ENTERTAINMENT: Stone should be ashamed of ‘Alexander,’Page 6 SPORTS: Washington erases Tide winning streak, Page 3

Monday, November 29, 2004 Serving the University of Alabama since 1894 Volume 111, Issue 52 Recount starts today Family Amendment 2 spurs making the state’s voters skeptical about the amendment, thus open- program new Alabama law ing the door for its defeat. He and others have promised to reintro- By NICK BEADLE duce the original, “clean” version Metro/State Editor of the amendment in the next leg- islative session, which begins in February. needs The final results are in on Amendment Two — sort of. Most Alabama counties, which According to the certified state use optical scan paper ballots, will results of the Nov. 2 general elec- rerun their ballots through tallying tion, Alabamians turned down an machines, Worley said. Damaged amendment removing segrega- or problematic ballots will be student tionist language from the state’s counted by hand, she said. constitution by a couple thousand In counties using touchscreen votes. Because of the narrow mar- voting machines that do not have gin, a county-by-county recount a paper trail, voting data will be mandated by a new state law will run back through the system. helpers “Most of the counties will actual- begin today, though the state’s top CW/ Joey Dodson election official said she doesn’t ly finish [today],” Worley said. By CAITLIN TUDZIN expect the outcome to change. holiday, the recount was delayed not have a government-mandated “Some of the [larger] counties may Senior Staff Reporter When the state’s votes were cer- until today. right to a public education. take two or three days.” tified Wednesday, Amendment Gov. Bob Riley’s Constitutional Opponents of the amendment, Worley said she does not antici- Child Abuse Prevention Services of Two was defeated by 1,850 votes, Reform Commission first posed an including former Chief Justice Roy pate a dramatic change in the out- Tuscaloosa is looking for volunteers to help Secretary of State Nancy Worley amendment removing segrega- Moore, had said the measure come of the Amendment Two ref- with its Family Nurturing Program in the said. A law passed after 2002’s tionist language from the state’s would lead to court-mandated tax erendum. But “if there is any dis- spring. close gubernatorial election constitution in 2003. Amendment increases for greater funding for parity, obviously the probate Nancy Angelo, executive director of Child requires an automatic recount Two would have removed language the state’s public school system. judges would have to investigate Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa, within 72 hours of state certifica- imposing poll taxes and mandating Though Riley supported the the county procedures,” she said. said the 15-week program is for parents with tion of elections where the win- racial school segregation. measure, he has blamed the provi- Misplaced or incorrectly children ages 4 to 12 and is funded by the ning margin is less than 0.5 per- It would have also removed a sion to remove the declaration, marked ballots could be likely Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama. The pro- cent of the total vote. 1956 declaration by the state added by a state House of causes of a dramatically changed gram has taken place for the past 14 years, Because of the Thanksgiving Legislature that Alabamians do Representatives committee, for outcome, she said. she said. “The purpose of the program is to help both the parents and the children build more posi- “We couldn’t tive, nurturing and do the program loving relations in Channel their family,” without the Angelo said. Volunteers are support we One not needed to help with the children’s have from part of the pro- students at the gram, she said. learning- Each week a differ- University.” ent theme is — NANCY ANGELO enforced. An ex- Executive director of Child Abuse Prevention friendly, ample of one such Services of Tuscaloosa theme would be “personal power,” Angelo said. some say Children discuss how to use power in pos- itive ways, such as sharing, versus using By KRISTEN TROTTER power in negative ways, such as temper Senior Staff Reporter tantrums. Parents will focus on learning positive parenting skills, greater self-aware- Every school day in more than ness and understanding children, Angelo 400 Alabama public and private said. schools, thousands of students “The idea is to get all family members to ages 11 to 18 watch a 12-minute grow,” she said. teen-geared newscast called The children are divided into age groups Channel One news to learn about with staff members leading each group. current events. Volunteers assist the leaders during the vari- In return for showing the pro- ous activities designed to enforce whatever gram in classes, Channel One lets theme is being taught that week. Some of the schools use televisions and other children’s activities include painting, making equipment. collages and various other arts and crafts. But Obligation Inc., a CW/ Elliot Knight Volunteers also participate in the time Students in Leah Armstrong's 12th grade honors English class at Hillcrest High School spend 15 minutes of their morning watching Channel One News before getting Birmingham child advocacy during the program where parents and started with class for the day. Channel One has been criticized by some as a waste of time and praised by others as a learning experience. group, regards Channel One as a children have joint activities and refresh- medium for junk food and don’t have the time to teach what exposed to the news in a manner stories every day. Also aired during ments. raunchy movie advertisements they need to teach,” said Jim that they find interesting and the daily 12- to 13-minute seg- “We couldn’t