VANGUARD

THE

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

AUG. 12, 2013

INSIDE

Parking options at The Edge disappoint future residents

VOL. 53, NO. 3

Eco-friendly alternative to wasted food By EMMA MITCHELL eem1002@jagmail.southalabama.edu

► Life: The live music scene in downtown Mobile offers many interesting music venues See JagLife, page 6.

USA ► Life: USA’s free mobile app provides features like a campus map, athletics schedules and USA’s radio station. See JagLife, page 9.

► Sports: South Alabama football gets a new look. See Sports, page 12

► Sports: Head coach Joey Jones is set to lead the Jags in their first FBS season See Sports, page 15

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Graham Forsythe (far left), Ridgefield Common Homeowner Association president, objected to the commercial parking lot planned near The Edge apartments during the Aug. 8 city planning commission meeting. By SAM ANDREWS thevanguardeditor@gmail.com

Many students received troubling news less than three weeks before USA’s 2013 fall semester when emails from The Edge apartment complex reached the inboxes of its future residents. Though still under construction, The Edge apartments located on Old Shell Road, adjacent to the University, will provide 156 units, housing over 500 tenants but only offering 326 onsite parking spaces. The letter sent out Aug. 1 from The Edge to its future residents admitted to “reduced onsite parking capacity at The Edge” and included three parking options that would be available to its residents. The first options is onsite parking at an additional $15 per month for 276 residents on a first come, first serve basis. The second option for another 240 residents is free parking at an offsite lot at the Mobile Festival Centre, located at 3725 Airport Blvd. Those who choose option two will be provided with a shuttle service for the approximate 3.5 mile distance from their vehicles to The Edge complex. Lastly, residents can have their rent reduced by $50 each month for declining the previous options, effectively claiming

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no parking privileges. The basis for The Edge’s three-option parking resolution was included in its initial urban development approval through the Mobile City Planning Commission almost two years ago on Aug. 18, 2011. The zoning ordinance regulations required 234 parking spaces for 156 units, or 1.5 spaces per apartment. The Edge even exceeded this minimum requirement by 92 spaces. Therefore, the city regulation allows apartments marketed to students to operate legally with fewer parking spaces than residents. In June when The Vanguard asked The Edge about the rumors of insufficient parking spaces, Property Manager Mary Rutherford said their “development is planning for enough parking,” without disclosing an exact figure. The Edge has been unavailable directly for further comments. Dean of Students Michael Mitchell held a meeting with The Edge to settle the University’s concerns about the lack of parking as well. “At that time, [The Edge] had addressed those concerns as rumors,” Mitchell said. “They had been assured by their developer that there would be one parking space per bed.”

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When asked if there was a USA department that keeps an eye on surrounding business activity, Mitchell replied, “Not that I’m aware of. We don’t have that obligation as an institution and would probably be over stepping our boundaries if we did. So if it’s not on the University, we rely on the city to manage those issues.” In the most recent city planning commission meeting, an area adjacent to The Edge was denied permission for commercial parking lot development, to include an extra 248 spaces directly behind Campus Bookstore. Dr. Victoria Rivizzigno, secretary of the city planning commission, explained, “There’s a regulation against having offsite parking. All the parking should be contained onsite.” The applicant for this development claimed not to be affiliated with The Edge. However several members around the community believe otherwise, especially since the last parking development application from The Edge’s developers was denied. “It appeared to be a way for them to get around the original denial,” William Guess, chair for the city Board of AdSee Parking options at The Edge Page 5

In this Issue:

A new organization on campus will provide students with a way to turn wasted food into an eco-friendly garden . According to a recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, approximately 20 pounds of food is wasted by each of the 311 million people in the United States every month. Once the food is discarded, it makes its way to landfills where it rots and eventually biodegrades into many elements such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium and sodium. There, these elements have little power. However, when combined in the right setting, these elements are capable of creating fertilized soil perfect for growth of almost anything. The process of creating this soil over time with extra or leftover food is called composting. Home Grown Mobile is a local organization that was started a little over a year ago by two South students, Justin Roberts and Matthew Johnson. “Matthew and I each had slightly different motivations for forming HGM,” Roberts said in a recent interview. “Having worked in numerous kitchens and restaurants, he got to see first-hand how much food was thrown out with the trash and just thought it was plain uneconomical. I looked at the food waste, however, and saw a missed opportunity to produce someSee Home Grown comes to USA Page 3

SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Life, Page 6 Sports, Page 12 Left of Center, Page 17 Opinion, Page 20

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

“University of South Alabama’s Student Voice”

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

Samantha Andrews

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

Stuart Sox Noah Logan

Distribution Distribution Bobby Faulk Matthew Rhodes

Advertising Advertising Justine Burbank Graphic Designer Ryan Keller Sheldon Hall

Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan

Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.

Send letters and guest columns to: The Vanguard University of South Alabama P.O. Drawer U-1057 Mobile, Ala., 36688. Or thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board, which is composed of the Editor in Chief, Copy Editor, Senior Reporter and Opinion Editor. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.

USAPD Police Blotter

Weather for August 12 - 18

7/20/2013 3:39 Driving Under the Influence- Alcohol Grove Apartments A female was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. 7/20/2013 17:50 Bench Warrant Stadium at rec center Suspect was arrested for seven Mobile City warrants. 7/21/2013 16:45 Bench Warrant Health Services Suspect was arrested for having four City of Mobile warrants. 7/23/2013 0:18 Driving Under the Influence- Alcohol Old Shell Road and Mitchell Drive A male driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

PATRICK BIGBIE | STAFF METEOROLOGIST

Twitter: StormTeam4g9wx

7/24/2013 0:54 Facebook: Facebook.com/StormTeam4Gamma9Wx Possession of Marijuana Second Degree Possession of Drug Paraphernalia University Boulevard and Old Shell Road Male subject was arrested at the listed location for Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Under the Influence of a Substance, Carrying a Concealed Weapon without a Permit and Possession of a Concealed room plus washing machine and House-mate wanted. Two-bedroom Weapon. dryer. Academic year lease. modern home in quiet neighbor7/30/2013 21:56 $300 for rent and utilities. hood (10 min to campus). SemiBurglary Third Degree furnished room with large walk- No illegal substances/ Grove Apartments References required Unknown person(s) forced entry into the victim’s in closet & attached private Call John 251-605-4564 bath. Kitchen and large living room and removed property.

