SPORTS: Gymnastics marks fifth-best in UA history, Page 6 OPINIONS: Here’s to you, Sunday alcohol sales, Page 4

Monday, February 2, 2004 Serving the University of Alabama since 1894 Volume 110, Issue 84 Two injured in stabbing, one struck by car on Strip By HEATHER HENDERSON fight between several individuals, dent, according to reports. The bound, according to reports. Skid marks left by the car indicated Metro/State Editor and then saw that 20-year-old Jordan Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit is Witnesses said McGee crossed the the vehicle was moving at about Dean of Tuscaloosa had been conducting the investigation. road without checking to see if it was 30 mph, a speed “not prudent for the Three people were injured early stabbed. Shortly after officers responded to clear and jogged into the road in front amount of pedestrian traffic present Friday morning in two unrelated Dean’s friend, 23-year-old Daniel the fight, 19-year-old UA student of the car. McGee was not crossing at in the area at the time of the colli- Emily McGee was struck by a 1993 a designated crosswalk. sion,” according to the report. Since incidents on the Strip near the Shumate of Hoover, told officers he Toyota Camry driven by Kim Cobb, Cobb braked but could not avoid McGee was not walking on a marked Houndstooth and Egan’s, according saw Dean in the fight, ran to help and was cut in the face and back, accord- 36, of Tuscaloosa. McGee was also hitting McGee, according to reports. crosswalk when she was struck, to police reports. ing to the report. Both were taken to taken to DCH Regional Medical The car received damage at the front Cobb’s car had the right of way, In what police are calling a case of DCH Regional Medical Center for Center for treatment for head and the top of the car, indicating that according to reports. attempted murder/assault 1, an offi- treatment. Shumate was treated in wounds and released Saturday in after McGee was struck by the front of The incident comes at a time when cer on patrol responded at about the emergency room and released in good condition. the car, she may have rolled on top of the SGA Senate is considering a reso- 2 a.m. to a man’s yell of “Fight!” at good condition Friday. Dean was Cobb was driving westbound on the car, perhaps damaging the wind- lution that would implore UA police 13th Avenue and University released in good condition Saturday. University Boulevard when McGee shield and/or top of the car. Cobb’s to ticket jaywalking offenses as mov- Boulevard. The officer broke up a There are two suspects in the inci- was walking across the street north- car was towed after the incident. ing violations. Monument protection Disabled women athletes bill back in Congress Aderholt pushes federal measure to preserve begin UA basketball team public Ten Commandments displays By SARAH KATE SULLIVAN By ALISE HOLT Senior Staff Reporter Staff Reporter A bill that would shield displays of the Ten Commandments Disabilities do not prevent UA women from in public places from tort interference has been reintroduced in enjoying the thrills of a sport they love: basketball. the U.S. Congress. The UA Disability Sports Program revealed the U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, UA women’s wheelchair basketball team during has reintroduced his “Ten Commandments halftime of a preseason women’s varsity basketball Protection Bill,” which would protect state game. The team is the first of its kind in the state. and local authority under the 10th “The sport is very popular among men, and Amendment to display the Ten there are not that many women’s teams,” said Commandments in public areas. coach and team member Margaret Stran. “We are Aderholt first presented the legislation in trying to increase the popularity of the women’s 1998, but former state Chief Justice Roy division at the college level.” Moore’s removal from office last year after The team opened its inaugural season with an his defiance of a court order to remove a exhibition game against students in the College of 2.6-ton Ten Commandments monument Robert Aderholt Education’s department of kinesiology program has shined new light on the bill. during halftime of Crimson Tide’s preseason Aderholt said he bases his argument on matchup against Berry College. the Ten Commandments’ place in American history and does The team consists of 12 players, including stu- not endorse displays reflective of other religious beliefs because dents as well as participants from across the area. of their lack of influence on America’s legal system. The program is open to anyone who is not able to Though he said he endorses expression of religious beliefs in play stand-up basketball for any reason. public places and wishes to restore religious liberties, Aderholt “Our team is small, so anyone who is interested is able to play,” Stran said. “We encourage people See MONUMENT, Page 3 to try out. Learning chair skills is the hardest part, but once you get committed, it’s easy.” The team is actively recruiting female wheel- chair athletes to attend the Capstone and play wheelchair basketball for the Tide. “We are looking at a few women in Georgia to come and play for us in the upcoming season,” Stran said. “We have recruited one woman already.” The team, which uses uniforms donated by the women’s basketball team, is sponsored by fund- raising events, contributions and organizations around campus, Stran said. She said the team hopes one day to have a steady source of funding coming into the budget so it can offer scholarships. CW/ Tom Neil Cassandra Rightmeyer of the Alabama women’s wheelchair team brings the ball up-court during an exhibition CW/ Tom Neil See PROGRAM, Page 2 game last week. The team has 12 players, including UA students and community members. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt wants Congress to enact a federal law protecting Ten Commandments monuments like former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s display in Montgomery. VP Week Judicial Affairs ready New UA administrator says she seeks to hand gavel over to new group of students change, reflects on years at Capstone By CAITLIN TUDZIN very diverse group of students Senior Staff Reporter and a large percentage of By TIFFANY SUMMERVILLE back to Tuscaloosa, the town been fragmented in the past, them are independent. Assistant Entertainment Editor she considers home. but there is a need and eager- The Office of Student “It’s not a popularity contest King said she is now ready ness for partnerships.” Judicial Affairs, the coordinat- if you’re on the judicial board; This story is the first of a weeklong series to bring positive change to the ing office for implementation you’re well-qualified,” Talley profiling the new UA vice presidents. Capstone. She admits the Becoming familiar with UA again of the