Issue 14 - Spring Hill College
Transcription
Issue 14 - Spring Hill College
Rock ‘n’ Roll all night long! Ballin’ Badgers! Louisville-based band Velcro Pygmieswill be playing at Soul Kitchen all weekend long. Details on page 11. SHC dishes up a win against Dillard this past Saturday, extending the conference winning streak to six games. SpringHillian Details on page 16. The Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Volume 88, Number 14 Mobile’s First Collegiate Newspaper Thursday, February 19, 2009 SHC Treasures: The future of advertising could use text messaging Stan Galle Field truly is a field of dreams Stan Galle Field has hosted baseball games since 1889 and has been played on by many baseball greats. Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts are all on the forefront of using text messaging to convey promotions in advertisements. ADAM PFAFF Advertising Manager Since the economy’s downturn in late 2008, company heads have started to reevaluate their budgets across the board. Some of these affected companies have decided to begin layoffs while others have changed their production strategies. The largest area of company spending that seems to have been affected, however, is advertising. The downshift among many companies’ incomes have spawned new attitudes towards advertising and where ad money is going, so it is no surprise that certain companies have decided to try an all new frontier for advertising: mobile media. Two companies in general, Google and America Online, have recently added mobile See Promotions page 2. Photo by Maria Walser SHC has a new Mardi Gras King and Queen! S eniors Kiernan Ambrose and Luisa Gomez were crowned Mardi Gras King and Queen this past Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at the CPB-sponsored event. Students rocked out to the sounds of Kung Pow from Nashville, Tenn. SHC students win big at the ADDYs SHC students Jacqueline Cherigo, Veronica Morton and Doug Bruce take home awards from the American Advertising Federation. ELIZABETH FARREN News Editor On Saturday, Feb. 7, three Spring Hill College students were awarded for their artistic abilities at the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) ADDY Awards, which were held at the historic Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile. According to the ADDY Web site, the awards are “the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting over 50,000 entries every year in local ADDY competitions. The mission of the ADDY competition is to recognize and reward creative excellence in the art of advertising. Conducted annually by AAF, the local ADDY Awards are the first of a threetier, national competition. Concurrently, all across the country, local entrants vie for recognition as the very best in their markets. At the second tier, local winners compete against other winners in one of 14 district competitions. District winners See Advertising page 3. DEVIN GOLDEN Sports Reporter One of Spring Hill College’s oldest treasures on campus is not academic related nor does it involve even the opening of a book. This treasure involves the crack of aluminum against a baseball and the pop of a glove, where the Spring Hill College baseball field has stood since the 1800s. The baseball field, named Stan Galle Field after the man Stan Galle coached at Spring Hill for 26 years, is the oldest continually used college baseball field in the nation, and it has one of the richest histories with tales of former baseball greats playing pickup games. The most famous tale is of Babe Ruth taking a trip to the College and hitting a home run in the field, adding to its lore, but there are other views of the story that say otherwise. See Baseball page 2. News 2 THE SPRINGHILLIAN Thursday, February 19, 2009 Promotions target consumers via text messaging Continued from page 1. media outputs to their already staggering territory. In 2007, AOL purchased the mobile media company Third Screen Media that specializes in everything from mobile web browsers to actual text message advertising, two new ideas that would have been deemed rather unimportant over a year ago. Google has also recently acquired a mobile media outlet, dMarc, letting the company focus their attention toward the growing epidemic of mobile based media such as radio stations and even your integrated GPS navigation systems. One of the first ideas concerning mobile based advertising came about in 2006 when Google CEO Eric Schmidt realized that he was tired of hearing ads on his radio that seemed inapplicable to his daily routine. Schmidt gave the example at a 2006 press conference that, “While driving past a clothing store, I wish my radio would remind me to stop in and purchase the pair of pants that I need.” He believed that the frontier for advertising, within two years, would start to adopt his beliefs on what ads should consist of. It seems as if the overexposure of certain advertisements, especially on radio and television, seem to be advertising to populations that are, in all entirety, not present. In Mobile, during a 60-minute television segment, it is possible to be shown advertisements for companies such as Dave and Busters, Macy’s and Red Robin. According to Dave and Busters’ Web site, their closest location to the Gulf Coast area is in Marietta, Ga. This location, according to MapQuest’s Web site, is more than 300 miles away. To many advertisers, and audiences, the need to advertise to possible clientele does not necessarily include screening ads in areas that would not spawn any revenue. This fact is exactly what dMarc is planning on changing. With all of the capabilities that Google has within their grasp, they are looking to create a radio channel that would be dedicated to bringing local advertisements to listeners, thus supplying advertisers with a more localized audience. Radio stations, however, are only the beginning of this new advertising territory. Companies like Third Screen Media are looking to become even more personal with customers, letting them hold ads right in the palm of their hands. The trend of mobile media devices, such as iPods, iPhones, Blackberrys and the plethora of “3G capable” smartphones on the market have opened up new possibilities for advertisers. Now, a person does not have to be sitting in front of their computer or listening to the radio just to receive their daily dose of media. Companies such as The New York Times, ESPN, USA Today and even Verizon Wireless dove headfirst into the frontier of mobile media networks. These companies already have ads streaming across the heads of multiple mobile internet browsers and are even looking towards the next step. Dallas based company Pizza Hut is possibly the most “mobile friendly” company to date. The pizza chain has been allowing customers to order through personal Internet connections for over two years, and now, customers have even more choices. Certain Pizza Hut locations have now started to allow customers to place orders through their mobile web browsers as well as through text messages. Text messages seem to be the future for advertisers. With companies such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts already completing successful text message campaigns, it seems like the obvious outlet for more companies. The fact that a local business can send you a text message offering special discount codes or informing their patrons about the day’s specials is an ability that is unparalleled when it comes to trying to reach the source of one’s clientele. There is no other medium that is more personal or more immediate that a text massage sent to someone’s personal media device, and for companies like McDonalds and Pizza Hut, the core consumer is where they want messages to go. The positive aspects of text message advertisements and promotions are that they are immediate and fairly inexpensive overall. With ads for a 30-second slot during the Super Bowl coming in at around $3 million, a 10-cent text message to a couple hundred people in a given area seems all too reasonable. The problem with said advertisements, however, is the fact that these companies get the phone numbers from databases containing lists of subscribers, being only the people that are willing to receive these spontaneous messages. These databases are also mainly compiled of European subscribers since text message ads are already very popular in European countries. Over the coming months, other companies are going to be adopting this new strategy of more personal advertising campaigns, looking to make better investments on the behalf of their ad budgets. So be on lookout for better ads over the radio waves, more ads on the top of your mobile web browser and special offers right in the palm of your hand. Baseball legends visit Stan Galle Field Continued from page 1. Charles J. Boyle wrote the book Gleanings – from the Spring Hill College Archives and offered an account of the story that would say Babe Ruth in fact did not play at Stan Galle Field. In short, he states that Ruth played in what is now the parking lot behind the East Wing of the Administration Building and actually hit a home run into what is now the baseball field. Regardless of the right account, the field has been a continual campus monument, and when head baseball coach Frank Sims hears a mention of the possibility of tearing the field down, he offers the distinction of making the field a landmark. “It is the jewel of the campus,” said Sims. “When someone tours the campus, the field is right there with the church and chapel for the grandeur and lore.” The field was first used for intercollegiate games in 1889, and has the unique distinction of being built directly next to the Administration Building. Another of the unique natures of the treasure is the closeness of the fans to the field. There are no bleachers running along the right field line, and only one set of bleachers along the left field line, so fans must find seating along the pathway. Fans are even allowed to find seating atop the home dugout. Coach Sims commented that opposing players always remember playing at Spring Hill because of the field and the close proximity of the fans to the actual game. “A lot of coaches say this is their favorite place to play,” said Sims. “The place oozes with character. I don’t know how else to say it.” Coach Sims said that sometimes after practice or a game, he is the last one off the field, and there’s a sunset handing over the outfield fence to the west, casting a certain shadow over the historic treasure of Spring Hill. “It’s a warm and wonderful feeling. I can’t even begin to explain it,” said Sims. News Day & Date Thursday, February 19, 2009 THE SPRINGHILLIAN 3 This Week at Spring Hill College... Event Time Location Contact Person 5 p.m. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Outlaw Recreation Eichold Gallery Outlaw Rec St. Joseph Chapel www.shcbadgers.com Wanda Sullivan, [email protected] www.shcbadgers.com Campus Ministry Office 380-3495 Colten Brio, [email protected] Admissions: Senior Visit Day Baseball vs. Mobile 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Gautrelet Room Stan Galle Field Brandi Lyndall, [email protected] www.shcbadgers.com Saturday, February 21, 2009 SGA Senatorial Electional Filling Period Begins Baseball vs. Mobile Ladies Basketball vs. LSU - S Men’s Basketball vs. LSU - S Unspecified 1 p.m. TBA 7:00 p.m. Unspecified Stan Galle Field Outlaw Recreation Outlaw Recreation Colten Brio, [email protected] www.shcbadgers.com www.shcbadgers.com www.shcbadgers.com Sunday, February 22, 2009 Ministry: Community Mass 11 a.m. St. Joseph Chapel Campus Ministry Office 380-3495 Wednesday, Ministry: Ash Wednesday Mass Ministry: Ash Wednesday Mass 12:15 p.m. 9:00 p.m. St. Joseph Chapel St. Joseph Chapel Campus Ministry Office 380-3495 Campus Ministry Office 380-3495 Thursday, February 19, 2009 Ladies Basketball vs. Tougaloo Steve Strickland Art Reception Men’s Basketball vs. Tougaloo Ministry: Praise and Worship Campaigning for SGA Elections begins Friday, February 20, 2009 February 25, 2009 SPecial Notices: Mardi Gras Break is Monday, Feb. 23 through Wednesday, Feb. 25. Classes resume on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8:15 a.m. Advertising organization honors SHC students at ADDYs Continued from page 1. are then forwarded to the thirdtier, the national ADDY Awards competition.” The Bay Area Advertising hosted the event. Jacqueline Cherigo, a junior from Robertsdale, Ala., won for her work titled “Jacqueline Cherigo Personal Logo.” She was awarded the Student Silver ADDY award. When asked about her work, Cherigo says “My logo was my last assignment for Graphic Design I, and I was supposed to make a personal logo that fit in a square boundary using my initials. I was playing around with the composition one night for a few hours until I had a breakthrough. It’s one of those ‘aha!’ moments like Janden says. It just clicked and I was happy with it. Janden’s reaction was my favorite because she just loved it. She’s the one who talked me into entering it for the ADDYs. I did, and I won which is awesome. I was honored to be recognized among others for my creativity and design.” Veronica Morton, senior communication arts major from Mobile, Ala., won a Student Silver ADDY for her work on “Funky,” a poster displaying color contrasts. When asked about her piece “Funky,” Morton said, “My inspiration for my piece Funky was to combine different color combinations that complimented one another and also contrasted with one another. I chose colors that I liked and thought reflected my personality and name while staying within the assignment. I really enjoyed seeing all the bright and dull colors.” Morton continued by telling her experience of entering the competition. “When I entered the ADDY awards I was not expecting to win. I only entered to gain some exposure and to see what would happen. When Janden Richards, my instructor, told me I was one of the winners I thought she was joking with me but when she assured me that she was serious I was awed and flattered. Winning an ADDY and being recognized by a group of professionals assured me of my skills as an artist. It made me want to strive to be better in the career of Graphic Design.” Doug Bruce, a junior electronic media from Milwaukee, Wis., and founder of Doug Bruce Productions, came home with two awards. He won a gold student ADDY for his production of the “BRENN Band EP Release Video.” When asked about his experience with the ADDYs and his video, Bruce said, “The ADDYs provide an incredible opportunity for students to not only display and critique their work, but to see the work of other students and professionals. For those who volunteer as assistants to those who work as judges, the commentary they hear is invaluable.” He explained the production of his video: “I submitted work that involved the use of graphics, sound and video. The piece won a Student Gold ADDY and the ‘student best of show’ award. It was submitted in Interactive marketing - online advertising category. I produced a promotional video in Nashville for a band named BRENN to advertise their newest EP on websites. It was shot in HD, with four cameras, including a jib crane. This kind of production is much different than any other type of graphic production, but at the same time, all types of work that are successful in advertising require a lot of care and thought, and sometimes even revisions to make them successful.” 1/ 2 wi Off th D th epo is Ad sit Dauphine apartments The Convenience of an Apartment The Comforts of Home Our 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes are convenient to schools, dining, & hospitals Special Bring in this Ad & receive a monthly student special. 2500 Dauphinwood Dr. Mobile, AL 36606 251.479.0125 4 THE SPRINGHILLIAN Thursday, February 19, 2009 News Revised stimulus plan passed by Congress Questions answered for students about the stimulus plan and the changes. ELIZABETH FARREN News Editor On Feb. 17, Congress passed a revised stimulus bill placing new restrictions on top executives at many United States corporations. Many corporate executives are giving an annual bonus based on their performance for the previous year. The original stimulus plan came into effect with five main goals. The first goal is to create, promote and preserve jobs. The second goal is to help those who are most affected by the recession. The third goal is for the government to invest in sciences and technologies that will boost the economy. The fourth goal of the stimulus plan is for the government to invest in transportation, environmental protection and other infrastructure with long-term economic benefits. The fifth goal of the stimulus plan is to stabilize the local and state government budgets. All of the five main goals have a long-term economic goal in mind. So then the question arises: “How does this plan help the consumer?” The first change begins with income taxes for 2009. The tax credit is as high as $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples that are filing joint tax returns. However, not all individuals or couples are eligible for a tax credit. Persons who make more than $75,000 and couples who make more than $150,000 will not have an opportunity at a tax credit. Employers have the option of having your tax credit slowly added for new car owners. With maximum and minimum into your account through the the purchase of a new amounts for students will be course of a year. car, recreational vehicle, adjusted. Each student will The second change is motorcycle or lightweight be affected differently. The to unemployment. The plan truck the consumer purchasing next change is for higher allows for more people to be the vehicle would not have to education students. This eligible for unemployment. pay sales tax. The vehicle to credit is for lower income Those already students who are receiving benefits paying their way will no longer have through college: in to pay taxes on the order to participate, first $2,400 they the student must receive pay at least $4,000 The third dollars in education change is to health tuition and fees to insurance, which is receive the whole almost directly in line $2,500 in benefits. with unemployment. In addition to The government is higher education now setting it up so rules changing, that they will cover so are 529 plans. 65 percent of the Previous to this premium if a recently stimulus plan fired consumer only room, board, chooses COBRA books and tuition following the loss of were covered; their job. According now, computers to the United States and computer Department of technology are all Labor, COBRA covered. (Consolidated For first-time Omnibus Budget homebuyers, there Reconciliation Act) are brand new is to “provide certain benefits, besides former employees, having a place that retirees, spouses, is all your own. former spouses and If the home is dependent children purchased between the right to temporary Photos/graphics courtesy of Google images Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 continuation of of this year, the President Obama signed the stimulus bill this health coverage at owner or owners group rates. This past Tuesday. is eligible for a coverage, however, is only be purchased must be new, tax credit up to 10 percent of available when coverage is not used. Most of the time your home or up to $8,000. lost due to certain specific state sales taxes run between Anyone who now events.” They are not six and seven percent. Again takes public transportation eligible for this assistance if this change has a few strings. to work can speak with they make over $125,000 for One cannot receive sales tax their employers about individuals or $250,000 for breaks if he makes above setting aside more premarried couples from other $125,000 or $250,000 for tax money from their sources of income. a married couple annually; income to cover the cost of The fourth change also, if the vehicle costs traveling. Previous to this comes through the Social above $49,500, the purchaser act, the amount for public Security Administration. cannot take advantage of this transportation commuters This year, people receiving break. was $120 per month; now, income from Social Security As mentioned in it is up to $230 per month. could receive a $250 check. an earlier edition of The The final change for the The next change is SpringHillian, Pell grant everyday citizen is the ability to avoid the Alternative Minimum Tax. The idea is that if one avoided the tax last year, one should be able to do it again. With this new stimulus plan, Congress and the House of Representatives are hoping this will help boost our economy. With the arrival of a new stimulus plan, many Americans are wondering what happened to all of the emergency funding awarded to many banks. Following the first bailout plan for America’s corporations, the Associated Press discovered and reported that many companies who received government aid refused to share just how they were spending the money. As a result Congress is enforcing new rules for the recipients of the bailout money previously and to come. The companies will now be forced to report how they spend the money. They will be notified that they can no longer spend the money in certain specific ways, including lobbying and political advances. The new restrictions also reinforce the goal of the bailout: to credit the nation’s financial companies and find more support for lending to help the American consumer. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from Calif., said “At present, we don’t know whether these companies are using these funds to fly on private jets, attend lavish conferences or lobby Congress.” Several congressmen are worried about banks’ requests for more money. For example, Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Mont., is specifically worried about banks using the money to consolidate. News Thursday, February 19, 2009 THE SPRINGHILLIAN 5 ‘Out and About’ in Mobile? New places to try... February’s Check out these activities in downtown Mobile that are fun and sometimes free! Check out the Web sites for these events and venues and get out there! ADDIE BRANNIN Contributing Writer AND LINDSEY PETERSON (Co) Editor In Chief LODA Art Walks: Every second Friday of the month. The next one will be on March 13, 2009. Shops are open late with music, art, food, wine, beverages and entertainment! Taste Wine Bar: Located on Old Shell Road. Saturdays feature $10 wine and tapas tastings. Club Insanity: (Don’t be fooled by the name!) Thursday Special: $3 cover for $1 Miller Lite, $1 Coors Light, $1 Well Drinks. If you are under 21, it is $5. Serdas Coffee House: They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. They also serve food, ice cream and have a small bar with a “Happy Hour” from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. that takes $1 off domestic beers, $3 off well drinks and $5 off martinis Monday through Friday. Head downtown to check them out! Crescent Theater Downtown: An independent film theater that also serves food and beverages. Sundays: Café 615 Champagne Brunch: Choose from a handful of delicious brunch entrées for about $20 and add bottomless champagne for just $3 per person. There is also live music on the lanai. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations suggested. Blind Mule: Thursdays are “ladies’ night!” They have $2.50 wine, and half off appetizers from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays are also iPod night. Bring your play list and sign up to have it played throughout the night. Space 301: It is a very modern, fun art gallery and reception venue. Art exhibits and art-opening receptions are free. They are open from Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays. Saenger Theater: This old-time theater hosts various plays, concerts and speakers throughout the year, along with performances from the Mobile Symphony and Opera. Mardi Gras parades and events around Mobile! It’s Mardi Gras time! If students are around Mobile this break, check out some free parades. After all, Mardi Gras is but once a year! The schedule is as follows but subject to rain delays and cancellations. ADDIE BRANNIN Contributing Writer AND LINDSEY PETERSON (Co) Editor In Chief Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. 6:30 p.m. - Mystic Striper Parade Friday, Feb. 20, 2009. 6:30 p.m. - Crewe of Columbus Parade Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009. 12:00 p.m. - Floral Parade 12:30 p.m. - Knights of Mobile Parade 1:00 p.m. - Order of Angels Parade 6:00 p.m. - Mystics of Time Parade 6:30 p.m. - Coronation of Queen to King Felix III Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. (Joe Cain Day) 1:00 p.m. - Arrival of King Elexis I 2:30 p.m. - Joe Cain Parade 5:00 p.m. - Le Krewe de Bienville Parade 5:30 p.m. - Les Femmes Cassettes Parade 8:15 p.m. - Coronation of King Elexis Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. 11:00 a.m. - Arrival of King Felix III 12:00 p.m. - King’s Parade and Floral Parade 3:00 p.m. - MLK Business and Civic Organization Parade 3:30 p.m. - MLK Monday Mystics Parade 4:00 p.m. - Northside Merchants Parade 6:30 p.m. - Infant Mystics Parade Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. (Fat Tuesday) 10:30 a.m. - Order of Athena Parade 12:30 p.m. - Knights of Revelry Parade 1:00 p.m. - King Felix Parade 1:30 p.m. - Comic Cowboys Parade 2:00 p.m. - Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association 6:30 p.m. - Order of Myths Parade Public Safety Reports February’s reports for Spring Hill College’s campus entailed below. Courtesy of James Crosby. •At 11:08 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2009, a student noticed that her vehicle had a dent and scratches on its exterior. At 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2009, she had parked her vehicle in the Mobile Hall parking lot. On the morning of Feb. 1, 2009, she drove her vehicle to the New Residence Hall and parked it. She did not know how, by whom or where the damage had occurred. •At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2009, a student parked his vehicle in the parking lot at Fairway Apartments. When he returned to his vehicle at 11:56 a.m. on Feb. 4, 2009, he noticed that his vehicle had sustained damage to the lower left rear quarter panel and rear bumper. There was evidence of white paint on the damaged areas. •At 10:56 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2009, a student was attempting to enter campus at the Old Shell Road gate entrance. A black pickup truck (driver unknown) hit the left rear tail light assembly and the left quarter panel on the student’s vehicle. The driver of the pickup truck left the scene of the accident. The Mobile Police Department is conducting an investigation. •At 3:41 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2009, a college staff member advised that someone had removed a table (six foot long) from the hallway basement of the Arthur Outlaw Recreation Center. The table was last seen at approximately midnight on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. 6 The SpringHillian Thursday, February 19, 2009 Opinions & EDITORIALS Letter from the Editor: The American value is diminishing In Ashley Robinson’s column, she discusses the effects of a disappearing childhood. ASHLEY ROBINSON (Co) Editor in Chief Have you ever wondered what you will become after these hard years of college have finally concluded? I’m sure you have at times in your life, most likely beginning around age six. Nowadays people seem to be losing faith in work. A few days ago my eyes fixated on a simple commercial where a five-yearold boy crawled around on the floor pushing a toy dump truck round and round. My initial thoughts were, “What is that little boy thinking at that moment (assuming he is not an actor but in a regular life scenario)? What does he want to be at that age when he becomes an adult? Are the toys he is playing with at that age affecting his career choices?” As I thought about the smiling young boy so enthused with his truck, I started to associate these questions with three things: why Americans are losing the value of work, outsourcing and degrees that rank the highest in colleges. Yeah, I know I think too much into commercials, but, hey, don’t you think subliminal messages are everywhere? How have kids today changed their choice of amusements from those choices of our parents’ generation? Kids at age six (in most cases I have witnessed) are no longer playing with noisy fire trucks or dump trucks, they are playing the Wii, Grand Theft Auto, combat games, hand held electronic games, iPhones, iPods and only God knows what else. What is the difference, you are wondering, and don’t these electronic games incorporate hand-eye coordination and push a sense of learning to some extent? Here’s the difference. When you were six, that dump truck was everything to you. It could carry dirt, rocks and sticks and run over mud puddles and create a huge mess that your mom would eventually scold you for. But in the end what you were really absorbing from that dump truck was a sense of worth. That truck was a job. You understood the value of its capabilities and knew that one day you could possibly grow up to drive and operate a real dump truck. My point is that it was creating a dream for that young boy and a mindset of work. Electronic games can be great as long as they teach a value, like word puzzles, online checkers or chess, spelling games or any other game where you are being taught not only to react but to use your intelligence and grow. But as for blowing up buildings or playing online pool, we are not learning anything. We are excluding ourselves from the knowledge of work and interaction with others. That hands-on relationship learned with the dump truck is lost and is replaced with a social barrier that is learned when gluing one’s self to a computer all day. People no longer know how to spell things or do basic math because of all the readily available technology doing See Technology page 7. Letter from the Editor: Confessions from a true shopaholic In Lindsey Peterson’s column, she discusses the dark secrets of frequently shopping. LINDSEY PETERSON (Co) Editor in Chief “Oh my gosh, Lindsey, they made a movie about you!” said my mother after she saw the first previews for the new movie Confessions of a Shopaholic. I think that if I had been in a television show, that would have been the moment that I looked directly into the camera with an awkward wow-thatreally-is-me moment. Like just this weekend, I hit up a few outlet stores for a to-die-for pair of fish scaleinspired, leather high heels that were the most beautiful shade of turquoise. I also snagged a cute skirt and charming gold chain necklace. No, I don’t always go for Hermes, Versace, Bulgari or Christian Lacroix; maybe the occasional Michael Kors, Prada and 7 for All Mankind. I always ask myself, what is it about shopping that I love? The thrill of buying something really pretty, or wearing something that is really pretty, or the worst, buying something to just look at it? Eww, that really is the worst. My philosophy is that if you buy it just to look at it because you don’t want to ruin it because it was entirely too expensive, then you can’t afford it. I go by that rule! I could not really tell you the thrill that is shopping. It could be that extremely trendy music that stores have playing. The songs that make you feel really sexy when you try on ugly clothes. Then the sales lady says, “Oh my goodness, I have the best pair of heels to go with that!” You say, “Oh, I need new shoes!” But I don’t. Then, you put the heels on and then prance