Classifieds

8/2/2013 4:32 Possession of Marijuana 2nd Appears in Public Place Under Influence Oklahoma Street Two non-students were arrested at the dead-end of Oklahoma Street for Public Intoxication, Possession of Marijuana 2nd and Disorderly Conduct. 8/6/2013 0:43 One Injured Cleverdon Boulevard and John Counts Drive One injured near the Intramural Fields near Jack Brunson Drive. 8/7/2013 1:06 Criminal Mischief Third Degree ($500 or less) Instruction Laboratory Building (ILB) Property was damaged at the Instructional Laboratory Building. 8/7/2013 14:30 Disorderly Conduct/Disrupting Peace Research Park 3 Officers responded to the Human Resources department for a report of a disorderly individual in the lobby. 8/7/2013 16:41 Theft of Property Third Degree ($500 or less) Chi Omega Sorority A television was taken from the common area of the Chi Omega House.

Home Grown comes to USA Continued from Page One.

thing awesome,” meaning, “compost, or more plainly, very good soil.” Together, Roberts and Johnson are working to raise awareness of the issue, implement a composting system within our communities and start turning wasted food into soil. “All of that food waste we throw out every day can literally be turned into brand new, super-charged soil. In the simplest way, that is what Home Grown is about,” Roberts said, continuing, “we recycle food and turn it into soil.” As for participation in the program, Roberts said, “Right now we have about fifty members that contribute their food waste. We give them whatever we have growing in the garden, or more frequently just the compost itself that they can use in their own gardens.” Looking to expand their area of involvement, Roberts and Johnson are not only talking to local farmers, but they have also formed a student organization called Home Grown USA which will begin this fall. They have even created a compost bucket pick-up/drop-off spot by the dumpsters next to the Life Sciences building.

“We would like to have bins available for students to pick up and swap out all around campus,” Roberts said. “They can take them home if they don’t live on campus or use them in their dorms. The fraternities and sororities could use them in their kitchens.” Roberts went on to say that HGM’s biggest goals on campus are to place composting bins in all of the dining facilities and use these bins to start a campus-wide community garden. By reaching out to college students in an attempt to spread their knowledge of and passion for composting, they are not only reaching out to their peers, but they are also hoping to reach the “next generation.” “As our world is confronted with more and more challenges we need people to begin thinking about issues such as food security and waste management at a young age so that when they leave [the] university and enter the workforce they are able to confront these issues with an informed mind.” If you would like more information on Home Grown Mobile or the statistics of composting, you can visit HGM on Facebook at facebook.com/ HomeGrownMobile.

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

SGA promotes involvement By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

Student government association President Riley Davis is looking forward to everything that the SGA will accomplish this fall semester. “As President of SGA here at South, I am looking forward Riley Davis to an exciting acaSGA President demic year and I hope to hear from and see as many students on campus as I can,� Davis said. In the past, student attendance has been poor at regular SGA meetings. Davis and the rest of SGA are looking for that to change. “I encourage all students to utilize the resources that SGA can provide them,� Davis said, adding, “all students are welcome at the SGA meetings.� Davis and the rest of the SGA executive council were elected at the end of the previous spring semester. Since then, they have been working to prepare for the tasks of the upcoming year. During the summer semester, the SGA appropriations committee revised the appropriations bylaws in the South Alabama student handbook, The Lowdown. Appropriations are the funds that are awarded each semester to on-campus student organizations by the SGA. “In the past, appropriations bylaws were mixed together with student travel grants and cosponsorships in The Lowdown while they all had different rules. The changes that the appropriations committee made clarify what all of the differences are,� Davis said. The SGA senate completed one senate project in the summer semester. Led by Senator Nick Frazier of the College of Arts and Sciences, the SGA paid for the completion of the new cement sidewalk between the humanities and chemistry buildings. Each semester the SGA senate completes various senate projects that benefit South Alabama’s students and campus. The SGA meets on Monday nights at 8 p.m. in the conference room behind the registers at the Fresh Food Company. The first meeting of the fall semester will take place on Monday, Aug. 19.

Parking options at The Edge Continued from Page One.

justment said. “More or less what I would say is they regrouped and found another piece of property that they could go through the process with and get the additional parking, even though it was going to be offsite to serve the new Edge complex.� Guess admits that the planning commission can’t deny an application for a lack of parking if they meet the regulation. City Planning Commissioner James Watkins explains that apartment complexes marketed to students are treated the same as any other housing complex because the city does “not have a different classification for apartments or housing rented by the room.� The USA police department has already begun to make arrangements in anticipation for The Edge’s launch to ensure safety and security for the University. New regulations for both the recreation center and Stanky Field will prohibit overnight parking past 11 p.m., and cars parked in these locations after this time will be towed. “We are going to erect gates to Stanky Field that close after a specific time,� USAPD Chief Zeke Aull said, concerned for the University and its students. “By allowing the possibility of someone getting hurt, we are being an enabler.� USAPD Captain Keith West explained the recreation center parking regulation, “It’s not so much that they are taking up spaces that somebody will need at eleven o’clock at night, as much as when we have allowed students to park there overnight, we’ve had many students leave cars there past the time when the rec center opens and people such as alumni or general citizens that have rec center memberships have no-

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where to park early in the morning.� Many affected by The Edge’s three parking options spoke out shortly after the announcement. “I specifically addressed this with someone in the office before I signed my lease and was told I had absolutely nothing to worry about,� Hillary Hunt, a market management senior at USA said. “This is outrageous.� “I am a non-student who uses the rec center regularly,� Libby Jones, a USA alumna said when considering the state of parking at USA’s recreation center once The Edge is complete. “I don’t know where or how, but there definitely needs to be more parking designated for rec center users. If Edge residents park there during the day as well, it will be a major source of frustration for everyone.� However, others believe in The Edge’s plan and report satisfactory communication with the company. “Actually, this is a temporary problem,� Michelle Vajgrt, a student at USA said. “If you call and calmly speak with them, they are up front about everything going on and are trying to help the best they can.� The surge of feedback from the announcement led The Edge Apartments on Facebook to reply with “Just to clarify, The Edge Developers have procured adjacent land to accommodate our residents who are #1 priority. We will be able to provide an additional update on timing on August 12th. We will be providing updates regularly on this important issue as information is available.� Like facebook.com/TheVanguardUSA on Facebook to follow this story as it develops this week and other USA news that affects you.

jagLIFE

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

Mobile venues to bring great live music this fall Five days to JagFest By STUART SOX sgsox@att.net

The live music scene in downtown Mobile offers many interesting music venues that showcase bands and musicians from a wide variety of genres. This fall will be no different as venues like the Alabama Music Box and the Soul Kitchen will host many lineups that students at the University of South Alabama are bound to enjoy. The Alabama Music Box is an intimate live music venue and bar that is situated in the middle of the lower area of Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. This venue regularly hosts musical acts from various genres including indie rock, hip-hop and more. The Alabama Music Box even holds karaoke nights on Mondays at 9 p.m. “I love the music box because you can watch the show from either the floor or the balcony inside,” said Laura Fliegel, a junior French major at South Alabama. Fliegel added, “If you don’t

By BRIANNA ERVIN brianna.ervin@ymail.com

GRACE PHILLIPS | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

The Eastern Sea (pictured) played at the Alabama Music Box on Aug. 6. feel like dancing or you aren’t into whoever’s playing you can chill and watch from the balcony.” Surfer Blood, a popular indie rock band, will be at the Alabama Music Box on Oct. 30. For a calendar of

events at the Alabama Music Box, visit their Facebook page or their website, www.alabamamusicbox.net. The Soul Kitchen is another popular music venue in downtown Mobile that has hosted some big names in the

past. It has been the scene of shows from bands and musicians like Breathe Carolina, Chevelle, Matisyahu, Explosions in the Sky and many more. See Music scene Page 7

Dream Strike Lake: Every bass fisherman’s fantasy By PATRICK HAUTAU pth1001@jagmail.southalabama.edu

PATRICK HAUTAU | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Patrick Hautau catches a 4-pound bass on Dreak Strike Lake.

