April 12 - Brother Micah, No to Additional Honor Cords, and Facebook Passwords

April 12, 2012

Volume 80 No. 27

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

“(Micah Armstrong) reminds us to be broader in our own thinking about the people and events we come in contact with.” - Dr. Greg Pitts

Free

@UNAFlorAla @FlorAlaSports

to

speak?

Want to work next year as a Student Media photographer or Flor-Ala circulation manager? See more on page 2A.

A LOOK INSIDE

See page 2A SGA president Ralph Akalonu plans to veto a resolution that will cut $1 out of the student rec fee.

photos by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Top: Micah Armstrong, a radical preacher who travels to colleges campuses, speaks at the amphitheater April 4. Bottom: Andrew Henchorne argues with Armstrong among hundreds of other UNA students.

Students sound off after radical preacher makes waves on campus 4]Ka *MZZa

-`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ TJMZZa(]VI ML] See page 2B Students participate in “One Day Without Shoes,” sponsored by TOMS and brought to campus by the Fashion Forum.

Hundreds of students gathered by the Memorial Amphitheater April 4 to hear Micah Armstrong, a radical Christian preacher who makes stops at various universities and colleges across the eastern and southern U.S. Armstrong, who refers to him-

self as Brother Micah, spoke out against a number of topics, including homosexuality, sex outside of marriage, pornography, masturbation, drugs, smoking and more.

The event, which drew in a number of students who protested the preacher’s ideas and beliefs, caused controversy among the university community and raised the question of whether or not speakers

ON THE WEB: Check out our video of student reactions to Armstrong on florala.net ;MM ;8--+0 XIOM *

Officials oppose employers who require Facebook passwords )TM` 4QVLTMa

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Job applicants can typically expect routine questions in job interviews: what is your experience in this field? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? But some applicants have recently been faced with a different question: what’s your password?

Applicants or employees who have been reprimanded for not disclosing their Facebook passwords have recently come forward and sparked a response from Facebook.

In a March 23 press release, Facebook declared the sharing or soliciting of a password a violation of its statement of rights and responsibilities.

“We’ll take action to protect the privacy and security of our users, whether by engaging policymakers or, where appropriate, by initiating legal action, including by shutting down applications that abuse their privileges,” according to the press release.

Some organizations have begun asking applicants for their passwords in an effort to keep tabs on employees and monitor their online activity.

Facebook passwords are similar to email passwords and bank account numbers, said Jeremy Britten, UNA’s web communications manager.

“I’m definitely against giving out your password because Facebook is private,” he said. “Your group of friends is a private network. Some posts are available without passwords.”

Britten said employers shouldn’t have access to everything in employees’ private lives.

“Your employer doesn’t need to

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Faculty senate votes no additional honor cords for grads 2W[P ;SIOO[

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See page 4B The UNA football team is preparing for its spring game.

In a 20 to 11 vote, the UNA faculty senate voted March 15 in favor of keeping the current honor cord policies for graduation. The current policy only allows for Phi Kappa Phi and magna, summa and cum Laude cords.

The only honor society that can be represented is Phi Kappa Phi because it is an interdisciplinary society, said Faculty Senate President Darlene Townsend.

Leaving the policy where it is currently leaves out the remaining nine

honor societies recognized by UNA, according to documents from the Office of Student Engagement.

“We actually talked about (this) at the February meeting, and the senators wanted more time to go back to their department and collect their ideas,” Townsend said.

Townsend said the shared governance committee in charge of graduation actually voted in favor of allowing more honor societies to be included in the ceremony. “(President Cale) wanted a sense as a representative of what the faculty felt

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file photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

UNA’s faculty senate voted March 15 in favor of keeping the current honor cord policies that are set in place for graduates.

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News

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News Briefs Yearbook staff plans book release, free prize giveaway

Diorama, UNA’s yearbook, will be handing out free T-shirts, pens and bottle openers in the GUC atrium April 18 through 20 on a first-come first-served basis.

The yearbook will be released April 24 to the UNA community from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the GUC Atrium.

On April 25, the yearbook staff will be handing out the books from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The cost of the Diorama is free to students.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Media at 256-765-4296 or email diorama@una.edu.

Storytelling festival returns for second year at university The UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival will be hosted on campus May 18 and 19. The festival will kick off May 17 with a cruise aboard the Pickwick Belle at 11 a.m.

The schedule, which includes tellers Syd Lieberman, Andy Offutt Irwin, Bil Lepp, Dolores Hydock and Donald Davis, is posted online at http://www.una.edu/ storytelling.

For more information, contact festival organizer Debbie Chaffin at dkchaffin@ una.edu or at 256-765-4297.

Student Media seeks job applicants The Office of Student Media is currently seeking job applicants for the positions of staff photographer and circulation manager.

Applicants need to have their applications in to the hiring board by Friday, April 13 at 4 p.m.

To apply, send a resume, cover letter and work samples to Coordinator of Student Media Rebecca Walker at rlwalker@ una.edu.

For more information, contact Walker at 256-765-4426.

HAVE AN EVENT YOU WANT US TO COVER? News Briefs are compiled by News Editor Josh Skaggs. Email jskaggs@una.edu to have your event featured in this section.

Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

SNIFFIN’ IT OUT

K-9 unit starts work on campus, in community 5I\\ ?QT[WV

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UNA police welcomed a new member to its ranks March 16. Officer Toby is a three-year-old black lab with a highlytrained snout.

Toby was raised by prisoners in the state of Alabama until the age of six months when he was sent to Anniston for the first part of his extensive instruction. When finished there, he was sent to Auburn University to complete his training. On March 16, Toby graduated and was placed at UNA. photos by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Student Photographer The dog is trained in detecting 10 specific Above: UNA police Offi cer Greg Kirby and his K-9 partner Toby inspect a car near odors commonly found in explosives. the GUC on campus.

Below: Kirby and Toby have been working together since “Toby is always working,” said Officer March 16 at UNA. Greg Kirby, the dog’s handler. “From the time we get out of the car, walking on cam- crowd that had gathered around the amphipus, or heading into our office, his nose is theater to hear a preacher. always working.”

“He’s a good dog and he’s good around Kirby said the K-9 unit at UNA was an people,” Kirby said. “That afternoon idea started by Chief Bob Pastula. showed me a lot about him and how he’s “When Chief Pastula was hired on, this going to do at UNA.” was one of his goals,” Kirby said. “I volunKirby and Toby will also make their teered to be partners with Toby and lucked rounds to local elementary and high schools out.” for demonstrations.

Kirby joined Toby in Auburn for the last Kirby said this new K-9 unit is paid portion of his training in order to learn how for by the current budget for UNA Public to handle a trained dog.

Safety.

“I was in the Air Force as security and UNA junior Meagan Jinks likes the idea we had dogs on our force,” Kirby said. “I of having a police dog on campus. had been around them and seen them work, “It makes me a feel a little safer knowbut I learned a lot about the handler’s role ing we have a program like that on camin working the dog through our training.” pus,” she said. “After the criminal activity Toby will be present at UNA athletics as around campus this semester, anything prowell as most campus events where a crowd moting safety is a good thing.” would gather. The canine officer saw his Kirby said he wants students to feel first action April 4 when he patrolled the ;MM 3 ! XIOM )

Akalonu plans to veto resolution, keep $1 rec fee )TM` 4QVLTMa

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UNA’s Student Government Association voted April 5 to take away a $1 per credit hour student recreation fee—up to $12 per semester—initially used to raise money for the purchase of the Florence Golf and Country Club but transferred to senate after the purchase fell through.

