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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Tara Massouleh
Bands to perform during music discovery festival

Bands to perform during music discovery festival

Katherine Metcalf July 28, 2015

Secret Stages, a festival that celebrates music genres from hip-hop to country, also introduces lesser-known bands to the music scene. The two-day music festival is in Birmingham from July 31-Aug. 1, and...

Exhibit honors writers

Exhibit honors writers

Katherine Metcalf July 22, 2015

Created in the spring of 2014, the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame serves to honor Alabamian authors who have made exceptional contributions to the literary world. Currently, the J. Wray and Joan Billingsley...

Campus buildings reflect Civil War-era history architecture

Campus buildings reflect Civil War-era history architecture

Katherine Metcalf July 1, 2015

Even though the Civil War left devastation and destruction for communities everywhere, it influenced how many of the buildings on the University’s campus were structured and designed.Harold Selesky,...

EcoCAR 3: Year 1 update

EcoCAR 3: Year 1 update

Katherine Metcalf June 24, 2015

Since last September, students participating in an advanced vehicle technology contest have been working on turning a Chevrolet Camaro into a hybrid vehicle. The contest, EcoCAR 3, involves teams from...

The Rude Mechanicals to perform "Pericles"

The Rude Mechanicals to perform “Pericles”

Katherine Metcalf June 24, 2015

The Rude Mechanicals, a local Shakespeare in the park company, will soon return to the Park at Manderson Landing for the second show of their summer season with nothing less than sword fighters and pirates.The...

14 UA students chosen for Fulbright program

14 UA students chosen for Fulbright program

Katherine Metcalf June 10, 2015

Every year, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program gives graduates the opportunity to conduct research or teach abroad. This year, 14 graduates were chosen from The University of Alabama, the largest number...

Artist submits new series of paintings to arts centers

Artist submits new series of paintings to arts centers

Katherine Metcalf June 9, 2015

By Katherine Metcalf | Contributing WriterBy “writing what she knows,” local artist Lorrie Lane created a new exhibit of paintings that is currently on display at the Dinah Washington Cultural 
Arts...

Dreamgirls to perform at Bama Theatre

Dreamgirls to perform at Bama Theatre

Katherine Metcalf June 3, 2015

Tuscaloosa audiences will enjoy the story and songs of a trio of three female soul singers as they overcome a variety of obstacles in "Dreamgirls." The musical-turned-Oscar-winning-film opens Friday at...

Hard freeze expected in Tuscaloosa Wednesday night

Tara Massouleh January 6, 2015

Tuscaloosa will be under a hard freeze warning from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 7, until 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8.“An arctic air mass will invade Alabama Wednesday and usher in the coldest temperatures of the...

Students design hybrid for automotive competition

Students design hybrid for automotive competition

Katherine Metcalf September 28, 2014

Students at The University of Alabama are redesigning a Chevrolet Camaro into a hybrid electric vehicle called EcoCar 3. The University is one of 16 schools to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy...

Developer brings innovative designs to Tuscaloosa

Developer brings innovative designs to Tuscaloosa

Tara Massouleh September 23, 2014

In Clayton Hudson’s Tuscaloosa office, the walls are plastered with blueprints, professional city renderings and architectural sketches representing Allied Realty and Development’s current projects,...

City loan program brings opportunity to new salon

City loan program brings opportunity to new salon

Tara Massouleh September 22, 2014

Tucked into a series of industrial-style buildings on 25th Avenue in Rosedale, B Flyy Experience’s hot pink door and sign boasting “Hair, Beauty, Wellness” stand out among their neighbors, who offer...

Alumna brings fall fashion collection to campus

Alumna brings fall fashion collection to campus

Katherine Metcalf September 17, 2014

Katherine Metcalf | Contributing Writer As the fall fashion season approaches, Smith Sinrod heads back down south on her September Streamin’ by Smith Airstream tour to present her fashion collection,...

Campus hall provides community

Campus hall provides community

Katherine Metcalf September 6, 2014

Located across the street from the Angelo Bruno Business library, just on the other side of the Strip, is Friedman Hall, a largely unknown building, home to over 100 students. Friedman Hall is a co-educational...

Mary Lieb heads Honors College assembly

Katherine Metcalf September 1, 2014

When many Honors College freshmen come to The University of Alabama, they join the Honors College Assembly to springboard their start to college. From tailgating to service projects, their engagement can...