Dream Strike Lake is a 50-acre, trophy bass lake located in the quiet town of Lucedale, Miss. The lake is privately owned by a man called Mr. Mike, who built the lake in 2002, and began stocking it with bass in 2004. Dream Strike was initially stocked half with Native Largemouth Bass and half with Florida Bass. These bass breed to make the famous F-1 or “Tiger Bass.” Tiger Bass typically are aggressive and grow quickly. According to www.americansportfish.com, they can gain up to 2 pounds a year. With the bass now reaching eight years old, Mr. Mike said, “We have 10-pound fish in here no doubt, one should be caught soon.” This is not hard to believe considering the most recent lake record as of a few weeks ago at 9.9 pounds. The lake is also stocked with bream and Channel catfish. Bass are catch-and-release only. However, you can harvest bream and catfish. On my trip to Dream Strike, Mr. Mike was gracious enough to allow me to fish. This lake is far from disappointing. Fishing in the middle of the day, bites were hard to come by, but

that didn’t stop us from catching two 6-pound bass and several 2-4 pounders. With the sight of bass chasing shad on top of the water all day, the excitement never stopped. “Anytime to fish is a great time,” Mr. Mike said. “It’s a sunrise to sunset opportunity here.” As if catching big bass wasn’t enough, the hospitality of Mr. Mike was unbeatable. I highly recommend making a trip out to Dream Strike Lake. It costs $50 per person to fish all day or $30 to fish from 3:00 p.m. until sunset. You can fish from the bank or from a boat, but a boat is recommended. There is a concrete boat ramp at the lake able to launch any size bass boat. Mr. Mike also has a boat for rent for $50 a day. There is also a beautiful lake house that sleeps four people for rent for $125 a night, Mr. Mike stressed that no wild parties would be tolerated. For more information you can go to their website www.dreamstrikelake.com or find them on Facebook.

This year South Alabama celebrates its 19th annual Jag Fest. Jag Fest is an all-day event hosted by the Offices of the President, Student Affairs, and New Student Orientation. Jag Fest is specifically designed for freshmen and transfer students, but all students are welcome to attend. This year, Jag Fest will be held Aug. 17. On that day, students will begin to move into residence halls from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will be welcomed by USA’s acting president, deans, faculty, staff and various student organization members. Following move-in, students will be able to attend the campus fair. The campus fair will be held at the Mitchell Center from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. During the campus fair, students will have the opportunity to win door prizes, get refreshments and browse more than 100 information booths set up by local organizations, businesses and community representatives. These booths will include apartment complexes, banks, churches, food vendors, non-profit organizations and many of South Alabama’s student organizations. Dinner will be served at the President’s Dinner Buffet from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Center. Student Colby Bordon who attended Jag Fest last year said, “[it] helps you meet new people… we had a good time when we went.” The main goal of Jag Fest is to show hospitality and to integrate students. Jag Fest helps students become aware of the countless ways to get involved in both the university and the community, while also welcoming them to the newest chapter of their lives: college.

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

Music scene Continued from Page Six.

“The Soul Kitchen isn’t as big as some other venues, but it has an intimate feel like nowhere else I’ve been,” said Cam Ridley, a junior exercise science major at USA. The Soul Kitchen already has some popular names on their calendar for this fall. Anyone who loves dubstep and electronic music should make every effort to see Gramatik at the Soul Kitchen on Friday, Sept. 20. On Friday, Oct. 11, the Soul Kitchen will host a performance from former teen pop star Aaron Carter. The Soul Kitchen also frequently hosts Glow Rage, a paint rave that tours all over the Gulf Coast region, throwing massive parties with light shows, DJs and gallons of neon paint. “I think Glow Rage gives students much needed fun throughout the year,” says sophomore mechanical engineering major Bret Nolen. “It helps you loosen up and it’s always a good time,” Nolen added. Like the Alabama Music Box, the Soul Kitchen is also located on Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. Visit their Facebook page or www. soulkitchenmobile.com to view their calendar for upcoming events and performances. Apart from the music venues, downtown Mobile also hosts two music festivals, Bayfest and SouthSounds Music Festival. Bayfest 2013 will be held Oct. 4-6. SouthSounds Music Festival, which features bands and musicians from all over the southeast, will take place during the spring semester of 2014.

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

USA app is a great resource By NOAH LOGAN ncl1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Last year, Acting President John Smith and Dean of Students Dr. Michael Mitchell started a project with Assistant Director of Information Services Chris Cannon at South Alabama Computer Services Center to “develop an app that would serve the entire University Committee,” according to Cannon. Now the South Alabama app, available on the iTunes and Android app store, is up and running with a plethora of services and information for current students, prospective students and alumni alike. Cannon opened up to The Vanguard about the app in its beginning stages, the current status of the app and what the future holds for the new technology. “The goal was to provide the type of information students and visitors to the campus might need in an easily accessible form, their smart phones. Things like campus map, Admissions information and campus events were top of the list.” All of those initial ideas have been met and then some. Some other resources featured in the app include a complete list of all courses offered in the upcoming semester, JagRadio, weather, alumni events and more. The app is funded through the Computer Services Center and was helped along the way by Stratix, a tech-

The USA mobile app provides several features like a campus map, athletics schedules and USA’s radio station.

PHOTOS BY SAM ANDREWS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

nology development company out of Oklahoma that has also worked with the University of Oklahoma and the University of Nebraska in the past. Cannon said that Stratix “provided the starting point that best fit our needs and allowed us the flexibility to grow as we created our own mobile app modules.” The South Alabama app is not the only app students will be able to use. Cannon said plans are in the works for the School of Computing to develop an app to provide JagTran arrival time estimations to all stops on campus. The project will be a joint effort between the School of Computing and the Computer Services Center, utilizing students working with the Computer Services staff to develop the app. The project is set to begin in the fall of 2013. On top of these two apps, the staff is also working with the Department of Family Medicine for an app for their students to help with procedures tracking. Cannon and the rest of the staff are pleased with the app so far. Cannon said the app has received “very positive feedback” and has “proven to be a useful resource for not only USA students and alumni but also for prospective students, their families and other visitors to the campus.”

