Vehicle Safety Travel Tips

By, Wilbert Scott

 

 

 Although the spring break season has ended, so will school for most students. The travel season will

 

be in over drive. This is the time of year when everyone is returning home from school, visiting

 

family and friends, or finding a nice vacation space to unwind. This means a very high increase in

 

 vehicle travel. So what about a few precautions on vehicle and road safety.

 

Well, AAA has recommended a car care safety checklist for all seasonal travel. They offer tips on the

 

front to bumper inspection necessary to complete a safe travel. Air conditioning, cooling system, oil,

 

tires, lights, battery, brakes and windshield wiper are some of the critical areas to be featured.

 

Vehicle mechanic, Tom Jackson says,"should always have your car checked out."

 

Car Talk offers tips for summer trips. They feel tires are crucial in the summer travel. Tire pressure

 

should be correct in all five tires. Also, be sure the entire tire repair jack system is traveling along.

 

Take these tip along on your next travel to and from your destination.

 

 

A Look at Rickwood Caverns State Park

by Hannah Bell

Rickwood Caverns state park, located in Warrior, AL, offers many activities for visitors to enjoy. A tour of the caves, gem mining, and camping are just a few of the park’s main attractions.

The state park website says water from an ocean bed carved the caves into the ground nearly 260-million years ago. Visitors can take a guided cave tour daily during summer months and on weekends throughout the year.  

The park also has history strewn throughout the 1 ¼ mile Fossil Mountain hiking trail. The trail features several rock formations where visitors can see the imprints of fossilised leaves and creatures.

Long time park visitor David Hays says he enjoys bringing his grandchildren to the park to share its history with them. "They love it! If you can satisfy the kids, you can satisfy anybody." Hays has been visiting the park with his family since 1970. He says it was a big part of his childhood. "There's always nice folks around here, and it's just a nice place to be."

Earlier this month, Governor Robert Bentley announced that 15 of Alabama’s 22 state parks are set to close in order to relieve part of the state budget crisis. Four parks and two golf courses were set to close on May 1. The remaining parks, including Rickwood Caverns, are scheduled to close in October.

Hays says closing the parks is a senseless decision. "We throw away so much money. Why not put it toward a good cause?"

The governor announced the decision to delay the May 1 closings until further notice on April 22.

Carmichael Library Displays Comics' Origins

by Zach Miller

This summer will see the release of a new slate of comic book movies and their sequels. Comics culture seems to be everywhere these days. Comics were once considered by many to be no more than kids' stuff but now they are being appreciated as an artful storytelling medium. The Carmichael Library is hosting a display titled The Origins of Comics.

The exhibit takes a look at the early history of comic books and strips including early strips like Blondie and Popeye. Comics are very popular these days thanks to big budget movies and tv shows like The Avengers and The Walking Dead. Many comics fans love the history of the medium.

"I've studied and done several projects on the historical impact and origin of comic books," says UM student Aaron Story. The Origin of Comics looks at both comic books and strips but don't expect to see familiar heroes such as Batman, Spider-Man or the X-Men on display.

The exhibit focuses on early superheroes like The Phantom that were partly the inspiration for more familiar characters like Superman. With the library taking a look at comics and their history for the third year in a row, is it possible that another overlooked medium could be showcased next year?

"I think video games would be very interesting," says Oliver Head. "I think that that should be considered an art form now." Only time will tell if video games or any other unique medium will have a day in the sun in Carmichael Library.

To find out more about The Origins of Comics and other happenings at Carmichael Library visit the UM Happenings page on the University's website.

Flying High With Joey Sanders

By: Austin Crafton

            He was just a country kid living on the river with a dream. He’d look up to the sky with his father and just wait to see an airplane crush through those puffy clouds. That was Joey Sanders growing up. He knew what he wanted and he’s still chasing after it to this day.

            For the small town of Jasper, Alabama – Joey “Gordo” Sanders may be as considered the one that made it for everyone. He joined up with the Air National Guard when he was of age, making it to Lieutenant Colonel and then was one of the first men called into action during the Gulf War of the early 1990’s. The “Phantom” he flew in the conflict stands in a monument in the heart of town. 

