that are guaranteed to keep you busy without sending you to the Battleship.
http://www.wallpaperweb.org
What: Made in Dagenha, a film about working class women fighting for equal rights. Where: The Crescent Theater in Downtown, Mobile When: Feb. 11 to Feb. 17th with showings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. What: Giant Insects, an exhibit featuring six oversized robotic bugs, a live insect zoo, and much more bug-related fun. Where: The Gulf Coast Exploreum When: Jan. 22 to May 22 What: Jag Radio Interest Meeting Where: Communications Building Room 1213 When: Feb. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. What: Jasper Redd, comedy show with door prizes. Where: Student Center Ballroom When: Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. What: Mardi Gras Mayhem, themed dance party with games, door prizes, and a DJ. Where: Student Center Ballroom When: Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. What: WSKJ and Soul Kitchen present Lee Brice Where: Soul Kitchen in Downtown, Mobile When: Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com
Edward and Bella might just be the next Romeo and Juliet. 100 years from now, perhaps Stephanie Meyer will become a classic author.
as Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The course’s instructor, Associate Professor Amanpal Garcha, invites students to explore these texts, “as they push us to consider the nature and importance of literary imagination,” according to the course syllabus. Garcha has not replied to e-mails The Vanguard sent him regarding the use of “Twilight” in his coursework.
I don’t know about you, but when the phrase “literary imagination” comes to mind, I most definitely do not think of “Twilight.” But how do Ohio State Students, who pay a potential $33,768 in tuition and fees (according to the OSU website) relate to students at the University of South Alabama? Dr. Pat Cesarini, interim chair of the USA English desee TWILIGHT | 17
What: Conde Cavalier Parade Where: Streets of Downtown, Mobile When: Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. What: Bayport Parading Society, Pharaoh's Mystic Society Parade, and Conde Explorer's Parade. Where: Streets of Downtown, Mobile When: Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
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February 14, 2011
Favre not story of Super Bowl XLV
Sports
The
Vanguard Matt Weaver, Sports Editor jmatthewweaver@aol.com
www.usavanguard.com/sports
Stanky Field Renovation Nearly Complete
By Matt Weaver SPORTS EDITOR
Brett Favre is not a Green Bay Packer. In fact, he ceased being one in 2007. So why has Favre become the story of Super Bowl XLV? I would never undermine Favre’s place in that team’s history. No one represented that team more than he did, but this is Aaron Rodger’s moment. And yet, following Green Bay’s 31-25 victory over Pittsburgh, the questions immediately shifted to Favre and how Rodgers’ victory effects his legacy. Really guys? Let Favre go. It’s this sort of mindless media worship that has brought Brett back year after year. Don’t be silly. Super Bowl XLV has zero bearing on Favre’s legacy. Make no mistake, Brett Favre is this generations greatest sport’s treasure, but this is the last time I’ll allow myself to think of him. Favre had a fantastic career, and I hope 2011 was truly his swan song. This day is about Aaron Rodgers and the 2010 Packers. Rodgers looked every bit his own man in Dallas on Super Bowl Sunday. He was gutsy, mechanical and accurate. And at 27 years old, he may be set to overtake his predecessors as the new face of Packers football. But why stop there? Barring a disastrous lockout scenario, Rodgers is young and talented enough to win several more Super Bowls. More importantly, he’s surrounded by the right roster to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. Rodgers, the Super Bowl MVP, passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns and was clearly FOX’s darling on Super Bowl Sunday. But some would try to take that away from him. After his greatest career win, they would compare championships, a process that would devalue each trophy Green Bay has ever won. They wonder how many games HE would have won with this team and if Rodgers is as good as him. A Super Bowl Championship is a precious thing. Green Bay is fortunate to have won four of them. As a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan, I wouldn’t trade Super Bowl XLIV for anything. With that franchises’ luck, another championship may never come. With that, I have but one message for fans of the Packers, NFL and Brett Favre. Value this moment and let him go. Editor’s note: You can follow Matt Weaver on Twitter: @JMattWeaver
Colin McGee | Photo Editor
Renovations are nearing completion for South Alabama's Stanky Field. Construction crews have been fast at work since the summer to complete a warning track, extended dogouts, and a state-of-the-art viewing patio angled from left field. The changes are intended to have Stanky Field compete with other Division-I and Sun Belt Conference schools.