SGA President Ralph Akalonu said in an emailed statement that he would veto the resolution.

SGA Legislative Affairs Chair MaryFrancis Wilson presented the resolution to senate.

“Basically, my resolution says it’s not fair to allocate fees when the previous senate thought it would be a one-time thing,” she said.

Despite senate passing the resolution, Wilson said Akalonu is opposed to eliminating the fee. “(Akalonu) sent me an email that said he would not sign the resolution because he wants the fees to help out athletic (registered student organizations)—basically, intramurals,” she said. “But recreational stuff isn’t the only thing college is about. Not everyone uses or cares about that stuff.”

Akalonu said he did not agree with the

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Group Excercise Instructor Andrew Jones teaches students in the weekly X90 class in the Student Recreation Center on campus.

resolution.

“It was just slightly above 50 percent who voted pass it,” he said. “I did not agree with the resolution. I made that clear. I plan to veto it and relay that to the senators (April 12).

“I don’t think it’s the right action to take. Another senator plans to present a

counter resolution.”

Akalonu said he wants to continue to give the money raised by the fee to student recreational activities.

“I want to give these resources to sports-related RSOs,” he said. “From there, who knows what could happen? RSOs

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Candidates gear up for debate *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

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photo by JOSH SKAGGS I News/Managing Editor

Susan Glasso (left), health services specialist and Cindy Wood (right), executive director, discuss the day’s business in the Health and Wellness Center on campus. Wood has worked in the wellness center for 11 years.

A JOB WELL DONE ʻ ʼ

Long-time health clinic director plans to retire this summer 2WZLIV *ZILTMa

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fter 11 years at UNA, the director of UNA Health and Wellness Services is retiring this year, leaving behind a program that has grown rapidly since she joined it.

Cindy Wood, who has served as the director for the last eight years, is retiring from her position in June to spend more time with family.

“Having retired from the military 15 Wood years ago, this is the longest I’ve ever done any job, and I feel it’s time for new energy and new ideas,” Wood said. “Also, I’ve been in nursing for 35 years and I still love it. I want to keep it that way.”

Wood said since she has been at UNA, the UNA infirmary has grown from serv-

.-- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) have dramatically increased since the beginning of the student allocation fee.”

But Wilson said she doesn’t think students should be charged extra fees—no matter how small—for athletic activities.

“Not everyone cares about the (Student Recreation Center),” she said. “I like it, but, ultimately, it’s not the deciding factor for many students to come to UNA.” The money raised by the fee so far has paid for a disc golf course, rock wall and extra allocations to the University Program

ing 4,500 people a year to a full-service clinic that serves 10,000 a year. Both the Student Counseling Center and Disability Support Services have also seen and served numerous students.

“She doesn’t have to retire, but she has reached a time in her career that she wants to,” said David Shields, vice presi-

”I love my job because I love the community.”

-Cindy Wood dent of Student Affairs. “The health center at UNA is the envy of the state, and most of the region. A lot of that is Cindy.

Her tenacity, her ability is phenomenal.”

Shields said over the years they have worked together, Wood has been one of his strongest advisers and a source of leadership for all areas of Health Services.

“I’ve tried everything I can to keep her here,” Shields said. “When we get to Council to bring J.Cole to campus for the spring concert this year, but Wilson said she feels the purchases don’t always align with students’ expectations.

“The rock wall was misleading,” she said. “People pictured a traditional straight wall, but it’s really a weird curved wall that rotates. You keep climbing and you don’t go anywhere.

“I understand it could be beneficial, but, really, it’s not fair. Many students don’t even know about (the fee).”

Akalonu said he wants to ask students their opinions on the fee before SGA takes any action.

“I want to take some time to talk to stu-

that point, we just say, it’s time. I think where Cindy is, it’s her time.

“You just have to say a job well done.

And she’s done a job well done.”

As for the next director, Shields said that he plans to advertise the position and put together a search committee by the end of April consisting of people across campus to decide on the new director of Health Services, though he first wants to evaluate the department.

“Whenever someone leaves, I review and see if there’s anything we need to change,” Shields said. “If I keep the structure, we’ll interview in summer and try to get a director back by fall.”

Wood will be a part of the search committee, which Shields said will help ensure the best candidate is chosen for the job.

Though she is retiring, Wood said that she loves being the director of Health and Wellness Services, and wants all students to know what the department offers in the way of medical services and aid.

;MM 27* XIOM ) dents to see what they feel we should do,” he said. “If there’s an overwhelming outcry for the money to be taken off, then I’ll sign the resolution if it is reintroduced, but, for now, we’re just pausing it to take time to talk to students.

“If there is no substantial student response, we’ll pursue a counter resolution.”

UNA sophomore Payton Edmiston said he is for keeping the fee.

“Personally, I like it,” he said. “But I use the SRC. Students who use it are going to like it. It comes down to who uses it and who doesn’t.”

But Darrell Coble, a UNA senior accounting major, said he was unaware of the

The Student Government Association will be hosting a debate for the three candidates running for mayor of the city of Florence April 16 at 6 p.m. in the GUC Performance Center.

The three candidates, License Commissioner Mickey Haddock, police Chief Rick Singleton and Billy Ray Simpson, will all be in attendance. The debate will give these candidates the chance to highlight their platforms with members of both the UNA community and city of Florence.

The debate will be the first of its kind to be held on campus and will hopefully produce a good turnout, said SGA President Ralph Akalonu.

Singleton is also looking for a good turnout among students and community members.

“This will be the first real forum for the candidates to address the constituents,” Singleton said. “I really believe that there will be a good response from the university and the community at large.”

Mayoral candidates

Mickey Haddock Rick Singleton Billy Ray Simpson Becoming more involved with the community is something that Akalonu said he hopes to achieve with the forum.

“As the university grows, events like these ensure that we become more involved not just in ourselves, but with the city, too,” Akalonu said.

Simpson said he feels that involving UNA in the community is crucial.

“I consider UNA a vital and valuable part of our community and city,” Simpson said. “Our young folks need something they can relate to. This will be very educational to them and will give them a chance to take part in their city.”

Addressing the concerns of the community is something that Haddock is looking forward to.

“I’m anxious to answer some of the questions that come up,” Haddock said. “I think it’s important to inform voters and the public of who you are and what you stand for. I

;MM ,-*)<- XIOM ) fee and does not support it.

“I don’t like the idea of them charging a fee for things the majority of students are not likely to use,” he said.

Wilson—who said her objective is to save students money wherever possible— said she hopes Akalonu does not veto the resolution. “(Akalonu) can’t vote on resolutions, but he has the final decision because he has to sign it into law,” she said. “If he really decides not to do this, it will be one of the few choices he has made as president that I’m disappointed with.”

Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

News

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Collier Library kicked off special events Monday as part of National Library Week.

The week’s purpose is to promote a general interest in the library by the campus as well as the community, said Doris McDaniel, librarian at Collier Library.

“We hope it makes more people aware that the library’s not just full of books,” McDaniel said.

