UAB volleyball vs. Memphis and Marshall for their last two home games of the season. The Blazers beat both teams 3-0.

Michael Crump and Jeffery Frees

There is a competition that UAB faces this weekend that is so scary that it can literally eat ones’ brains if one is not careful to code the battle correctly. It is called “Battle of the Brains” and it hosted by the Association for Computing Machinery, the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society. This event is held annually where teams of programmers from around the world compete for a trip to the Regionals and then to the World Finals. For UAB, this does include universities from around the southeastern United States and the Computer Science students have bested all other universities from both states of Alabama and Mississippi for the past three out of four years.

Last year, the UAB team finished in the top 15, one in the top five, for both teams in the Regionals and according to team leader Jeffery Frees, the ultimate goal is to the win the Regionals and make it the World Finals, which are being held in China this year. Frees, a graduate student in the Computer Science department, has participated in this event ever since he was a Sophomore at UAB as an undergraduate student. After expressing an interest in the event, he was invited to join the team, thereafter and last year made UAB’s top five finish the highest ever for the Computer Science department.

The teams primarily write code or program languages in software such as C++ and Java. These are the primary computer languages in the southeastern region and UAB’s choice of programming code is Java. Most of the programs focus on problems at the competition testing knowledge of a specific type of algorithm such as graph algorithms or backtracking algorithms. Basically a set of instructions in a sequence to solve a problem or to achieve a certain task. These computing languages help do just that and eventually create mathematical, linguistic, or data processed solutions from the algorithms. This is similar to a flow chart that graphically represent algorithms.

C++ and Java are the artificial languages designed to express algorithms that can be performed by computers to control the behavior of the computers and to create solutions that computers can understand in a language comparable to the flow-charts that humans can understand in a similar fashion. Graphical algorithms are based on graph theory or the study of graphs. They are mathematical structures used to model relations between objects from a certain collection. Backtracking is a general algorithm for finding all (or some) solutions to a computational problem that incrementally builds possible candidates to the solution. As soon as it determines that one possible candidate is not a valid solution, it “backtracks” to determine another candidate, abandoning each invalid solution.

According to Frees, some of the more interesting problems are the ones that would take too long to solve using obvious methods. One often has to find a trick to use to optimize the solution. “Ecological Bin Packing” , a simple problem that the UAB students have practiced on and solved in the past, involves the placement of certain objects of certain weights into different “bins” and puts certain restrictions on them. One of the problems is to how to properly recycle glass, dividing it into different color categories, and minimize the number of times each glass container can move within the “bin.”

Java is only one of the languages Frees knows but it the preferred language of choice for the Computer Science department. It is used for teaching but also most students are comfortable with it. It has some built-in features that make certain things easier for programmers as a whole. For example, Java has a scanner class that can make reading and manipulation easier. It can also protect you from errors than C++, making it less difficult for beginning programmers. C++ has support for pointers, which can be confusing as first, with Java being easier to control without pointers and making it the one computer language that can help these students solve problems quicker and faster. In doing so, it is Frees’ belief that UAB can achieve top status to go beyond the southeastern competition and battle for more brains in the Regionals and finally the World Finals. *

* A special thanks goes to Jeffery Frees for help in this article.