UA Code of Student said. University is quite different Conduct, will soon begin tak- Applications are due March UA students have a new vice presi- today than it was when she Since her arrival at the ing applications for next year’s 12. To apply, students must dent for student affairs, but they may was a student, but nonethe- Capstone, King has been getting Student Judicial Board. have competed at least 12 not realize that Margaret Ingram King is less, King said she will contin- to know the individuals who Judicial Affairs handles all hours, be in good disciplinary a leader who herself once walked the ue to seek change. know the University best, informal cases involving stu- standing and have a recom- Margaret Ingram King Quad to her classes at the University. “There is a readiness and including student affairs per- dents and consists of a stu- mendation from a faculty UA President Robert Witt named King eagerness for change,” King sonnel, administrators, faculty dent panel made up of 18 jus- member. Students must meet vice president for student affairs in said. and students. Four student groups tices and three clerks. the minimum grade-point October. In December, King left Tulane “There are students who want to see sponsored a reception to welcome her Brett Talley, chief justice of average requirements, which University, where she had served on the the campus become more open and the Student Judicial Board, administration for 16 years, and moved inclusive. Some of these efforts have See VP, Page 2 said the board consists of a See GAVEL, Page 2

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pursued her bachelor’s degree is not a UA value,” help foster in math and a minor in eco- learning. PROGRAM VP Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 nomics at the University. At She said students must the that time, King was one of few think critically and complexly to the University last week. women on campus pursing and go beneath the surface of “Our goal is to become a King said she has been those fields of study, but she issues to address problems true college team in the World doing a lot of listening at said she enjoyed being differ- like the racial slur written future [composed] com- meetings as she tries to under- ent and setting herself apart. on the door of the pletely of UA students,” stand the context of her work. “I did not want campus chapter Stran said. She also said she is planning to to be a typical of the National “If that were to happen, use what she learns to develop woman in a typi- “It would have been Association for we would be one of only partnerships between the cal career,” King the Advancement three university teams in the Brief Office of Student Affairs and said. much tougher to of Colored other aspects of the University. nation.” During her come somewhere People. The team’s season lasts CAMPUS IN King also said she wants to undergraduate “Change is develop partnerships between from early December until years, King con- else, but it wasn’t important, and the national women’s tour- College Bowl to bounce back into Ferguson Center this week the departments within the tinued to set her- the world we live Office of Student Affairs “so nament in March. The Ferguson Center staff and Phi Eta Sigma honor soci- self apart by earn- tough to come to in requires one to The Tide will play in two that we are attacking the ing several aca- be open to ety will sponsor the University’s second annual College Bowl more events this season. greater issues that are every- demic and lead- Alabama.” change,” King tournament today through Wednesday. The Tide played in an body’s problem but nobody’s ership awards. —MARGARET KING said. The double-elimination tournament will begin at Atlanta tournament on direct problem.” She received the UA vice president for student affairs “So learning 5:30 p.m. today. All games will be held in Ferguson Center “It’s like a three-legged Saturday, winning its game Room 309. The winning team will advance to represent the Algernon Sydney to change is really race,” she said. “The trick is to Sullivan Award and was a a skill I hope our students against the Atlanta Hawks Capstone at a regional tournament at the University of get the parties together, and but losing against Atlanta South Alabama later this month. member of Phi Beta Kappa learn to develop.” once you get the rhythm, it and Mortar Board. She was But King said students are Glory. Some of the groups represented will be Alpha Delta Sigma just makes sense.” However, the teams will sorority, Computer-Based Honors Program, The Crimson also an officer in Chi Omega not going to be the only ones sorority. who are leaning. She said she have a rematch at a tourna- White, Mallet Assembly, Phi Sigma Pi honor society and ment at the Rec Center on University Programs. Remembering undergrad years “I was one of those students plans to continue to listen, who did everything,” she said. meet with students and learn Feb. 14. at the Capstone After receiving her bache- more about the environment For more information HPSA to elect officers at semester’s inaugural meeting lor’s degree with honors in on campus. about UA disability sports or King said her move from 1969, King stayed at the “I hope I never stop that,” the UA women’s wheelchair The Honors Program Student Association will hold its Tulane to the University was University and earned her King said. “I hope I never get basketball team, visit first meeting of the semester Tuesday at 9 p.m. in the New the first move she and her hus- master’s degree in counseling. myself out of context.” bama.ua.edu/~uads. Hall living room. The organization will hold elections for band had made in a long time. Then she attended the several open officer positions. But she said the decision to University of New Orleans, take the UA job was not diffi- where she received a doctor- cult because the advantages of ate in educational administra- St. Francis Church to hold weekend retreat coming to the University were tion before serving as an St. Francis University Parish will hold a weekend church so overwhelming. administrator at Troy State retreat Friday through Sunday. The Search retreat is “It would have been much University and later at Tulane. Catholic in orientation but open to all students. The retreat tougher to come somewhere will be held at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo. else, but it wasn’t tough to The cost is $20, but if monetary concerns would prevent come to Alabama,” King said. ‘Change is important’ students from attending, they can call the Rev. Gerald That’s partly because King Holloway at 758-5672 to make arrangements. Students will lived in Tuscaloosa from As vice president for student meet at St. Francis on Friday at 3 p.m. to carpool to Nauvoo fourth grade through her jun- affairs, King said her goal