02.07.13 The Crimson White

Thursday, February 7, 2013 Serving the University of Alabama since 1894 Vol. 119, Issue 85

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Opinions ...................4

Culture .................... 16

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CW Staff

The University of Alabama ranks first among U.S. pub-lic universities in National Merit Scholars enrollment and fourth among all universities, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corp.’s recently released annual report.

The University’s recruitment of 241 scholars in the 2012 fresh-man class falls short only to the University of Chicago, Harvard University and the University of Southern California, but the news of Alabama’s achieve-ments comes just a week after University officials confirmed cuts to future National Merit Scholarship packages.

The University will only pay for one year of on-campus hous-ing for future Scholars, a break

from the four-year housing scholarships previously given.

Though incoming Scholars will still receive four years of tuition, a four-year stipend of $1,000 per year, a one-time $2,000 travel abroad or summer research stipend and an iPad, some current UA National Merit Scholars are afraid the reduc-tion in housing scholarship could affect future recruitment.

Some Scholars, particularly those from out-of-state, say

they were initially attracted to the University by the generous scholarship package.

“The scholarship package is not the only reason that I came to UA, but it is definitely the only reason I visited campus,” Natalie Goodwin, a junior from Fort Worth, Texas, said. “Being out-of-state, I never would have considered UA without visiting campus, and I only visited cam-pus because of the amount of recruiting materials I received

and the scholarship package. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I visited but fig-ured I had to at least see the campus if they were offering me a full tuition and housing scholarship.”

Goodwin said her visit to the University ultimately swayed her decision because she felt she could have a great college experience in Tuscaloosa, but she never would have visited without the draw of the full

scholarship package.A.J. Collins, a senior from

Warrington, Va., majoring in political science and econom-ics, said the University cultivat-ing a reputation from attracting high caliber students is a plus to National Merit Scholar recruit-ment, and the scholarship helped to put the University on his radar when searching for a school.

NEWS | NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS

Alabama 1st in public schools for Merit ScholarsRankings released after benefi ts change

SEE NATIONAL MERIT PAGE 15

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

By Marquavius BurnettSports Editor

To build a dynasty, one must have a strong foundation.

In college football, that foundation comes from recruiting the best players and getting them to perform at a peak level on Saturdays.

During much of Nick Saban’s tenure, The University of Alabama has dominated on the field during games and off the field with stellar recruit-ing classes.

Alabama’s 2013 signing class was ranked first nation-ally by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals.com and MaxPreps.

The Crimson Tide is ranked third in the Scout.com team rankings.

“I think that signing day is combination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people,” Saban said. “The assistant coaches do a good job sup-porting the staff, and this organization does a good job. Our administration and our community do a good job of supporting us in every way, from Dr. Bonner to Dr. Witt,

to Mal Moore, to just about everyone involved.”

The 25 total players, includ-ing seven mid-year enrollees, come from 13 states – Alabama (7), Georgia (3), Florida (2), Louisiana (2), Tennessee (2), Texas (2), Arkansas (1), California (1), Maryland (1), Pennsylvania (1), New Jersey (1), Utah (1) and Virginia (1).

“I think that with all the information that is avail-able now, it’s probably a little

easier to know who the best players are on a national scope,” Saban said.

The process, as Saban calls it, has infiltrated high schools and is now working to the coaches’ advantage. High-profile recruits are using their own influence to persuade other prep standouts to join them at the Capstone.

Tight end O.J. Howard spent a lot of time pitching Alabama to players after he committed

to the Tide last year.“Yeah I tried. I went to a

lot of camps this summer, so every camp I went to, I tried to get guys to come,” Howard said. “Dee Liner is one of the biggest guys I think I had an impact on. Dee’s my boy, and he ended up coming here, so I’m happy.”

Howard said he’s “claiming Liner” as his first recruit.

Alabama’s 2013 signing class considered best in nation by multiple recruiting sites

SEE RECRUITMENT PAGE 8

By Benjamin ClarkContributing Writer

The rivalry between Auburn University and The Univeristy of Alabama will be pushed to a new level next month as both schools take to the air in the first ever University Hover Challenge hovercraft competi-tion, March 16 and 17 at Lake Lurleen in Tuscaloosa.

The UA hovercraft team expects more than 20 competi-tors from all corners of the country in the race, includ-ing a team from rival Auburn University. The challenge is sponsored by the Hoverclub of America.

Kent Gano, the racing direc-tor for Hoverclub of America,

is also serving as direc-tor of the University Hover Challenge. Gano said he hopes to have other universities join in on the race and perhaps

even expand the challenge at other universities in the future.

NEWS | SGA

SGA debating smoking ban

By Madison RobertsStaff Reporter

A measure to ban smoking on campus was proposed to the SGA senate resolutions com-mittee Thursday, Jan. 31.

Ryan Flamerich, a SGA senator, said the tentative date for the voting of the ban is March 7, but a meeting this week will determine when the Resolutions Committee decides to bring the ban to

the floor.Zac McMillian, a sophomore

majoring in management information systems and an advocate of the smoking ban, said he has been working with Flamerich and the Tobacco Strategic Team on campus to gain supporters of the ban.

Vote on proposal tentatively set for March 7, meetings this week could bring idea to fl oor

SEE SMOKING PAGE 15

1st hovercraft race comes to UANEWS | HOVERCRAFT

CW | Caitlin TrotterUniversity of Alabama Hovercraft team taking advantage of technology across campus to build the vessel they will race in March.

CW | Austin Bigoney

Alabama to take on Auburn March 16, 17

SEE HOVERCRAFT PAGE 2

Photo Illustration CW | Austin Bigoney, CW File

SCENET H E i s g o i n g b a c k i n t i m e

p a g e 1 6

ONLINE ON THE CALENDAR

Submit your events to [email protected]

LUNCH

SteakBaked PotatoCornCream of Tomato SoupSpinach & Parmesan Quiche

(Vegetarian)

FRESH FOODLUNCH

Home-Style Fried & Baked Chicken

Baked Sweet PotatoesMexi-CornFresh Vegetable Linguine

AlfredoCream of Mushroom Soup

(Vegetarian)

DINNER

Crispy Pork CutletsSmoked Russet PotatoesSquash MedleyBroccoli & RiceSpinach & Parmesan Quiche

(Vegetarian)

ON THE MENULAKESIDE

FRIDAY

What: Zumbathon: Party Your Heart Into Shape

Where: Recreation Center South Gymnasium

When: 5 - 8:30 p.m.

What: Mental Health Mono-logues

Where: Ferguson Center Theater

When: 7 - 8:30 p.m.

What: Valentine’s Dance

Where: Smith Hall Exhibit Hall

When: 7 - 10 p.m.

TODAY

What: Student Affairs Expo

Where: Second Floor Fergu-son Center

When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

What: Kentuck’s Art Night

Where: Main Street in Northport, Ala.

When: 5 - 9 p.m.

What: Study Abroad Interest Night

Where: 7 - 8 p.m.

When: Ferguson Center Crossroads Lounge

SATURDAY

What: The Exchange Club’s Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cook-off

Where: Bryant Conference Center

When: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

What: Asses of Fire Chili Cook-off

Where: Egan’s

When: 2 - 6 p.m.

What: Men’s Basketball v. LSU

Where: Coleman Coliseum

When: 7 p.m.

ON THE RADAR

GO

GO

Page 2• Thursday,February 7, 2013

ON

TH

E

The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. The University of Alabama cannot influ-ence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The adver-tising mailing address is P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published four times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White is entered as peri-odical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated oth-erwise, is Copyright © 2012 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copy-right laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.

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LUNCH

BBQ Pork SaladBBQ Baked BeansGlazed CarrotsSquash MedleyGarden Burger (Vegetarian)

DINNER

Turkey Pot PieSteamed PotatoesSteamed Peas & OnionsCarrotsTofu Fajitas (Vegetarian)

BURKE

“I am hoping that each team participating will be competitive,” Gano said. “I am under the impression that both teams have a challenge ahead of them, with UA hav-ing a slight advantage since they have been doing this longer.”

Hisham Ali, the senior who started the project and the team leader, said he has high hopes for the race.

“By starting [The University Hover Challenge], especially between Alabama and Auburn, we hope to see more universities get involved in the future, with more coming from the region to this event,” Ali said.

The hovercraft team, which started as a senior project between five students, now boasts around 20 members who are working non-stop assembling the craft. The team has confidence that the hovercraft will be finished by the end of February, and they will then focus on making last-minute adjustments and learning to drive the craft. For now, however, they are still feeling the pressure as they await all of their parts to arrive, including their engine.

“I would consider the race

a success for many reasons, regardless of how our craft performs because we are starting something at UA that has never been done before,” said Mark Wysock, a senior in charge of the systems inte-gration and control team.

Wysock also praised Ali for building the foundation for underclassmen to keep the team going for years to come.

“Ali has done a tremendous job of getting underclassmen involved in the project with the hope that they will keep it going in the years to come. Nevertheless, our team is try-ing to design and build a craft that is going to win the race this year,” Wysock said.

Alabama’s team has also raised the bar on hovercraft construction. The team is using every resource avail-able to them to make the craft as efficient as possible, which includes the use of some of the world’s newest technologies.

Among the resources, they have used a 3D printer to test the craft on a smaller scale, and are even using a Xbox Kinect sensor to scan the hovercraft and record its depth. They are also working to incorporate an Android tablet onto the hovercraft,

allowing them to monitor different gauges, including speed.

“I am leading the Systems Integration and Controls team,” Wysock said. “We are currently creating a 3D model of the hovercraft and its asso-ciated systems in Solidworks. With the 3D model, we can make sure all the systems integrate before we actually start constructing the craft.”

Ali also emphasized the work they have put into turning the race site at Lake Lurleen into a real racing event.

Members of the team will learn the different racing sig-nals associated with hover-craft racing and operate the flags at the race. Since the race spans across Saturday and Sunday, spectators will be able to camp out by the lake overnight, and they are also working to try to find someone to cater the event, he said.

“Of course we obviously want to win the race, but in the end I just want the hov-ercraft to perform the way we’ve designed it to,” Alan Hawkins, team member said. “It’ll be really nice to see all the work we’ve been doing take shape.”

HOVERCRAFT FROM PAGE 1

Alabama Hovercraft team, which boasts 20 members, will take part in their 1st race on Lake Lurleen during 2-day event in March

From MCT Campus

The struggling University of Central Florida business major struck a deal.

Needing money, she turned to a “sugar daddy” she found on a popular website.

They had dinner. They had sex. Her take: $200.

A few months later, when she needed to buy text-books, she went back to SeekingArrangement.com. There, she found another “date” who flew into town. No dinner this time.

They met at a local hotel and had sex.

Her earnings: $400.“I’ve worked my whole life

since high school, and that was easy,” said the 20-year-old sophomore, who would not be named for fear that her family would find out. “It was like a nice way to make quick money, and I tried not to think too much about it.”

She is among the hundreds of thousands of men and women who, either having trouble making ends meet or simply wanting to upgrade their lifestyles, are turning to the Internet for help finding “sugar daddies” and “sugar mommies.” The majority, though, are women looking to be supported by older, suc-cessful men with money to burn.

The hunt for wealthy bene-factors — discreetly or oth-erwise — is as old as money itself. But people are taking it to a new level by turning to SeekingArrangement.com and other websites. And as the cost of a college educa-tion in Florida continues to rise, more Florida students are choosing this option as a way to cover their expens-es, including tuition and rent, according to spokes-woman Jennifer Gwynn and founder Brandon Wade of SeekingArrangement.com.

With the exchange of money, however, comes another trade-off: an expecta-tion of intimacy — a dynamic that has prompted critics to

compare the arrangements to prostitution and has gen-erated heated conversations about the trend on TV talk shows and elsewhere.

Did the UCF student feel like a prostitute? It might look that way, she said, but “like every relationship, there’s a little bit of give and take.”

Many visitors to these websites demand a lot more money than the $400 she sought.

There’s Marissa, who calls herself a “starving college student” from Orlando, who asks her prospective sugar daddy for $3,000 to $5,000 a month. And “UCF babe,” who requires $1,000 to $3,000 a month from her guy.

Last year alone, more than 200 men and women with UCF-issued e-mail addresses signed up to use SeekingArrangement.com, Gwynn said.

She said nearly 40 percent of all of its users — a group that doubled its numbers in 2012 to more than 2 million people worldwide — reg-istered with college email addresses.