Men’s basketball falls to in-state rivals Troy Shoots 57.1 Percent to Drop Jags to 6-5 at Mitchell Center By Ryan Franklin SPORTS REPORTER
South Alabama men’s basketball failed to make it two in a row against in-state rival Troy on Thursday night as Travis Lee’s game-high 28 points was all the Trojans needed to take home a 72-59 victory at the Mitchell Center. Troy hit 57.1 percent of their shots, including 66.7 percent in the second half as South Alabama’s woes continue at home. “We’ve got to protect our home court,” South Alabama head coach Ronnie Arrow said. “We let them shoot 57 percent. Case closed. We don’t guard. It’s very disappointing. It’s not that we can’t. It’s that we don’t. You can’t jump into a kid’s body and make them want to do something that they don’t want to do.” Lee was nearly perfect in Thursday night’s game shooting 10-15 and draining 6 out of 11 three pointers. Martino Brock led the Jags with 20 points, but too many missed shots from South Alabama led to another conference loss
“We had no answer for Lee,” Arrow said. “He just shot and shot. The game plan was not to let him or Regis Huddleston get the ball. It’s hard to score when you don’t get the ball, but unfortunately, when he got it, it went in the hole.” South Alabama went into the first half with plenty of energy and got off to a great start, but Troy’s defense suffocated momentum back to their court. With 13 minutes left in the half the Trojans took the lead and never looked back. The second half was no different; the Jags came in strong and closed a doubledigit deficit to five points, but the Trojans pulled themselves together and couldn’t seem to miss. On the other hand the Jags shot poorly from the field with a FG percentage of only 34.5%. The Jags fall to 10-13 (4-8 SBC) while the Trojans move to 6-17 (4-7 SBC). Women’s Basketball Completes Comeback at Home Against Troy Trailing by 10 midway through the sec-
ond half, the University of South Alabama women’s basketball used a 20-2 run as it rallied back to capture a 72-62 victory over Troy Wednesday evening at the Mitchell Center. With the win, South Alabama head coach Rick Pietri picked up his 183rd career victory at the collegiate level to become the program’s all-time winningest coach. The victory also marked the first time that USA has come back to win a game when trailing at the break in 10 tries. “We finally just reached down deep inside ourselves when things weren’t going well and we just pulled it out,” Pietri said. I told them in the locker room that, with the limited amount of time we have in the season, we know we can do it. We can draw from this experience and know we can do it, should we have to again.” USA (14-10, 6-6 SBC) will return to action on Feb. 17 when the Lady Jags travel to take on North Texas.
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February 14, 2011
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Sports Briefs South Alabama Softball off to Best Start in Program’s History
Doomsday Scenario Quickly Approaches
The University of South Alabama softball team posted ten home runs and allowed only four runs on day two of the Hibbett-Easton All-Alabama Softball Classic in Vestavia Hills, Ala. The Jaguars downed Samford, 10-3, in game one, and defeated Alabama State, 13-1, in game two. South Alabama (4-0) is off to its best start in the programs history. Meghan Collins and Brittany Fowler led the Jaguar offense, each going 2-for-3 with two runs. Fowler also had two of the Jaguars’ 10 RBI, along with Britany Campbell and Haley Hopkins who also tallied two RBIs each. Hopkins and Christin Crocker each went 2-for-5 at the plate. Four players had two hits for the Jaguars while five had a hit as well.