is to and will leave Sunday at noon. ior year in high school. After foster an environment for stu- graduating from the old dent learning. King said the ACES to hold first spring meeting today Shades Valley High School in recent racial tensions on cam- Birmingham, King moved pus and the response of many The UA chapter of the American Copy Editors Society will back to Tuscaloosa, where she students who proclaim, “Hate hold its first meeting of the semester at 7:30 tonight in 343 Reese Phifer Hall. Tiffany Schwarz, president of the UA chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists, and Lauren Davidson, president of the UA chapter of the Society the final say,“ Talley said. “A lot for News Design, will speak about student journalism GAVEL of people who aren’t very organizations. Elections for officers will also be held at the Continued from Page 1 happy about something don’t meeting. E-mail Amber Windham at [email protected] just have to accept it if they for more information. are 2.3 for undergraduate stu- think some rule’s been violat- dents, 2.5 for law school stu- ed.” dents and 3.0 for graduate Talley said having a student ASCR to meet regarding next steps for reform students. judiciary system is beneficial Alabama Students for Constitutional Reform will hold its Also, students cannot have for students because it allows first meeting of the spring semester at 5 p.m. Tuesday in been involved with either the them to have decisions made Ferguson Center Room 313. The group will discuss an effort executive or legislative by people who know where to send letters to classes to encourage them to get involved branches of SGA in the past they’re coming from. in the reform movement. year. “We also want it to be a safe “It’s very important to us university and a place where that we main- you don’t have Anti-violence group to host meeting Tuesday tain our inde- to worry when Men Against Violence will hold an informational meeting pendence “It’s very important to you walk at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ferguson Center Room 307. All from the SGA,” across the interested students are invited to attend. For more infor- Talley said. us that we maintain street at night,” mation, call Avery Smith at 348-5040 or send an e-mail “We want to he said. to [email protected]. be as objective our independence from Talley said as possible the SGA. We want to Judicial Affairs Discussion on racial, ethnic tension to be held Tuesday night and keep the tries to stay two separate.” be as objective as below the A forum on racial and ethnic tension sponsored by the A blind radar and Office of Leadership Development and the Blackburn application possible and keep the above campus Institute will be Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Presidential process in politics since Pavilion. The event is part of African-American Heritage which the cur- two separate.” they have a Month at the Capstone. rent senior —BRETT TALLEY more direct justices grade UA Student Judicial Board chief justice result on stu- each applica- dent’s lives. SAEA to meet today, hear from pair of speakers tion without “We have no The Student Alabama Education Association will meet viewing the student’s name or party influences, whether today at 4:30 p.m. in 122 Bibb Graves Hall. Speakers David other identifying factors com- it’s Independent Voters Truhett from Central High School and Amanda Roberts from pletes justice selection. Association or the Machine [a Alberta Elementary School will speak on the topic “Preparing Students whose applications select coalition of traditional- for the First Day of School.” have been selected are then ly white fraternities and soror- asked back for an interview ities designed to influence with the SGA president, chief campus politics],” Talley said. LOCAL justice and Mark Foster, assis- “We’re everything that a judi- tant director of student judi- cial branch should be.” Police seek suspect in purse-snatching incident cial affairs. Applications will be avail- Tuscaloosa police are asking the public for help in identi- Once selected, justices able starting Feb. 9 at the fying a suspect in a purse-snatching incident. must complete diversity Office of Student Judicial At about 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, a 38-year-old Tuscaloosa training. Affairs on the second floor of woman was in a pay phone in a parking lot at the 3000 block “We’ll have someone come the Ferguson Center and of Skyland Boulevard East. A man wearing an orange ski in and talk about diversity and online. mask grabbed her purse, which contained prescription being aware of how different medication and a credit card, and fled the scene in a red, people grow up and how that older model Ford Thunderbird. can impact the way they view The suspect is described as black male, 6 feet tall and the judicial system,” Foster 180 pounds. Anyone with information about the incident said. may call Crime Stoppers at 752-7867. Foster said Judicial Affairs gives students who allegedly violated the Code of Conduct WEB POLL the opportunity to give their Should Congress pass a law to protect public side of the incident to their Ten Commandments displays? peers. Judicial Affairs handles • Yes such issues as parking ticket • No appeals and election com- plaints. Log on to www.cw.ua.edu to cast your vote. “The election board is not

The Crimson White is the community newspaper of the University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions, and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opin- ions of the University. Find out what’s Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. happening in Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published weekly June, July and August, and is published four times a week September through April except for spring sports today, break, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and the months of May and December. 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 Page 6. Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2004 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White. CW newsroom contacts February Chris Sanders Jon Gargis Drew Champlin Luisa Morenilla Editor News Director Sports Editor Photo Director 348-8049 348-6146 348-8057 348-9240

