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University of Alabama
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Website: http://www.ua.edu
Type: Public
Federal Circuit: 11th Circuit
Speech Code Rating
University of Alabama has been given the speech code rating Yellow. Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more here.
University of Alabama: Pro-Choice Group Ordered to Get Permit for Non-Disruptive Expression or Face Arrest
May 22, 2013
UA police approached students handing out pro-choice flyers and ordered them to stop, warning them that without a grounds use permit they were subject to arrest for their activity.» Read More
University of Alabama: Faculty Senate 'Hate Speech' Resolution
November 11, 2004
The University of Alabama (UA) Student Senate passed a "free speech" resolution that directly opposes a "hate speech" resolution previously passed by UA's Faculty Senate. The students' move comes after close consultation with the FIRE, and the resolution follows an open letter FIRE sent to the UA community to protest the faculty's proposed regulations. After UA's Faculty Senate resolution condemning hate speech, FIRE wrote an open letter to UA in opposition to the hate speech resolution reminding UA that the policy restrictions were unconstitutional and recommended the Faculty Senate rescind the resolution. Heeding FIRE's advice, the Student Senate unanimously passed […]» Read More
University of Alabama: Disparate Treatment of Conservative Organizations
June 16, 2004
The University of Alabama (UA) ordered a faculty group that is critical of the university's grading policies to pay a rate eight times higher than that paid by other faculty organizations for use of the university's mail system. In an edition of its newsletter, The Alabama Observer, the Alabama Scholars Association (ASA) presented evidence of what it saw as grade inflation at UA. After the ASA mailed that issue of the newsletter, the administration informed the ASA that it would no longer be allowed to send mail using the discount rate enjoyed by other faculty organizations, thus making it prohibitively […]» Read More
University of Alabama: Ban on Window Displays
July 15, 2003
The administration of the University of Alabama (UA) has "indefinitely" tabled a policy outlawing all window displays in student dormitories. This instance of UA's censorship of student expression began when administrators ordered a student to remove a Confederate flag from his window, citing a draft of a university policy that forbade putting up any displays "in view of the general public" that were "inconsistent with accepted standards or University policies." FIRE wrote UA President Robert E. Witt pointing out that the university's requirement that window displays meet "accepted standards" was so vague that it would allow administrators to choose what […]» Read More
University of Alabama: Attempt to Limit Freedom of Speech and Right to Petition
April 4, 2002
The Faculty Senate of the University of Alabama (UA) has threatened the First Amendment rights both of free speech and of petitioning the government for the redress of grievances by initiating an investigation into the Alabama Association of Scholars' communication with faculty members and legislators over proposed mandatory diversity training seminars in UA's College of Engineering. FIRE protested the mandatory seminars as part of a letter writing campaign after UA first implemented them, writing administrators to note that "mandatory workshops espousing a particular orthodoxy on issues of race and ethnicity would violate the moral and, indeed, constitutional obligations of a […]» Read More
Sexual Misconduct Policy
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 5, 2018
Sexual Harassment is abusive or hostile conduct that is directed toward or inflicted upon another person because of… an individual's sex (includes sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression)… and which, because of its severity or pervasiveness, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or academic performance or creates a hostile or abusive work or learning environment for that individual's work, education, or participation in a University activity. Harassment is typically based on stereotyped prejudices and includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, objectionable epithets, or other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct that demeans, insults, or intimidates an individual because of their sex (includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression).
Examples of sexual harassment may include, but are not limited to:
- Sexually explicit statements (can be verbal or written);
- Unwanted touching;
- Unwanted staring in a sexual manner;
- Displaying of sexually graphic materials;
- Inappropriate references to gender;
- Sexual exploitation;
- Offers for or demands of sexual activity in exchange for perceived benefits; or
- Public lewdness.
Code of Student Conduct: Proscribed Conduct
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 5, 2018
(4) Harassment/Threatening Behavior/Bullying
a. Harassment that is defined as not being of a sexual nature includes:
1. Conduct (physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic) that is (1) unwelcome; (2) discriminatory on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status; and (3) directed at a specific individual or individuals. Harassment violates University policy when it is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent that it denies or limits or is likely to deny or limit a reasonable ability to participate in or to realize the intended benefits of an institutional activity, opportunity, or resource. Conduct satisfying the foregoing elements that relates to an individual's sex (which includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression) is addressed in the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy. Please visit www.eop.ua.edu/harassment.html for more information on the University's Harassment Policy).
2. Any attempt to intentionally and repeatedly make contact with a person over their stated objections for the purpose of harassing or alarming them, including, but not limited to, non-gender based stalking.
3. Invasion of another's privacy, where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, creating, making, possessing, storing, sharing, or distributing unauthorized audio, video, digital, or photographic images of a person taken in a location in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
b. Threatening behavior means any statement, communication, conduct or gesture, including those in written form, directed toward any individual that causes a reasonable apprehension of physical harm to a person or property. A student can be responsible for threatening behavior even if the person who is the object of the threat does not observe or receive it, so long as a reasonable person would interpret the maker's statement, communication, conduct or gesture as a serious expression of intent to physically harm.
c. Bullying and cyberbullying means repeated and/or severe behavior(s) that a reasonable person would view as designed to intimidate or intentionally harm or control another person or group and may involve: teasing, social exclusion, threat, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, theft, sexual, religious or racial harassment, public humiliation, or destruction of property.
Student Organization Handbook: Planning an Event
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: February 5, 2018
All on-campus events (with the exception of recurring/regular organization meetings and information tables) require an "Online Event Planning Form" submission. 'Recurring/Regular' meetings are meetings that include just members in an informal/general meeting setting and are not advertised to the public.
As a general rule, the "Online Event Planning Form" should be utilized to submit the following types of things: … 5K/Parades and/or Carnivals and Marches/Demonstrations.
Events and programs must be submitted at least 7 – 10 business days in advance of the actual date. Business days constitutes Monday – Friday. Any form that is submitted which DOES NOT meet this requirement will be immediately denied and the organization will be advised to find a new date/time for the event.
Use of University Space, Facilities & Grounds
Speech Code Category: Protest and Demonstration Policies
Last updated: February 5, 2018
Other than uses for casual recreational or social activities, reservations must be made for the use of buildings and grounds under the control of the University, including University sidewalks (an "Event"). Requests for Event reservations will be granted in accordance with the priorities of the designated area. The request must be made by a signed, written application to the appropriate office as set out in the procedures referenced below.
The use of loudspeakers or any other type of amplified sound or musical instruments on the University grounds is by permission only.
Printed materials may be distributed on public sidewalks. However, the distribution of printed materials on University sidewalks, including those on and around the Quad, constitutes an Event for which a GUP must first be issued.
Harassment Policy
Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
Last updated: February 5, 2018
A. Definition of Harassment
Harassment is abusive or hostile conduct which is directed toward or inflicted upon another person because of his or her race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran's status and which, because of its severity or pervasiveness, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or academic performance or creates a hostile or abusive work or learning environment for that individual's work, education, or participation in a University activity. Harassment is typically based on stereotyped prejudices and includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, objectionable epithets, or other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct that demeans, insults, or intimidates an individual because of his or her race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
B. Sexual Harassment Defined
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of employment or academic advancement; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance as an employee or student or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment.
Student Organization Handbook: Advertisements, Printed Materials, and Publicity
Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
Last updated: February 5, 2018
All posters, signs, and bumper stickers should be in good taste. Any questions that arise concerning the interpretation of good taste should be directed to the Auxiliary and Support Services Office.
Code of Student Conduct: Preamble
Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
Last updated: February 5, 2018
The University of Alabama aspires to transmit knowledge, to develop its students, and to promote the quality of society. In seeking these goals, the University recognizes the significance of student rights. These rights include freedom of expression, autonomy, procedural protection and the integrity of people and their property. By ensuring these individual rights, the University fosters an environment conducive to student success and well-being.