             He’s been one of FedEx’s top pilots for almost three decades and was one of the first pilots certified to fly Boeing’s new, state-of-the-art 777 which was just released this year. And now he flies the fan-favorite "Big-Red" in the World-Famous Reno Air Races, which is essentially “3-D NASCAR” as Joey says.

Joey with his famous "Big Red"

            “I’ve been lucky to do what I’ve wanted for all of these years,” Joey says as he sits back in his office overlooking his hangar full of planes. And at 58, he still has plenty left in the tank. “I want to get at least a few more years in of serious flying before I hand it over to the next generation.”

            His hangar is his home-base, from there he keeps up with not only his race team, but his flight school. “We always have several students with us, but we’re hoping to have around thirty in the fall. We’ve signed some contracts for some European students to come over.” He’s always excited to give someone their wings.

            

       Joey is absolutely full of stories and this package could’ve easily been two-hours long. Having flown with Joey in the past, I can easily say I’ve never seen anyone more at home than he is in the air.

To see what Joey is up to Click Here

Avoiding Identity Theft

By: Austin Crafton

            According to the Bureau of Justice, over 15 million people a year fall victim to identity-theft related crimes. But unlike most other forms of crime, identity theft or “White Collar” crimes can be fairly easily avoided. I went to speak with Sergeant Tim Thomas of The Walker County Sheriff’s Office to learn about how to safeguard your most vital information.

            Sergeant Thomas has been handling Identity Theft cases for almost 20 years now and of course the volume is only getting higher. He had just interviewed a 78 year-old man that had been hit by criminals posing to be working with Microsoft for $250 when our interview started. Cases similar to this one are rampant, just change out Microsoft for another corporation or a government agency like Social Security or The IRS. “Seldom if ever will you be contacted over the phone by these agencies or companies. The government almost always deals in official mail correspondence,” Thomas maintains.

Just a few of the identity shields on the market.

            Among the easiest ways to further protecting yourself would be buying a paper shredder. Everything from daily household bills to credit card offers should be destroyed. Thomas insists, “Do not just throw those junk credit card offers in the trash. Anyone could fish one out of the trash, mail it in and have a credit card in your name in no time.”

            The newest and most popular safeguard to identity theft would have to be the shield services like Lifelock. I found several of these services to run in the $10-$15 range that feature safety guarantees along with 24/7 customer service.

            “No one is totally safe, no one is immune, but these crimes can be prevented,” Thomas says.  For further reading from the FBI on Identity Theft – Click Here

UM Students Conjure Magic: The Gathering

By Reed Strength

Many may recognize the Queen of Hearts and the Ace of Spades. But how familiar is the Archetype of Aggression or Erebos, the God of the Dead?

Those mentioned are only two out of the many playable options in popular trading card game, Magic: The Gathering.

Initially starting in 1993, Magic: The Gathering has continued to gain followers and fans, with 12 million reported players in 2011.

The game is centered around decks of 60 or more cards. Players draw hands from these decks, and summon powerful creatures and spells against their opponents in an attempt to bring their life points to zero.

At UM, a wide range of students play Magic. A loose group of friends has started playing in Farmer Hall most nights while Napier Residence Hall features a weekly Friday Night Magic program.

From L to R: The five colors and environments of Magic
are the White Plains,the Blue Islands, the Black Swamps,
the Red Mountains and the Green Forests.

It's common to hear Magic Players refer to their playing styles with either one or two colors. This relates to the five different card colors present within the game.

The differing colors not only represent the variety of environments and creatures present within the game's universe, but the play styles and personality types of the players as well.



For example, a player that uses Blue cards tends to attempt to control the game with tact, while a Red player is normally faster and more aggressive.

To stay on top of the competition, players often have to spend as much time playing as hunting certain cards down and constructing the perfect deck. This collecting is expensive, with some players spending $10 to $50 a month on cards alone.

This group of UM students can often be found in the bottom
of Farmer Hall playing with and trading Magic cards.

Despite the constant combat experienced during game play, foes often become friends.

Freshman Chemistry major Jordan Wilson says he often comes to Farmer as a "stress reliever" from exams.

Fellow chem major Mathew McGrady says that even when working to conspire against someone, there are friends to be gained.