Lauren Davidson Tiffany Schwarz Graham Flanagan Amber Windham Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor Entertainment Editor Chief Copy Editor Opinions 348-9240 348-9240 348-9241 348-6146 20042 Page 4 Paty ‘Dinner’ needs better productivity By BETH JOHNSON thing!” and began chuckling two times I have been to the can get a Coke, not be late to Drink up about the incident. Paty 24-Hour Diner, I was class and, with the caffeine, Prominently displayed on Disappointed that she didn’t greeted by long lines, inade- actually stay awake and par- It was Super Bowl Sunday. the side door to the Paty Diner actually read what she was quate staffing, unprofessional ticipate! But if I don’t know We had our nachos, we had our Guthrie’s chicken is an announcement to all stu- putting up, I went and sat behavior by employees and that I will be in and out in two and we had our ever-so-tasty chocolate chip cook- dents, customers and visitors: waiting with my sister for her several menu items being sold minutes, I will not stop. That ies. “FOR THE SAFTY OF OUR order. While waiting, I noticed out. Waiting in line 10 minutes means lost money for the But we didn’t have any booze. GUESS AT THE FRONT the young lady leave. Hoping for a glass of water and then University. Because, as we said earlier, it was Sunday, and as COUNTER WE THE she took down the sign that being told they were out of I am not saying the diner is was already displayed, I cups is ridiculous! consistently giving customers everyone is aware, you can’t buy alcohol in MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ASK THAT YOU USE FRONT checked. Oh, no, it was still Since they were out of cups, a bad experience, but it has Tuscaloosa on a Sunday. The lines were so long on ENTRANS OF DINNER taped to the door. Still in you could not get the combo. been gravitating toward that Saturday that we didn’t even bother. THANK YOU” shock, I began to think about So I asked if I could have the end. Customers deserve good But why? Reading this sign, I noticed the management of Paty Paty Melt with a side of french service. Customers deserve You can buy pornography any day of the week, a few grammatical errors. I “Dinner.” fries. The employee’s response consistency. The employees and you can buy alcohol six days a week, but you was bothered by how a UA As I looked around, it was that he would have to deserve a clean work environ- can’t buy it on a Sunday. It just doesn’t make sense. employee and manager of the dawned on me: The manage- charge me for the whole ment and proper staffing. ment is either unaware of combo. At that point, I left. No wonder there is a long While we’re pretty sure God dislikes porn, dry “dinner” apparently was not aware of four spelling errors what really goes on, or it is just The question will be asked: line when only two people Sundays are another part of a longstanding that a third-grader could point horrible. And most would say “Why go back if service is so work during peak hours. Can Christian tradition: no booze on the Christian holy out. the two go hand-in-hand. First bad?” Let me begin by saying the University arrange more day. Why don’t we cut off liquor on Friday nights for Not wanting to give people of all, what manager does not Paty’s location makes it very frequent inspections than Jews or on Saturday for Seventh-day Adventists? We the opportunity to take the know how to spell? Surely the appealing. Who wants to walk every three months with the can’t find the logic in any of this madness. sign and twist it as an example University can hire a few of to Mary Burke Hall to get a state health department? Our Auburn friends over in Cow Town are wel- of the kind of education given those business management meal when you’re on the north The diner has employees or hospitality graduates who side of campus? I don’t. Who who work very hard, but come to drink any day of the week. People in other at this esteemed university, I brought the errors to her didn’t have job offers due to wants to go in and sit down at instead of the others who do parts of the state get the same chance. Why can’t we? attention. “Excuse me, the recent economic down- a restaurant when you’re on a not, can the management hire The City Council and certain inebriation-friendly ma’am,” I said. “Before you turn a few years back. tight schedule? I don’t. people who take pride in their residents have tried for years to give area residents put up this sign, you may want But the sign was just one The Paty Diner manage- work? And while I’m speaking the right to buy booze in town on Sundays. to correct a few errors.” example. The cleanliness, or ment and staff also made of pride, students, please Yet, nothing has happened. This year, we’ve got A little shocked by my com- lack thereof, was appalling. some changes this year by clean up after yourselves! Why some hope. ment, the young lady stared at French fries scattered the offering “specials” during the don’t we all work together and floor, half-empty ketchup bot- day and adding a little more get this thing fixed? Last week, the council endorsed a referendum in the sign with eyebrows wrin- kled and mouth gaping. After tles stood waiting to be made variety to the menu. For that, I Let’s begin by printing new which the topic of Sunday liquor sales would be put a few moments, she seemed to whole, salt sprinkled the congratulate them. signs with correctly spelled to a vote. still be looking for the errors, tables and the floor shim- But my main focus is on words. “Shape up Paty It doesn’t want instant action, just to have the mat- so I kindly pointed them out. mered with reflections of efficiency and productivity. ‘Dinner!’” ter put to a vote. Some, however, are against this Immediately she respond- shiny straw wrappers tram- What if I’m on my way to class potential referendum. ed, “My word! That man told pled underfoot. and I would like a Coke? Why Beth Johnson is a junior in the Why would people be against that? If people can me he spell-checked this May I also note that the last not stop in the Paty Diner? I College of Arts and Sciences. vote on the next president, the next governor and even on matters of state funding, why can’t they decide whether they want the right to get tore up on Sundays? People should be given the chance to decide this somewhat pressing issue. A main argument is that Sunday liquor sales would lead to an increase in drunken driving and other alcohol-related crimes. If the idea was to keep drunken driving low, then why not ban alcohol sales on Friday night? That argument is still not making any sense. The only real argument on this issue is the reli- gious/moral angle. Distilled spirits, according to some, just can’t be mixed with the Holy Spirit. While that is a fine position to take, it shouldn’t be used single-handedly to determine local public policy issues. Others have said the economy will see no benefit out of new Sunday sales. We disagree. With bars open and able to sell alco- hol on Sunday, they will make more money. With restaurants like Hooters and Wings able to sell beer on Sunday, they will undoubtedly rake in more dur- ing sports events like baseball, football and wrestling pay-per-views. But since it’s really a religious argument, we’d like to counter with one of our own. Jesus liked the wine. Why can’t we? CW/ Anna Crabtree Our View is the consensus of The CW editorial board.

