On Dec. 17, many USA em-ployees received what some are calling a “Christmas bonus.”

Wayne Davis, vice president for financial affairs, explained to The Vanguard that it’s neither Christmas-related nor a bonus.

Instead, all full-time-benefits-eligible faculty and staff hired be-fore June 1, 2010 got a one-time 2 percent-salary increase or an additional $1,000 (whichever is greater).

This salary increase is unusual for two reasons: it is only in effect for this fiscal year, and it was paid in one lump sum. Part-time fac-ulty and staff received a prorated amount, while contracted em-

ployees received no increase.The reason for the unusual

salary increase, Davis said, was to supplement employee salaries while avoiding any long term financial commitments. With roughly 75 percent of the budget going to salary and benefits for employees, the University simply can’t afford permanent raises, Davis said.

At the end of the fall 2010 semester, USA President Gor-don Moulton sent a memo to all employees explaining, “The University is not able to provide a permanent salary increase this year, but due to your efforts and the University’s careful approach to managing limited resources, USA is in a position to give a one-time salary supplement.”

Because of the weak economy and massive cuts in state funding, USA has been unable to give its employees a salary increase for the past three years.

Faculty Senate Chair Jim Con-nors told The Vanguard that, while people aren’t comfortable with not having a cost-of-living raise, USA faculty understand the economic reality.

“[President Moulton] is good about communicating with us. We really had no expectation of getting a raise,” Connors said. “But it’s hard to look at money you weren’t expecting and find something wrong with it.”

The money for these raises is being drawn from USA’s reserve fund, according to Connors. But with the approval of the Board of

Trustees and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Connors said this was “done very appro-priately.”

“This salary supplement was an initiative of President Moult-on and the senior administrators of the university. It was accom-plished in consultation with the Faculty Senate Executive Com-mittee and Chair, and it had our full support,” Connors said.

“You can rarely go wrong by investing in people,” Connors said. “USA is a service-oriented institution, and the faculty and staff here are vital.”

Connors said this move was a “good gesture” by the University and President Moulton.

As for why this raise shouldn’t

Inside Police Blotter p. 2 Opinion p. 3 Etc. p. 14 A&E p. 16 Sports p. 18 Distractions p. 21

see BONUSES | 7

Dining Hall OpensUniversity of South Alabama’s student newspaper

Serving USA students and

the University community since

1963

www.usavanguard.com

VanguardVanguardVanguardThe

January 17, 2011 |VOLUME 48, NUMBER 18

insideOpinion | page 4

Etc. | page 14

Constitution Under Scrutiny

Is the U.S. Constitution still relevant in the modern world?

Philography is ...Yeah, we didn’t know either. Luckily, A&E Editor Rodney Thompson is a philographer.

Sports | page 18

Basketball Struggling

A less than stellar record thus far has some fans ready to give Coach Arrow the boot.

University faculty, staff receive salary supplements

Miss University of South

Alabama 2011 Competitors

see p. 6

Cold Snap vs. Chill

Who will reign supreme in the battle of frozen treats? The Vanguard weighs in on the icy duo.

By Alex WhalenMANAGING EDITOR

Arts & Entertainment |

page 16

Colin McGee | Photo EditorAfter a delay of almost an entire semester, USA’s new on-campus Dining Hall opened about two weeks before the fall 2010 semester came to a close. To read what some students are saying about it, see the full story on page 9.

Friend The Vanguard on Facebook and follow us on Twitter:www.twitter.com/USAVanguard

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University of South Alabama’s Student Voice

Mission

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

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EDITORIAL STAFFEditor-in-Chief: Daniela WernerManaging Editor: Alex Whalen

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12/3- Unlawful Breaking and Enter-ing a VehicleAn unknown person unlawfully entered a vehicle at The Grove and stole a wallet, credit/debit cards, cash, a hair brush and an iPod classic. The items were val-ued at $340.

12/5- Burglary, 3rd DegreeAn unknown person unlawfully entered a Delta 6 dorm room and stole multiple prescription medications.

12/5- Harassing CommunicationsAt 4:28 p.m. the crime of harassing com-munications was committed at a Delta 2 dorm.

12/6- Theft of Property, 3rd DegreeA Blackberry Curve with an Otter Box was reported stolen from the dining hall at 3:49 p.m. The item was valued at $250.

12/7- Theft from ResidenceAn iPad was reported stolen from a Delta 3 dorm. The item was valued at $600.

12/7- Harassment/Prohibited ConductOfficers responded to a harassment call at the Beta 4 dorms.

12/7- Theft of Lost PropertyAn unknown person stole an iPhone that had been left at 310 Greek Row. The item was valued at $200.

12/8- Theft of Property, 3rd DegreeAn unknown person entered the Seaman Bethel Theater and removed $60 from a locked desk drawer.

12/8- Theft of Article from AutoA laptop, textbooks and a bag were reported stolen from a vehicle at the Student Center at 12:18 p.m. The items were valued at $480.

12/8- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA laptop and a DVD player were reported stolen from an Epsilon 1 dorm room. The items were valued at $330.

12/8- Theft of Property, 2nd DegreeCash and debit/credit cards were report-ed stolen from the Student Recreation Center. The items were valued at $30.

12/8- Possession of Alcohol/Drug Paraphernalia, 2nd OffenseA resident advisor reported smelling the odor of marijuana in a Gamma area dorm.

12/9- Theft of Property, 2nd DegreeA backpack, notebook, driver’s license, debit/credit cards and an iTouch were reported stolen from the dining hall after the items were left unattended. The items were valued at $390.

12/10- Domestic Violence, 3rd DegreeA male was arrested for committing the crime of domestic violence in the Delta 3 dorms.

12/11- Possession of Marijuana/Giv-ing False ID to Law OfficerOne male was arrested for possession of marijuana and another was arrested for providing false information to a law enforcement officer. A small bag of mari-juana, 2 blunts, a BB Gun and BB’s were confiscated.

12/11- Possession of MarijuanaA female was referred to the University Disciplinary Committee for possession of marijuana.

12/13- Attempt to Commit Controlled Substance CrimeA former employee at the USA Stanton Rd. clinic was reported for fraudulently obtaining lortab prescriptions.

12/14- Burglary, 3rd DegreeTextbooks and video games were re-ported stolen from a Beta 1 dorm. The items were valued at $323.

12/14- Disorderly Conduct/Public IntoxicationA male was arrested at 10 p.m. at the Sigma Chi fraternity house for disorder-ly conduct and public intoxication.

12/16- Possession of Marijuana, 1st Degree/Possession of Drug Parapher-naliaTwo non-students and one student were arrested at the practice football field for possession of marijuana and drug para-phernalia.

12/17- Burglary, 3rd DegreeAn unknown person stole a laptop from an Epsilon 1 dorm room. The item was valued at $500.

12/18- Failure to AppearA maintenance worker was arrested at the Student Recreation Center for two outstanding arrest warrants.

12/18- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA student reported that a laptop, clothes, computer case, computer games, a backpack and a TV were stolen from his Delta 5 dorm during the break.

12/19- Possession of MarijuanaThe crime of possession of marijuana in the second degree was committed at The Grove.

12/20- Burglary, 3rd DegreeTwo laptops, a guitar and several Polo shirts were reported stolen from a Delta 5 dorm. The items were valued at $2,000.

12/20- Possession of Drug Parapher-nalia/Minor in Possession of AlcoholA male was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and minor in posses-sion of alcohol in the parking lot of the Research and Technology Park. A non-student juvenile female was released to her mother.

12/21- Disorderly ConductA physical altercation was reported at 6251 Jack Brunson Drive.

12/21- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA compound bow and a Gibson guitar were reported stolen from The Grove. The items were valued at $650.

12/23- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA laptop and a TV were reported stolen from a Gamma 9 dorm. The items were valued at $950.

12/23- Unlawful Breaking and Enter-ing a VehicleA rear windshield was broken and 2 subwoofers, an amplifier and a CD player were stolen from a vehicle in the Gamma parking area. The items were valued at $1,000. Damages were estimated at $1,500.

12/24- Burglary, 3rd DegreeCash, a cell phone, a checkbook, a leath-er jacket and prescription medications were reported stolen from The Grove. The items were valued at $686.

12/26- Burglary, 3rd DegreeThe front door and an interior room door were damaged at The Grove. The dam-ages were estimated at $150.

