Finding the Falcons From Home

By: Johnathan M Turnbow

Excitement is easy to come by both on the court as well as in the stands every time the falcons prepare for a home game.  

But how can you get your falcon fix when you’re not able to make it to trustmark arena?

Student Devon Cooley helping to broadcast press row

 You can find your falcon home games from the comfort of your own computer, simply by going to ustream.tv/montevalloathletics

But who puts the games on the web? 

Montevallo’s Amos Hollinhead explained how students can get involved with campus broadcasts.

“Well the overall goal for covering games is to get students some hands on experience, as well as to broadcast the games to someone who cant make it to the arena.  It serves 2 great purposes in not only being good practice to Montevallo students, but also to expose the world of sports to falcon fans that want to see the games.”

But students aren’t the only ones who help with the games.  Former Montevallo student and prostaff member Lex Murdoch expressed his excitement to help give back as a University alumnus.

Lex Murdoch helping teach studnts to run cameras

“As pro staff I really like coming back and seeing my Alma mater. I’m not a teacher, but I really do like teaching students the things I learned in the field and everything I learned in TV, I can come back here and teach to the student. I just thing that’s a really important thing.”

 All mass comm students are encouraged to participate, to help strengthen their skills as well as to learn some tricks of the trade. 

Staying Healthy This Cold and Flu Season

By: David Singleton

With cold and Flu season nipping at are heels it is making it hard for students to stay healthy. With finals just around the corner students do not have much time for being sick. With that being said though not many students are doing whatever it takes to keep from getting the cold or Flu.

Clean Doorknobs

Student Jackson Miller said "I just do the bare Minimum, the basic stuff you were taught in elementary school." While some students are like this others are like Fernando Carlisle who said "I wash my hands and after I do that I go to my room and put on Germ X."

So with students not doing that much to stay healthy here are a few tips from WebMD that will help keep you from getting sick during this winter season.

First is to wash your hands as often as you can. Second if you can not wash your hands put on Germ X and rub it in vigorously. Third is to clean anything that people touch often with their hands. Fourth is cough and sneeze into your elbow. For more tips visit the WebMD tips for surviving the cold and Flu season. 

Colorful 5K for a Cause

By: Ryan Moriarty 

The Montevallo Chi-Omega Chapter held their second annual Color Me Chi-O this past Saturday. 

Color Me Chi-O Event

Despite a frosty start to the day the run had a great turnout of over 180 participants said Joie Hale, who was in charge of the event.

The run consisted of three laps around the Student Activity Center on Montevallo’s campus. Throughout the course there were four different color stations where color throwers created clouds of color. 

If you didn’t get enough color from the race, however, you could also get your face painted for free.

Pink Color Station of the 5k Course

The race wasn’t just for fun however, the proceeds from the run will be going to help sponsor a child through Make-A-Wish Alabama. Hale, who is also the philanthropy chair for Chi Omega, had a special interest in Make-A-Wish.

“I feel like it’s my purpose, and like my mission, to grant this money to these children, and do all we can to make that happen for them,” Hale said.

Chi Omega will also have philanthropy events in the Spring. 

M-Play, A New Show Produced By Mass Comm Students

By: Ashley Johnson

If you love video games, comic books, anime, or just fandoms period, M-Play is the show for you. Brett Bell is the creator of this new show. He took his passion for fandoms, anime, etc and turned it into a reality. "Well I guess I'm just a big nerd at the heart of it, I love comic books and video games and just a wide range of topics", says Bell.

M-Play Facebook

Bell considers M-Play to be Montevallo's core source for fandoms and he promises if you are a gamer, and if you love comic and anime there will definitely be interesting content for you on the show. Though Bell was happy to create M-Play he needed a technical crew and talent to actual produce the show.

This brought upon a challenge due to different obligations and time conflicts with everyone involved. Director Haley Myers says, "We only have so much time when we're capturing, um we only have like the studio rented for a certain amount of time, and people will have other obligations they will have to do as far as work, another class, or homework, or other projects whatever it may be."

M-Play Facebook

Though this was one of many other challenges Brett and his team overcame, he still had doubt.

"When I first started this I really felt like I was gonna be shut down quick, that no one was gonna think this was a good idea, and to hear the feedback so far that it is a good idea, and that it's something I could run with and be successful at has made me feel great as a Mass Comm student", says Bell.

M-Play Facebook

The first episode of M-Play will be aired early December.