Letters to the Editor Ticket reckless drivers, not ers on this campus do not look Instead of focusing on these porate tax loopholes and make needs are met. The governor is required by jaywalking pedestrians to see if pedestrians are about castigatory actions, the focus banks and insurance compa- In a normal session, 800 to the state constitution to deliv- to cross the street. needs to be on the real issue, nies pay their fair share. 1,100 bills are introduced in er to the Legislature a pro- The Crimson White on In one instance, when the budget shortfall in the Being punitive toward state the House, covering a multi- posed balanced budget by the Thursday published a story crossing over to the Ferguson General Fund. employees is not the answer. tude of issues and topics. Of second legislative day, which I about a proposal to ticket Center within the white lines, Surveys have shown state Looking at raising real revenue those, a high percentage con- expect to be Thursday. jaywalkers on campus. a driver not only sped up employees are some of the and forcing big business to sists of local initiatives, and 50 That will be the first oppor- First of all, there don’t seem when I began to walk, but he most efficient workers, and it share in the burden is. or more become laws that tunity we will have to review to be enough crosswalks on had the nerve to beep at me! is a fact that our ever-shrink- have statewide impact. the governor’s financial pro- campus. I would rather take my ing workforce does more with Mac McArthur To increase the likelihood posals. I also believe there would be chances at an empty stretch of less. With merit raises still Executive director, Alabama that their bills are reviewed, The voice of the people no point in spending money road than a high-traffic frozen, benefits such as health State Employees Association many legislators have taken drives our government. Public on more crosswalks, because area just because there hap- insurance, retirement and hol- Montgomery the opportunity to file their input in the legislative process they are just as pens to be a crosswalk there. idays make life in state govern- proposals early. Over 100 is important, as democracy dangerous if not more so than So while ticketing jaywalk- ment tolerable. Accountability, budget crisis pieces of legislation, including only works with your partici- crossing the street at random. ers may seem like a good idea, State employees are not should be legislators’ top 17 Democratic accountability pation. They may be more it would be even better to start paid salaries competitive to priorities during this session bills, have been pre-filed. We need your input, and we dangerous because they lead by ticketing drivers who speed those in the private sector, nor Bringing accountability to need your prayers, as this ses- students into feeling a false through our crosswalks, do they receive generous The Alabama Legislature all aspects of state government sion will be one of the most sense of security when using endangering lives. Christmas bonuses or stock will begin the 2004 regular ses- will be a major focus in the challenging ones we have had them. options, as do many Alabama sion this week to address upcoming session. The in decades. In the story, Graduate April Cassidy CEOs. If we are going to bring many of the complex issues Democratic accountability I welcome any questions, School Sen. Barbra Torgusen, Sophomore, A&S health insurance more “in facing our state. The bills feature legislation to comments, concerns or sug- who wrote the resolution, is line” with the private sector, Legislature’s annual session to ensure that state government gestions you may have. quoted as saying, “It is just a Budget balancing shouldn’t then we need to bring every- conduct business for the peo- acts as a good steward of pub- I am generally in matter of time until someone punish state workers thing “in line,” including ple of Alabama begins lic funds and proposals to Montgomery on Tuesday is killed.” salaries. Tuesday. make public budgeting more through Thursday when we’re I believe she is absolutely Over the last couple of State employees work hard The regular session is limit- transparent. in session and can be reached right. The only problem is, I weeks and months, there have every day to provide services ed to a maximum of 30 legisla- Government accountability at (334) 242-7600. think it could happen just as numerous stories and editori- to you. Food is inspected, tive or meeting days within a is imperative, it is important to For more information on easily when a student is als on state employees and licenses are issued and chil- period of 105 calendar days; remember that making state the lawmaking process,visit observing the law and using a their benefits. Many of these dren and the elderly receive therefore, this regular session government more answerable www.legislature.state.al.us. crosswalk. have had negative tones assistance because of state must end by May 17. to the people it serves does not Speaking from personal toward state employees or employees. We need to aggressively resolve the looming budget Rep. Bryant Melton experience, I know many driv- have even been untrue. Now is the time to close cor- work to see that the people’s crisis in our state. D-Tuscaloosa