around the fitting room like you’re some kind of model because the sales ladies are like, “Wow, that really looks good on you; like really.” Oh, the horror of getting an ugly “final-sale” frock that you bought after being caught up in the moment. At least the shoes were cute because, after all, shoes are always cute. I should know better, I used to be a sales assistant. I digress. Nevertheless, and in all seriousness, being a shopaholic can be rather dangerous. Yes, you will always look fierce, fabulous and bananas, but if not kept under control, it can allow you to run out of funds to pay bills and become financially irresponsible. I always make sure that I can afford to pay all of my bills before I set out for a productive and therapeutic day of shopping. So, if any lady out there has paid their bills for the month already, call me and we’ll do lunch and some boutique-ing! The SpringHillian Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Mobile’s First Collegiate Newspaper E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (251) 380-3850 or 380-3840 FAX: (251) 460-2185 Editor in Chief Lindsey Peterson [email protected] Editor in Chief Ashley Robinson [email protected] News Editor Elizabeth Farren [email protected] Opinions & Editorial Editor Stacie Taylor [email protected] Life and Culture Editor Kate Griffith [email protected] Sports Editor Eric Quintana [email protected] Sports Reporter Devin Golden [email protected] Photographer Maria Walser [email protected] Advertising Manager Adam Pfaff [email protected] Advisor Stuart Babington [email protected] Publisher Signature Offset 2610 Lakeview Rd. Hattiesburg, MS 39401 off: (601) 544-4445 FAX: (601) 544-4779 http://www.signatureoffset.com Opinions & EDITORIALS Thursday, February 19, 2009 The SpringHillian 7 Laissez les bon temps rouler? Technology hinders the youth of today Columnist Stacie Taylor contemplates the fun in Mardi Gras. STACIE TAYLOR Op/Ed Editor Frankly, I have never understood the attraction of Mardi Gras. I place no stock in the allure of plastic beads, the power of the plushies or the magic of the MoonPie. Unfortunately, I live in the heart of the madness. I actually discovered that Mardi Gras has a rich history, dating all the way back to the French colonization. However, this Southern holiday has wandered far from its roots. Contemporary Mardi Gras in Mobile is outrageous. Festivities carry on for several weeks, with parades every night, wet or dry. Often, parade organizations also host Mardi Gras balls, each with its own court and call-outs. Attending parades is not for the faint-of-heart. As I’ve learned firsthand, it is not a spectator sport. Parade-goers camp out to get that perfect spot behind the barricades, only to be pelted with beads, MoonPies, coins and cups. Alcoholic beverages are also often in abundance, resulting in spills and increasingly confrontational individuals. Is a MoonPie really worth fighting over? Mardi Gras doesn’t reach its peak until its final days over Mardi Gras weekend. There are close to 50 events in Mobile beginning Feb. 20 and continuing through Fat Tuesday. For most people, the essence of Mardi Gras is contained in one simple phrase: “Laissez les bon temps rouler.” But keep in mind it’s also crucial to live and let go—literally. Continued from page 6. it for us! I guess you can call me old-fashioned, but I bet you didn’t think about that American dump truck driver building a skyscraper that will create 60,000 jobs for its town, now did you? Leading into my second point, I’d like to ask why we have given so many jobs to laborers overseas. Oneword: outsourcing. Where do I begin? Why has America given away so many jobs that are so vital to the growth of our nation? Before I go on a rampage of opinion, let me just give you the facts and let you decide. According to Time Magazine, “The Department of Labor estimates the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA was responsible for the loss of more than 500,000 U.S. jobs between 1994 and 2002.” In 2004, 406,000 jobs were outsourced. According to Forrester Research, a technology and market research company, “At least 3.3 million white-collar jobs and $136 billion in wages will shift from the United States to low-cost countries by 2015.” Unfortunately, upto-date statistics have not been readily available, but I can only imagine how much these numbers have grown. So many jobs that Americans could fill are being shipped away (literally) to other countries. My last point in defending the toy dump truck has simply to do with the number of business majors these days. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, “Of the 1,485,000 bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2005– 06, the largest numbers of degrees were conferred in the fields of business (318,000).” I have five friends that are getting a business degree. Four of those five friends have no idea what they want to do after college. Why do so many business majors not know what they want to do after college? Are kids feeling like they must go to college in order to sustain an ideal way of life? Once they get to college, do they have an idea of what they want to become or are they just going to college because they feel a dump truck driver job will not uphold the standard of living which they desire? But my question still remains, is this desirable way of life (one which I’m sure entails lots of technology) really helping us or is it hindering us from becoming American workers? Columnist explains the importance of speaking your mind Contributing writer Tyrone Barnes conveys the effect of words as weapons. TYRONE BARNES Contributing Writer Salutations, SpringHillians! This is your captain flying in this week to take you onto the wings of my mind and into my world of clever nonsense and suggestions for healthy living. But hang on tight, passengers. I have a feeling that our topic for today may send us crashing straight into… ourselves? But don’t let your brain turn to mush just yet… we haven’t done our story. Tasmanillian (possibly the name of my first unborn child) is over in Saudi Arabia one weekend trying to stock up on some oil for anticipation of gas prices going up once more. In the midst of his vigorous digging, Tas (possibly the nickname of my first unborn child) uncovers a shiny, golden lamp. Unaware of the mystical contents within the treasure, Tas swiftly rubs the dust off of the lamp as he unknowingly unleashes a magical genie. The genie immediately begs the young Tas to make three wishes as this is what is to happen when someone rubs his lamp and interrupts him from watching the story of his life, “I Dream of Genie.” Overwhelmed by this rare opportunity, Tas begins to make wishes for: for his sister to go to rehab, a bit of color to be added to his house, and for a dab of fantasy in his reality. Ummmm… even though these seem like pretty vague wishes, reports indicate that shortly after the Genie granted these wishes Rihanna was assaulted, Barack Obama was elected President and ten additional reality TV shows were created. Whew! I thought we were never going to land from that quirky tale. Now despite the fact that I know you detected EXACTLY what it was I was trying to say in the rift raft above, I’ll expound on it just to humor myself. Words are powerful weapons that we use strategically to attack the everyday barriers of communication (and occasionally the imbecile the cuts in front of use on the interstate). When we consider this notion, it can be deduced that our tongue is a sharp tool that can cut through what IS, while simultaneously making way for what COULD BE. That is, there is a tremendous amount of power in the simplest things we say, whether it is about doing well on a big test or meeting our untimely death from consuming the shipwrecked contents from the “pooleteria” (gotta love Kate G.). The words that we allow to escape from the borders of our lips have a significant part in the shaping of the way in which we conduct ourselves in the action(s) of which we speak. As we say these things we are, in such a way, preparing ourselves for the event we are creating in our minds. The event becomes a real-life threat when we act on the negative thoughts ruminating in our heads, and then comes the delineation of the cliché, “We are our own worst enemies.” I say that now is the time to rally up our best thoughts, innovative ideas, and positive thinking to carpe diem through, as a distinguished friend of mine creatively described, “this harsh, economic landscape.” It is quite possible to be the See Time page 8. 8 The SpringHillian Thursday, February 19, 2009 Opinions & EDITORIALS Jim’s ‘Six-Pack:’ stock investments Columnist James Love suggests six stocks to watch in 2009. JAMES LOVE What are some stocks that could have strong 2009 performances? DISCLAIMER: I am not liable if you lose everything in the market. I am not an economist (nor do I claim to be) and I am nothing more than a recreational stock trader. AAPL (Apple) The downside to Apple is that it does not pay a dividend to its shareholders. The upside to Apple is that it reported strong iPod sales last quarter despite the economic landscape. Last quarter marked record revenue (just over $10 billion) and earnings for the tech giant. The talk of introducing a $99 iPhone is seen by many investors as an opportunity for Apple to reach a larger market and that will likely send share prices higher. MO (Altria) Altria has always had a dominant share in the U.S. tobacco market and that only got larger when it acquired UST (a smokeless tobacco giant) last month. Vice stocks usually heavily over achieve the market during recessions; on average have outperformed the Contributing Writer S&P by 12 percent during the last six recessions. This stock has an eight percent yield and will continue to pay this strong dividend. Finally, like most stocks, it is near its 52-week low of $14.34 and is a great buying opportunity right low despite the looming federal cigarette tax increase. BA (Boeing) Boeing is trading at the same price as it was 13 years ago. The stock has plummeted from a high of above $100 a share in late 2007 to around $40 today. Shares were rocked because the economy has led to less travel and airlines are strapped because of the oil price spike last summer. Boeing has seen its sales and profits triple over their levels from 1995-1996, yet it trades at the same price. Boeing is oversold at this price and shares should go up in advance of the expected debut of the 787 Dreamliner in the first quarter of 2010. CVX (Chevron) Despite a volatile 