12/27- Unlawful Possession of a Con-cealed WeaponA handgun was confiscated from a ve-hicle.

12/28- Possession of Marijuana/Drug ParaphernaliaA Beta 3 resident was arrested for pos-session of marijuana and drug parapher-nalia.

12/29- Theft From AutoCar keys and a Pioneer radio were reported stolen from a vehicle parked at The Grove. The items were valued at $205.

12/29- RobberyAt 9:33 p.m. a Delta 3 resident reported being robbed at gunpoint while walking to his car. The perpetrator took a cell phone. The item was valued at $400.

12/31- Driving Under the InfluenceA non-student was arrested at Old Shell and Cody Road for driving under the influence.

1/4 – Burglary, 2nd DegreeA purse, wallets, a cell phone and pre-scription medications were reported stolen from The Grove. The items were valued at $383.

1/7- BurglaryThree laptops, cash and credit/debit cards were reported stolen from The Grove. The items were valued at $2,800.

1/8- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA Delta 1 room was burglarized between 12/19 and 1/8. An Xbox and games were stolen. The items were valued at $600.

1/10- Failure to AppearWhile on patrol in the Humanities parking lot on USA North Drive, an of-ficer checked a suspicious vehicle. The driver was asleep in the vehicle, and he had four outstanding arrest warrants. USAPD detained the perpetrator for the Mobile Police Department.

1/10- Theft of Property, 3rd DegreeAt 6:10 p.m. $220 was reported stolen from the Student Recreation Center.

1/11- Burglary, 3rd DegreeAn iPod nano was reported stolen from an Epsilon 1 dorm room. The item was valued at $80.

1/12- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA radio, DVD’s, a necklace, a Bible, tow-els and a quilt were reported stolen from an Epsilon 1 dorm room. The items were valued at $880.

1/12- Property DamageThe passenger-side window of a van was reported broken on USA North Drive. The damages were estimated at $250.

1/12- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA Delta 4 dorm room was burglarized over the break. Cash, colognes and a DVD player were stolen. The items were valued at $210.

1/14- Burglary, 3rd DegreeA laptop, an Xbox and Xbox games were reported stolen from The Grove. The items were valued at $849.

POLICE BLOTTER2 NEWS Vanguard

TheJanuary 17, 2011

O U R V I E W S T A F F E D I T O R I A L

Salary Supplements A Timely Gesture

Thank you, President Gordon Moulton and the USA Board of Trustees, for putting employees fi rst when you gave University faculty and staff a

one-time 2 percent salary supplement at the end of the fall 2010 semester.

The tumultuous and unpredictable post-recession economy has combined with the highest state budget cuts in history to put a damper on the way USA can operate fi nancially. But this gesture of goodwill speaks to those employees who are the driving force behind this institu-tion.

During the holiday season -- which often proves to be a time when strict personal or family budgets stand in the way of procuring holiday gifts for your loved ones -- staff morale can weaken at institutions facing hefty bud-get cuts. Even this modest salary supplement shows USA employees that you care enough to set aside money that helps them in their daily lives.

The Vanguard asked Wayne Davis, vice president for Financial Affairs, if he thought there could be a nega-tive repercussions from the salary supplement. He said he foresaw no future budget problems because department

heads were allowed to pull the money from their operat-ing budget or their departmental reserves; he said he felt these leaders would make the appropriate decisions.

“We’ve had good management going on,” he said. Da-vis also mentioned that he thought the salary supplements were important because USA needs to “hold onto em-ployees” instead of letting other universities grab them up.

Faculty Senate Chair Jim Connors said it best when he described the supplement as an investment in people. Investing in the people working to make your vision for USA possible is something we are pleased to see happen-ing, especially in a time when the economy is diffi cult to navigate.

We also appreciate the creativity with which the Uni-versity managed to get this saralry supplement approved. Because Alabama law prohibits giving out bonuses, USA is simply calling this lump sum payment a salary supple-ment. But we doubt anyone minds -- a bonus by any other name is just as sweet.

Now if only USA could show this level of concern and creative problem-solving with issues that directly affect students.

EDITORIAL BOARD>>usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com

Daniela Werner | Editor-in-ChiefAlex Whalen | Managing Editor

Cameron Adkins | Associate EditorGenny Roman | Associate Editor

OpinionVanguardThe

Vanguard Staff usavanguard.editor@Gmail.com

3January 17, 2011

www.usavanguard.com/opinion

People thought they knew who they were. They were wrong.

When students left our venerable institution for Christmas Break they were all comfortable in the knowledge that their future could be foretold using an ancient form of astromancy, which had provided them with a very specifi c and irrefut-able place in the astro-

logical caste system.As we return now you are all no doubt

aware that the game has changed. Accord-ing to astronomers, none of us are who we thought we were.

Almost overnight, hardworking ambi-tious Capricorns have been transformed into truth-seeking wandering Sagittarii (source: Astrology.com)

It all started when astronomer Parke Kunk-le explained to Minnesota’s Star Tribune that the earth’s axis slowly wobbles over millen-nia, a process known as axial precession.

Because of this wobble, the constellations on which zodiac signs are based have shifted position in our night sky to such an extent that they are no longer in the position they were 2,000 years ago, when the Babylonians created what has become the modern zo-diac.

If the position of the constellations has changed, then the signs under which we’re born have changed.

But this isn’t news. Kunkle didn’t discover this phenomenon, he simply told a reporter about it. It’s been well known for millenia. The Greek astronomer Hipparchus discov-ered axial precession in the 2nd century B.C. Bill Nye talked about its effect on astrology in passing during a segment on his “Eyes of Nye” program in 2005.

There is also a separate sect of astrology that has kept up with the axial precession called Sidereal Astrology.

Despite all the hoopla, western astrologi-cal devotees have nothing to worry about. Tropical Astrology, which is the most popular in the West, has always ignored axial preces-sion, so nothing has changed.

Think of it like those obnoxious apocry-phal books of the New Testament. It doesn’t change anything because all of it is utterly meaningless, so you get to pick and choose what you believe based on what best suits your tradition.

Astrology is like a religion without those pesky morals. Instead of telling you what you should do, it just vaguely informs you of what you will do. So all subsequent behavior can be excused because it is part of your inescap-able destiny written in the stars at your birth.

It can be a way to neatly order and catego-rize ourselves and our behavior. A way to feel like part of a group, and less alone. A way to

alleviate the burden of personal responsibil-ity.

But most people aren’t real followers of astrology. For the majority of us, reading a horoscope is just a meaningless pastime we indulge in between the moment we order food at a late night diner and receive it. So what’s the harm in silly fun like that?

Frighteningly, some very powerful people are serious about astrology. In his 1988 mem-oirs, Ronald Reagan’s former White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan revealed that Nancy Reagan regularly consulted with as-trologer Joan Quigley.

And after the 1981 assassination attempt on Reagan, Quigley’s astrological predic-tions infl uenced the President’s schedule and he was essentially beholden to her mystical whims.

There is no scientifi c evidence supporting astrology. In fact, the only provable part of astrological readings is the effectiveness of vaguely worded horoscopes. This was dem-onstrated by famed skeptic and illusionist James Randi in a televised experiment (the origins of which are unknown to me, but are available on YouTube).

Randi distributed horoscopes to a group of students and asked them to evaluate its accuracy on a scale of one to fi ve. None of the students rated the accuracy below a four. The kicker is all students were given identical readings.

Taylor BrownFreshmanNursing

Justin SalazarJunior

Civil Engineering

J.T. CrabtreeSophomore

BMD

Diana McSheff reyFreshman

Psychology

I love it. There are more choices here. The Market just had the same thing every day. It is closer to the dorms, but farther from class, so it’s hard to come eat between classes.

I love this place. I don’t even live on campus and I eat here just about every day. It’s better than my mom’s food!

I love it. Better quality and better service than the Market, and it’s a lot closer to the dorms. But they should have a Jag Tran route that goes from the Student Center to the dorms to the Din-ing Hall. The one they have now takes too long.

It’s really nice! I live on campus, so I have a mandatory meal plan. But the new Dining Hall is defi nitely better than the old Market.

How do you like the new Dining Hall?

What’s Your Sign? Well, You’re Wrong!