By Jayson Curry SPORTS REPORTER
Do you remember that movie “The Replacements?” You know, where Keanu Reeves, John Favreau and friends play some professional football because the real players went on strike? We might be on the verge of living through a scenario like that when the next NBA and NFL season come around. If they come around. And as much as I love Keanu, there is no way I want something like that to happen. Some people are calling it the doomsday scenario because the NFL and NBA could actually be shut down for a period of time. How could this happen you might ask? As always, it boils down to money. In the NFL the current collective bargaining agreement contract is set to expire and a new one must be agreed on. The sticking point comes in when both sides made it apparent that they want the majority of the league’s revenue. Also the owners want to have the players to play two less preseason games in exchange for two more regular season games. This shouldn’t make sense for a league that has been making new rules to help protect players. Playing additional games is not in the spirit of good health. As for the money, the owners want a larger slice of the pie because they own the franchises. In my opinion there is no money without the players and there are over a thousand players that split their percent of the money. There are only 32 owners. It’s the same situation in the National Basketball League. In their situation I suggest the same thing. There is no game without the players and no money to be had should no games be played. It’s absolutely ridiculous that these agreements have not been signed or in some instances even talked about. The NFL walked out of a meeting with the NFL Payer’s Association (NFLPA) last week after the NFLPA offered a 50 percent split between the players and the owners. The bottom line I suggest to all parties is to just get it done. I refuse to give up Lebron and Brady for hockey and golf. It’s not going to happen and those in charge need to make strides to ensure that it won’t. Deals must be made, and games have to be played. As much as I love Keanu Reeves and John Favreau I’ll take Lebron and Brady every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Overstreet Picked to All -SBC; Jags Baseball Picked to Finish Seventh
greenascot.com
Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has been involved in trade talks with the New York Knick, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls since last season.
Anthony Rumors Heat Up By Jake Wasdin SPORTS REPORTER
As the NBA All Star Weekend draws closer, so does the NBA Trade Deadline. For weeks the NBA has been filled with rumors of Carmelo Anthony’s future destination. Anthony will be a free agent after the season. With rumors of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, the New Jersey Nets, and the New York Knicks in the hunt, Anthony’s destination is uncertain. For whoever gets Melo, they have an immediate threat in the lineup as the All Star is averaging 25 points a game this season. Let’s breakdown his destinations. Lakers: The Lakers are looking for young talent to clinch their third straight NBA championship, but they would have to give up Andrew Bynum, a young but gifted center who Jerry Bus, the Laker’s owner, is very fond of. This deal is a one for one trade, but looks to fall short for the Nugget’s taste. When asked Bynum said,” that’s just rumors being passed around league.” Nets: The Nets have had numerous talks with the Nuggets about Carmelo, but the negotiations have fell through the cracks as the Nets have grown tired of distracting the players as well as the fans. With a mediocre lineup, New Jersey has a slim chance of landing Anthony, but do not rule them out before the deadline. Knicks: New York has great meaning to Carmelo Anthony as he played high
school ball at Oak Hill Academy and played at Syracuse where he led the Orangemen to a NCAA championship. The Knicks are back to a NBA powerhouse with the acquisition of Amare Stoudemire. The Knicks look to be Anthony’s primary destination, but when is the question. Are the Knicks willing to trade anyone for Melo as their offense is already a threat, or do the Knicks wait for him to join them in free agency in the summer? Bulls: Chicago is not a serious contender for Anthony as of now, but their name has been thrown in the pot among the lead. The Bulls, with an All Star point guard and center, lack shooting from the perimeter, which Anthony could give them. The Bulls are probably the fourth best team in the East behind the Heat, the Celtics, and the Magic, but with an acquisition of Melo, the Bulls could be a serious contender for the East. Nuggets: Although Anthony has been in rumors with all these teams, do not be surprised when he decides to stay in Denver with the Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony has said that he is willing to discuss an extension with Nuggets. Anthony wants to win by any means necessary. It is going to be interesting over the next week if trade talks widen. If the Nuggets decide to trade Anthony at least they could get players instead of losing him to free agency. Melo is looking to sign a 3-year, $65 million contract or extension.