This social aspect of Magic inspired Napier Resident Assistant Emmit Ashford to start the Friday Night Magic program in the building's basement. Ashford says that even when the program doesn't happen, players will compete with each other until 10 in the morning.

For anyone interested in picking up the hobby, players say the best first step is to jump right in.

Marketing Major Matthew Crowson invites anyone to join he and his friends in Farmer Hall. "We'll be glad to teach anyone interested in playing," he said.

Communication Honors Day: A Special Farewell

By: Candice Crutchfield

The Administrative Assistant of the Mass Communication building, Pat Ebrahimi, is beginning a new chapter of her life. On April 15, 2015 at the Annual Department of Communication Honors Ceremony, a special farewell was prepared for Pat Ebrahimi.

The surprise goodbye for Ebrahimi's retirement could not have came soon enough. Students and faculty scurried around the room before the ceremony to make sure everything was set up and ready to go.

The honors ceremony began with snacks and refreshments. After everyone was settled, Department Chair, Dr. Sally Hardig, lead the ceremony along with other Communication and Mass Communication professors.

Dr. Hardig bragged about the Communication and Mass Communication students that were receiving rewards. She signed over 100 certificates, she said. "I ran two pens out of ink."

Pat Ebrahimi at the Communication Honors Ceremony

Several rewards later the lights were dimmed, and Dr. Bruce Finklea, along with a hand full of students, lined up in the front of the room.

They each read quotes from students and faculty who knew Ebrahimi. Dr. Finklea read a quote of his own.

"I honestly can't imagine what it will be like without you," says Finklea. As a former Mass Communication student of the University of Montevallo, Dr. Finklea has known Ebrahimi for years. "We go way back," Finklea says.

A current Mass Communication major, Gerald Cunningham, says that he will miss Ebrahimi's originality. "She's so nice and she's so helpful, and she really goes out of her way to get what you need," says Cunningham.

By the end of the ceremony Pat Ebrahimi was overwhelmed with emotion. "I'm just going to miss everyone, especially the students," says Ebrahimi.

Packing Up Your Dorm Room

By: Mary Kate McCarrick

The end of the semester is only a few days away at the University of Montevallo. With it comes exams, farewells and the need for an empty dorm room. Yes, it is time to move out.

Put similar items in the same box

This can add unnecessary stress at an inconvenient time. However, there are many tips to make moving out easier. 

Senior Emilee Harris says the right kind of moving boxes can go a long way. "I would invest in the plastic tubs. I've been using the same boxes since I was a freshman. They're reusable." 

Another tip is packing similar items, like books, in the same box. Some students, like Taryn Woodgett, have a box for each section of their room. "I would have a bing for all my closet stuff. Then I'll have a bin for clothes that's in my drawers or underneath my bed."

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask your friends, roommate, hall-mates and your RA for help with moving.

For more information on University of Montevallo moving procedure, visit https://legacy.montevallo.edu/housing/Mine.shtm.

Students helping each other move out

Orr Park Celebrates Family Fitness Day

By: Hannah Rish

Summer is just around the corner, which gives the Get Montevallo Moving initiative an opportunity to  inspire families to be more active.  Last week, Get Montevallo Moving was host to the seventh annual Family Fitness Fun Day at Orr Park.  The afternoon was filled with many fitness related activities including a Tree Carving Scavenger Hunt, a Fireman's Challenge obstacle course, and a rock wall.  Also featured throughout the day were demonstrations from local karate schools, yoga groups and a sample of the newest dance routine from the Calera Dance Team.

Park goers gearing up for the bike ride around the park.

Event Table Holder Caitlyn Wood participated in her first year at the park and was very excited to see what it was like: "Dr. Miller from the Kinesiology Department has been doing this, but I was able to help with the planning and stuff this year.  So it's been really cool to get involved with the community, and help everyone get out and get active".

Cindy Wilson, the organizer of the Scavenger Hunt was also enthusiastic about this year's turn out, as she said: "I think this is a fun event.  I'm glad to see beautiful weather and lots of kids with families and we're just glad to be a part of it".

More events like the Family Fitness Fun day can be found at the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce Community Calendar here.

Furry Friends Help Students Conquer Finals Week

By Kiera Hood

Many students describe finals week as the most stressful part of their semester. With the help of Montevallo's Counseling Services, students were able to take a load off from their studies to enjoy themselves.

