Crimson White recruitment table back by popular demand! The Crimson White is looking to fill all positions for the 2008-09 school year. If you are interested, visit our table in the Ferguson Center today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applications are also available online at www.cw.ua.edu through Friday. Contact 2008-09 Editor Corey Craft at [email protected] for more details.

Opinions: Housing Creative Campus Critic’s Baseball loses 4 market needs help 7 Pick reviews ARDT 10 to UAB

Thursday, April 3, 2008 Serving the University of Alabama since 1894 Vol. 114, Issue 108 Plan would remove state tax on groceries

Appropriations Committee families start paying taxes. Alabama Arise, a coalition Grocery tax bill passes and the Senate Finance The sponsors, state Rep. community, civic and reli- Tax reform numbers committee and Taxation-Education John Knight of Montgomery gious groups have lobbied Committees approved con- and state Sen. Hank Sanders in favor of the plan. Chris ■ There is a 4 percent state sales tax on BY JESSICA ALEXANDER stitutional amendments of Selma, said the proposed Sanders, a policy analyst at groceries. Senior Staff Reporter Wednesday to remove the changes help low-income Arise Citizens’ Policy Project, state’s 4 percent sales tax on working families, but about said he hoped the tax plan ■ [email protected] ■ Tuscaloosa has a 9 percent tax on groceries. groceries. 20 percent of Alabama’s fam- would be successful. As the economy continues To make up for the lost rev- ilies would pay more taxes, “It would remove the 4 ■ If the bill to remove the grocery tax passed, to slow, the state Legislature enue, the proposed consti- according to the Associated percent tax,” Sanders said. is debating whether to cut tutional amendments would Press. “We also we want to raise the Tuscaloosa’s tax on groceries would be 5 or raise taxes. But after two remove the current state Currently Tuscaloosa has income tax threshold for fami- percent. committees voted to approve income tax deduction for fed- a 9 percent tax on grocer- lies of four to $20,000. These removing the grocery tax, the eral income taxes paid. The ies, but if this law went into steps have costs. We want to ■ $300 million was paid in grocery taxes last choice might be to cut taxes. legislation would also raise the effect, it would be reduced year. The House Government threshold at which Alabama to 5 percent. See TAXES, Page 2 Baking up a good time Pastor discusses Local bakery offers cake tasting, inspired song King’s legacy BY LAURA PITTS Senior Entertainment Reporter BY JOSH VEAZEY ■ [email protected] Contributing Writer

It’s a busy day at Mary’s Cakes and Pastries. The phone is A former UA faculty member addressed poverty, war, ringing with new specialty cake orders. Anxious children press religion, controversial rhetoric and how they relate to the their faces against the clear glass that separates them from the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday night. cookies, cakes and muffins they see. Bakery workers stir and Dorsey Odell Blake was the first chairman of the UA sift cake batter and carefully ooze icing onto cakes. African-American studies program and currently serves Though Mary’s Cakes and Pastries has only been open two as the pastor of the U.S.’s first interracial, interfaith con- years, owner Mary Cesar said the response from the Tuscaloosa gregation, The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in and Northport community has been good and is growing for San Francisco. He delivered a message entitled “40 Years the bakery located in historic downtown Northport at 412B after Dr. King: Wilderness or Promise Land?” 22nd Avenue, behind The Globe Restaurant. Blake said he heard King speak when he was a junior at “You have to love to bake and cook — and I mean really love Brown University. it — to have this as your career,” Cesar said. “I love being able “I sensed that this would be a memorable occasion,” he to tell people that I’m 50 years old, and I’m doing what I love to said. “But I had no idea that he would become an eternal do.” presence that would companion all of my earthly jour- Cesar’s enthusiasm, she said, has always remained consis- ney.” tent. Blake said when King entered the room, he felt an “I’ve always loved to bake,” Cesar said. “I would bake with “enveloping spirit which I had never felt before.” my mother as a child, and then I went off to college in France Blake said King’s greatest impact on him was to give and didn’t cook as much.” him the courage to be a conscientious objector to the war Cesar said she finally decided that if she was ever going to in Vietnam. cook or bake, she needed to do it before she got much older. “Because he said ‘no,’ my ‘no’ was given wings,” Blake “I knew I needed to re-start baking while I could still lift a said. bag of flour,” she said. While most people wanted King to talk only about rac- Cesar attended Culinard at Virginia College and opened up CW/ April Williams Mary Cesar, owner of Mary’s Cakes and Pastries, spreads a type of ism, Blake said his speech at Brown was about the war. Mary’s Cakes and Pastries after graduation. King became famous with breaking with most religious chocolate icing called ganache onto a cake. Mary’s Cakes has been See BAKING, Page 3 open for two years and is located in historic downtown Northport. See LECTURE, Page 3

■ SGA ACCOUNTABILITY Groeschell worked to make financial affairs more receptive

BY MARTHA GRAVLEE year,” he said. application for funds “I really wanted CCSO offered. Committee has continued Senior Staff Reporter Groeschell said he made is now easier and to make the SGA Groeschell said the only other programs that help stu- ■ [email protected] it easier for organizations faster. more accountable platform point he did not dents. to receive money from the Groeschell also so that students accomplish was an online “We have the emergency When Chip Groeschell ran Financial Affairs Committee, promised to make knew where their application for money from the student loan program,” he for vice president of financial which is comprised of repre- the SGA more money was going,” Financial Affairs Committee. said. “Students can come into affairs in 2007, he promised a sentatives from the SGA Senate accountable to stu- he said. “I talked about getting a the office and get a loan up to more approachable Financial and the Coordinating Council dents, and said he He also said the digital application for students $350 interest-free if they pay it Affairs Committee, with more of Student Organizations. kept that promise. Financial Affairs that did not get done,” he said. back within 30 days.” funds readily available for stu- “We allocate money to stu- “We’re getting Committee had “There’s a handwritten appli- “We’ve also continued to dent organizations. dent organizations. That’s money into the Chip Groeschell started work- cation still, and it’s working hold Capstone Market, which As his term comes to an end, a big part of my job. I just hands of students,” ing closely with well. is held every year,” he said. Groeshell, who was endorsed wanted to make that easier for he said. Coordinating Council for “When it came down to it, “Capstone Market is a fund- by The Crimson White, said groups,” he said. “It seems like Groeschell said students Student Organizations to bet- there didn’t seem to be much raiser for the SGA, and it turns he has accomplished most of we’re going to give out all of can track how money is ter serve student organizations of a need for it when I reevalu- the Ferguson Center into a what he lined out in his plat- the $120 thousand we’ve been being spent and given out on and to hold workshops to help ated it.” mall. Students can get their form. allocated. They came close to the SGA Web site, as well as students better understand Groeschell said, aside from Christmas shopping done, “I think we’ve done a accomplishing that last year.” see how much is in the SGA what services the Financial what he implemented during lot of great things this Groeschell said the accounts. Affairs Committee and his term, the Financial Affairs See SGA, Page 3