do the program without the that takes valuable school time Metrock, president and founder of stimulating,” said Martin Christie, ments are advertisements. This is support we have from students at the away from kids. Obligation Inc. a Channel One representative in where Metrock’s criticism begins. University,” Angelo said. “If you got rid of it, you’d have Channel One officials disagree. Alabama. He complains that Channel One The program begins Jan. 20 and ends April more time, and that’s the problem “Channel One provides a unique Channel One airs a newscast 28. It takes place each Thursday from 5:30 to in Alabama schools, is that they opportunity for teens to be that delivers several current events See LEARNING, Page 2 9 p.m. located at 628 14th St. See VOLUNTEERING, Page 5 ‘Songbook’ brings back old folk songs By KATHRYN TUGGLE what he perceived to be a proper background in Senior Staff Reporter “The things that are important the folk arts. in the book, I didn’t write. The “I have a minimal background in music, and I For 25 years, Honors College Dean Robert Halli am self-taught when it comes to ballads. I largely Jr.’s book, “An Alabama Songbook: Ballads, songs are what are the best of spent the duration of my time working on the Folksongs, and Spirituals,” collected by Byron book locked in a closet on the third floor of the Arnold, has been in the making. Facing difficul- what’s been published.” Gorgas Library,” Halli said. “I never spent as ties that would have killed many artistic pursuits, — ROBERT HALLI JR. much time on anything as I did this project. this book and the man behind it have finally Honors College dean There was a different level of importance and given a permanence of life to Alabama’s most urgency with this one because Alabama didn’t extensive collection of folk songs passed down Although some of these songs were published have a collection like this.” exclusively through oral tradition. in a 1950 collection titled “Folksongs of Although he devoted years of his life to the com- In 1945, UA professor Byron Arnold struck out Alabama,” Arnold would acquire over 1,000 pletion of the project, Halli is still modest when it to collect and properly document hymns and songs in years to come that would never reach comes to his role in the publication. folk songs of Alabama. Traveling extensively the public eye. “The things that are important in the book, I throughout the state by bus, Arnold would ask Arnold moved to California, and his collection didn’t write. The songs are what are the best of individuals to sing to him, and he would tran- went with him. It wasn’t until after Arnold’s death what’s been published. There is no question that scribe the notes and lyrics they sang. As Halli’s in 1971 that his documents and music would my notes and introduction are there solely to CW/ Kelly Lambert book details, Arnold covered 2,000 miles and return home to Alabama. serve the songs.” Published by the UA press, Robert W. Halli Jr.'s “An Alabama transcribed 258 folk songs during his time on the Halli received his M.A. and Ph.D. in the South Songbook” contains a collection of Alabama ballads, folk road. at the University of Virginia but was not given See SONGBOOK, Page 5 songs and spirituals passed down through oral tradition.

The Crimson White | Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 | Newsroom — 348-6144 Fax — 348-4116 Advertising — 348-7845 Classifieds — 348-7355 | Editorial content — [email protected] | News content — [email protected] Page 2 • The Crimson White NEWS Monday, November 29, 2004 “It’s been beneficial in some ways in the Alex Ransone, a sophomore LEARNING majoring in communication Continued from Page 1 sense that it’s put hardware in Title I studies, watched Channel One the schools that might not have had hardware.” in his high school. He said he runs ads for snack foods and could have gotten more in- movies that influence chil- —JENNINGS BRYANT director of the UA Institute for Communication Research depth news from reading the World dren. Students aged 11 to 18 newspaper. have seen ads for movies “I feel it was just a market- including “Dude, Where’s My exchange one hour of school a enough money for TV ing ploy for teens,” he said. Car?” and “Starsky and week,” he said. equipment otherwise. “The programming wasn’t Hutch,” he complains. That hour adds up to one “It’s been beneficial in some even that good.” Brief To Metrock, an ad for “Dude, week per year of school. “If ways in the sense that its put He said he did not remem- Where’s My Car?” is a perfect you get rid of Channel One, hardware in Title I schools that ber movie advertisements, but IN example of what is wrong with you give those kids an extra might not have had hardware,” ads for products like soft CAMPUS Channel One. week of school,” Metrock said. he said. “We did a survey eight drinks. “It was a glorification and The equipment brought in or nine years ago, and most of “Basically,” Ransone said, “it The CW is accepting applications for copy editor normalization of two stoners by the program, which them would have Channel One was just a 20 minute period and potheads,” he said. “This Metrock calls an “electronic equipment, but the books in where the teacher couldn’t The Crimson White is seeking a copy editor. Applicants is a scandal in Alabama babysitter,” would cost an aver- their library were from 1950.” talk.” should be familiar with Associated Press style and efficient schools.” He added that using age school $12,000, he said. in grammar and spelling. This paid position requires work- school time to promote junk “Every second of school time ing on two nights a week. For more information, e-mail food was “ludicrous.” has been paid for by taxpayers, Lauren King, chief copy editor, at [email