Cheyenne ErvinFreshmanNursing

They don’t serve as much food here as in the Market. But I think the food is better here than in the Market.

BrendanDavis

see SIGN | 13

OPINION4 VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

POINTCOUNTERPOINTHow Relevant is the U.S. Constitution?

Editor’s Introduction: For the first time in the history of the House, the U.S. Constitution was read aloud in its entirety (minus some sections that were skipped due to an inadvertent page turn). This move, which gave a political nod to the Tea Party movement, symbolized the Republican goal of getting back to basics. Republicans have focused heavily on this document - even requiring new

bills to cite and be justified by the Constitution. But how relevant is this 200-plus year old document? We live in a world where people are more literate, have more technology, and are more politicized than the founders could have ever imagined. Given this, should we move on and take only what is relevant from the Constitution, or strive to achieve the intentions of the founders of this country?

A New America The Big PictureThe framers of the Constitu-

tion could not begin to fathom the nation that is now America. Life in the twenty-first century has transformed, changing the land from a sanctuary for poor, puri-tanical farmers vying at a chance for religious freedom to one where almost everyone believes that bigger is always better, and that keeping up with the Joneses is of the upmost importance.

So when the Tea Party move-ment drove for a reading of the Constitution earlier this year, they did so in an attempt to honor the fathers of our nation, hoping to move America back onto a path they think the framers would have approved of.

However, as history clearly shows us, the United States is not even close to the nation that the framers envisioned - and that’s okay.

The framers lived in a much harder time than we do now; technological ad-vances had not made back-breaking labor a thing of the past for most people, and life was filled with dangers which most of us can’t even begin to imagine.

The framers drafted the Constitution to suit their needs, and we should do the same.

While the Constitution is one of the most notable and esteemed legal docu-ments of all time, it’s not “How to run America: for Dummies.” Though some of its fundamental principles like the rights to freedom of speech and religion are timeless in their relevancy, provisions like the three-fifths compromise have long been deemed archaic and irrelevant in modern

society. The Constitution has evolved

with time, and instead of moving backwards to debate the particu-lars of the past, politicians should push forward with the document and make changes if necessary.

It only takes one look at the 4,618-word document and its 27 amendments to see that the Constitution is more than just a legal docu-ment; it’s a tapestry that

addresses the most relevant and contro-versial issues through America’s phases of development.

For example, though I would never even dream of pay-ing a tax today when I go to vote, poll taxes were hugely controversial and enacted all through-out the South until the 1964 passage of the twenty-fourth amendment.

Likewise, the twenty-sixth amendment addressed back-lash from students all across America that a solider could die before he could vote, and effectively led to a decrease in the vot-ing age from 21 to 18.

Because the Constitution can change as the hearts and minds of Americans change, it will never become completely

It is tempting to dismiss the U.S. Constitution as an archaic and irrel-evant document. After all, life today is so much more advanced. But it is a mistake to think that because we have moved forward in the flow of time and have acquired more knowledge and more advanced technology that a higher intelligence and some vague transcending qual-ity has been imbued to us.

The framers saw that the Constitution was not perfect, at least from an individual per-spective. After the long hard work of collabora-tion, disagreements and compromise, the framers agreed to a docu-ment that provided the framework upon which a general government could be built.

To accomplish this framework there had to be a genuine meeting in the middle. In so doing, the framers found a place that a people with deeply divided per-

spectives, beliefs and presuppositions could coexist. Here is a lesson that we still can learn from today.

This meeting in the middle does not sug-gest mediocrity. Instead, it demands a solid understanding of one’s own beliefs and pre-suppositions as well as those of others so that a clear line of difference can be formed.

Only when all these different positions are

understood and accounted for can our work toward a common ground begin. This demands honesty, cour-age, understanding and reason.

A second lesson to be learned from our Constitution is found in the framework itself. Instead of dic-tating the minutia of governmental operations, the document was made general and relatively simple. This allowed for flexibility of application - not necessarily in changing the structure itself, but in our changing with time and growth.

Notice how heated this last midterm elec-tion was. The political process can be messy and, at times, frustrating for everyone. But the system still remains, after 223 years, flex-ible enough to enable balancing the power of the government.

The system designed so long ago still works. The Constitution teaches us that the big picture is essential.

For example, if in the process of pushing an ideal through legislature we somehow lose the ability to continue functioning for the well-being of all our citizens and the whole, we have still lost - even if that one ideal wins.

For most of us, the beliefs and ideals we hold closest are so important that we are tempted to play dirty and lose site of that big picture. It is an easy thing to point fingers, play on emotions and attack our opponent’s character. To carefully help others under-stand your own perspective and then work with them coming from theirs is a completely different matter.

Sadly, we see too much of the former today. Fortunately, we have the Constitution and the history and context surrounding it to

Clearing the AirBy Alex Whalen

alexwhalen@gmail.com

The BayBears, Mo-bile’s Double-A base-ball team, is stumbling through yet another

financial hurdle. With more than $800,000 in rent due to the city, the organization is hemorrhaging money.

To add to the issue, Hank Aaron Stadium has a leaky roof – a problem not unfamil-iar to city construction projects. People are arguing back and forth about the responsi-bility of paying versus the responsibility of

fixing the roof.I don’t really care about that debate; you

have to pay your rent even if your roof leaks. My concern is that we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if the BayBears had a proper fan base.

Opening day is approaching (although not quickly enough for my taste) and if the past few years are any guide, this year’s revenue isn’t going to be enough to keep the BayBears here.

With all the drama and with so little income, I’d expect the Arizona Diamond-backs, who own the BayBears, to move their farm team to a different city – one where fans will actually come and watch the games.

I am sympathetic on some level with peo-ple who don’t want to watch minor league baseball. Yes, they miss plays that might be considered routine by major league stan-dards. And sure, the BayBears aren’t usually in the top of the rankings.

This kind of thinking, however, misses the point of watching baseball in the first place.

We watch baseball to cheer for our team, because we know the players and want them to be successful. And we are fortunate enough in Mobile to have a group of very talented professional athletes that we can come to know and love in a small, intimate setting like Hank Aaron Stadium.

It does kind of suck knowing that the exceptional players will likely move on to Triple-A or the majors. I remember watch-ing Justin Upton and knowing full well that he wouldn’t be around for very long. After Upton got called up, I still cheered for him, though, even though I hate the Diamond-backs.

Minor league baseball is about more than winning. It’s an avenue that has helped me appreciate the players at all levels and has given me a better understanding of the game. I enjoy baseball more because I’ve gotten to watch the BayBears play.

There’s more here than just appreciating athleticism or baseball, though. Baseball at any level brings people from a community together.

Baseball brought us together after the War to End All Wars, and all the wars after that. It distracts us from the garbage we sift through in our lives, at least for a little while. It’s hard to imagine time better spent than sitting with friends and family with a beer and a hot dog enjoying our national pastime.

Mobile is a really fun city, and we need to demonstrate that fact. The community has to come together and support the things that make us a community; otherwise, we’re just a bunch of individuals that happen to live in the same area.

The BayBears deserve a solid fan base that can support the team. It can’t all be about winning – if it were, the Cubs wouldn’t have fans like me.

More importantly, we deserve a baseball team here. But without the fans, there isn’t going to be a team for much longer.

So this season, show your support for your team. And I’ll see you at the game. I’ll be the guy who’s still learning to keep score while balancing his beer.

More ThanJust a Game

abcnews.comHouse Speaker John Boehner reads the Pream-ble to the Constitution. This was the first time on record that the entire document had been read in the House.

Imran Mohiuddin Tory

Albertson

see NEW | 13 see PICTURE | 13

NEWS 5VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

NEWS6 VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

Miss University of South Alabama 2011The Miss University of South Alabama Scholarship Program allows female students between the ages of 17-24 to annually showcase their talents and

knowledge while competing for academic scholarships. Contestants compete in five categories: interview, on-stage question, talent, evening wear and

lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit.Last year’s program awarded more than $5,000 in scholarships. The

competition is a preliminary to the 2011 Miss Alabama and Miss America pageants. For more information about the event, see below.