Camp 1831 teaches first-year students UA culture

Camp 1831 teaches first-year students UA culture

Tara Massouleh August 17, 2014

For about 150 first-year students, the place they learn about The University of Alabama’s culture isn’t in Bryant-Denny Stadium, on the Quad or at Gorgas Library. In fact, it isn’t on campus at all....

Graduating seniors remember Tuscaloosa tornado, aftermath

Tara Massouleh April 22, 2014

Rachel Ahrnsen sent her mom one message on Wednesday, April 27, 2011: “Hey, there’s another tornado warning, if I die, I love you.” This was the message Ahrnsen sent her mom on the day the lives...

Stress-eating can be common, unnecessary during finals week

Tara Massouleh April 21, 2014

It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we’re worrying about a million things at once, and every day that goes by is just 24 more hours of studying time to be lost. Yes, it’s the middle...

Outdoor activities can keep students busy during summer

Katherine Metcalf April 17, 2014

Who is ready for summer? As the semester is winding down, students are spending more hours studying, writing papers or trying to cope with the stress of the upcoming finals week. However, many students...

Apps can help students stay on track with fitness, health goals

Katherine Metcalf April 14, 2014

It’s not big news that apps have become the go-to technology source for all kinds of information and games. But some students may not know the prevalence of apps in the realm of fitness and health. Personal...

‘Freeganism,’ Dumpster diving growing new trends

Tara Massouleh April 14, 2014

It’s a sunny, cool afternoon in April 2013. The sun passes directly overhead in the San Francisco fog as Bryan Buckley walks back to his temporary room off Mission Street after a long run at the Golden...

Students create adventure club

Tara Massouleh April 7, 2014

As days get warmer in the spring semester and schedules become free without the pull of Alabama football, many students begin looking for alternative ways to spend their weekends. Students Kyle Robinson...

Ease back into workouts with caution

Katherine Metcalf April 7, 2014

Spring break is a time for relaxation, and students take time off from not only the books but also their workout routines. Taking time off from exercise may be a good temporary choice, but now that class...

Case for cereal: America’s late-night snack

Tara Massouleh April 7, 2014

It’s late at night or maybe even the wee hours of the early morning. All that’s on TV are infomercials for Magic Bullets and instant hair removal. You’re deciding whether to move on to the next episode...

Supplements not viable trade for routine schedule, healthy eating

Katherine Metcalf March 18, 2014

Students use a variety of methods to give their brains extra power in order to study efficiently and perform well on tests. Many students rely on high amounts of caffeine in food and drinks to help them...

UA Sport Bikes club finds local routes for riding

Tara Massouleh March 17, 2014

On any given Sunday when the weather is nice and school is in session, you can find members of the UA Sport Bikes club zipping by on a secluded back road off Alabama State Route 69. “I found it by accident...

Sitar now a Tuscaloosa staple

Tara Massouleh March 17, 2014

A few weeks ago something tragic happened. I drove up to my favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa (and possibly the world at this point in my life) only to find that it was closed. A tattered, handwritten...

Juice cleanses do not yield any lasting benefits, effects

Katherine Metcalf March 12, 2014

We are almost two weeks into March, which means spring break is not too far away. Many students are now on health crazes, such as going to the gym more frequently and eating less junk food. However, some...

Saying hello creates a positive impact, reduces effect of loneliness

Katherine Metcalf March 9, 2014

When was the last time you said “hello” to a stranger or someone you have not been in contact with for a while? Everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives. For some people, these...

Female a cappella group creates legacy

Tara Massouleh March 5, 2014

Before “Pitch Perfect” and its onslaught of cup song covers swept the nation, there were the AcaBellas, an all-women a cappella group at The University of Alabama. The AcaBellas held its first auditions...

Limited availability creates greater appeal

Tara Massouleh February 25, 2014

The other day, I was driving back from Atlanta with a few friends after an ultimate Frisbee tournament, when we all collectively realized we had a hankering for a milkshake. Normally, this wouldn’t have...

Vegetarians must eat variety of foods to sustain nutrition

Katherine Metcalf February 25, 2014

Every day, students are faced with food choices that prompt them to question what is going to give them energy, what types of foods are going to be good for their health and, simply, what food will taste...

The soda wars: Pepsi vs. Coke

The soda wars: Pepsi vs. Coke

Tara Massouleh February 24, 2014

The war between Coke and Pepsi has been raging since the two products were created in the latter half of the 19th century and continues to be hotly debated by consumers today. However, for The University...