protected], or But Christie is quick to so schools that enter into this call the CW newsroom at 348-6144. defend Channel One. are misusing tax money,” he “Advertising is by definition said. and by nature a part of any He also said that generally The CW is accepting applications for senior staff reporters community news activity,” he the schools that run Channel said. “The advertisements One are schools that spend The Crimson White is accepting applications for senior shown on Channel One are no staff reporters. Duties include writing up to three stories per the least amount of money per different than, and cannot be child. Tuscaloosa city schools week on an assigned beat. Applications can be picked up divorced from, the advertise- outside the door of the CW newsroom located in the do not have the program, but ments in The Birmingham the county does. Student Media Building on University Boulevard and News and The Tuscaloosa dropped off in Editor Lauren Davidson’s mailbox by Friday. But Christie disputes this. He News.” said that while Metrock leads Please include up to three samples of work. Interviews will He also said that less than 10 be held at the beginning of next week. people to believe that only percent of advertisements on poor schools have Channel Channel One in the past year One, in reality many different have been for food. He admits schools in the state subscribe Theatre Department presents ‘Machinal’ that Channel One airs ads for to the program. He said more PG-13 movies, but he said a than 70 percent of middle and The UA Department of Theatre will perform Sophie decision was made not to show high school students in Treadwell’s acclaimed play “Machinal,” which premieres those ads in middle schools. In Alabama watch Channel One Tuesday night at 7:30 and will run through Saturday in the high schools, he said, R-rated and claimed a 99 percent con- Allen Bales Theatre in Rowand-Johnson Hall. All tickets are movies are not advertised. tract renewal rate. $5 for general admission. For more information, call the box What movies kids watch is a Contracts with Channel office at 348-3400. decision for parents, he said, One are on an individual adding that he believes school basis and are not over- Channel One’s policy is con- seen by the Alabama Board of C&IS sponsoring Christmas Service Project servative. Education. Metrock maintains that the Jennings Bryant, director of The College of Communication and Information PG-13 ads were shown not only the UA Institute for Sciences’ Christmas Service Project will begin today and run to high school students, but to Communication Research, until Thursday, Dec. 16. middle school students as well. participated in an informal Donations can be made in Tisch Student Services, and He was also upset that these study about five years ago that checks should be made payable to the Tuscaloosa Family advertisements are aired in looked at schools in Alabama Resource Center. class and therefore, he says, with Channel One. He said the Items needed include: money, clothes, books, coloring carry the weight of school study found that while school books and crayons, board games, puzzles for children up to backing, official or not. children did have a higher age 10, toys for children up to age 10, footballs, basketballs, “The fact that it’s being knowledge of social issues that pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, calculators, book-bags, shown on the classroom TV were on Channel One, they flashcards, pampers, toiletries for babies, radios, watches sets gives the implicit did not know about issues not and jewelry for teens up to age 14. endorsement of the school covered. system,” he said. The kids also were more Schools agree to run knowledgeable about the UA Film Society presents Christmas double feature Channel One because they products advertised on the receive often much-needed program than the social issues The UA Film Society will present “It’s a Wonderful Life” at television equipment in covered. 7:30 and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 9:30 return. The company installs “The content getting Wednesday night in the Ferguson Center Theater. the equipment in schools through most effectively was Admission is free. There will be free popcorn, a DVD raffle which then use the equipment commercial content,” Bryant and an iPod giveaway. The winner of the iPod must be for educational purposes in said. present to win. addition to airing the Channel But he added that it helps One news program. schools that might not have Christie said the schools are allowed to use Channel One’s equipment as long as they run WORLD the company’s program. Metrock disputes the idea that the equipment is free. Al-Zarqawi’s group claims Mosul slaughter “It is not free — you have to BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) — Iraq’s most feared terror group claimed responsibility Sunday for slaughtering members of the Iraqi security forces in Mosul, where dozens of bodies have been found. The claim raises fears the terror group has expanded to the north after the loss of its purported base in Fallujah. Meanwhile, insurgents attacked U.S. and Iraqi targets in Baghdad and in Sunni Arab areas. Iraq’s deputy prime min- ister, Barham Saleh, said sticking to the Jan. 30 election timetable would be a challenge, but delaying it would bol- ster the insurgents’ cause. Ukraine opposition urges PM’s ouster KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — The crisis over Ukraine’s disputed presi- dential election intensified Sunday, as a key eastern province called a referendum on autonomy and the opposi- tion demanded the current president fire his prime minister, the official winner of last week’s vote that has bitterly divid- ed this former Soviet republic.