Stephanie White
Staff Writer
sgwhite@uab.edu

The Alumni Auditorium hosted Zombie enthusiast Max Brooks this past Thursday, Oct. 29 as part of the UAB lecture series. He received both a standing ovation in a standing room-only attended presentation.
The crowd was filled with characters seemingly pulled straight from the pages of one of Brooks’ books. People adorned themselves with zombie apparel, covering themselves with blood and tattered clothing.
Brooks was on campus promoting his three books — “The Zombie Survival Guide,” “World War Z” and “The Zombie Survival Guide: Record Attacks.” His books portray what would happen if (or for some people, when) zombies have a mass uprising — the dreaded “Z-Day.”
His books are comical and somewhat lighthearted in nature but present some survival techniques and strategies that can be implemented in any survival need situation.
Brooks started off by informing the crowd that in a real zombie attack, it’s not going to be like in the game “Resident Evil.”
“When the dead rise, their plan is to be the last one standing,” he said.
Brooks covered everything a person might need to know when “Z-Day” comes, from weapons to water, and even the late and great Steve Irwin, which got him a few boos from the audience.
“Most weapons were never designed to be weapons; instead, they were designed to be tools,” said Brooks. “When you are out looking for the perfect melee’ weapon, just go to the Home Depot, they’ll have it.”
As for supplies, Brooks said to start stocking up now and start assembling your survival group in advance.
“You need people with skills that you can use.”
In his lecture, Brooks touched on every subject from guns and gays to Canadians and hippies, and somehow cleverly related them all back to zombies.
When asked “Why zombies?” Brooks said, “Because they’re scary. They don’t obey the laws of conventional monsters…they are coming for you in the billions.
“Z-Day is going to be one big hunting season and an orange vest isn’t going to save you,” he said. “On Z-Day, you better be long gone and somewhere safe.”
After addressing the different options society will have during a zombie attack and spelling out the differences between zombie facts and fiction, the audience was allowed to address some of their most terrifying zombie concerns.
One attendee asked if a mo-ped would be an ideal vehicle of choice on the monstrous Z-Day to escape their blood-sucking undead attacker.
Brooks let the audience know that until a car can be invented that runs on fear, an alternate, non-gas guzzling means of transportation should be administered. When your beloved mo-ped finally runs out of gas, according to Brooks, all you end up with is a really heavy bicycle.
Another audience member was curious about the digestive track of vicious zombies, due to the fact that their undead nature would preclude them from the amenities of proper processing and disposal.
To that, Brooks simply replied, “Just because the exit lights are out in a room doesn’t mean the door is locked.”
While Brooks’ theme and idea of a zombie overtaking might seem murky and silly to some, he has collected a mass following and his work has made its way to the New York Times’ Best-Seller list.
Brooks says the best part about being on the Times’ Best-Seller list is the pleasure of getting to tell someone giving him poor customer service, “Hey I’m on the New York Times’ Best-Seller List, you can’t treat me like this.” However, he quite jokingly said that response never works or gets him anywhere.
Brooks is also an Academy Award winner for his writing on “Saturday Night Live,” and is currently working on two other projects: a book on World War I and the other is a comic book series on G.I. Joe.
For more information on Brooks and his books, visit http://www.maxbrooks.com.

Alex Headley
News Editor
news@insideuab.com
Students traveling near the Hill University Center Thursday, Oct. 22 experienced Jesse Morell’s aggressive preaching style. Morrell stood outside the HUC wearing a sign that read “Jesus died for hell deserving sinners” shouting at people that because of their sins that they would burn in hell. Many students argued openly with Morrell, who was accompanied by two police officers at all times.
Many students were offended by Morrell’s preaching, reporting he said horrible things to minority students and claimed that he would disown his baby if it were gay. Some even claimed that Morell was a con-artist hoping to spark a fight and catch it on tape so that he could sue the university.
“That is a common rumor I encounter that I think was started by either the devil or an administrator. I only file a lawsuit if the police arrest me or the school will not let me preach,” said Morell.
All of the lawsuits filed against Morrell have been free speech cases, which are usually settled for only a dollar.
“I was allowed to preach because that was a city sidewalk, and UAB is a public university. I plan to begin visiting UAB every year to preach. I enjoyed it,” said Morell.
Morrell is from Connecticut and each week he visits a different college campus in America, traveling with his wife and child. He began open air preaching five years ago.
“My target audience has always been those who disagree with me,” said Morell. “I want to persuade the minds of those in opposition to me because I care about the fate of their souls.”
Morell says that he enjoys debates but encounters a lot of hostility.
“I’ve been spit on, punched, kicked and even had beer poured on me,” said Morell. “But I have also had success. I see many converts, most of which begin as protesters to what I am doing.”
Morrell reports that one protester on campus was converted to Christianity on the street, but this has not been confirmed. Morrell says that while he sometimes is welcomed on campus by Christian organizations most of the time he feels that “many professing Christians do not live any better than non-Christians. They don’t believe that people can lead sin-free lives, and so they preach acceptance and tolerance instead,” said Morrel who said that he leads a life of holiness and doesn’t sin but maybe once or twice a year.
“It is possible to live without sin through Christ. If a Christian sins then he gives a bad name to Christ. My preaching of the truth will never give Christians a bad name.”
Morell’s Web site http://www.openairoutreach.com lists his values, venues and contact information along with videos of his many public appearances.
Share your opinions about Jesse Morell and his preaching tactics. Please leave a comment and share your opinion.

