Mardi Gras and Hereafter

Well, Mardi Gras has come and gone, and I hope everyone had fun. For those of you that have just moved to the Deep South and might not know what the heck all the hoopla was about this past Tuesday, let me explain. Mardi Gras is a festival that is celebrated on a Tuesday shortly before the end of February in some countries. However, nowhere is it more famously celebrated than in New Orleans. It’s celebrated on a day that is commonly known as Fat/Shrove Tuesday and is marked by fun, feasting and a whole lot of partying. It’s customary to wear beads on Mardi Gras, although I’m not sure exactly who or what started that tradition and when; I’ll have to get back to you on that one. Mardi Gras was formerly a religious holiday, but is now known as the feast before the fast. The fast that I’m referring to is that which many Christians observe the day after Mardi Gras, which is Ash Wednesday. This marks the transition into the season of Lent.

What is Lent? Lent is the forty days preceding the Easter weekend. It begins on Ash Wednesday, when many Christians go to church for a service of repentance, during which they are anointed with ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. As the minister traces the ash cross on one’s forehead, the minister may say, “Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return,” or a similar message. This is part of what God said to Adam after he and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. It is a reminder to all of us that no one is perfect, but we should do what we can to live the life God wants us to live. Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday. During this forty day period or shortly after Easter, Jews celebrate the Passover, which commemorates the beginnings of the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. The highlight of the Passover week for Jews is a traditional dinner called the seder, which is a prayer service and dinner all in one basically. Usually the main course of this meal is a leg of lamb and unleavened bread. Believe it or not, more than ever, even Christians are starting to get into this Jewish tradition during Holy Week. As a matter of fact, St. Francis Church, the Catholic church on campus, will have a seder dinner sometime during Holy Week. I think I might go this year if I can get a ride.

Lent culminates for Christians all around the world during the week immediately before and including the Easter weekend, which is known by many as Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday. The Sunday before Easter Sunday is traditionally called Palm Sunday because on that day, Christians commemorate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, during which thousands of people followed him and waved palm branches in the air in celebration. It’s like when we follow Nick Saban and the team from the Walk of Champions into Bryant-Denny Stadium before a big game and we wave pompoms in the air. Many churches have a procession into the sanctuary, during which worshippers similarly carry palm branches. The day before Good Friday is known as Holy/Maundy Thursday, the day which commemorates the Last Supper. Then there’s Good Friday, when Christians all over the world commemorate the Passion and crucifixion of Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world. Many fast on Good Friday. Holy Saturday is Easter’s Eve. On that night some churches may hold services in which new converts are baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion for the first time. Finally of course there’s Easter Sunday, when believers joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

 For many, Lent is a time for charitable giving and personal sacrifice, which can change one’s life for the better in the long run. Some may choose to give up a bad habit or something that isn’t always healthy or good for them, like cussing, smoking, alcohol and sweets. Some people find that once they’ve gotten used to not doing those things, it becomes a habit to not do those things, and therefore they’ve changed their life and the lives of others for the better. Some may also choose to be more involved with their church or synagogue or even their mosque. In fact, you can choose to be more involved in your community or school of all things. I invite you to think about what you can do to improve your life and the lives of others this Lent. As we go through Lent, may all of you find this season to be an enriching one for you. I will keep you posted about the goings on at the different houses of worship on and near campus, as well as ways you can help throughout the community and right here on campus as we go through this season of Lent. Of course I will always continue to keep everyone posted on what’s going on on campus as well, in case you wish to become more involved in your school. ROLL TIDE! 

-David Rissling

Wheel Chair Basketball and More!

Come one, come all, to Wheelchair Basketball! Wheelchair basketball begins tonight and runs through Saturday. The first game will be held tonight at 7 PM at the historic Foster Auditorium. The Saturday night game will be held at 7 PM Saturday at the Rec Center. Both games are free and open to all, and yours truly will be singing the National Anthem at both those games. This is a great way to support those students with disabilities, and it just proves that people with disabilities can do anything they set their minds to. I’m totally blind and people say I get around this campus better than most of my sighted peers; now that’s saying something. So come show your support this weekend for our students as they literally roll to victory this Friday and Saturday.

Also, while I’m at it, there are a lot of other sporting events going on this weekend here at the Capstone. Women’s softball will play a double header on Friday beginning at 4 PM, when they’ll take on East Carolina, followed by North Dakota State at 6 PM at Rhodes Stadium. They’ll play the same two teams respectively Saturday afternoon at 1:30 PM and 4 PM. They’ll also play SIU on Sunday at 1:30 PM. Meanwhile, Coach Mitch Gaspard and the Tide men’s baseball team will take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday at 6:05 PM, on Saturday at 2:05 PM and again on Sunday at 1:05 PM at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Coach Anthony Grant and the Tide will take on Mississippi State at Coleman Coliseum at 5 PM. Remember that all games are free to all students with a valid action card.