Information given to students at event

According to Brooke Williamson, a worker with counseling services, the stress relief is one of their biggest events of the semester.

Although, they usually have Steele City Pops gourmet ice cream come to campus, this semester they decided to change things up.

Bruster's ice cream along with the Hand in Paw program, were a part of this spring's stress relief program. Many students felt as if this was the perfect way to clear their minds and recharge for the days ahead.

Many of the students sat along the grass and played with their favorite furry friends. Cody, a campus favorite, brought smiles to almost everyone he came into contact with. The Hand in Paw program allows students to pet and interact with the dogs as a means of stress relief.

Montevallo Counseling Sevices is always welcoming students year round.

Saying No More, Loud and Clear

By: Alyse Hartdegen 

Five colleges across the Birmingham area came together to work towards ending sexual and domestic violence. Loud and Clear at the Tracks gave students and the Birmingham community an opportunity to learn about resources and information surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence.

Students and faculty from Montevallo, Samford, UAB, Miles College and Birmingham Southern set up tables with resources about sexual and domestic violence. Also at the event were the college’s three community partners, Shelby County SafeHouse, the Crisis Center and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Each had a table with their respective information.

Performer Guante at Railroad Park

Throughout the evening and the rain there was music, food and activities for attendees to enjoy. The Wounded Heart Project, sponsored by the Crisis Center, gave visitors an opportunity to show their support for survivors of violence. The night ended with three spoken word artists. Each performer shared thought-provoking pieces about sex, dating, love and respect.

Loud and Clear was the final event of a series throughout April.

“We’ve done events on campuses all week in honor of sexual assault awareness month,” explained Valencia Albright, community outreach and volunteer coordinator with SafeHouse." 

Loud and Clear was a “rain or shine” event, meaning it would continue through the rain. “Sexual assault happens whether it rains or shines, so why should our event end?” said Albright. “…We just want to make sure that if we’re going to start something, we’re going to see it through.”

The event happened thanks to a grant given to each school through the Birmingham Area Consortium of Higher Education (BACHE).

The five schools, plus the three community partners worked with the No More campaign on each campus throughout the school year.

To learn more about the Crisis Center, SafeHouse or the YWCA, follow the provided links. You can also find No More on Facebook and twitter, or visit their website.

Student Art Association takes their work off-campus

By Connor Bucy

The "Vallo 10" exhibit took student work public.

While most UM art students might have to wait for their senior year before showing their work in a gallery, the Student Art Association (SSA) took their art public with the "Vallo 10" exhibit held at Birmingham's T-Rex Tiny Gallery.

Located in the Crestwood area of Birmingham, the T-Rex Tiny Gallery is owned and curated by Tyler Webber, who took over the gallery from its previous owners three months ago. Webber took over the gallery under the conditions that the space remain a gallery and that it be available and affordable for local artists.

President of UM's SSA, Amy Matthews, found the gallery while inquiring about Delta Psychodelica, an art collective that Webber is a member of. Matthews wanted to see UM's artist branch out and gain visibility.

"Montevallo is such a creative environment," said Matthews, "but we really need a metropolitan atmosphere to thrive in.

While the show was meant to merely showcase work, it proved a profitable venture for Amy George, who sold her painting "Sweets" for $450.

A Tribute to Mrs. Pat

by: Madison Imbusch

Mrs. Pat Ebrahimi is retiring after 33 years of service to the University of Montevallo.  She is the administrative assistant for the Department of Communication.  Her day-to-day tasks include scheduling events, scheduling meetings, budgeting, purchasing equipment, helping students and getting people paid for their services.

Her legacy is much bigger than her job.  Some students consider her a home away from home.  Jordan Ashley Fore, student worker and Mass Communication student, said, "I call her my Mass Comm mom because she's just a wonderful mother figure to have."  Amos Hollinhead, Montevallo Mass Communication alumnus, in a Facebook post called Ebrahimi "the heart and soul of a place I called home."

Ebrahimi is known for teaching students life lessons by the way she lives.  A couple include "No matter how much you have going on, relax and be patient" and "Love yourself, and take up for yourself."

For more information on the Department of Communication at Montevallo, you can go to their website.