Today Thunderstorms. The Crimson White ■ Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Thunderstorms. Friday ■ Newsroom — 348-6144 Fax — 348-4116 ■ Advertising — 348-7845 79º/52º ■ Classifieds — 348-7355 ■ Letters, op-eds — [email protected] Saturday Clear. online ■ Press releases, announcements — news cw.ua.edu www.cw.ua.edu 77º/61º 70º/47º @ Thursday, April 3, 2008 ■ NEWS THE CRIMSON WHITE 2 CAMPUS Engineers place at conference the devices and test them. Students return from The canoe had to be built Tobrief submit a brief, e-mail [email protected] IN out of a special floatable mix- Florida with three trophies ture of concrete and compete BY MARTHA GRAVLEE in a race. ANNOUNCEMENTS Senior Staff Reporter “It floated and they placed,” ■ [email protected] Triche said. “They didn’t place Honors Week to be held April 14—18 in the top five, though.” On Friday and Saturday of The UA students fared bet- The University will recognize the scholarship and lead- last week, 30 UA engineer- ter in the steel bridge compe- ership of students and faculty members with 2008 Honors ing students participated in tition, which they had been Week activities on campus April 14 to 18. the American Society of Civil preparing for since October. The Tapping on the Mound ceremony, a tradition since Engineers 2008 Southeast “We had meetings once a the early 1900s, will be held April 18 at 2 p.m. on the Student Conference in Florida, week, and we would design Contributed by Nick Crane Mound at the west side of the Quad. and returned to Alabama with and check the rules once a In case of rain, the location will be Moody Concert Engineering students inspect the steel bridge they built for the American many honors in tow. week to make sure they were Society of Civil Engineers 2008 Southeast Student Conference. Hall. There were 26 teams right,” said Nick Crane, a Campus-wide honoraries Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar from schools in Alabama, senior majoring in civil engi- Board, Blue Key National Honor Society and Anderson Tennessee, Georgia and neering. competition, fourth in the said he thinks he and the team Society will induct new members at this time. Florida at the conference, The metal shop at the economy section, and second did well. ODK’s membership is restricted to students of junior which is held annually. University provided the steel in the speed of construction. “I think that it was a great standing or above who are in the top 35 percent of their The UA team placed third in parts the students designed “Auburn got disqualified accomplishment that we class scholastically and who exhibit leadership. a competition building a tower in March, and they started this year, which was great for came home with three tro- Mortar Board membership, one of the highest honors out of balsa wood, fourth in practicing putting it together us,” Crane said. phies,” he said. “We can step granted to college seniors, is based on leadership, scholar- econo-survey, a competition swiftly and carefully. In the 2007 competition, it up and be better next year.” ship and service. that combines aspects of land Crane, a co-captain on the the UA team used bolts that Triche expressed simi- Blue Key National Honor Society recognizes seniors survey and engineering, first bridge team, could not travel could not withstand the lar sentiments. “I think they who represent high scholastic ideals, leadership and in a “Mystery Event,” which to Florida, but said he was pressure that was put on the did great, though they might diversity of background. The Anderson Society recognizes was a skit they performed, very involved in the design bridge, and it fell, he said. have done better on the steel UA students who have made significant contributions to and second in a professional process. Crane said the team from bridge,” he said. “They’ve the University or the Tuscaloosa community. paper-writing contest. The team had to assemble the University is very young, tried their hardest, and they The University’s team was its bridge quickly, and it had and includes several students did very well. It’s very com- made up of volunteer mem- to hold a burden of at least who had not attended the petitive. Very, very, very com- Scholar explores concept of ‘value’ bers of the UA chapter of 2,500 pounds. conference before. petitive.” ASCE. “They measure many Robert Morris, a senior The students also placed in E. Tory Higgins, the Stanley Schachter professor of majoring in civil engineering, several smaller competitions. Psychology and professor of business and director of the “There were several differ- aspects of the bridge,” Crane Motivation Science Center at Columbia University, will ent events that they compet- said. deliver the annual Harold Basowitz Memorial Lecture at ed in,” said Michael Triche, The bridge built by the UA 6:30 p.m. April 11 in 208 Gordon Palmer Hall. a civil engineering professor students weighed approxi- UA’s psychology department hosts the lecture, which is who traveled with the team. mately 265 pounds, was five free and open to the public. The conference included feet tall, and spanned 20 feet Vintage T-Shirt Higgins’ lecture is titled “Where Does Value Come concrete canoe and steel in length. From?” His research interests include motivation and bridge competitions, in which The University placed cognition, judgment and decision making, self and affect, the students had to construct fourth overall in the bridge social development and social communication. The Basowitz lecture is sponsored by UA’s psychol- Show receive a larger reduction this ogy department in memory of Basowitz, who came to UA TAXES year,” Stacy said. “There is less in 1940 and remained until called into military service. Continued from Page 1 money to go around.” April 3rd & 4th Basowitz returned to Tuscaloosa in 1946 and received his Sanders said Alabama has undergraduate degree from the University in 1947. He make it revenue neutral.” been unable to make prog- 8:00am-5:00pm then went on to complete his doctoral degree in clinical Grocery taxes add up to ress in reforming tax because psychology at Princeton in 1951. approximately $300 million, much of the tax system is all of which goes to public tied to the state constitution, All from the 70’s and 80’s education. Knight’s plan pro- making it difficult to come to No Reprints. No Reproductions. QUOTE OF THE DAY poses to replace the lost rev- a consensus. enue by voiding the state tax “It takes a lot of work,” “[Rugby] hurts a lot. You really have to know deduction for federal income Sanders said. “We’re hopeful Ferguson Center Plaza taxes paid. Alabama is one of that [the Tax Fairness Plan] how to play through pain. We basically say only three states that still offer will pass.” this deduction. ‘don’t go to the trainer,’ because the trainer’s “Our tax system is very — Information from the regressive and it has not Associated Press was used in going to play it safe.” been modernized,” Sanders this report. Cash & Checks Only www.8onrepeat.com said. “We still rely very heav- —Dave Honigsberg, a forward on Alabama’s club rugby ily on sales taxes, which hits low income people the hard- team, on the difficulties rugby players face. est. We also have the lowest See “Students enjoy full-contact sport,” property tax in the country. Most states have a mixture. It Page 5. is more practical and fair.” Under the current law, the highest-income families get The Crimson White is ... more in tax breaks and pay a smaller share of their incomes ■ Mike Faulk - editor, [email protected] in taxes than any other popu- [email protected], 348-8049 ■ Matt Ferguson - chief copy lation group. ■ Jessie Patterson - manag- editor, [email protected] “That loophole is worth ing editor, [email protected]. ■ Corey Craft - entertain- about $550 million. It would edu ment editor, [email protected] come out even for the educa- tion budget,” Sanders said. ■Megan Honeycutt - assis- ■ Phil Owen - assistant Todd Stacy, the deputy press tant managing editor, entertainment editor, secretary for the governor’s [email protected] [email protected] office, said Gov. Bob Riley does ■ Matt McLeod - design edi- ■ Dan Sellers - sports not support Knight’s proposal tor, [email protected] editor, [email protected] because it means raising taxes. He said Riley has a proposal of ■ Breckan Duckworth ■ Ryan Wright - assistant his own that will cut taxes for - assistant design editor, sports editor, [email protected]. 90 percent of Alabama fami- [email protected] edu lies and raise taxes on oil com- ■ Amanda Peterson - ■ Charity Scott - student life panies drilling in state waters. community news editor, editor, [email protected] However, his plan was voted down 11-4 by a state House [email protected] ■ Wayne Grayson - assistant committee last month. ■ James Jaillet - assistant student life editor, wayne. “The best way to stimulate community news editor, [email protected] growth is by cutting taxes,” [email protected] ■ April Williams - assistant Stacy said. “The whole point ■ Andrea Mabry - photo photo editor, williams@ of a tax cut is to put more money in the pockets of work- editor, [email protected] cw.ua.edu ing class people so they will ■ Jessica Charlton - graphics ■ Andrew Richardson - multi- spend more.” editor, [email protected]. media editor, andrew.richard- The economic slowdown edu [email protected] spells bad news for public ■ Will Nevin - opinions editor, education because it is fund- ed by sales taxes. Decreased Advertising ... spending means decreased funding, and higher education ■ Cassie Edwards - advertis- ■ David Dailey - creative ser- is looking at a budget cut of 14 ing coordinator, 348-8995 vices manager, 348-8042 percent next year. ■ Maria Franco - advertising ■ Alana Dickie - assistant Payden Gates, a sophomore manager, 348-8044 creative services manager, majoring in biology, said she ■ Whitney Gullet - assistant 348-6153 hopes the University does not raise tuition or fees to bridge advertising manager, 348- ■ Justice Head - classifieds the gap. 2598 manager, 348-7355 “The whole state is a reces- The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. sion, which means families The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. have less money,” Gates said. The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial “I hate that my parents have to opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opin- ions of the University. pay so much for me to get an Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student education.” Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Stacy said the General Fund Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published weekly June, July and August, and the Education Trust Fund and is published four times a week September through April except for spring are doing better than expect- break, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and the months of May and December. ed based on a report released 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 Wednesday. He also said it is should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson logical that higher education White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. would receive a larger tax cut The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, during the economic slow- Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. down. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, “Last year higher educa- is Copyright © 2008 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made tion got a proportionally larg- for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission er increase in funding so it of The Crimson White. makes sense that they would THE CRIMSON WHITE NEWS ■ Thursday, April 3, 2008 3 But this president has great The Rev. supporters who voted for them. “We just want to LECTURE impact on you in terms of Dorsey Continued from Page 1 his policies.” thank everybody.” Odell Blake INbrief With the win, Riptide will Blake defended the recent from staff reports ... leaders of the time in his comments of Jeremiah speaks have the chance to appear objections. It was through Wright, the controversial concerning on the “W.O.W. All-Stars” King that Blake first became former pastor of Trinity social issues UA group wins dance summer series. The series aware of what he considers United Church of Christ in in the United will feature all the “Wild improper fusing of religion Chicago attended by Barack competition Out Wednesday” winners States competing against one and government. Obama, regarding Sept. 11. at Mary “Religion loses its pro- “God does not want The University’s own another. phetic impact because it people to be killed in that Harmon Riptide dance team’s Webber said she doesn’t benefits from the state,” kind of way, just like God Bryant Hall appearance on BET’s “Wild know when the group will Blake said. “In many ways, does not want people in Wednesday Out Wednesday” was a be able to make a return the people who ought to be Iraq and Afghanistan to be night. huge success. The group trip to New York. She said calling the state into ques- destroyed,” Blake said. “We beat out two other teams they plan on holding fund- tion don’t, because they are should think of it as how we Wednesday to win their raisers in the near future. benefiting from the state.” can become human agents competition and will have One additional perk Blake said people often to stop something like that the chance to appear again Riptide will receive for make bad decisions because from happening by becom- on the show and partici- winning is a spot in the they cannot separate reli- ing just in our relationship pate in the “Blaze the Stage “Blaze the Stage Summer gious sentiment with polar- with other people.” Summer Invitational” on Invitational,” a showcase izing political speech. Blake said he does not CW/ Mike Lacy Aug. 9. for unsigned dance teams Blake gave an example in think that Wright should “It was amazing,” said and R&B and hip-hop acts. President George Bush, who change tone down how he every day that could be can be a part of a move- Riptide captain Christina Like “W.O.W. Summer All- he said amidst low approv- presents his ideas. used elsewhere. ment just as significant as Webber, a senior majoring Stars,” “Blaze the Stage” als ratings and questions “He is speaking to a black “That money needs to go King’s. He gave the example in management informa- will feature “Wild Out about the war, began talk- congregation who under- towards creating an annual of 30 million people around tion systems. “We were Wednesday” winners from ing more about gay mar- stands exactly what he is income for people and also the world who unanimous- definitely down and ready all categories. riage. talking about,” Blake said. to guarantee that there is ly protested the invasion of to compete. We had no The purpose of “Blaze “You get all these people “I think people should try some kind of housing for Iraq. idea we were going to win. the Stage” is to allow the who are against gay mar- to put themselves in that people,” Blake said. “The “One of the benefits that We just went in focused various acts to perform in riage voting for him when context and understand nation can do that — we King had was this zeitgeist, and read to do our best.” front of important mem- these are the very people his entire sermon rather have the capability of mak- this feeling of the time,” The winning team was bers of the music and tele- who need to get him out than taking things here and ing sure that everybody has Blake said. “So much was chosen based on votes sub- vision industries. Also, the of office because he is there.” at least a minimum level of already happening that King mitted by viewers on www. winners in each category destroying them economi- Blake said he sees a par- decency — housing, health was able to step into. That’s BET.com. will receive large cash priz- cally,” Blake said. “How allel between Iraq and and education.” the same kind of feeling we “We just want to thank all es. does it affect you if two les- Vietnam, noting that the Blake also said he thinks can create today if enough of Alabama,” Webber said, bians want to get married? Iraq war costs $12 billion that UA students realistically people get involved.” speaking of all the team’s — Phil Owen