Heather Caygle
Senior Staff Writer
hncaygle@uab.edu

UAB’s “Homecoming Week 2009” is now in full swing, with events each day leading up to the homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 7 against Florida Atlantic University. This year’s theme, “Growing through the Decades, Blazing toward Tomorrow,” honors UAB’s 40th anniversary.
Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1, campus will come alive with multiple events held in honor of homecoming. Homecoming celebrations feature newer events like Pancakes and Karaoke combined with traditions such as the Gurney Derby and the parade.
“The goals of the events are to get people out there socializing and to promote the Blazer spirit,” said Emily Craig, 2009 Homecoming Chair.
Craig believes homecoming is important to UAB because “it is a great way to bring the community and the university together for a week.” She said the most popular event is the Homecoming Stomp-Down, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Recreation Center. Student groups compete by performing dances, step shows and skits.
On Wednesday, the committee is hosting the Blazin’ Cookout at 12:30 in the Mini Park immediately following the Gurney Derby Race at 12. The Gurney Derby features groups of students and staff dressed up in costumes racing down 13th Street.
Wednesday will also feature a new event added this year — Casino Night held at 7 p.m. in Hill University Center.
“Casino Night had been tried before a few years ago but this year we decided to bring it back, try it again, and really promote it,” said Craig.
Another homecoming tradition, “Blaze the Night Pep Rally and Bonfire,” will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Mini Park. The homecoming parade will be Friday at noon and will feature floats, the Blazer Marching Band and Janice Rogers from Fox 6 News as the grand marshal. The highlight of the week, the homecoming game, will begin at 1 p.m. at Legion Field with tailgating beginning at 11 a.m.
During halftime the winners of Mr. and Ms. UAB 2009 will be announced. This year’s winners will be chosen by students for the first time. On Nov. 2 and 3 students will be able to log in to BlazerNet to cast their votes, which will make up 14 percent of the final score to decide who wins.
Craig said the goals of homecoming are “to have great events that run smoothly, have tons of people at all of them, promote Blazer spirit, and of course, win the football game.” Devin Joubran, a junior, said he is looking forward to Homecoming Week because he likes any event with free food. This year’s Homecoming Committee used creative ways to publicize the week’s events, including life-size birthday cake cut-outs, magnets, gum packets and posters, all with the events of the week listed. Josh Wilson, a member of the Homecoming Committee, said that with the variety of publicity he hopes “every student will have an opportunity to experience the joy of homecoming. “
Although UAB is 40 years old, homecoming has not been around for very long. According to Tim Pennycuff, UAB archivist, homecoming originally started in January 1979 during basketball season, with the first Mr. and Ms. UAB contest in 1981. Pennycuff said homecoming wasn’t moved to football season until 1994, which he attributes to the fact that UAB did not play its first intercollegiate football game until September 1991.
For updates on homecoming and a full schedule of events, visit the official blog: http://blogs.uab.edu/homecoming.