Breakfast at Midnight

By Matthew Lord

The night before finals begin is always an exciting time at the University of Montevallo. Students begin lining up outside the cafeteria around 9:00, even though the event does not start until an hour later, at 10:00 sharp.

When the doors do open, it's a mad rush to get inside - some head straight for the novelty tables in the Anna-Irving Dining Hall, while others take the more scenic route and go for the breakfast food first.

Those who chose to go to the novelties had the choice of getting a custom street sign made (with room for up to thirteen letters), taking a turn in the photo booth while wearing some snazzy headgear, waiting in line for the oxygen bar, or getting a custom print made of objects that look like letters.

The event is there to help students relax and take a much-needed study break before finals start in the morning. It lasts from 10:00 to 12:00 (or, more appropriately, midnight), and students are able to enjoy a full buffet of breakfast foods while dancing and having the chance to win prizes from the raffle.

After they leave, the students go back to their dorms with their arms full of novelties and their stomachs full of french toast and scrambled eggs, ready to have a good night's sleep and prepared for their exams in the morning.

Student athletes work to be injury free

by Umar Nadir

University of Montevallo student athletes compete in fifteen highly competitive intercollegiate sports.
Women athletes compete in:

Softball Team Members

• basketball
• cross country
• competitive cheerleading
• golf
• lacrosse
• soccer
• softball
• volleyball
• tennis
• track & field

With all the battling for recognition and pride of UM colors student athletes often run the risk of injury.  According to Ed Langham, UM strength and conditioning coach student athletes average about 4 to 5 hours a weak in the gym during their off season or about 2 to 3 hours per week while in season.

While men athletes compete in:

Ed Langham, UM strength and conditioning coach

• baseball
• basketball
• cross country
• golf
• soccer
• track & field

All this intercollegiate play means a lot of risk for student athletes and that's why their
work outs have become a way of life.  Overall, coach Langham says, "number one is prevention."

Moreover, Christopher Boulden Jr. of the men's Track & Field team says, "I workout to stay in shape." While Danielle Zak a soccer midfielder on the women's team says," working out helps me with the recovery process."

Auxiliary Room

The Rundown on MomentUM

by Britney Williams

 

 

The panelist and crew of MomentUM. Photo courtesy of
Kearson Roberts.

The Mass Communication Department recently began taping its talk show MomentUM, where student panelist shed some light on various trending topics like celebrity news, hard news and the latest campus events. It is a reboot from previous students who were on the panel.

The show has four panelist with different opinions, who give their take on what is going on amongst teens and young adults. The panelist believe the show is very useful and will enlighten students about what is going on in the world around them.



The panelists of MomentUM accepting the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge. Photo courtesy of Kearson Roberts.

"It's informative to the students 'cause they may learn things that they didn't already know," says panelist, Charmella Williams.

One of the most interesting topics was the
"Wi-fight" which is a student protest for better Wi-Fi on campus. The protest began with signs posted around campus and has even been
taken to Twitter. Among a few of the other topics were TIDAL and finals week.

To see the latest episode of MomentUM and other falcon news check out MontevalloForYou.



UM's Intramural Lady

By: Rio Smith

Want to know who is the go to person for the craze that is intramural sports?

UM Student Life Coordinator Kristen Bowen

Look no further than Kristen Bowen, the coordinator for Student Life. Or as the intramural players like to call her, the intramural lady.

Coming to Montevallo after previously being enrolled at two larger universities, Bowen says being the coordinator of intramural sports on a smaller campus is special and being called the "Intramural Lady" doesn't bother her at all.

" I gotten to know so many of the students on campus through intramurals so I definitely like that affectionate title," says Bowen.

Teams and fans watching the championship game.

Since her arrival last fall, she has updated the intramural rule books and improved the point system for the Campus cup, a trophy awarded to the top men's and women's teams of the academic year.

Also, she coordinated the flag football and basketball champions to attend the regional championships to compete against other universities, something that has never been done before here at UM.

Kevin Britt, a referee under Bowen, had to pass officiating tests to become qualified to ref games. He says Bowen was the missing piece for intramural sports as well as all of Student Life.

 “It’s awesome," said Britt. "I've been saying this since I got here, I think it’s really cool that Student Life is finally able to get someone on staff that they are paid to work late hours at night so that she can not only go to NPC events but come to all the games.”