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

Mobilian moves to radio By TIMOTHY BORLAND trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Independent music and culture media outlet Mod Mobilian has been making a large impact in the greater Mobile area and beyond with their successful website, record label and Southsounds music festival. With a coverage area that runs from Austin, Texas to northern Florida, many look to Mod Mobilian as the definitive alternative source for happenings along the Gulf Coast. This summer marked the launch of the streaming radio station Mod Mobilian Radio, and the local response has been extremely positive. Popular Mobile radio host Emily Hayes, formerly of 92.1 Zew, anchors the daytime lineup with two four-hour blocks of music. She cites Birmingham Mountain Radio as a major influence. For three years in a row, the internet radio station BMR has been voted by local publications as the best radio station in Birmingham, Ala., beating out the terrestrial stations. “Over the past five years I’ve been in radio, they [BMR staff] have been uber helpful lending everything from an ear when I was frustrated, exchanging ideas on promotions, or helping me tighten up my delivery on air. They have always got a super special place in my heart for all of those reasons and more and be-

cause they are doing it right with BMR,” Hayes says. Mod Mobilian Radio was created in the same spirit, and co-founder Trey Lane feels like it was the natural next step for the website team. With a background in radio, he felt the needs of certain listeners in the Mobile area were going unsatisfied. Lane created the Sack Lunch, a block on the station serving up a new aural meal each day. “We play only what we want to. Sadly, you’re not going to find that on the AM/FM dial anymore. You’d be surprised how much pay-for-play still goes on with your neighborhood terrestrial radio station, which is one of the reasons why they can be so excruciating to listen to,” Lane explains. Mod Mobilian radio is a freeform radio station, which improves the radio experience by reducing the number of commercials and allowing DJs to have more control of their playlists. Despite what some mainstream proponents suggest, these stations have existed for many years. WFMU based out of New Jersey began broadcasting in 1958, and it is widely considered the oldest independent freeform station in the country. “Seriously, who only listens to one kind of music? It’s no wonder terrestrial radio is in its death throes because everyone has to scan around to hear all

TIMOTHY BORLAND | CON TRIBUTING WRITER

Hosts of Mod Mobilian Radio (from left to right) Doc Valso, Kris Skoda, Trey Lane, and Emily Hayes the kinds of music they like. We deliver a great mix and then we also have more specialized shows that go further in specific directions,” Lane says. The station is extremely eclectic, with genres like rock, indie, hip-hop, punk, alternative, jazz and more all strongly represented. The hosts go to great lengths to include local and regional bands in playlists, providing the musicians with increased exposure in the community. South Alabama graduate Kris Skoda hosts the Skoda Pop block

in the evenings, bringing his personal music taste to the mix. “The only possible theme is good time music. Some of it is rowdy, some is more laid back, but constantly what I try to do is provide the listener with a mix they will have an awesome time listening to,” Skoda says. “For me personally I’m always looking to how we could do it better, bigger. But for being a few weeks into MMR, I really can’t complain. It means a lot that people take the time to tune in,” Skoda emphasizes.

The Mod Mobilian crew expects more positive developments in the future. The station is available streaming online via www.modmobilianradio.com, and on smartphones by downloading the Live365 app. Mod Mobilian Radio wants to play what their listeners want to hear. Fans can make their preferences known by contacting the Mod Mobilian Radio Facebook page or by emailing modmobilianradio@gmail.com.

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

11

SPORTS

JT CRABTREE, SPORTS EDITOR jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

12

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

South Alabama dons new Jag Swag Jags will wear new uniforms for the first time since the creation of the program

Want us to follow you? Tweet us @USAVGSports Brandon Bridge @Air_Canada_7: Quarterback When people spell my name wrong really angers me. My name is not hard to spell... Drew Dearman @Heavistotle: Offensive lineman Selena Gomez earned a new fan tonight with that come and get it song Ross Metheny @RMetheny15: Quarterback S/o to the Michigan running back who has had to repeatedly watch himself get annihilated every day since January. #Respect Wes Saxton @Juice_Supreme: Tight end Full body cramp 1st practice FML Aleem Sunanon @AleemTheDream25: Kicker You know it’s camp when there are 16 people in the ice bath Emily Messer @emily_messer20: Outfielder

By JT CRABTREE

PHOTOS BY JT CRABTREE | SPORTS EDITOR

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

The South Alabama Jaguars football team will have a new look this coming season. On July 18, the athletic department unveiled a new red home uniform through their official Facebook page. The jerseys are made by Nike, and will be worn for home games this season. The jerseys are solid red, with blue lettering above the front number saying “Jaguars.” The team will also don a new helmet this year. As opposed to the simple white helmet and facemask with the Jaguar logo, the new helmets

are white with a navy blue facemask with “Jags” on each side written in red with blue piping. “We always try to update our uniform, so to speak,” said head coach Joey Jones. “We’ve always had a real traditional look since we got here. The kids have expressed their interest in doing something a little newer and more modern and I think we came up with a real good look.” Initially, the coaching staff wanted to keep the new jerseys a surprise from the players. “We tried to hide it from them,”

said Jones. “But some word of it got out on the internet and they saw it. They’re real excited about it.” Jones said fans will get a chance to see the new uniforms the first week of the season on Aug. 29 against Southern Utah. “That’s what we’ll start out with on our first day.”

Lets be honest, we all wanna be clever tweeters so people will retweet/favorite our stuff #twitterfamous Qudarius Ford @BuiltFord_tuff: Defensive back On this practice last year I tore my pcl in my knee.. blessed to still be able to play the game Chris May @CMayfive_5: Offensive lineman Going to watch the conjuring. I’m not going to lie one bit... I’m scared lol

@USAVGSports

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

13

USA picked to finish seventh in preseason polls By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

The Sun Belt Conference held their annual Football Media Day from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, the new location of the Sun Belt Conference headquarters. Coaches and players from every team in the Sun Belt, including members that will join in 2014, were in attendance. Head coach Joey Jones and senior defensive lineman Romelle Jones were the representatives for the Jags. As part of Sun Belt Conference Football Media Day, preseason polls were released as well as the preseason all-conference team. Tight end Wes Saxton, defensive lineman Alex Page and defensive back Tyrell Pearson were all named to the preseason All-Sun Belt team. “It’s an honor, but it’s a preseason award,� said Page. “It’s something to be happy about, but it’s based off of last year. Knowing that I did well last year just motivates me to do even better this year. And having something to live up to, you know you’re picked first-team preseason, you want to be postseason first-team too. Everyday it just makes me work harder and just keeps me motivated.� In the preseason polls, the Jags were picked to finish seventh, only ahead of conference newcomer Georgia State. The preseason is determined by the voting of all the Sun Belt