University of South Alabama baseball third baseman Jake Overstreet was named Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference, while the Jaguars were predicted to finish seventh in the league, as announced by the conference office Friday morning. Overstreet was the lone Jaguar to receive preseason honors, which are based largely on the previous year. Last season, Overstreet drove in 74 runs, which tied for the most in the SBC and marked the second-highest single-season total in South Alabama history – only six shy of Luis Gonzalez’s all-time mark of 80 RBIs set in 1988. South Alabama Graduate Racing at Daytona International Speedway South Alabama alumni Grant Enfinger competed on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, finishing eighth at the ARCA ReMax Slick Mist 200 for 2008 ARCA championship team Allgaier Motorsports. Enfinger completed a successful weekend that also saw him post the fastest speeds in practice and place his own car, driven by veteran Benny Gordon, to seventh. ARCA legend Bobby Gerhart won the event after leading the most laps. Men’s Tennis Defeats Southern Miss For Second Win South Alabama men’s tennis improved to 2-1 after shutting out Southern Miss 7-0 Wednesday at the Mobile Tennis Center. The Golden Eagles fall to 1-6. The USA tandem of freshman Parker Allen and sophomore Alexandre Bernard set the tone for the match downing Michael Sims and Alex Doleac 8-0. In the No. 2 flight, juniors Hanno Bartsch and Dauw Kruger clinched the doubles point with their 8-4 victory over Paulo Alvarado and Jovan Zeljkovic. Senior Lucas Viel and junior Romain Bocaert followed topping Jan Burmeister and Julien Roussel 8-5. -Wire Reports
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Mental Health
Golden Rule
Amendment
Strokes
co-author of the report and director of the Higher Education Research Institute. “Students and families are now charged with the task of becoming more resourceful and strategic in finding new and creative ways to pay for college.” The Counseling and Testing Center offers seminars on stress management and conflict resolution. “We don’t always wait for people to come to us,” Clark said of the seminars. At the seminars, the students “see who we are, and see that we’re not scary,” Clark said. For more information, e-mail Dr. Clark at aclark@usouthal.edu. If you are feeling like your emotional health is not in the “highest 10 percent,” help is available to you. The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. To set up an appointment, call 460-7051. All visits are confidential, and since the counseling center is in conjunction with the testing center, no one will know which service you intend to use.
“weaken” our educational experience. However, I do not believe additional questions asked by a classmate ever harmed anyone. There is another situation that I see commonly happen. In fact, this situation has occurred so often I have heard another student lean over and say, “Is it a South tradition to be verbally assaulted by this guy?” Sometimes people with certain diagnoses can repeat socially abnormal behaviors. I’m not implying that we can’t react humanly and giggle when something said or done makes us feel uncomfortable; but we can still behave humanely and remember that we are all here under the same laws, striving to better our situation, no matter where we came from or how we got here. If you are on campus with a disability or have questions about disability-related services at USA, contact the Office of Special Student Services at 251-4607212.
A teacher should go to the authorities if an issue about school security arises. Teachers have the right to own guns just like any other American and are under obligation to adhere to gun regulations like every other American. It still stands, though, that teachers should not have to go to work afraid for their lives and the lives of their students because their weaponless state leaves them defenseless in the face of a school shooter. Government security and state security measures can only be stretched so far before the systems weaken. In the case of school attacks where teachers and children are targeted, teachers and school officials should band together and become a militia of education governed by reason and definite regulations.
Statistics
and Byrd didn’t disappoint. She received her Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Nothing could stop Byrd from applying to be the next meteorologist at Fox 10. She’d simply planned ahead and applied herself. These turned out to be two of the traits that employers like Cashen look for in employees. Byrd has been with Fox 10 since, and says she has no plans of working anywhere else or in any other field at the present, though she would consider going back to school to learn management or teaching.