Hundreds have flocked to the site from other Florida universities, too. Last month, UCF, Florida State University, University of South Florida and Florida International University made SeekingArrangement.com’s Top 20 list nation-ally for having the greatest growth in the number of new college-student registrations.

Like dating sites, users log on and create profiles offer-ing details about themselves — height, body type and hob-bies, for example. But “sugar babies” also make it very clear that they have financial expectations in amounts that can go as high as $20,000 a month.

Wade rankles at the thought of his site being compared to an online house of prostitution. He said he launched it in 2006 to help socially awkward, wealthy men such as himself find

dates.“I understand that it’s a

gray area, but an hour of company for sex — that’s ille-gal,” said Wade, 42, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who used the site himself before getting married a year ago to some-one he met at work. “Anything that requires a relation-ship and chemistry and lik-ing each other is clearly not prostitution.”

In recent years, the sugar-daddy dynamic has become more socially acceptable as a number of TV shows have been created around the idea of helping pretty people meet wealthy people. The hit novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” fea-tures a college student and her sexual exploits with a young billionaire.

Still, as with any online dat-ing, there is a risk in meet-ing up with strangers. In 2011, an Orange Circuit judge sentenced a man to life in prison for raping a woman

he met through the website SugarDaddyForMe.com.

P a m e l a S c u l l y , chairwoman of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, called the trend “sad.” She said it seems these women are making deci-sions under duress, primarily because of the bad economy.

Meanwhile, universities such as UCF and FSU pointed out that there are other ways for students to fund their edu-cations. Schools offer an array of scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid.

“Students who are look-ing for help with paying for college should contact our financial-aid counselors, who can help them maximize the assistance they receive,” said UCF spokesman Chad Binette.

The following shows the top-20 list and the number of men and women from each school in 2012 who used col-

lege-issued emails to regis-ter. 1. Georgia State University:

2922. New York University: 2853. Temple University: 2684. University of Central

Florida: 2215. University of South Florida:

2126. Arizona State University:

2047. Florida International

University: 1878. University of Georgia: 1489. Indiana University: 13110. Texas State: 12811. Kent State University: 12312. Penn State: 12113. University of North Texas:

11214. Florida State University:

11115.Tulane University: 10916. Michigan State University:

10817. University of Ohio: 10318. Columbia University: 10019. University of Alabama: 9620. University of California,

Los Angeles: 91

UA ranked among top 20 schools where students seek ‘sugar daddies’

Editor | Melissa [email protected]

Thursday, February 7, 2013NEWSNEWS

OPINION

CULTURE

SPORTS

Page 3

By Camille CorbettContributing Writer

The Women’s Resource Center is holding auditions Feb. 14 and 15 in the Ferguson Theater for their production of “The Vagina Monologues” in honor of sexual awareness month.

“The Vagina Monologues” is a play about the trials and tribulations of womanhood written by Eve Ensler. It will be performed in the Ferguson Theater April 16 and 17.

“[Ensler] wrote ‘The Vagina

Monologues’ following inter-views she conducted with a few hundred women about their experiences,” Zoe Storey, a senior majoring in history and student coordinator for the event, said. “The monologues bring to light issues of sexual assault, violence, and other issues unique to women but in a way that allows women to cel-ebrate and reclaim their sexu-ality and personhood.”

Several other student orga-nizations, including the the-atre honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, The Student

Leadership Council and the gender and race studies honor society, are joining with the WRC to assist with this produc-tion as part of Sexual A s s a u l t Awa r e n e s s Month.

All pro-ceeds from the event will go to benefit the WRC, Storey said.

Although the name of the play can be considered con-

troversial, the o v e r a r c h i n g message of bringing aware-ness to violence against women is a topic every-one can agree is important.

“I think some people are uncomfortable with the word vagina. I do not

think anyone is against raising

awareness and combating vio-lence against women,” Baillie Schantz, a graduate teaching assistant in the department of gender and race studies, said. “Students will be able to relate to it. It is stories of women. Some of the monologues focus on relationships, while others take a comical stance on things like unwanted body hair.”

The primary focus for the WRC right now is recruiting actors.

“The APO is partnering with the SLC to recruit actors and put together the production,”

Storey said.They are not seeking actors

with a plethora experience, but rather women who can relate with and portrayed the emo-tions of the monologues to thebest of their ability.

“The Student Leadership Council is putting on a play and most of the students on thecouncil have no theater expe-rience, but the monologues are written with that intent. Most organizations that pro-duce ‘The Vagina Monologues’ have no theatre connections,” Storey said.

WRC to hold auditions for ‘The Vagina Monologues’

“The monologues bring to light issues of sexual assault, violence, and other issues unique to women but in a way that allows women to celebrate and reclaim their

sexuality and personhood.

— Zoe Storey

By Rich RobinsonStaff Reporter

Some UA students are spend-ing less time on the campus and more time at their comput-ers, as online courses become more popular at the Capstone.

Rebecca Pow, associate dean of the College of Continuing Studies, said there are approxi-mately 12,000 enrollments in online courses this semester.

“That is not a headcount, but an enrollment count,” Pow said. “Because some stu-dents may take more than one online course in a term, we are not able to provide an exact headcount.”

Zac Head, a senior majoring in communication studies, is currently enrolled in two online computer science courses, CS 205: Web Site Design and CS 302: Computerized Database Systems. He said he has an easy time balancing his online class-es with regular classes because

he doesn’t have to physically go to some of them.

“At the beginning of the semester each student is given a course schedule and a sylla-bus. The schedule gives strict deadlines for the upcoming assignments,” Head said. “Both of my online classes for this semester have one textbook and one online system for turn-ing in assignments and com-pleting quizzes. Once every one or two weeks students are required to turn in assign-ments and take quizzes.”

Henk Both, a senior major-ing in chemistry, said he has also taken online classes and highlighted the differences in meeting together, in person, as a class versus completing classes alone.

“Regular courses have a communal nature to them, but online classes tend to be completed in solitude. Regular classes are inherently a group experience,” Both said. “Even

if you never collaborate with anyone on anything, you and everyone else still meet at the same time and place to attend lectures. Online courses give you much more leeway to cover coursework at a personal and convenient pace at the price of interacting with a computer screen instead of a human.”

Both said online classes have been helpful with managing scheduling conflicts that may occur with regular classes.

“Online courses have been helpful supplements to regu-lar courses, allowing me to work around scheduling con-flicts in order to graduate on time. Completing material at my own pace has been a huge bonus, letting me compete entire courses with only a few days of binge-working,” Both said. “This helped me appro-priate useful regular-semester time to studying for regular courses, doing undergraduate research, and being involved in

organizations on campus.”Pow said the University

offers over 400 sections of online courses each semes-ter and there is no difference between the cost of an online course and a traditional class for campus-based students. She said courses are approved for online delivery by the home academic department. Once approved, faculty members then work with instructional designers from the College of Continuing Studies to build the course in Blackboard.

“That process can take between one and two semes-ters,” Pow said. “There are design standards and ‘best practices’ used to ensure qual-ity. The final course then goes through another review and approval process with the aca-demic department before it is offered to students.”

Head said he didn’t think his online classes were any more difficult than his other classes

when it comes to content, but they certainly require more responsibility on the part of the student.

However, Both said students give up the personal experi-ence with other students and an instructor for online classes, which can have its downsides.

“The most important thing to remember is that online courses cost the same as regu-lar courses and are essentially cash cows for the University, which is why they are allowed. An online course takes very little of an instructor’s time compared to a regular course,” Both said. “I’ve had to trade a personal, human learning experience for a checklist of assignments on a computer – at the same price. There have been occasions where I con-tacted online instructors with time-sensitive material and haven’t received responses for weeks.”

Head said he wouldn’t want

to exclusively take online classes, but is happy that he has them included in his sched-ule.

“I think that the University does a good job of offering classes online,” Head said. “The classes that I have want-ed to take online have all beenoffered.”

Although online classes assist students with sched-uling conflicts, Both said online classes are not compa-rable with regular classes on campus.

“Both systems have merits, but online courses are abso-lutely no replacement for reg-ular courses. I’ve only taken ancillary courses online, not anything crucial to my major,” Both said. “If I had tried to take high-level math or physical sci-ence courses online, I would probably have missed some hugely important insights that only regular courses can provide.”

Online classes become increasingly popularStudents, professors see value in solitude, personal pace of courses outside of structured classrooms

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Thursday, February 7, 2013OPINIONSNEWS

OPINION

CULTURE

SPORTS

Page 4

The University recently announced that the National Merit Scholarship package is being reduced starting with freshmen entering in fall 2013. As a National Merit Scholar, I’d like to ask: Who decided this was a good idea?

This school has spent the past 50 years trying to con-vince the rest of the world that we are about more than just football. Our difficulties in communicating that we have academic rigor are per-haps best conveyed by the author of “Forrest Gump,” who chose Alabama as the school that would admit someone with severe men-tal disabilities because he could play football. When I told my friends back in Texas that I was going to the University on a full scholar-ship from the National Merit Scholarship Program, I got more than my fair share of, “Oh, run! Forrest! Run!”

The scholarship football players do have it pretty good: state-of-the-art dorms in Bryant Hall, specially designed meal plans that involve a lot of steak. You might say, “Well, that makes sense. A lot of them are five-star recruits, and we want to convince them to come here because we want the best football team possible, right?”

But, here’s the thing: National Merit Scholars are the academic equivalent of five-star recruits. If we wish to convince them to come here and help make this school the best it can be in an academic respect, we have to offer a competitive package.

Right now, our National Merit Scholarship package, four years of tuition and hous-ing; stipend; study abroad grant; choice of iPad or real computer, is pretty compa-rable to what many public institutions offer.

Private schools generally offer slightly less – some of the offers I received included half tuition and a computer; full tuition and stipend; and half tuition plus a housing price cut. Since the remain-ing costs at each of these schools came out to more than a quarter of my parents’ six figure annual income, I chose to pick from among the public schools’ more complete offers instead.

Alabama was an easy choice, as my legacy through my mother both meant I was familiar with the school and added another $1,000 schol-arship per year. However, had my housing not been

covered for all four years, I probably would have cho-sen from the five or six other schools where it was, simply as a cost consid-eration. I’m sure several others would do the same.

Most National Merit Finalists and scholars have no trouble gaining admis-sion to prestigious private schools, so I would postulate that for many of the finalists who choose to come here, the package offered features heavily in the consider-ations.

Admittedly, money shouldn’t be the only con-sideration in an educational decision, but the unfortunate fact is that in today’s eco-nomic climate, it often must be.

With tuition costs having more than doubled in the last 20 years, even after inflation adjustments, it’s become impossible to simply work one’s way through college – some form of loan, scholar-ship or financial aid is neces-sitated, unless your parents have very deep pockets.

On the other side of the degree, jobs are becoming harder and harder to find, and of course, one needs a job to pay back one’s loans. A higher degree offers more employment opportunities, but one faces the prospect of having to spend three to six more years earning said degree before entering a “real job” and finally begin-ning to pay back this debt. In this situation, student loans seem a very unfriend-ly option, and maximiz-ing scholarship potential is highly desirable. Those who are conscientious about their future prospects will choose the option that minimizes the likelihood of owing money before they even graduate.

If the University wishes to continue to boost its aca-demic merit and perception, it must treasure and reward high-performing academic students the same way it does high-performing stu-dent-athletes. This includes the substantial group of National Merit Scholars on campus. If they whittle away at the benefits offered to these students, they will find that the scholar popula-tion decreases as this group turns to schools of similar academic merit that offer a more competitive pack-age in an attempt to avoid the downfalls of the current economic climate.

Danelle Pecht is a sopho-more majoring in chemistry and chemical engineering.

Cutting scholarship funds for National Merit Scholar housing a mistake for UA

Submitted

Every time I think about why I’m involved with Teach For America, I think about my grade-school classmates. The peers that stick out in my mind the most are those who are incarcerated or deceased, those who could have graduated from high school and headed off to college.

Because of difficult home situations or the challenges of poverty pervasive in their neighborhoods, they made bad decisions like selling drugs and joining gangs. These were not dumb kids, and they had all of the possibilities in the world in their futures.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have adults – family, teachers, or school leaders – who encour-aged them to want more for themselves. Just because one lives in poverty does not mean there isn’t great possibility in his or her future.