will be given to students from “I’m not sure about the date, “We send organizations to SGA money raised by this year’s but it will be before school conferences, support clubs Continued from Page 1 Capstone Market. gets out,” he said. and teams, buy uniforms, we Aftco Fishing Short Groeschell said one more Groeschell said he thinks the let groups do the stuff they and we get money from that.” fundraiser was in the works Financial Affairs Committee need to do, and emergency Groeschell said $4,000 in for this school year, a date has done well this year in its loans help students out every scholarships have been or auction. goal of helping students. day,” he said.

teners a sample of the sweet single will be available for BAKING treats Mary’s Cakes and sale, with proceeds to benefit Continued from Page 1 If you go Pastries offers, Bond said. the Alabama Blues Project, an educational non-profit What: Mary’s Cakes “I worked at The Cypress Chocolate chip cookies and organization that serves to Inn and did some catering, oatmeal too / Shortbread maintain the preservation of and Pastries but I realized that cater- baguettes and a tiramisu / Hot blues music as a traditional presents Blues Café ing wasn’t for me,” she said. pizza, toasted pimento cheese and contemporary art form and Street Party “That’s when I got the con- / Chocolate iced brownies, well through interactive programs cept of owning my own bak- they’re bound to please! / The that educate and entertain. Where: Downtown ery.” cakes will make you sing, you “Mary’s Cakes” is also Northport at 412B Mary’s Cakes and Pastries know they’ll make you dance. available for download at 22nd Avenue offer a variety of desserts for / I even heard Mary trained www.alabamablues.org for customers. The newest addi- in France. / Some call it fine, $1.49. When: Today from 6 tion to the menu is gelato, an some call it magnific / All in During the event, a wed- p.m. to 9 p.m. Italian ice cream made from all you are in for a treat! ding cake-cutting demon- milk, sugar and fresh fruits. stration will take place, and Cost: Free “It’s very healthy for you,” “I smile every time I hear attendees will be able to Cesar said. “It has less fat than the song,” Cesar said. sample wedding cakes. most traditional ice cream.” The song that celebrates “We want people to come Flavors of gelato include Mary’s Cakes and Pastries out and have a good time,” key lime, pineapple, tira- will be presented as part of Cesar said. “Most of all, we misu, pink grapefruit, mango a Blues Café and Street Party want them to enjoy them- and tutti frutti. in front of the store that takes selves by listening to some Text "Bluff" Mary’s Cakes and Pastries place today from 6 p.m. to 9 good music and having some bring in people of all ages, p.m. The event is part of the cake.” to 47464 backgrounds and musical Art Night Celebration held The Mary’s Cakes Blues tastes. each month in Northport Café and Street Party is Debbie Bond and Rick and Tuscaloosa. family-friendly. There is no Asherson, co-directors of the The “Mary’s Cakes” CD charge for attendance. Alabama Blues Project, are two locals who have fallen in love with Mary’s Cakes and

Pastries. Countless hours spent [ in and around the bakery [free gifts inspired Asherson and Bond withpurchase to write a song, which is titled Croakie “Mary’s Cakes.” Shirt ShopT-Shirt “We have been big fans of Mary’s Cakes since she Tuscaloosa’s New Luxury Apartment Homes opened,” Bond said. “We began performing regularly at Mary’s Cakes as part of the Art Night festivities, then one ntroducing Tuscaloosa’s newest student living community, The Bluff night on the way home from a gig in Clarksdale, Miss., Rick atI WaterWorks Landing is a refreshing blend of modern comforts and and I were craving Mary’s Downtown Tuscaloosa features, natural scenery, and unmatched convenience. These huge Cakes and came up with the song.” 525 Greensboro Avenue apartment homes are seconds from campus and built to revolve around “Mary’s Cakes” gives lis- 752-6931 the aura of college life. t Brand New Community t
Huge Floor Plans t Offices in Every Unit t
Unparalleled, Wooded Views t Gated Community t
1.1 Miles to Hackberry Lane