Time of Thanksgiving

By Dione Thrift

It's November, which means that leaves are falling and changing colors rapidly. The temperatures are

dropping at a fast rate, and of course the days are ending earlier.  Even through the midst of walking through stores and other places seeing Christmas decorations everywhere, there is one thing to remember. That it is the time of Thanksgiving.    Thanksgiving seems to be a dying holiday as stores are using this day as a pre black friday event.   But are there some people who still value Thanksgiving? The answer to that is of course!

University of Montevallo Students thankful for their college education

 At the campus of the University of Montevallo, there are many people who have not forgotten the time of Thanksgiving. Many students and faculty have many things to be thankful for and have no problems sharing their gratitude of things that they are thankful for. 

Caitlin Schaefer thankful to be an American

Family and food, were the two most common things that people are thankful for, and along with that UM student, Caitlin Schaefer has a patriotic answer. "I'm thankful to be an American and having all the men and women who have fought for my freedom and everyone else's freedom, and they sacrifice their lives and family time on Thanksgiving also..." So in the age and time where Thanksgiving has been demoted to a early day time to eat good food, and then head to the shopping centers, it is nice to see that people still value the holiday.

REVIEW: “Divinity: Original Sin” walks the line between heavenly gameplay & hellish difficulty

By Connor Bucy

In the video game industry, the financial desires of publishers often rule over all, above the developer’s vision and even above the wants of potential players and fans. “Divinity: Original Sin” is an example of what happens when game studios throw off the monetary reins of publishers and bring their pure, unadulterated vision to market.

            

“Divinity: Original Sin” is Larian Studios’ latest entry to its “Divinity” franchise, and differs from its predecessors in that fans, not publishers, funded its development through a wildly successful crowd-funded online campaign through Kickstarter, a platform which allows fans to pledge money toward ideas they want to see made real. This key difference resulted in a game that could not have been made under any other circumstances, a unique beast that combines old-school imagination with the polish of the present.

            

“Original Sin” starts off slow. Stepping into a generic-feeling fantasy world that belies its true artistic depth starting out, players take on the role of two Source Hunters, a government-employed force sent to a plain oceanside town to investigate the murder of a politician. What could have been an entirely cookie-cutter setting becomes much more nuanced as players explore the world and experience the game’s quirky sense of self-deprecating humor in its many characters and side stories.

While modern games rarely encourage exploration, “Original Sin” hides complex storylines in dialogue with non-player characters all over. Talking to townsfolk, or even to animals if a character possesses the ability, can yield valuable information. While perhaps not the most obvious way to tell its stories to new players, this adds a sense of immersiveness to the game that harkens back to the days of old pen-and-paper roleplaying games.

Mechanically, “Original Sin” is all about choice and variety, providing a level of depth that can be off-putting initially, since the game isn’t fond of hand-holding or extensive tutorials. Players start the game with two characters, each with potentially unique personalities, depending on how the player handles different situations in the world.

This philosophy of choice extends to essentially everything in the game, including the turn-based combat system. Players can choose from pre-set classifications at the beginning of the game but beyond that, every skill and trait learned is left up to the player. These skills interact with each other and with the environment in logical ways. For example, a rain spell will put out wildfires while hitting a puddle of oil with fire will cause the ground to ignite, damaging both friend and foe. While these combinations of strategic environmental use and character skills work seamlessly every time, “Original Sin” spends little time explaining how they work or that they even exist at all, leaving players to find out on their own.

“Divinity: Original Sin” prides itself on providing an experience built on a contradiction. It is approachable yet highly complex and enjoyable yet infuriatingly difficult, even starting out. Players will be frustrated time and time again, but the reward of triumphing in a particularly difficult battle or solving a befuddling mystery provide a sense of joy that can only come from hard work. “Original Sin” is a mother bird shoving players out of the comfortable nest of mediocre, simple games, without pause or warning. Those who learn to fly will find a humble but complicated world full of fleshed-out characters, engaging mechanics and stories that are never the same for any two players.

FEATURE: Senior Class President Quincy Hall

Story by Umar Nadir

Completing an education at the University of Montevallo is a privilege.  Senior Class President Quincy Hall understands this about as well as any of UM’s campus leaders.

He began study here about five years ago.  Initially his plans were to complete UM’s music education program, yet the uniquely Montevallo experience with its focus on Liberal Arts quickly revealed other passions that weren’t initially as apparent.  Hall quickly shifted his focus and will graduate in spring 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.  He also hopes to go on and complete a Masters of Education in school counseling.

That’s why Hall expressed for new students too often it’s hard to realize which direction we’re going when we begin college.

“It’s a little overwhelming trying to figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life,” says Hall.  While we all deal with the need to decide our professional path we’re also blessed with the opportunity to explore numerous disciplines here at UM.  That’s one of the beautiful things about Montevallo, Hall said.