The stories of my peers are all too common among students growing up in low-income com-munities. When kids growing up in poverty enter kindergar-ten, they are already academi-cally behind their wealthier peers. This gap in educational opportunity only widens over time. By the fourth grade, they are three grade levels behind and half won’t graduate from high school. Only one in 13 will attend college and for those lacking a college degree, many doors are firmly shut.

As a student at The University of Alabama, this injustice gnawed at me. Here, I had access to a first-class college education, while just a few miles away kids in nearby neighborhoods similar to the ones in my hometown were fall-ing further and further behind.

I knew I wanted to find a way to help expand educa-

tional opportunity for our 16 million children growing up in poverty. These kids can’t wait. They only get one shot at a good education. That’s why I became an advocate for Teach For America, work as a cam-pus campaign coordinator for Teach For America and will begin teaching secondary math this fall.

For too long, one’s ZIP code and family income has defined educational destiny, but we know that with an all hands-on-deck approach, educational inequity is a solvable problem. With the commitment of educa-tors and leaders across sectors, we can give all of our children an excellent education.

While Teach For America corps members start by mak-ing a two-year commitment, the experience has a lasting impact. I’m looking forward to working alongside other

teachers, parents, administra-tors and community members in the pursuit of excellence for our students. I’ll be proud to make a difference in the lives of my students and hope it will rival the transformational impact they will have on me.

Knowing that we can close the opportunity gap, I simply can’t walk away from this work. It is more urgent than ever that we give our children, regard-less of their family income, the kind of education that will allow them to reach their full potential. As you think about the role you will play in the broader world upon gradua-tion, I hope you will consider joining me in these efforts.

Jasmine Cannon is a fall 2012 graduate of The University of Alabama. She is a 2013 Teach For America corps member who will be teaching in the Alabama region.

Teach For America program can close poverty education gap locally, nationally

By Nathan JamesSenior Staff Columnist

Medical marijuana is a thorny issue because so many people have strong feelings about recreational marijuana use. Many dismiss it off the cuff due to associations of mari-juana as a recreational drug. But as the Alabama House’s Health Committee prepares to consider a bill legalizing medi-cal marijuana in this state, it’s worth considering some of the arguments in favor of legal-izing cannabis for medicinal purposes.

To begin with, it does appear that marijuana has legitimate medical purposes that can-not be served by other drugs. The Institute of Medicine published a 280-page study finding that marijuana can be used to treat pain that is nonresponsive to traditional

medicine, and Alabama doctors have espoused its uses (albeit anonymously). Additionally, 18 states have already legalized medical marijuana, and more are considering bills that would do the same.

Furthermore, it’s worth considering that the negative health effects of medical mari-juana may be less severe than the negative health effects of legal drugs with the same uses. In general, cannaboids are used to treat severe chron-ic pain, which is also treated by opiates like codeine or morphine.

Opiates are usually highly addictive and come with dan-gerous side effects like slowed heart rate, seizures and altered state of mind. In states where medical marijuana is legal, patients can often replace dangerous opiates with safer cannaboids.

Some argue that the legaliza-tion of cannabis for medical pur-poses will lead to more wide-spread use of marijuana recre-ationally, but this is not neces-sarily the case. For starters, those who use this argument may underestimate the ease of obtaining marijuana illegally. I believe that at my high school, it would have been much easier to buy a bag of marijuana than to obtain a prescription for which I did not qualify. And when 40 percent of high school students have tried something, it seems clear to me that containment efforts have already failed.

On that note, it’s crucial to remember that a bill legaliz-ing medical marijuana would not change any of the sanc-tions in place against rec-reational marijuana. Being caught with pot and no license would still lead to 1-20 years of incarceration and up to a

$200,000 fine. Furthermore, in states where medical marijuana is legal, federal law enforce-ment agencies conduct regular inspections and raids to dis-courage abuse.

I don’t believe that it should be easy to get marijuana. But if a culturally stigmatized sub-stance can offer relief to those who cannot find it elsewhere, then it makes sense to at least weigh the pros and cons.

Alabama’s House is likely to dismiss the bill to legalize marijuana, but hopefully they’ll consider the issue carefully before they make their choice. As members of an active and informed government, they – along with all of us – have a responsibility not to make judg-ments out of hand.

Nathan James is a sophomore majoring in public relations. His column runs weekly on Thursdays.

Pros of using medicinal marijuana must be discussed with cons

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

STATE POLITICS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

ON THE TWITTERVERSE{ }“God forbid I

actually be able to park for a place I paid for because

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ferg parking…#uaparking”

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NEWS OPINION CULTURE SPORTS Thursday, February 7, 2013 | Page 5

By Amber PattersonStaff Columnist

We all know that we are here at The University of Alabama to receive a good education. Still, some of us will be under a mountain of debt before we even pay our first cable bill. It is pretty clear to us that edu-cation is not cheap. The price of education was a source of great debate during the past presidential election and now during the discussion of the fiscal cliff.

Nerdwallet.com reports that 85 percent of students receiving financial aid are concerned about the possible

impact of budget cuts to their aid. The impending budget cuts would reduce the number of students that receive work study, grants and even college prep education.

In this land of opportunity that holds education to such a high standard, it is hard to believe that funding cuts are even up for discussion. Cutting financial aid at all is taking away from a good investment that our country has made. It is close to impossible to receive a job without a degree, at least an associate degree.

Nerdwallet.com took a sur-vey measuring what students would do if financial aid suf-

fered a severe cut due to the fiscal cliff; most responded they would drop out before asking their family for money. This reality is sim-ply unaccept-able. Without these future s t u d e n t s entering the work force in their respect-ed fields, there will be a significant economic impact.

Many political represen-tatives think that students should turn to families for

financial support if getting an education becomes too costly; however, I refuse to believe

they would be this naive. It simply is not possible for many fami-lies. When we enter college, we estab-lish a stance of indepen-dence – I have a hard time asking

my parents for money to get through the weekend. I defi-nitely would not ask for thou-sands of dollars. There is also

the fact that most students’ parents do not have extra tuition money just sitting in the bank.

It would not make sense to say that no budget cuts need to take place. It is no secret that our nation is in debt, so a solution must be reached. Instead of cutting education funding, the government must examine the amount of money that goes into defense. An excessive amount of money is allocated to defense that could be cut to preserve financial aid for students. It would be great to fund the mind that could find peace-ful solutions between coun-

tries, as opposed to funnel-ing money into weapons and machines that cause more harm than good. Protecting the country is important, but it should not have an untouch-able budget.

Affordable education has gained a new value since it has been brought to the fore-front in recent months. Whensomething is threatened to betaken away, all things come into perspective. Education isalready costly but has a price-less value and should not be on the chopping block

Amber Patterson is a sopho-more majoring in marketing and public relations.

Cuts to aid could keep students from graduating, alternatives should be considered

By Tray SmithSenior Staff Columnist

When Alabama students returned from Christmas break, they quickly discovered the new addition at Moe’s Bar downtown and a partially re-opened Rounder’s, which is still undergoing construction.

Moe’s and Rounder’s may be the newest options for stu-dents this semester, but they are only the latest in a growing trend. Tuscaloosa’s bar scene has grown tremendously in recent years, serving every niche of our growing student body. From the Alcove to Five to the Booth downtown, stu-dents now have many more choices at nights and on week-ends than they did five years ago.

The result is that fewer are choosing Gallettes.

The throngs of students nor-mally visible outside the bar

on a typical Saturday night have disappeared. “When are we leaving for Gallettes?” has become “where are we going?” You can almost hear Dave Matthews playing in the back-ground as confused students, with their default option gone, attempt to choose a bar.

The bar may still claim that “everybody always ends up at Gallettes,” but most nights more students end up at Quick Grill. The decline has been fast and surprising, but it really isn’t hard to understand.

Out-of-state students accus-tomed to living in suite-style dorms are no longer charmed by dilapidated restrooms that would be considered unsani-tary even in a third world country. After all, bars in Charlotte, Dallas and Atlanta don’t distinguish themselves by not cleaning their toilets.

One long weekend in the exquisite confines of Miami

Beach only reminded them of what they’d been missing.

Even without the Miami trip, though, it was just a matter of time before these new students began exerting their influence over our nightlife, scorning a legendary establishment that was a source of pride for gen-erations of previous students in favor of new options that more closely conform to their expectations.

Now, Gallettes is in a ter-rible bind. To get its business back, Gallettes could decide to compete with other bars and upgrade its facilities. Doing so, though, would require sacri-ficing some of the traditional appeal that made Gallettes so successful in the first place.

Gallettes still has two major strengths. The first is that none of its competitors appear capable of challenging it on “Wine Wednesday,” so it will remain the default destina-

tion for students going out at least one day a week. The second is that, because it is so embedded in our gameday tradition, fans and students alike are sure to order plenty of Yellowhammers in the fall.

Sustaining those traditions will make Gallettes a revered part of the Tuscaloosa bar scene far into the future. Still, it is unlikely that Gallettes will ever regain the dominance it once had.

A larger population inevita-bly leads more businesses to compete to serve that popula-tion. The new choices brought about by UA’s increase in stu-dent enrollment are unlikely to disappear. That is a good thing. Competition lowers prices and improves services, and visiting different bars means that we may, at least occasionally, run into different people.

There are subtle conse-

quences though. Students once united by a common pref-erence for a single bar now have varying preferences for multiple bars. Our student body is larger, but it is also less cohesive.

The rising number of UA stu-dents, the increasingly distant states they represent, their levels of high school achieve-ment, their financial impact on UA and even their economic impact on Tuscaloosa have all been heavily discussed in recent years. Very little dis-cussion has focused on how bringing in so many different people from so many different places will impact our culture.

Our changing bar scene gives us some clues. After all, bars are not alone in creating more options that cater to dif-ferent individual preferences. Student organizations and uni-versity programming are also changing to accommodate a

larger student body with more diverse interests.

Just as Gallettes will have to decide how to continue its storied legacy in a new envi-ronment, future students will have to decide how to reconcile deeply rooted traditions with a rapidly evolving campus.

Their response to that chal-lenge may emerge as one of the most fascinating stories in the state of Alabama over the next decade.

Hopefully, we will find that we can benefit from new bars while still contributing to the Gallettes legacy.

Hopefully, we will celebrate and enjoy growth and change while still embracing noble traditions. In the coming years, Gallettes may show us how.

Tray Smith is a senior majoring in political science and journalism. His column runs weekly on Thursdays.

State of Gallettes – Student tradition shifts to newer spots as more options open

“Nerdwallet.com reports that 85 percent of students receiving

fi nancial aid are concerned about the possible impact of budget cuts

to their aid.

FINANCIAL AID

STUDENT LIFE

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NEWS OPINION CULTURE SPORTSPage 6 | Thursday, February 7, 2013

By Carissa SchreiberContributing Writer

Students looking to turn up the volume as well as their heart rate can do so Friday at WellBama’s first Zumbathon, a fitness event benefiting the American Heart Association. Attendees will participate in a three-hour Zumba session with multiple instructors.

Zumba, a Colombian dance

fitness program involving dance and aerobic elements, has been growing in popu-larity throughout the United States since the 1990s.

“Zumba has been around for a long time and it has been known to be fun and lively,” said Carolyn MacVicar, a rep-resentative for WellBama.

At its heart, Zumba is a dance-aerobics program with Latin and internationally

inspired moves and rhythms.Sara-Margaret Cates, a

Zumba instructor who will be working at the event Friday, said the appeal of Zumba is that it really does feel like a dance party as opposed to a workout.

“I love the joy on partici-pants’ faces,” Cates said.

Three hours of continu-ous Zumba means that sev-eral UA instructors will be

participating in the Zumbathon. This will allow for a variety of exercises, as the programs and focuses vary among instructors.

Hannah Fulmer, a freshman secondary education major, attends Zumba classes three to four times per week.

“Zumba is a really high-intensity workout,” Fulmer said. “Some instructors focus more on cardio, while others

go more for toning.”MacVicar said this is the

first time the University has hosted a Zumbathon on cam-pus.

All of the proceeds from the event will go to the American Heart Association as part of the awareness and fundraising campaigns that will lead up to the West Alabama Heart Walk on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Fulmer said the hope is that

Zumba’s wide appeal will make the Zumbathon a successful and enjoyable fundraiser.

“The fact that I’m getting a workout in while dancing, and that I’m doing it with other people who enjoy it, makes it a lot more fun,” Fulmer said.

The Zumbathon is being held at the Student Recreation Center from 5-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8. A $10 donation is required at the door.