Things left on Bowen's to-do list is to increase the awareness of intramural sports throughout campus as well as continuing to tweak the Campus Cup, such as putting more emphasis on winning championships.

One problem she doesn't have is not being liked by her students. Bowen says the student interaction here is the most rewarding aspect.

"Just in the student's I've gotten to see and see them take on more responsibilities has been great,"

says Bowen. "And I consider my students as my friends as well."

Alpha Kappa Lambda and Femme Fatale won the intramural Campus Cups for the Men's and Women's division, respectively. Bad Company came in second in the men's while Tie-Dye finished second in the women's.

Exploring the facets of undergraduate research

Story by Hayley Stewart

Undergraduate research is something that practically every college student has heard of or been exposed to. For some it is viewed as a daunting task, but with the help of Carmichael Library many have come to successfully research their subject.

Connor Marullo, a senior majoring in history, is one of the many students to benefit from the Library's assistance. "My research was on The Battle of New Orleans," said Marullo "With a focus on the effect Joan Lafette had on the battle and Andrew Jackson's battle tactics." His research culminated in a 20 page paper that he presented at the University's History Day.

As for using the library to his advantage, Marullo managed to find several things to benefit his research with the assistance of librarians. "About 90 percent of my research came from the library. They were helpful in tracking down tricky items like letters and documents from the 1800's."

Undergraduate research isn't just for those in the history field though. Many students end up doing it through programs on campus. One of these programs, McNair Scholars, is designed to prepare students who are first generation college students or from underrepresented groups on campus for further their education into graduate and doctoral programs. Students who participate are required to complete an undergraduate research summer session, then present their findings at a research conference.

Roberta Leichnitz, head of the McNair Scholars, says that the program and its research have great benefits to students. "Undergraduate research is one of the best ways to prepare for graduate school," said Leichnitz, "I have had many former McNair undergraduates tell me that the first semester [of graduate school] was really tough but at least they knew how to do research."

Carmichael Library has a new librarian, Camille Chesley, dedicated to working with McNair scholars on their research. "I am so happy she was hired and our scholars are going to her for help," said Leichnitz "A good librarian can also make all the difference in the world."

Jason Cooper, Carmichael's systems and emerging technologies librarian, says that the Library receives daily request about assistance with undergraduate research. They have seen an increase in the virtual requests they receive through their website's Ask a Librarian service, which is monitored six days a week by librarians ready to provide help. Cooper says that another technology that is really helping students is the ILLiad interlibrary loan system. The system allows Carmichael's librarians to request documents or resources that might not be readily available in Montevallo from other libraries in the state and region.

For those who are thinking about conducting undergraduate research themselves but are unsure where to start, Cooper suggests starting by narrowing their focus to a specific topic that is easier to cover in a small amount of space. After that, a one-on-one meeting with a librarian is a great idea, so students can gain the skills to easily search some of Carmichael Library's 120 online databases.

Marullo also had one bit of parting advice for undergraduate research students: "Revision, revision, revision."

REVIEW: "Chappie"

Review by Hayley Stewart

Neill Blomkamp brings us yet another technology-based sci-fi set in South Africa, this time in the story of Chappie. Both emotionally and aesthetically the film is a combination of opposites, from serious to silly and from sleek to drab. Somehow this combination comes together to create a wonderful story that will take the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of emotions from wanting to cry in frustration to laughing at some of the characters' hilarious antics.

The movie is set in Johannesburg South Africa, in a future where nearly indestructible police droids have been invented to help the police force cut down on both crime rates and human officer casualties. Chappie (voiced by Sharlto Copley) is a unique version of these robots due to the experimental artificial intelligence illegally programmed into him by the robots' creator, Deon Wilson (Dev Patel).

While Deon attempts to smuggle Chappie home from his work facility, he is hijacked by a trio of criminals who take the robot and plan to use him as an accomplice for committing crimes. The criminals are Yolandi and Ninja (both known by the same names in the rap duo Die Antwoord), and Amerika (Jose Pablo Cantillo). Since Chappie is newly programmed, he has a innocent mind with a readiness to learn, which means he is highly susceptible to influences. Now Chappie is pulled in two directions, with Deon who wishes for him to read, learn and be creative, and then with the criminal trio who want for him to assist in carjackings, robbery and all manner of illegal activities.