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 Will Nevin ■ Editor Opinions [email protected] Thursday, April 3, 2008 4 Our View Housing Fixing the electoral system Electoral College: Reform, not removal Faithless electors: one person, one vote

The Electoral College is a popular target these days. It’s Regardless of your political inclinations, one thing many fashionable among the enlightened intelligentsia to regard Americans can agree on is that our national political process it as a quaint and obsolete artifact of an earlier time. On the is broken. For example, the Electoral College is a quaint and help contrary, the Electoral College is among the vital institu- obsolete artifact of an earlier time that only serves to encum- tions that have allowed this nation to live out its motto E ber the political process. Similarly, the current primary system pluribus unum. purports to empower the people in selecting candidates while On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate announced a actually stripping them of any meaningful voice. compromise in legislation that would bring relief The framers of the Constitution devised the Electoral College as a means to safeguard the nation from one of the First, the Electoral College should be forsaken because it is to homeowners under the gun of foreclosure. It’s systematic dangers of all democratic governments: tyranny antithetical to the democratic spirit of America and, as an anti- something that should have been done months ago, of the majority. In a nation as geographically large as the quated relic of the past, it casts a dark shadow on the political but we’ll take late action over inaction any day. United States, it is unavoidable that different regions have process of the present. Just as in the infamous election of 1824, the Electoral College is largely responsible for the trying times While not yet finalized, the relief package would different concerns. The constitutional method of presiden- of the 2000 presidential election. President Bush faced a diffi- include $100 million for homeowner counseling, tax tial selection is designed to ensure that a winning candidate cult political climate at the inception of his first term because enjoys widespread support, rather than simply appealing to cuts for foreclosed homeowners, $4 billion to allow he failed to secure a mandate of the popular vote even though local governments to buy foreclosed properties and the interests of the most populous areas of the country. he attained a majority of electors. Although his ability to gov- bonds to allow local agencies to refinance the sub- Theoretically, under the present system, a candidate ern was not severely hindered, our country came close to the prime mortgages that started the U.S. economy on could win by receiving all votes from as few as 11 of the fate that many have predicted would occur in such a situation its way to a recession. most populous states. In the 2004 presidential election, since the early debates surrounding the method of selecting of The package was a true compromise – Democrats George W. Bush received just over 62 million the president. votes, the population of California alone is over wanted $200 million for counseling, and Republicans In this day and age, when the presidential race 32 million, throw in Texas and you’re darn is widely covered by the national and local wanted a larger tax cut. The two parties, however, near 62 million. Not all of these people media, there is no longer the same danger came together to work for the American people. are eligible voters, not all of them will of a fickle or uninformed electorate, and Will this fix the economy? No. At this point, our turn out on election day and not all of the people should demand the ability to course has already been set in motion and little in them will vote for the same candidate, directly elect their chief executive. Far the way of government intervention will prevent or but the fact is that a popular elec- from preserving the ideal of federalism, stop the economic slowdown. But this will help the tion would be far more susceptible the Electoral College contributes to the people who were lured into attractive home loans, to the pernicious effects of sec- weakened political stature of those tionalism than our present sys- small states which it seeks to repre- only to see their rates skyrocket them into foreclo- sent. Outside of the swing states, few sure. tem. If the president is selected through national popular elec- voters have any incentive to partici- In contemplating further legislation in the area, tion, it won’t be the people of pate in the political process because Congress needs to refrain from the temptation of Alabama choosing him. the winner of their state’s electors corporate handouts. Lenders have almost as much “Nay!” naysayers will say. “It is virtually decided months in responsibility as homeowners for the wave of fore- is unjust that a candidate advance. By depressing voter turnout in the vast majority of closures. can ever win the majority the small states, those states of the popular vote and still If so many lenders had not made so many ques- are neglected during the cam- lose the presidency.” Ladies tionable loans, then perhaps we would not be in the Moral Kombat paign but over-represented in situation we’re in now as a nation. Just as homeown- and gentlemen, I inform you its outcome. ers shouldn’t be allowed to walk away from their today that this is not a prob- Karl Sarvestani Chase Espy Furthermore, the Electoral mortgages, lenders should have to deal with the lem in the Electoral College, College perpetuates the two- but in the elector selection party system that plagues our government with over-inclusive financial consequences of the decisions they made. processes of The Several States. “Each State,” the consti- We appreciate and thank our members of Congress representation. The current winner-take-all system of electors tution informs us, “shall appoint, in such Manner as the prohibits any third-party candidates from attaining viability by for action on this issue. They could have responded Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors.” In requiring a candidate to receive a plurality of votes in a state quicker, but such is the nature of our slow-moving practice, most states have chosen a winner-takes-all sys- before he receives any votes in the Electoral College. This could system. Now that some of our short-term problems tem. This system is preferred, of course, because it helps result in an independent candidate receiving 25 percent of the have been attended to, Congress must now turn its the Democrats and Republicans retain their duopoly over national popular vote but zero electors. attention to long-term solutions. political power. On the other hand, the current primary system has con- The impetus for our economic slowdown was the If this is indeed the only serious indictment against tributed to the recent disenfranchising of voters in Florida aforementioned subprime mortgages. Chances are the constitutionally prescribed election process, then the and Michigan as well as an unbalanced campaign for each party’s nomination. The front-loading of primaries in an effort they won’t become a problem again after the lend- solution is simple: each state should adopt a system that provides for splitting of the state vote among multiple can- by states to imbue the votes of its citizens with greater sig- ing industry has seen what trouble they can cause, didates, reflective of the people’s will. In fact, two states, nificance has ironically had the opposite effect. With primaries but the next pitfall is around the corner. Maine and Nebraska, now employ just such a system. Two occurring sooner each election, candidates have less time to Congress and the federal government must act of these states’ electoral votes go to the overall winning campaign across the nation and instead have focused solely to increase oversight of the lending community, candidate while the remainder go to the winning candi- on states with huge delegate bounties and prospective mind- because greed and poor decisions cannot be allowed date from each of the state’s congressional districts. This share. to ruin our nation’s economy. While we appreciate approach reduces the likelihood of a Bush-Gore scenario In place of the current system, a rotating regional primary would solve many of the aforementioned problems. By rotat- without giving undue influence to regional interests and the benefits of free and unregulated markets, some- ing the voting order of four geographical regions, the problem without requiring constitutional amendment. times prudence necessitates a different course of of frontloading is eliminated. Each region will have its turn to Such a system could have a real effect right here in action. go first. Also, it will ensure that there is more meaningful inter- The invisible hand of the market sometimes needs Tuscaloosa. Alabama’s preposterously gerrymandered sev- action between voters and the candidates since the candidates a watchful eye to keep it in check. enth congressional district is one of the few regions of this will mount regional campaigns that must address local issues state in which the Democratic Party holds considerable as well as national ones. And finally, no candidate will be pro- Our View is the consensus of the CW editorial board. clout. Under the Maine-Nebraska system, our vote in that claimed a victor within the first few weeks of the nomination infamous 2000 election would have gone to Gore, the win- process since one region will vote each month between March ner of the popular vote. and June. Don’t link piracy to tuition prices continue rising In order to preserve the democratic spirit of America, In order to preserve the democratic spirit of America, its in the shadow of our sluggish its citizens should call for the defense of federalism and a citizens should call for the direct election of the president and college funding economy, the need for finan- reformed electoral system that ensures the largest number a reformed primary system that ensures the most number of cial aid is quickly becoming of Americans a voice in the process. E pluribus unum. people a voice in the process. One person, one vote. paramount. To that end, the UWire editorial bill is sure to do a great deal Karl Sarvestani is a senior in New College. Moral Kombat Chase Espy is a first-year law student. Moral Kombat runs of good. As such, an obvi- As the Internet contin- runs biweekly on Thursdays. biweekly on Thursdays. ous question presents itself: ues to consolidate its role as Why limit the scope of these the perfect medium for file improvements by requiring sharing, the problem of ille- colleges to control an illegal gal downloading has grown practice for which they are exponentially. unequivocally blameless? What’s worse, while media If the College Opportunity pirates of all shapes and sizes and Affordability Act is to remain thoroughly unscathed succeed in its underlying by any would-be preven- purpose, it is essential that its tion, America’s postsecond- assistance not be diluted by ary institutions have been left ineffectual and heavy-hand- to foot the bill. The College ed mandates. Of course, the Opportunity and Affordability prevention of illegal down- Act — recently passed in the loading is a necessary pursuit, House by a 354-58 vote — but its execution is hardly the aims to make postsecondary responsibility of colleges and education more accessible. universities. However, its misleading Both of the bill’s long-run name hides a substantial and objectives requires legislation somewhat extraneous caveat: of their own, none of which To receive the aid, colleges should allow any particular and universities must work group to be overburdened by to diminish illegal download- misapplied demands. While ing by students. In response, illegal downloading is clearly many collegiate representa- unprincipled and deserving tives are questioning the deci- of adequate legal measure, to sion to include the stipula- place so much of the burden tion in a bill whose purpose is squarely on academic shoul- to combat the costs of higher ders is the worst sort of politi- education. cal misstep. Without a doubt, the intended goal of the bill has The Daily Iowan no shortage of legal merit. As University of Iowa UWire