Despite The University of Alabama’s campaign to encour-age students to “Finish in Four,” some students find this concept impossible. Even though most scholarships only cover four years of tuition, it is becom-ing increasingly common for students to take a fifth year of school to fulfill degree require-ments.

“I’m attending the University on major scholarships, and my parents won’t be able to afford me going to college for a fifth year without that scholarship money, so I’m having to take a ton of classes in the summers and thankfully I placed out of a lot of general requirements

through high school,” Henry Yates, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said.

Mary Spiegel, executive director of undergraduate admissions, said there are no UA scholarships that cover 10 semesters, and there are cur-rently no UA major programs that exceed eight semesters.

“The majority of our scholar-ship recipients have received AP and/or IB credit upon enrollment,” Spiegel said. “Also, Finish in Four, in com-bination with UA’s academic planning tool called Degree Works, along with a student’s college advisor can help keep one on course for graduation in eight semesters.”

According to the UA E n g i n e e r i n g we b s i t e ,

scholarships awarded through the engineering department are only awarded for four years of college. Alabama’s general scholarship webpage lists gen-eral scholarships that are only available to students for four years as well.

“To me, the scholarship thing is ok because it encour-ages students to try their hard-est to complete their degree in four years,” Michael Embren, a freshman majoring in civil engi-neering, said. “If I don’t end up completing my degree require-ments in the four years, then my parents will only have to pay for one semester or one year of college, which is better off than what they would have to pay in the first place.”

Embren said he sees a

downside to only having schol-arships for four years because students who change their majors may face problems.

“The only problem I see is that if someone decided to change their major halfway through freshman or sopho-more year, they would be in a lot of trouble,” Embren said. “Lucky for me, I knew exactly what I wanted to do the min-ute I was in high school, but if someone doesn’t have that epiphany until college, they will be in school for a while and spending a lot of money paying for it.”

It’s an issue that isn’t limited to the engineering program.

“I changed my major second semester sophomore year from chemistry to education,” Alexa

Merritt, a senior majoring in early childhood education, said. “As far as schooling goes, it wasn’t the best decision because I am going to be here for at least another year after college. But as far as my life and my future goes, that extra year is going to be completely worth it since I will be doing what I love.”

Other students avoid a fifth year of school by completing summer classes, or not chang-ing their majors at all.

“Since I have been in college my parents have stressed to me that no matter what I do, I have to graduate in four years or they won’t pay for it anymore,” Anna Friedman, a junior major-ing in English, said. “It’s not too difficult for me to complete my degree requirements, but that

extra pressure to graduate in a time constraint has made me a better student. Granted, I want-ed to change my major last year, but I was too worried about the implications, so I’m just gradu-ating with my original plan and seeing where it takes me.”

Despite negative stigmas around completing a fifth year of schooling, Merritt said fin-ishing a college degree in five years shouldn’t be a reflection of a student’s abilities.

“To be honest, I don’t see a problem in finishing in five years,” Merritt said. “It doesn’t make me any less of a person. I am still smart, I am still capable and I will still be successful. I still have a college degree, no matter how long it took me to get there.”

WellBama to host fi rst Zumbathon Friday at Rec Center

Some students have diffi culty ‘Finishing in Four’

By Ellen CooganContributing Writer

Lecia J. Brooks, director of Outreach for the Southern Poverty Law Center, will speak about black history through the lens of civil rights at noon on Monday in Little Hall Room 223.

Brooks is the featured speaker for the School of Social Work’s annual Dr. Ethel H. Hall African-American

Heritage Month Program. She plans to speak on con-temporary issues involving civil rights and SPLC’s role in fighting injustice. The pro-gram is part of “Through the Doors,” a series commemo-rating the 50th anniversary of the UA desegregation.

“I want to underscore what has been done in Alabama for social justice issues,” Brooks said.

In Montgomery, Ala., in

1971, the SPLC was founded by two Alabama lawyers, Morris Dees and Joe Levin, who were concerned the victories of the civil rights movement would not be fully realized for all. They took pro bono cases that other law-yers would not take, with far-reaching effects.

Legal triumphs by the SPLC have helped dismantle hate groups and win justice for some of our nation’s more

vulnerable groups.Today the SPLC’s influence

has grown, and its mission of “fighting hate, teaching tol-erance and seeking justice” has taken several forms. The SPLC continues its work in litigation, offering legal aid to those in need but also free educational materials for teachers, promoting diver-sity and tolerance. The SPLC also tracks and monitors hate groups in an effort to

protect citizens.Brooks stresses the impor-

tance of Black History Month.“Black history is American

history,” Brooks said. “We all have the opportunity to make black history. You don’t have to be like George Washington Carver and invent peanut butter to make a difference.”

Brooks has advice for stu-dents motivated to help the cause.

“Be aware and pay

attention to what’s going onaround us, like comprehen-sive immigration reformissues. Cut through therhetoric, and stand up forrights,” Brooks said. “Collegeis the time for individuals to become engaged. Connectwith people and help. It’s notpolitics. It’s injustice, and we should all be concerned aboutit.”

Admission to the event isfree and open to the public.

SPLC director to speak on contemporary civil rights issues Monday

By Justin HeckContributing Writer

For students who plan to study abroad during their time at The University of Alabama, the Honors College Assembly is hosting an interest night for the program at the Crossroads Lounge Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.

The Crossroads Lounge is on the second floor of the Ferguson Center across from Subway.

Chloe Smith, a junior major-

ing in biology, is coordinating the evening.

“If someone is nervous about getting involved in a study abroad program, the Study Abroad Interest Night is a good fit,” Smith said. “Instead of a formal presentation, tonight is a discussion between stu-dents who have already studied abroad and students who want to.”

Former study abroad stu-dents will answer questions about the application process and their personal experiences.

“When someone tells me that they want to travel to a specific place, I can i n t r o d u c e them to some-one who has already trav-elled there,” Smith said.

P r o g r a m s in Africa and the Middle East will be emphasized, although students interested in studying elsewhere are still

encouraged to attend.Smith said students travel to

Africa and the Middle East less frequent-ly than other locations and that a goal of the evening is to make s t u d e n t s aware of the p r o g r a m s that are

available through Capstone International.

Although Thursday’s event is hosted by the Honors College Assembly, it is open to all students, regardless of major or involvement in the Honors College.

The discussion will formally begin at 7 p.m., but students are free to stop by and ask questions at any time until 8 p.m.

Interested students who cannot make the interest night are encouraged to attend the Honors College Assembly’s faculty-led presentation on

Feb. 21.

HCA plans to host Study Abroad Interest NightNEWS OPINION CULTURE SPORTS Thursday, February 7, 2013 | Page 7

“Instead of a formal presentation, tonight is a discussion between

students who have already studied abroad and students who want to

study abroad.

— Chloe Smith

IF YOU GO• What: Study Abroad

Interest Night

• When: Thursday, Feb. 7 from 7 - 8 p.m.

• Where: Crossroads Lounge, Ferguson Center


A four-year degree no lon-ger guarantees a high-paying job or a job at all for that mat-ter. Employees and students alike agree that the things that matter most in this dog-eat-dog job market are the expe-riences people have in college and their ability to work for what they want.

According to a study released by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, about half of college-educated students are overqualified for their jobs. The same study found that 15 percent of taxi drivers in 2010 had bachelor’s degrees, com-pared to 1 percent in 1970.

Hamilton Henson gradu-ated from The University of Alabama in May 2012 with a degree in telecommunication and film. Less than a month ago, he moved to California hoping to find a job in film, but he is currently unemployed.

“I currently don’t hold a job at all. I’ve been applying to stuff that I’m very over-qualified for, stuff I’m kind of under-qualified for and a lot of jobs in between,” Henson said. “I want to be a film editor, and that’s a tricky career path no matter what you do. I’m start-ing at the bottom of the totem pole and applying to assistant positions, but that’s what I expected to get. I’m 23 years old and only have a few years of experience. It takes a long time and a lot of work to get where I want to go, and that’s fine with me.”

Henson said the weight of a degree doesn’t mean much anymore because it’s so com-mon. The part that counts for him is the experience, and he believes those experiences will set him apart in the future, not a proficiency stamp on a diploma.

“You only have so much time in college, and you have to realize that the value of your diploma just isn’t what

it used to be, no matter where you graduate from. So instead of putting all your hopes into a piece of paper, be willing to roll up your sleeves and get to work,” Henson said. “Distinguish y o u r s e l f while you’re in college and you’ll find doors o p e n i n g up for you. I’m work-ing hard, and I know that I’ll get a job eventu-ally. As our beloved coach would say, it’s a process.”

Caroline Markham, a junior majoring in interior design, said she’s scared she might not get a job out of college and is trying her hardest to build a resume.

“In high school, everyone told me to build my resume

as much as I could by joining clubs or doing extra-curric-ular activities so I could get into college. Well now that I’m in college, I find myself hav-

ing to do the same thing, except with things that pertain to my degree,” M a r k h a m said. “In order to get a job in inte-rior design, or just a job in gen-eral that’s not flipping burgers at

McDonald’s, it’s important for me to have experience and internships. So yeah it scares me, but I don’t really have another option.”

Henson agreed experiences in college will definitely help get him a job, no matter how low on the totem pole the job may be.

“I got to work at the Center for Public Television while I was in college. They’re part of the University, and I have two years of solid work expe-rience there. That experience is basically the cornerstone of my resume,” Henson said. “I met some amazing people in college, and we all pushed each other to work harder. We worked on each others’ mov-ies constantly, and they were so incredible to work with. I learned so much from them and from my professors. I can’t imagine being out here and trying to get a job without that experience.”

Pam Lane, the owner of OM Lane Construction, said any-one working in a position they are overqualified for should not give up hope. In construc-tion, they have employees who are overqualified for their positions, but she said they will go further because they have the college degree and are getting experience by working at a job they are

overqualified for.“In today’s job market, a

college degree is necessary, but what’s even more neces-sary is experience. It is so competitive, and even though I am in construction where labor doesn’t require a degree, it’s encouraged,” Lane said. “Anyone who wants to move any higher than a labor posi-tion definitely must have a degree, but at the same time, they have to have experience.”

She also explained how starting out in a low-level job is something people can easily get out of.

“One of our employees actu-ally started working here as a laborer, went to college, got a four year degree and now runs his own business, which was his goal all along. Starting in an entry job is nothing to be ashamed of,” Lane said. “He started out with nothing, and now has everything. Anyone who is determined at some-thing will go far, even if it doesn’t happen immediately.”

Many Alabama graduates overqualifi ed, unemployedDespite 4-year degree from the Capstone, alumni fi nding entry into professional job market diffi cult

Discussion at Crossroads Lounge in Ferguson Center to be focused on programs in Africa, Middle East

“Distinguish yourself while you’re in college and you’ll fi nd doors opening up for you. I’m working hard and I know that I’ll get a job eventually. As our beloved coach would say, it’s

a process.

— Hamilton Henson

“[Liner] was trying to get me to come to Auburn for a long time,” Howard said. “I was like, ‘Man lets go to Bama. They’re winning championships. Let’s just go up there and have fun together.’ He eventually ended up coming. He saw the bigger picture, I guess, and he’s com-ing this way.”

Howard is one of the guys expected to make an immediate impact. Prior to the 2012 season, Alabama was seen as a ground-and-pound offense with passing as a side dish instead of a main course. With AJ McCarron returning for his senior season and a slew of incoming and returning weapons, the Tide could have its most explosive offensive season in 2013.

2013 impact freshmenAs listed by position, the

Crimson Tide added to its ros-ter four running backs, three defensive linemen, three line-backers, three defensive backs, three offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two wide receiv-ers, two athletes, one tight end, one long snapper and one defen-sive lineman/linebacker.

Seven players – Cooper Bateman (QB), Leon Brown (OL), Raheem Falkins (WR), Derrick Henry (RB), Brandon Hill (OL), O.J. Howard (TE) and Parker McLeod (QB) – are

already attending classes at the University. They all enrolled in January, began taking classes for the spring 2013 semester and will be able to participate in Alabama’s spring football practices. The other 18 players signed national letters of intent on Wednesday. The Crimson Tide had eight players enroll in the spring of 2012, nine in 2011, 11 in 2010 and four in 2009.

Players like T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper exploded onto the scene as true freshmen in 2012; the biggest question sur-rounding this class is which players can make an immediate impact?