Carrie Abigail Baird

Sarah BethBell

Jessica FayeByrd

Ashley Marie Clarke

Melissa Mary DiCesare

Brittany Denise English

Lauren Catherine Gessner

Danielle Lashae Hamilton

Evangelia Michelle Hartzes

Alexandria Nicole Hilliard

Bailee Christine Ikner

Ashley Lauren Robison

Valerie Evette Turgeau

This year’s contestants:

To see them compete:

Hillary Bosarge

Jan. 22, 2011

Miss University of South Alabama 2010

Age: 20Major/Class: Fine Arts/SophomoreHometown: Trussville, Ala.Platform: The Importance of Pro-Life

Age: 23Major/Class: Nursing/JuniorHometown: Axis, Ala.Platform: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Age: 20Major/Class: Biology, Spanish/JuniorHometown: Hurley, Miss.Platform: Compassionate Healthcare

Age: 19Major/Class: Biomedical Sciences/FreshmanHometown: Calera, Ala.Platform: Awareness of Special Needs Children

Age: 19Major/Class: Occupational Therapy/SophomoreHometown: Broomall, Pa.Platform: Autism Awareness

Age: 22Major/Class: Communication/SeniorHometown: Mobile, Ala.Platform: Childhood Obesity

Age: 20Major/Class: Political Science/JuniorHometown: Canfield, Oh.Platform: Dating Abuse

Age: 19Major/Class: Theatre/SophomoreHometown: Greenville, Ala.Platform: Voices of Abused Women and Children

Age: 20Major/Class: Nursing/SophomoreHometown: Birmingham, Ala.Platform: Mentor and Motivate Fallen Youth

Age: 23Major/Class: Occupational Therapy/SeniorHometown: Daphne, Ala.Platform: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness

Age: 18Major/Class: Secondary Ed English/FreshmanHometown: Mobile, Ala.Platform: Self-Confidence, Acceptance

Age: 19Major/Class: Biomedical Sciences/FreshmanHometown: Satsuma, Ala.Platform: Role Models for Today’s Youth

Age: 23Major/Class: Finance/SeniorHometown: Pascagoula, Miss.Platform: Inspiring Financial Fitness through Junior Achievement

Where: Recital Hall of the Laidlaw Performing Arts CenterWhen: Saturday Jan. 22, 2011 at 7 p.m.How much: $5 Admission; $5 Program Booklet

NEWS 7VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

be called a “bonus,” Director of Public Re-lations Keith Ayers said the answer was a bit “convoluted.” Alabama law prohibits state run institutions from giving out bonuses, Ayers said. This is why the University went with a salary supplement, rather than an outright bonus.

The most probable reason for the confu-sion, according to Ayers, was the fact that the salary supplement was paid as a lump sum, rather than over the course of the fis-cal year.

According to Davis, this is the first time in the University’s 46-year history that raises have been given in this way.

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January 17, 2011

After a delay of nearly an entire semes-ter, the new Dining Hall has opened its doors for student use.

The facility, which was originally sched-uled to be ready for use before the fall 2010 semester began, opened approximately two weeks before the semester concluded. All that remains to be done is landscaping work.

“We’re hoping to be done [with the pla-za area] at the end of next week,” Direc-tor of Facilities Management Chris Willis said. “The weather will have something to do with that, but we’ve got some drain lines underneath the pavers that had to be pulled up and replaced.

“They got damaged during construction and slowed us down a little bit. So hope-fully next week or the week after.”

According to Willis, there will also be flowers and grass among other things planted in the spring.

Students are happy that the facility has finally been made available to them.

“I like the location,” Freshman Crimi-nal Justice major Andrya Riddle said. “It’s right [next to the dorms], so I don’t have to walk all the way across [campus].

“I like the food and how [the Dining Hall] is made, how it looks inside. There’s a lot more space [than there was in the Market].”

Freshman Exercise Science major Matt Wilt shares the same sentiments when it comes to the dining hall’s location.

“It’s a lot better [than the Market] because it’s right [next to the dorms],”

Wilt said. “The food is about the same though.”

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January 17, 2011

USA Foundation gives University $2 million

By Daniela WernerEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Students express positive opinions about new campus Dining Hall

By Cameron AdkinsASSOCIATE EDITOR

At its Dec. 7, 2010 meeting, the Uni-versity of South Alabama Foundation approved a $2,012,474 million-contri-bution to the University.

This contribution includes funds that support faculty travel and graduate as-sistantships.

Also to slated to receive monies from the Foundation’s contribution are the Whiddon Honors Program and the Daphne Driskell Calhoun Cancer Re-search Fund.

Also at the meeting, the board paid the first installment of $4 million to fund the pediatric wing expansion at the USA Children’s and Women’s Hos-pital.

The USA Foundation exists to sup-port the University but operates inde-pendently of it.

Colin McGee | Photo EditorStudents have expressed content for the location of the new Dining Hall, which sits behind USA Student Housing, as well as the multiple types of food served inside.

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January 17, 2011

Dr. Vaughn Millner has witnessed South Alabama’s growth firsthand, from her work as a counselor in Counseling and Testing Services to becoming dean of the College of Continuing Education and Special Pro-grams.

In her new role as dean, Millner intends to see the college grow with the rest of the University.

For Dean Millner, the college not only serves as a source of academic outreach and advocacy for non-traditional students, but as a support to South Alabama by providing innovative, entrepreneurial-based solutions for problems facing the University.

Innovative solutions may seem hard to come by with the current economic chal-lenges in Alabama’s university system. To Dean Millner, however, these can be inter-preted “as either challenges or opportuni-ties.”

She said she prefers to see the opportu-nity in difficult situations.

That’s where the College of Continuing Education and Special Programs plays a role.

Millner describes her college as a facilita-tor for collaborations on grants and other projects. It specializes in “incubating pro-grams” and “testing great ideas.”

Recently, Continuing Education and Spe-cial Programs has been testing out a math emporium lab that, if green-lighted, will be placed in the old Student Recreation Center in March 2011 and feature 145 computers as well as “cutting-edge instructional strate-gies,” according to Millner.

Millner said she be-lieves her extensive background in counsel-ing and counselor edu-cation will be an asset to Continuing Education and Special Programs. Her interpersonal skills are one of her greatest strengths, she said.

“It matters to me what people think,” she said, and possessing this quality helps in a set-

ting where collaborative skill is key.Dean Millner is proud to serve the USA

community as dean of Continuing Edu-cation and Special Programs and said she cannot wait to see the institution continue to grow “with academic strength and integ-rity.”

New dean of Continuing Ed discusses her goals, visionNew dean of Continuing Ed and Special Programs Dr. Vaughn Millner says she intends to see her college, an outreach to numerous non-traditional students at USA, grow along with the rest of the University.

By Genny RomanASSOCIATE EDITOR

Millner

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January 17, 2011

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January 17, 2011

Perhaps you have some friends who have been fretting over the validity of their zodiac tattoo, or questioning the personality profile they’ve come to rely on to explain their failing interpersonal relationships. While they were updating their status on Facebook, there was a revolution in Tunisia, sparked by the self-immolation of a desperate street vendor.

Australia, Sri Lanka and Brazil have suf-fered incredible flooding. Lebanon’s govern-ment collapsed. South Sudan began a ref-erendum for independence. Thousands of animals are suddenly dying en masse all over the world.

It hasn’t exactly been a slow week for news. There are enough real problems in the world, so why does everyone on Facebook and Twit-ter want to fixate on what is literally the least important thing to ever be noticed?

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irrelevant. But with that said, most of the topics discussed in the document aren’t nearly as polarizing as they were in the past, and some are even considered non-issues by the vast majority of Americans.

Few would argue that women shouldn’t be able to vote like men can, and even fewer believe that slavery should be reinstituted.

The success of the United States shook the world so strongly because of how novel the idea was. The founding fathers turned their backs to the prec-edents set by the past, and took a chance on a new style of government, experi-menting with the formula until every-thing worked out.

I for one say that we follow the example they set when they forged this nation, and instead of dwelling on the original intentions of the Constitution, we should experiment with its meaning ourselves until we find what works best for the America of the present.

help us remember the latter. As long as the Constitution is in place, we will continue to function in a general big picture sense. As long as we are willing, we have an ex-ample set out for us from the framers that will help us thrive as a nation.

The Constitution of the United States is relevant, maybe more so today than back when it was formed.

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Picturefrom page 4

Dairy Queen was once the supreme ruler of all frozen dairy products. Whether it was a cone, cup, blizzard, or shake the DQ was the place to be.