Mike Faulk Editor The Crimson White welcomes your view on the issues. Letters to the editor must be less than 300 words and guest Jessie Patterson Managing Editor columns less than 700. Send submissions to [email protected]. Submissions must include the author’s name and daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their Will Nevin Opinions Editor year in school and major. For more information, call 348-6144 or e-mail [email protected]. The CW reserves the right Editorial Board Matt Ferguson Chief Copy Editor to edit all submissions. Thursday,IN April 3, 2008focus 5 INbrief from staff reports ... Students enjoy full-contact sport

UA Crossroads Center BY JASON GALLOWAY “If only people watched Contributing Writer it,” Honigsberg said. “People to celebrate Scottish come out [to an Alabama What if a sport existed game], and say ‘Wow, this is culture that combined the tough- kind of interesting.’ There’s ness and contact of football, really no stopping, like The UA Crossroads the fast pace of basketball soccer, and [on television] Community Center is host- and the continuous play of there’s no advertising.” ing a celebration of Scottish soccer? Rugby is not televised culture Thursday at 4 p.m. Well, it does. on cable in the United in the Ferguson Center That sport is rugby. It States. With few youth Crossroads Lounge. leagues around the country, The public is invited to originated in England dur- ing the 1800s and remains Americans have lagged in join this interactive cele- interest largely because they bration of bagpipe music popular in many European countries today. Although haven’t been introduced to and Scottish culture, in the sport. which contributions made not nearly as popular in America, rugby does exists “It starts at ground level,” by Scottish-Americans will said co-head coach Mark be recognized. The event on Alabama’s campus. Seitz. “Since there are no will feature a bagpipe “I like rugby because rugby divisions at the youth performance, an oppor- it’s a lot like football; if level, it is never going to tunity for individuals to you hit somebody, it’s grow into what it is over- read works by their favor- pretty intense,” said Dave ite Scottish author and a Honigsberg, a forward on seas.” chance to learn about the Alabama’s club rugby team. Rugby can be danger- study abroad program at Honigsberg has had three ous, and taking repetitive the University. The event is knee surgeries due to foot- hits can result in serious free and refreshments will ball injuries, and he said injuries, but the Alabama be served. that rugby is an adequate rugby team is bound by the alternative to a sport that University, USA Rugby and the National Safety Board to he will probably never get a teach safety. Capstone Creed Week chance to play again. Seitz said that proper Rugby is a full-contact training and teaching play- to culminate with team sport that involves ers proper technique makes each team trying to advance ceremony the game safe. a football-shaped ball into “We’ve got to teach prop- ABOVE: Porter Payton, a UA law the opposing team’s end- The 2008 Capstone er technique in tackling,” student, and Bob Summerville, a zone using only backward Creed Week Culminating Seitz said. “We’ve got to freshman majoring in history, are Ceremony will be held pitches. A try is similar to a teach proper technique in lifted into a lineout during the Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the touchdown but is worth five where they bind together alumni rugby game last semester. Shelby Hall courtyard. points, and the kick after and drive. If it’s done cor- Winners of the Capstone is worth two. Regular field rectly and properly, you LEFT: The Alabama rugby team Creed Week art and essay goals are still worth three. won’t see the injuries.” gathers for the scrum during a contests will be announced. Unlike football’s shoulder New players with no rugby scrimmage game. The 2008 Capstone Heroes pads, knee pads and hard experience join the Tide will be recognized as well. A helmets, the only protec- every year, and Seitz and co- reception will be held at tion rugby players use is a head coach Malcolm Croft the conclusion of the cer- scrum cap whose main goal make sure that their players emony. is to prevent players’ ears are properly trained. from being ripped off. “Rugby in general is not a “[Rugby] hurts a lot,” dangerous sport,” Seitz said. Contra dancers to host Honigsberg said. “You really “What makes it dangerous swing dance have to know how to play is the inadequacies of the through pain. We basically clubs that play against each say ‘don’t go to the trainer,’ The Tuscaloosa Contra other and the individual. If because the trainer’s going Dancers are sponsoring the individual has not been a swing dance Saturday to play it safe. trained properly, then you’re at Forest Lake United “I got a separated shoul- obviously going to have a Methodist Church, located der [against Mississippi lot of injuries.” at 1171 Fourth Avenue. A State]. If I had gone to the Seitz played rugby for group lesson for beginners trainer they would have said 20 years in Panama before will be held from 7:15 p.m. ‘don’t play,’ but it will even- coming to Alabama in 2001. to 7:45 p.m. The dance will tually go away. That’s just Croft, who is from Oxford, follow from 8 p.m. to 11 the way it goes. Your shoul- England, started playing p.m. The suggested dona- ders are going to hurt.” rugby at age 11 and has been tions are $5 for students, $7 In addition to football’s coaching at the Capstone general admission and $12 hard-hitting style, rugby since 1991. per couple. No experience also shares qualities with The Crimson Tide’s is necessary and dancers other sports that are popu- Division-II club team plays can come with or without lar in America. Points can year round, scheduling pre- partners. be scored at any time like in season tournaments in the For more information basketball, and the play is fall and competing against visit www.contradancers. continuous until halftime, org. similar to soccer. See RUGBY, Page 7 Contributed by Dave Honigsberg

IN the community Today 3Friday 4Saturday 5Sunday 6Monday 7Tuesday 8Wednesday 9 5:30 p.m. — Student 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. — Relay 2 p.m. — 6 p.m. — Student recital: 7:30 p.m. — The Huxford 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — UA recital: Brenda for Life, Central High Student recital: Randy Derek Fenstermacher, Symphony Orchestra, Fountain Music Series, Recruitment of Educators Luchsigner, horn, School, 905 15th Street Fuqua, French horn, tuba, Moody Recital Hall Moody Concert Hall, free Ferguson Center Plaza Day, Ferguson Ballroom Mooday Recital Hall Moody Recital Hall admission 7:30 p.m. — “I Want 8 p.m. — Student recital: 7 to 8 p.m. — UA 7:30 p.m. — Percussion Someone to Eat Cheese 4 p.m. — Student recital: Lindsay Benton, mezzo- Leadership Series, 205 Abner Cruz, alto saxo- Ensemble, Moody With,” Ferguson Center soprano, Moody Recital Amelia Gayle Gorgas phone, Moody Recital Concert Hall Hall Library Theater, free admission Hall Corey Craft ■ Editor [email protected] EntertainmentThursday, April 3, 2008 6 ■ CRITIC’S PICK: Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre ARDT a well-engineered performance