His years at UM have been shaped by opportunity.  He explains joining Lambda Chi Alpha sparked his personal development and provided the necessary impetus he’d need to pursue various leadership positions on campus.

Hall emphasized that seniors, unlike freshmen and sophomores, are expected to know where they’re going professionally.  The idea is seniors have a general idea of their direction as they prepare for graduation and then leave the gates of Montevallo.

Hall said years of experience are what distinguish the senior class from all the other classes.  After four years of independent decisions, “It’s like you’re a wise sage on the University Campus.  You’re the one that made it,” he said.

He knows all too well that UM is a place where we are challenged and we learn to challenge ourselves, stretching our capacity for growth.  He said tutoring resources available at UM have been an essential asset that’s boosted his academic experience.

Hall said it’s an opportunity to share a tough situation, to stay on task, to practice and to retain information.  It’s the University of Montevallo experience.

COMMENTARY: Great SEC Stadiums Set the Stage for Game Days

By Lauren Altaffer

When it comes to football, the Southeastern Conference has an abundance of treasures. From the stadium, tailgating, fans, atmosphere, history, tradition and overall experiences, here are some great game-days in college football. There’s history at every stop.

For a college football fan, and especially for us in the South, there’s no place like home. But if you step back, look and try to take a neutral stance, there’s beauty to be seen.

For purposes of localizing to the Alabama market, we’re talking about the complete fan experience of close proximity stadiums.

Forewarning: All of the stadiums mentioned have been attended, but for some grounds that may have only been a game or two. Because of that, input was solicited from a number of friends who have been to games in attempt to get an overall coverage of these stadiums.

Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama: Rammer Jammer Yellowhammer Give 'Em Hell Alabama! After a wander through The Quad, you can stop to see the statues of the five coaches who have won national championships at Alabama. Various renovations and expansion projects over the years have greatly improved the stadium. And when you go to “T-town” you better be an Alabama fan or the Tide just might roll over your face, on the scoreboard that is. The pre-game party centers on the stadium, but a barstool at Gallettes facing the TV is the best seat not in the house. Bryant-Denny Stadium gives you as good of a game-day experience as any school in the country.

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn: You can play some fine pigskin. Then, pass by Toomer’s Corner and pay respect to the oak trees Harvey Updyke poisoned before catching the Tiger Walk, where Auburn’s players and coaches walk through a sea of fans on their way to the stadium. Before the opening kickoff, one of the more unique and electrifying experiences would have to be when War Eagle VII takes flight.

Tiger Stadium, LSU: Tiger Stadium by day and Death Valley by night, are two different places. Both offer an excellent game day experience. There’s nothing that says college football quite like a night game at LSU. After a day full of tailgating, the party moves inside the stadium. Once you get inside, being able to see Mike the Tiger come out of his cage in front of the opponent is simply breathtaking. And quite frankly, the noise can make you go deaf for a few days. As the great Alabama coach Bear Bryant called it, “The worst place in the world for a visiting team."

Neyland Stadium, Tennessee: Everybody loves Smokey the mascot. Anyone who’s a UT fan is die-hard; because it’s not a bandwagon you want to jump on right now. A major renovation in 2004 has given Neyland Stadium a better look. This place is known for the legendary orange and white checkerboard end zones. Not to mention the vast opportunity of tailgating. Neyland Stadium is an impressive setting. And if you don’t know all the words to “Rocky Top” you soon will.

Sanford Stadium, Georgia: The Dawg Walk is your typical place to meet the players up close, but the tailgating that starts five hours before kickoff is like heaven for the average fan. And everybody loves the bulldog mascot, Russ, wearing the red sweater. Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium is an enjoyable atmosphere. No football stadium in America had been completely surrounded by hedges, a trend that some schools have since copied. After victories, the Chapel Bell is rung.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida: The “Swamp” is a grand stage. When the Florida fans are singing “We Are The Boys from Old Florida,” college football is near its best. With the Gator Walk, Gator Chomp, Orange & Blue Chant, Alma Mater Fight Song after games, nothing can take away the excitement and prestige of a home game in Gainesville.

Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, Old Miss: Most are unaware of the beauty of Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels have a nice tailgating spot. The “Walk of Champions” is east of The Grove, which is a sight. For a die-hard college football fan, this might be the highest it gets on the bucket list. The tailgating area is surrounded by oak trees that set the mood perfectly for fall time. Sports Illustrated rated it as the No. 1 choice for tailgating, which means it is a must for game-day experiences.

Note: Students dressed in shirt and tie can be seen at games all over the SEC.