The film had a similar feel to some of Blomkamp's previous blockbusters, District 9 and Elysium, but with a whole new quirky twist. The acting was excellent, especially considering this was a first time role for Yolandi and Ninja. Some of the bigger names like Sigourney Weaver and Hugh Jackman played surprisingly small roles, but their parts on the backburner gave room for the newcomers to show their talent.

The visuals were, in one word, fantastic. The criminal trio's hideaway, set in a large abandoned factory, was plastered with a variety of graffiti art. That combined with the Ninja and Yolandi's neon painted guns and body armor changed their look from everyday South African criminals to an edgy representation of gangsters. On the opposite end of the bright colors were the slums, where many of the scenes take place. The film does a great job in making the viewer feel as if they are in that hot and smelly area of Johannesburg, walking in between trash can fires and dog fights.

Despite the similarity to his previous work, Blomkamp's Chappie is a film unique unto itself. It combines advanced technology with the most basic of human emotions to create a film that is creative, colorful, exciting and well worth a few hours of your time.

Chappie will be released on Blu-ray and DVD June 16.

Employees "dish" about working in The Caf

By Khaliah Smitherman

For many individuals on campus, going to the cafeteria is the highlight of their day. It’s a place where they are able to meet with their friends or coworkers to talk about their day and just enjoy their free time.  

Junior Shamaya Smitherman said, “The cafeteria is one of the first places I came during orientation. Their delicious breakfast is what initially won me over.”

With so many students, faculty, and staff members that attend the cafeteria each day, one has to wonder how they are able to prepare such quality in a certain allotted amount of time.

The Cafeteria at the University also known as “The Caf,” has been the heart of Montevallo for years. The Caf employs dozens of individuals-- some full-time, part-time, and student workers. 

The main purpose of the café is to provide meals to individuals within the University of Montevallo’s community. In order for The Caf to function properly, many elements must first be met.  Some of the employment positions in The Caf are chef, cooks, dining room attendants, cashiers, caterers and dish washers, etc.

Donna Murphy has been working at the cafeteria for over 28 years. Some of her job consists of being a cashier and catering.  With having working at the University for such a long amount of time, Murphy has witnessed some of the University’s greatest changes. 

“When I first arrived at here, the cooks dressed in all white, giving the appearance of nursing uniforms,” she said. “The floors were really slick, it was like a combination of water and grease. It looked like people were skating on the floor, they would be sliding as they were walking."

When Murphy initially arrived everything was at a fast pace with people constantly moving, getting and preparing food. They also had limited choices opposed to The Caf today. “When people came in The Caf, they had to enter a set of double doors to get to their food. They would have a beverage station, and they had to get their tray and silverware.  The food was in one long line.”

One of the greatest changes Murphy liked was when they expanded The Caf and allowed for greater menu choices. “When you are trying to feed hundreds of students, you have to have different menu items. You have individuals who are vegetarians, and some who have different allergies. We have to be flexible and accommodate their needs.”      

If there is one thing Murphy doesn’t like it’s how many of the dorm rooms now have their own kitchens. “It takes away from [The] Caf. The kids have everything they need in their dorm and they don’t have to leave for anything. I absolutely love the students. They are the reason I’ve been here for so long. They are the motivation behind me getting up every morning to come and serve them.”

Though many people love The Caf, other individuals feel the opposite way, and these bad opinions hurt Murphy.

“It hurts really bad when people say bad things about The Caf. We put our hearts into trying to make things great for the students, and to hear negative comments from some, it’s like their telling our best is not enough.”

Christine Cutts has been as a cook for 22 years.  She normally works the morning shift preparing breakfast and lunch for the University.  At the end of Cutts’ work day she retires to her home where she helps care for her daughter and grandchildren.

“Honey, I have seen so many people come in and out of these doors. The greatest satisfaction is when I see students, who are far away from home enjoy my cooking telling me it reminds them of home.” Though Cutts’ has been here for years this is not what she thought she would be doing, but she wouldn’t change it for anything in the world today.