Attractions featured book talks from authors Robert Steele and Daphne Simpkins and continue Thursday night with a campus ghost tour led by author Deborah Glass.

Simpkins, a writer who has focused on life in the South, spoke Tuesday about her new novel “Cloverdale,” the first part in a series following Mildred Budge, a fictional Southern church woman.

“In a culture where Southern church women often are still invisible and silent, I wanted to give voice to a character who has purely heroic qualities,” Simpkins said.

Her main readers are probably the parents of most students, she said, but she

does hope to encourage younger writers, especially those who want to use their talents and experiences to write professionally.

“I started my writing career primarily writing essays, and these essays were published all over the country, most often in the Chicago Tribune,” Simpkins said. “When my father became ill with Alzheimer’s, I took some of the essays that I had written about him and wrote a memoir called ‘The Long Good Night.’”

Students with overdue books and late fees need not be discouraged from attending the library’s events. From National Library Week until the semester’s end, students can take advantage of a book amnesty program, said Collier Library Circulation Supervisor Grace Simpson.

“We’re taking canned foods instead of library fees,” Simpson said. “The food that we get will go to the new UNA food bank that they’re establishing.”

Participating in the nationwide event for a third year, the library’s staff said they hope to keep building student interest in the library over time.

“I think the students who have come to book talks and things like that really enjoyed it,” Simpson said.

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love the city of Florence, and UNA is one of our major assets.”

Sydney Threet, secretary of community involvement on the president’s cabinet, has been heading up the planning and execution of this event alongside Akalonu and SGA Treasurer Elect Laura Giles.

“My role is to tie UNA and the city of Florence together,” Threet said. “This has been my biggest project this year, and I feel that it will be beneficial for both UNA and the community.”

The debate will feature a set of questions from a three-person panel, followed by questions submitted from audience members, students and members of the community. Individuals are encouraged to submit their questions anonymously online through OrgSync or on the Facebook event page.

“People who are concerned should ask questions, so we can get them the answers they are looking for,” Threet said.

Dr. Bill Huddleston, professor of communications, will moderate the debate. The panelists have not yet been selected, but Akalonu and Threet are working to secure individuals right for the job.

“We want our panel to consist of one student voice, an administrator voice and a community member not affiliated with the university,” Akalonu said.

WANT MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION 24/7?

Check out our website at www.florala.net.

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27* KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “I love my job because I love the people and the community,” Wood said. “It’s very much like a military base in terms of community and a specific population that you serve. It’s the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the well-being of others.”

With the good parts of being director, Woods said she has also had challenges in the forms of resource management of all areas of UNA Health Services and informing students what resources they can access.

“Our mission in Health Services is to provide targeted medical, counseling and disability support services to aid and equip UNA students to successfully reduce the individual roadblocks to their personal and academic success,” Wood said. “We take that to heart every day and put it into practice.

“I would encourage all of the students to know about the services available to them, use them, and tell others when you see the need. You, the student, have been and will continue to be an important partner in the growth and direction of Health Services.”

3 ! KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) comfortable approaching him and Toby.

“Don’t be afraid to say hi to the dog, just be cautious and respectful like you would with any other dog,” said Officer Kirby. “The department is excited about this. We want to have a good presence on campus.”

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The 5-hour energy generation 2IZML 5K+Wa

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Every now and then, I have to stop in my tracks and realize that—once again—I have become too busy. I look around and think that I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Jim Jarmusch’s film “Coffee and Cigarettes,” one of my favorites, comments on this problem a little.

The film is a compilation of short films, each centered on two or three people having conversations over coffee and cigarettes.

Pretty simple.

A segment called “Somewhere in California” features underground musicians Iggy Pop and Tom Waits, playing themselves, chatting in a diner about their music, and, of course, coffee and cigarettes.

Waits says that he and Pop are part of the “coffee and cigarettes” generation, while people in the ’40s, like the comedians Abbott and Costello, were part of the “pie and coffee” generation.

The analogy made me wonder how to describe my generation in similar terms.

After a little bit of thinking, the answer is pretty clear: the 5-hour energy generation.

We want fast cars, fast food and fast Internet, all as cheap as we can get it.

Never mind the taste. Then, after all our sprinting, we crash because we haven’t taken in anything of value.

Everything in our lives is about dodging sleep (because it’s only completely useless) and trying to be as efficient as possible (whatever that means) to get more stuff done. We even commonly get our coffee in to-go cups because life is moving way too fast for us to sit down with a cup and saucer and actually enjoy anything.

Our convenience store culture has warped our thinking. We can’t just order everything we want or need in our lives.

The world is not at your fingertips.

It is, however, within walking distance.

Don’t try to dash there—you’ll be too tired to do anything once you get there.

We should all make an effort not to be busy. I think enough movies have been made about Wall Street big shots and Ebenezer Scrooge for us to figure out that they die unhappy and alone.

How will we be remembered as a generation? Will people in the future remember that we couldn’t pay attention and whined about not getting our way?

Or will we take the time necessary to make important things happen?

I honestly hope I’m generalizing too much. Even beyond that, I hope I’m wrong.

Want to be a columnist for The Flor-Ala? Email alindley@una.edu with your ideas and a writing sample to be considered for publication.

Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world The Autism Society of Alabama is sponsoring the third annual Artism, a special needs art show. The show will be held April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts in downtown Florence. The show will coincide with the Autism Walk April 21 to be held at Wilson Park in Florence in honor of Autism Awareness Month, which is April. Several pieces will be available for purchase this year, as a result of previous requests.

Lauderdale County recently implemented the Hope Card program, which provides victims of abuse or domestic violence a card that contains all the necessary information to be presented to law enforcement during domestic violence calls. Lauderdale County, in conjunction with Safeplace, is the first in the state of Alabama to implement the program, which is modeled after a program in Montana.

Have a nomination for Story of the Year in The FlorAla? Email us at florala@una.edu to make your nomination for the last issue of the 2012-2013 year.

SHOUTOUT! Congrats to Staff Writer Ann Harkey for being named Writer of the Week for The Flor-Ala. Also, great job to Staff Photographer Kayla Sloan for having Photo of the Week in the last edition of The Flor-Ala.

Coming to terms with my ʻconditionʼ 2WZLIV *ZILTMa

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Recently, it came to my attention that I have a problem. Maybe it was after I looked up the etymology of the word sneakers. It could have been when I checked to see if Ben Stein was still alive after seeing a bottle of Clear Eyes. Could have been when I started finding and playing game show themes to fit the mood. In any case, someone brought it up, and I will admit to it.

I have Googlitis.

According to the Urban Dictionary (the most credible source known to the Internet,) Googlitis is “an obsession with Googling, self-Googling, or otherwise using the Google search engine to answer all of life’s questions.”

If this sounds familiar, then you probably have Googlitis in some form.

For example, one minute you can be doing something normal like listening to Pandora, and the next you are furiously searching

Cartoon of the Week

for the song that goes “step from the road to the sea to the sky and I do believe it, we rely on” because you just have to hear it.

In my experience, it isn’t always awful, but you have to be careful.

If unmonitored, Googlitis can also lead to multiple tabs disorder, looking up everyone you ever met and spending three hours on Wikipedia hopping from one related article to another.