Offensively, Greg Ostendorf, reporter for ESPN’s Recruiting Nation, said to look no further than Howard and running back Alvin Kamara.

“O.J. Howard is going to make some sort of impact,” Ostendorf said. “I don’t know if it’ll be at tight end because he’s a little small right now, but I can see him at H-back, coming out of the backfield. They’re just going to find ways to get him the ball.

Ostendorf said Kamara is “different” from what Alabama already has.

“He gives them a change of pace back,” Ostendorf said. “He can go out in the slot if need be. He’s just a really good athlete that a lot of people don’t know about.”

Defensively, Ostendorf point-ed to defensive back Eddie Jackson as someone that could have a chance to play from day one.

Crowded backfi eldEddie Lacy left for the NFL

draft, leaving T.J. Yeldon as the expected heir apparent. Behind Yeldon, only Kenyan Drake played the entire season. Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart will be returning from knee injuries, but Saban said there is no guar-antee both will be 100 percent.

The Tide brought in four run-ning backs in the 2013 class, but Saban shot down the notion that the Tide has a crammed stable of runners.

Alabama also brought in two scholarship quarterbacks and prefered walk-on Luke Del Rio, bringing its roster total to seven. After this season, the Tide will have a huge hole to fill as it did following the 2010 season. JC Shurburtt, national recruiting director for 247Sports, believes the battle could come down to Cooper Bateman and Parker McLeod once McCarron leaves.

“Bateman needs to be coached and is far from a finished prod-uct, but he could really compete for the job,” Shurburtt said. “He’s got good feet and can run a little bit. He has a big arm, but he’ll need to get a little more accurate. They can coach that into him and get him ready. I don’t know that Parker McLeod has the same skillset or upside that Bateman does, but neither did Greg McElroy when he and Star Jackson got to Alabama, and we saw how that turned out. It’s going to be fun to watch those two compete, but I think athletically and potential wise, Bateman is the guy.”

Editor | Marquavius [email protected]

Thursday, February 7, 2013SPORTSNEWS

OPINION

CULTURE

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Page 8

RECRUITMENT FROM PAGE 1

Alabama lands No. 1 2012 recruiting class


By Charlie Potter

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, a college basketball analyst who is known for creating “Bracketology,” released an updated bracket on Tuesday, Feb. 5, of the teams he believes will make it to the NCAA tournament.

The Alabama Crimson Tide (14-7, 6-2 SEC) was listed as a team on the bubble, but Lunardi projected the Tide to be one of the first four teams out of the bracket, alongside Illinois, Brigham Young and Maryland.

The last four teams to expe-rience March Madness are guessed to be Saint Mary’s, Arizona State, Temple and Indiana State – Larry Bird’s alma mater.

He listed Florida, Indiana, Michigan and Duke as No. 1 seeds, as these four teams are

the top four units in the current AP Top 25.

O t h e r S o u t h e a st e r n Conference teams included in his prediction were Ole Miss, Missouri and Kentucky.

That Alabama has not been completely eliminated from the postseason equation is ben-eficial for the Tide. Head coach Anthony Grant and company will face seven consecutive win-nable games ahead of them, as Alabama will battle Auburn and LSU twice, as well as Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi State. Four of those games will be played at Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama has relied on its abil-ity to stay in games this season until the final minute, and that ability has allowed the Tide to find a way to win when its back is against the wall.

Grant said the stressful way his team closes out games is not

drawn up during timeouts.“It’s not by design. I like to

play with the lead, to be honest with you,” Grant said. “But it’s going to be a 40-minute game. You can never get too high. You can never get too low. We’ve had several games where we’ve started off well, where we’ve been able to build a lead and then at the end of the half we’ve had lulls. The whole thing is consistency.

“I think when our guys are playing at their best, from an offensive and a defensive stand-point, we’ve got a chance to be a very good basketball team. We’ve just got to be able to find that consistency on both ends of the floor.”

Alabama’s relentless defense is credited with several of these victories. Defensively, the Tide is ranked 22nd in the nation in points per game allowed with

‘Bracketology’ lists Alabama among fi rst 4 teams out of NCAA tournament

CW Staff

Alabama head soccer coach Todd Bramble announced the 2013 recruiting class Wednesday. The class is com-prised of two early enrollees, one spring walk-on and six freshmen. With this class, the Tide further strengthened its squad by adding impact

players at every position.The class features:Caroline

Alexander, Hailey Brohaugh, Lauren Collins, Danielle Herubin, Jordan Meier, Auburn Mercer, Molly O’Keefe, Noelle Sanz and Kat Stratton.

“This is a real exciting day for our program,” Bramble said. “It is a big day for

these young ladies who have worked so hard to get here and their families and for us to start generating excite-ment for next year’s team. We are really excited about the group that will be joining us next fall. We have a well-rounded group that we really believe will move our program forward.”

Alabama soccer team adds 9 recruits on National Signing Day

By Zac Al-KhateebStaff Reporter

Months after finally winning the program’s first national title, the Alabama softball team is ready to begin its run at another title in 2013.

The Tide’s road to another national title begins Friday, as it heads to its UNI Dome Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa. There, the team will take on Illinois and Northern Iowa on Friday, Drake and Green Bay on Saturday and North Dakota State on Saturday.

Even with the team’s lengthy hiatus from softball, Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said his team wasn’t worried or pressured heading into its opening weekend.

“This isn’t a one-and-done situation,” Murphy said. “If you screw up once, that’s not it. You’re not in the doghouse.”

Seniors Kayla Braud and Kaila Hunt shared the same sentiments as their coach. Rather than preseason

anxiety, both said excite-ment was the main emotion throughout the team, a feeling that has even found root in the team’s freshmen.

Both Braud and Hunt said they were excited to actually play an opposing team, rather than just scrimmaging against themselves.

“It was actually me and Braud. We were just talk-ing about, ‘We finally get to play someone other than our-selves,’” Hunt said. “And we actually get to put the same uniform on . . .”

Even with the players’ excitement and confidence heading into the matchup, Murphy said their opening weekend would provide a mul-titude of talented teams for them to face – teams the Tide can’t afford to overlook.

“. . . You have a Big 10 school, you have Northern Iowa who won the Missouri Valley, you have North Dakota State, who’s been in the last two Regionals,” Murphy said. “And

then the other two teams, Green Bay and Drake are probably on the upswing.”

Braud said the fact that the team was able to practice all offseason and preseason will only mean good things once it heads up to Cedar Falls, Iowa. Braud said both the pitchers and batters will have seen great improvement from com-peting against each other.

Apart from helping the players improve, the fact that Alabama has been able to scrimmage itself numerous times has also allowed the team to avoid any rust that may have otherwise set in.

Now, rather than trying to shake the dust off from the dormancy of the offseason, theplayers will be able to adjust their roles quickly in the first few games.

“It’s not fun facing Jackie Traina and Leslie Jury over and over again,” Braud said. “I don’t want to do that. I’m going to feel bad for the other teamsthat face us.”

UA softball team prepares for 2013

58.3.Alabama has held 13 of its 21

opponents – six straight SEC teams – to under 60 points this season. It is 10-3 when achieving this statistic.

The regular season comes to a close in little more than a month, and the Tide cannot afford any

more losses from teams it should handle. Of course the match ups in March with Florida and Ole Miss will be tough road tests, but they could also catapult this team back into Lunardi’s good graces.

Regardless, Alabama can-not be afraid of losing. That will

lead to sloppy play on the hard-wood. It needs to play suffocating defense and score as many points in transition as possible. If it canaccomplish that in its remainingconference schedule and in the SEC tournament, it will have a strong case of belonging on the positive side of the bubble.

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Page 10 | Thursday, February 7, 2013 NEWS OPINION CULTURE SPORTS

By Zac Al-KhateebStaff Reporter

Not many softball players around the nation can boast the type of success Alabama ace pitcher Jackie Traina had in 2012.

Traina achieved a laundry list of historic accomplish-ments for Alabama last sea-son, including being named an NFCA All-American for the second consecutive season, the SEC Pitcher of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP and Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Women’s College World Series.

She also led the nation with a 42-3 record, a school record, and set another school record with 361 strikeouts. Traina eventually finished the season with a 1.87 ERA, helping lead the Tide to its first national title.

But for all Traina’s accom-plishments last season, she said she feels she still has room to improve from last year in multiple areas.

“I think there’s always room to get better,” Traina said. “You could always get better, either in little things or big things.”

One area Traina said she’d worked on during the offseason was her batting average. While Traina certainly had power behind her bat, she said she

felt she could improve in how often she hit the ball. Traina finished last season with a .319 percentage, 10 home runs and 37 RBIs.

“That was another thing I wanted to improve on this year,” Traina said. “Just stay consistent, I guess, hitting as well.”

One of the biggest things Traina said she wanted to improve on was her leadership ability. Traina said she began her career at Alabama more relaxed, but she would like to take on a more active role in leading her team.

Still, Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said he’s already seen Traina trying to become a more active leader. Murphy said he saw this at a team-building weekend in the fall, where Traina and her fel-low juniors realized they were next in line to be leaders.

“It’s tough to go from a fresh-man, sophomore, kind of laid back, ‘the seniors are going to get it done,’ sort of thing,” Murphy said. “Now it’s their time to step into that role. It’s a fun process to watch as a coach.”

That’s not to say Traina doesn’t follow the examples set by her older teammates.

“I think you always can learn a few things from an

upperclassman,” Traina said. “Obviously, they’re a year before you, and they’ve got one more year where they’ve played the collegiate level.”

One of those seniors, infield-er Courtney Conley, said she’s already seen vast improvementfrom Traina since she first arrived. Much like Murphy, Conley said she can see Traina continue to grow into her roleas a leader on the team.

“I know she was working on being a leader last year,” Conley said. “And she wanted to push [Lauren Sewell] and [Leslie Jury,] and show them the ropes of the bullpen. I thinkthis year, she’s kind of taken the role of another leader on the team.”

Conley said Traina’s type of leadership was largely unseen, however.

“It’s behind-the-scenes leadership that Jackie does,” Conley said. “And obviously, on the field we look to her, because she’s the pitcher.”

Even with all the ways Traina has tried to improve, however, she said what will ultimately help make this year successful is the entire team, not just herself.

“We’ve been there once,” Traina said. “We know how to get there; we know what it takes to win.”

Despite success, Traina looking to improve in 3rd yearSOFTBALL

By Kelly WardContributing Writer

The University of Alabama track and field team will travel to to Lincoln, Neb., for the Nebraska Triangular, a non-conference invitational hosted by the University of Nebraska. This meet marks the halfway point of the indoor season and the last meet before the Southeastern Conference Championships in Fayetteville, Ark., in late February.

Freshmen make up a major-ity of this team, but the youth factor does not worry head coach Dan Waters. He said he sees the potential in the young athletes.

“They all have an amazing amount of talent,” Waters said. “It takes time to under-stand how to apply their skills and gifts to the collegiate level.”

Waters said the smaller for-mat of this weekend’s meet is just what the team needs. With only three teams com-peting, the younger athletes get more attention and can focus on technique. It is an opportunity for them to devel-op outside of the pressures of conference meets.

“We have some nice pro-gression,” Waters said. “We’re coming along, learn-ing the technical details we’re trying to teach them and adapting to the work load,

which is much higher than they’re used to in the past. Each week, they’re getting better and more confident as they adjust.”

Despite such a young roster, the Tide still looks to veterans like Jonathan Reid, Krystle Schade, and Wilamena H o p k i n s for lead-e r s h i p . Jonathan Reid, a junior, won the men’s triple jump at the I n d i a n a Relays Jan. 25 with a jump of 50-7 1/2. Senior Krystle Schade won her third consec-utive high jump at the Indiana Relays Jan. 26 with a jump of 6-1 1/4. Wilamena Hopkins, also a senior, finished fifth in the shot put at the Indiana Relays with a distance of 48-3 1/4.

At the Nebraska Triangular, it will take a team effort to win. Only the top two entries from each institution will score, except in the relay, where only one team per insti-tution will score. Individual event winners are awarded as well, but the team score is the focus of the invitational.

Now in his second season, Coach Waters continues to

focus on the team. It has been a challenge to balance the team between field event ath-letes, sprinters and distance runners because redshirting can be unpopular.

“We’re definitely coming up with a much more balanced roster. Average fans don’t see

as much w i t h the red-shirting w e ’ v e b e e n doing,” Waters s a i d . “We’ve r e d -shirted t w o m a l e

and two female throwers. It’s absolutely starting to resem-ble the team I had in mind with people in all events com-peting for titles.”