QUOTE OF THE DAY “If you got rid of it, you’d have more time, and that’s the problem in Alabama schools, is that they don’t have the time to teach what they need to teach.” — Jim Metrock, president and founder of Obligation Inc. on Channel One News See: “Channel One not learning-friendly, some say,” Page 1

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 opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. 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 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 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. Wednesday:

• A recap of the Alabama volleyball team’s 2004 season

• An interview with Al Weber, one of five Sports newcomers to the men’s basketball team Monday, November 29, 2004 Page 3 Men’s basketball drops first game By DAN JOLING Steele and a jumper by was called for traveling with The Associated Press Kennedy Winston. two seconds remaining. The Huskies took a 79-72 Winston took the inbound ANCHORAGE, Alaska —Will lead on Conroy’s runner with pass near midcourt and Conroy had 18 points and six 2:18 remaining, but Shelton missed on the last-second assists to help No. 22 made two baskets to cut it to attempt. Washington beat No. 19 79-76 with 1:48 left. Alabama 79-76 on Saturday After a timeout with 28 sec- night in the championship onds remaining, Alabama game of the Carrs/Safeway inbounded the ball and Great Alaska Shootout. worked it underneath to Washington (4-0) led the Davis, who backed in but entire second half, but barely could not convert. escaped overtime when After a scramble under- Alabama’s Kennedy Winston neath the basket, the Crimson missed a wild 3-pointer at the Tide got the ball with nine sec- buzzer. onds remaining. The Huskies’ Nate Robinson Shelton lost the ball at the finished with 16 points and top of the key and Robinson was selected the tournament’s recovered on his knees but outstanding player. Tre Simmons, starting in place of the injured Brandon AP Roy, had 15 points and nine Alabama forward Chuck Davis had 23 points and 19 rebounds in the Crimson Tide’s loss on Saturday. rebounds, and Bobby Jones take a 33-24 lead. The Huskies matched their also had 15 points. But with just over three biggest lead of nine points, 64- Chuck Davis led Alabama minutes remaining, Robinson 55, when Robinson hit two (4-1) with 23 points and 19 and Conroy hit long jump free throws with 8:38 remain- rebounds, and Earnest shots to start a 12-0 ing. Shelton added 17 points. Washington run and the But with about 6 minutes Both teams started slowly. Huskies closed the half lead- left, Robinson committed his Alabama committed five ing 36-33. third and fourth fouls and turnovers and Washington four Shelton picked up his fourth went to the bench. in the opening five minutes. foul early in the second half Alabama closed the gap on The Huskies led 21-19, but and Washington slowly Washington to three at 74-71 Alabama went on a 13-2 run to increased its lead. behind four points by Ronald Crew team dominates AU By DANIEL FURLONG four-man boat and an eight- am.” Sports Reporter man boat, all of which are Although some might not steered by a talented and skill- consider the crew team as a The football season is not ful coxswain (pronounced part of the University’s athlet- the only thing coming to an COX-son). ics program, crew members end at the Capstone. The The coxswain’s job is to lead said the experience has pro- Alabama crew team’s season is the rowers to victory by steer- vided a good atmosphere to also winding down. ing the rudder of the boat. grow as a person and as a Although last weekend’s Even though the coxswain team. Iron Bowl concluded with might not do any physical “I enjoy being a part of Alabama on the losing end, rowing, his job on the team something in which I am able the crew team took it to the might be the most difficult of to help out another person Auburn Tigers on the water. all. reach their goal,” says The Crimson Tide managed He or she must handle the Guevara. “The reward and sat- to beat the Tigers in every most pressure throughout the isfaction from beating another event (or in rowing lingo: the race. If he or she steers the boat in a race on the water is regatta) two weeks ago. wrong way or does not cut the indescribable.” The crew team as a whole corner properly, then the Although this semester’s consists of two teams: the whole boat is in jeopardy. crew team’s season is winding novice team and the varsity “Being a coxswain for the down, it will be back in action team. novice team has taught me a in the spring. Both teams have multiple great deal of leadership in life,” If you want to catch the lat- women’s teams and men’s said novice coxswain Perry est news and updates on the teams, as well as coed teams. Guevara. “I am a very intense crew team, go to www.ua.edu Both the novice and the var- person, and I love being a part and type “crew” in the search sity have a double-man boat, a of a sport that is intense as I box. CW newsroom contacts November Lauren Davidson Chris Otts Alex Merritt Jessica Maxwell Editor News Director Sports Editor Photo Director 348-8049 348-6146 348-8057 348-9240