2008 for gas and oil prices, Chevron’s net income increased 28 percent over 2007. The stock yields 3.73 percent and is well off of the high price it attained last spring. If the economy improves globally (the global economy cannot get much worse than it is now) Time to rally up some innovative ideas Continued from page 7. solution to your own problems by proudly and publicly announcing that you are fully capable of doing such things. If you like to hear yourself talk, then trust me… this is the way to go. By establishing a conducive environment for success and happiness to thrive within your mind, “Coffee Talk” crude oil prices will rebound and share prices across this from: sector could go higher. MCD (McDonald’s) McDonald’s has Where students can voice comments, concerns handled the U.S. and and suggestions about recent issues on campus. global recession better than any of the other 30 Dow companies. Global sales offee Talk is meant to be a forum for increased 6.9 percent and Spring Hill College, a “marketplace of operating income increased eight percent in the U.S. ideas,” if you will. from 2007 to 2008. Share prices are just about even • We welcome your comments that are compared to one year ago, which is amazing submitted face-to-face with a Springconsidering so many stocks Hillian staff member. Come to our weekly have posted 50 percentmeetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays or plus losses in share price during the same period. you can set up an appointment through McDonald’s increased its [email protected]. dividend in 2008 and it is currently yielding 3.52 percent. DE (John Deere) TOPIC Between the writing of this article and the publishing of this paper, Deere will release its “The solicitors that were lurking around camquarterly earnings report. I pus a few weeks back were creepy! They were hypothesize that the report will not be positive. Global unprofessional and, to be quite frank, the majorcommodity prices are down ity of them look disheveled and smelt awful!” and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting -Gabi Rivera, 2011 a 20 percent decline in net farm income (which leaves farmers less money to spend on equipment). I have been “I think that it’s a shame that the ‘salesmen’ nothing but negative so far, were able to roam in and out of people’s apartbut I believe that Deere might be an excellent play ments without anyone getting suspicious. based on the stimulus They scammed a good number of students, and packages that are being as far as I know, they got away with it.” passed globally. you can then project this environment through your actions with the result being the positive outcome you foresaw with the words you initially spoke with your own mouth. Reach up and pick out a star friends, any star. By the way, I don’t think En Vogue was too far off when they said, “Speak your mind / and the rest will follow.” Spring Hill College C THIS WEEK’S : Solicitation on private campuses -Patrick Crawford, 2009 NEXT WEEK’S TOPIC: Fan participation: Does it make or break the team? Life & Culture Thursday, February 19, 2009 The SpringHillian 9 Get to know: Dr. Steven Almquist SHC student publishes her first book of poems This new member of the English department adds to the number of SHC professors who have migrated to the South from the cold, wintry North. To promote her new book, the Multicultural Student Union will host a book signing later this month. LINDSEY PETERSON (Co) Editor in Chief Spring Hill College has a whole slew of new professors on campus; professor Chris Dodsworth, professor Michael Ferry, professor Bradley Tuggle and featured professor Steven Almquist are all relatively new faces. For me, what sets Almquist apart is that I was in a class that he taught during one of his interviewing sessions. But enough about that, let’s get to know Almquist. For starters, Almquist came to Mobile from North Dakota. Originally, he was from St. Louis Park, Minn., a suburb that is located outside of Minneapolis. He has also lived and taught English in places like St. Vincent in the Caribbean, as well as Kenya in eastern Africa. Almquist received his B.A. in English from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota; from there he headed out to the state of North Dakota to receive his M.A. from the University of North Dakota. Finally, his last stop in the mid-West was in Iowa, as he received both his M.A. and Ph. D. in English from the University of Iowa. Almquist said, “I declared my English major my sophomore year in college,” and added, “I didn’t necessarily know that I wanted to be a professor, but I really enjoyed the challenges and rewards of reading, writing and thinking,” and has thus become one of the most interesting new professors on campus. Sudoku Answers to last week’s Puzzle: KATE GRIFFITH Life and Culture Editor Photo by Maria Walser If he is not teaching a class, students may see him taking a swing at a golf ball on the golf course. He also enjoys winter-weather sports a great deal, and played ice hockey for his old high school’s ice hockey team. Unfortunately for him, Mobile is not the best place for winter-weather sports, as it does not get nearly as cold as it does in North Dakota. He even joked about how his father would flood the back yard in the midst of winter, and then it would freeze over to make a mock skating rink. Obviously, Almquist teaches in the English department at SHC and has been here for just two semesters. He teaches English Composition, Introduction to Fiction and Postcolonial Literature this semester. He can be found in his office in the Rev. Gregory F. Lucey Administration Center in office 384, or students can reach him at [email protected]. If any student has a suggestion about a professor to feature in an upcoming issue of The SpringHillian, e-mail Lindsey Peterson at [email protected] or at [email protected]. Junior Kaiesha Ford recently published her first book of poems about life from an AfricanAmerican perspective. To honor her achievement, the Multicultural Student Union (MSU) is hosting a book signing event on Friday, Feb. 27. Ford began writing poetry in middle school, and this book of poems encompasses her work since then. Called Issues We Face: From a Sista’s Point of View, the poetry centers on the experiences of an African-American today. This is Ford’s first book of poetry. Many of the themes focus on personal racial discrimination Ford has faced, along with other general issues in the African-American community, such as family Photo courtesy of Amazon.com situations and even death. While her poetry is about issues specific to the African-American community and is written from the AfricanAmerican perspective, the emotions and thoughts expressed in her poetry can have a powerful effect on people of any race. Ford wrote her first poem after artist Aaliyah’s death, but it was not until the next year, when she was in eighth grade, that her writing really took off. She was inspired by a Black History Month program See Poetry page 10. S U P M ID CA EK CANTDO OF THE WE PHO “Sophomore Lynne Fritscher makes the decision to go ‘green’ at lunch. While the school builds a ‘green’ campus center, she does her part in the temporary pooleteria.” Keep an eye on The SpringHillian to see if your antics merit mention in the Candid Campus Photo of the Week. Life & Culture Poetry night honors Black History Month 10The SpringHillian Thursday,February19,2009 along with Ford and budding SHC poets Continued from page 9. that encouraged students not to change because of the color of their skin. Previously, she had been criticized by teachers, especially young AfricanAmericanteachers,“abouthowIwould neveramounttoanything.”Shesaidthat writing poetry allows her to “express myfeelingsandthoughtswithoutbeing judged.”Ithasgivenheranoutlettotell theworld,“Ilovethecolorofmyskin.” When MSU approached Ford about the book signing event, Ford specifically requested that it be held in February.FordchoseFebruarytofocus on the importance of Black History Month. She said that she wrote one of herpoems,called“I’mNotGivingMy Black Back,” for African-Americans who call themselves black but do not embrace it. Ford finds significance in holdingtheeventduringBlackHistory Monthbothasatributetotheinspiration for her poetry and to honor the “one month where we specifically embrace ourheritage.” MSUissponsoringthebooksigning aspartofaBlackHistoryMonthPoetry Night.WhiletheeventwillfeatureFord and her book, plans for the evening also include open poetry readings and a step performance. Rochelle Haylock said,“Icameupwiththeideaofhaving a book signing event for Kaiesha Ford … because I think she would be an inspiration to others who are talented likehersothattheyrealizethattheycan gettheirtalentoutthereaswell.” The MSU sponsored book signing willbeheldFriday,Feb.27at.7p.m.in theNewHalllobby.Ford’sbookwillbe available for purchase at the event, and lightsnacksanddrinkswillbeprovided. Ford’sbookisalsoavailabletoorderfrom Barnes&NobleorAmazon’sWebsite. Mobile’s Luxury Tanning Salon FESTIVAL CENTER 3725 Airport Blvd. 251-345-3330 STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE tan all month 19 $ 95 COTTAGE HILL 7869 Cottage Hill Rd. 251-607-0696 ÜÜÜ°«>Li>V Ì>°VÊUÊ£nnn«>Ì> Present this coupon at Palm Beach Tan and receive 30 consecutive days silver level UV tanning for just $18.88 for your first month with a Palm Beach Tan Premier Rewards Membership. Membership start-up fee applies. New members, one time only. See salon associate for complete details. Expires 2/28/09. 