“We have worried for a while that the increased prevalence of obesity in children and young adults may take its toll in cardiovascular disease and stroke,” Sacco told the CDC. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention took samples from hospitals in 41 states across the United States including about 8 million cases per year. According to the article, they looked at the percentages for all strokes by gender and in seven age groups. According to the CDC, for every 10,000 hospitalizations in 1994-95 compared with 2006-07, strokes rose: —51 percent, from 9.8 to 14.8, among males 15 to 34 years old —17 percent, from 3.6 to 4.2, in females 15 to 34 —47 percent, from 36 to 52.9, in males 35 to 44 —36 percent, from 21.9 to 30, in females 35 to 4 These percentages were reproduced from the original article published on USAtoday.com. This news is also especially startling because a recent meeting report from the ASA reported that young, uninsured stroke survivors would possibly be unable to cover the related medical expenses. This relates to students’ ability to find and be successful in careers. Because there are an abundant number of jobs instead of careers for students out there, students usually don’t have healthcare benefits. I will leave you with this career-related thought: if students are unable to find careers and these trends continue, things could be a lot worse.
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How To from page 10
6. After he takes you on a secretly planned horse-drawn carriage ride with champagne, chocolate and roses, say, “Wow. That is uncanny. My ex did the exact same thing for me on our first Valentine’s Day!” Then talk about your ex for the rest of the night. 7. If he does choose Valentine’s Day to pop the question, say no.
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Byrd
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a potential shooter anywhere, so shouldn’t everybody carry a gun at all times? No thanks. The police exist for a reason, and they’ve been doing their job for a long time. So if it comes down to moving around in a school filled with hundreds of armed and deadly guns or facing a .00004 percent chance of dying at the hands of a school shooter, I’ll take my chances with the shooter.
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Winslow from page 12
a big freaking can of awesome on stage as he did sound effects and impersonations, to accompany hilarious stories and jokes. The effect of his performance was odd, because while hilariously brilliant, it is also jaw-dropping and fantastical. Winslow’s rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Ironman” was incredible. I had chills and they were multiplying. At one point during the show, Winslow pays tribute to Star Wars as the movie is
Show Choir from page 12
performance,” said Caten regarding the audio problems that were suffered during the performance. The performance lasted roughly an hour and included hit songs such as “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, and “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne. It was not until the group performed “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked, that they really came alive and grabbed my attention. It was at this point in the show that solidified the group’s potential to progress. “My favorite moment was when we as a group of varied and different people walked out and became a single unified voice,” commented Parker Chastain, performer and Biomedical Sciences sophomore. “There are always jitters right before I go on stage, but once the song begins, I just start singing and nothing else matters,” said Emily Isacson, a junior Music Education major, regarding potential first night jitters. Isacson could not be more honest, the entire USA Show Choir came on stage with a presence
February 14, 2011 played on a big screen behind him with all but the infamous John William’s score removed. Instead, Winslow fills in for all the sound effects and voices. It was an incredible display of versatility and range. Like most good things in life, Winslow’s show was only here for that limited engagement. Apparently, Winslow is currently in talks to take his show to the bigger audiences of the Las Vegas strip. If you made it out and got to meet this amazing character then consider yourself fortunate. For those who didn’t, well, you are just stuck watching Police Academy.
and confidence that would meet little to no match. “Although I was nervous throughout the day, I mentally prepared myself by remembering how it felt performing in high school show choir or even just a couple of weeks ago at the Miss USA Scholarship Pageant,” said Sandra Huynh, a Biology sophomore, when asked how she mentally prepared for their first performance. “It’s exciting to do something you love, and the smiles in the audience from the people who came to support make all the nerves go away. “I was just so ready to finally be able to do our show.” The USA Show Choir has set the stage for a new tradition at the University of South Alabama, following the success of this premier event the group will be performing again on March 30 at the 7th on the Hill Fashion Show and also on April 1 at Relay for Life. For more information check out the USA Show Choir on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USAShowChoir.