Conference head coaches. “Preseason poll really doesn’t matter to me,� said head coach Joey Jones. “It’s what happens at the end of the season [that matters] obviously. It’s fun to talk about. But us being a brand new program in the league, I’d put us right where we are [in the polls] too. Our kids have higher expectations than that. We’ve been doing a lot of good things, and we’re a much better football team. My big deal is we’ve got to gain respect in this league and earn it. To do that, you have to win some ballgames.� “Anything on paper I honestly don’t look at too much,� said Romelle Jones. “All I really look into is the weight room, film, things that I can do to make myself better and the team. Some guys do use [the polls] as a motivating factor, but me seeing us low in the polls doesn’t really do too much for me.� South Alabama will be seeing more TV time this year as well, with six games announced to be televised this coming season. The Jags matchup against Southern Utah on Aug. 29 will be on ESPN 3, as well as their games against Western Kentucky on Sept. 14 and UL-Monroe on Nov. 23. The USA vs. ULM game will also be on the Sun Belt Network and CSS. Other games that will be televised: Tulane (Sept. 7, CST), Troy (Oct. 5, SBC/CSS), Navy (Nov. 16, CBS Sports Network).

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15

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Football has returned to the campus of South Alabama, with the Jaguars starting fall practice on Aug. 1. The Jags have started preparation for their season opener at home against Southern Utah on Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The 2013 season will be the first season that South Alabama will be a full FBS member of the Sun Belt Conference, meaning they can now compete for a conference championship and a bowl game bid. The Jags opened practice in shorts and helmets while mixing in team and individual drills. “It looked good,” said head coach Joey Jones. “We went out in shorts today. One thing we did well, you can tell the guys really worked hard this summer. We came out mentally knowing what to do. It was a good start. We’ve got to get pads on and see where we go from there. Practicing in shorts you don’t really find out much about a player until you put pads on him. I was real pleased with their effort. I was real pleased that they knew what they were doing. So that means their minds were focused on what we’re doing and that pleases me very much.” Jones praised the team’s efforts during the off-season to prepare for possibly the most important season in South Alabama football’s young history.

JT CRABTREE | SPORTS EDITOR

Head coach Joey Jones is set to lead the Jags in their first FBS season

USA football prepares for 2013 Jags get ready for their first season as a full FBS member “I thought offensive execution was good today for the first day of practice,” said Jones. “You can tell these guys have been working hard this summer. Defensively, they just have a look in their eyes like they’re ready to prove something. Obviously they’re chomping

at the bit to get the shoulder pads on and the helmets on and hit somebody. I liked their focus, so that was probably the best thing I saw today.” Even though it was the first day, Jones saw a number of players that stood out, including Alabama transfer

Danny Woodson Jr. “I saw Montavious Williams on defensive line doing extremely well,” said Jones. “He looks quicker, faster. Danny Woodson Jr. looked great out there at wide receiver. At linebacker, I saw Maleki Harris running around very

well. He’s real athletic.” The talk of preseason camp has been the battle at the quarterback position between returning starting quarterback Ross Metheny and junior Brandon Bridge. “There’s always some eagerness on day one,” said Metheny about the first day of practice. “Some new learning for some new guys. Some mental errors, that kind of thing. You have to learn to work through those tweaks. We’ll go back and watch film on it tomorrow. I think overall for day one we played with great tempo. That’s something we’re stressing this year, playing fast and going to the right place with the ball. Protecting the ball is a big thing.” The Jags were picked to finish seventh in the Sun Belt preseason polls, only ahead of newcomer Georgia State. “We’re picked to finish seventh, down near the bottom,” said Metheny. “But nobody knows what’s going on inside those walls. Nobody knows what’s going on up on these fields. We feel like we have something to prove. We feel confident in what we can do and we’re ready for the season.” The Jags will play a full FBS schedule, like last season, every year from now on as well as a full Sun Belt Conference schedule. South Alabama will also play Tulane, Tennessee, Kent State and Navy in the 2013 season.

16

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

The Prowl revamps their sports program, coverage South Alabama’s student radio station adds away football games, structure to sports department By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

South Alabama’s very own radio station is now bigger and better than ever. Formally known as JagRadio, The Prowl has revamped and grown tremendously within the last couple months, especially when it comes to the sports program. This year, The Prowl has two sports talk radio shows and will have live coverage of home games and a few select away games. JT Crabtree, director of sports, has been a vital part of the development of The Prowl’s sports coverage. Program Director Louie Gannon said, “JT is in tune with the pulse of the students at South and we are very lucky to have him. Because of his commitment, we are expanding our coverage of games.” The programming will consist of two sports talk shows, “The Sports Preys” and “The Jaguar Report.” Play-by-plays will be provided for all home football games and a few away games in the fall as well as a few basketball, baseball and softball games in the spring. Renato Mazariegos, on-air personality who will be co-hosting “The Sports Preys” with Crabtree, explained a little more on what their show will contain. “We based it off of ‘Pardon the Interruption,’” Mazariegos said. “We will have about four segments where we talk about professional, college, and South Alabama sports.

Our favorite segment is ‘weird time,’ where we talk about weird sports news. ” In the past, the coverage of South Alabama sports has been limited to a local station, newspapers and very little TV reporting. Crabtree, who is also sports editor for The Vanguard, sees the benefits in South expanding sport coverage. “Coverage is very important,” said Crabtree. “Having more coverage of sports will only help the university. Look at how many people come here now because of football. Sports are big down here [in the South] and it’s a way to help the university expand.” The Prowl is completely run by South Alabama students. From shows and introductions to play-by-plays, South students will be the voice you hear through your speakers. With The Prowl, all South Alabama students have a unique opportunity. “I hope [students] embrace the program,” said Crabtree. “They have the ability to make and shape it as they want. We are the voice of the university on the radio and we want everyone to be involved to make it an accurate representation.” You can listen to “The Sports Preys” with JT and Renato every Monday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and “The Jaguar Report” Wednesdays at 1 p.m. You can listen to The Prowl on the USA smartphone app or on their website, theprowlusa.blogspot.com.

Softball loses coach, third baseman transfers By JT CRABTREE

jtc804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

South Alabama softball was dealt a major blow during the off-season. After finishing the 2013 season 48-9, the best record in school history, the Lady Jags will be without two key components that steered the program to host their first Regional. Starting third baseman Haley Fagan and assistant coach Jimmy Kolaitis have both left South Alabama to pursue other options. Kolaitis left the Lady Jags to become an assistant coach with the University of Oregon, while Fagan transferred to Auburn. Kolaitis had served as South Alabama’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator since 2009. Before coming to South Alabama, Kolaitis spent four years as the director of baseball operations at Troy. While at Troy, the Trojans made two NCAA Regional appearances and captured two conference titles.