To anyone that reads this column and realizes that hey, I might have Googlitis, here’s a piece of advice. The worst thing you can do when you feel the urge to Google is to suppress it.

If you hear something that’s familiar but you just can’t place it, look it up. At the same time, remember, it’s not how much you know that counts, but how you use it.

When your life is nothing but information, you can find yourself unable to use it.

It takes wisdom to determine which fact is important and which you should throw away after that new fact smell has worn off.

And yes, I have Googlitis, but I will do good with it, not showing off. I will try to make relevant points instead of becoming that guy. You know, the one that just has to one up everybody with his vast knowledge of useless facts. That guy.

By the way, sneakers? That dates back to 1895, when police imported Indian rubber to make their shoes silent while they were patrolling.

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINIONS EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR CAMERON KELLY-JOHNSON BUSINESS MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST JULIANN LOSEY CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY

Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

• The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and email.

• The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

• The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

• Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editor’s Note may accompany a letter.

• Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632.

Email: florala@una.edu.

Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Copyright © 2012 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

Thursday, March 22, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

LIFE

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Contact Life Editor Andy Thigpen at 256.765.5233

The first

First Friday photos by KAYLA SLOAN I Staff Photographer

Dillon Hodges performs at Armosa Studio during the First Fridays festivities April 6. First Fridays features many local artists and musicians who occupy stores, street corners, and apartments, purveying their art and music for anyone to buy or just enjoy.

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First Fridays for this season started last week as the residents of Florence flooded the craft-table-lined streets of downtown.

One can expect unique and handmade crafts, music from a variety of bands, paintings and photography, free samples from restaurants and businesses offering deals at the event.

Boutiques and shops, such as Boutique Create, propped open their doors to let people stroll in and out of their venues easily.

Boutique Create is run by sisters Heather and Mara Sherrill. The shop features Heatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photography Studio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My photography shop was in the boonies until we moved here,â&#x20AC;? Heather Sherrill said.

She said business has been â&#x20AC;&#x153;awesomeâ&#x20AC;? since they moved their shop in town.

The main attention for the shop is the unique clothing and accessories. Leather bracelets from Lenny and Eva can be ordered there that feature a variety of interchangeable charms.

Billy Reid was packed with music lovers such as Daniel Crisler, a local musician and frontman for the band Cicada Screamers. He played guitar and harmonica while singing original songs.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daniel Crisler brought love, hate, life and death to First Friday,â&#x20AC;? said Brian Conner, a fan of the Florence music scene.

Jamie and Katie Barrier, married musicians from local band The Pine Hill Haints, came to Billy Reid to enjoy the music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is so much weird, good creativity here in Florence compared to places like Nashville,â&#x20AC;? Katie Barrier said about local musicians.

Crafts and artwork at First Fridays can range from oil canvas paintings and handmade jewelry to hand-woven or crocheted hats, scarves and decorations.

Rachel Wakefield called her booth â&#x20AC;&#x153;Byoutere,â&#x20AC;? which hosted an array of handmade jewelry. Her pieces are all made from old antique items. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I kind of manipulate old trinkets I find while travelling,â&#x20AC;? Wakefield said.

Wakefield said she enjoyed First Fridays because she gets to meet interesting people and have fun.

Near Wakefieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booth was Original Oils on Canvas by RGH, or Robert Gray Howard.

Howard has only been painting for a couple of months, but said the skill â&#x20AC;&#x153;runs in the family.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to start painting, so I took some oil and canvas and just took at it,â&#x20AC;?

Howard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a lot of fun to do.â&#x20AC;?

Vendors at the first First Friday of the year set up their booths along Court Street in downtown Florence. Potential customers stroll the sidewalks as they browse for unique artwork while listening to various bands and musicians.

First Friday is also an opportunity for families of sick, injured, or disabled loved ones to raise money for medical bills.

All Stitched Up was a booth filled with hand-knitted animal hats. The items were made by Christy Hendrix to help raise

money for her sister, Taylor Hendrix. The family has raised several hundred dollars to help Taylor with her bone cancer treatments. Taylor is currently in good health.

First Fridays will continue until December 7, when the weather gets too cold for outdoor events.

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The Department of Entertainment Industry is expected to launch its newest program, Singing River Presents April 10 with performances by Doc Daily and The Magnolia Devil with Dylan Leblanc.

The concert will be a launch point for the program as well as an effort to raise awareness and membership for the Muscle Shoals Music Association (MSMA).

Singing River Presents is a student-run program designed to work with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Artist Management and Touringâ&#x20AC;? class offered in the Department of Entertainment Industry,

said Department Chair Dr. Bob Garfrerick.

It will also be unique to UNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be one of few (public institutions) that has a concert promotion company,â&#x20AC;? Garfrerick said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Artist Management and Touringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; class will put on a show just like a concert promoter would do it.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this real-world application that will benefit students the most, said project manager Mack Cornwell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any practical use of your knowledge, in my opinion, is the best learning experience,â&#x20AC;? Cornwell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Textbooks and lectures really only go so far. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about experiencing things you really canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t teach but that

just have to be done.â&#x20AC;?

So far, organizing the concert has been quite the learning experience, Garfrerick said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had dreams of doing something with the Shoals Theatre with a bigger act,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Insteadâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;because of pricing, scheduling and time constraintsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the program decided to book a smaller venue with more locally-known acts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to end up being very, very good,â&#x20AC;? Garfrerick said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We took the next best thing to not making moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which is not to lose money.â&#x20AC;?

However, this decision raised a ques-

tion with Singing River Presents organizers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to break even, what are we going to break even for?â&#x20AC;? Garfrerick asked.

It was decided that the concert would serve as both a launch for Singing River Presents as well as a promotional tool for MSMA, a nonprofit started in 1975 with the intent to cultivate and showcase Muscle Shoals music and musicians.

Jimmy Nutt, president of MSMA and owner of the NuttHouse Recording Studio Inc., is excited about the concert and said it

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Students go without shoes for ĘťOne DayĘź to raise awareness

photos by Andy Thigpen

The Fashion Forum hosted TOMSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Day Without Shoesâ&#x20AC;? event April 10 in an effort to raise awareness of people who are not fortunate enough to have a pair of shoes.

The event involved participants who went barefoot for an entire day.

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Campus felt the soft trod of many pairs of bare feet April 10 in recognition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Day Without Shoesâ&#x20AC;? sponsored by TOMS and hosted by the Fashion Forum.

The event was initiated to raise awareness of children and adolescents that are unable to buy shoes for themselves and are forced to go without. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s millions of kids all over the world without shoes and today is a day to remember that,â&#x20AC;? said Pam Scheske, presi-

dent of Fashion Forum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not the only campus doing it. The more people get involved, the bigger itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be.â&#x20AC;?

The Fashion Forum had a booth set up in the breezeway by Stevens Hall. They were giving away TOMS merchandise, such as T-shirts, koozies and bumper stickers to students who came with no shoes.

Some students were unaware of any special occasion.

Junior Nathan Flippo took his shoes off simply because members of the Fashion Forum told him to. He quickly became appreciative of the event.

Networking with faculty increases graduate employment opportunities

Jennifer Smith, career development coordinator for Career Planning and Development, likened the hiring process to a pyramid. The employer begins at the base level with someone personally known and moves up from there. By establishing relationships with potential employers, or by fostering the right connections, while in college, students can increase chances at internships or jobs.