Twilight from page 13
partment and associate professor of early American literature said, “Shakespeare is a classic, and in his time he was considered to be popular.” Obviously Shakespeare and Meyer generate many potential comparisons. The only difference between the two literary figures is 400 years of audience; the shaping of modern grammar, spelling and punctuation; inspiring 20,000 pieces of music; and the direct influence on significant authors such as Thomas Hardy, William Faulkner, and Charles Dickens. Fortunately, Cesarini confirmed that USA English courses focus on more challenging material than “Twilight.” The question remains if popularity can validate the academic benefit of Twilight in an honors college classroom. To put things lightly, renowned novelist Stephen King compared J. K. Rowling and Meyer like this: “The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer, and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good.” Perhaps the writers of tomorrow should refrain from modeling their works after an individual widely criticized as someone who lacks the ability to write well. In the end, accredited universities should think twice about integrating popular entertainment into the classroom. Considering that the only real issue at stake is the future of America, it would seem the growing student loan debt and current job market might have students questioning the legitimacy of “Twilight” in the classroom.
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Distractions
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www.usavanguard.com/distractions
Caption Contest
Do hilarious things come to mind when you see this photo? E-mail your funniest caption to usavanguard.editor@gmail.com. The winner will be published in the next edition!
Have an idea for Distractions? E-mail Editor-in-Chief Daniela Werner at usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com.
Caption Contest Results
Winner: “... and they told me Pilates was HARD!” -Anonymous
Sudoku Sudoku puzzles brought to you by USA’s Student Health Center. To make an appointment, call 251-460-7151. Rules: Fill each row, column, and square of nine boxes with the numbers one through nine without repeating any. Answer keys provided at www.usavanguard.com/ distractions.
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Jag Life
SGA
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meeting is canceled. Lasting a little more than a hour, this budget meeting was a welcome relief to student leaders who are used to two or three hourlong meetings. Thirty-six of the 44 requests by organizations who were represented were approved by one mass appropriation vote for $45,026.19. The other eight requests were discussed individually, although three of these were tabled until the next meeting. Some of the student leaders expressed frustration during this part of the meeting because the SGA Executive Committee (EC) denied funding that violated appropriations rules. Over the summer of 2010, the rules about what items constitute a “uniform” were changed to exclude items worn below the waist, such as pants and shoes. This meeting, unlike the spring budget meeting, did see some ostensible student confusion about the rules change. Despite this, most students The Vanguard spoke with were quite satisfied with how the budget meeting went. The Vanguard also spoke with Senate ProTem Paige Perry, who was instrumental in getting the appropriations packets reviewed by all but two members of the senate. Perry, who looked visibly tired after the meeting, told The Vanguard she had been
February 14, 2011
A Comic by Ben Lewis
quite busy meeting with senators to review the packets. “All of us are busy, which creates scheduling problems,” she said. Perry also expressed frustration with the poor communication within the SGA. “I wish the senators would have communicated with me that they wouldn’t be able to meet at a certain time or would need longer [to review the packets],” Perry said. The process was made more difficult, Perry said, because the previous week’s meeting was canceled due to a campus-wide power outage. Perry said that because this is her last term in the SGA, she is worried about how sustainable this process would be in the future. Perry also echoed concerns about senator participation outside of meetings, which has been a problem for the SGA all year. “Some people run just for the title, but it’s a lot of work,” she added. Overall, however, the senators and EC were pleased with how the meeting went. SGA President Kim Proctor told The Vanguard she was pleased with how prepared the senators were for this meeting. SGA Treasurer Michael Baldwin added that had it not been for the appropriations packet review process, the meeting would have lasted much longer. As mentioned, this week’s SGA meeting has been canceled. The budget process will continue next week.
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