SEC game day is one of a kind. The SEC is an adventure in itself. The fans are friendly and they fill you up with as much tradition as any team in America. Obviously, it helps if the game itself is unforgettable. The decades may go by quicker for some than others, but the college football memories last a lifetime and always have the fans coming back for more.

REVIEW: Swimming to Antarctica

By Umar Nadir

Thirty-two years in the making, “Swimming to Antarctica” is more than just the tale of an elite open-water swimmer.  In this memoir, one finds superb storytelling that often borders on the surreal.  Every page either builds in suspense or reveals a surprise.  Author Lynne Cox shares her swimming experiences journeying across the world to take on some of the world’s straits, lakes, oceans, bays and the English Channel. Her memoir not only demonstrates the effort of family and friends; it also shares a story of national pride.

The reader is introduced to the Cox family preparing to leave their homestead of Manchester, NH.  Lynne’s father has gathered the family and requests they help him with a decision.  It is then that Lynne’s mother explains: “We’re tired of the long, cold winter.”   She also expresses her husband’s desire to work with a new group of radiologists.  After weeks of deliberation, family plans are set – the family is headed to California.

Once in California and almost immediately after arriving, the Cox family drives to the Belmont Plaza Olympic swimming pool: home of the 1968 Olympic trials.  Here Lynne begins training with Don Gambril, a world-class swimming coach.  At Belmont, young Lynne asserts a desire to swim in lane eight (known as the Olympic distance lane) and while she is young, Gambril’s only requirement is that she maintains pace with the swimmers of that lane.

It isn’t long before Lynne is redirected from the pool of Belmont to the Seal Beach Rough Water Swim.  From this moment on the reader is drawn from the precise lanes of the pool toward the shore where waters are the deepest blue.  Here, in her first open-water attempt, Lynne takes to the waves of the wide-open sea and twice beats a group of males and females.

Lynne captures titles for three- and two-mile events at the Seal Beach Rough Water Swim.  Then, in what seems a surreal coincidence, she learns of the Catalina Island swim headed by Seal Beach Swim Team coach Ron Blackledge.  She then requests Gambril get her an opportunity to participate in the open-water challenge that entails a 21-mile swim trek from Catalina Island to the California mainland.  Coach Blackledge gives the teenager a caution, explaining the difficulty of the swim attempt, however Lynne insists on joining the Catalina Swim Team and learns along the way the rhythm of open waters.

With teammates Stacey, Nancy, Dennis and Andy, Lynne embarks upon her first swim which entails abiding by the English Channel Association rules.  After four hours and 10 miles, Nancy is overcome by the cold which has produced in her the beginning of hypothermia. She’s pulled from channel waters.

Meanwhile, the remaining team members persist as the swim comes to a head with 14-year old Lynne at the brink of Catalina Channel’s world record, a record she misses because she treads water waiting for her mates so they may end together.  She is only 14 and sacrificed for her team; Lynne and the Seal Beach Swim Team become the youngest group of teens to swim Catalina’s Channel.

“Swimming to Antarctica” is tight-filled with so many rigors unlike the Catalina Island event and yet the reader is grounded by this initial 21-mile Catalina Island swimming achievement.  As this memoir unfolds, it reveals team upon team, name upon name and the achievements are phenomenal.

Photo: Michael Muller/ESPN

Throughout the memoir the reader is vicariously exposed to precautions and preparations. Some seem commonplace while the others are awe-inspiring.  We’re first exposed to carbo-loading, artificial support and Vaseline globs.   Coining the many precautions and preparations with the multitude of challenges ahead—the story just builds and builds in both suspense and surprise.

The names continue rolling from Hughes to Moreford, Blewett, Prime Minister Rowling, Captain Furniss, Dr. Fernandez, Salazar, Kozlovsky, Dr. Keatinge, Dr. Nyboer, Ambassador Dobrynin, Omiak, Pope John Paul and so many more.  The reader learns of neap tide, cold research, Lake Baikal (the world’s deepest lake), rhinoviruses, Prefectura, electrolytes, mock rescue, breathing, fine motor control, alarming sensations, strokes per minute, ice, hyperventilating, oxygen debt, the vagus nerve, lactic acid, vasoconstriction and ultimately discipline.

Overall the memoir reads like a novel.  Every page informs as the writer recalls with precise clarity the extraordinary pursuit of being the first; time and again and still more significant is this young girl who swims from a child to an adult. 

“Swimming to Antarctica,” like Warren Buffet’s “The Snowball,” Colin Powell’s “My American Journey,” and Hillary Clinton’s “Living History,” celebrates American ideals and promotes excellence for all.  The reader is held in awe by loving bonds that are the result of hard work, belief and bravado.  Lynne says, “I had imagined success, not death.”