So come on and watch the Tide roll to victory all weekend long here at the University of Alabama. You and the University of Alabama: ROLL TIDE! 

-David Rissling

A PSA Regarding In-Class Activities

Greetings to the UA family once again. 

Look, I need to address something that has become quite a concern to me over the last few weeks of the semester and that is our in-class conduct. This is important because our faculty and staff work very hard to ensure that we have the best education of the finest quality; and make no mistake, UA has some of the finest teachers around, and as a result, many of the graduates from this university are some of the finest and brightest individuals around. I’m proud of that.

Now, ever seen the AT&T commercial where a guy and a girl are out at dinner or something, and they’re having this intimate conversation and all of a sudden out comes this phone? And the girl says, “Did you just check the game on your phone?”, and the guy tries to hide the fact that he’s doing it and just can’t. And he’s doing it because he just can’t help it. 

Well, as funny as that is on a TV commercial, in the real world, it’s not funny; in fact it’s kind of rude. Most importantly, it’s rude in class, especially if you sit right up front of the teacher. I’ve seen two instances within the past 3 weeks or so, where I’m sitting there paying attention and really just starting to understand what the teacher is saying, when suddenly he looks over in a certain direction and inserts into the lecture, “Now unless you’re texting someone who’s texting you about the subject matter, I’d put that away.” It’s embarrassing to be called out in front of everybody like that, isn’t it? Plus when you do that, it’s not conducive to your performing well in the class because you’re obviously not paying attention. 

Folks, let’s try not to text in class, please. If it’s an absolute emergency, then my advice is to take it outside if at all possible. Let’s show our teachers our appreciation by being respectful towards them and not texting, e-mailing or doing other things in class. And try to pay attention as best you can for obvious reasons. As a student, especially one whose mother taught at UA, I know that the people who perform most poorly on tests and quizzes are the people that don’t pay attention and come to class unprepared. I want everybody to do well in their courses, and that’s why I wanted to bring this to everyone’s attention. 

-David Rissling

The Power of Pink

The Ferguson Center is showing off some new colors in our fountain this month, for Breast Cancer Awareness. What does the power of pink mean to you?

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour, B.B Comer

11:00A.M to 1:00P.M

Coffee Hour in B.B Comer Hall is a great experience. I suggest that on Fridays you stop by and grap a quick snack and mingle. I was able to meet and talk with other students from different countries in between transitions of class. 

Students filling out surveys assessing the event

The tasty snacks served with coffee broke the ice between many students who walk past each other everyday. This event brings cultures together and helps students connect here on our campus.

-Joycelyn K.

The Crimson Tide Celebrates Its Fourteenth National Championship

           Well, family, I’d say the celebration of the Tide’s fourteenth National Championship went successfully and wonderfully well. The amazing thing was that the rain was able to get on out of Tuscaloosa in time for the big party that was held at Bryant-Denny Stadium this afternoon. Most fans began showing up at the gates at around 11 AM, one hour before the gates were to open. I was one of the first thousand fans to enter the stadium, which meant I was one of the many excited fans that got to see the action from the field itself. Now, I’ve never really been on the field like that until today, and I have to tell you, I felt like a VIP just being out on the field, and despite a pounding headache which usually would have caused me to stay in bed, I wouldn’t miss this for the world, being the number one Bama fan that I am. Before the ceremony, some fans were able to get their picture taken with the BCS trophy. I did not get to do that, since I was trying to get on the field before it got too crowded. I’m sure there may be other opportunities to get my photo taken with the trophy.

The ceremony itself was very exciting. We heard from many of the players including Trent Richardson, Dante Hightower and others. We heard rousing speeches from Dr. Witt, Coach Mal Moore, and of course, Nick Saban. It was especially meaningful to me to see that the Tide came back to win a national title right after the tragic storms of last April. I think that showed that Tuscaloosa and UA have emerged victorious once again, and that really means so much to me I cannot even begin to explain. But that’s not the best thing that happened at Bryant-Denny Stadium today. After the ceremony was over, fans and students were able to access the field, go through the tunnel and get a look at the locker room. I was no exception to that treat. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

 I’ll never forget the way I felt when we won that last game against LSU. As I stood in the aisle of the Ferg theater and watched as the Tide took that last knee on that glorious Monday night two weeks ago, my heart rejoiced and I almost cried as ESPN sportscaster Brett Musburger acknowledged what happened here on April 27 and then said, “Tuscaloosa, this one’s for you.” It was mentioned today how our players were the first people out on the scene following the tornado and how they came together to help those who were hurting or in need, which earned them the Disney Spirit award. And now as this beautiful town that I love so much is rebuilding and recovering, I can only begin to imagine how much a joy this is for those whose lives were most effected to watch as the BCS National Championship trophy comes back home.