Heather Henderson Tiffany Schwarz Will Nevin Ben Flanagan Managing Editor Art Director Opinions Editor Entertainment Editor Opinions 348-6146 348-9240 348-6146 348-6146 292004 Page 4 Our View New multiplex should be better used Ever since I heard that our or even “Alexander” in Hoover. We didn’t likely gave the Rave a good bit sleepy little college town won’t be able to enjoy do this because we to be thankful about. would finally be blessed with any of these “fine” felt like driving to The H16 might have been This call’s the addition of a brand-new, films in the brand Hoover, but rather able to get a piece of this beautiful 16-screen multiplex, new theater because, because the highly action if only it were willing I’ve been, for the most part, for some reason, they acclaimed and to surrender one of the three extremely pleased with the aren’t playing there. successful comedy theaters used to screen entire operation. They’re still at the (initially released in “Christmas With The Kranks,” The theaters are spacious Bama Six Cinemas October) is not which hardly did enough busi- for you, and comfortable — their off Hackberry Lane. playing at either ness this weekend to warrant screens are towering and clear, But here are a few CAHIERS DU FLANAGAN of the Tuscaloosa such a treatment. The same and the sound systems are of the “hot” titles you Graham Flanagan multiplexes. can be said for any of the other sharp and, when necessary, can catch at the H16: I have proven many aforementioned titles, some thunderous. For all of us “Without a Paddle,” “Taxi,” times (“Swimming Pool,” hardly worthy of even being Tuscaloosa residents, a fine “Shark Tale,” “Shall We Dance,” “Anything Else,” etc.) that I am screened at all, that are taking Senate facility like this for picture- “Ladder 49” and “Friday Night willing to drive to Birmingham up space in the theater. The viewin’ has been long overdue. Lights.” However, in defense of to see a movie that I really H16 management should This became hugely obvious the new theater, they do fea- want to see. Therefore, to the extend to its corporate superi- While SGA Bill 10-04, the bill authorizing $1,500 to for me during my second ture such worthy, recently people responsible for booking ors the knowledge that there be spent on a polling service conducted with person- viewing of “The Two Towers” released titles as “The movies at the new theater, I say, does indeed exist a demand al digital assistants, was making its way through the at the Fox 12 in 2002, during Incredibles,” “The Polar “Bring them and I will pay.” for a larger and more diverse SGA Senate, it was said that President Robert Witt which I saw the glory of Express,” “Christmas With The To the owners and opera- selection of contemporary refused to examine poll results unless half of the stu- Gondor restored in “glorious” Kranks” and “Bridget Jones: tors of the H16, I only wish titles, especially as we head dent body — 10,000 or so students — was surveyed. one-channel mono. The Edge of Reason.” you’d realize that there do exist into what looks to be a very My concerns with the They even have “The alternative ways to utilize your exciting Oscar season. Turns out, he says he really hadn’t attached a recently opened Hollywood 16 Motorcycle Diaries,” which, facility that would result I will see “The Aviator” for number to the polling plan. have little to do with the way while it does promote some not only in profit growth, but the first time in a theater with “This [polling] does not have anything to do with the movies are being present- optimism as to whether the also in overall customer gigantic wall-to-wall screens, me,” Witt was quoted as saying in Tuesday’s The ed; on the contrary, they new theater will cater to the satisfaction and retention. blistering digital surround Crimson White. “I don’t know where the number have more to do with what Tuscaloosa art-house set, The theater in which we sound, and luxurious stadium 10,000 came from, but I have said nothing about any movies are being shown there brings me to my biggest con- watched “Sideways” on seating. Let me do it here, by figure and made no pronouncements of any kind. in the first place. For instance, cern of all. Saturday contained about 100 God — in my hometown! anybody around here who This past Saturday, my people; the theater could hold Polling issues have to do with the Faculty Senate.” wants to see recent hits fellow UA Film Society board a capacity of 161. Therefore, if Graham Flanagan is a staff Apparently, somewhere between Witt and the such as “National Treasure,” members and I attended a you take into account all of the photographer for The Crimson Senate, effective communication broke down. “The Spongebob SquarePants screening of the excellent screenings held over the holi- White. His column appears on Either that, or members of the Senate trafficked in Movie,” “Ray,” “The Grudge” “Sideways” at a Rave Multiplex day period, then “Sideways” Mondays. hearsay and rumors like kids on a playground with a nice game of telephone. Our “trusted” elected lead- ers used this information to decide the fate of SGA Bill 10-04 that passed on Nov.18. Ten thousand is an absurd sample population. Anyone with a basic understanding of statistics knows nowhere near 50 percent of a population is needed to conduct an accurate poll. Do pollsters ask 150 million people when they need to find the answer to some pressing national question? No, they don’t — because that would be stupid. Are there any statistics aficionados in the Senate? Maybe. But we’re not betting the farm. The Student Voice PDA plan was passed with the idea that it would allow for a massive number of stu- dents to be surveyed. If anyone can come up with a feasible plan on how 10 people armed with PDAs are supposed to get the responses of 10,000 students, then we’d like to hear it. For all the complaining we do, we’d like to offer a valid solution. A better way to conduct this poll on a potential fall break would be to use the BamaMail system already in place. Send out the questionnaire, and give people a motivation to respond — say, a chance to be entered into a drawing for a $500 book scholarship. Throw three of those scholarships into the pot and we have the Student Voice’s cost of CW/ Nick Beadle $1,500, but we also have a bigger sample size, and we help out