BY ERIN HOLLON beautifully the many color ence. Though not perfect, the This concert showcases Contributing Writer and texture changes in the collaboration is effective and the clear talent in the dance music. crowd-pleasing. The dance department. This is certainly The Alabama Repertory The next number, “Open- itself is sexy and a little dis- a performance worth attend- Dance Theatre spring con- Ended,” seemed even less turbing, but the special effects ing, and once you get there cert is a cumbersome title for engaged with its music. It is add an extra dimension that you have to stay for the end. a showcase of such nimble obvious the lyrics and the cho- leaves the audience thought- performers. The concert con- reography are about relation- ful as well as thoroughly Erin Hollon is a senior major- sists of six numbers choreo- ships, but it is almost entirely impressed. ing in music performance. graphed by faculty members unclear what the dancers and performed by dance stu- have to say about this subject. dents. It leaves the audience won- Though opening night did dering if it means to express not start out with a bang, the singer’s feelings that it’s the show steadily progressed all just “beautifully meaning- until the stunning final num- less.” ber. The first number was a The choreography to the staging of “National Dances” CW/ April Williams next number, “Urban Ballet,” from Act III of “Swan Lake.” Dancers gather in a circle as they perform in ARDT. had the strongest sense of pro- Granted, this classical bal- gression, with each new duet let has stretched the limits of perfectly with the crisp move- man obviously looking to the building the excitement and many professional dancers. tension. The partner-dancing Still, the ensemble prepa- ments of the all-male corps. woman for dancing cues. It here was much stronger than ration seemed sloppier than The second number, was painful to see the lack of in “Carmen Amor Perdido,” necessary. The corps dancers “Carmen Amor Perdido,” control he had over the situ- showing that there is a defi- had trouble moving together, is portrayed by a different ation, and good dancing by especially when the tempo couple each night. The cho- his partner was not enough to nite strength in this aspect of quickened. The soloists reography is compelling, and make up for the lack of tight- the company’s abilities. were much better prepared, other couples might do it ness in the ensemble. The final number, and Anna Solomon soared more justice than was done “Bohemian Rhapsody” “Frequency,” is a proper above the rest in her role as Tuesday night. The woman came next, danced to the climax. The dance depart- the Spanish soloist. Solomon should never seem dominant Queen song of the same name. ment collaborated with made the dance look effort- in a Hispanic couples dance, Though not all of the cho- students in the School of less and the flowing line of but this was unfortunately reography seemed engaged Engineering to produce a her movements contrasted the case tonight, with the with the lyrics, it did highlight superb multimedia experi-

■ CRITIC’S PICK: Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre Skeptics should give ARDT a shot BY MEG BRANDL beats of the music and the then there is a moment of clar- girl, surrounded by the chaos Downtown Tuscaloosa Contributing Writer inexplicable ways in which ity — lyrics about everything of dancers running back and the dancers move. Now and being meaningless while one forth across the stage, stares 535 Greensboro Avenue Are you unsure as to whether you want to go see See ARDT, Page 7 752-6931 ARDT? Allow me to warn you: Critic’s Pick [email protected] there will be ballet, both tra- ditional and contemporary. There will be modern dance. ■ Our mission: UA’s Critic’s And there will be aliens. Pick strives to increase public When the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre’s and on-campus awareness spring performance opened of the performing arts as an Tuesday night in Morgan Auditorium with “National important resource and reaf- Dances” from Act III of “Swan firms the individual critic’s Lake,” I was a little skepti- cal as to whether the show right to disagree with the would, overall, be something opinions of their colleagues. that everyone could enjoy. Ballet is kin to classical music ■ Web site: creativecampus.ua.edu/criticspick/ and operas — anyone who has never seen it performed index.htm assumes automatically that he or she will hate it. ■ Critic’s Pick is a review-writing experience cre- However, I believe that ated by Creative Campus Initiative, with special ARDT is definitely worth everyone’s while. Even if you thanks to the department of theatre and dance. find the ballet something to be suffered through rather ■ Contact information: uacreativecampus@ than enjoyed, you will be gmail.com 348-7889. For ticketing: rewarded in the end. This spring’s ARDT opens with www.crimsonartstickets.com ballet, moves on to a sen- sual Spanish piece, and just Combo #511 before intermission sur- prises the audience with a 
   
 
   
     

  modern cavort to Queen’s    

  “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The ballet is separated into dances specific to dif- $ 99 +Tax ferent countries, and even 10Not to be used with any other offer. one who is seeing ballet for Offer expires 06/30/08 the first time can spot the 007 changes in movement and mood among the different movements. The next dance, “Carmen Amor Perdido,” tells a story of sorrow and romance. Though the dancers don’t entirely exhibit a believable connection, they play their parts well enough. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is fraught with weirdness, yet there is something fitting in the almost disturbing ways in which the dancers move. The confusion and turmoil they convey comes to match the song in an unexpected way, and when the tempo OPEN LATE picks up, they fling them- ! til selves, backlit, across the l 1am Sun-Wed stage, leaping and turning 
 till 2am 

  Thur-Sat violently. The execution of 
  
 
 the piece, strange as it may 


 with any $10 purchase    be, is satisfying in the end. $ 99 The first piece after inter- 3 +Tax mission, “Open-Ended,” is just that. Personally, I was sometimes unsure as to what Order early for your Super Bowl Party! on earth was going on, torn between the odd lyrics and THE CRIMSON WHITE SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT■ Thursday, April 3, 2008 7 ■ MOVIE REVIEW: ‘RUN, FATBOY, RUN’ Visit us at Pegg can’t save laugh-light film www.cw.ua.edu

BY COREY CRAFT course, but it’s the sort of Entertainment Editor movie that brings very lit- ■ [email protected] tle to the table, something you may catch up with in a few years on cable, have a Simon Pegg has gained nice enough time with, and quite a following in the completely forget about 20 United States playing los- minutes later. So take that ers. With the exception of his exceptional super-cop in for what you will. 2007’s “Hot Fuzz,” the British funnyman rose to popular- ity with the excellent British situation comedy “Spaced” (soon receiving a DVD release in this country this summer — and when it does, check it out, because it’s amazing) and 2004’s romantic comedy Contributed by www.rottentomatoes.com Get Noticed (with zombies), “Shaun of Simon Pegg stars in “Run, Fatboy, Run,” a romantic comedy directed by the Dead.” former “Friends” star David Schwimmer. But it must be noted that all of these properties were extensively. And second, Things turn out pretty much created with director Edgar Dennis is the titular “fatboy” exactly how you’d expect, Wright, and now, with his lat- — well, he’s not exactly fat, and while it’s nice enough, est film, Pegg has branched but, as he repeatedly says, it’s not funny or charming out, leaving his creative enough to justify the rather partner behind to star in is “unfit” and chain smokes cliché ending. the film debut from director constantly. “Run, Fatboy, Run” is David (Ross from “Friends”) So Dennis has a brief not bad by any means, of Schwimmer, “Run, Fatboy, amount of time to train and Run.” Sadly, the results are win the marathon — which mixed. would of course be com- Working from a script pletely impossible anywhere Run, Fatboy, Run written by Pegg and “The but a romantic comedy, and ‘ ’ State” alum Michael Ian only in those desperate situ- Director: David Schwimmer ations when one’s emotional Black, Pegg stars as Dennis, Starring: Simon Pegg, Thandie a deadbeat security guard well-being is on the line. Crimson Ride is hiring an Account Executive who, five years earlier, got a The film is a pleasant- Newton, Hank Azaria and case of cold feet and left his enough diversion; it doesn’t Dylan Moran pregnant fiancée (Thandie quite resort to gross-out Newton) on the altar. humor as American com- MPAA rating: PG-13 Now, a hotshot American edies so often do, but it’s Release date: March 28 Gain hands on experience businessman named Whit hardly as witty (or funny) (the intense Hank Azaria) is as Pegg’s previous efforts. Length: 100 minutes in advertising, copywriting, wooing her, so Dennis, sud- But Pegg keeps up his lov- CW critic rating (out of four): denly eager to win her affec- able loser persona here well design, sales, and management tions again (and the waning enough, supported by a attention of his young son), rather hilarious turn from decides to show up Whit in fellow Britcom star Dylan services. the most humiliating way he Moran (David in “Shaun of knows how: by beating him the Dead”) as Dennis’s best Bottom line: “Run, Fatboy, in an intensive marathon. friend Gordon, who is some- Run” is a pleasant, formulaic But Dennis has sever- how more of a burnout than e-mail questions to al problems. First, Whit is Dennis. and sadly forgettable romantic a hardcore jogger who has But the major problem is a comedy. [email protected] trained for the marathon strict adherence to formula. Bring resume to Office of Student Media by April 14th practice three times a week, a record of 2-2-1. RUGBY and if you miss practice Despite missing the play- Continued from Page 5 you’re going to be running.” offs, the University hosted The strict practice regi- the USA Rugby South Final other schools through a regu- ment looks to be paying off. Four last Saturday and lar season schedule with play- Alabama got bumped up to Sunday. These were the offs in the spring. Division II for the 2008 sea- rounds of 16 and eight on Alabama is officially a club son after a successful cam- the national level. team, but Honigsberg said paign in 2007 following a final The spring season is he thinks that playing on this four appearance in 2006. The coming to a close with the team takes more commit- Tide was a Division-III team Division II national final four ment than a normal club team before the fall of 2007. to be played April 19 and 20 would require. The Tide narrowly missed in Albuquerque, N.M. The “I would consider it more making the playoffs in its first championship game will be than a club,” he said. “It’s year as a D-II team, finishing played on May 3 in Stanford, not like ultimate Frisbee. We third in the conference with Calif.