In addition to Nebraska, Alabama will face the University of North Carolina’s track team. Coach Waters looks forward to this meet to test the team and to instill more technique into the team.

“We’re making technical adjustments. It’s an oppor-tunity to teach. The process is fine-tuned every day.” Waters said. “You are never absolutely perfect. There is always room for improvement – to become better, faster, stronger.”

Track and fi eld team travels to Lincoln for Nebraska Triangular

“We’re coming along, learning the technical details we’re trying to teach them, adapting to the work load, which is much higher than

they’re used to in the past. Each week, they’re getting better and more confident as they

adjust.

— Dan Waters

TRACK AND FIELD

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By Kevin ConnellContributing Writer

The Alabama women’s golf team will compete in its first tournament of the season this Sunday at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

The three-day tournament set for Feb. 10-12 at the Rio Mar Beach Resort will feature a field of 15 schools. Along with Alabama, the compet-ing schools include Arkansas, Auburn, Indiana, Iowa State, Kent State, Kentucky, Michigan, N.C. State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Southern Methodist, TCU and Texas Tech.

For head coach Mic Potter, it never matters who they will be facing. He said his job is always to worry about only the things that his team can control and

let the winning come on its own.

“There are 350 teams out there [nationally] who want to win and talk about it all the time,” Potter said. “The ques-tion is what do we do to make it happen. And that’s what we’re concerned about, especially our first tournament after our winter break.”

It is evident that this mes-sage from Potter has been driv-en into the minds of his players as they too aren’t necessarily worried about winning.

“I mean obviously we go to every tournament hoping to win; that’s our goal,” senior Jennifer Kirby said. “But I think individually, everyone probably has their own goals on what they’d like to get out of the tournament. For me, definitely just get the rust off. I haven’t played a tournament since October.”

The Crimson Tide last played in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in 2011, finishing in first place as a team, Potter said.

Kirby and juniors Stephanie Meadow and Hannah Collier are the only current players on the roster to have played in the tournament that year. Individually, Kirby finished tied for ninth, while Meadow placed first.

“It’s a good course; it sits us pretty well, and it’s pretty wide open. It’s definitely a scoring

Women’s golf team set to tee off new seasoncourse,” Meadow said. “It’s a good starter tournament. You can go out there and shoot some good scores, get the con-fidence up and get ready for the rest of the season.”

There is no denying Kirby and Meadow are the two stal-warts that will help carry this year’s team. Both are established players with plen-ty of experience and success who, based off previous history alone at this upcoming tourna-ment, are set to have top-10 fin-ishes individually.

With their results looking promising, it will be interesting to see who will have a breakout performance out of the Tide’s other three starters. Many upperclassmen teammates said that player is freshman Emma Talley.

“She brings a lot to the team, so I’m really excited about what she’s going to be able to bring for us this spring,” Meadow said. “She had a great fall. Your freshman fall season is always the hardest, so for her to come out like that is pretty impres-sive.”

Although Talley’s fall sea-son was a bit difficult for her at times, she has stepped up well in her place in the lineup, Kirby said. In the Tide’s three fall tournaments, Talley finished tied for 14th, tied for 16th and tied for 27th.

The key to success for Talley and all the Tide golfers in this tournament will come down to one thing in particular: putting.

“I think always we need to putt better. And that’s not say-ing we’re bad putters, but we do drive the ball and hit the ball as well or better than about any team in America,” Potter said. “Our performance is going to be dictated largely by how well we putt and whether that’s get-ting the ball up and down on a miss green to save momentum or capitalizing on birdie oppor-tunities. Our ability to make putts is going to determine our success.”

“You can go out there and shoot some good scores, get the confi -dence up and get ready for the

rest of the season.

— Stephanie Meadow

UA Athletics


By Manal YousifContributing Writer

The No. 9 University of Alabama women’s ten-nis team will travel to Charlottesville, Va., Friday for the 2013 Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Team Indoor Championships.

The Crimson Tide will look to keep the momentum, as it finished strong Sunday in a 6-1 victory over Southern Methodist

University at the Northwood Country Club.

“I thought we had a good weekend, and it was a good team effort, but we are still fine-tuning things; it is still early,” head coach Jenny Mainz said. “The chance that we qualified for national indoors is only going to help us get bet-ter, and it is a privilege to be a part of the elite six that will be competing there.”

Mainz said their last matches

were the next step to prepare them for future matches, as they lost their first doubles point of the season against Texas Christian University Saturday. Mainz also said it was actually a good thing they lost, because they were battle-tested on the road, and it put them in a position to show how they would respond.

Tide sophomores Yasmeen Ebada and Emily Zabor won their first doubles match of the

season over sophomore Holly Verner and freshman Hristina Dishkova of SMU.

“We have been really working hard on just taking each match at a time and not worrying about the future, trying to focus on what we could do better each day,” Zabor said.

Zabor said she has seen signif-icant growth and improvement as a team within the last cou-ple of weeks, and senior Alexa Guarachi’s role has impacted

her and the squad this year.“She is a very great leader on

the court and works extremely hard in practice and in match-es,” Zabor said. “She is very knowledgeable about the game and helps out whenever we need it, and she always believes in our team.”

Guarachi and junior Mary Anne Macfarlane are the one-two punch in doubles this season.

“I feel like they are the best

two players in the country, and I have a lot of faith in them,” Mainz said. “They are good play-ers, leaders [and] competitors, and they have led this team on and off the court.”

The Alabama women will pre-pare to take the court this week-end against 15 other teams. TheTide will be the No. 7 seed in the2013 ITA National Team IndoorChampionships. They will play Northwestern in the first round on Friday at 8 a.m. CT.

Women’s tennis team plays in ITA championship Friday

By Caroline GazzaraStaff Reporter

The University of Alabama women’s basketball team will tip off against the South Carolina Gamecocks Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Foster Auditorium. The team is look-ing to find a home field advan-tage and secure a conference win after three consecutive losses in SEC play.

The Crimson Tide, 12-10 overall (2-7 in conference), won

its last game against Auburn two weeks ago. After losing to Vanderbilt, Georgia and Florida, the Tide needs to win this game to have a chance at postseason play.

South Carolina, ranked No. 15 nationally, aren’t as threat-ening as they look on paper. Coach Wendell Hudson said he feels confident this upcom-ing game will be different than previous games, but will hope-fully give the Tide an overall advantage.

“South Carolina is a totally different team,” Hudson said. “They are really an aggres-sive defensive team. They don’t shoot the ball as well as Georgia shoots the ball, but they shoot it to rebound it. We’re going to have to do a very good job at blocking out and limiting them to one shot. They don’t worry about mak-ing the first shot. They are more concerned with shooting it, then sending four people to the offensive board. They are

counting on somebody not blocking somebody.”

The last time Alabama beat South Carolina was in 2008. Regardless, senior Meghan Perkins said she doesn’t fear the Gamecocks’ ranking or the past losses.

“Rankings are just num-bers,” Perkins said. “They are people’s opinions. We know that we are a good team and that we can beat them. A number means nothing to us. They are just another team in

conference. They put their shoes on just like we put our shoes on.”

Members of the Tide said they would address the Gamecocks on gameday and adjust strategy as necessary.

“In basketball, there are only two shots you can get: either off of the dribble or off of the pass,” Perkins said. “You just have to defend those things. Like down screen, back screen or flat screen, you just have to defend those things. We

just have to adjust to the way [they play].”

Putting the past behind them, Alabama is playing the game it plays and improving the way the team wants.

“[We’re] working on being a good team,” Perkins said. “We’re a good team. We’re that team that’s almost there. We want to get over the hump. So we have to push through and make ourselves better at prac-tice so that when the game comes, it’s easy.”

Tide aims to improve before facing Gamecocks

By Zac Al-Khateeb

Could it get any better for the Alabama football team? That’s not a rhetorical question. Alabama has seen a streak of success unlike any before seen – at least in recent memory. And yet, it seems every time I blink, the Tide just keeps getting better and better.

It’s not enough that Alabama should have head coach Nick Saban on its side – that in and of itself is almost like cheating. It’s not enough that it should have one of the most devout fan bases in the country, or

that it’s nationally recognized by recruits as a direct pipeline to the NFL.

And apparently it’s not enough that Alabama is a two-time reigning champion, with three titles in the last four years. While we’re at it, I guess it’s fair to say it’s not enough that the Tide already had one of the more talented teams heading into next season, even after graduation and the NFL Draft.

And so, after the 2013 National Signing Day, I can only imagine how unfair some fans of the game think college

football is. After all, Alabama just hauled in the No. 1-rated recruiting class according to ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports and probably anyone who has any interest in recruiting whatsoever.

Quite honestly, I don’t blame those rhetorical college foot-ball fans. I mean, how would you react if you heard a team had T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake and Jalston Fowler, but then got players like Alvin Kamara, Altee Tenpenny, Tyren Jones and Derrick Henry to come play running back as well?

How would you react if you

heard a team had an elite quar-terback in A.J. McCarron, a ridiculously deep and talent-ed wide receiving corps, and then had players like Robert Foster and O.J. Howard come in to give some extra targets to throw to?

How would you react if you heard a team had a pretty stout defense – one that was annually one of the best in the nation – but still got players like Jonathan Allen, Dee Liner and A’Shawn Robinson?

How about if I told you a team snatched away the No. 1 recruit in the state, literally

from the home base of that team’s biggest rivals (ahem, Reuben Foster from Auburn, Ala.)? How would you react?

If I were one of those foot-ball fans that exist somewhere out in the ether, I’d say there’s some sort of conspiracy going on. I mean, to see that kind of success is astounding.

Pretty soon, people are going to have legitimate discussions about whether Alabama’s string of success is good for college football.

This recruiting class is only going to add fuel to that fire. After all, some of the

most widely heralded and recognized recruits in the nation were just funneled into Tuscaloosa.

Sure, a couple managed to slip through the cracks, like Laremy Tunsil and Robert Nkemdiche to Ole Miss, but if you look at the big pic-ture, Alabama has more than enough talent to afford losing those guys.

I guess that’s the way col-lege football works sometimes. Teams rise to glorious new heights, while others fall into mediocrity and worse, but not so for Alabama.

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By Francie JohnsonContributing Writer

On one night, five local disc jockeys will have 15 minutes each to show Tuscaloosa what they’ve got.

Red Bull Thre3style University is the collegiate division of Red Bull Thre3style, an international DJ contest in search of the world’s most “par-ty-rocking” DJ. The event will take place tonight, at Rounders Bar at 9 p.m.

Thre3style, originally a Canadian event, went global in 2010, hosting competitions in 10 different countries. This is the first year that Red Bull has held a separate competition specifi-cally for college DJs.

Participating DJs must play

a 15-minute set – no more, no less – and incorporate at least three different musical genres, hence the name “Thre3style.” They will be judged on four criteria: skill, originality and creativity, track selection and audience response, with the most emphasis being placed on audience response.

The winning DJ will receive $1000, as well as the chance to compete in the Thre3style University Southeastern divi-sion final on March 9 at Club La Vela in Panama City, Fla.

Max Scruggs, otherwise known as DJ Albatross, is one of the five DJs that Red Bull invited to compete in the contest.

“I’ve been a DJ for a long time, but I’ve never done

anything like this,” Scruggs, a senior majoring in metallurgi-cal material engineering, said. “Maybe it will broaden my horizons.”

Scruggs, who has been a DJ for almost four years, original-ly started performing at his Phi Beta Sigma fraternity house. Now, he owns an event plan-ning and entertainment com-pany, Albatross Entertainment, which specializes in weddings and other private events.

“Wedding DJing is typi-cally easier than DJing at bars because at weddings, people tell you what they like,” Scruggs said. “In the bar scene, you have to read your crowd, and every crowd is different.”

Scruggs said he feeds off of his audience’s energy during

his performances.“If people appear to be hav-

ing a good time and have smiles on their faces, I look at the night as a success,” Scruggs said.

Scruggs will be compet-ing against four other DJs, including UA students Jeremy Walters (DJ Alchemy) and Derrek Beavers (Phacelift). University of Alabama at Birmingham student Andrew Williams (Jimi Frtz) and Auburn University student Benjamin Neuffer (DJ Catalyst) are contestants as well.

Neuffer, a junior majoring in geology, started out as an amateur break-dancer before switching over to DJing.