three students with the sometimes- overwhelming costs of books. A “Christian Nation” excludes my Muslim The United States of America is not a Our current polling methods need to be Letter to the Editor stockbroker who was crushed under the “Christian Nation.” It is, in the words of the revamped, and a fall break is certainly something weight of World Trade Center Tower 2. It first Republican President, Abraham worthy of investigation. Like much of the Senate’s Watchman’s Thanksgiving message excludes my Polish Jew grandma who Lincoln, “of the people, by the people and body of work, the goals are noble and good, but in excludes many non-Christian Americans helped settle (or unsettle) Wild West for the people.” Our first Republican presi- this case the implementation is shoddy and suspect Colorado by serving many tasty beers to dent also said “The Bible is not my book, In his most recent editorial, Marlin thirsty cowboys. Caddell’s nation nor Christianity my profession.” In at best. We need to have accurate measures of stu- Caddell has again shown the limits of his excludes my Hindu professor who fights Caddell’s nation, Lincoln would have been dent opinion, but trying to survey 10,000 people is experience. He states that he is thankful for peace as hard as Jesus ever did, and forced to move to Canada. asinine and ultimately futile. for “allowing us to be a Christian nation.” he excludes an entire nation of Native Caddell could learn something about SGA Bill 10-04 passed. Its $1,500 is pretty much The United States is mostly Christian, Americans. Christian journalism by reading The gone, and there’s probably not much we can to do and when Caddell claims this country as It’s not that any of us (probably) mind Christian Science Monitor; he doesn’t save that money for useful purposes. However, we a “Christian Nation” he excludes every being excluded by a student journalist, need to offend and exclude in order to can ensure — through our right to vote in the spring non-Christian that ever lived and died just that his words acquire an artificial preach. His abrasion does more to polar- for this country. weight when printed in the secular ize than to help. — that Student Voice is a one-time experiment. A “Christian Nation” excludes my G.I. University newspaper. His opinion Jew dad and his buddies that were blown spreads to the rest of the newspaper, and Michael Wofsey Our View is the consensus of The CW editorial board. into the frozen mud by German mortars. devalues it. Graduate Student, Physics To liberals: recent namecalling uncalled for By DANIEL CONNELL media and Republican con- in the center of the political have to reach across lines, find legalizing marijuana. They relationships. Do the narcis- gressmen been gloating? The spectrum, but are they the common ground and work for are pro-choice. Liberals sup- sistic liberals care? No. This is Last week, Dabney Gray only coverage I’ve heard is propaganda ministry for the their constituents. How is any port gay marriage. Some even all part of their lazy doctrine. wrote “A plea for political condescending comments by Republicans? No! Does it dif- of this behaving like Marilyn believe the fight of gay mar- If you can’t articulate a logical peace.” In this, he expressed elitist pundits about how the fer from the Old Media (i.e. Manson? riage is tantamount to the argument or if you don’t get his concern about the strong red states and their ignorant CBS, NBC, ABC)? Yes. How? Mr. Gray also optimistically civil rights struggle for blacks. your way, then you are to cry divide of our nation and its citizens should break off and By reporting the facts. So, suggests we are in a down cycle This line of thought is outra- foul and call names. And with two major political parties. form their own clueless liberals, drop your litany in politics, and liberals will geous and despicable. And a euphemism, they are pro- He also expressed an out- country. Or that Bush voters of complaints, and shut up eventually rise to become a liberals wonder why they murdering unborn, innocent cry against the inappropriate just don’t get it. Probably about Fox! political power despite the fact can’t get elected in “fly-over” babies. gloating of the Republicans because we are all inferior As for Republican congress- that the majority of Americans country. So, Mr. Gray, maybe you and the media, but said lemmings following the men, I think liberals have con- don’t agree with liberal ideals We are a divided nation, and the liberal elite should not to worry because the Evangelical masses. This type fused celebration with con- and morals. Liberals are a and it would be great to have heed your own advice: “If you liberals will eventually rise to of attitude will not bridge demnation of the opposite group of people who idolize more centrists like Sen. John can’t say anything nice, then power. I agree the nation divides. party. In no way has the the laughable Michael Moore McCain and Sen. Joe shut up.” is divided, but regurgitating But what about the Republican Party been inap- and spout lines from Lieberman. But, calling the op-ed pieces of The New extremely conservative Fox propriately gloating. In fact, “Fahrenheit 9/11” like it’s a Republicans immature fas- Daniel Connell is a 2004 grad- York Times is not going to News propagating the vast it’s been quite the opposite. credible source. Liberals cists and Nazis and accusing uate of theCulverhouse College bridge any gaps. right-wing conspiracy? Whaa, Congressmen realize this is a believe in socialized medicine, us of felonious acts is not of Commerce and Business In what ways have the news whaa, whaa. Yes, Fox News is nation divided, and the parties taxing the successful and going to forge bipartisan Administration.