Tennessee vs. Alabama: Group says UT has the edge in free speech
October 19, 2017
By Rachel Ohm at the Knoxville News Sentinel. The University of Alabama may have an edge in Saturday's football game against the University of Tennessee, but a group advocating for free speech on campus says UT already has the Crimson Tide beat when it comes to letting students speak their minds… Read more here.» Read More
Missouri Controversy Highlights Academia's Free Speech struggle
November 15, 2015
By Aamer Madhani and Roger Yu at USA Today As college administrators across the country move to crack down on hate speech on campus, First Amendment advocates say that universities are becoming increasingly squeamish about exposing students to ideas that they may find offensive or collide with their world view In a nationwide poll published by the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale University last month, 50% of students said they often felt intimidated to offer views that differ from their classmates' or professors'. Sixty-three percent of students said that they thought political correctness was a problem on campus, while […]» Read More
Student Newspaper Says 'Emotional Injury' Justifies the Squelching of Unpopular Speech
October 23, 2015
By Greg Piper at The College Fix The fall term just started and student newspapers across the country are already reeling from actions that threaten their ability to publish controversial and unpopular speech. We've covered several here, particularly the kerfuffle that Wesleyan University's Bryan Stascavage provoked when he wrote a (mildly) critical column about the Black Lives Matter movement. Hundreds of Argus copies were stolen, its staffers (including Iraq war veteran Stascavage) intimidated by activists, and its funding source potentially threatened by the student government. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education offers this rundown of the year so far: Brown University's Daily Herald apologized […]» Read More
Few Rights For Either Side In College Judicial Procedures
November 25, 2014
By Collin Blinkley, Mike Wagner, Jill Riepenhoff, & Sara Gregory at The Columbus Dispatch The chants of "no means no" echoed through Duke University's storied basketball arena when Maryland basketball player Dezmine Wells stepped to the foul line. The taunts by opposing fans were aimed at the man who had been branded a rapist the previous year after Xavier University expelled him for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student. But the case against the prominent athlete fell apart. Local investigators didn't believe the accuser's story. A grand jury chose not to indict him on a criminal charge. And a local […]» Read More
Bama pro-lifers claim victory after official admin apology
February 18, 2014
by Robby Soave at The Daily Caller Pro-life students at the University of Alabama notched a victory on Tuesday after campus administrators apologized for taking down a pro-life display. "Please accept my apology that your display was removed without your knowledge two days before your reserved time expired," said Carl Bacon, Assistant to the Vice President for Collaboration, in an email to Bama Students for Life. Bacon said the group would be allowed to put the display back up for the last two days of its reserved time. The display was initially taken down after students complained to an administrator that […]» Read More
U. of Alabama censors pro-life students for 'offensive' poster
February 13, 2014
by Robby Soave Administrators at the University of Alabama secretly removed an anti-abortion display because some students found it offensive — a clear violation of pro-life students' First Amendment rights, according to a free speech group. Student Claire Chretien, president of Bama Students for Life, reserved space in the Ferguson Student Center to display a pro-life poster featuring pictures of aborted fetuses and a caption insisting that abortion is a human rights violation. But last week, she noticed that the poster was missing from the display case, according to Campus Reform. A visit to University Events Coordinator Donna Lake resolved […]» Read More
US democracy: most American universities discourage free speech – report
January 23, 2014
According to a new study carried out by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), most US universities establish rules that severely restrict free speech on the campus. Out of 427 schools surveyed in the report, one in six enforced "free speech zone" policies, which means that student protests and other "expressive activities" are restricted to small and isolated parts of the campus. "The US Supreme Court has called America's colleges and universities 'vital centers for the Nation's intellectual life.' However, the reality today is that many of these institutions severely restrict free speech and open debate. Speech […]» Read More
Race at Alabama February 11, 2011
February 11, 2011
In less than a week, two racially charged incidents that were witnessed by few but now have been discussed by thousands have prompted the president, faculty members and students at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa to publicly decry racism on campus. On Friday, a member of a white fraternity shouted racial epithets from inside the group's house at passing student Justin Zimmerman, who is black. The fraternity member, whose name has not been released, reportedly called Zimmerman a "nigger," then called out, "come here, boy." Zimmerman alerted a faculty member, and the next day President Robert E. Witt sent […]» Read More
Free speech or disorderly conduct?
March 8, 2008
A protest at the University of Alabama to bring attention to the war in Iraq has itself become the center of attention at the school and sparked anew the debate over the limits of free speech on college campuses. For some, particularly UA administrators, the issue is one of public safety, not free speech, an argument that the students behind the protests reject, saying it ignores constitutional rights and the intent of the staged mock military raid in a crowded corner of campus. "We are a public university so we are very receptive to free speech, but I don't think […]» Read More
Resolution wrong way to fight against bias
April 5, 2006
I read with dismay the news that the SGA Senate has passed a resolution that attempts to assert SGA control over The Crimson White. This is a clear violation of freedom of the press. This resolution should be rescinded immediately. I agree fully with the sentiment that The CW is grossly biased toward the left, but this resolution is the wrong way to fight back against that bias. The right way to fight back against the bias of Chris Otts and his cohorts is to write your own conservative opinion pieces. I have done just that consistently for the last […]» Read More
The AHA's Double Standard on Academic Freedom
March 1, 2006
by David Beito, Ralph Luker, and Robert "K. C." Johnson Perspectives (American Historical Association) Has the AHA turned its back on academic freedom? In January, members present at its business meeting rejected a resolution to condemn attacks on academic freedom, whether from the right or from the left. Instead, they passed a weaker resolution that selectively condemned only threats coming from the right.We weighed into this controversy as part of a three person "left/right" coalition for academic freedom. Our chances were slim and we knew it. Only in December did we learn that the AHA business meeting would consider a […]» Read More
'We Don't Need That Kind of Attitude'
December 16, 2005
Partway through her teacher-training program, Karen K. Siegfried started pulling her red compact car to the far end of the campus parking lot. She didn't want her professors at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to see her bumper stickers: One proclaims her opposition to abortion, and the other is emblazoned with the name of one of Alaska's Republican senators."It worried me what they could do based on my politics," says Ms. Siegfried, who had already clashed with education professors over her views on affirmative action and gun control. When Ms. Siegfried disagreed with one professor's contention that video games […]» Read More
Troy art student sues after nude photos banned
November 1, 2005
An art student sued Troy University on Monday, saying the school violated his free speech rights by censoring his artwork and implementing a campus speech code that unconstitutionally restricts speech. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Montgomery, contends Troy officials removed portions of Blake Dews' artwork because it featured female nudity. The university issued a statement defending its decision on Dews' art. "The photographs in question displayed male full frontal nudity and the university did not consider the photographs to be consistent with our community 's standards," the statement said. "This is a matter now under litigation and […]» Read More
10 great cigars and why I smoked them
June 13, 2005
By Mike Adams at Townhall.com For years, communism has been preventing me from enjoying a lot of good cigars. That used to bother me, until I found a way around the problem. As many of my readers know, there are more communists teaching on the average American campus than there are teaching in all of Cuba. And, of course, these communist professors do a lot of stupid things, most of which violate the United States Constitution. I have learned that fighting American communist professors is fun, largely because they are so easy to beat when challenged. That's why I smoke […]» Read More
Consulting All Sides on "Speech Codes"
May 1, 2005
By David T. Beito, Ralph E. Luker, and Robert David Johnson, Organization of American Historians Newsletter Few controversies have polarized higher education more than that of Ward Churchill at the University of Colorado (CU). Many conservatives, including Governor Bill Owens of Colorado and Newt Gingrich, have demanded that Churchill be dismissed for characterizing the victims of 9/11 as "Little Eichmanns." Professors and students at CU and elsewhere have responded with rallies and petitions to defend Churchill's academic freedom. They emphasize that the health of the academy rests on the toleration of controversial, even repellant, ideas. Joining in, the faculty of […]» Read More
Prof sails against liberal tide
April 17, 2005
WILMINGTON — The door to the office of Mike Adams, associate professor of criminal justice at UNC-Wilmington, seems more like a window into his soul. The bumper stickers, fliers, advertisements, printouts and photographs attached to the door provide a vivid sociopolitical view of the office's occupant. Can't feed 'em, Don't breed 'em. Every fourth baby dies from Choice. Straight white male — The final minority. So you're a feminist. Isn't that cute. The door is so cluttered that its earlier decorations have been all but covered — most notably the sign declaring Adams' office to be the campus "Men's Resource […]» Read More
Liberating America's Intellectual Gulags
April 15, 2005
David French knows what intimidation is. French, the new President of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, graduated from Harvard Law School in the early 1990s. One might say that anyone with similar credentials ought to know the definition of intimidation – but French's experience is a bit more personal than that."As a pro-life, Christian conservative, I received death threats in my campus mailbox, was shouted down by students and (once) was even shouted down in class by my own professor," he says about his years in Cambridge. French now spends much of his time explaining to university general […]» Read More