Graphic design by Savannah Comer.

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Networking and making connections while in college can be beneficial both during the undergraduate career and later in life.

The entire process of building a career begins while in college, said Dr. Greg Pitts, chair of the communications department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are looking for a career after you graduate, not a job,â&#x20AC;? Pitts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Faculty is a great network for that process.â&#x20AC;?

Employers are most likely to hire someone they know or receive a referral on, long before they place a job advertisement, said Jennifer Smith, career development coordinator for Career Planning and Development.

The employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pyramid shows the most typical route that an employer will take, starting with someone they know and actually ending with an advertisement, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Advertisements take time and money,â&#x20AC;?

Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot simpler to hire someone I know with a good reputation.â&#x20AC;?

Being yourself and making good impressions is an essential part of building good relationships with your professors, Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t create fake, phony relationships,â&#x20AC;? Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just put your best self forward.â&#x20AC;?

Pitts said fostering positive relationships is key. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find a mentor that you admire,â&#x20AC;? Pitts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They can offer you guidance and steer you in the right direction. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to go by and visit or ask questions.â&#x20AC;?

Advice that Smith said she would offer students is setting up one-on-one appointments with professors to talk about performance, as well as not being afraid to communicate or participate in class. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Foster as many positive relationships

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a unique way to spread awareness, rather than handing out cards for an organization,â&#x20AC;? Flippo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to figure out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on by asking, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good way to raise awareness.â&#x20AC;?

Pierre-Alexandre Jamot, a sophomore from France, agrees that the unorthodox nature of the event is effective, but he worries about its reach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It shocks people, which is a good thing because it makes you react,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It should be more obvious. You should understand why people arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wearing shoes right

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Check out our video!

florala.net

Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

<75; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * away.”

Scheske said this event was big with the Fashion Forum.

-5847A-:; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * as you can,” Smith said. “Take advantage of internships and part-time jobs.”

Amber Griggs, a junior in the nursing program, has spent her undergraduate career building her network through organizations like Leadership UNA, which she is the co-chair of this year. She said getting involved on campus has helped her build relationships with people that will aid her in the search for things like the internship she will be completing this summer at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia, Tennessee.

“If I hadn’t been close with my professors, recent employers, and advisors in

8:7/:)5 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM * will hopefully help MSMA expand its demographic.

“We really want to tap into the younger musicians and folks around here who are music supporters,” Nutt said. “We don’t want to be just about the past. We want to be about the now and future.”

Garfrerick said he believed the partnership was well-planned.

“We feel like (MSMA) will be a good fit,” Garfrerick said. “Everyone associates Muscle Shoals music with the historic music. The Muscle Shoals music is contingent now on embracing the new music.”

Cornwell was also supportive of Nutt’s motives. “(MSMA is) trying to be more inclu-

Life

“This is one event that people want to get involved with, so we really push this,” she said. “We’ve got a small club, so we all kind of work together.

I think we can at least get more people to ask about it – it’s all about just raising awareness.”

organizations, I don’t know what I’d do,” Griggs said. “I probably wouldn’t have been offered the summer nursing internship job.”

Senior accounting major Zack Summy also said being involved has helped him expand his network.

“I’ve been in Accounting Scholars for two years,” Summy said. “I’ve worked really hard, and Dr. Carnes told me about the internship I’m doing right now with Patterson, Prince, and Associates. I feel like now I’ve kind of got my foot in the accounting door.”

Summy said he encourages all students to find their niches on campus.

“Just get your name out there and make a good name for yourself,” Summy said. sive to the young people in town,” he said.

“We’re a young generation who will truly be taking over, and (Nutt) respects that.”

The launch of Singing River Presents is expected to draw a crowd of old and young, Garfrerick said.

“We’re trying to market it as, ‘This is the place you want to be if you’re in town on Thursday night,’” he said.

Cornwell said he has put his efforts toward the duration of the new program, as well.

“I really wanted to make it as cool and as interesting as we could so we could start a precedent,” he said. “That way, every year this would be an event worth going to.”

The concert is expected to begin at 9 p.m. at the Smokehouse in downtown Florence. Cost of admission is $5, and attendees will have the opportunity to become a member of MSMA for an additional $5.

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Workin’ for the

Weekend

Check out what’s coming up this weekend in the Shoals.

Thursday, April 12 Rob Aldridge On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Ladies of the Shoals Showcase

Singing River Presents: Doc Daily and The Magnolia Devil and Dylan Leblanc

JD’s 8 p.m.

The Smokehouse 9:30 p.m. $5

UNA Culinary Arts Program Cookbook Demo

OnStage: Quartetto Gelato

East Campus 6 p.m.

Shoals Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 13 Shane and Wendell On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Caffeine High ATO House 9 p.m. - midnight

An Abstract Theory and Happy Lemmy JD’s 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 14 iKillo Multimedia Presents: Twins Birfday Bash On the Rocks 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Southern Heat JD’s 9 p.m.

Aubrey Taylor Holden Frostbite 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

SGA Sunset Fountain 5K Harrison Plaza Fountain 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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Player of the Football team gets ready for spring game <WUUa *WT\WV Week ;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ \JWT\WV(]VI ML]

Julie Mercer Hometown: Rosenberg, Texas Major: Elementary Education Position: Infielder Stats: Mercer went 2-for-3 from the plate with four RBIs to help the team get back in the win column April 7.

Week At A Glance Baseball When: Saturday, 2 p.m. (DH) Sunday, 1 p.m.

Where: Away W Who: C Christian Bro.

Softball When: Saturday, 4 p.m. (DH)

The UNA football team is set to close spring training and answer questions with the annual spring game April 14 at Braly Stadium starting at 10 a.m.

New head coach Bobby Wallace is going into the spring with a lot of new faces, a new system and a lot of questions, but he said he has been encouraged by what he has seen so far from the players.

“The attitude and the eagerness to learn by the players—the enthusiasm has been outstanding, and we’ve got places where we are very talented,” Wallace said. “I want to see the players go out and have fun, execute offensively and defensively and make some plays.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions will return only two starters from last year’s team, who finished the season 9-3 and a received second-round, post-season loss to Delta State. Chris Alexander is set to replace two-year starter Lee Chapple, who finished with 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns.

“He has had a good spring, still learn-

Quick Facts 2011 Record: 9-3 Returning Starters: Offense 2 Defense 2

Players to Watch: RB Chris Coffee335 yds., 8 TDs. WR Mo Miliam794 yds., 5 TDs. QB Chris Alexander208 yds., 3 TDs.

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Where: Home Who: Wh W ho Christian Bro. Delta State

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When: Fr Friday, 3 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Su Where: 1. Home Whe 2. Away

Who: W- West Georgia- Friday Western Kentucky

ing and has work to do until the fall, but I feel real comfortable with him at quarterback,” Wallace said. “He is athletic and has a good arm, so he has some tools he can work with.”

The Lions also have some new faces at the running back and receiver positions, as the team lost leading rusher Wes Holland and receiver Tristan Purifoy. At running back, the Lions return Lamonte Thompson and Chris Coffee, who leads the team with eight rushing touchdowns.