60.. $ instant reward free CRcobbqĒğğĚğĘ rġĘģĒĕĖĤ CQcobbjĪĤĥĚĔqĒğ CQcobb^ĦĤĥģĒĝĚĒğ dĠĝĕiĠĥĚĠğhĚĥ Offer valid for new members, one time only. Premier auto-bill membership required. Regular membership rules apply. See salon for complete details. See salon associate for complete details. Expires 2/28/09. All about Mardi Gras Explore some of the history behind Mobile’s favorite holiday. STACIE TAYLOR Op/Ed Editor Mobile is home to the oldest annual carnival celebrationinAmerica,Mardi Gras, which began at least 15 years before celebrations in New Orleans. Today, Mobile is home to many mystic organizations who parade through downtown and host lavishballs. Mardi Gras began in 1703, when Mobile was a colony of French soldiers. The colonization was celebrated withthe“MasquedelaMobile” until 1709, coupled with the establishment of the Societé de Saint Louise. This came to be celebrated annually as a day for the French colonists to commemorate their heritage. More celebrations followed and the first parade was held on “TwelfthNight”(Jan.5,theeve oftheEpiphany)bytheSpanish Mystics, which also celebrated the new year. Another parade wasaddedin1830byMichael Krafft. The next year they formed the “Cowbellion de Rakin Society” and continued paradingonfoot. A Mardi Gras closer to what we know today emerged in the 1840s when the Cowbellions hosted their first pageant and themed parade, complete with bands and horses. Several other mysticorganizationsfollowed, ricochetingofftheCowbellions, whodeniedthemmembership. The Cowbellions proved to be the premier organization, holding the first ball in 1852. By this point, celebrations extendedwellintothenewyear, ending around Mardi Gras. The Cowbellions then expandedtheirreach,venturing intoNewOrleanstoformtwo organizationsthere.Ironically, the year before, The Bee, a New Orleans newspaper, declared Mardi Gras to be dead. The latter of these two organizations, the Krewe of Comus, made many firsts: it coined the term “krewe” for a mystic organization, chose a mythological namesake, presented a themed parade, used floats in a parade and followed it with a ball. The Cowbellions held their last paradein1865. The following year, Joe Cain made his first appearance onMardiGrasday,ridingacoal wagon through town. On his nextjaunt,hewasaccompanied by the Lost Cause Minstrels, comprised of Confederate Soldiers, and followed by the OrderoftheMyths. In less than 150 years, from 1867-2006, close to 40 mystic organizations were founded in Mobile, many of which still parade today. The legendary Comic Cowboys debuted in 1884, followed by the first women’s organization, the MobileWomen’s Mystics, in 1890. The first queen was crowned in 1893 and what is nowknownastheMobileArea Mardi Gras Association was foundedin1939. Mardi Gras is very different today than it was 50 years ago, when the Polka Dots were the first women’s organization to parade. It is evenmoresothanitwaswhen it began in 1703. However, the most important aspect of MardiGrasdatesbackcloseto 100 years: the MoonPie made itsdebutin1917. Life & Culture Thursday, February 19, 2009 The SpringHillian 11 Velcro Pygmies, Ugli Stick perform Movie Review: Shopaholic If you are planning to stay in Mobile for Mardi Gras, check out these bands that are playing in town. ADAM PFAFF Advertising Manager This past weekend seemed to be dedicated to favorite local musicians bringing Mardi Gras into Mobile, and this week is going to be no different. A couple of good, local bands are hitting downtown Mobile to help keep the good times rolling this weekend. The celebrations for this upcoming weekend’s Mardi Gras festivities don’t just start on Friday with the parades; the real fun begins afterwards, when The Velcro Pygmies hit the stage at Soul Kitchen Music Hall. The Pygmies have been one of Mobile’s most popular bands, both due to their 80s hair-metal style music, as well as their somewhat “different” appearances. With everything from their bleach blonde mohawked guitarist to the “Johnny Depp” look-alike bassist, these guys bring as much energy to the stage as they do to their makeup application. The Pygmies may be best known for their integration of 80s hair-metal into their original work but they are also known for their two separate “college” versions of “Sweet Home Alabama,” one claiming to be the Bama version, and another, the Auburn one. Be sure to rep your team gear to the show so hopefully they will play your favorite one. The Velcro Pygmies take the stage around 11 p.m., but doors open at 9:30 p.m. so get there early for a spot close to the stage. The cost of the show is $10 at the door. If you are in the mood for something a little bit mellower with a little bit less eye shadow on Friday night, right across the street at Grand Central is your location. The Ugli Stick, fellow Mobile rockers, will be kicking off their double-header weekend, with both shows taking place at Grand Central. The Ugli Stick represents good Southern rock, but they also represent the funkier side of Mobile music. With a sound that is as much Red Hot Chili Peppers as it is Lynyrd Skynyrd, these guys have nailed funky Rock ‘n’ Roll on its head. If you are too busy watching the Pygmies’ show on the other side of Dauphin Street on Friday night, don’t worry. The Ugli Stick will be playing at 11 p.m. on Saturday night; so, with two nights to choose from, there is no excuse not to drop by and see these guys during your Mardi Gras weekend. Remember, Grand Central is 21 and up, and expect a cover charge at the door. Stacie popped into a theater near you to get the scoop on the new book-into-movie Confessions of a Shopaholic. STACIE TAYLOR Op/Ed Editor Confessions of a Shopaholic is by far the cutest movie to hit theaters so far this year. It is based on the series by Sophie Kinsella which chronicles the adventures of self-professed journalist and shopaholic-in-denial Rebecca Bloomwood. Rebecca thinks credit cards are magical and finds comfort in shopping, racking up a bill of over $9,000. She then loses her job, trading gardening for finance, as she lands a position at Successful Savings magazine. Bloomwood knows nothing about finance and is forced to rely on Google and Finance for Dummies, while still becoming a hit at the magazine. Bloomwood manages to do all this while falling for her editor, Luke Brandon. A review on Hollywood.com stated that, despite the “real credit crunch going on,” this movie is a “hilarious non-stop laughing spree [that] is worth the price of a ticket.” Another review in the Los Angeles Times found Confessions of a Shopaholic to be “a cleverly constructed catwalk of a romantic comedy that’s a lot like that perfect outfit … Regardless, if the blend of colors and textures, designer or not, fits your mood, fits you, you feel fabulous.” The characters are as rich and colorful as the designer clothes that rule the film. Bloomwood is a witty young woman on the rise, despite her mounting debt. Brandon is appropriately conservative—until he meets Bloomwood. This movie features everything a girl could want in a movie: comedy, romance, friendship and fashion. It’s heart-warming, funny and, yes, cute. It is clearly a “chick flick,” unless you happen to “speak Prada.” Overall, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a wonderful translation of a British novel into an American film. It features Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy in its lead roles. Fisher and Dancy are both established actors. Fisher earned acclaim as the imbalanced Gloria in the 2005 hit Wedding Crashers. Dancy played hunted hunk to werewolf in Blood and Chocolate. Deep thought of the week: what’s the value of a vowel? Kate considers how vowels can communication uses vowels—if it entire language, they’re even worth could either be driven by someone who more than consonants. Have you ever enjoys winter sports or a physician have such a big impact on life. consists of grunting like cavemen. KATE GRIFFITH Life and Culture Editor There are a lot of things we take for granted. As an affluent society with any number of resources at our fingertips, we tend to overlook some of the smaller details. One of the things we take for granted are vowels. Yes, vowels. Those pillars of society, vowels are the glue that holds our language together. Without language we would be unable to communicate and without vowels we wouldn’t be able to pronounce our language. Some languages use fewer vowels than we do, some use many more, and some don’t seem to use any at all. Even non-verbal Vowels help words flow as we pronounce them in our efforts to connect to other human beings. They are the select few of our 26 letter alphabet. When you’re little and still learning all those letters, Sesame Street helps you out by focusing on one letter per show. You then learn to differentiate between consonants and vowels. Of the 26 letters, five are the special vowels and one is a wannabe. You know what I’m talking about— how can “y” sometimes be a vowel? You’d think it has to be one way or the other. But “y” breaks those rules. What a rebel—or poser. I mean, five letters are vowels and that makes them pretty special. Not only are they the glue for the seen Wheel of Fortune? You can have any number of letters you want for free—except vowels. Those you have to specifically request and pay for: “I’d like to buy a vowel.” That makes them special, right? Apparently not. You have to pay extra for vowels and maybe that’s why they’re the first things to go when you’re writing out your vanity plate. When you try to fit an entire sentence onto a license plate which fits eight characters at the most, the vowels are always taken out in an effort to make it all fit. That’s what makes it so difficult to decipher some of those plates— they could mean three different things depending on who’s looking at them. For example, a car labeled SNOBDR who thinks too highly of himself. The vanity plate example is just one instance when vowels are taken for granted in our society today. They should be respected for the vital role they play in our communicative efforts, and yet they are thrown by the wayside whenever the opportunity presents itself. As Americans, it is our duty to cease taking vowels for granted. We should remember that we are more fortunate than the millions of people around the world who endure a shortage of vowels. Let’s not waste another moment before giving our vowels the respect they deserve. This week’s column was brought to you by the letter “y,” neither vowel nor consonant, but somehow both. 12 The SpringHillian Thursday, February 19, 2009 Life & Culture Wacky facts in an unusual tribute to Presidents’ Day Learn something new about the men who have fearlessly, or not, led our country over the years. KATE GRIFFITH Life and Culture Editor This week, students begin focusing on the upcoming Mardi Gras break, but elsewhere in the country, people are celebrating the illustrious leaders of the free world: America’s presidents. They are most frequently honored through sales at car dealerships and furniture CARPE DIEM COFFEE & TEA CO. MOBILE’S ORIGINAL EUROPEAN-STYLE COFFEE HOUSE Try Our Loyalty Card Your Loyalty Card is a lifetime membership that entitles you to buy 10 get the 11th FREE on all drinks! $25 MEMBERSHIP FEE! RECEIVE FREE DRINK OF CHOICE! Go online: [email protected] www.springhillcoffeeroasters.com PRESENT YOUR STUDENT ID FOR 50% OFF THE MEMBERSHIP FEE Let your card serve as a debit card and ZIP THROUGH THE LINE! Hours Mon-Sat 6am-10pm Sun 7am-10pm 4072 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 304-0448 WI-FI AVAILABLE! stores, but this holiday is also an opportunity