Speech resolution draws ire
November 15, 2004
The UA Faculty Senate is a free speech violator and created a "speech code" with its resolution that condemns hate speech, officials at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education say. In response to an incident at an event sponsored by University Programs where a comedian directed homosexual jokes toward a student, the Faculty Senate passed a resolution condemning "hate speech" and advised that UA administration institute policies that UA sponsored speakers should not be able to make racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, anti-Islamic, homophobic or ethnic statements. Officials at FIRE are concerned that the resolution will limit freedom of […]» Read More
Lighting the fire for free speech
October 13, 2003» Read More
Proposed Res Life policy to be postponed
August 21, 2003» Read More
FIRE spokesman clarifies organization's position
August 15, 2003» Read More
UA plans to ban window displays in dorms
July 21, 2003» Read More
Campus areas set aside for free speech
May 5, 2003» Read More
State campuses set aside areas for free speech
April 24, 2003» Read More
Rounding up the Thought Police
May 9, 2002
By Harvey Silverglate at The Boston Phoenix A recent Supreme Court decision marks the end of political correctness THIS MONTH, the United States Supreme Court issued one of the half-dozen most important First Amendment decisions in recent decades. On the surface, the majority opinion in Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition looks like the latest in a series that try to draw a line between protected and prohibited sexual images. But in fact the Supreme Court has done far more than that. It's issued a wake-up call to those who would, under whatever guise, seek to impose on others their ideological […]» Read More
Professors Claim 'Intimidation' Attempt
April 8, 2002» Read More
Beware the rolling tide of constitutional violations on campus
January 18, 2018
The University of Alabama was rocked on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year when Instagram videos surfaced of UA student Harley Barber unleashing a torrent of racial slurs. Predictably, the internet erupted with shock (or lack thereof) and calls for Barber's expulsion. UA quickly denounced the videos and announced that the incident had been referred to the Office of Student Conduct: These remarks are ignorant and disturbing and in no way reflect the values of The University of Alabama. This unfortunate behavior has been reported to the Office of Student Conduct as it does not align with the community […]» Read More
University of Alabama Drops $7,000 Security Fee for Milo Yiannopoulos Event
October 12, 2016
The University of Alabama (UA) has relented after imposing a $7,000 security fee on the College Republicans for hosting conservative provocateur and journalist Milo Yiannopoulos. Like some other schools hosting Yiannopoulos on his "Dangerous Faggot Tour," UA imposed exorbitant security fees on the group hosting the event. At first, UA told the College Republicans that security for the event would cost around $1,000. UA then hiked up the estimated cost to $5,000 before telling the group less than a week before the event that the final cost was actually close to $7,000. This sudden and sharp escalation came as a […]» Read More
It's Already Been a Remarkably Bad Year for Student Press
October 21, 2015
Many student journalists are being taught an unfortunate lesson by college administrators and their fellow students lately: Don't publish anything that might offend anyone. That this advice is antithetical to a free press on campus, and that journalists cannot be held responsible for how their readers react to opinions they publish, doesn't seem to matter all that much to the people demanding they be censored. These themes have played out at a number of colleges and universities recently. Wesleyan University As you have probably heard by now, student newspaper The Wesleyan Argus faced a petition last month calling for its […]» Read More
U. of Iowa VP Dismissive of University's Place on '10 Worst' List
March 13, 2015
Earlier this month, FIRE released our annual list of the top 10 threats to free speech on campus. Sometimes when universities are thrust into the spotlight (pun intended), they choose to take a closer look at their policies and institutional approaches toward campus expression and make changes to better protect students' and professors' rights. Other times, not so much. USA Today reported on FIRE's list on Wednesday and relayed remarks from an administrator and a professor who questioned our methodology in selecting institutions. We're happy to offer some clarification. The University of Iowa (UI) landed on the list for censoring […]» Read More
Student Journalists Call on U. of Alabama to Restore Free Speech to Campus
February 25, 2015
In a number of recent articles, the University of Alabama's (UA's) student newspaper, The Crimson White, has covered the university's shortcomings in upholding students' freedom of speech. Examining recent campus history as well as UA's current written policies on student expression, the writers of The Crimson White have, together, put forth a strong argument that the university needs to do much better in order to meet its legal and moral obligations, as a public institution of higher education, under the First Amendment. The Crimson White began its coverage by noting that FIRE gives UA an overall "red light" rating for […]» Read More
FIRE's Catherine Sevcenko Warns About U. of Alabama's Vague, Overbroad Speech Codes
February 24, 2015
The University of Alabama (UA) earns a "red light" rating in FIRE's Spotlight database for prohibiting, among other things, "all forms of … discriminatory or inflammatory language, including, but not limited to, online/electronic, telephone, verbal, non‐verbal, or written communications with the intent to harm or incite." FIRE Associate Director of Litigation Catherine Sevcenko argues in an op-ed for the UA student newspaper The Crimson White that this vague and overbroad policy could easily be used to punish a wide range of constitutionally protected speech. Historically, as Catherine points out, limits on speech have been used to silence unpopular views or […]» Read More
Cal Poly Student Government Changes Rules to Allow Some Early Candidate Speech, But Not Enough
March 17, 2014
Following widespread criticism, the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) at California Polytechnic State University has revised its election policies to allow students running for ASI positions to be quoted in the media outside of the "active campaigning period," which begins just 10 days before elections. Previously, students were prohibited from being identified as candidates in written materials prior to the beginning of the active campaigning period, which began on April 13 this year.» Read More
Cal Poly and U. of Alabama Students Limited by Election Policies
March 12, 2014
Add this to the ever-growing list of sneaky tactics employed to suppress student speech: At California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and the University of Alabama (UA), student speech about upcoming student government elections may violate election codes at their respective schools.» Read More
Student Papers at U of Alabama, U of Vermont Demonstrate the Value of a Free Press
February 27, 2014
In case Torch readers wanted more examples of the value of a free student press on college and university campuses, recent columns in student newspapers at the University of Alabama (UA) and the University of Vermont (UVM) fit the bill.» Read More
U. of Alabama Apologizes to Student Group But Must Take Additional Steps to Protect Free Speech
February 18, 2014
Last week I reported on the University of Alabama's (UA's) removal of a pro-life poster from a hallway display case that the student group Bama Students for Life (BSFL) had reserved in advance. A school administrator told BSFL President Claire Chretien that the display had been removed because the school received complaints that some of the pictures included were too graphic.» Read More
U. of Alabama Removes Pro-Life Display, Citing 'Complaints'
February 12, 2014
In January, University of Alabama (UA) student group Bama Students for Life reserved a hallway display case and set a pro-life poster inside it in accordance with the school's written policies. But when group president Claire Chretien checked the case last week, the poster had been removed. Chretien smartly turned on her camera to record her subsequent conversation with Ferguson Student Center Event Coordinator Donna Lake, in which she asks why the display was removed and receives an answer that reveals a stunning ignorance of UA's legal obligation as a public school to abide by the First Amendment. Lake makes […]» Read More
Media Continues to Report on FIRE's '10 Worst Colleges for Free Speech' List
January 17, 2014
In early January we reported on the coverage that FIRE's list of 2013's worst colleges for free speech received from various local media outlets. Over the past few weeks, the press has continued to draw attention to the nefarious reputation that these schools have developed for violating students' and professors' free speech rights. In North Carolina, which holds the dubious honor of being home to two schools on our 2013 list, both local and student-run newspapers have written about the free speech mistakes made by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and Appalachian State University (ASU). Raleigh newspaper The News & Observer notes that […]» Read More
The 10 Worst Colleges for Free Speech: 2013
December 27, 2013
College is where inquisitive minds go to be exposed to new ways of thinking. But on some campuses, the quest for knowledge is frustrated when administrators censor speech they would prefer be kept out of the marketplace of ideas. To close out the year, we at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) want to highlight some of the worst colleges for free speech since March 2012—the last time we published this list. (Our first list, from 2011, is here.) Most of the schools we include in this year's list are public colleges or universities bound by the First Amendment. But some of […]» Read More
'Tuscaloosa News' Dings U of Alabama for Censorship of Pro-Choice Speech
July 15, 2013
Administrators at the University of Alabama (UA) are doing the seemingly impossible: bringing pro-choice and pro-life forces together to agree with one another. Unfortunately for the university, what both sides agree upon is that UA administrators are completely in the wrong when it comes to free speech. UA's decision to order the pro-choice Alabama Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Justice (AASRJ) student group to stop passing out flyers in response to a pro-life display on campus has been roundly bashed, even by the sponsors of the pro-life display, Bama Students for Life. On Sunday, the editors of UA's hometown newspaper, […]» Read More
U of Alabama Expresses Concern over Safety During … Leafleting?