Following the 2013 season, Kolaitis worked as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bandits of National Pro Fastpitch softball. Fagan, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and All-Conference FirstTeam selection, ended her Lady Jags’ career quickly, choosing to transfer to Auburn. Fagan led South Alabama with 11 home runs, 51 RBIs and 99 total bases. Fagan did not speak long about why she decided to transfer, saying only, “I just felt like I didn’t belong in the program anymore.” Fagan will redshirt this upcoming season at Auburn. Fagan was also named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week on April 22, after a weekend series against Louisiana-Monroe, where she went 8-for-11 for the series, including two home runs, six RBIs in game two. The Lady Jags’ season ended in a 7-6 (F/8) loss to Florida State in the Mobile Regional championship game.

LEFT OF CENTER

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

17

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

Rugby makes All-Stars By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

ALYSSA NEWTON | LOC EDITOR

South Alabama fight song

Football season is here again Jag Fans Jag tips for new Jag fans By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

It’s that time of the year again. On Aug. 29, the Jags will take the field for the start of their fifth season of Jaguar football. This is a new year for the Jaguars as it will be their first year as an FBS team. That means South is eligible for bowl games, conference championships and has the opportunity to play opponents such as Tennessee and Navy. For many, this season will be like riding a bike. You know what to do, where to go, how hot it will be in the student section and

every single cheer. As for the freshmen, when they walk into Ladd-Peebles Stadium, they will be like deer standing in front of headlights. But that’s where upperclassmen come in. As a freshman, I was lucky enough to have a group of people who loved the Jags and had impeccable school spirit and taught me everything I know. So in turn, for all of the new baby Jags, here’s just a small “Jag Tips” list to keep in mind for the first game. 1) Wear your red, white and blue . This is now your school. You’re paying money to come here. Don’t wear your Alabama, Auburn, Southern Miss or Ohio State T-shirts. Show your school pride. 2) The student section is hot. This is Mobile, Ala., after all. Instead of leaving a game early, come prepared. Wear cool clothes, bring sunscreen and wear sunglasses. These little things will make a huge difference. 3) Tailgate. Get your student organization to set up a tent before the game. If you don’t have one, there are multiple tents full of students, organizations and businesses where you can get food and drinks and buy South Gear.

4) Participate. Games are always more fun when you aren’t sitting in the bleachers on your iPhone the entire time. Learn the fight song and cheers, go crazy when the Jags score. If you’re bored at a game, you’re doing something wrong. 5) Get to know your team. This year will be a little harder since South’s jerseys won’t have the names on them, but these guys are your peers. They are students just like you. When you make that connection, it’s way more fun to watch. 6) Have fun with it. My freshman year, I cheered beside a guy with a huge Afro and Kanye glasses and a guy in a toga. Whatever it takes for you to get pumped up for a game, do it! (While still being smart and safe.) 7) Take pictures. My favorite memories with the Jaguars are captured on camera whether it be recording last year’s comeback homecoming or taking a picture with SouthPaw. These are the years you’ll look back on and want to remember. 8) Keep up with the Jags if you can’t make it. There are multiple ways to still know how the Jaguars are doing even if you aren’t at Ladd-Peebles. Follow The Vanguard Sports twitter and get play-by-plays or listen to The Prowl as they broadcast the game. Most televised games will be shown in restaurants in Mobile or are available online. 9) Don’t leave early. Last year’s home-

coming is a perfect example. We were down two touchdowns in the fourth and came back. In overtime, there were three blocked kicks, one of which sealed the win for the Jaguars. It may be hot and you may get tired, but memories like that are worth being uncomfortable for a couple hours. 10) Be the best fan you can be. In a years’ time, you’ll have being a Jaguar down pact. College goes by faster than you think. Soon you can be the upperclassman who shows a freshman the ropes here at South. Enjoy your time as a Jaguar and put off the stresses of growing up for four quarters. So get painted up, shake your pom-poms and yell “South in Your Mouth!” until you can’t talk. These are some of the best days of your life, Jags. Live it up.

This year seven Jags were placed on All-Star teams for the Deep South Rugby Conference. The Jags have been part of the DSRC since 2010. This is the second time the All-Stars have been active this year. Hanno Bartsh, Gabe Torres, Thomas Smit and Stephen Alexander were selected in March for the first Deep South All-Star team. They were an immense asset to the team beating the Dixie Conference AllStars 42-12. On Aug. 17, CJ Leggett, Rob Gwin and Stephen Alexander will join their fellow All-Star Jags and travel to Charleston, S.C., to play with the South Rugby Conference All-Stars. The South Rugby Conference represents schools such as Appalachian State University, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, Davidson College, Duke University, East Tennessee, Elon University, UNCGreensboro and Western Carolina. The All-Star game leads into the US versus Canada game for the World Cup qualifier. If you would like to know more about the rugby team, like their page on Facebook, South Alabama Rugby Club.

Test Your South Sports Smarts 1) When was USA’s first football game? 2) How many Division-1A does South have? 3) What is the school record for squat?

WES DARWIN

USA rugby in action

18

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Test Your South Sports Smarts ANSWERS 1) September 5, 2009 2) Seventeen 3) 775 lbs by Byron Sneed

ALYSSA NEWTON | LOC EDITOR

Where does SouthPaw get all of his South Alabama Sports news first? The Vanguard Sports page Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @USAVGSports


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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

Home of the South Alabama Jaguars Mobile is becoming more and more like a college town By ALYSSA NEWTON akn1104@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Thanks to new additions to the city of Mobile, Ala., the Port City is looking more like a college town with every year. The Bankhead tunnel is being redone to read “Home of the South Alabama Jaguars” so visitors will now know they are in Jaguar country as soon as they drive through. Another addition that has been most recently seen are the new billboards that can be found on Government Street and on I-65.

You may still see an abundance of other universities’s gear around Mobile, but the growing city is really starting to show more pride than ever for the growing college campus. As South Alabama grows, so does Mobile’s pride in the university that is located right in the heart of the city. Move over, Tuscaloosa and Auburn. Jag Nation is getting bigger every day.