The Crimson White welcomes your view on issues you see on this page, the rest of the paper and in the community. The CW reserves the right to edit editorial submissions for punctuation, style and length. Libelous and inappropriate mate- Lauren Davidson Editor Chris Otts News Director rial may be edited for content. Each submission, including e-mail, must include the author’s name, address and phone Heather Henderson 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, 700 for columns. For more information, call (205) 348-6144. Monday, November 29, 2004 NEWS The Crimson White • Page 5 appreciation of the life and “I hoped to give people an appreciation of Association are actually look- members consented to being SONGBOOK artistry of the folks who sang ing into making CD recordings recorded,” Cauthen said. Continued from Page 1 these songs,” Halli said. “The the life and artistry of the folks who sang of some of Arnold’s old wax- The stories behind the peo- songs are simple, yes, but tape reel recordings. ple who sang the songs for Once Halli took over the there is a beauty and grace to these songs. The songs are simple, yes, but “The recordings we have are Arnold are just as interesting, project, the hardest work had that simplicity that is too often of Arnold’s 1947 research, and if not more so, than the songs just begun. lost in the hustle and bustle of there is a beauty and grace to that at the time, he had wanted to themselves. One of the things that today.” simplicity that is too often lost in the make LP recordings. We are Unfortunately, much of the makes “An Alabama The University of Alabama taking our time with the proj- biographical information Songbook” unique is that all of Press published the book. hustle and bustle of today” ect in an effort to contact the Arnold collected on the the music is engraved. Dan Ross, director and edi- — ROBERT HALLI JR. next of kin of the singers singers was lost in the 1970s, “Because music is like a tor-in-chief of the Press, has Honors College dean themselves. I feel like we need but enough still exists to make photograph when it is laid out, been with the Press for almost to at least let the descendants for interesting historical refer- it can’t be readjusted like text,” eight years and said he is book was a big part of her late Cauthen and her associates of the singers know it’s hap- ence material in the back of Halli said. astounded by the book’s ardu- husband’s life. at the Alabama Folklife pening, because their family Halli’s book. Halli enlisted the help of ous journey. “My husband loved the Jonathan Lawrence, a copy “It’s incredible to think that study of different cultures, editor for the University of the materials needed to make and this was a passion for Alabama Press, to help with this book have been collected him, because it represented the proofreading of the text for over half a century,” he the native music of his state,” and set the scores to look sim- said. “Publishing a book like she said. “It was a prime proj- ilar. With a background in this is what we think the [UA] ect for someone like him; he music, Lawrence’s help was press exists for. For years I loved it. He was such a dedi- essential in pairing the music have considered its publica- cated musician, and a project with the proper words, and tion to be both a professional like this is truly rare. Robert vice versa. and personal goal.” would be delighted to know “What complicated the Although published by the that the project came to process was that Arnold was University of Alabama Press, fruition. At the time of his no longer living,” Lawrence the book had a long way to go death, it was very frustrating said. “Whenever we had a after its homecoming before it for him to be unable to pro- question on the music or would hit the presses. ceed with its completion. The words, we couldn’t refer back Upon its return, the collec- book is a great gift to our to him. We had to come up tion was given to musicologist family.” with our best guesses, and in Robert Nicolosi, who was an Joyce Cauthen, president of doing so often went through associate professor in music. the Alabama Folklife three generations of a musical Working hand-in-hand with Association, said she under- score.” Halli, Nicolosi was able to bet- stands the importance of pre- Lawrence was not yet sure if ter organize Arnold’s materials serving the unique history the long hours to set the text and realized that the project found in Alabama folksongs. would be worth it. would need to be begun from “Such wonderful songs and “To me, of course it was scratch. Nicolosi passed away tunes that were passed on worth it,” Lawrence said. at 39 and was unable to com- orally die when the singers “However, the test will be plete the project. Nicolosi’s aren’t there to sing them any- whether the book benefits widow Karen is the music more,” she said. “When we future generations. That will director at Tuscaloosa’s Christ write them down, they are left have to be decided by the Episcopal Church and founder for us to keep singing, and it readers in the years to come.” and director of the Alabama would be our loss and our “I hoped to give people an Choir School and said the fault if they were to die.”

VOLUNTEERING “You feel like you’re helping the children Continued from Page 1 understand something better that they Astin McAlpine, a junior wouldn’t necessarily get to talk about at majoring in early childhood development, has worked home.” with the program for the past — ASTIN MCALPINE two springs and has found it to Junior majoring in early childhood development be an energetic and important experience. children is worth it, she said, recommend the program to “Most of the times with the because the children become students because it would younger kids we had to do dif- enthusiastic upon seeing their give them something else to ferent fun activities to get group’s volunteer each do with their time when not them to understand what Thursday. studying. “It gives you the you’re talking about,” “You feel like you’re helping opportunity to make someone McAlpine said. “If you work the children understand else’s day brighter,” McAlpine with the younger group you’re something better that they said. going to be on your feet all wouldn’t necessarily get to talk For more information about night.” about at home,” she said. volunteering, contact Nancy The time spent with the McAlpine said she would Angelo at 758-1159.