July 12, 2013
The University of Alabama (UA) has yet to yield to the strong and justified pressure from students and free speech advocates to revise its grounds use policies, which require 10 days' notice for even quiet and peaceful speech by student groups on campus. With the UA administration seemingly alone in defending the policies, it's useful to take a look at the school's stated reasons for hanging on to them. The Crimson White covered the controversy on Wednesday, and relayed comments from Cathy Andreen, AU's director of the Office of Media Relations: "The grounds use permit process ensures that events, speeches, […]» Read More
FIRE's Peter Bonilla on U of Alabama and Restrictions on Spontaneous Expression
July 10, 2013
In an article for PolicyMic today, director of FIRE's Individual Rights Defense Program Peter Bonilla wrote to discuss the compelling reasons why free speech advocates are putting pressure on the University of Alabama to revise its grounds use policies, which require 10 days' notice for protests—even quiet, peaceful ones—on campus. In his article, Peter explains the common sense problem with such a requirement, particularly as applied to students who want to engage in real-time discussions on current events. He notes that while narrowly-tailored time, place, and manner restrictions on speech are allowable in some circumstances in order to prevent disruption […]» Read More
The Crimson Tide Rolls: Right Over Pro-Choice Students' Rights
July 10, 2013
by Peter Bonilla PolicyMic Here's a bit of non-news for you: The debate over abortion rights isn't going anywhere anytime soon. This is doubly true in the college community. Fortunately, the Supreme Court has long recognized the importance of keeping public universities fully open to debate and discussion, finding the campus to be "peculiarly the 'marketplace of ideas'" in 1972's unanimous decision inHealy v. James. The University of Alabama seems to have missed this memo, however, given itsrecent treatment of a pro-choice student group. Rewind to April 9 of this year, when a UA student group, the Alabama Alliance for […]» Read More
Please Explain Why Putting University Administrators in Charge of Judging Speech Is a Good Idea
July 9, 2013
My colleagues have done a thorough job of explaining why defenders of the Department of Education's "blueprint" for preventing campus sexual harassment are on very shaky legal and logical ground. They have pointed out that some of ED's allies have misquoted the findings letter and mocked Senator John McCain's serious questions about the threat to free speech and about OCR's authority to impose this blueprint. Other defenders of the blueprint have brushed away concerns by portraying its definition of sexual harassment as "any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature" as simply a way of encouraging reporting. Instead of talking past […]» Read More
U of Alabama Fails to Respond to Letter on Speech Code; Students Consider New Strategies
July 8, 2013
Flyer graphic background – ShutterstockMore than six weeks after FIRE sent University of Alabama (UA) President Judy Bonner a letter explaining how UA's grounds use policies unconstitutionally restrict students' free speech rights, UA has still not responded, and students are expressing doubt that the university will revise the policies without legal pressure. To recap: Members of the Alabama Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Justice (AASRJ) student organization were threatened with arrest for leafleting on campus without a permit. The act of leafleting was AASRJ's peaceful and timely response to a demonstration by Bama Students for Life on the same day. […]» Read More
University of Alabama doesn't respond to calls for policy revision following abortion debate
July 5, 2013
by Melissa Brown AL.com TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — The University of Alabama appears to have no plans to modify its contentious grounds use policy following a public letter admonishing UA's protection of students' First Amendment rights and calling for change. On July 1, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) posted a letter to their website addressed to UA President Judy Bonner on behalf of an abortion rights student group who say police ordered them to stop distributing flyers on campus during the spring semester. The letter, originally sent in late May, requested comment from Bonner by mid-June. As of Friday, FIRE has […]» Read More
U of Alabama Policy Draws Criticism from Students, Free Speech Advocates
July 2, 2013
Melissa Brown wrote for AL.com (the online presence of several Alabama newspapers) yesterday to bring local attention to FIRE's letter to the University of Alabama (UA) about its requirement that students obtain a permit several days in advance of distributing flyers and leaflets. As we reported yesterday, UA has not responded to our letter. Brown noted that UA students share FIRE's concerns about the school's grounds use policy. The editorial board of the The Crimson White, UA's student newspaper, wrote in February to advocate for policy changes after university police officers halted filming of a Harlem Shake video. The Board's […]» Read More
Foundation says University of Alabama policy violates students' First Amendment rights
July 1, 2013
by Melissa Brown AL.com TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has intervened on behalf of a University of Alabama pro-abortion rights student group who say police ordered them to stop distributing flyers on campus during the spring semester. In a letter sent to UA President Judy Bonner on May 22, FIRE requested that the university reassure its community that "expressive activity on campus" would not be censored. FIRE requested a response to the letter by June 12. "Please spare the University of Alabama the embarrassment of fighting against the Bill of Rights — a statement of both law and principle by […]» Read More
University of Alabama Tells Pro-Choice Group to Get Permit for Pamphlets or Face Arrest
July 1, 2013
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., July 1, 2013—University of Alabama police have ordered a pro-choice student group to cease distributing informational flyers on campus in response to another group's pro-life event, and threatened members with arrest for failing to comply with its orders. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has intervened at UA following this blatant and chilling abuse of student First Amendment rights. "Yet again, a public university bound by the First Amendment has regulated free speech far beyond what the Constitution allows," said Robert Shibley, FIRE's Senior Vice President. "The University of Alabama has no business telling a group […]» Read More
Why the University of Alabama Was Right Not to 'Protect' Students From Westboro Baptist Church Demonstrations
June 21, 2013
Yesterday, University of Alabama junior Noah Cannon wrote to UA's student newspaper, The Crimson White, to ask why the university had not spoken out on behalf of LGBTQ students against the Westboro Baptist Church's (WBC's) recent demonstration on campus. Student groups and local churches swiftly organized a counter-protest and successfully countered the WBC's picket line. Still, Mr. Cannon laments the non-response from UA: I waited to hear what would be done to protect LGBTQ+ students from WBC's homophobic message.I heard nothing. No emails were sent. No statements were released. No help was offered. It is important to remember that while the […]» Read More
University of Alabama's Grounds Use Policy Strikes Again
April 30, 2013
Quad at University of Alabama – Wikimedia Commons The Crimson White, the student newspaper at the University of Alabama, reports this week on the latest controversy surrounding the university's grounds use policy. As Torch readers may remember, the policy was enforced against students attempting to organize a school-wide performance of the Harlem Shake in February. Now comes word that the policy's enforcement has interrupted student demonstrations, silencing core political speech. According to The Crimson White, members of the Alabama Alliance for Sexual & Reproductive Justice (AASRJ) were threatened with arrest after they began handing out fliers last week on the […]» Read More
U. of Alabama Paper: 'Harlem Shake' Incident Demonstrates Need to Review Restrictive Speech Policy
February 20, 2013
We reported yesterday on the University of Alabama's (UA's) decision to crack down on a student-led attempt to organize a "Harlem Shake" video on UA's campus quad. The attempted dance video was shut down by campus police because the students organizing the event had not obtained a permit before assembling their crowd—a requirement at UA that includes a 10-day waiting period. In a well-considered editorial running today, the Editorial Board of the UA student newspaper The Crimson White writes that the whole episode is not just a silly exercise of the university police's power. Rather, it demonstrates much more: The […]» Read More
U. of Alabama Shakes Up Harlem Shake Attempt
February 19, 2013
The wildly popular "Harlem Shake" dance videos can range from the small and minimal to the extensive and elaborate. No matter what the flavor, though, this latest Internet craze is something everyone seems to be jumping into. Yesterday, however, the University of Alabama (UA) took issue with some students attempting to make a Harlem Shake video on the UA quad. For those of you who don't spend nearly as much time on the Internet as I do, the Harlem Shake is a "meme" in which people make a 30-second dance video to music producer Baauer's "Harlem Shake." The first 15 […]» Read More
University of Alabama Protects Rights of Religious Student Groups
July 31, 2012
Following receipt of a letter from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the University of Alabama has made an important change to university policy in order to protect the freedom of association of religious student organizations on campus. ADF explains: The University of Alabama's policy on membership in student organizations states that leadership and voting membership positions must be open "to all students of The University … without regard to race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin, except in cases of designated fraternal organizations." In reply to the Alliance Defending Freedom letter, the university said it will amend the policy with […]» Read More
FERPA Author: Universities Play Games with Law
October 11, 2011
The University of Alabama has blocked the release of Student Government Association records involving investigations into irregularities in the selection process for a first-year honors program. The university claims that under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), these are "educational" records shielded from public disclosure. Not so, says the law's author, former U.S. Senator and Federal Circuit Court Judge James Buckley, in an interview with the student newspaper, The Crimson White. "That does not sound like an educational record to me … it's what the kids do outside of the classroom," noted Buckley, who served in the Senate […]» Read More
A lesson on the First Amendment
November 9, 2007
For the past week, angry students have bombarded The Crimson White with Letters to the Editor and guest columns condemning us for publishing Greg Michaelson's article, "You Can't Protect Everyone." Many of the submissions I've received use the words hate speech to describe what Michaelson wrote. Because of this, many of our readers have asked that the editorial board apologize for the publishing of that article. This column, however, is by no means an apology from the editorial board or the staff of The CW. By being in accordance with the 2006-07 UA Student Handbook that requires all student publications […]» Read More
The Right Response
April 5, 2006
Patrick Samples, a graduate student at the University of Alabama, has a great article in today's edition of UA's student newspaper, The Crimson White. In it, he responds to an attempt by UA's student government to assert control over the paper in response to its alleged liberal bias. As Samples, who acknowledges that he disagrees with the paper's viewpoint, aptly summarizes the situation, "This is a clear violation of freedom of the press. This resolution should be rescinded immediately." He continues: I ask my fellow conservatives and libertarians this question: Do we want the left-liberal nuts on this campus to […]» Read More
American Hypocrites' Association
January 10, 2006
Two weeks ago, Greg blogged on a pair of dueling resolutions that were introduced at the meeting of the American Historical Association (AHA) here in Philadelphia. One condemned only David Horowitz's proposed Academic Bill of Rights (ABOR), while another condemned both the ABOR and "the use of speech codes to restrict academic freedom, and all similar attempts to limit free and open discourse on campus." Imagine our non-surprise to discover that the AHA chose to adopt the resolution condemning the ABOR while saying nothing about speech codes. Inside Higher Ed has the full report. My favorite quote: Jonathan Rose, […]» Read More
Friday in 'Bama
October 11, 2005
This Friday, I'll be speaking at the Bankhead Conference at the University of Alabama. The topic is "Censorship, Free Speech, and Free Press in the University," and I'll be appearing with Donald Downs, a great defender of liberty and author of Restoring Free Speech and Liberty on Campus and with John K. Wilson, author of a book with the least persuasive title I've ever read, The Myth of Political Correctness. The event is open to the public, and my session begins around 9 a.m. Alabama is a particularly appropriate place for a conference on free speech. In the last few […]» Read More
'The New York Times' on Bias in Legal Academia
August 29, 2005
An article in Sunday's New York Times (registration required) by Adam Liptak discusses a new survey that reveals that law school faculties are dominated by those with liberal political beliefs: The study, to be published this fall in The Georgetown Law Journal, analyzes 11 years of records reflecting federal campaign contributions by professors at the top 21 law schools as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Almost a third of these law professors contribute to campaigns, but of them, the study finds, 81 percent who contributed $200 or more gave wholly or mostly to Democrats; 15 percent gave wholly […]» Read More
'Who's Undermining Free Speech on Campus Now?'