That reign did not tremble even as the fro-zen yogurt scene emerged with that famous acronym, TCBY. Sure, it was “The Country’s Best Yogurt,” but what did we know back then?

Everything was calm in the world of deli-cious cold treats, or so it seemed. Without warning, the mighty frozen slab appeared and suddenly everyone wanted their toppings hand mixed by the ice cream ninjas at Marble Slab.

Dairy Queen became an afterthought, however TCBY still held on firmly to the cul-tured bacteria-loving yogurt junkies.

The day of reckoning has arrived. TCBY’s death certificate has been signed as the popu-lace begins to become aware of the two new-est things to hit the streets of Mobile.

Declaring proudly that self-service is the best service, we can now enjoy our yogurt our own way, prepared by our own hands. The culprits are known simply as Cold Snap and the Chill.

“Wait”, you say, “how do I decide which one to indulge in?” Let’s take a look at the stats.

Cold Snap and the Chill are identical con-cepts. Upon entering each establishment, you acquire a vehicle to transport the delicious fro-

zen yogurt around.From there, it is straight to a prison lineup

of machines each containing flavors both ex-otic and traditional.

Getting creative is essential to the experi-ence. You may get as much of and as many of the flavors as you would like, or until your cup is full.

Phase three of the cycle kicks in and things start to get interesting. The toppings section contains everything from candy to breakfast cereal.

Go nuts, literally; there are lots of them. After all is said and done, you should be

holding the Mona Lisa of frozen yogurt treats. It is now time to weigh in.

That’s right, the register is coupled to an electronic scale that slams a 45-cent charge for each ounce of delicious goodness you have. That is the entire process.

To recap: cup it, dispense it, top it, then weigh it. Of course each establishment offers prepackaged tubs for a price, as well as auxil-iary beverages and fancy coffee.

At this point it sounds like these places are identical. But which one reigns supreme? This requires closer examination.

Cold Snap is the proud baby of Anga Bish-op and her daughter Emi Baggett. This mom and daughter team really brings some charm to the shop.

And if you are big into the restaurant scene,

The Vanguard’s own how-to girl lends some advice on keeping your cool until financial aid floods bank accounts in the next few weeks.

14January 17, 2011

Vanguard Staffusavanguard.editor@Gmail.com

www.usavanguard.com/etc

VanguardThe

By Laura Beth CalcoteHOW-TO GIRL

Etc.How to cope until your financial aid arrives

Chilled treats to tease your tastebuds

By Rodney ThompsonARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Colin McGee | Photo Editor

Chill offers numerous frozen yogurt toppings and combinational flavors, along with daily fresh-cut fruit.

After speaking with several students at USA, it is clear to me that most students are anxiously awaiting the deposit of their Fi-nancial Aid refunds into their bank accounts;

many are completely broke until it happens.

If you, too, are strapped for cash until that blessed day in Jan-uary, you might need a few pointers to get you through these final days of being penniless. Some may seem obvi-ous, but you’d be sur-prised at how quickly

some simple steps can be ignored.1. Don’t blast expensive heat in your

apartment. Add on a few extra layers of clothing to keep you warm, and pile on the covers at night.

Wasted electricity will eat up any extra money you will want to have at the end of the month.

2. Don’t drive unless you have to. Gas is currently right at $3 a gallon, so bun-dle up and hit the sidewalk to get to class.

And if you do drive, don’t preheat the car. That is obviously a gas-waster.

3. Eat at home. For twenty dollars, you can have one meal out at a restaurant, or you can buy supplies at the grocery store to make three or four meals at home.

You can get a loaf of bread and jars of peanut butter and jelly, all for about ten dol-lars. From this, you can get about fifteen sandwiches.

By the time you get sick of PB and J, your bank account will be looking healthier.

4. Make coffee at home. One Frap-puccino a day adds up quickly, almost $30 in one week.

Caffeine is necessary for college existence, but do your wallet a favor and mix your java at home for a while.

5. Have friends over for a wine night instead of heading downtown to the bars. One good bar tab can quickly drain your finances; have everyone come to your place for a glass of wine instead.

It wouldn’t kill you to have a good con-versation with your friends for once, instead of yelling over whatever band is playing at the bar.

see SURVIVING | 20

Despite the biting winter weather, locals have been spotted concocting tasty treats at two new frozen yogurt eateries, the Chill and Cold Snap. Should you need help deciding which place to get a sweet fix at first, read on.

The Scarborough and Sharpe families chow down on some after school fro-yot at Cold Snap this past Thursday.

see YOGURT | 22

Colin McGee | Photo Editor

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January 17, 2011

Arts & Entertainment 16January 17, 2011

Rodney Thompson, A&E Editorrodneythompsonjr@hotmail.com

www.usavanguard.com/a-e

VanguardThe

The Vanguard: In your own words, tell us who you are.

Edward Appleby: Hello, I'm Edward Appleby.

V: What are some films that are current-ly in your Netflix Instant Watch Queue?

E: Werner Herzog's "La Soufrière - Waiting for an Inevitable Disaster"; Woody Allen's "Manhattan"; Fritz Lang's "M"

V: Name a couple of books you are cur-rently reading.

E: "Dream Psychology" by Sigmund Freud; "Harmonielehre" by Arnold Schoe-nberg

V: What is your weapon of choice? E: Plowshare. V: Pick three television shows to embody

humans to play Twister with.E: Arrested Development, Community,

Laguna Beach.V: So, the rumors are true? You watch

reality television? E: Yes. V: Describe one exciting thing you have

done with music lately.E: I listened to it, earlier.V: Describe your ideal band vehicle. (i.e.

van, bus, teleportation, riding on the backs of ostriches.)

E: Hot air balloon. Or anything that functions reasonably properly. Or prefer-ably something that isn't an airplane.

V: Name a song that you've been listen-

ing to relentlessly. E: Crispin Glover's cover of "Ben,"

made popular by Michael Jackson.V: Who would you most like to share the

stage with?E: Franz Liszt.V: Tell our readers what to look out for.

(Promote something) E: I'm playing at the Blind Mule on

January 21st (this Friday) with the Under-hill Family Orchestra. It may be my last performance ever. I'm slated to score a film within the somewhat near future.

I'm also currently working on my second EP which consists of two separate song

cycles exploring the ideas of the moon, sink holes, perception of reality, and self-awareness while simultaneously half-working on a multi-movement Christmas epic, tentatively titled "Lo, the Snow in the Chimney Froze."

If you're interested in hearing or purchasing my Self-Titled EP, you can go here: edwardapplebymusic.com.

If you'd like to admit that you have feelings for me, or just want to talk, you can write me here: loveletterstoedwardap-pleby@gmail.com.

Le Boeuf: Philography

My first autograph came from Ed Alon-zo, a name most people don’t recognize. Mr. Alonzo played the diner owner Max in the hit television series Saved by the Bell.

When I met him, he was performing a magic show at the Isle of Capri Casino. I was significantly younger than I am now, but I felt a strong desire to have this man’s signature on a picture of himself.

What is it worth today? Probably noth-ing, or maybe five bucks to someone who really liked that show. It really doesn’t mat-ter how much it is worth

For me it is a tiny piece of hope that I will one day be a part of that world. Not magic, entertainment. I want to be a cre-ative producer.

Thus began my trip into the dangerous world known as philography, or autograph collecting. Autographs do not necessarily have to come from entertainment stars. Presidents, athletes, Nobel prize winners -- all of these people are targets for my fellow philographers.

I am not particularly picky. I will bite at even the tiniest wealth of fame for an autograph.

There are those, however, who stay strictly to certain categories, like maybe only collecting sports autographs. I have a few of those, no big deal. The bulk of my collection comes from comic book writers and illustrators, as well as musicians.

There are essentially two types of collec-tors. Those like me, who do it for the thrill at touching these celestial beings, or those who trade for profit. Collectors in it for their own joy love the adrenaline pumping run to a tour bus after a concert, or push-ing an 11-year-old girl in the mud so you can meet Robert Pattinson first.

We go to events, buy swag and pop the tops off our silver and black sharpies. Goal completed, trophy framed, we then proudly display it for all to see.

If a friend stops by I always make sure to stand near the new piece.

“Oh, what’s this here?” I say in an at-tempt to provoke awe and wonder.