of the music. have sparked your curios- ARDT Last but not least, the ity and caused you to con- Continued from Page 6 house lights come up to a sider attending ARDT. Yes, gentle glow as four televi- there will be ballet, of both across the stage, stares won- sion sets and two widescreen a more traditional and a deringly up to the heavens monitors are rolled out for more contemporary flavor. — but I’m not sure whether the alien-themed finale, If that’s not your cup of tea, the parts which seemed at “Frequency.” There is quite there will be modern dance, least a little intelligible out- a bit of choreography that though many shrink from weigh the general effect of involves the dancers having that as well, fearing that it confusion generated by the to match their own prere- will be too abstract. And for rest of the choreography and corded images, and I noted those of you who are not yet accompaniment. that there appeared to be a sold — need I remind you? This mass confusion is fol- reasonable deal of technical — there will be aliens. lowed by “Urban Ballet,” an difficulty and proper syn- interesting contrast to the chronization during these Meg Brandl is a freshman ballet at the very beginning segments. Even then, how- majoring in English. of the concert. It all seems ever, it is spectacular — both very well done, the way the the technology and, more ballet movements, a little importantly, the dancing. modified, and the bright cos- There is so much more tuming mix with the bass- I could say, but I choose thump-techno-beat pulsing to stop here, hoping that I

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Real Good Products. Real Good Life! 8 Thursday, April 3, 2008 ■ SPORTS THE CRIMSON WHITE ■ GYMNASTICS Tide tumblers peaking down the stretch

BY CAROLINE GWALTNEY The last time Alabama knows there are five or six bobbles on beam.” Senior Sports Reporter faced Georgia in the season, tenths her team can pick up Patterson said the plan for ■ [email protected] the Bulldogs finished the everywhere. practice this week was to let meet with .625 lead over the Dennis said the team is the gymnasts come down There’s an old sports say- Tide. even taking another look from the number of routines ing that goes “the real glory is For SEC vault champion at their performances from and focus on particular skills. being knocked to your knees and two-time SEC beam the SEC Championship and The Tide will build back up and then coming back.” And champion Ricki Lebegern, finding places for each gym- with intersquads and pres- it certainly seems that the Saturday proved that Alabama nast to earn back one or two sure situations late this week Alabama gymnastics team is is making crucial strides in tenths in each of their rou- and next week. taking this to heart. postseason competition. tines. The Tide will head to Just weeks ago, the Tide “I think we are peaking “I think we’re on the right Norman, Okla., for the South traveled to California and fell at the right time,” Lebegern track to peak, but we haven’t Central Regional to battle apart in a series of two meets said. “After California, we sat peaked yet,” Dennis said. Oklahoma, Boise State, in which the team had to down and reevaluated our “There is still a lot of room Arizona State, Illinois and count two falls, marking their goals and we’ve come togeth- for improvement, especially Southeast Missouri State for only team scores below 196 er as a team because we all with sticks on landings and competition April 12. this season. have the same mindset.” A week later, the Tide Lebegern, who was named returned home to score to first team All-SEC, said she a then season-best 197.3 felt like everything was start- against Penn State. Alabama ing to click in terms of feeling then closed out their season the enthusiasm and intensity Moe’s knows with a convincing win over as one. in-state rival Auburn. Morgan Dennis, who won After the last two meets, it three SEC titles on vault, floor seemed Alabama was bounc- exercise and balance beam, ing back. But after their SEC agreed. catering!!!!!! Championship performance “I really noticed how much last Saturday, the Tide has left we stayed together and how little doubt that they are for excited we were for each real. other,” Dennis said. “I think Invite Moe to your Alabama posted a 197.325, this was one of the first times its best of the season and its this year where we all com- best at the SEC Championship peted and actually felt it for next Fraternity, Sorority, since 2004. The Tide received one another, and if one per- the day’s top score on the son messed up, we all felt it.” vault, a season-best mark on So with the regional cham- meeting or social event. balance beam and floor exer- pionship standing as the only cise. AP obstacle between the Tide and Many thought the Tide had Casey Overton competes on the uneven bars in the SEC championships the NCAA Championships, Call Moe’s catering won, including top-ranked last Saturday. Alabama lost to eventual winners Georgia by .025. Alabama hopes to build off Georgia, whose coaches con- their strongest performance gratulated the Tide. But as the Georgia edged out Alabama smallest margin in champi- of the season. final scores were announced, and Florida by .025, the onship history. Head coach Sarah Patterson hotline @ 657-5595. University releases grade report

from staff reports ... programs. In the classroom GPA and 14 of the 20 attained consecutive semester, while According to data released during the fall 2007 semes- a 3.0 GPA or higher. The foot- the women’s swimming and by Alabama’s Office of ter, the team produced a 3.27 ball program had 21 student- diving team has reached a 3.0 Student-Athlete Academic combined GPA while main- athletes named to the SEC’s for eight straight semesters Services, the school’s 17 schol- taining a top national rank- Fall Academic Honor Roll, and the men’s swimming and arship programs spanning ing on the course. Two golf- more than any other Alabama diving team has hit that mark ...at the Meadowbrook Shopping Center on McFarland Blvd. 21 SEC-sanctioned sports ers—Joseph Sykora and Ben program. the last six semesters overall. had the best fall semester on Moody—achieved a perfect record in 2007 as student ath- 4.0 GPA during the fall semes- Nine other sports earn B letes achieved a combined ter. grade-point average of 3.04. average or better Eleven of the 17 programs Football team posts a recorded over a 3.0 GPA for Other programs posting the semester and 134 stu- collective 2.64 GPA a 3.0 or better GPA during the fall semester: gymnastics “Home” Entertainment dent-athletes had over a 3.5 GPA, also the highest total The football team turned (3.51), women’s tennis (3.48), on record. Forty-one student- in one of its best semesters in soccer (3.44), softball (3.41), athletes in three sports (foot- school history during the fall, women’s swimming and was Never this Good ball, women’s soccer and vol- compiling a 2.64 GPA. The diving (3.37), rowing (3.22), leyball) were named to the 2007 freshman class recorded volleyball (3.18), women’s SEC’s Fall Honor Roll. a fall GPA of 3.098. Seven foot- track & field (3.12) and men’s Forty-eight of Alabama’s ball student athletes posted basketball (3.12). The gym- 474 student-athletes (10.1 a 3.0 GPA or higher and 60 nastics program has had at percent) had a perfect 4.0 for percent of the team increased least a 3.0 team GPA for 28 the semester, 134 (28.3 per- their cumulative overall GPA. consecutive semesters dating cent) achieved a GPA of 3.5 or Seventy-seven percent of the back to the fall semester of higher during the semester. football team passed 12 or 1993. The women’s volleyball The women’s golf squad more semester hours during team produced a 3.0 or better led all Crimson Tide teams the fall. The freshmen passed GPA for the 22nd consecutive with a collective GPA of 3.67 264 total hours in the fall, semester while the women’s in the fall, the highest single- with each of the 20 members tennis squad did so for the semester GPA on record by of the class passing at least 19th consecutive semester. the women’s golf team. The nine semester hours. All 20 The soccer team achieved men’s golf team under head freshmen had at least a 2.6 that milestone for the 15th coach Jay Seawell had the top semester among the men’s In-town and near-campus living has never been so appealing. Cornerstone .BOBHFNFOUT
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 THE CRIMSON WHITE NEWS ■ Thursday, April 3, 2008 9