April 20, 2005
Check out David Beito, KC Johnson and Ralph E. Luker's important article "Who's Undermining Free Speech on Campus Now?" at Inside Higher Ed. KC and David are well known to FIRE for their tireless defense of freedom of speech and basic rights at their respective institutions, Brooklyn College and the University of Alabama (and anyone looking at the sheer number of cases we have had at UA can see that David has had his hands full). They write: The internal threat to free speech in academia is posed by speech codes. They take many forms and vary from one college to the next university. After […]» Read More
An illiberal left
March 15, 2005
IT ISN'T often that a group of college professors is soundly and thoroughly embarrassed by a collection of mere students in an intellectual arena. But that's exactly what happened at the end of February, when the University of Alabama's Student Senate passed a sharp resolution directly opposing a heavy-handed, short-sighted and illiberal "hate speech" resolution that their Faculty Senate had already passed. The Faculty Senate's original resolution called for the creation of a series of new regulations which threatened to drastically curtail First Amendment rights at their public university. With their remarkably independent and sophisticated response, UA's students have schooled […]» Read More
Insults and the Constitution
March 7, 2005
There is a nice piece by Suzanne Fields today in the Washington Times. In her column she discusses the recent controversies at Harvard and the University of Alabama. She also quotes from FIRE's letter on the Ward Churchill case: The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (thefire.org), which revels in its acronym FIRE because it turns up the heat on campuses that attempt to melt down guarantees of free speech, makes this point in a letter to the Interim Chancellor at the University of Colorado at Boulder: "Supreme Court case law makes it quite clear that 'if there is a […]» Read More
Students Frown on UA Faculty's Free-Speech Shutdown Attempt
March 3, 2005
University of Alabama students are reacting to a perceived attack on their First Amendment rights. Last fall the Faculty Senate at the University of Alabama passed a resolution banning school-sponsored speech that could be considered homophobic, sexist, or racist. In response, the Student Senate passed a free-speech resolution that directly counters the so-called "hate speech" resolution. David French, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), describes the students' move as brilliant. He says he had sent an open letter to the UA community, protesting the faculty's policy. The problem with the school's resolution, French says, […]» Read More
Alabama and the American Flag
March 1, 2005
Reader Fletcher Moore writes in regard to my post from Monday in which I stated that the University of Alabama was, "after all, the school that banned the American flag from dorm windows." Mr. Moore responds: If you follow your own link, you'll note that the policy applied to "all window displays in student dormitories," and was created in response to the display of a Confederate flag. Students hung American flags in response to the policy, as a means of protest. To be sure, the policy is crude and contrary to a signal American freedom, but it was not as […]» Read More
Roll Tide: Free Speech at Alabama
February 28, 2005
There's some welcome news on the free speech front from the University of Alabama today. Those who follow FIRE know that the University of Alabama is one of the worst schools in the country when it comes to respecting free speech. Administrators and faculty members there often seem completely dismissive of their public university's moral and constitutional responsibilities. This is, after all, the school that banned the American flag from dorm windows. In that case, students engaged in civil disobedience by placing American flags all over their windows, and the administration backed down. Well, once again UA students have taken […]» Read More
Students Fight Back: Free Speech Resolution Targets Faculty Push for Speech Code
February 28, 2005
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., February 28, 2005—In a remarkable display of intellectual independence and moral courage, the University of Alabama (UA) Student Senate last week passed a "free speech" resolution that directly opposes a "hate speech" resolution passed by UA's Faculty Senate last fall. Recognizing that the faculty's "hate speech" resolution was a thinly veiled call for a speech code, the students' resolution urges the UA administration and faculty "to adopt policies that explicitly protect free speech for all students at the University of Alabama." The students' move comes after close consultation with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and […]» Read More
New Speech Code—Same as the Old
February 9, 2005
The new speech code calls on the government to "develop clear policies restricting any behavior which demeans or reduces an individual based on group affiliation or personal characteristics." The old speech code calls on the government to prohibit "oral or printed" words "which tend to expose a person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, to degrade or disgrace him in society." If you think you can guess the authors of both speech codes, you might be surprised. The identity of the authors of the "new" code is no surprise: the Faculty Senate of the University of Alabama. The authors of the […]» Read More
FIRE Protests So-Called "Hate Speech" Resolution at University of Alabama
November 11, 2004
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., November 11, 2004—Freedom of expression is once again under assault at the University of Alabama (UA). In September, the UA Faculty Senate responded to public controversy about a UA comedy event by passing a resolution that threatens to severely restrict free expression on this public campus. The Senate's proposed policy would regulate speech in approved university activities and contractually restrict outside speakers whose speech might be deemed to be "demeaning." Yesterday, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) submitted an open letter protesting this policy to hundreds of members of the UA community. "UA students […]» Read More
FIRE's Open Letter to the University of Alabama Community
November 11, 2004
Dear Faculty Senate, Student Leaders, and Administrators of the University of Alabama: The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is deeply concerned that freedom of expression is once again under assault at the University of Alabama. Last September, in response to a controversial incident at a comedy event sponsored by University Programs, the UA Faculty Senate passed a resolution that threatens to severely restrict free expression on campus. The resolution seeks to eliminate speech that might be deemed "offensive" from any approved university program or activity through regulation of and contractual restrictions upon speakers who may potentially engage […]» Read More
University of Alabama Continues Campaign Against Free Speech
June 16, 2004
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., May 13, 2004—Last year, the University of Alabama (UA) gained notoriety when it banned students from displaying the American flag (and all other flags) in their dorm windows. Now it has ordered a faculty group that is critical of the university's grading policies to pay a rate eight times higher than that paid by other faculty organizations for use of the university's mail system. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and the Princeton, N.J.-based National Association of Scholars (NAS) are protesting UA's actions, which are only the latest in a long, sad string of assaults on […]» Read More
UA criticized over campus mail
May 31, 2004» Read More
FIRE Coalition Shatters Window Display Censorship Policy at University of Alabama
October 3, 2003
TUSCALOOSA, AL—After months of experimenting with different methods of restricting speech, the administration of the University of Alabama (UA) has "indefinitely" tabled a policy outlawing all window displays in student dormitories. The policy was issued after a student was ordered to remove a confederate flag from the door of his dorm room. Other students, aware of the threat to their liberty posed by this regulation, subsequently displayed American flags to challenge administrators to enforce the ban. "We are relieved that the University of Alabama has decided, at least for now, to honor its constitutional obligations. We find it remarkable that […]» Read More
FIRE's Letter to the University of Alabama; July 15, 2003
July 15, 2003
July 15, 2003 President Robert E. Witt University of Alabama Box 870100 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0100 Sent via U.S. Mail and Facsimile (205-348-8377) Dear President Witt, As you can see from our Directors and Board of Advisors, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) unites leaders in the fields of civil rights and civil liberties, scholars, journalists, and public intellectuals across the political and ideological spectrum on behalf of liberty, legal equality, due process, academic freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and, in this case, freedom of speech and expression at America's colleges and universities. Our web page, www.thefire.org, […]» Read More


text:
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Rory McIlroy felt his game was just as good as it was last week, with one big difference.
He lost in a playoff at Quail Hollow.