Sounds like a good time for everyone, but then there are those after the gold that ruin the hobby. The dark side of philog-raphy can be just as nasty as the notorious paparazzi.

Ambushing stars with stacks of photos, or magazine covers. "Sign and sell" is the motto and sell they do.

Some come on so strong that they drive the star to flee, leaving the true fans want-ing for the prize they truly deserved.

Autograph value is based on four factors. They are simply: who, what, how, and condition.

The signatory is the most important factor. The more famous a person is, no matter what the reason, the more valuable the signature.

Then it falls on what is signed. Hand-written letters, or personal letters for that

By Rodney ThompsonARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

see PHILOGRAPHY | 20

In Their Own Words: Edward ApplebyThe Vanguard recently sat down with local musician Edward Appleby to discuss his latest musical achievements and aspirations.

The Center for the Living Arts Inc. is a non-profit organization created by the City of Mobile in 2000 to operate the Saenger Theatre. After completing a $6 million dollar restoration of Mobile’s grand playhouse, the CLA’s next focus was on visual arts.

In August of 2003, the Mobile Press Register donated its former building to the non-profit organization.

The building’s rear warehouse has been transformed into Space 301, an 8,000-sq/ft showcase for contemporary art located at 301 Conti St.

Space 301 is only Phase 1 of a larger plan to introduce new art-based attrac-tions to enrich the greater Mobile area and bring more prominence to our “Aza-lea City.”

The location in Cathedral Square al-lows Space 301 to be a central part of the

many art walks and craft events held in the adjacent park.

Admission to Space 301’s gallery is free. Currently “3+3: A Clay Survey” is on display Jan. 14-March 6, 2011.

This exhibit curated by Tony Wright features work by three Alabama Clay Conference presenters who have estab-lished a reputation for ceramic art. The exhibit will also feature three emerging artists selected from Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida based upon their promising skills.

Space 301 also offers short sequence non-credit studio art classes to help begin-ners learn how to create art.

These classes involve a wide variety of skills including quilting, jewelry making, Japanese calligraphy, Coptic book making, glass weaving, and yoga.

Space 301’s seasonal online brochure contains prices and dates of classes.

Social events such as “Sippin’ at the Space” occur every Thursday at 5 p.m.,

offering specialty drinks and appetizers along with music and entertainment in Space 301’s third floor terrace overlook-ing downtown Mobile.

The entire facility is available for event rentals such as weddings, receptions, per-formances, and business meetings.

The CLA offers Mobilians yearly memberships that fund Mobile area art programs.

A student membership is only $15/year and includes reduced rates on Space 301 studio classes, annual membership party, and listing on the Arcade Donor Board.

For more information on becoming a CLA member, call 251-208-5600 or visit www.centerforthelivingarts.com.

For more information on Space 301’s events, classes, and exhibits, visit www.Space301.com or call 251-208-5671.

Discover Mobile: Space 301By Timothy Borland

STAFF WRITER

Simon Reinert | Staff PhotographerThough he may act a bit shy in front of the camera, Mobile musician Edward Appleby will steal your heart on stage with his warm, nostalgic tunes.

By Vanguard StaffSTAFF

17VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

18January 17, 2011

Matt Weaver, Sports Editorjmatthewweaver@aol.com

www.usavanguard.com/sports

VanguardTheSports

Webster’s dictionary defines domination as supremacy or pre-eminence over another or the exercise of mas-tery or ruling power.

For the past five years in NCAA College Foot-ball, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has dominated the com-petition with a perfect record in BCS National Championship games.

The SEC is now 7-0 in BCS champion-ship games and has more championships in the BCS era than all the other confer-ences combined.

The BCS is a selection system that cre-ates five games involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division-1 Football Bowl Subdivision, including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the National Championship Game.

The BCS relies on a combination of polls and computer selection methods to determine relative team rankings, and to narrow the field to two teams to play in the BCS Championship.

It all began with the Tennessee Volun-teers in 1998. Then flash-forward to 2003 where the LSU Tigers won the champion-ship. In 2006, the Florida Gators began the streak of five consecutive national championships.

LSU won in 2007, followed by Florida, Alabama and now Auburn. The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2009 championship ar-guably gave them a decided 13 National Championships, the most in college foot-ball.

This season, the Auburn Tigers won their second NCAA championship in school history. Auburn and Alabama be-came just the second pair of schools from the same state to win consecutive national titles. Texas Christian and Texas A&M ac-complished the feat in 1938 and ‘39.

Both Alabama schools also produced consecutive Heisman trophy winners over their championship span as well.

So what is it that makes the SEC the most dominant conference in the NCAA?

Is it the size, the physical strength, the speed, the tempo, or the violent defenses?

All of these factors make southern schools championship caliber. The SEC also stands atop the recruiting class rank-ings, which gives them remarkably better talent.

The conference has produced many of the NFL stars of yesterday and today. That includes both top players and their coach-es. And the SEC undoubtedly has some of the better coaches in the game today.

The SEC has had seven teams play for

Southeastern Conference Dominating BCS Games

see DOMINATE I 19

“These ain’t your Daddy’s Saints” is the rallying cry Saints fans started saying in 2006 after Sean Payton and Drew Brees di-rected the New Orleans Saints to their first ever NFC Championship game.

The phrase started when the Saints placed their palm over the heart of New Orleans and resuscitated it back to life.

This season, Drew Brees, Pierre Thomas, Jimmy Graham, Garrett Hartley, and any Gregg Williams-coached defensive player reminded everyone just why Two Dat was and still is alive and well.

The Saints finished the season with an 11-5 record, 2nd best in the conference, and a playoff birth for the second consecu-tive year, a feat only one other New Orleans Saints team has accomplished.

These ain’t your Daddy’s Saints.Sean Payton is a remarkable head coach

and has made sure each season that expec-tations are being met. The Saints accom-plished many things in 2010, including placing three players in the Pro Bowl and sending two others as alternates.

One of the many bright spots in 2010 was rookie tight end Jimmy Graham, who had 31 catches for 356 yards and five touch-downs, which led all rookie tight ends in the

Jaguars Off to Worst Start Since 1998-1999 Season

Despite Loss, Saints Have Bright Future

see SAINTS I 21

greenascot.comNew Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory dives over the line of scrimmage for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Louisiana Superdome on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010.

It’s been one long winter for supporters of South Alabama men’s basketball. At 7-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play, the Jag-uars are a far cry from the team predicted to finish third in the competitive Sun Belt.

Instead, the conference has been mired in mediocrity. Usual Sun Belt headliners, USA and Western Kentucky (5-11, 0-4 SBC) are a combined 12-20 on the season and are typi-cally found playing down to the level of their competition.

Going into Saturday night’s home contest against Louisiana-Monroe, the Jags were a combined 8-3 all-time versus the Warhawks. Additionally, Monroe was winless in-confer-ence play before besting USA on their own home court, 69-67.

“We’re just not guarding,” South Alabama head coach Ronnie Arrow said after the loss. “We’re just standing around on defense and giving them as much space as they want.

“It’s something we work on every day in practice, and we have to guard with a little more intensity.”

More alarming is that South Alabama lost at home despite scoring 65 points. They shot more than 54 percent from the floor and are now 0-6 in games in which they shoot at least 50 percent.

The Jags’ recent struggles have many calling for Arrow’s job, hoping a mid-season turnaround will change fortunes before

March’s Sun Belt Tournament Champion-ship.

The mood is similar to Bowling Green where Western Kentucky head coach Ken McDonald is facing similar scrutiny. Both programs are off to their worst start in a de-cade and could see changes if improvements are not met.

South Alabama Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann is visibly frustrated and has been telling supporters that he has always graded the program on several factors including records.

While a change is difficult for any basket-ball program, South Alabama would be in a more difficult position to do so.

In the summer of 2008, the University signed Arrow to two-year contract extension running through 2013. A messy divorce and buyout may not be in South Alabama’s best interests. Arrow is hoping to last through January, giving his team time to meld and get healthy. According to Arrow, highly touted junior Antione Lundy will be cleared to return on Feb. 1.

This addition should clear Gary Redus to move back outside as playing in has hurt his performance. At the minimum, an extra bench spot never hurts.

“Eleven wins are taking the Sun Belt this year,” Arrow said. “We’ve dug ourself an early hole that we have to get out of.”