UA English professor publishes young adult basketball novel

Tara Massouleh February 21, 2014

Despite living in a town where football is king and teaching at a university where fall revolves around the football team’s schedule, it’s not football that has the heart of English professor Kevin...

Green Bar event coordinator to leave for Birmingham

Tara Massouleh February 18, 2014

After three years of hosting rowdy rock shows, distributing countless fliers and booking dozens of bands, David Allen, event coordinator and booking manager at Green Bar, is throwing in the towel. Allen,...

Incorporate dairy products, into daily diet for beneficial nutrients

Katherine Metcalf February 18, 2014

Grains, vegetables, fruits and even the fats and oils food groups are always on students’ plates, but many students neglect having a serving of dairy in their three important meals every day. Students...

Student markets earbuds

Student markets earbuds

Tara Massouleh February 18, 2014

Thomas Condon walks into the SUPe Store. Among the aisles of textbooks, Nike shirts and Apple products, he can also find a pair of earphones that he developed himself. For Condon, a sophomore majoring...

Group to host speakers on fair labor

Tara Massouleh February 10, 2014

The average University of Alabama T-shirt at the Supply Store costs about $20. For most people, this is the only cost associated with the shirt, but for the students involved in the University’s United...

Fundraiser dinner to benefit riverkeeper

Fundraiser dinner to benefit riverkeeper

Tara Massouleh February 5, 2014

Tuscaloosa’s Black Warrior River will be the focal point of the meals served at Epiphany’s upcoming Farm to Table Dinner, a fundraiser for Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a nonprofit clean water advocacy...

Spicy foods see rise in popularity

Tara Massouleh February 4, 2014

The red plastic bottle, green top and rooster logo synonymous with the Asian hot sauce Sriracha has been a staple in my house since I can remember, but recently it has taken on an exciting new role as...

Exercise easy to work into weekly schedule

Katherine Metcalf February 4, 2014

The average college student’s to-do list usually consists of class, work, homework, meeting with friends, eating and studying. With this jam-packed schedule, it is almost impossible for students to find...

Snack variety keeps energy boosted

Katherine Metcalf January 28, 2014

Vending machines are usually the first things that catch your eye walking out of your 2 p.m. class and into the library to study. The vending machine is filled with candy bars, bags of chips, M&M’s,...

‘The Bob and Tyler Show’ debuts at Green Bar

Tara Massouleh January 23, 2014

Bob Baker and Tyler Marshall, two of Tuscaloosa’s biggest personalities from the popular local podcast “Trivial Pursuits,” have ventured outside the realm of the recording studio with their new live...

Communal dining experiences developing in restaurants, online

Tara Massouleh January 22, 2014

Growing up, my dad, like so many dads before, always made a big deal about eating dinner with the whole family. With only four of us in our immediate family, if one person was missing from a meal, their...

Glow Run to benefit resource center

Katherine Metcalf January 21, 2014

Runners will light up the town Feb. 22 when the Glow Run comes to downtown Tuscaloosa to benefit Tuscaloosa’s One Place, a local nonprofit family resource center. The race will start at Jack Warner Parkway...

UA students teach science after school

Tara Massouleh January 15, 2014

At Matthews Elementary, “elephant toothpaste,” a thick foam caused by the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, is helping bring together college students and elementary school students...

Public relations major excels in field

Public relations major excels in field

Tara Massouleh January 15, 2014

For Benjamin Ladrillono, a senior majoring in public relations, the phrase, “Be different. Be the difference,” which he developed as a response for a fellowship program application, exemplifies his...

Not-so-healthy Nutella still popular despite controversy

Tara Massouleh January 14, 2014

With the ringing in of 2014 comes the onslaught of New Year’s resolutions, many of which are focused on altering the physical body in some capacity. Whether it to be to get healthier, fitter, in better...

Mallet president plans for growth

Mallet president plans for growth

Tara Massouleh December 4, 2013

What do backpacking across China, fusion energy and the Mallet Assembly all have in common? The University of Alabama math and physics senior Brian Kraus. As the newly elected president of the Mallet...

Lakeside Dining steps up appeal with addition of Tender Tuesdays

Tara Massouleh December 3, 2013

The thing about dining halls is you have to do them right. You can’t just walk into a dining hall on any given day and expect to be served something you actually like. It takes planning. It takes patience....