Visit The CW online at www.cw.ua.edu. Page 6 • The Crimson White ENTERTAINMENT Monday, November 29, 2004

Check out The Crimson White ‘Sideways’ flows like a fine wine on the Web Would you ever believe that have a good time. after he hooks up with Take the scene where Jack Like “Schmidt” characters, you could find yourself steal- Miles’ passion for one of the wine-pour- has set up a double date with the guys in “Sideways” don’t at www.cw.ua.edu. ing back your friend’s wallet wine has turned into ing girls they meet on two wine-loving women, a sit- get the neat, tidy happy end- from a portly Cracker Barrel a convenient excuse their trip. uation Miles isn’t thrilled ing they might be dreaming of. waitress while she’s in the for alcoholism. Every So they’re both com- about. Jack tries to reassure What they get is the realization throes of a kinky lovemaking publisher in the plete messes, and it Miles saying, “Look we’ll just that life, with all its disap- session with her equally stout country has rejected takes this trip take it easy. If they want Merlot, pointments and uncertainties, husband? Neither did Miles his novel, and he has for them to realize it. we’re drinking Merlot.” really isn’t so bad. “Sideways” Raymond (Paul Giamatti), but even resorted to It may all sound a lit- “No, if anyone orders Merlot, is without a doubt one of the a lot of things happened that stealing cash from tle outrageous, but I’m leaving. I am not drinking best-written films of the year, he didn’t expect during one his elderly mother. MATT ON MOVIES like writer/director any f---ing Merlot!” Miles says. and with three truly great weekend in California wine The attractive and Matt Scalici Alexander Payne’s last Clearly, this guy needs a performances in Giamatti, country with his best friend energetic Jack at least film “About Schmidt,” woman, and he finds one in his Church and Madsen, it’s prob- Jack (Thomas Haden Church) seems to be doing all right; he’s everything makes perfect date for the evening, Maya ably the best directed as well. in the film “Sideways.” getting married to a beautiful sense once you get to know the (Virginia Madsen). Maya is at If you’ve been waiting for Jack, a former soap opera woman, and he gets recognized characters. first put off by Miles, as anyone the Oscar race to start, wait no actor, is getting married and as in public all the time, even for Giamatti, a critical favorite, would be, but as a mature, expe- further. The race in on, and his best man, Miles decides his voice-over work. Of course, is as good here as he’s ever rienced woman she comes to right now, I have to think he’s going to show his friend a most of that voice-over work is been as the neurotic and cur- love Miles for who he is, weak- “Sideways” is leading the way. good time. The only problem is for prescription drug commer- mudgeonly Miles, and the way nesses and all. Madsen’s per- Miles has been depressed for cials and auto financing. And he and Church’s Jack play off formance is so sincere, so tender the last two years since his he’s starting to have questions one another makes a wonder- and so guaranteed to get a best divorce and has no idea how to about his marriage, especially fully funny odd couple. supporting actress nomination. ‘Alexander’ a low spot of Stone’s career

Going into “Alex- the film was written ander,” the latest by the seldom- directorial effort heard-from Vangelis from Oliver Stone, of “Blade Runner” skepticism ran high. and “Chariots of In fact, the most Fire” fame. At this appealing thing point it might have about it had less to been assumed that, do with the movie even if the picture itself, but more stinks, it could con- so with Stone’s CATCHING FLICKS WITH tain an Oscar-worthy many past cine- FLANAGANS score from a film- matic contributions music legend. such as “Platoon” Graham Flanagan Unfortunately for and “Born on the Vangelis and, more Fourth of July.” importantly, the audience, The trailers and most of even this attribute could not the advance buzz for soften the blow of a laughable, “Alexander” gave little to be often-awkward, desperately excited about. However, there overlong mockery of one of still existed the possibility history’s great tales. that Stone, one of most prolif- Who’s to blame? The easiest ic directors of the last twenty answer puts the fault squarely years, might be able to find on the shoulders of Stone, his footing once more and who decided to hire the pull himself out of the unproven “megastar” Colin Scorsese-esque slump he’s Farrell as the title character been in. Alas, it was not to be; in a movie which was with “Alexander,” Stone has funded entirely by the fumbled even worse than German company Inter- Scorsese did with his “his- media. Apparently, this was toric” disaster known as done as not to allow any of the “Gangs Of New York” — and maybe even worse than See ALEXANDER, Page 7 Spielberg did with “A.I.” Well, maybe. As the opening credits of “Alexander” began to roll, AP/Warner Bros. Pictures/Jaap Buitendijk one reason for optimism Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great, leads his army against the mighty Persian Empire in the quickly surfaced, as it turned action drama “Alexander.” out that the musical score of Monday, November 29, 2004 ENTERTAINMENT The Crimson White • Page 7

who disgustingly and inappr- through a three-hour version aforementioned masterworks. What prevents “Alexander” reason not to completely hate ALEXANDER opriately keeps in tact his of Alexander the Great starring However, it never achieves from being branded with the “Alexander.” Continued from Page 6 thick, Irish accent, brings to Colin Farrell. greatness. Perhaps, upon view- notorious BOMB!!! rating, Please, do yourself a favor the role none of the necessary As for Vangelis’ score, it defi- ing dailies of Farrell’s “riveting” however, lies in the post-mar- and go see “Sideways” instead. dreaded “Hollywood inter- charisma or power it nitely has its moments, those monologues, Vangelis simply riage sex scene that features a ference” that Stone has so demands. Even at this point, being highlighted by the said to himself, “if everybody highly dedicated Rosario openly chastised. days later, I find it hard to signature synthesized horns else is doing D-grade work, Dawson. Thanks, Miss As anticipated, Farrell, believe that I actually sat and strings used in his then I guess I will, too.” Dawson, for giving me one Page 8 • The Crimson White NEWS Monday, November 29, 2004