Winning the Sun Belt Tournament would guarantee an NCAA Tournament berth, regardless of wins. It’s an outside shot but it’s the best USA can hope for.

South Alabama men's basketball head coach Ronnie Arrow talks to the team.

Colin McGee | Photo Editor

Cold Winter for USA Basketball

By Jake WasdinSPORTS REPORTER

By Matt WeaverSPORTS EDITOR

By Josh YorkSPORTS COLUMNIST

the BCS National Championship and all seven have walked away victorious.

Whatever the SEC decides to do, it does well. But is it more a matter of foot-ball culture in the south?

The people in the south see football as more than just a sport. They see it as a passion and religion. Unlike religions, the SEC also claims some of the loudest and roudiest fans in the world.

There are several reasons why the SEC is always on top of the polls, but it’s actu-ally really easy to pinpoint just one. The reason lies within the individual players.

The strength of an SEC football player lies in his versatility. When play-ers are brought into a new system, many are asked to change positions and several excel there. This shows that a tenacity to learn the playbook quickly and adapt into a new system.

Not that role players are even asked to do much in regards to being fancy or elaborate. Most SEC players use pure athleticism and physicality to reach the top.

There’s no red or blue fields and there’s no tearing down the goal post. It’s pure tradition and athleticism.

And that’s the top reason the SEC rules the world.

SPORTS 19VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

Two seconds on the clock, the snap, the kick … the kick is good! Auburn Univer-sity wins the 2011 BCS National Champi-onship Game.

For weeks “Roll Duck Roll,” “War Cam Eagle,” or “In January, its duck season,” were the words heard before the National Championship Game was played in Glen-dale, Ariz.

On Monday, Jan. 10, it would be decid-ed who the 2011 BCS National Champi-ons would be; in either the Oregon Ducks or Auburn Tigers.

Auburn, being the heavy favorites, looked to seek their first national champi-onship since 1957 and give the Southeast-ern Conference another national title to make it five straight.

Meanwhile, Oregon looked to win its first championship in school history. Both programs entered the game undefeated and won their conference championships.

The two schools even traded the top spot on the BCS polls several times before the season concluded.

Auburn looked to power their way to the championship with a hard-nosed de-fense, a determined offensive line, and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton.

Oregon looked to win on the speed of running back LaMichael James and the rest of Oregon’s clever playbook.

With a high octane offense like the Ducks and a versatile player like Cam Newton for Auburn, the game appeared destined to become a shootout, and it would eventually come down to who had the ball last. One of these two predictions would prove accurate.

The game started slow on the offensive pace as Oregon scored first with a field

goal in the second quarter. Auburn quick-ly retaliated with a touchdown of their own from Newton who threw a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Kodi Burns.

James later hauled in an Oregon 6-yard pass that went for a touchdown to recap-ture the lead 11-7 after the Ducks capital-ized on a daring two-point conversion.

After Auburn turned the ball over in the red zone, Oregon regained the ball only to surrender a safety as the line was backed into the end zone. Auburn chipped away at the 11-9 deficit with just a couple minutes left in the first half.

Auburn would take the lead just before halftime with another touchdown pass from Newton to Emory Blake who took the ball 30 yards for the score.

Thus Auburn took a 16-11 lead into halftime. Oregon looked to regroup at the break and find an answer for Nick Fairley and the rest of Auburn’s stout defense.

In the second half, Auburn tacked on another field goal from Wes Byrum, Au-burn’s all-time leading kicker.

Auburn looked to run away with the title after neither team could capitalize, but a Auburn miscue sparked the Duck’s offense when the Tigers fumbled on the 40-yard line.

Oregon scored on a two-yard pass to James who scurried his way into the end zone. Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, best known as a gambling football coach, called for another two-point conversion, which was successful.

With 2:33 left in the game, Cam New-ton and the Auburn offense took the field. The Tigers drove 73 yards on the final drive after two huge runs from true fresh-man Michael Dyer.

On the one yard line, Auburn bled out the clock until it reached two seconds when Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik quickly called a time out.

Wes Byrum nailed a 19-yard field goal as time expired and sealed Auburn Uni-versity’s second National Championship in school history.

Michael Dyer claimed the Offensive Player of the Game, while Nick Fairley won Defensive Player of the Game.

The SEC claimed its fifth consecutive national championship while the state of Alabama became the second state to have two different teams win the national championship in back to back seasons. The first was Texas Christian and Texas A&M in 1938 and 1939.

Championship Stars Set to Play in Mobile at 63rd Annual Senior Bowl

Left tackle Lee Ziemba and middle linebacker Josh Bynes have been selected to represent Auburn in the 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl.

Ziemba started all 51 games since arriv-ing at Auburn, setting school records for both total starts and consecutive starts.

Bynes, who has played in every game of the last two seasons, has 231 career tackles, including 10 against Alabama in November’s Iron Bowl.

Oregon has not accepted any invita-tions as of press time.

The Senior Bowl has an all-star game format featuring players from the 2010 college football season and prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft.

The game is scheduled for Jan. 29 and will be played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.

The coaching staff of the Cincinnati Bengals, led by head coach Marvin Lewis, will coach the North team. The coach-ing staff of the Buffalo Bills, led by head coach Chan Gailey, will coach the South team.

Dominatefrom page 18

BCS Championship

22 19

Auburn Wins BCS on Field GoalSoutheastern Conference Wins Fifth Consecutive Championship

Shelter’s Double-Double Leads Lady Jags to Second-Straight SBC Win

Behind a season-high 22 points and 11 re-bounds from Christian Shelter, the Univer-sity of South Alabama women’s basketball team picked up its second-straight Sun Belt Conference victory with a 78-54 win over Louisiana-Monroe on Jan. 15 at the Mitch-ell Center. The 11 rebounds by Shelter were also one shy of tying a career-best for the senior forward.

“In practice and at shootaround today, we talked about the fact that the team we were about to face plays incredibly hard and physical and our team responded really well,” South Alabama head coach Rick Pi-etri said.

“From a rebounding standpoint, Louisi-ana-Monroe is one of the best rebounding teams in the league. We did a great job on the glass holding them to seven offensive re-bounds.

I’m really proud and grateful for the effort that our team gave defensively, particularly on the glass.”

Assistant Football Coach Resigns from South Alabama

University of South Alabama head foot-ball coach Joey Jones announced on Jan. 15 that assistant coach Mitch Rodrigue has re-signed from the Jaguars’ staff in order to take a similar position at Louisiana-Lafayette.

“Mitch brought a wealth of experience on the offensive line, and his work with our tight ends really helped us with what I call the box,” stated Jones. “He did a good job with pass protections, and he also brought a lot of recruiting experience to us in the south Mississippi area as well as parts of Louisi-ana. Mitch fit in with our staff real well.”

-Wire Reports

Sports Briefs

By Jake WasdinSPORTS REPORTER

NEWS20 VanguardThe

January 17, 2011

Send Letters to the Editor to USAVanguard.Editor@Gmail.com.

It was with great wailing gnashing of teeth I acquiesced to the new mandatory meal plans this year. After all, I spent less than a third of the cost of the cheapest ($700) meal plan on groceries the previous semester, and I knew the food in the cafeteria was less than appetizing. But the university administration was saying we “needed” a new dining facility to be a Real University (which is very, very important) and us housing students were needed to subsidize it. Well, with a new din-ing hall opening at the beginning of the se-mester, how bad could it be? And besides, it seemed like a lot of trouble to move out of the dorms, and I was getting financial aid for the first time, so the cost would be somewhat manageable.

Naturally, I was somewhat disappointed to find that the new dining hall was delayed – but not to worry, it would be open soon, October at the latest! The Fresh Food Com-pany would take care of everything, and was going to refresh and improve their current operations.

Well, what a surprise. The food is still bad; tolerable at best. And remember how one of the reasons for making meal plans manda-tory was so that us unhealthy, obese students would eat delicious health food? It seems to me that the majority of the Fresh Food Com-pany fare is about as far from healthy as it is

possible to get – unless you eat a salad and a wrap every single day. People who didn’t eat well before certainly aren’t going to eat well now, presented with the same types of junk food they were already eating - hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, cookies, etc. I’m not saying I ate like a health nut before the meal plan, but back then I didn’t have junk food tempt-ing me every day. Because I didn’t buy it, it wasn’t there to eat when I was hungry.