The Crimson White welcomes your view on issues you see on this page, the rest of the paper and in the community. The Chris Sanders Editor Jon Gargis News Director CW reserves the right to edit editorial submissions for punctuation, style and length. Libelous and inappropriate mate- rial may be edited for content. Each submission, including e-mail, must include the author’s name, address and phone Lauren Davidson Managing Editor Will Nevin Opinions Editor number. Students should include classification and college of enrollment. Hand-delivered letters must be accompanied Editorial Board by a photo ID. The word limit for letters is 300 words, 800 for columns. For more information, call (205) 348-6144. Monday, February 2, 2004 ENTERTAINMENT The Crimson White • Page 5 Penn and Watts powerful in the over-stylized 21 Grams It’s a bit contradictory of me might be universally praised into the timeline. It’s enraged and emo- and it’s most unfortunate that happens in this movie, it to be criticizing a movie like and would perhaps have been certainly a mental tionally scarred the Academy will likely pass would be one of the best of the 21 Grams for being too stylish a leading Oscar contender this workout, and it may woman with an him over because they’d rather year. If you don’t mind a mild since I’m as guilty as anyone of year. be too much for the unstable past and hear Tim Robbins make an headache afterward, 21 Grams preaching the importance of I’m not at all suggesting that average moviegoer to with the threat of anti-Bush speech than honor is a film with some brilliant style in film. movies should be cut in per- handle. relapsing into a life a deserving performance. performances, big helpings of It’s not that substance isn’t fect sequential order; some of But if you’re pre- of alcoholism and Penn shows here that he style and an amazing perspec- important; it’s just that how the greatest films of all time pared for it, and drug addiction. may have been honored for tive on death and how it you say something is often just make their impact by playing you’ve had a double Del Toro is the wrong film by the affects those still living. as important as what you’re with the timeline of the film. espresso before the perhaps the most Academy. Though his per- saying. See Citizen Kane, Mulholland show, and you care deserving of an formance in Mystic River is Rating: The problem with 21 Grams, Drive, and anything by enough to sift through MATT ON MOVIES Academy Award in powerful, he is far more essen- the new film by Alejandro Quentin Tarantino. The prob- the mess, there is Matt Scalici the category of Best tial to carrying the film here. González Iñáritu, is that there lem here is that the film’s time- some truly remark- Supporting Actor Penn plays possibly the most is so much style that it’s almost line is so distorted, so finely able material in this this year, though he complex dying-man character impossible for the audience to chopped and with so few clues film. Naomi Watts, Benicio Del will likely lose out to Tim ever shown on screen. Penn’s see the amazing substance to tell us what is happening Toro and Sean Penn, all nomi- Robbins. His role here is cer- character, Paul, is a critically ill buried within it. Iñáritu, who when, it’s a little too much nated for Oscars this year tainly the most complex and mathematician, a man of great made his name with his work for even the most intelli- (though Penn for another multifaceted of the film and intelligence who is both frus- visionary 2001 film Amores gent of audiences to figure movie) are all superb in this perhaps one of the most bril- trated and amused at the turn perros as well as directing the out. film, and their characters are liant performances of his of events his life has taken remarkable final installment The scenes in the film, not only well constructed but already impressive career. near its end. He has a sadness to the BMW films, is a leader in which average about two min- incredibly dynamic as well. He plays an ex-convict who and anger about him that is the emerging new Mexican utes apiece, are presented in One of the advantages to cut- has given his life to Christ and ever-present in his scenes, cinema, which has defined no logical sequence or order ting the film out of order is has become a family man. But even though Penn’s character itself with its introspective whatsoever. As I said, that is that early on, we see how these after a purely coincidental speaks very few lines in the character studies and its not necessarily a bad thing if characters began and how mistake, his old ways and ten- film. uniquely stylish, low-budget you can still somehow clue the they end up, and for the rest of dencies begin to show through The way Iñáritu brings look. audience in on when exactly the film we discover how the once again. He is unable to these three seemingly unrelat- All these characteristics are the scene they’re watching transformation took place. keep buried the violence and ed characters together and the present here in 21 Grams, and takes place in relation to the Watts is truly stunning as selfishness within him, and yet ways that their conflicts are the characters are amazingly rest of the movie. Here, there is always in a role where she at the same time he seems resolved are incredibly moving well-developed and deep. no effort to clue us in; we must must play not only a grieving resigned to his fate, unwilling and masterfully done. If only it Indeed, were this film to have discover on our own, first, the woman who loses her hus- to believe that he can ever didn’t take drawing a diagram been cut so that we watched significance of the scene itself band and daughters in a really become a good man. It’s to figure out what actually the story from start to finish, it and, then, where exactly it fits senseless accident, but also an a truly brilliant performance, Weekend Box Office RESULTS Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2004 RANK TITLE WEEKEND TOTAL GROSS 1 You Got Served $ 16.0 million $ 16.0 million 2 Along Came Polly $10.0million $ 66.7 million 3 The Butterfly Effect $ 9.9 million $ 32.4 million 4 Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King $ 5.2million $345.0 million 5 The Perfect Score $ 5.0 million $ 5.0 million 6 Big Fish $ 4.6 