to find out some wacky facts about our presidents. Enjoy! Last month, President Obama was inaugurated the 44th president of the United States. But did you know that there have actually only been 43 presidents? Grover Cleveland was both the 22nd and 24th president. He was elected to two nonconsecutive terms. And Cleveland is one of two former presidents to have a fictional character share his name; the other is James Garfield. Calvin Coolidge, a rather reticent man, was given the nickname “Silent Cal.” His wife once reported that while at a dinner party, a woman sitting next to the president informed him of a bet she had made with her friend. She had bet someone that she could get him to say more than three words at dinner. Without even looking up, he responded, “You lose.” The “s” in Harry S Truman’s name is not an abbreviation: his middle name is simply “S.” Both of his grandfathers’ names began with that letter and to appease both sides of the family his middle name is simply an initial. William H. Harrison is remembered for both the longest inaugural address and the shortest term in office. He caught pneumonia from standing in the rain to deliver his hour and 45 minute speech and died after exactly one month as president. Thomas Jefferson began the custom of shaking hands with his guests; before his term in office, people bowed to presidents. John Adams started smoking when he was only eight years old. Millard Fillmore did not read anything except the Bible until he was 17 years old. While that might not be the most interesting fact, it was worth mentioning that we had a president named Millard Fillmore. The names of both a candy bar and a stuffed animal came from presidents: the Baby Ruth bar was named for one of Grover Cleveland’s daughters and the teddy bear was named after Theodore Roosevelt. William Howard Taft was the largest president. He weighed over 300 pounds and got stuck in a White House bathtub the first time he used it. He then ordered a larger one that could fit four regular sized men. Our 34th president’s mother did not want her son to gather any nicknames, so she named him Dwight David Eisenhower. He is affectionately known as Ike. At 43 years old, John F. Kennedy was the youngest man elected president; however, Teddy Roosevelt was the youngest man to become president: he was 42 when he assumed office after William McKinley’s assassination. A few of our presidents have made big names for themselves in history, but you can find any number of interesting facts about all of the 43 men who have held the highest post in the land. By this point you have learned something new about presidents you may never even realized we had. And what better way is there to honor Presidents’ Day? Restaurant Review: the Shamrock, Rose and Thistle Find a taste of Britain here in Mobile at a tearoom that captures European flair without losing that downhome Southern feel. ANNA PLOVANICH Contributing Writer In July 2007, a charming little tearoom opened its doors to the city of Mobile. The Shamrock, Rose and Thistle takes its name from Irish, English and Scottish influences, respectively. One of the co-owners, Bill McGinnis, hails from Yorkshire, England, which warrants the tearoom’s authenticity. This, mixed with his wife Rhonda and sister-in-law Angela’s Southern heritage, gives the tearoom a truly unique appeal. The building itself is roughly a hundred years old and once stood downtown near Fort Conde. The quaint house is painted blue and white and has a wrap-around porch for outside dining. As for the interior, a variety of gifts are on display at the entrance, including Crabtree & Evelyn products and British imported edibles. There is also a delightful player piano and a tea bar where one can grab a cup of tea without the formality of the dining area. Patrons with more time on their hands are seated at tables with fresh flowers, pretty linens and fine china. The walls are decorated with beautiful tapestries and prints, giving the tearoom an air of whimsy. Shamrock, Rose and Thistle serves both lunch and afternoon tea. Over 30 different kinds of teas are available, varying from Jasmine Oolong to Windsor Castle black tea. The lunch menu offers delicious soups, quiche and sandwiches, while the tea menu has more of the traditional items. For instance, the Abbey Garden Formal afternoon tea comes with fruit, scones, lemon curd, Devonshire cream, tea bread, mini-sandwiches and desserts, quiche, soup or salad and, of course, Photo by Anna Plovanich your choice of tea. I recommend Bab’s quiche, the tomato basil bisque and their spinach puree sandwich. Spend a lazy afternoon at Shamrock, Rose and Thistle and expect to be whisked away with the European tradition of teatime. Prices are affordable, service is friendly and efficient and the fare is imaginative and delectable. The tearoom is located at 4513 Old Shell Road and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their Web site or call 251-343-4669 for more information. Life & Culture Thursday,February19,2009The SpringHillian News You Can Use 13 7-day Weekly Forecast Thurs. 60/32 Fri. Partly Cloudy 10% 54/38 Sunny 0% Sat. 62/34 Mostly Sunny 0% Sun. 53/37 Sunny 0% Mon. Tues. Wed. 59/46 63/50 68/51 Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Mostly Cloudy 10% 10% 10% Icons courtesy of The Weather Channel Online WoRd JuMbLe Sudoku brackets to unscramble the answer to this week’s joke or riddle. GOOD LUCK! numbers 1 through 9. Answers for the puzzle will in next week’s paper. Directions: Unscramble the words below. Then use the letters in Fill in the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains the 1. IDGTHEDLE 2. OTANANIL 3. UDSEERPA 4. ERHAEOFD 5. ERAEVW __ [ ] [ ] __ __ __ __ __ [ ] [ ] __ __ [ ] __ __ __ [ ] __ __ [ ] __ [ ] __ __ [ ] __ [ ] __ [ ] [ ] __ __ __ [ ] __ __ [ ] [ ] __ Why do pictures of George Washington always show him standing? Because __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __. Last week’s answers: 1. DAPPLED 2. TERRIBLE 3. SIGNAL 4. VERNAL 5. HEARTY What do you call a very small valentine? A VALENTINY Establishment TheGarage See last week’s answers on page 9. Downtown Mobile Musings Entertainment Localbands Enticement Buy1get1freeallnightTues., Mon.-Sat. for happy hour Entry 21andup,nocharge Pat’s Livemusicwithlocalbands $1wellsonWednesday, PennybeersonThursday Nocharge ClubInsanity Ultra-lounge with DJ music Playpoolordance $1MillerLite,CoorsLight andwellsonWed.&Thurs. 21 and up: $3 under 21: $5 HAPPY MARDI GRAS, MOBILE! 14 The SpringHillian Thursday, February 19, 2009 Baseball team sweeps weekend conference series against Loyola The Badgers win seventh straight game and move to above .500 for the season after outscoring Loyola 25-8 for the series behind strong starting pitching. hitters in the Badgers’ lineup (Hall, Harrison and Holstein) combined for six hits in the game and four runs driven in. In the third game of the series, a game that was originally scheduled for Friday evening but was postponed until Sunday afternoon due to rain, the Badgers finished the sweep with a 9-3 victory. Josh Essington (2-1) got the win for SHC as the starting pitcher by allowing three runs, one of which was earned, through five innings. Michael Bouche came in with four strong innings of relief and recorded his first save of the year. Loyola jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but the Badgers took the lead when Holstein rocked a two-run double in the bottom of the third inning, and the Badgers stretched their lead to 5-1 in the fourth inning. They never lost the lead after that. Hall had three hits, scored three times and drove in three runs from the lead-off spot in the lineup. Much like the second game of the series, the first three hitters in the SHC lineup (Hall, Ryan Cummings and Holstein) led the charge with eight hits and eight RBI combined. Blake Nelson also had two hits and scored twice. The starting pitching for the Badgers combined for 16 2/3 innings through the series and allowed just three earned runs. This is the longest winning streak the baseball team has had since before the 2002 season. The Badgers will host arch-rival and Gulf Coast Conference opponent, the University of Mobile next weekend in a three game series at Stan Galle Field. The first game will be on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Sports Reporter The Spring Hill College baseball team (8-5, 7-5 GCAC) extended its winning streak to seven games over the weekend with a conference series sweep of Loyola University (3-9, 3-6 GCAC). In the first game of the series, the Badgers won by a score of 7-3 after closer Todd Kline came in for his second save of the year with the bases loaded in the top of the last inning. The Badgers led by a score of 4-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth but put up three runs to give them some breathing room. Starting pitcher Matt Hasley pitched six and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs and eight hits. Offensively, the Badgers were led by a first inning two-run home run and an RBI double from designated hitter Javier Cherta along with a two-run double from right fielder Ryan Hall. Justin Harrison also had two hits, a run driven in and crossed the plate twice for the Badgers. In the second game of the series, and the second of a Saturday afternoon double header, the Badgers routed Loyola by a final of 9-2. The Badgers jumped out to a 5-0 lead with three runs in the third inning and two in the fourth inning to separate them from Loyola early on. SHC pitcher Nick Clapper (1-1) had his first start of the season, pitching five scoreless innings and getting the win. Quinn Nichols came in for relief with four innings and only allowing two runs. First baseman Brad Holstein led the offense for the Badgers with a solo home run to straight away center and Hall drove in two runs and had three hits. Second baseman Pat O’Malley also Photo by Maria Walser contributed two runs driven in and two hits. The first three Josh Essington recorded the win for the Badgers on Sunday. DEVIN GOLDEN Sports Men’s and Women’s Intramural basketball Men’s Division 1. The Bomb Squad 2. The Elevators 3. The Knights 4. Lambda Chi 5. Good Guys 6. T-K-E 7. Dudes playing ball 8. TKE-off 9. The Bad Knees Bears 10. Slippery When Wet 11. T.O. Jane Seymour 12. ICONZ 14. Yo No Se 14. Tasty Life 15. The Knights A-Team 16. TKEs that make you chuckle Record 4-0 4-0 3-1 3-1 2-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 0-3 0-4 Women’s Division 1. Juggernauts 2. Braidy Bunch 3. Badger Ballers 4. Sloppy Seconds 5. Keith’s