The food itself isn’t the only problem. Al-though the employees at the dining hall are for the most part friendly and courteous, it seems they were not trained by the manage-ment to have a sense of priorities. If you see something empty, don’t expect it to be filled anytime soon unless you ask – and even then, you might have to wait half an hour for them to get around to it. In my food service experi-ence, leaving some item empty for more than five minutes , let alone the better part of an hour, would have been grounds for a serious reprimand, at the very least.

Still, I thought, maybe all these problems would be rectified by the glorious new dining hall, now awaiting us in January. I’d rather not feel like an idiot for wasting my money.

That was, until - just as I was about to head about for my usual late lunch/early dinner at 4PM on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving – I got an email from USA Dining Services that

the Fresh Food Company had closed at 2:30 PM. Now, given I was staying until Wednes-day, that irritated me just a bit. I’m sure that probably irritated students who don’t cel-ebrate Thanksgiving even more. Granted, I can understand being closed Thanksgiv-ing. But Tuesday evening, Wednesday, and Friday? With no announcement other than a late email? It’s pretty obvious Dining Ser-vices and/or the Fresh Food Company don’t really care. And why should they? They’re basically holding us hostage. They have our money, so we’re highly incentivized to eat there. I don’t know who it is, but someone is getting quite a lot of money out of South Alabama students.

And then I thought to myself – what are the chances of the university’s attitude to-wards all this changing when the new dining hall opens? I’m betting on nil.

I don’t have anything against a dining hall, or the Fresh Food Company. If students want to spend their money there, they should be free to. If it’s the great thing the university is touting it as, I would expect them to. If they want to spend their money elsewhere, they should have that choice too.

-Jonathan

Letter to the Editor 6. Revive old school supplies un-til you are more financially able to make a Staples trip. One pen and some paper can get you through your first week of school.

Plus, this way you won’t end up buy-ing a bunch of stuff that you don’t even need. Wait until after your first week of classes to get an accurate picture of what you actually need to buy.

You’ve only got about a week left until that lovely refund will be in your account, so hang in there. Ramen noodles aren’t so bad if it’s only temporary, and last se-mester’s notebook and pen will be fine until you’re able to buy more.

Also, do yourself a favor now and come up with a budget; you don’t want to be hurting for money again two months from now. Be realistic, and make sure you put a little money aside for a rainy day, or, as the weather seems to be going around here, a snow day.

Survivingfrom page 14

matter, are usually the most valuable. These provide the greatest amount of connection with the signatory. It is docu-mentation of their thoughts.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be a let-ter to be valuable. Sports memorabilia, movie props, scripts, books, and photos all still have significant value when auto-graphed.

Yet, none are as valuable as the per-sonal letter. Almost as equally important as the item being signed, is the method of signing.

Amateur philographers will think pen-cil is an acceptable mode. Pencil marks are not permanent, and will eventually fade with time. Pens make great tools in the field, however even pens have their downfalls.

There is nothing worse then standing in front of Nicholas Cage with a stub-born pen. True professionals rely on the sharpie. They are the permanent of permanent markers.

A sharpie will write on anything, dry permanent and not smear or wear off as quickly as a pen or pencil. If the philog-rapher is a master then he will carry both a black and silver sharpie.

One writes well on dark objects, and the other writers well on light objects. And finally, it is important to maintain the condition of your autographed item.

People want crisp photos with no creases or folds. They won’t buy or trade for a badly worn autograph, unless of course the object suffers from sheer physical aging.

Such as a period dated piece.Philography overall is a shameful

hobby. Begging for someone to sign a picture of themselves seems a bit insane in reality.

For those of us addicted to meeting the superior and famous, it is a necessary high that drives our actions. It will make us endure cold, rain and long lines.

We find the strength to stand for hours on end and we accept that showing up does not guarantee a prize.

Philographyfrom page 16

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NFC.After Saints Training Camp, Payton slipped

that Graham may end up being the steal of the 2010 NFL Draft. When making a comment like that, you have to back it up by placing trust in that player. And when veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey went down with a rib injury, Payton did not hesitate to call upon Graham to take his place.

With an impending lockout on the horizon, Graham just might fi nd himself the starter on the 2011 team. Shockey’s price tag is so much higher, and his production is much lower.

Management teams like the one that Mick-ey Loomis has created didn’t exist when your daddy’s Saints were playing, but they do now. And with players like Graham continuing to prove themselves diamonds in the rough, this management team just keeps getting better and better.

Drew Brees’ name continues to be thrown into the conversation about the best quarter-backs in the league, and possibly the best ever. Brees threw for over 4,600 yards, the fi fth con-secutive season that he has surpassed the 4,000 yard mark. He also threw 33 touchdowns, the second highest in the NFL.

Brees fi nished the season on another stellar note, as he occupied a spot in the top fi ve of completions, completion percentage, touch-downs, yards and attempts. The Purdue grad-uate threw for more than 400 completions this season, which only a handful of quarterbacks have ever done.

The difference is that Brees has done it three times. No other player has done it more than once. Chris Ivory also made a name for him-self this year, as one of only a few rookies to be

selected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Ivory was second in the NFL among rookie running backs with 716 yards and fi ve touchdowns.

Marques Colston quietly had another great year surpassing the 1,000 yard mark for the fourth time in fi ve seasons.

With numbers like this, it gets real easy to see why everyone is saying these aren’t your daddy’s Saints. The quick exit from the play-offs (a 41-36 loss at Seattle) left the Who Dat Nation not only perplexed at how Sean Payton could be outcoached but how last year’s Super Bowl-winning team could be so outplayed.

This team was just tired. And not tired of losing like your daddy’s Saints. But rather, tired from winning.

Distractions, television commercials, count-less interviews, and a plethora of forces pull-ing the players in several directions essentially amounted to a tired team showing up in the fi nal two games of the season.

This is why it’s so diffi cult to repeat and why only four teams in 44 years have ever done so. The Saints were just tired.

It showed in the Tampa game, and it showed in the Seattle game. Normally, your daddy’s Saints fans would be grateful for even being mentioned in the playoffs, but not the mod-ern Who Dat. This nation is thirsty for more - they’re thirsty for the 2011 season.

The NFL fi nally takes the Saints seriously, and it should considering the Super Bowl rings that legitimize them amongst the greats.

And though it has always been customary to just be appreciative of the accomplishments made by our New Orleans Saints, this is a dif-ferent team in a different era, with different ex-pectations from a different Who Dat Nation.

So Who Dat? Who Dat? Who Dat say they’re your daddy’s Saints? No one.

Saintsfrom page 18

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January 17, 2011

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Jag Life A Comic by Ben Lewis

then you are aware that Anga’s husband Gene Bishop owns Baumhower’s Wings.

Let’s take a closer look at what Cold Snap is really offering, though. Inside there are eight machines, each with two unique flavors, and then an additional lever that mixes those two flavors.

The toppings section boasts more than 60 options. The seating unfortunately is a bit lim-ited, with an indoor capacity of 19.

Located on McGregor Avenue right before the Airport Boulevard intersection, the parking lot is a nightmare to enter and exit.

This really doesn’t discount from the experi-ence. They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon-

day through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Satur-day, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

So, there you have it. Cold Snap in a nut-shell. Now it’s time to look at the competition.

Everything Cold Snap does, owner Bo Loyd of the Chill does just a bit bigger.

With 24 individual yogurt flavors, as op-posed to the 16 unique flavors of Cold Snap, this of course discounts Cold Snap’s mixed flavors as not being unique. The toppings are essentially the same, so there’s not too much to say about that.

Seating capacity is a huge factor here, with the Chill taking the cake at 75 indoor capac-ity. Not to mention also that the location is sig-nificantly easier to handle at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road.

Hours of operation are Monday through

Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

So, which one is better? I would say that they are pretty evenly matched.

Each will draw their respective areas to the new vibe of self-service yogurt. If you are hav-ing a birthday party, then Chill wins by sheer capacity.

However, I would never drive past one to get to the other. Both are locally owned and oper-ated, with friendly and cheerful staff, at nearly identical hours of operation.

Most importantly, both serve delicious fro-zen yogurt. If you are like me and support local business, then I would suggest making a point to visit both as often as possible.

Places like these are important to both our economy and our bellies.

Yogurtfrom page 14

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