At the receiver position, the Lions return Mo Milliam, who had 795 yards and five touchdowns. They also return Daniel Almon and Jason Smith.

“All of our receivers have made plays throughout the spring, and I think we got a little bit of depth at that position,” Wallace said.

The biggest question for officials heading into spring training was the offensive line, with only five offensive linemen participating in spring drills.

“We have been doing a lot of individual drills with them because we are really thin at that position,” Wallace said. “I’m real eager to see how well they do in picking up blocks because they haven’t had much

practice at it.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions return only two starters, but Wallace said he believes there is some talent that can make some big plays for the Lions in the fall.

“We’ve got some talented players in the secondary, and I have been very impressed with that group so far,” Wallace said.

The team returns Nick Williams, Caleb Massey and Rod Woodson to help anchor the secondary.

At the linebacker, the team lost all three starters, including leading tackler Marcus Dowtin. New middle linebacker from Gulf Coast University Tavarius Wilson has made an impact during the spring.

“He has been a great addition to our team and has made a lot of plays for us during the spring,” Wallace said. “I think he will surprise a lot of people with how talented he really is.”

Wallace is looking forward to seeing how the defense plays during the spring game and hopes it can make some plays.

“I want to see them fly around the football, play with enthusiasm and have some high energy on that side of the ball,” Wallace said.

Frazier speaks about life skills at UNA <WUUa *WT\WV

Tennis

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Senior DeAngelo Henry (middle) gets tackled by senior defensive back Delvin Ervin and senior linebacker Donelli Johnson during a drill in spring practice.

Former University of Nebraska AllAmerican and Heisman runner-up Tommie Frazier spoke to student athletes in Flowers Hall April 9 about life skills.

Frazier quarterbacked the Nebraska Cornhuskers for back-to-back national championships in the 1990s. He was 33-3 as a starter at Nebraska and accounted for 5,476 yards of total offense. Nebraska accumulated a 60-3 record while he was there.

”Get an education, fight through it, donʼt settle, donʼt let anybody tell you canʼt do something and also donʼt make dumb decisions that can get you in trouble.”

-Tommie Frazier He has traveled the country for about eight years and he speaks about handling

pressure, dealing with a career-ending illness, working in the business world and being a husband, father and friend. His stories touch on teamwork, goals, leadership, adversity, peer pressure and choices.

“I have a story that everyone can relate to and also a story that many people thought was the greatest quarterback in college at the time, and I didn’t dwell on the fame,” Frazier said.“That’s what I try to get students to understand—that everybody is not going to play a professional sport—and get them to think about how to be successful away from sports.”

Every time Frazier gets to speak in front of student athletes, he tries to emphasize what is most important in college and what students should focus on first.

“Get an education, fight through it, don’t settle, don’t let anybody tell you can’t do something and also don’t make dumb decisions that can get you in trouble,” he said.

While at the University of Nebraska, Frazier experienced some of the highs of being a student athlete but also faced the biggest obstacle in his life. Frazier experienced a series of blood clots in his leg that hampered his

football career and his NFL dream.

“When I was in Canada, I had another blood clot in my leg and learned that there is a difference in stupid and stupidity,” Frazier said. “Being stupid was telling myself to go out and still play knowing that if I did I could have died; there’s a time when everybody needs to call it quits.”

Frazier also talked about his decision to give up football and how he realized that life was more than just the sport.

“It was tough, but it wasn’t because it was something I needed to do,” he said.

“I still had the ability to go out and see if I could do it, but I wanted to have a future.”

Frazier mentioned that even though giving up his dream of playing professional football was hard to do, he knew the obstacles that he faced made him the person he is today.

“I am a firm believer that the good Lord only puts things in front of you that you can handle, and if you couldn’t handle it, he wouldn’t do it,” he said. “Ever since then, my health has been great, and I have been enjoying my life with my family because it all could have been taken away.”

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Robert Steele returns to speak at Collier Library 4I]ZMV -[\M[

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Former UNA wide receiver and Dallas Cowboys player Robert Steele spoke at the National Library Week event in Collier Library April 9.

Steele recently wrote a book: “Steele Here: An Underdog’s Secret to Success.” He shared some of the ideas behind the book, as well as a few experiences and stories found inside it. With the book, he found a way he could help get involved at UNA. “When I found out about the move to Division I, I started having conversations with Dr. Cale, Mark Linder, and others and decided that there was a way that I could contribute to the university,” Steele said. “I was selling the book for $24.95 and decided to take it down 20 percent to $20 so that it would be easy math, and I said that every book we sell, $10 would go to the university and $10 would go to pay the cost of the book— that’s just what I chose to do.” photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer A statement Steele made during his Robert Steele gave a speech to students at Col- presentation was to set goals, push yourlier Library during National Library Week April 9. self to meet those goals and push even

further. He went on to share stories of his injuries that occurred while he was playing football at UNA and how his particular situation with injuries actually made him a stronger, faster, more efficient athlete.

Nevertheless, hardships can either be a green light or a red light on an individual, depending on the person that is being affected. Some are meant to slow down after an injury and others are destined to hit their peak, according to Steele.

“I was talking with a young man just the other day who had dealt with some concussions, and what the boy thinks is that he can play again,” Steele said.

“What I told him is, ‘look, if football truly is your passion, then play if you want to play, but there is life after sports.’ One of the things you have to do is invest yourself in all the things around you, not just the athletic par. There’s nothing wrong with investing yourself with athletics.

“There are wonderful things that can come from that, but in his particular case, though, he will probably have to do something other than football.”

Steele shared about the difficulty

of writing the book and the extensive amount of time he put into it. He said he actually completed the book on a combined 10 airplane flights, because airplanes are the only place he can write “I re-wrote my book about 10 times,” he said. “(Books really are) like a painting—like a Rembrandt or a Van Gogh.

Painting, whether it be a book or an athletic endeavor, or anything that you do in life, is it worthy of your signature?

“You think about being an author, a painter, a sculptor—they in many cases never feel that it is good enough. But when they finally see that it becomes good enough, then it becomes worthy of their signature, and so what I say is do everything so that it is your canvas, and make it worthy of your signature.”

Steele encourages students to work hard and develop their own mental strength, spend time in libraries, gain knowledge, apply it and use it.

“When other athletes were falling like flies, I just kept running,” Steele said. “When others were already tired, I hadn’t even broken a sweat. I will work as hard as anyone you will ever meet.”

Bonner discusses difference between high school, college ball 4I]ZMV -[\M[

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Last year, right fielder Ashley Bonner was an All-State performer at Hartselle High School and she continues to have similar success while at UNA. The transition for incoming freshmen playing a collegiate sport can be difficult.

Some choose to first seek playing time at a junior college and then transfer to a fouryear university, whether it is Division I, II or III. Others, like Bonner, take offers where they lead, even right out of high school.

“It’s different because I have to make myself known on the softball field,” Bonner said. “No one really knows you but your coaches and other players, and after getting to know others, it’s all about time management.”

Managing college classes with workout schedules, practices and games can be difficult, especially for those in their first year of school away from home and involved in a college athletic program.

“I try to schedule early classes so they won’t conflict with my practice schedule,”

Bonner said. “We usually practice about 2:30 or 3:30 to around 6 p.m.”