“I threw a few dance parties and found out I really enjoyed making other people dance,

so I hung up the dance shoes and picked up a pair of head-phones,” Neuffer said.

Neuffer releases new tracks on a monthly basis, integrating many different styles of music into his mixes.

“Before I make a new mix I spend time listening and think-ing about music and what songs would blend together,” Neuffer said. “Occasionally when I’m practicing, songs just pop out at me and it sounds amazing.”

Neuffer said his creative pro-cess as a DJ mixing tracks is similar to the creative process of a musician writing songs.

“I think the tools each uses is the only real differ-ence [between DJs and other musicians],” Neuffer said. “Ultimately, the end result for

both is new material that peo-ple can enjoy.”

Red Bull Thre3style University will be held at Rounders Bar on the Strip. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge for those 21 and older.

Red Bull hosts collegiate DJ contest at Rounders

By Megan MillerContributing Writer

Thursday marks the open-ing of two new exhibits at Kentuck Gallery, “Earth and Beyond” and “Corpus Sylva,” by local artists Joni Gruber and Amy Swartz.

“Earth and Beyond” will be featured in the Main

Avenue Gallery, and “Corpus Sylva” will be featured in the Georgine Clarke Gallery. Art night is free and will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday – both exhibits will remain open through March 2.

“It’s two different styles completely,” said Shweta Gamble, executive director for Kentuck. “Joni does abstract

work, and Amy does mixed media work.”

Gamble said artists wishing to present their work in the Kentuck Gallery first apply online, and then a panel exam-ines the artist’s work to see if it would be a good fit. Kentuck has a rule that artists can only show once every two years, so this is the first time Gruber

Kentuck Gallery has 2 new exhibitions for February’s Art Night

By Ryan PhillipsContributing Writer

In order to preserve the legacy of blues and musi-cal appreciation, educational groups such as The Alabama Blues Project are reaching out to children in an effort to fos-ter a passion for heritage, self-expression and music through their after-school program.

With a diverse student body of aspiring musicians, ABP stands at the forefront of progressive enrichment education. The ABP has now expanded to provide ample after-school time for chil-dren to learn skills from professional blues musicians

in an encouraging, hands-on environment.

Based in historic downtown Northport, ABP is open for ages 8 to 18 and offers train-ing in blues instrumental and vocal styles. Currently taking applications for the spring 2013 term, the after-school program provides pupils with a two-hour, one-day-a-week class geared toward activities that encourage artistic growth and cultural awareness at the local level.

“We typically have 50-60 kids each semester and sum-mer, and usually 40 to 50 per-cent of them are returning,” Cara Lynn Smith, program director for ABP, said.

Smith has worked for five years as program director and said she values the rich heritage that ABP works to bring to the children of Alabama. When the enroll-ment numbers began to climb for the ABP, the cultural and social reverberations became evident.

“We found we were

particularly helpful with at-risk children,” Smith said. “We grew from a one-room small camp to a seven-room camp of 50-60 kids each semester. Furthermore, our camps bring a very diverse mix together. We have kids from all over the Tuscaloosa area, from all dif-ferent backgrounds.”

This is a multifaceted

educational project that attempts to use the music that was born of suffering to provide young people with a context of how humanity has changed ideologically and artistically.

At the same time, The ABP supplies the means neces-sary to tear down the barri-ers that once defined what music could be and who could play it. By keeping this unique musical outlet relevant in the minds of children today, ABP hopes to foster a never-ending tradition of cultural and per-sonal self expression.

ABP seeks to embrace the musical heritage within Alabama by exposing a young

audience to the rich local history in and around the state. Founded by blues performer Debbie Bond in 1997 to honor the memory of Tuscaloosa Bluesman Johnny Shines, The Alabama Blues Project has since brought musical educa-tion, with a focus on blues, to countless local children.

Through the various sum-mer camps and after-school programs offered by ABP, students are taught more than blues songs and chord progressions.

For more information about the spring after-school pro-gram or Alabama Blues Project, call (205) 752-6263 or email [email protected].

Alabama Blues Project heads up after-school program

and Swartz will be featured at the gallery.

Joni Gruber, creator of the exhibit “Earth and Beyond,” has lived in Tuscaloosa since 1995 and said she is thrilled to be able to show her art in the place she calls home.

“I’ve been working as an artist in Tuscaloosa since I’ve lived here, and I’ve shown my work in other galleries around town, but I’m really excited for this exhibit,” Gruber said. “A lot of people might know about the Kentuck Festival which spends a lot of time on folk art, but the gal-lery shows both folk art and contemporary art.”

Gruber’s work for the gal-lery uses a technique called “encaustic,” which is a Greek word that means to burn. The process involves pigments mixed with bees wax, heated up on a pallet before being spread onto a canvas.

“A lot of people may look and think it’s just an oil paint-ing, but it’s very translucent with a lot of layers,” Gruber said. “Seeing it on a computer doesn’t do it justice, because there’s a lot of depth.”

Gruber said this particu-lar medium fits her style because it’s an “immediate medium” that can be worked with molten or dry and can be reworked for years to come.

There are two spreads consisting of a series of three paintings involved in the exhibit – one can be categorized as “Earth,” which

Gruber says covers fluid and flowing nature such as oceans or landscapes, and “Beyond,” which draws inspiration from science and science-fiction.

“I started using a lot of red, which has gotten into the pieces that are in the show things like the sun, things with a lot of nebula in the background,” Gruber said. “There are some space piec-es and some down to earth nature pieces, and I use a lot of spheres and shapes in my work.”

In addition to the opening of these two galleries, Ian Bittner will be playing elec-tric guitar, and there will be a glass-blowing workshop taught by Linda Munoz.

During the workshop, attendees will paint glass heart pendants in honor of Valentine’s Day. The work-shop costs $15 plus tax per person, and no reservations are required to attend.

IF YOU GO• What: Red Bull

Thre3style University DJ Contest

• When: Thursday, Feb. 7 at 9 p.m.

• Where: Rounders Bar

IF YOU GO• What: Art Night at

Kentuck Gallery

• When: Thursday, Feb. 7 from 5 - 9 p.m.

• Where: Kentuck Art Center, Northport, Ala.

“ We grew from a one-room small camp to a seven-room camp of 50-60 kids each semester. Furthermore, our camps bring a very diverse mix

together. We have kids from all over the Tuscaloosa area, from all different backgrounds.

— Cara Lynn Smith

Submitted“Earth and Beyond” and “Corpus Sylva” are two new exhibitions at the Kentuck Gallery.

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By Noelle BrakeContributing Writer

On Friday, students will get to see the work of their peers in Creative Co-op’s first gallery of student art.

The gallery, titled “The Aesthetic,” will display a col-lection of student work that will be available to purchase. The opening will display extra art that night only, which will

not be for sale.“The Aesthetic contains sev-

eral artists’ work, all of them Creative Co-op members,” said Charlie Bice, a Creative Campus intern and senior majoring in international stud-ies and Spanish. “It’s mostly art students looking to sell work they’ve created over the years.”

The variety of artwork for sale will include paint-ings, photography, drawings,

prints, handmade books and stationery.

Not only will students and guests be able to see artwork created by students but also find out about the club itself.

“If students are interested in learning more about the co-op or becoming members, this is a great opportunity to learn more,” said Ally Mabry, president of Creative Co-op and junior majoring in studio art.

Lori Taylor, a junior majoring in fine arts, will be displaying a type of print called Intaglio, where a design is etched onto a plate of metal, brushed in ink, and then a sheet of paper is pressed over the depressions making an image.

“I’ve been part of Creative Co-Op since it started,” Taylor said. “And I really like the idea of teaching others how to get their artwork to the public. We,

as art students, need to know how to display our art for the public, and there aren’t many classes on it. It’s important for an art major to know, and it’s hard to find an outlet to sell your work.”

Mo Fiorella, a second year graduate candidate for the MFA in Book Arts, will be show-ing some handmade books containing poetry.

“It’s just an easy, fun oppor-

tunity, and it’s a good way to support Creative Co-Op,” Fiorella said. “I want the groupto be substantial.”

She said opening the gallery will help to advertise Creative Co-Op.

The opening reception for the gallery will be Friday at 6:30p.m in 216 Lloyd. The collectionwill be displayed until Feb. 28, with the bonus artwork to be shown only on opening night.

Creative Co-op to showcase student gallery in Lloyd

By Colby Leopard

After building a following of loyal hipsters through the Independent Film Channel and Netflix, “Portlandia”’s third season is fully underway and is as mockingly beautiful as ever.

Starring Fred Armisen, a “Saturday Night Live” cast member, and Carrie Brownstein, lead singer and guitarist of Wild Flag, “Portlandia” aims to take cheap shots at everything that makes Portland, Ore., such an incredibly bizarre and bizarrely incredible place.

And what is it that Portland is made of you ask? According to the first episode of season one, Portland is the place where the dream of the 1990s is alive and well. The people of Portland still get weird body piercings and tribal tattoos, they sing about saving the planet and forming bands. Fred Armisen puts it simply: Portland is a place where “young people go to retire.”

In the beautiful mockery that is “Portlandia,” Armisen and Brownstein synchro-nize their quirky person-alities to make fun of every stereotype that you would

expect to find in Portland in the form of multiple comedy sketches per episode. Although each skit features different characters, primarily Armisen and Brownstein assuming the various roles, the plot is loose-ly tied together. Having little restriction in plot develop-ment and character continuity, Armisen and Brownstein can move about Portland, poking fun at various stereotypes as they please. And they leave no one untouched.

From bike hooligans to vegan health nuts, feminist bookstore owners to tech-nology addicts, “Portlandia”

delivers every sarcasm-drenched line with impeccable timing. The show’s timing, arguably its greatest strength, comes from a mixture of quick-cut editing, camera angle changes and hilarious acting.

On top of mocking the ste-reotypes and the way of life in Portland, Armisen and Brownstein must simulta-neously make fun of them-selves because they are in fact Portland stereotypes. Let’s take Brownstein for example.

Carrie Brownstein rose to fame as lead guitarist and sing-er of Sleater-Kinney, an alt-rock band of all females based

out of Portland. Formed in 1994, Sleater-Kinney received a great amount of acclaim during the late 1990s and early 2000s for their raw punk rock sound and the free ideals expressed through their lyrics.

Now fast-forward to season two of “Portlandia”, where you can find Armisen and Brownstein trying to come up with a new, unique idea for a band. They decide that mak-ing their cat, Kevin, an official member of the band is the best way to gain popularity. Kevin is so popular that Kristen Wiig, Armisen’s costar on “Saturday Night Live,” kidnaps the band

and holds them hostage so they can never leave Portland and gain fame.

The show’s honest and unique take on life in Portlandushers in a new era of moc-kumentary television shows that satirizes ideas and people behind the city of Portland. With the incessant surfacing of new stereotypes, not just inPortland but in pop culture in general, “Portlandia” looks to continue reloading on sketch material until it can’t be made weird anymore. With Armisen and Brownstein at the helm of “Portlandia,” keeping things weird will never be a problem.

COLUMN | TELEVISION

‘Portlandia’ takes cheap shots at the bizarre, stereotypical life in Portland

By Becky Robinson

New York Fashion Week is in full swing. While most of us broke college students can’t afford a $1,200 Marc Jacobs blazer, we can all take home and modify the trends.

One major trend seen in the shows thus far is black and white graphic prints. Most of the prints have been traditional patterns, like stripes and polka dots, which make it easier for the fashionista on a budget to

replicate the looks seen at Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. Both of these designers chose to go all-out with the neutral pat-terns, pairing stripes with polka dots for a bold yet coordinated look.

Another trend gracing the Mercedes Benz runways is elec-tric neon. From shirts to jackets to shoes, neon is definitely a fun trend for spring and also eas-ily replicable. Derek Lam show-cased an electric blue boxy silk shirt, which I can almost guar-

antee will be greedily copied by retailers like H&M come March.

Rag & Bone, an American fashion label, debuted a hard-rock chic motorcycle jacket. Instead of being traditional biker garb, their jacket was adorned with neon green accents for a pop of trendy color. While this may be harder to find and rep-licate — especially in Alabama — online stores like ASOS or Neiman Marcus may offer suit-able alternatives.

Donna Karan also dabbled

in neon jackets, sending out a model in a bumblebee yellow, knee-length raincoat. Again, this much neon in a jacket may be hard to find, so try to find a shorter version of the coat for a great splash of color on any rainy day.