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In- Realtor 24-hour storm services. cludes water, cable, Scott, versity Place $345-$395, BANQUET SERVERS students to assist in sky- 20 years experience. monitored security sys- Willow Chase $350, 345- Banquet Servers & Bar- box & club operations at Call Dan at 799-1184. tem, and washer/dryer. 4600 [email protected] tenders are needed for all Bama home football Call Cornerstone Man- Being renovated both the areas fi nest hotels games. Email skyboxof- agement at 248-2265, or inside & grounds, beau- and Country clubs. Must fi [email protected] for an online at www.uacondos. tifully remodeled 1 & 2 have prior serving expe- application and more com. bdrm apts near cam- rience. Flexible sched- information. ules available. Apply UNDERCOVER SHOP- CAPSTONE CONDO- 205-887-1873 pus now pre-leasing. MINIUMS Cute 1 & 2 ($495.00 & $595.00) immediately- Five Points PERS Earn up to $70 bedroom condomini- Hurry for move-in spe- Staffi ng. (205)391-9784 per day. 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OF UA, duct market research AVON : $10 STARTUP! ing upscale stores and Luxury NORTHPORT Indian 5 mins from campus to Up to 50% off 1st 2 restaurants including Lake Garden Home, apply go to www.smi- months. Contact Audrey, Starbuck’s and Barnes Townhomes 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths, jobs.com Avon Ind. Sales Rep: and Noble. Gated com- private fenced yard/pa- FRONT DESK CLERK (205)936-3746. Email: munity with pool, fi tness 2 and 3 br/ 2.5 ba tio, inside laundry, use Hiring all shifts. Personal [email protected] center, putting green, washer dryer of lake and pool. 2 re- applications only be- and clubroom. $1,075- available, served parking spots. tween 7am-3pm at the $1,425/mo. includes wa- $800/mo. Very nice! Super 8 Motel. ter, internet, and washer/ all electric 205-242-7312. LIFEGUARDS: Hiring ft/ dryer. Call Cornerstone near campus pt lifeguards/ pool man- Management at 750- agers. Cobb, Dekalb, 2260, or online at www. Only 3 Units left! SUBLEASE Kennesaw, Woodstock. uacondos.com. 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Cobblestone bedroom, 1.5 bath, 960 Court Apartments. Lease square feet, perfect for & Deposit required, no roommates, swimming pets. 205-752-1277 pool, fi replace. Five min- utes from Campus. Pre- leasing now! 391-9690

THE CW PUBLISHES 15,000 COPIES TO MORE THAN CLASSIFIED RATES JUSTICE L. HEAD 100 LOCATIONS. CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER DISPLAY RATE ...... $ 8.15 per column inch

90% OF UA STUDENTS, FACULTY, & STAFF WILL READ OPEN LINE RATE ...... $ .50 PER WORD ASHLEY R. BRAND PUBLISHING COORDINATOR THE CW EVERY WEEK STUDENT & STAFF LINE RATE ...... $ .35 PER WORD 348-SELL (7355) Dan Sellers ■ Editor Sports [email protected] Thursday, April 3, 2008 10 INbrief BASEBALL ■ UAB 8, ALABAMA 5 from staff reports ... Latest golf poll out, Tide still in top spot Losing streak at Regions continues Alabama remains as the BY DAN SELLERS Kebodeaux has to go deep control and then UAB stroked plate two runners in the sec- around to score on the error. nation’s No. 1 ranked team Sports Editor in the game,” Alabama head three RBI singles to stretch ond inning and gain a 3-2 Jonathan Merritt showed in collegiate golf in the ■ [email protected] coach Jim Wells said. “The their lead out to 8-2. edge. Austin Taylor led off the bunt on the next pitch, but third Golf World/Nike Golf hope was that even if [we Connor Hoehn was the only inning with a single. Allen pulled the bat back and hit Division I Coaches’ Poll of HOOVER — Alabama head needed relief], Jimmy Nelson effective pitcher of the night, Aubin attempted to sacrifice a chopper to Brandon May, the spring. coach Jim Wells had gotten would pitch better, but he as he worked 1.2 innings of him over, but Kebodeaux air- who bobbled it and allowed The poll was released eight quality outings from continues to struggle.” scoreless ball. mailed the throw over Matt him to reach. Wednesday. Alabama his starting pitchers over Alabama has now lost three Alabama scored a run in Bentley’s head. received 19 of 23 first-place the last two weeks, but that straight games at Regions each of the first two frames Taylor came all the way See BASEBALL, Page 8 votes. The Crimson Tide has streak didn’t continue on Park. but struggled the rest of the won five team tournament Wednesday. Casey Kebodeaux (2- way. championships out of eight And the bullpen didn’t fare 3) picked up the loss after “Early in the game, there events played this season. much better. working four innings, giving was no reason not to have This gives the Tide a UAB roughed up three dif- up four hits and four runs. an offense,” Wells said. “That sweep, ranking it No. 1 in all ferent Alabama pitchers and Nathan Kilcrease entered the gets lost when you give up three major golf polls this got a complete game from game and was hit hard, even eight runs, but we’re not week. Mitch Kloskowski to knock though he only surrendered swinging it right now.” Alabama has one regular off the Crimson Tide 8-5 at one run. The offense did have to season tournament remain- Regions Park. Jimmy Nelson came out of battle without its leading hit- ing, the Morris Williams “For us to go with these the bullpen in the sixth, and it ter, shortstop Josh Rutledge. Intercollegiate which will be guys we’re bringing in now, got worse. He struggled with The freshman woke up with held April 7 and 8 in Austin, soreness in his knee. Wells Texas. said the MRI came back neg- The Top 25 in the latest ative, but there was swelling Coaches’ Poll finds Alabama in the knee. His status for the holding on to first place for weekend series against LSU is the second straight poll, and still up in the air. Georgia, which received one UAB used a couple of bunts first-place vote, remaining and two Alabama errors to at No. 2. The SEC had six teams ranked among the top 13, including No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Georgia, No. 8 Florida, No. 9 Tennessee, No. 12 Auburn and No. 13 South Carolina, making for a pow- erful gathering at the league championships, which will be held April 18 through 20 at Sea Island, Ga. Alabama is ranked No. 1 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings this week as well as the Golf Stat team rankings. Michael Thompson, team low-stroke leader, will leave Saturday for Augusta, Ga. to CW/ Alex Gilbert play in the 2008 Masters as Second baseman Ross Wilson tosses the ball toward first base in a an invited amateur. game against Youngstown State.