Major differences in high school and college sports deal with the amount of time and dedication that has to be given. In high school, athletes who play one sport often play another, especially in smaller school venues.

In college, that would be extremely difficult due to college sports virtually lasting year-round with practices, camps, events and conditioning. The off-season often displays what the regular season will demonstrate.

Similarities and differences in college athletics and high school athletics depend on the mind of the athlete. Bonner said there is more conditioning that goes into training with college softball than her high school softball team. Another difference is learning to play with a new set of teammates.

“The practices are a little harder—the running is; we condition twice a week, if not more,” Bonner said. “I have to get to know everyone and how they play.”

Another key difference is learning to play with a new team, which has a positive

and negative side.

“I have to get to know everyone and how they play,” Bonner said. “In high school, I had played with everyone since we were little, so I knew how they played, but the team is like a family to me. I don’t have to be shy around my team; they understand me.”

Teammates often make the difference in establishing trust on the field, thus building friendships off the field. Senior catcher Kathryn Young said Bonner is a positive player and influence on and off the field.

“Bonner is a very solid hitter with a great attitude,” Young said. “She has a great offensive approach and mindset.”

Bonner said she encourages incoming players to do what they think is best for their individual collegiate careers.

“Do whatever you want to do; if you want to play Ju-Co, if you feel that’s what is best for you, then do that,” Bonner said.

“If you feel like you are ready to play (DII), then play D-II.” Left: Freshman Ashley Bonner makes the adjustment from playing high school ball to college.

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Student Photographer

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

SRC offers classes to students to get in shape body for a beach vacation is a goal that can be achieved at the UNA Student Recreation Center during the group fitness classes.

The Student Recreation Center offers a variety of classes that can help students get in shape either losing weight or gaining muscle mass for weight gain.

“Getting healthy helps you provide a healthy life, improves flexibility, reduces stress and also can help prevent against disease,” said UNA instructor and Health and Wellness Coordinator for the YMCA Jennifer Mayes. “Attending the fitness classes hold you accountable, makes new friends, shows proper form, and gives moderate and extreme motivations.”

The nervousness of getting into a gym can be hard at times, but the SRC opens its doors to any students who are dedicated to getting in shape.

There are also other ways—students can monitor their fitness levels outside of the gym.

“There is an app that you can get on your smart phone called My Fitness Pal photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer that tracks your workout, fats and also Front to back: Tiffany Ferguson, Alli Ferguyour carbs,” said SRC Fitness Coordinason and Nikki Messer do squats during a tor Glenda Richey. “I love this app, and group exercise class at the Student Recrea lot of students are using it. Apps are so ation Center. popular, and I haven’t been so excited 7ZZMa *WT\WV over the food part in a long time. If you ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ don’t have a smart phone, you can access WJWT\WV(]VI ML] My Fitness Pal at myfitnesspal.com.”

SRC fitness classes are made to be Summer time is right around the corner, tough but for the benefit of students in and for many students, having the perfect accomplishing their fitness goals. With the

expertise and help from the trainers, the transition of making it a routine becomes easier for each individual.

“When you’re in class, you’re less likely to quit because the teacher motivates you,” Richey said. “The teacher/motivator factor helps you stay on the task. The teacher also makes sure you are safe, using correct form, and on task for the maximum workout we can squeeze in 45 minutes. On strength and total body, getting a quality workout is whatever kicks your butt or what makes you go the full 100 percent. How many times you work out is all based on personal preference.”

The SRC can be students’ fitness pal the rest of the summer. If students are working out for the first time or even improving their diets, Richey said the SRC will help students along with the process.

“You can contact me at gkrichey@una.edu, and we can get you a trainer for free,” Richey said.

“The trainer will set you up with a program that is personalized just for you in terms of your goals, times, and your likes and dislikes.

“You can also come to me and we will count your calories to set you up with a nutrition diet and set you up with a goal on how many calories to have.”

Group Ex Classes Monday 3:15 p.m. Ab Attack 4:00 p.m. X90 (lower body) 4:00PM Cycling 5:00PM Cycling 5:00PM Flow 6:00 p.m. Ab Attack Tuesday 3:15 p.m. Ab Attack 4:00 p.m. Insanity 4:00 p.m. Cycling 5:00 p.m. Cardio Fusion 5:30 p.m. Cycling Wednesday 3:15 p.m. Ab Attack 4:00 p.m. X90 (upper body) 4:00 p.m. Cycling 5:00 p.m. Cycling 5:00 p.m. Flow 6:00 p.m. Ab Attack Thursday 3:15 p.m. Ab Attack 4:00 p.m. Insanity 4:00 p.m. Cycling 5:00 p.m. Cycling 5:00 p.m. Cardio Fusion Friday 3:15 p.m. Ab Attack

Weekend roundup: What to look for this week 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM

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Baseball The No. 10 Lions will host a weekend series against the Christian Brothers Buccaneers at Mike Lane Field before travelling to Henderson, Tenn., to play Freed Hardeman April 17.

April 14, the Lions will host a doubleheader against the Buccaneers beginning at 2 p.m., followed by an April 15 closer at 1 p.m. The Lions will play at Freed Hardeman April 17 at 5 p.m.

The Lions lost a weekend series with the No. 3 Delta State Statesmen held at home April 6 and 7. The team lost the April 6 double-header 9-4 and 9-7, then came back to win the April 7 closer 4-1. Starting pitcher Chad Boughner completed the clos-

ing game with a two-hitter, giving him his fifth-straight starting win. The Lions have an overall record of 27-11 and a Gulf South Conference record of 8-7.

The unranked Buccaneers are coming off a 1-8 loss to Rhodes April 4. The team has an overall record of 9-23, with a GSC record of 3-12. Freed Hardeman split a weekend series with Trevecca Nazarene held April 6 and 7. The team has a record of 26-16 and is unranked.

Softball The unranked Lions will host two double headers at the UNA Softball Complex against Christian Brothers and Delta State this weekend.

April 14, the Lions will host a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. against the unranked Christian Brothers Buccaneers. The team will then host a double-header on

April 15 against the unranked Delta State Statesmen at 1 p.m.

The Lions are coming off an April 6 double-header loss at Delta State (0-5, 1-5) followed by a split April 7 double-header at West Georgia (0-1, 9-3). The team has an overall record of 17-17 and a GSC record of 6-12.

The Buccaneers suffered double-header losses to West Florid and West Alabama April 6 and 7. The Statesmen lost a doubleheader against West Alabama April 6 and won an April 7 double-header against West Florida. The team has an overall record of 17-22 and a GSC record of 5-13.

Tennis The men’s and women’s tennis teams will play one game on the road this week and one game at home.

The teams will travel to Bowling Green,

Ky., to play Western Kentucky at 1 p.m.

April 15. They will then host Alabama A&M April 17 at 2 p.m.

The teams split a series at AlabamaHuntsville April 6, with the women winning 9-0 and the men losing 3-6. The women are 9-7 overall with a GSC record of 4-2. The men are 3-12 overall with a GSC record of 1-5.

The Western Kentucky women are 8-4, while the men are 5-7. The Alabama A&M women are 7-11, and the men are 4-9.

Football The UNA Lions will return to Braly Stadium for a spring scrimmage game April 14 at 10 a.m.