Ballin’ Beasts 6. Mighty Ducks 7. Off in yo face 8. Young Gunz Record 2-0 2-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-1 0-4 Note: Records do not reflect games played on Wednesday night. Lady Badgers’ basketball team goes on winning streak ERIC QUINTANA Sports Editor The Lady Badgers won their second game in a row Saturday, Feb. 14, after beating Dillard University by the score of 75-55. The Lady Badgers shot extremely well, shooting 51 percent (24-47) from the floor and 50 percent (8-16) from beyond the three point line. Seniors Keisha Forbes and Rashonda Belton each scored 19 points while Sharidan Hollis scored 14 of her own. Forbes also recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season. “We played together as a team and took good care of the ball,” said Head Coach Ray Fron after the game. “We’re playing our best ball toward the end of the year, that’s always a good thing.” Fron expects that the Lady Badgers will play clean and as simple as possible The Lady Badgers (618, 3-11 GCAC) will next host Tougaloo College (718, 4-9 GCAC) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Arthur Outlaw Recreation Center. Sports Thursday, February 19, 2009 The SpringHillian 15 High School football star to Athletes of the Week play in college, with a catch Here’s proof being deaf is not a disability. ERIC QUINTANA Sports Editor Of all the stories ESPN picks up on and does features stories about, it comes as a great surprise to me that this story still has not been picked up. We all hear about the teams picking up the fivestar high school athletes on National Signing day. We all hear about their potential and the promise that they hold as athletes. We all hear about the talent of the top 150 prospects and how naturally gifted they are. But on National Signing Day, only one athlete truly grabbed my attention and gained my absolute respect. Ryan Bonheyo (pronounced bon-hey-o) doesn’t listen to the ESPN analyst critiquing his juke moves he pulled in high school. And it’s not because he’s only going to Towson, a division I-AA school outside of Baltimore. He doesn’t even listen to the quarterback’s snap count, or the referee’s whistle signaling the end of a play. Bonheyo plays with 11 other deaf students at one of the nine schools in the country that man an 11-player football. He is among only a handful of deaf athletes that have ever played at the collegiate level. Sure, it’s only division IAA. But do we quickly forget the success Joe Flacco had in his rookie season in the NFL? “I’ve already opened the doors for a lot of deaf people Marcus Coleman Brittany Abate went five of eight from the three point range with 19 points for the Badgers against SUNO. Photo courtesy of Washington Post Bonheyo rushed for 1,000 yards all four years of high school and was their defensive player at outside linebacker. at my school,” he told the Washington Post through a language interpreter. “I want to show them deaf people can go higher than that.” Bonheyo is his high school’s star running back and outside linebacker. He stands 6”2’ and weighs 210 lbs. “He can run, he’s a tremendous hustler and he is physical at the point of contact,” Rob Ambrose, first year head coach at Towson, said to the Washington Post. His mission: to prove that a deaf athlete is not limited by his disability. Is it possible? Let us think about the advantages a deaf player has on defense. First, crowd noise will never be an issue. He’ll never feel that added pressure from thousands of screaming fans. Second, in head coach Jimmy McGinty (The Replacements) fashion, look at it this way; he’ll never be called for encroaching on a hard snap count. Reacting to the snap, rather than the cadence of the quarterback has huge advantages for a defensive player. Third, defensive formations can be easily conveyed to players through hand signals from the sidelines. It’s been a lifelong dream for Bonheyo to play at the collegiate level. “Get that equal-rights thing going,” he said. The Washington Post added that scholarships for deaf athletes average less than one per year. “I’m just glad to have an opportunity to play at a college level,” Bonheyo said, “It’s amazing that less than one percent of high school athletes play at the collegiate level.” His videos on YouTube’s Web site are pretty convincing. “It’s going to be a big change; growing up, I’ve been around deaf people most of my life,” Bonheyo told the Washington Post. “I prefer to find out and know my limits rather than wonder for the rest of my life.” pitched five scoreless innings for the Lady Badgers in Friday’s win and also drove in a run. UPCOMING GAMES TEAM WB DATE Feb 19 OPPONENT Tougaloo (GCAC) LOCATION SHC MB BB Feb. 19 Feb. 20 Tougaloo (GCAC) Mobile (GCAC) SHC SHC SB SB BB BB Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb 21 Feb. 21 Lee University Shorter College Mobile (GCAC) Mobile (GCAC) Falkner Faulkner SHC SHC WB Feb 21 LSU-Shreveport (GCAC) SHC MB Feb. 21 LSU-Shreveport (GCAC SHC KEY WT - Women’s Tennis WB - Women’s Basketball BB - Baseball MB - Men’s Basketball MT - Men’s Tennis SB - Softball RECENT RESULTS TEAM MB SB SB DATE Feb 12 Feb. 14 Feb. 14 OPPONENT SUNO (GCAC) Judson College West Alabama OUTCOME W 79-71 W 2-0 L 5-6 SB Feb. 14 Judson College W 8-4 SB Feb. 14 West Alabama L 2-10 WB Feb. 14 Dillard (GCAC) W 76-56 MB Feb. 14 Dillard (GCAC) W 65-58 BB Feb. 14 Loyola (GCAC) W 7-3 BB Feb. 14 Loyola (GCAC) W 9-2 BB Feb. 15 Loyola (GCAC) W 9-3 Sports Thursday, February 19, 2009 The SpringHillian 16 Badgers earn sixth straight conference win over Dillard The Badgers have won six straight conference wins but the rest of their schedule will prove to be their toughest match ups yet. ERIC QUINTANA Sports Editor The Spring Hill College Badgers won their sixth conference game in a row last Saturday, Feb. 14, after beating Dillard 65-58, a team the Badgers lost to the first time these two played in a close, 47-44, game. Junior forward Owen McNally scored 16 points for the Badgers while junior guard Marcus Coleman added 13 points. Freshman Chris Dees also scored his own 11 points game. The Badgers shot 49 percent (21-43) from the field and an amazing 50 percent (7-14) from behind the three point line. The Badgers are now in fourth place in the GCAC standings and are in contention to take the top spot in the conference if they win out their schedule. It will not be easy, though, as they face the top three teams above them in their next three games. Their advantage: The Badgers are shooting the lights out of the last six games they’ve played and are playing great defense. They are also getting great contribution from their bench and the post men are getting tons of points in the paint. The disadvantage: The Badgers have to play the top three teams in the conference in their next three games. They have already beaten Xavier – New Orleans in a previous game, but like many basketball players will tell you, it’s hard to beat good teams twice. The Bad- gers have also played Tougaloo and conference-leading Tougaloo ColLSU-Shreveport as well but did not lege (17-9, 10-4 GCAC) on Thursfare as favorably. day, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Arthur If the Badgers can continue to Outlaw Rec Center. play the level of basketball that they are now playing, they should be able to keep this game within reach until the final buzzer. The basketball team urges everyone to attend the next two home games, as they are against the current top two ranked teams in GCAC. The Badgers having home court advantage against the two toughest teams on their schedule will be of no use if there Photo by Maria Walser is no fan support. The The Badgers shot nearly 50 percent from beBadgers (14-9, 8-6 GCAC) will next host yond the arc in their 65-58 win over Dillard. Lady Badgers win two of four games over weekend at invitational The softball team picked up its first two wins of the season behind the arms of Brit tany Abate and Lauren Crane. DEVIN GOLDEN Sports Reporter The Spring Hill College Lady Badgers softball team (3-5) split its four games in the West Alabama Invitational over the weekend, beating Judson College twice and losing to West Alabama twice. On Friday, the Lady Badgers defeated Judson College by a score of 2-0 in a rain shortened, five inning game. Junior starting pitcher Brittany Abate (1-2) lasted all five scoreless innings and allowed only three hits. At the plate, Abate helped her own cause with an RBI double in the first inning after an RBI single from Monica Zeringue to give the Lady Badgers two first inning runs and the early lead. On Saturday, the softball team played a very rare triple header because of rain on the previous day. In the first game, West Alabama barely escaped with a 6-5 win over the Lady Badgers. West Alabama was ahead 5-0 after the second inning, but SHC put up five runs in the third. West Alabama scored again in home games of the season on Wednesday in the bottom of the third inning and took a 6-5 a double header against Northwest Florida lead. In the fourth and fifth innings, the Lady State Community College starting at 1 Badgers stranded a runner on third base p.m. From there they head to the Faulkner with the potential to tie the game. Samantha University Tournament on Saturday to Brooke (1-2) pitched the entire game for face Auburn-Montgomery and Faulkner SHC, allowing 10 hits and striking out six. University. In the second game on Saturday and the second game against Judson College, the Lady Badgers won by a score of 8-4 to complete a sweep against Judson College for the weekend. Lauren Crane (1-0) got her first win of the year for SHC with 10 Anytime Fitness offers: strikeouts and just three hits allowed. Abate drove in one run and had three work-out and great results. hits, and Carlene Bolton had a tworun, pinch-hit home run to lead the • Personal viewing screens on select cardio equipment, an enjoyable workout is key Lady Badgers’ offensive charge. In the final game of the weekend, • Personal encouragement & guidance from a trainer if you choose the Lady Badgers fell to West $0 ENROLLMENT & • Comfortable atmosphere 1 FREE PERSONAL Alabama again, this time by the score of 10-2. Abate was on the mound for TRAINING SESSION* OR SHC and allowed seven earned runs. 171 E. I-65 Service Rd. FREE TANNING FOR Mobile, Alabama 36606 On offense, Abate recorded a hit, but 1 YEAR & 1 FREE (251) 479-0999 unfortunately it was the only hit of PERSONAL TRAINING the game for SHC. SESSION * The Lady Badgers have their first RING! *Offer expires March 31st, 2009
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