ALYSSA NEWTON | LOC EDITOR

20

Opinion OUR VIEW EDITORIAL BOARD

KELLY FICARELLI, OPINION EDITOR kficarelli@gmail.com

STAFF EDITORIAL Samantha Andrews | Editor Kelly Ficarelli | Opinion Editor Stuart Sox | Senior Reporter

Alyssa Newton | Left of Center Editor JT Crabtree | Sports Editor

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

How hot is it? It’s so hot... ...they installed a fan in the debt ceiling. ...catfish are already fried when you catch them. ...global warming has been replaced by global melting. ...you realize asphalt has a liquid state. ...Satan went back to hell to cool off. ...you discover it takes only two fingers to steer your car. ...your seatbelt turns into a branding iron. ...your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups turned into peanut butter shooters.

Email Kelly Ficarelli at kficarelli@gmail.com to write for The Vanguard Opinion section

RYAN KELLER | GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Participate in your education

By KELLY FICARELLI kficarelli@gmail.com

Anyone who is serious about their education strives to understand new concepts and apply what he or she is taught. Everyone learns in a different way, so finding the study methods that work best for you is important to truly learn and understand new information. True learning is more than memorizing dates or recalling key terms to regurgitate while taking a test. Go beyond reciting facts and take responsibility for understanding the material presented to you. Discover ways to learn things on your own, without ask-

ing for help. But, when you need help, never be afraid to ask. There are many proven methods for linking information to your longterm memory, such as homework, reading and assigned class work. Another way to achieve in-depth learning is by participating in class discussions. Whether online or on campus, professors who use class discussions can actually make subjects very enjoyable. Hearing multiple people explain one idea in different ways or explaining a concept to someone else can help you to understand better. Many students share my fear of public speaking, so they don’t speak up and participate. Many are afraid others will think they’re unintelligent for not understanding, or they don’t want to hold the rest of the class up. Some would rather whisper to the person sitting next to them for help rather than voice a question to the professor and the whole class. I say, put those fears

aside and make your concerns known. I can almost guarantee there are others in the class who have had the same question, and they are glad someone asked! Asking questions helps clear up misunderstandings and sparks discussions and debates, which helps everyone learn. So don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. You are responsible for your education. You are responsible for passing your tests and your classes and asking the questions for which you need answers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class, to email your professors, to set up study groups with classmates and discuss difficult material. If you understand something that your classmates don’t, help them. Help others because one day it could be you who needs help, and we all know how karma works. Participate in your own education. Do it to get the most out of college. Do it to impress yourself. Do it to educate yourself to the fullest.

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VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

Plan your college career carefully A sacred jewel on

By RYAN WALLACE ryanwallace2010@gmail.com

For incoming freshmen, the next four (or more) years will be an opportunity to finally answer the question “What are you going to be when you grow up?” While there’s certainly nothing wrong with dreaming big and following your passions (unless you’re a megalomaniac ax murderer), I can say from personal experience that your best ally in your college career is having a clearheaded plan and the ability to evaluate yourself as objectively as possible. Not performing an honest assessment of your priorities and motivations as well as misunderstanding the job market can result in unemployment after college. As you most likely know, for a new graduate this means professional stagnation and mounting debt as interest starts to accrue on the student loans that most of us wind up taking to get through school. It is therefore in your best interest to make sure you take the student loan money (if indeed you need it) and apply it towards

getting a degree that will allow you to have a career you enjoy and pay what you owe in debts. The Bureau of Labor statistics has projected the unemployment rates for various majors based on recent statistics, and the results are as you might expect: liberal arts are the most-pursued (and therefore most unemployed) majors, while mathematics and computer science are among the lowest. The best majors for post-graduate employment are education (about 5 percent unemployment), computer science and mathematics (6 percent), and health professions and engineering (both about 6.5 percent). By contrast, the worst are the humanities (nearly 13 percent unemployment), social sciences (about 12.5 percent) and psychology (about 11.5 percent). Even worse, the average salary for these jobs act according to the same principle, with the highest-earning degree (engineering, $62,655 average starting salary) worth significantly more than the lowest (humanities, $36,998). It is worth mentioning that the highestemploying major, education, does not follow the general pattern, and is on average only slightly higher-earning than humanities at $40,668. It would be easy to fall into a trap of looking into those numbers and thinking, “Hey, I’ve still got an 87 percent chance of getting a job with my English degree; I like those odds.” But this can be misleading. The study

does not account for underemployment (e.g. a history major employed as a waiter), bachelor’s degree holders continuing on to further education, or stratification among those who enter the job market with their degree. For instance, of all the English majors in the job market, the ones who will (in general) find jobs are those with the highest qualifications (internships, GPA, et cetera) and with the best backgrounds (student leadership, higher-regarded institutions, et cetera). As you can see, the deck would quickly be stacked against someone who didn’t pursue extracurricular opportunities or maintain very good grades. As the holder of an English degree, I can (painfully) attest to this fact. My advice to incoming students is this: evaluate yourself as honestly as possible. If you truly love one of the majors that face a tougher job market, COMMIT to that major. Keep your grades high and constantly seek out networking and experience-building opportunities (sound advice for any major, actually). Make sure you talk to your advisors; their experience is an invaluable tool, and they will be honest with you. Finally, stay on top of your college career; no one will do it for you. College can be a great deal of fun, but it is even more fun when you know that you have set yourself up for a lifetime of opportunities after your years at South.

Make an effort to keep your word

By LISA SHIVER DENHAM lisadenham@gmail.com

What has happened with people in society and business today? There is a worldwide “lack of urgency” epidemic, especially in the business world today. It is extremely frustrating when people do not consider your time to be valuable, when they don’t do what they say they’ll do when they say they’ll do it. It is beyond irritating to have people drop the ball where follow-up is concerned. I think follow-up may be the most crucial step in building and maintaining business and personal relationships. People have no problem getting

their heads around the fact that their time is of the utmost importance, but they just cannot get their heads around the fact that other people’s time is equally valuable. When I was 19, I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by my then-company’s wonderful CEO, who made follow-up a top priority. Mr. B always took notes when he spoke with people, whether it was a formal or informal gathering. If Mr. B didn’t know the answer to someone’s question, he would jot it down and say, “Let me get back to you.” And he did get back to you. Every time! No matter what he was doing, he always took the time to follow up on the issue and call the person back, drop them a card in the mail or, as technology increased, email them. This always impressed me. It said to the person, “You are significant enough to me to find out the answer to your question.” He didn’t wait for them to call and remind him and then make excuses about how busy he had

been. Needless to say, he was an extraordinarily successful man--now retired. He taught me a lot about building and maintaining relationships on all levels. So often today, I talk with people who say they will get back with me but never do. Sometimes I’m not sure if they have trouble making decisions or if they simply lack a sense of urgency. I certainly understand we live in a busy society and that it is exceedingly easy to over commit. Quite honestly, though, I would rather be told “no” than be left hanging. I believe most people appreciate knowing where they stand with others. Are my standards too high in expecting people to do what they say, or has the rest of society significantly lowered its standards? Is it too much of a reach in today’s world to expect people to keep their word? I challenge teachers and students alike to do their part in prioritizing the idea of keeping one’s word. I have always been taught and still firmly believe that you are only as good as your word.