million $ 55.3million 7 Cold Mountain $ 4.53million $78.8million 8 Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! $4.5 million $13.4million 9 Mystic River $ 4.4 million $64.9 million 10 Cheaper by the Dozen $ 4.1 million $127.0 million Interested in copy editing, designing, taking photos or writing for The Crimson White? Stop by the newsroom on the second floor of the Student Media Building today at 5:30 p.m. to learn more. Wednesday: • A preview of the Alabama men’s basketball game at South Carolina • An update on who the Alabama football team intends Sports to sign on National Signing Day Monday, February 2, 2004 Page 6 LSU rebounds to victory Gymnasts produce fifth-best Tigers hand Crimson Tide third straight loss mark in Alabama history floor exercise. Junior Shannon Hrozek tied By CHARLIE GASNER Alabama gymnasts Alabama logged season- her career-best with a 9.9 and Assistant Sports Editor best scores on the uneven sophomore Dana Filetti did occupy No. 1 position bars and the vault and the same with a 9.85. LSU wasn’t shooting very after showstopper matched its season-high on Florida’s mediocre floor well Saturday night against the floor exercise. score wasn’t enough to over- Alabama. Jamie Lloreda and “You try to build and take Alabama, especially with- Brandon Bass made sure it By MAGEN HUGHES Senior Sports Reporter improve each week,” senior out the Tide having to count a didn’t matter. Jeana Rice said. “With the fall. Rice scored a 9.925 in the Lloreda’s 13 rebounds and As country music superstar scores we get week after last spot on the balance beam, Bass’s 11 were the difference in Kenny Chesney belted out his week, we’re proving that we’re giving the Tide a 49.250 on the LSU’s 60-54 win at Coleman hit “No Shoes, No Shirt, No not done. We’re going to keep event. Sophomore Mari Bayer Coliseum. Despite being out- Problems,” in front of 600 getting better.” posted a 9.875, while junior shot, 38 percent to 32 percent, fans at the Jupiter on Friday, If Rice can get any better, Michelle Reeser led off with a the Tigers (14-4, 4-3 SEC) were the No. 1 Alabama gymnas- then the national champi- 9.85. able to collect second-chance tics team (197.925), with no onship may already have a Meanwhile, Florida, the baskets and get to the foul line. CW/ Lizzie Heard shoes and no problems, put serious competitor for the all- No.1 balance beam team in the LSU shot 26 free throws and Alabama players look on during the Crimson Tide’s 60-54 loss to LSU. The loss was the Tide’s fifth on a show of its own in front around. Rice won Friday’s all- country, could not stick its made 24 of them; Alabama straight loss as it dropped to 11-7 overall, 3-4 in SEC play. of 11,380 fans to drown the around with a score of 39.7, routines and had to count had only 11 attempts and con- No. 4 Florida Gators the uneven bars with a 9.95 Breanne King’s wobbly 9.7 verted six. came off the bench to play Alabama held a slight lead (196.175). and the balance beam with a The loss was the third in a about three minutes in each in the second half until Bass But even the best perform- 9.925. See GYMNASTICS, Page 8 row for the Crimson Tide half but appeared limited by a hit a 3-pointer with 5:31 to go, ers get stage fright some- Rice led off on the first (11-7, 3-4), including two in a bulky knee brace. putting the Tigers up 45-44. times. event of the night and row at home. He finished with no points, Lloreda added a putback lay- “When I walked out there I received a solid 9.9, helping “We just didn’t generate one turnover and two missed up to extend the lead to three was like, ‘Oh my goodness,’” set the tone for the rest of the enough offense,” Alabama 3-pointers. points, but Alabama’s Antoine sophomore Ashley Miles said. night. Alabama scored a coach Mark Gottfried said. Kennedy Winston contin- Pettway drew a foul and hit “I can honestly say that was 49.575 on the vault, the “We’re not in a great rhythm ued to establish himself as the both free throws. With 3:24 the first time I had been nerv- fourth-best score in school right now.” Tide’s go-to guy in Shelton’s remaining, Kennedy Winston ous here.” history. Junior Alexis Brion The unexpected return of absence. Winston played all hit a lay-up that gave Alabama If Miles was nervous in scored a career-best on the injured star guard Earnest but one minute Saturday and its last lead of the game, 48-47. front of the seventh-largest vault with a 9.95 and set up Shelton did little to help finished with a game-high 23 LSU guard Antonio Hudson, crowd in Alabama and SEC Miles for the 10. Alabama’s rhythm. Shelton points on 9-of-18 shooting. See LOSS, Page 7 history, she certainly didn’t The Tide’s vault score was show it, as she helped propel also a great set up for the her team to the fifth-highest uneven bars. Alabama scored score ever at Alabama. Miles a season-best 49.500. Miles did not miss a beat, as she and Rice flip-flopped anchor scored a perfect 10 on her and lead-off spots, and Miles Shelton’s early return not enough first event of the night and was able to kick off the event nearly missed another on the with a career-best 9.925 and By BUDDY HUGHES Shelton did not make much Gottfried was less enthusiastic final event of the night, the Rice capped it off with a 9.95. Sports Reporter of an impression on the stat about Shelton’s performance. sheets. He played only five “I didn’t think he was near In the pre-game media minutes, missed both 3-point- 100 percent, and I didn’t think notes, Alabama guard Earnest ers he attempted and turned he was very effective,” Shelton was listed as question- the ball over once. Despite Gottfried said. “In the second able but was not expected to that, Shelton’s limited action half, he said he really wanted play against LSU. So much for was a welcomed sight from his to try it again