One final trend seen so far this week is a global trend. Similar to the tribal print trend a few years back, the global prints of New York Fashion Week are often neutral or rich in color with a subtle,

sophisticated design. Vera Wang was one of the designers whose clothes resembled the lush tex-tiles of an Indian marketplace. Because this trend can be so easily reproduced by major retailers for mass consumption, you’ll be able to find your glob-al prints just about anywhere. It also helps that this trend is really timeless, especially since it seems to be morphing every few seasons.

Ralph Lauren was another designer who jumped on the

global bandwagon. With his fitted harem pants and flow-ing white tops, he created a very Spanish vibe with his line. Bursts of gold and red reinforcedthis feel and are a fabulous wayto create your own Spanish look. A beautiful gold lace top or even a swash of vibrant red lipstick works wonderfully.

With Fashion Week only on its third day, there are sure to be more great and fun trends to flow from the Big Apple this week.

COLUMN | FASHION

New York Fashion Week is in full swing, where to fi nd alternatives for designer pieces

“I have been working for a year and a half trying to get the support of the entire cam-pus. I currently have the sup-port of multiple faculty orga-nizations and the support of about half the deans of colleg-es on campus. I am working on the other half right now,” McMillian said. “I am current-ly trying to get student orga-nizations to sign on to support this ban, one of those being the Student Government Association.”

Last spring, McMillian and his team conducted a survey of UA students about the effects of tobacco on campus. The data was approved and ana-lyzed by the governing body of research for the University. According to this survey, 56.7 percent of students would pre-fer that the University elimi-nate all smoking on campus.

The survey also stated that 10.4 percent of students are current smokers – 6.1 percent of freshmen are smokers, and 15.7 percent of seniors are smokers. The survey also presented data that said the number of college seniors who

have smoked at least 100 ciga-rettes is three times higher than the number of freshmen who have reported smoking 100 cigarettes.

“Besides the fact that the majority of campus sup-ports a tobacco ban, the main thing that stands out to me is that only 6 percent of fresh-man smoke and it goes up to nearly 16 percent by senior year,” McMillian said. “So coming in, only 6 percent of people smoke, but by the time you graduate, that number is tripled. So from a health standpoint, we want to try to reduce the number of people who pick up smoking when they come to The University of Alabama.”

Although a majority of stu-dents support the smoking ban, according to the survey, some students still feel as though smoking is an individ-ual’s right, which should not be taken away on campus.

“I don’t agree with a smok-ing ban just because I think everyone should be able to do what they want to, to an extent of course,” Maggie Leverette, a sophomore majoring in finance, said. “While I don’t appreciate people coming to class smelling like smoke, I don’t think they should be denied their rights.”

Maura Keith, a sopho-more majoring in market-ing, believes the ban would have a positive effect on the University.

“No one wants to see ciga-rette butts on the ground, no one wants to have smoke blow-ing in their face when they’re walking to class,” Keith said. “It would be a lot cleaner on campus.”

If the Senate Resolutions Committee votes to support the ban, McMillian and his team will present the ban to President Judy Bonner along with the evidence of the sur-vey and proof of organizations and people who support it.

“The vote taking place in the senate is a small part of the overall thing, but it will definitely help to have their support,” McMillian said.

Currently, the University has a rule that smoking is not allowed within 30 feet of build-ings on campus. The rules of the new ban are still being dis-cussed, and would not be out-lined until Bonner and other members of the administra-tion decide whether or not to enforce a smoking ban.

Auburn University is cur-rently taking an initiative to eliminate smoking on cam-pus, and similar schools in the SEC, such as Ole Miss and the

University of Kentucky, are already tobacco-free.

“We want to do what Auburn is doing and create a commu-nity where smoking isn’t real-ly accepted. When people get caught smoking on campus there they would be referred to smoking education courses where they would be educated about the dangers of smok-ing and provided with help to quit,” McMillian said. “Other schools have their security forces hand out tobacco tick-ets, but I don’t want to create tobacco Nazis on campus. So while it will take longer for it to be effective, I think a policy similar to Auburn’s is the more organic way to do it. Instead of a slap on the wrist, it’s actually helping their overall health.”

McMillian believes that if this ban is passed, it will ben-efit the University as a whole, as well as every student who attends school here.

“From a health aspect, I think it will prevent people from picking up the habit once they get here,” McMillian said. “But also from a recruiting standpoint, with Auburn going smoke-free and most of the SEC schools doing it as well, it will keep litter of the ground and keep campus more beauti-ful. I think it’s an overall win.”

SMOKING FROM PAGE 1

Group to present ban proposal to Bonner


“I chose Alabama because of the scholarship offered to me, as well as the Honors College and residence halls. The atmosphere felt like home,” Collins said. “The NMS package certainly provides an awesome incentive, alongside our other great facili-ties and programs, to select Alabama when we are com-pared to other peer institutions. The concept of an iPad – laptop when I was recruited to UA – and potential for study abroad and/or research funding shows the great lengths to which UA not only goes to entice students, but also to ensure their success once here. I am dismayed that the housing scholarship has been discontinued though.”

With Alabama’s scholarship changes, Auburn University is set to seriously rival the University in National Merit Scholars recruitment.

According to Auburn’s Undergraduate Scholarships website, Auburn University students receive four-year tuition for Alabama residents or $60,000 over four years for non-residents, a $1,000 technol-ogy stipend, a $2,500 enrichment

stipend, on-campus housing forfour years and between $4,000to $8,000 annually dependingupon eligibility determinedby National Merit ScholarshipCorporation and the FAFSA.

Goodwin believes the steadyrecruitment of National MeritScholars or other high-achiev-ing students is integral to help-ing the University develop andgrow.

“Whether National Merit orother academically strong stu-dents, students who seek aca-demic rigor cause the Universitycreate more programs and chal-lenging courses to meet theseneeds,” Goodwin said.

Daniel Burton, a sopho-more from Alaska majoring inmechanical engineering, alsosaid the scholarship was thesole reason the University madehis list of potential schools.Though he said other aspects ofthe University ultimately helped make his decision, he thinks thereduction in benefits will defi-nitely cut into the University’sout-of-state recruitment.

“The real question is wheth-er this decision has a nega-tive or positive effect on theUniversity,” Burton said. “Is theUniversity trying to become atop-tier institution – resultingin exclusivity – or just providequality education and opportu-nity to the people of Alabama?”

NATIONAL MERIT FROM PAGE 1

UA Merit Scholars question cut funds

MARKETPLACEHOUSING

Sudoku

DEADLINES: Classified line ad deadline is the previous business day by 4:00 p.m.How to place a classified: For classified line ads visit www.cw.ua.edu and click on the classifieds tab. For classified display ads call (205) 348-7355 or email [email protected] for a free consultation. The Crimson White is published four days a week (M, T, W, TH). Each classified line ad must run for a minimum of four days and include no less than 16 words.

RATESBest Commercial Rates:

4-8 days is $.50 per word. 9 plus days is $.35 per word.Student/Faculty Rates:

$.35 per word. You must register with a Crimson Mail address to get this rate. If you enter your ad under student rate without a Crimson Mail address your charge will be adjusted to regular price.

JOBSToday’s Birthday (02/07/13). Enjoy the social whirlwind and romantic sparks until a project captivates. April promotions generate lasting results. Be cautious with investments aft er that, and keep providing great service for a steady rise in status. Love pays fi ne dividends.To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Th ere could be mechanical problems. Delegate to someone who’ll do the job better than you. Exceed expectations. Set your own long-range goals, and record a signifi cant dream.Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- You help others stay on track. But this may not be something you’re willing to do in every case. Consult an expert. Don’t be pushed into anything. Choose.Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Respectfully move quickly with more work. Emotions direct your activities, and your destination calls. Beauty feeds you now, which adds to your charm. Don’t forget an imminent deadline.Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Get farther than expected, despite confl icting orders. More money is coming in. Friends help you around a diffi cult situation. Improve working conditions. You can work it out.Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Plug a fi nancial leak, and guard against reckless spending. Save money by consuming less and conserving energy. Inspire others and motivate yourself. Give thanks for a lucky break.Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- List the changes you want to make.

Good deeds you’ve done bring ben-efi ts. Th ink fast, and put a surprising development to good use. Don’t rely on untested equipment.Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You can do more than you thought. You’ve been doing the job the hard way. Creative work pays well. Keep digging. You’re great at networking. Valuable new opportunities arise.Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Reaffi rm a commitment, romantic or otherwise. You’re attractive. Th e wallet’s getting fuller. Sand down rough edges and facilitate creative eff orts. Add glitter. Th e pace picks up. Compromise gets achieved.Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Household matters demand attention. Th ere’s more money fl owing in, luckily. You’re very magnetic now. A partner may be even luckier. Witness another stroke of brilliance. Keep the faith.Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Don’t worry about things you can’t change. Old formulas don’t fi t; new procedures glitch. But it all comes together. And time with your sweet-heart is extra nice.Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 6 -- Make a big improvement. Problems may still arise. Ask for money anyway. Circumstances dictate the direction. Obstacles make you even more determined. Cross things off your private list.Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Suddenly you’re in an alien environment. Get the facts by asking detailed questions. Provide well for family. New opportunities arise, includ-ing a confl ict of interests. Choose for love.

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CULTUREPage 16 . Thursday, February 7, 2013

Lauren FergusonCulture Editor

Katherine OwenAssistant Culture Editor

SCEN

ET

HE

TUREThursday,

y 7, 2013Fergusonne Editor ne Owennulture Editoor

TH

E

HISTORIC RESTAURANTSOF TUSCALOOSA

By Lauren Carlton | Contributing Writer

Each city has their slew of historic restaurants known for their food, beverages, heritage or

signature chefs. A southern city keeping true to its roots, Tuscaloosa is no stranger to good restaurants and good flavor. This week the Scene took a look at

some of Druid City’s most notable restaurants worth visiting while in school.

WAYSIDER RESTAURANT

Waysider has been a weekend breakfast and brunch stop since 1951 when the red and white

house, built in 1906, was converted into a restau-rant. Their signature biscuits and gravy are popu-lar menu items. Waysider is a hit with the Sunday

after-church crowds and students, so it fills up fast. Plan on arriving early to get a table.

Address: 1512 Greensboro Ave.Hours of Operation: 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 5:30

a.m. to noon Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday DREAMLAND BAR-B-QUETuscaloosa is home to the original Dreamland

Bar-B-Que, which now has locations in Roswell, Ga., Birmingham, Ala., Mobile, Ala., Tuscaloosa, Norcross, Ga., Montgomery, Ala., and Northport, Ala. John “Big Daddy” Bishop opened the restaurant nearly 50 years ago. This classic BBQ joint offers ribs, pork, sausage,

chicken and sides like BBQ baked beans and marinated coleslaw. If you’re an out-of-towner, Dreamland

also sells their signature sauces online.

Address: 5535 15th Ave.Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday,

10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. SundayCITY CAFECity Cafe opened its doors in 1931. Nestled in the

middle of downtown Northport, it started off as place for blue-collar workers to get an inexpensive meal, but

it has since attracted UA students and other Tuscaloosa and Northport natives to its doors. Their prices are

almost as legendary as their menu, which offers classic southern comfort foods like fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and meatloaf. The “meat-and-three” combo

for $6.92 (tax included) was listed one of the “Dishes to eat before you die” on al.com’s Year of Alabama

Food in 2012.

Address: 408 Main Ave., NorthportHours of Operation: Breakfast and Lunch; 4 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday

RAMA JAMA’SIf you are looking for some Alabama Crimson

Tide school spirit with a side of bacon, you’re going to find it at Rama Jama’s. Located right

behind Sorority Row and Bryant-Denny Stadium, this bustling diner serves up breakfast all day long. Rama Jama’s has been feeding hungry

gameday crowds since 1996.

Address: 1000 Paul W. Bryant DriveHours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to

4 p.m. Saturday

NICK’S ORIGINAL FILET HOUSE(NICK’S IN THE STICKS)

Nick’s Original Filet House was given its nickname, Nick’s in the Sticks, for a reason. Its

location is on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa. Those who venture out to this steakhouse will be

rewarded with a restaurant that has been open since the Prohibition era, some 70 years ago.

Affordable steaks and signature cocktails like the Nicodemus remain diner favorites.

Address: 4018 Culver Rd.Hours of Operation: 5-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday

RIGINAL FILE

AMA JAMA’

Photos by Pete Pajor Photos Illustration by Daniel Roth

Documents

02.07.13 The Crimson White