He won't even make it to the weekend at the TPC Sawgrass.
"I just need to try and get the hang of his golf course somehow,'' McIlroy said Friday after a 4-over 76 at The Players Championship, well over the cut line. "I just find it pretty difficult. But, yeah, just one of those weeks.''
Those weeks tend to happen at Sawgrass.
In his three appearances, the 23-year-old McIlroy has never made the cut and never even broken par in six rounds. He started out on a calm, sunny morning as though that would change when the U.S. Open champion rolled in an 18-foot birdie putt.
But he missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the next hole, scrambled for bogey on the par-3 13th hole and lost all momentum when his second shot to the par-5 16th failed to draw over the water toward the green, splashing down some 10 yards from dry land. He managed to save par, but the tone was set for the day.
McIlroy had gone 22 consecutive official tournaments without missing the cut, dating to the Wells Fargo Championship last year.
He couldn't attribute this to his form.
McIlroy had finished out of the top five only one time this year, when he tied for 40th in the Masters. He won the Honda Classic, lost in the final of the Match Play Championship in Arizona and was second at the Abu Dhabi Championship against a strong field. He arrived in Florida after losing in a playoff at Quail Hollow.
"I've come back here a much better player – a much more consistent player, experienced player,'' he said. "And, yeah, I felt like I would come here and think my way around the golf course and just try and play steady golf. I tried to do that, and it just didn't happen.''
Put him on Sawgrass, however, and he doesn't look like the same player.
"It's unbelievable,'' McIlroy said. "I shoot 14 under last week and I feel like I hit it just the same this week. And I'm going home. So it's just one of those things. But I'm not getting down on myself about it. I played well last week, and I've got a big part of the season coming up and looking forward to that.''
McIlroy is not the only star to struggle at Sawgrass.
Tiger Woods was a runner-up in 2000 and won in 2001. But out of 15 years, those were the only times he was in serious contention going into the back nine on Sunday. Phil Mickelson played 13 times with ordinary results until he finally won in 2007. Ernie Els has never won The Players Championship. Neither has Vijay Singh, who practically lives at Sawgrass (at least on the practice range).
"You look at Tiger, who has won here, and Phil,'' McIlroy said. "But for the caliber of player they are, they definitely have got more layouts that are more to their liking,'' McIlroy said. "It's just a course that you have to figure out, and it's taken me awhile. I'll come back next year, my fourth attempt, and try to make it to the weekend.''
Graeme McDowell, McIlroy's best friend on tour, can relate. McDowell struggles at Augusta National, so his tie for 12th at the Masters felt like a small victory.
"You're not going to take that week off,'' McDowell said, referring to the Masters.
The Players Championship is not the same. McIlroy and Lee Westwood missed last year when neither was a PGA Tour member (both are members this year and played). Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel chose not to play this year, along with Paul Lawrie and Anders Hansen, both of whom were eligible. Masters champion Bubba Watson chose to stay home with his newly adopted son.
"Certain guys don't like this course,'' McDowell said. "A week off is available. But it's a lucrative purse.''
Fear not – McIlroy says he will return.
"I'll come back. I promise,'' McIlroy said with a big smile. "Hopefully, I'm coming back here for another 20 years. If I don't figure it out on my 20th, there's something wrong.''

subset: commoncrawl


text: Captain Kirk is probably one of the most iconic spacemen of all time, but there's that pesky little detail where he doesn't actually happen to be real. Commander of the ISS, Chris Hadfield on the other hand, is as real as you get. A few days ago, the two crossed paths when Kirk—OK, Shatner—and Hadfield had a little chat to compare the very different experiences of being on a futuristic spaceship on a set, and being in a realistic spaceship in real space. It's one hell of a phone call. Hailing frequencies open! [Reddit]


text:
Programming with a mechanical encoder
An Unexpected Development
Often, when disassembling RC cars, you can be thrown a curveball - a design feature that you were not expecting in the slightest. This happened to us while working on the Gymkhana - we found the most curious method of turn regulation.
The Gymkhana is unique in the fact that it has a 'turbo drift' button. This button functions to make the steering turn at a greater angle when it is pressed. What this ultimately means, however, is that the Gymkhana had to feature some sort of turn regulation - it couldn't use a 'dumb' system like, say, the Interceptor, where a DC motor simply goes full speed left for a left turn, and full speed right for a right turn; the Gymkhana needed something that let the control board know how far the wheels had turned.
The mechanical encoder
It turns out that the Gymkhana's encoder decided to hook up a 4-bit mechanical encoder to the steering system.
Basically, there are four outputs (and a ground connection). The encoder wheel is designed so that when it turns, each contact is either touching metal or some non-conductive surface. The pattern seen in the image is designed so that for every possible angle of turn, a different combination of outputs is achieved. We can then use this combination of outputs to our advantage by plugging them into the Arduino's digital ports. Since there are 4 binary wires (that is, they carry either an 'on' or 'off' signal), this is called a 4-bit system.
Using the encoder values
The Gymkhana's designers did not expect their average user to need to know the combination of signals for each turn point; as such, we are going to have to figure it out for ourselves.
The first thing we need to do is connect the encoder wires to the Arduino. Unplug the cable from the control board:
Now, you will need to find which wire is which. Usually this is listed on the circuit board the wires are emerging from, but if not, this is what we determined:
|Wire color
|Signal 1
|Signal 2
|Signal 3
|Signal 4
Connect these to the Arduino. Ground should go to ground. It doesn't matter which ports the other wires go to, but we used digital port 2 for signal 1, port 3 for signal 2, port 4 for signal 3, and port 5 for signal 4. It would have been nice to use 1 for 1 and so forth, but port 1 is reserved for UART communication.
We couldn't use the breadboard here as the pin spacing in the plug did not conform with the 1/10 inch pin spacing we know and love. As such, standard single-core wires inserted into the pin holes work nicely. Jumpers do not fit as they are 1/10 inch wide.
Deciphering the encoder values
Now that we are all plugged in, we are going to use the RobotC debugger to find the values the encoder is spitting out for each turn angle.
Write a simple empty program:
#pragma config(CircuitBoardType, typeCktBoardUNO) #pragma config(UART_Usage, UART0, uartSystemCommPort, baudRate200000, IOPins, dgtl1, dgtl0) #pragma config(Sensor, dgtl2, wire1, sensorDigitalIn) #pragma config(Sensor, dgtl3, wire2, sensorDigitalIn) #pragma config(Sensor, dgtl4, wire3, sensorDigitalIn) #pragma config(Sensor, dgtl5, wire4, sensorDigitalIn) task main() { while(true){} }
Run it, and take a look at the 'Sensors' section of the debugger. You should have four sensors, wires 1-4, each displaying a value of either 1 or 0.
Now, get out a piece of paper, or open a spreadsheet. Set out a table like so:
|Relative turn amount
|wire 1
|wire 2
|wire 3
|wire 4
Keep in mind that you don't know how high or low it will go.
With the steering mechanism assembled, turn the wheel to its center point - i.e. where it would be if the car was going straight. Now, take a look at the combination of values in the debugger.


text:
Vegetarian Everyday by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl
Simple, healthy, whole food is anything but humdrum in David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl's Vegetarian Everyday. The creators of Green Kitchen Stories blog are known for their vibrant approach and this cookbook is filled with creative flavor combinations, gorgeous styling, and colorful photography.
Quick Facts
• Who wrote it: David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl
• Who published it: Rizzoli New York
• Number of recipes: 100
• Recipes for right now: Baked Herb & Pistachio Falafel; Quinoa & Cauliflower Cakes with Ramps; Fennel & Coconut Tart; Pizza with a Cauliflower Crust; Rhubarb, Apple & Yellow Split Pea Stew; Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake on a Sunflower Crust
• Other highlights: There could hardly be a more appropriate title for this cookbook. Ever since I got my hands on a copy of Vegetarian Everyday I've been perusing it daily, sighing with delight over the inspired recipes and stunning presentation. What's even better is these recipes aren't so complicated that they must be reserved for special occasions. Most of them are quite doable for a weekday breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they're nutritious, so you feel even happier about making them for yourself and your family. In fact, one week I cooked nearly every one of our meals from the book!
Readers of Green Kitchen Stories may recognize a few of the dishes, which have been reworked for the book, but most of the recipes are brand new. More than 90 percent of the recipes are gluten-free and the rest use wholegrain flours. Small amounts of eggs, cheese, and yogurt are used throughout, but there are also many dairy-free as well as sugar-free recipes. Whether you're a longtime vegetarian, a newbie, or a veg-curious omnivore, the book is sure to introduce you to new and fresh ways of cooking.