so I gave him a being able to trust pre-game teammates. chance. He’s not ready to play media notes. “He’s still a little rusty, and right now. His five minutes At the end of the first half he might not be 100 percent obviously were pretty unpro- against Georgia on Jan. 21, right now, but it’s good to see ductive.” Georgia’s Damien Wilkins that he is going to be all right,” Shelton made the decision landed on Shelton’s knee, forward Chuck Davis said. that he could play after a spraining it. Shelton tried to Crimson Tide coach Mark See SHELTON, Page 8 play in the second half but was pulled within a minute. That was the last time Shelton saw game action until Saturday. With about eight minutes left in the first half, Shelton excited fans and teammates when he walked onto the court for the first time since the injury. The crowd of 11,360 responded to Shelton’s appearance with a standing ovation. Three minutes was all the action Shelton would see in the first half. The crowd was ready to explode when Shelton put up a 3-pointer but missed, unable to light the fuse. Shelton was not exposed on defense thanks mostly to Alabama playing a zone defense. LSU forward Antonio Hudson did get a transition bucket off of Shelton by giving him a little nudge to create some space. Monday, February 2, 2004 SPORTS The Crimson White • Page 7

team he outlined before the game. Brady said he the coach opted for the smaller Evan Brock, who LOSS felt LSU accomplished “two and a half out of struggled against Bass and Lloreda. Check out Continued from Page 6 three,” conceding Winston’s statistics but noting Brock had three points and three turnovers in that he was held to just one 3-pointer in the 27 minutes. who had been mired in a shooting slump and was game’s closing minutes. Gottfried, who seemed perturbed by the foul what’s used off the bench against Alabama, buried a “I thought [Bass] and [Lloreda], down the shot differential after the teams’ first meeting, three-pointer from the corner to put the Tigers stretch, really controlled the backboard, and that’s chalked it up to being badly beaten inside this happening back up by two points with 1:53 to go. what we needed,” Brady said. time. Winston missed a jumper on the other end and Alabama’s most physical player, forward Chuck “When your two inside guys get 24 rebounds, on the the teams batted for the rebound, which after Davis, was hampered by early foul trouble. After you’re going to get some foul shots,” he said. some hesitation on the officials’ part was awarded Davis picked up three fouls in his first 10 minutes, Alabama will try to reverse its slide when it trav- entertainment to LSU. Pettway was then called for a foul, and Gottfried had to use him sparingly. Davis played els to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks on Darrel Mitchell sunk both free throws to make it a only 16 minutes but was able to contribute six Wednesday. Pettway said the current losing streak scene today, four-point game, 52-48, with 1:01 remaining. rebounds. isn’t scaring anyone, but needs to come to an end LSU coach John Brady said holding Winston in When Alabama played LSU in Baton Rouge, quickly. check, winning the rebounding battle and getting Gottfried used Reggie Rambo as the third forward “We’ve got 10 more games,” Pettway said. Page 5 to the free throw line were the three goals for the behind Davis and Jermareo Davidson. This time, “We’ve gotta go on a run.” Page 8 • The Crimson White SPORTS Monday, February 2, 2004 GYMNASTICS Continued from Page 6 routine after Erin Pendleton took a fall and a 9.175. “It would have been a much closer meet had Florida done better on the balance beam,” Alabama coach Sarah Patterson said. “I really feel like the gap [between the top five teams in the nation] is much narrower than the score will indicate.” Alabama rolled onto the floor exercise with a whopping 49.600. Bayer tied her career-best with a 9.9, Rice and Brion each received a 9.925 and Miles ended the night with an excla- mation point for Alabama as she earned a near-perfect score of 9.975. Alabama heads to Auburn on Friday to take on the Tigers at 7 p.m. CW/ Tom Neil The Florida meet will air Alabama gymnast Ashley Miles is hugged by teammates after recording a 9.975 on the floor exercise Feb. 15 on ESPN2 at 11 a.m. in the Crimson Tide’s victory over Florida on Friday night.

struggling and you want to get we’ll be able to get back on SHELTON out there and help them,” track.” Continued from Page 6 Shelton said. “It’s just some- Whether Shelton will start thing we’ve got to play or even play against South morning workout where he through. Carolina on Wednesday has felt no pain in his injured knee. “It’s a little hump in the road not been determined. Shelton Doctors had medically cleared right now. I’m hoping that said that he expects to play, Shelton to play Friday and we’ll get over it and when I’m but Gottfried had only two safety measures were taken. able to get back at 100 percent, words: “We’ll see.” Shelton played with a heavy brace on his injured knee. He said the brace made him play a little more tentatively than he normally would. “I just have to get used to running, jumping and all of that on it,” Shelton said. “As far as hurting, I didn’t feel any pain. The biggest thing was just getting used to playing in that brace and running in that brace. It’s different. It’s like so much on your leg.” The Tide has missed Shelton’s offensive productivi- ty. Before his injury, Shelton was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 15.5 points in 15 games this season. Alabama has lost its last three games by an average of nine points without Shelton starting. He said it has not been easy to sit on the sidelines while his team has been losing. “It’s hard just sitting over there watching them kind of