the Gulf Coast

By BRIANNA ERVIN

bae1101@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Many people may have never heard of the Gulf Coast Association of Black Journalists (GCABJ). Fortunately, if you don’t know about this organization, I’m here to enlighten you. GCABJ is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals who provide quality programs and services throughout the community. For example, they recently had the opportunity to partner with Joe Bullard to participate in an event for Habitat for Humanity, and they held a growth empowerment workshop. Additionally, GCABJ annually awards scholarships to one deserving high school senior and one college student who majors in broadcasting,

communications, journalism, production or public relations. In 2012, I had the honor of being one of their scholarship recipients and attended the meet-and-greet of a lifetime. Personally, I can attest that this organization is amazing and that the people in it are truly marvelous. GCABJ is committed to working with students to identify and encourage a career in the media and provide training and information that will help them succeed in the future. Headed by President Cassandra McAboy, this organization has been around since October 2008 and is still growing with its leaders in communications throughout the Mobile, Pensacola and Biloxi areas. Anyone of any profession and race is allowed to join. Professional Membership (media related) is $45, Associate Membership (non-media related) is $35 and Student Membership is $25 per year. If anyone is interested, you’re welcome to contact Cassandra at cassiemack01@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at Gulf Coast Association of Black Journalists, Inc.

Build a relationship with your advisor

By KATHRYN SEGERS kjs901@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Universities do an excellent job of recruiting students. Unfortunately, they don’t always have the same degree of success in graduating students. Many students take the required courses and earn degrees in a timely manner, but, too often, a great number struggle to complete even their freshman year. Other students take far more than four years to graduate. There are a number of reasons a student may be unsuccessful in school, but a lack of adequate guidance should not be a factor. College professors teach classes and do research, but they also serve as undergraduate student advisors. They are familiar with the coursework for the classes in their depart-

ments and can be very helpful when registering for classes. The relationship between a student and an advisor is a two-way street. Advisors should be caring, personable and knowledgeable. Students must have an earnest attitude and be prepared to use the advisor’s time and effort wisely. Advisors play a critical role in helping students fix on the correct major and take the proper sequence of courses to graduate on time, especially in those majors that allow more flexibility in course selection. Taking the wrong courses or switching majors can drain one’s energy as well as one’s bank account. The university requires advising for freshmen only, but I feel that it is important for students to make an effort to meet with their advisors consistently until they graduate. It is my opinion that advisors are there to serve students, and if students are dissatisfied with the counseling, they should feel free to seek out another advisor.

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Point Counterpoint p

South will soon have a Starbucks on the first floor of the library. Do you prefer chain coffee houses or is local better? Which is better, local coffee houses or chain coffee houses?

Choose wisely, buy local

Grab me some Starbucks

By JOHN BLYTHE

By TIMOTHY BORLAND

johnblythe@gmail.com

trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

As the writer of “Borland on Food” for the Mod Mobilian website, I have discovered a wealth of excellent java destinations in Mobile that are unique and completely independently-owned. There are numerous benefits to buying local. Doing so enriches the local community. Choosing a major national franchise like Starbucks sends Mobile dollars to the company’s founding city Seattle, where the funds can no longer benefit Mobile citizens. Alternatively, those dollars could be spent at an independent business, such as Serda’s Coffee, Satori, Spot ‘o Tea or Carpe Diem. These locations offer superior products for a comparable price. For example, Serda’s Coffee sells its own coffee bean blends sourced in South America by owner and South Al-

abama graduate John Serda. Other products like fine cigars, French coffee press service, Italian gelato, alcohol and a full menu make the location stand out from competitors. Another benefit customers gain is a more organic space as opposed to the typical cookie cutter store layout. Satori creates ambiance by blending mismatched furniture, art from local artists and a stereo system replete with indie rock instead of pop musak [sic]. Additionally, patrons can drink out of an actual coffee mug and use a real spoon for stirring rather than a wooden stick. Independent business is also a green alternative. Mainstream franchises ship their supplies all over the country in large trucks, resulting in increased CO2 emissions. In comparison, local businesses can buy their stock in town using smaller vehicles, reducing the overall carbon footprint. These business owners tend to buy their supplies from other independent sources as well, effectively reinvesting profits back into our own community. The most important factor of the ongoing revitalization of downtown Mobile is community support. There are blocks of empty buildings that remain vacant due to the high failure rate among small businesses in the United States. In order to make our downtown area an exciting and entertaining place, Mobilians must help independent businesses by supporting them with their patronage. These businesses add a flavor to our city, creating a local culture that is unique and identifiable. The employees of these establishments are not just faceless corporate drones, but neighbors and friends. Think about every dollar a consumer spends as a vote, and each person has the opportunity to vote for the businesses they find most rewarding. Choose wisely, and buy local.

I’m sitting in an airport as I write this, and I just so happen to be sitting right across from a Starbucks. True story. I’m no Bux Bigot, but I am a fan. My wife formerly worked for Starbucks. Now her best friend, my sister, her boyfriend, another best friend from the group and at least two other buddies work at various ones throughout Mobile. The seemingly nameless, faceless baristas at your local Starbucks are actually my friends and family. So, again, I’m kind of a fan. As consumers, we are looking for an aesthetic, an experience. Starbucks contributes a great deal to the larger conversation about coffee-shop context in at least two areas, and thus, should be supported by us all.

“

They drive competition, and in a consumer market that benefits us all - John Blythe

”

First, there’s product. Everything they make is always made the same, and it’s always done well. They spend more money on training their baristas than they do on marketing their brand. Why? Because a consistently solid product

speaks louder than a billboard blitz. If you see that big, green siren, then you know you’ll see your overly complex order looking exactly the way you expect it to: delicious. Every time. The second aspect is the property. The atmosphere, the look, the vibe all contribute to the coffee house aesthetic. This is where Starbucks can’t—or doesn’t—necessarily keep up with local shops. There is, in fact, something cool about creaky wooden floors and the baristas’ laissez faire attitude. Art, poetry, public readings and Irish Cream—they have it all. So why should we all support Starbucks? Simple: our consumption depends upon it. They take customers away from your beloved Cool Coffee so that it can be nice and cozy instead of overcrowded (and even slower in serving you). They raise the bar for product quality. They contribute to the context that helps make your place of patronage stand out. The bottom line is that they drive competition, and in a consumer market that benefits us all. Ooh, there’s boarding call. Time to wrap this up. Now to grab a little Starbucks before departure!

PHOTOS BY KELLY FICARELLI | OPINION EDITOR

VOL. 53, NO. 3 / AUG. 12, 2013

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