“I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to serve these individuals, and work alongside some of the greatest people I know. When I am having a bad day my coworkers and the students help me get through it.  That is something I tell my children all the time. Get a job that you love to do, so it doesn’t seem like work at all. You look forward to getting up every morning and hate to leave when your time is done.”

Alesia Smith has been working in the cafeteria for two years as a dining room attendant.  Her job consists of making sure the tables are wiped and cleaned. She sweeps the floors, makes sure silverware is out, etc. Though to some it may sound easy, each job comes with its own challenges.

When Smith is out in the dining area it provides opportunity for her to communicate with students, faculty and staff. “Its crazy how much authority people think we have here. They try to tell us what they do and don’t like. I honestly don’t believe they even put our feelings into consideration.” The chef chooses the menu selection and the cooks just help to put the various items out.

Though Smith has only been here for two years, she has seen change within the cafeteria as well.  The University has more students, and the menu items changed to healthier choices.  Smith does not have much to complain about. She only wished sometimes, there could be more help within The Caf staff-wise.

“One problem that we have in this cafeteria is the lack of employees. This school is steadily growing and in order for us to function properly we need individuals willing to work.”

“My favorite season working here is fall. I love to see students dressing up for Halloween. I also love to see their expressions and reactions to the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Some of these students are far away from home, and they need a good meal to fill their bellies.” 

Another favorite for Smith is the students.  “Being able to work here I form relationships with these people. We look out for each other. I also find it encouraging to see so many young people striving for excellence.”

With dedicate employees such as Murphy, Cutts’, Smith, and many more its easy to see why the café is such a beloved place. These people spend countless hours of their time preparing and serving meals for others.

Some of these men and women have families of their own whom they often have to go home and serve, after serving us here on the campus.  However, many of the workers said that the students are their motivation.

REVIEW: "Southern Style" by Darius Rucker

By: Elizabeth Rhinehart

In recent years, the country music world has been fueled by pop; Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean being some of the popular artists to contribute heavily to the merge of the genres. Don’t get me wrong I love new country music and the upbeat sensations that come along with it, but I love older country music, too, and Darius Rucker brought a mix of both with his fourth solo album, Southern Style.

Southern Style hit the stores on March 31 and I absolutely love it. Maybe I’m a little biased because I have loved Darius Rucker since he was the lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish in the 90’s and early 2000’s, or maybe the whole album is truly that good. If I’m being honest, it’s a little bit of both.

            

The headliner of this album is “Homegrown Honey” which holds the current number 8 spot on the country music billboard charts. “Homegrown Honey” gives you a feel of the album as a whole. It’s peppy, upbeat, optimistic and one of those songs it’s hard not to like (if you’re a country music fan).

With this new album, Rucker is giving his fans a happier side of him. His past albums tended to be a little more on the sad end of the spectrum, focusing on his lost love with the mother of his first child and other scenarios that brought him heartache. Southern Style is the opposite. With the exception of two songs, the album is very happy and it’s hard to listen to it and not feel happy too. It’s what I would call a “sit back, feel good” album.

There is a wide array of instruments used in the production of Southern Style, some being the fiddle, mandolin, piano, drums, electric guitar and acoustic guitar. Even though most of those instruments are typical for any style of music, the use of the fiddle and the mandolin really play into the “old country” stereotype and I love it. I can’t tell you the last time I heard a fiddle used in a song, more or less in multiple songs on an album.

The best part about this album is the lyrics. Rucker writes all of his music, but does receive help from his producers or other famous country stars, such as Lady Antebellum singer Charles Kelley, from time to time. By him writing his own music, it’s very personable. You get an idea of who he is as a man and what he stands for solely by listening to the words. His lyrics revolve around his family, his wife, his faith, his hometown of Charleston, SC, and just having a good time. What I really like about Rucker is he tends to refrain from writing and singing about activities many artists base their whole albums on in today’s society. He does sing about having a good beer every few songs, but he doesn’t promote getting drunk, doing drugs or having sex.

When I listen to Southern Style, I feel like I am getting music similar to what you’d hear from George Strait or Brooks and Dunn but then the next song could be similar to recent country superstars Sam Hunt or Rascal Flatts. The diversity Rucker offers in his instrumentals, lyrics and song topic is what makes this album one worth your $15.