 Finally, I just want to say this: as legendary countdown host Casey Kasem said as he closed his last show on the week of July 4 2009, “success doesn’t happen in a vacuum; you’re only as good as the people you work for and the people you work with.” Similarly, a university is only as good as the people you learn from and the people you work and interact with. UA has been blessed with faculty and staff who have supported us students a great deal. I don’t think they hear enough from us students how much their love for the UA family and their help and support means to each and every one of us, both individually and as a whole. Yes, I may love them Southern women, but in all seriousness, I really want to thank each and every faculty and staff member for what they’ve done to make this university the place it is today, from the president right on down to the teachers. 

Dr. Witt, if you ever read this, on behalf of the entire student body, I’d like to thank you, the Board of Trustees and your entire administration for what you have done for this family; it really means a lot to us. I hope I get a chance to meet you all and talk to you in person one day very soon so I can personally thank you guys myself. But until then, please accept our thanks and gratitude from the bottom of our hearts. Everybody keep up the good work. And once again, our most heartfelt congratulations go out to the Alabama Crimson Tide for winning its FOURTEENTH National Championship. May God continue to bless all faculty, staff and students, and may God bless the University of Alabama. ROLL TIDE! J

-David Rissling-Venit

Looking Forward to This Semester

Greetings to all of my UA family. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is looking forward to the big day on Monday January 9! (ROLL TIDE!!!) J I know that many of you will be returning to school earlier than usual to gear up for the big game. Some of you will also be traveling to New Orleans to watch the big game up close and personal. Good luck with that, and I’m glad y’all were able to get tickets; I’m jealous! I tried to win four tickets for me and three other members of my family, but to no avail. So, if you’re like me and will be in T-Town for the big event, there are many locations on campus where you can go to join your fellow friends and classmates and celebrating and cheering on the Tide. It’s my understanding that the Ferg Theater will be showing the game and there may be free food and drinks provided. Also, guys, there are a number of service projects that will be going on the day before the game and the morning of the game in New Orleans and Tuscaloosa respectively. The service projects are part of a service initiative called “Building Champions through Service,” and they’re great ways you can help out in either community. If you will be in New Orleans and want to participate in the service project down there, you’ll want to register online using the link provided in the uanews email you all should have received before the end of last semester. Check-in time on Sunday will be noon, and lunch will be provided on site. Transportation will not be provided to New Orleans, however. There may be some shuttle services provided to the site from major areas like hotels in New Orleans. The project will run from 1-5 PM, and participants will be helping with Boys and Girls club buildings, including the upkeep of the baseball fields, painting and beautification of surrounding neighborhoods in southeast Louisiana. Space is limited to 200 participants from each school, both UA and LSU.

Additionally, there is need for student volunteers to help with the removal of tornado debris and volunteering in area schools. That service project will be from 9-11 AM on Monday morning, 1/9. The link to register can be found on the same email as mentioned above. Check-in is at 8:30 at the Fergusson Plaza, transportation is provided to the sites, and lunch is provided at the end of the event. Sponsors for this event include the Black Student Union, and our friends at the Fergusson Center.

            Now, before we dive into next semester, there are a few things I feel I must address to the UA family. First off, if you’re like me, you love to cheer on the Tide. That goes for football, basketball, swimming, soccer, baseball and so on. You try to support them as much as possible by attending games/meets whenever you can. That’s great; keep cheering them on, Bama fans! However, please remember that academics do come first and foremost. With that in mind, I usually try to go to no more than one event a week. In the spring, there are countless numbers of sports events that happen around here. I go to the website or check my e-mails and see what all is going on during the week and I pick my event if I have time to fit it into my busy schedule, between working, studying and everything else I do. Also, please remember to keep your language clean at all events, no matter how much you dislike the call. You can yell at the blind refs all you want, but don’t let it get crazy; please, NO SWEARING! Remember that bags may be limited and checked at various events. Lastly, and this is important, may I issue a friendly reminder that throwing things onto the playing area for any reason at any time is never allowed. We want everyone to have fun but be safe, and look out for the safety of your friends and those around you.

            Finally, family, as we prepare to begin a new semester, I’d like to talk to everyone about something much more serious, and that is this: we here at the University of Alabama strive for excellence in all that we do. We strive to maintain a fun/learning environment that is friendly, comfortable and welcoming for all. We do this by making sure that our words, actions and conversations are appropriate at all times. Folks, we need to look past our differences and understand that people are people. I am proud to attend a university as diverse as this university. Chalking can be fun; it’s a great way to express yourself openly, creatively and freely. However, when we chalk words and pictures that are offensive in any way, then it gets out of hand. So, let’s have fun, but please, let’s keep it clean. Let’s watch how we talk, watch what we chalk, and make sure we treat one another with the dignity, civility and respect that everyone deserves. We’re family, and we want everyone to feel comfortable here and proud to be a UA student.

            Guys, I think this semester should be a great one. Keep checking the Ferg website for the latest on upcoming events sponsored by the Fergusson Center. Everybody keep working hard here at the University of Alabama. ROLL TIDE!!

--David  Rissling