The game will culminate the 2012 spring training that started April 13.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

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;8--+0 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM )

photo by BARRY MINOR I Staff Photographer

Facebook officials released a press release stating they will protect the privacy and security of users who are choosing not to disclose their passwords to employers.

8);;?7:,; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) see all that,” he said. “Everybody vents about their jobs. Facebook allows them to do that. It’s not anybody’s right to have that password.”

Giving out Facebook passwords doesn’t just violate the privacy of the account owner, it violates the privacy of that user’s friends, said Jennifer Smith, UNA’s career development coordinator.

“I think it’s an invasion of privacy,” she said. “For example, I don’t have anything to hide, but I might have friends who messaged me confidential or private information.”

But demanding Facebook passwords could go beyond being an invasion of privacy, Britten said.

“I could even see that as a violation of free speech rights,” he said. “Your employer could potentially dictate what you say.

I don’t condone dissing your employer or posting unprofessional pictures. It’s about sharing the right things with the right people.”

Smith said she understands the motivation behind the employers who ask for social media passwords, but they can go too far.

“Part of me understands what they’re doing,” she said. “They want to see their employees’ behavior, but when they want to read private messages, that’s crossing the line.”

Britten said he blames some of the confusion as to boundaries in social media and the workplace on the newness of social media itself.

“It’s such a new thing that there’s no standard for it yet,” he said. “It’s all developing now. A Facebook photo album is really just like a regular photo album.”

If employers were officially allowed to require employee disclosure of social media passwords and organizations like Facebook were not threatening to fight back, it could lead to a slippery slope, Britten said.

“If legislation were to pass that gave employers that right, what would happen to social media?” he said. “If employers are allowed your password, then the government could step in next.”

UNA junior sociology major Jesse Leslie said demanding Facebook passwords could be unconstitutional.

“It doesn’t seem constitutional,” he said. “Nobody’s allowed to discriminate by age, race, gender, so it’s a fine line. I wouldn’t do it just on principle.”

It’s not fair for employers to be able to view private information intended only for specific groups, said Eddie Grissom, UNA junior and criminal justice major.

“It’s an invasion of privacy if you just wanted friends to be able to view that stuff,” he said.

UNA junior Mason Lee said he doesn’t think employers would ever have a real need to have access to employees’ social media accounts.

“I don’t see any good reason why they would need it unless you had some questionable activity,” he said. “And they definitely shouldn’t fire anyone because of it.”

like Armstrong should be allowed on campus.

Bret Jennings, director of University Events, said Armstrong has every right to speak on campus as long as his speech does not promote coercive disruption or violence.

“He says things that are offensive for people to hear but are not necessarily directed at a specific individual,” he said. “(Armstrong) cannot act in a violent manner toward a particular person and cannot threaten anyone specifically, and students cannot threaten him either. If violence is created, we as a university will have to step in and alleviate the situation.”

The university strives to be a diverse campus that is operated on the free exchange of ideas, inquiry and expression, according to the campus speech policy in the student handbook. Officials will tolerate all lawful, peaceful demonstrations of free expression as long as they do not cause coercive disruption at UNA. Jennings said Armstrong’s words that were deemed offensive to many students did not constitute hate speech because he didn’t direct his comments at a particular individual and instead spoke more generally about society.

“If we feel that there is a legitimate hate type or violent situation, we have the opportunity and the right to stop that,” he said. “Students also need to be aware that if they threaten or harm him any way, they have the potential of being arrested.”

April is First Amendment Awareness Month, and Dr. Greg Pitts, chair of the Department of Communications, said Armstrong’s presence on campus is a reminder of the free speech rights U.S. citizens hold. “(Armstrong) reminds us to be broader in our own thinking about the people and events we come in contact with,” he said.

“We may not want to agree with and em-

brace what he has to say, but this could be a wonderful reminder for us to talk about freedom of speech and religion.”

Armstrong told UNA students last week he was saved 12 years ago and is not a sinner because he was born again and has been made right by the grace of God. UNA student Arielle Jones spoke out against Armstrong during the rally.

“I think he’s a false prophet,” she said.

“You’re supposed to preach with love. He’s not showing kindness or gentleness. As a Christian, I’m offended. It’s wrong what he’s doing. He’s making non-Christians harder to talk to by shutting them down.

He’s giving (Christians) a bad name.”

Molly Linn, a UNA student, was discouraged by the event and said UNA students need to have more dignity with similar demonstrations in the future.

“Frankly, I’m a Christian and all he’s trying to do is a get a rise out of people,” she said. “When kids yell back at him, it’s just perpetuating the fighting. If they would just walk away, they would stop this.”

Jennings said Armstrong’s presence on campus last week took place in a free speech zone and was permitted because UNA is a state institution located on public property.

“I think it’s great to see the diversity of students and free speech out there,” Jennings said. “When students make the choice to stop and listen, they’re doing nothing but adding fuel to the fire.”

Pitts is hosting several events within his department in celebration of First Amendment Awareness Month, including a speech

by Gene Policinski, director of the First Amendment Center, April 19 at 7 p.m. in room 131 of the communications building.

“Even if someone doesn’t have the chance to attend, I encourage them to pause and reflect for a minute about the important rights we do have,” Pitts said.

START PUSHING YOURSELF.

START CHALLENGING YOURSELF. START DEVELOPING SKILLS. START BUILDING CONFIDENCE.

START RAISING THE BAR. START TAKING ON CHALLENGES. S.

+7:,; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) about this issue,” Townsend said.

Cale and many faculty members said the honor cord situation could get out of hand, Townsend said.

“The concern that the faculty and I have with an open policy for honor cords is that very quickly organizations with little or no connection to academic accomplishment create their own cords and wear them at commencement,” Cale said in a statement via email. “In more extreme cases, we can have the introduction inappropriately messaging from humor to crudity.”

“And there is not a mechanism to control what happens unless we are restrictive, as we now are. I want to keep as much dignity as possible in the commencement ceremony.”

Maggie Mitchell, a senior in Phi Kappa Phi, said she does not agree with the senate or Cale’s decision.

“I don’t know their reasoning,” she said.

“That’s not the only benefit, but I don’t think that should be taken away (from the other societies).”

Mitchell said she thinks honor cords are not necessarily the only reason to be in an honor society, but it’s just not fair to allow one and not another.

“You might as well have one honor society if you are going to do that,” Mitchell said.

Macy Smith, a junior in Phi Theta Kappa, said it isn’t fair that she doesn’t get to wear an honor cord, but Phi Kappa Phi can. “(It’s not fair) because there’s other societies besides that one, and it’s not fair for them to just allow (Phi Kappa Phi),” Smith said.

Junior Olivia Tennant echoes Smith and Mitchell’s thoughts.

“If they made the grades and the requirements to be a member, they should be able to represent that organization,” Tennant said.

START MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

START EARNING RESPECT.

START STRONG. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Make Army ROTC part of your University of North Alabama experience and be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship, fees for books and a monthly stipend. When you’re finished, you’ll earn the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Register for an ROTC elective today.

ASK ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM! Visit our office at Wesleyan Hall Annex Room 142. Contact Major Leslie Nelson at (256) 765-4458 or lnelson@una.edu or visit our web site at www.una.edu/rotc ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

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Tweets of the week

Thursday, April 12, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.

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