Food assistance lightens financial burden of college

Tara Massouleh November 26, 2013

As tuition prices increase, apartment rates go up and books get more expensive, many students are finding that even with the aid of scholarships and loans, the cost of attending college is simply too high....

House of Eprouver brings fashion culture to campus

Tara Massouleh November 25, 2013

In her knee-high Italian leather boots, high-wasted denim, red leather jacket and army fatigue hat adorned in a custom Michael Jackson button, Lena Hardy stands out in the crowd. “My style definitely...

Million-dollar state of mind

Million-dollar state of mind

Tara Massouleh November 19, 2013

Standing atop a podium in front of 396 Million Dollar Band members, whistle poised and ready to blow at a moment’s notice, the MDB drum majors wait to make a critical call. The stadium shakes from the...

Food trucks provide convenience, quality

Tara Massouleh November 19, 2013

Over fall break I took a day trip to Atlanta, Ga., with a few friends. We easily decided on a couple of activities for the day, but the real struggle came in agreeing on only two places to eat. We made...

Autism Speaks U chapter comes to campus

Tara Massouleh November 12, 2013

For a student on the autism spectrum, the simple act of grabbing coffee at Starbucks can be a stress-inducing activity. To an individual with autism, every audible sound – music, the scrape of a chair,...

Gluten-free diet troublesome to maintain on campus

Tara Massouleh November 4, 2013

By the time Caitlyn McMahan finally sat down to eat lunch at Bryant Dining Hall, her friends were already finishing up their plates of food. Her delayed arrival was not because she was late or because...

Haunting at the Museum ghost tour expands in 3rd year to full Halloween event

Haunting at the Museum ghost tour expands in 3rd year to full Halloween event

Tara Massouleh October 27, 2013

  With fall in full swing and Halloween right around the corner, haunted houses and ghost tours are in the midst of their busiest season. The Alabama Museum of Natural History located in Smith Hall will...

Raimist teaches film, feminism, creativity

Tara Massouleh October 21, 2013

In the 11th grade, telecommunication and film professor Rachel Raimist was faced with the task of answering one of life’s essential questions: film school or monkeys? This question stemmed from Raimist’s...

Interning wise decision for undeclared majors

Tara Massouleh October 21, 2013

Students are confronted with more than a fair share of choices to make. Between roommates, dorms, classes and extracurriculars, students make many decisions in little time. With all the pressure of first-year...

Students should make healthy eating choices, avoid trendy diet plans

Tara Massouleh October 15, 2013

The first time I was introduced to the concept of dieting was in the seventh grade. A girl who sat across from me at lunch pulled a Slim Fast meal-replacement shake out of her lunchbox. She then proceeded...

‘Haunted Alabama Black Belt’ chronicles hauntings

Tara Massouleh October 14, 2013

If you’ve ever strolled down the second floor veranda of Woods Hall on a hot day and felt an inexplicable rush of cool air, David Higdon might say you’ve experienced the paranormal. If you’ve ever...

Take advantage of free food in college

Tara Massouleh September 30, 2013

Six weeks into school and the transition from my freshman year unlimited meal plan to the sophomore 55 has already proven to be difficult. Gone are the days when I could pop into a dining hall at any or...

Belle Adair to play, promote album at Green Bar

Tara Massouleh September 24, 2013

Muscle Shoals band Belle Adair will once again visit Green Bar Thursday as part of its tour to promote its debut album “The Brave and the Blue.” The band formed more than three years ago as a recording...

Current cooking shows less about cooking

Tara Massouleh September 16, 2013

Despite my mom’s incessant half-joking threats that I will never find a husband unless I learn to cook and her earnest attempts to teach me to cook before college, I’ve never had much interest in the...

Theater honors lives lost in Birmingham bombing

Tara Massouleh September 11, 2013

Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the infamous 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, that claimed the lives of four little girls. To commemorate this turning point in the civil rights movement,...

Advisors guide freshman students

Tara Massouleh September 3, 2013

On-campus housing has had a new set of helping hands to assist with roommate trials and tribulations this year with the implementation of freshman advisors working in conjunction with resident advisors...

Mug recipes suit dorm lifestyle

Tara Massouleh August 26, 2013

[wzslider info="true"][wzslider info="true"]With limited access to fresh ingredients and kitchen appliances, college cooking can be complicated. Often, students find it easier to eat at a dining hall...