• Who would enjoy this book? vegetarians and health-conscious meat eaters; people avoiding dairy, gluten, refined flour, and/or sugar; parents; fans of the Green Kitchen Stories blog
Find the book at your local library, independent bookstore, or Amazon: Vegetarian Everyday: Healthy Recipes from Our Green Kitchen by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl
• Visit the author's website: Green Kitchen Stories
Apartment Therapy Media makes every effort to test and review products fairly and transparently. The views expressed in this review are the personal views of the reviewer and this particular product review was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer or an agent working on their behalf. However, the manufacturer did give us the product for testing and review purposes.
(Images: Emily Han)


text:
Pharmaceutical manufacturers must contend with the conflicting requirements for complying with regulations from up to a half dozen federal agencies—with the need to maintain security, particularly during the development and testing phases. And then they have to put out consistent, quality product at the end of the day. While large, multi-billion dollar firms dominate the headlines, there are still a large number of smaller firms that make either a single pharmaceutical, ingredients for other manufacturers or specialize in medications with expired patents.
Three of the most critical features companies are looking for in their pharmaceutical manufacturers software are:
In addition to these three critical capabilities, most pharmaceutical management systems also offer some forms of fulfillment system that addresses both the security and shipping labeling aspects, both of which are stricter than general fulfillment systems.
Accounts receivable is standard except that the sums involved can be in the millions of dollars and for some products the customers must be positively identified. Payroll and personnel are again standard, as are general ledger and accounts payable.
If pharmaceutical manufacturing operations are part of a parent firm, they are likely to be using part of an organizational enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Small and medium firms may use stand-alone accounting modules but are more likely to use manufacturing-specific systems. Most manufacturers use premises-based systems, but security is more of a driver than is cost.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers should examine the following functions while considering their unique requirements:
|Formulation management and batch sizing
|The system should include formulation management, including ingredient substitution and batch scaling. Advanced systems can size batches to quantities of ingredients in stock. The system should provide for formulations of different strengths.
|Available to promise, capable to promise
|Available to promise (ATP) and capable to promise (CTP) are measures of manufacturing capacity. The system should calculate the ATP and CTP for any stock item, accounting for ingredients on hand and any work in process.
|Lot tracing and recall management
|Each lot must be identified and tracked. The ingredients of each batch must be tied to their individual batch number as well.
|Recall management
|Recalls are initiated for two reasons. First, a problem in the process causes a product to become tainted or contaminated. Second, an ingredient is tainted or contaminated. In either case, the system needs to identify all of the affected batches and the customers that received those batches.
|Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) compliance
|The system should support reporting for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), in accordance with HACCP Principle 7: "Establish record-keeping and documentation procedures."
|FDA compliance
|The FDA is empowered to regulate standard and homeopathic pharmaceuticals; the standards for labeling are similar but have unique differences. The system should correctly label standard and homeopathic products as necessary.
|Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) compliance
|If the pharmaceutical manufacturer makes products or uses ingredients regulated under the Controlled Substances Act, it is subject to oversight from the DEA. The system should document compliance with the act and have access to a current database of controlled substances, regulated chemicals and analogues.
|Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance
|If the pharmaceutical manufacturer makes or uses products listed under the Toxic Substance Control Act, the substance may be regulated by the EPA. The system should maintain all compliant records as well as preparing a pre-manufacture notice before a new compound is created.
|Quality assurance
|The system should support quality assurance (QA) testing. The protocols should be documented and implemented through the system. The QA system should randomly identify samples for testing and compare test results against norms. Advanced systems will feature dashboards that will alertadministrators to problems with quality.
|Process analytical technology support
|The system should identify critical process parameters and define their affect on critical quality attributes as part of quality assurance testing.
|Code of Federal Regulations 21 Part 11 compliance
|Strictly speaking, no software package can be 21 CFR Part 11 compliant because the rule stipulates administrative and procedural controls as well as technical implementation for electronic and hybrid record keeping. However, it can support 21 CFR Part 11 by completely implementing the technical requirements.
|Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliance
|cGMP compliance is required for many regulatory agencies at the state and federal levels as well as for insurance purposes. The system should produce required compliance reports.
|Yield variances
|The system should track actual yield versus expected yield for each batch. The system should report excessive variance based on user-defined thresholds and indicate if variances are so large that regulating agencies should be notified.
|Packing & drumming
|The inventory system must be able to value and price items in different container sizes. It must also identify or generate suitable labels for containers.
|Inventory storage planning
|Some pharmaceuticals require a specific storage environment. The inventory system and receiving systems should notify workers about any special requirements.
|Expiration tracking
|Both pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical products can have limited shelf lives. The system needs to track expired and close-to-end-of-life inventory.
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text:
|2007-01-03, 17:46
|Link #61
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Hamburg
Age: 49
I've finally been able to watch the first two eps, and I've got to say that I really like what I see (and hear) - so keep in mind that my exposure is a bit limited so far, but these are my honest first impressions:
1) The English dub differs significantly from the translation. It's like listening to a third version. Heavily localized with lots of slang expressions, but quite well-done (even though on some occasions the dub says the exact opposite of what was REALLY said in Japanese). Still, an enjoyable experience, and I like the editing.
2) The dub is certainly one of the better performances. Mitsuki and Shinji are excellent, Takayuki and Akane are pretty good. Haruka has the one problem which plagues most English dubs: She isn't speaking with her natural voice. Instead, she's got to use a falsetto-kind "throat" voice, which seriously hurts the immersion because it simply sounds unnatural. It's not so bad that it would cause me to switch the audio track though (a common fate for R1 releases unfortunately), still quite acceptable. But a disturbance to me.
3) I'm very pleased with the subtitle translation so far. Good solid work, and as far as I can tell pretty close to the original Japanese, but flowing quite well. They even kept the honorifics! And while the DVD box summaries were an example of how you should NOT do it (extremely biased), the subs seemed okay so far. Let's see how things go when we get to the crunch time eps.
Overall, I feel that my money was well-spent. Good work from Funi!
|2007-01-03, 20:21
|Link #65
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Got it
Yes, I do understand it now. I just haven't seen it all in so long; I'd forgotten that a great portion of the show is foreshadowed and many flashbacks are involved. Sorry, I'm just more of just an easy straight forward plot not requiring much in depth emotion. Thank you for your support though.
|2007-01-03, 20:38
|Link #66
Not Enough Sleep
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: R'lyeh
Age: 42
But don't you want to feel the anguish and angst that comes with waiting for that next episode? You will miss all the fun we had when it first air
The screaming
The crying
Hair pulling
sleepless nights
uncontrol fits of crying while at work.
|2007-01-03, 22:57
|Link #67
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: California
Age: 30
But that was one episode a week, wasn't it? This is 4-5 episodes every two months over the course of five months (I'm guessing here). We'll see so many episodes one after the other, and then have to wait about two months for the next batch. That's torture I think, especially for those of us who haven't watched it before.
|2007-01-04, 06:11
|Link #68
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
^ watch 1 ep per 2 weeks...ouch >.<
|2007-01-16, 11:19
|Link #70
I desire Tomorrow!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: As far away from reality as possible
Age: 36
/came by advertisement leading to official page. "Watch episode one, blablabla, A story of friendship, love and betrayal.
Yeah, those people know where their heart is I might actually consider bying that, if only for the tags and the advertisements
It's so good to know you are officially sanctioned
|2007-01-22, 16:34
|Link #72
I desire Tomorrow!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: As far away from reality as possible
Age: 36
Well, I don't know about Haruka's standing in Japan (the fact that they're going to release Haruka's route does say something though), and Americans have a tendency to mess many things up (be it politics or entertainment) but that time they actually made my day
And yeah, all my pro-Haruka arguments in KGNE threads are effectively sanctioned in the western world. I rule!
|2007-01-22, 20:00
|Link #73
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
^ lol npal ~ you always stand by girls who have potential to become psycos lolol
the betrayal part strikes me shocking...how the heck did the guy get a betrayal vibe comming from ep 1 okey well nothing really important as the person probably already knows about title 3 okey...just see past mitsuki's outer shell and youll be fine
|2007-01-23, 00:20
|Link #75
Not Enough Sleep
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: R'lyeh
Age: 42
But you are going to miss all the fun of the agonzing wait for the next vol
Edit: Rightstuf is shipping vol2 3 weeks before release date.
Anyone tick off at just uninspire packaging and lack of any extra the KGNE release is having. No color booklets, No trading cards, OST's not even a cheap plastic ring. And the artwork on the DVD cover and the box is so boring.
Last edited by Xellos-_^; 2007-01-25 at 15:52.
|2007-01-26, 02:07
|Link #76
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: in the club
Just finished watching vol. 2, what a rush. I like how the creators manage to mix both comedy and drama and have it all flow naturally. There's never a moment where it feels inappropriate. Bonus points for Daikuuji for stealing every scene she's in and having secret connections. Who was that woman anyway?
The dub...I don't like it. I really hoped that Funi would've been able to pull off something decent here, but the performances didn't win me over. The conversation between Mitsuki and her superior on the roof was so flat and monotone that you could have either actress switch roles and you wouldn't notice any difference.