Heather Caygle
Staff Writer
hncaygle@uab.edu

UAB’s student alumni society is leading a canned food drive to help commemorate UAB’s 40th anniversary and tradition of service to the community.
The food drive’s goal is to collect 4,000 cans that will be given to Magic City Harvest to help combat hunger in the Birmingham area.
The food drive will end on Thursday, Sept. 24, coinciding with University Day, which celebrates UAB’s founding 40 years ago and its future.
Everyone at UAB is encouraged to participate in the food drive.
“We are working with student organizations on campus, faculty, staff, students and alumni to raise 4,000 items to represent the 40 years,” said Jennifer Breland, director of alumni programs.
Cans and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at boxes located in Hill University Center, the Commons on the Green, Sterne Library, Lister Hill Library, the Campus Recreation Center and all residence halls.
The leadership and service council is assisting with the food drive and getting the word out to student organizations. Organizations on campus are not required but encouraged to participate.
“We are trying to encourage all the student organizations on campus to get involved. We are asking each student organization to contribute a minimum of 25 cans,” said Chandra Chakravarthi, member of the leadership and service council.
The top three student organizations that collect the most food items will be recognized by the leadership and service council on University Day.
“The top three organizations will receive special recognition and a plaque,” said Chakravarthi.
While not certain how many organizations are participating, Chakravarthi said they had received word that a lot of people who want to participate.
One of the organizations participating is Sigma Alpha Lambda, a leadership and honors organization. Christine Higgins, UAB’s chapter president, said Sigma Alpha Lambda’s original goal was 25 cans, but they have already collected over 60.
“I have also had people email me telling me that are going by the HUC to drop off more cans on SAL’s behalf. I am proud that our club was able to donate so much to the cause of hunger,” said Higgins. “The canned food drive is an extremely important service that UAB provides to the surrounding community. Hunger is still a prevalent force within Birmingham.”
The collected items will be given to Magic City Harvest, a non-profit organization that distributes free donated food to needy non-profit organizations such as soup kitchens, halfway houses and shelters.
The mission of Magic City Harvest is to alleviate hunger, food waste and malnutrition in the community.
The canned food drive is just one aspect of University Day which will also feature a convocation and luncheon. The convocation will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Alys Stephens Center. UAB students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to attend.

Heather Caygle
Staff Writer
hncaygle@uab.edu
UAB’s Student Alumni Society is leading a canned food drive to help commemorate UAB’s 40th anniversary and tradition of service to the community.
The goal of the food drive is to collect 4,000 cans which will be given to Magic City Harvest to help combat hunger in the Birmingham area.
The food drive will end on Thursday, September 24, coinciding with University Day. The purpose of University Day is to celebrate UAB’s founding 40 years ago and its future.
Everyone at UAB is encouraged to participate in the food drive. “We are working with student organizations on campus, faculty, staff, students and alumni to raise 4,000 items to represent the 40 years,” said Jennifer Breland, Director of Alumni Programs.
Cans and nonperishable food items can be dropped off at boxes located in the Hill University Center, the Commons on the Green, Sterne Library, Lister Hill Library, the Campus Recreation Center and all residence halls.
The Leadership and Service Council is assisting with the food drive and getting the word out to student organizations. Organizations on campus are not required but encouraged to participate.
“We are trying to encourage all the student organizations on campus to get involved. We are asking each student organization to contribute a minimum of 25 cans,” said Chandra Chakravarthi, a member of the Leadership and Service Council.
The top three student organizations that collect the most food items will be recognized by the Leadership and Service Council on University Day. “The top three organizations will receive special recognition and a plaque,” said Chakravarthi.
While not certain how many organizations are participating, Chakravarthi did say that “we have received a lot of people who want to participate.”
One of the organizations participating is Sigma Alpha Lambda, a leadership and honors organization. Christine Higgins, UAB’s chapter president, said Sigma Alpha Lambda’s original goal was 25 cans, but they have already collected over 60.
“I have also had people email me telling me that are going by the HUC to drop off more cans on SAL’s behalf. I am proud that our club was able to donate so much to the cause of hunger,” said Higgins.
“The canned food drive is an extremely important service that UAB provides to the surrounding community. Hunger is still a prevalent force within Birmingham,” Higgins added.
The collected items will be given to Magic City Harvest, a non-profit organization that distributes free donated food to needy non-profit organizations such as soup kitchens, halfway houses and shelters.
The mission of Magic City Harvest is to alleviate hunger, food waste, and malnutrition in the community.
The canned food drive is just one aspect of University Day which will also feature a convocation and luncheon. The convocation will begin at 9:30 in the Alys Stephens Center. UAB students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are encouraged to attend.

by: Ian Lamb

Student support at UAB is phenomenal. I can remember first coming to UAB and not even knowing we had a football team. Attendance was dismal. But with each year more and more students come out to support the Green and Gold. So I figure it’s time to talk about where we are as a fans and where we need to go from here.

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The number for the new UAB student flu hotline: 975-4FLU. Students who have flu symptoms or need to get information about the flu may call this number for information or reporting. For a summary of how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, read this helpful tip sheet online at: http://www.healthsafe.uab.edu/pages/flu/cold_or_flu.pdf