Homegrown Alabama gives residents healthier food options

Homegrown Alabama gives residents healthier food options

Tara Massouleh August 21, 2013

With summer fading into fall, Homegrown Alabama is stocking up on colorful and seasonal produce, ripe for Tuscaloosa residents’ choosing. Homegrown Alabama’s farmers market is held every Thursday...

UA professors band together

Tara Massouleh August 21, 2013

As many professors welcome new students to campus, some will be doing so with a few classic rock favorites. PhD’Licious, a band comprised of University of Alabama professors, will be playing at Rollin’...

What’s the rush with recruitment?

Tara Massouleh August 21, 2013

The week before classes start is arguably one of the best times to see The University of Alabama. The stagnant Alabama air is a refreshing combination of irrepressible excitement intermingled with nervous...

Creative Campus event with Marc Bamuthi Joseph encouraged introspection

Tara Massouleh March 17, 2013

Last week, I attended a creativity and spoken word poetry writing workshop with Marc Bamuthi Joseph sponsored by Creative Campus. Despite some initial reservations, the workshop proved to be an incredible...

Students should shake up college routine, go abroad to expand their horizons

Tara Massouleh February 28, 2013

On any given day at The University of Alabama, countless classes are conducted, hundreds of tests are taken, and thousands of plans are made for the coming weekend. With so much going on amongst the 30,000...

Despite growth in popularity, online dating is almost as ridiculous as it is risky

Tara Massouleh January 31, 2013

The night before the National Championship, I watched an ESPN special on Manti Te’o. The hour-long segment had all the makings of a great Hallmark movie: the hardworking athlete, a tragic turn of events,...

UA housing policy not in line with promise to make students feel at home

Tara Massouleh January 17, 2013

At the start of every new semester, students are forced to think about the future. Advising sessions for fall 2013 are scheduled beginning in January, people start leasing apartments as early as a year...

‘Outsiders’ quote should remind us to relax at end of semester

Tara Massouleh December 5, 2012

The other morning, as I sat through one of my final 8 a.m. journalism classes, half listening to a group presentation while mindlessly scrolling through the “Everything” section of Pinterest, I stumbled...

Christmas cards, letters shed light on American society during holidays

Tara Massouleh November 28, 2012

Upon returning to campus just in time for the Iron Bowl after a short but much needed Thanksgiving break, characterized by turkey-induced comas followed by hours of frenzied Black Friday shopping, I was...

Why are the living so obsessed with the living dead?

Tara Massouleh November 15, 2012

Zombies are making a comeback. What used to be confined to horror movies played strictly in October can now be experienced year round. Classic movies such as “Night of the Living Dead” and “Dawn...

Halloween costumes can lead students to more tricks than treats

Tara Massouleh October 23, 2012

With Halloween in just one short week, procrastination-prone college students nationwide will be rushing to the racks at local thrift stores, Wal-Marts and Halloween shops searching for the perfect costume....

Find the balance between past, present, future

Tara Massouleh October 16, 2012

I study on Sunday afternoons. So, the other day, as I stared dully at my dimly lit computer screen, struggling to remember what was so important about the Rule of Thirds in photojournalism, I was looking...

Pictures can document memorable activities or distract from them

Tara Massouleh October 9, 2012

“Pics or it didn’t happen!” How many times have we all heard this challenge from one of our friends regarding even the most mundane happenings, like our latest high score in Mario Kart. How many...

Twitter encouraging us to shorten more than just sentences

Tara Massouleh October 2, 2012

I have recently become aware of how ridiculous I become when drafting a tweet. Seriously, one sentence, maybe two, sans punctuation, without capitalization, and often leaving out words in lieu of crude...

‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ elicits mixed reviews, continues to gain viewers

Tara Massouleh September 25, 2012

Wednesday night at 9 p.m., everyone knows exactly where to find me. My roommates and I are undoubtedly crowded around our living room TV – throw blankets and snacks on hand – ready to engage in our...

Mallet Assembly to host meet-and-greet

Tara Massouleh September 19, 2012

Students interested in progressive issues will have the opportunity to meet and greet with other like-minded students, as well as enjoy refreshments at the Progressive Potluck this Saturday, Sept. 22 from...

Charity and service fueled by benefits

Tara Massouleh September 18, 2012

“With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.” “For every retweet, Arby’s will give a $1 to Children’s Hospital.” “Donate $5 to the Humane Society...