I agree that Funi needs to add more extras to this disc. Maybe include promo art and sketches for the anime as well as the game. Even a teaser of Akane Maniax would be nice. Plus they really should make the next volume preview separate from all the other trailers so people don't accidentally gloss over it.
Can't wait for volume 3...and the upcoming OVA.
|2007-01-26, 13:50
|Link #77
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 36
That being said, I should also point out that a lot of R1 DVDs don't have colour booklets, trading cards, OSTs, or much in the way of extras -- and in fact, a lot of R2 releases are the same way. It really varies widely.
|2007-01-26, 14:05
|Link #78
Not Enough Sleep
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: R'lyeh
Age: 42
|2007-02-09, 05:17
|Link #80
Senior Member
|Thread Tools


text:
When the recommendation was made by the short-term facilities committee to close Gorton Junior High School, students immediately expressed their disappointment and their desire to take action and save their school.
"It went out on Facebook from kids whose parents were at the meeting," said Jack Miranda, a seventh grader at Gorton.
After teachers confirmed the facts, it was not easy to hide their disappointment. According to Sara Gasrow, vice president of the Gorton Student Council, the teachers created a Facebook page to garner support for the school, and in just a few days the page had over 300 likes.
"The atmosphere is not good," said Peter Stone, a social studies teacher at Gorton, during a phone interview on Friday. "It's a school that is near and dear to our hearts."
"I was disappointed," said Gasrow, who is in the eighth grade. "I spent two years here and I really liked coming here."
Stone, advisor to the student council, assisted Gasrow and the rest of the student council in drafting a letter stating reasons they believe closing their school would be the wrong choice.
One of the group's biggest concerns is the capacity of the two remaining junior high schools – Winman and Aldrich – if Gorton is closed. The question is whether the two schools could accommodate a middle school system that would include grades 6-8. The junior high system consists of grades 7 and 8.
"When you have too many students in schools, the classrooms will be overcrowded," said Gasrow. "It would be overwhelming [for students]."
In addition to losing the benefit of individual attention in smaller classes, student council members believe that by closing one of the schools, the possibility for transition to a middle school model in Warwick would prove to be impossible.
Jason Tuttle, treasurer of the student council, explained that only 17 percent of schools across the nation have retained a seventh and eighth grade junior high model and 65 percent of principals nationwide prefer a middle school model.
The council feels that eventually transitioning to the middle school model will benefit younger students.
"It would help elementary schools to provide full-day kindergarten, promoting younger students' education," said Gasrow.
Another factor in the decision to close Gorton was the school's location. While many see Aldrich Junior High School's location on Post Road as an advantage, Gorton students don't agree.
"It is safer being in the community," said Gasrow about the location of Gorton.
Tuttle, a seventh grader who lives across the street from the school and walks every day, agreed. "There is a walkway right outside the school making it safe for students."
Transportation is also a major concern for Miranda.
"[Closing Gorton] would make it hard on my mom who needs to get me to school each day. I live closer to Gorton," said Miranda.
Tuttle, who has been through this experience before as a student at John Greene Elementary School, which closed in 2009, believes Gorton was not given the proper consideration in the decision.
"Mr. Bushell, who made the motion to close Gorton, chose Gorton because of the looks, not the community, not the education," he said.
Miranda agrees.
"I think they should look more at the community and how the school runs," she said.
In their letter, the student council stated all of the good they feel their school has done for the community. Each year, the school participates in fundraisers, including Rachel's Challenge, Pennies for Patients and the Feinstein canned food drive. In addition, the school hosts an annual Gong Show, and this year money raised during the event is going into a scholarship fund in honor of George Schmeider, a former Gorton teacher. The scholarship will go to a student at Veterans Memorial High School.
While the council has made sure to present their reasoning in their fight to save Gorton, they cannot help but be emotional as well.
"It's my school," said Tuttle. "I just got here."
Gasrow, who will be transitioning to high school in the fall, cannot help but think about future students.
"I had such a good experience here and it is sad to think some people aren't going to get to come here," she said.
While they have no set plans going forward, the student council is hoping to be present at the School Committee meeting that will decide the fate of their school and that they will be given the opportunity to present their side of the story.
This just breaks my heart . Way back when they chose to close John Greene over Warwick Neck( I wonder why ) I knew then it would only be a matter of time before Gorton got the axe. These choices are made way ahead of time. How Warwick has always worked and will continue to work is this. When Warwick wants a building or property for something they will make it go away no matter what. The false reasons are fed to the residents and they always take the bait. This city makes their plans years in advance before anyone of us know about them. Having both of these schools go away was already planned out. Can't wait to see who gets the property or how the city will use it . Look at Rocky Point. The mayor wanted that so bad he could hardly contain himself. It took priority over many more important things too. How come so many outside deals fell through to purchase it ? In the end the Mayor got what he wanted and the state ended up with the rest of the property. Nobody firnds that a bit fishy? It was all planned from the beginning and no one will convince me that it wasn't Same as John Greene and Gorton. Someone wants the building or land for something .As for the location,it is perfect and in a safe area for kids but lets have them hang out at Walmart where all the druggies go to sell drugs. Great choice Warwick!
And the conditions of ALL Warwick schools is sad. Bring our schools up to condition --classrooms need adequate facilities to accommodate the growing use of technology. Schools also need extreme repairs or even replacement. When will the Warwick put our students first?!
If you are not happy with this decision please contact your local school committee and tell them how you feel. Tell them your vote in November will reflect their vote on keeping the schools open.
Here are their phone numbers to help you along in this process:
Bethany A. Furtado, Chairperson
18 Cardinal St, Warwick, RI, 02886
M. Terri Medeiros, Vice Chair
5 Lyndon Avenue, Warwick, RI, 02889
Jennifer Ahearn, Clerk
Eugene A. Nadeau
15 Killdeer Road, Warwick, RI, 02888
Karen Bachus
208 Burt Street, Warwick, RI, 02886


text:
Monday, January 31, 2011
Voyage to see what's on the bottom...
O.K. , o.k. , so I'm finally belching out the post I promised a week or two ago. Why the delay ? I had to wait for certain things to play out in my so-called " Professional world". Yes, you cannot make everyone happy and there's a good chance that you'll piss a few people off without even knowing why in this business.......that's about as much of an explanation as you'll get from me right now. But I digress......here's the story:
About the time of the last dinosaurs when I was building my first few frames I had the notion that I would put my artistic background into my new craft. It was my intent to raise the bar of bicycle frame construction single-handedly and show the world what I had in skills. Of course, as soon as I built a few frames, each one more ornate than the last I got the feeling that I was maybe a bit.....no, actually wayyyy ahead of myself. By my nature I was impusive , tempermental , impatient and most of all , not having anywhere near the skills needed to attempt what I was doing. I was a fool. Hey, maybe I still am a fool-I'm a bicycle framebuilder, right ? I'm getting off track here.......what I'm trying to say is that I went in a direction that proved to be a mistake for me-I was placing too much emphasis on the outward appearance of the frame while not concentrating on the more important aspects of framebuiding, namely soundness of construction and geometry. Not too much later I would address these aspects after an epiphany of sorts.
The epiphany was this : Here I was, a bicycle mechanic who had built maybe 8-10 frames and was not really getting the kind of choice ride quality that I was hoping for. I, like a few other builders of the late '70's was kind of trying to re-invent the wheel, so to speak. We , the new builders of the '70's were making bikes stiffer, steeper and tighter than anything we had seen.....why ? Because we thought it was going to be better. Was it better ? Actually it was the shits. The bikes sucked, except for sprinting in a straight line on a totally smooth road. Hey, we were trying for something new that would be better than the Italian bikes of the day and send customers flocking to our doors with deposits in hand. Ahh.......the epiphany. One day in 1982 while working at a bike shop I got a chance to assemble and ride a $ 495 Bianchi Nuovo Racing bicycle in vaguely my size, a 56 cm. All it took was a few trips around the block and I realized what I was doing wrong.....I was dismissing good geometry in favor of trying to create my own new standard. The Bianchi was everything I wanted in a road bike except that it was not made of the best materials and it was maybe cosmetically a bit rough.
The next bike I built for myself was a replica of the Bianchi, at least geometrically. I used Columbus S.L. tubing and a mix of Henry James and Tange cast lugs,essentially all of the best stuff I could buy to construct the frame.The result was the best road bike that I had ever ridden and the template for all of my future road frames. I rode it for a solid 9 years and never laid it down once.....it was a magic bike.
Fast forward to 2011. The lesson from the Bianchi is still with me-make the bike ride right , don't get caught up in trying to make something for the Smithsonian or maybe attempting to set the new standard for bicycle design. I'm not saying that innovation is not possible, it just can't happen without filling a specific need. Need drives invention and need is what makes my job viable. I weld bikes for folks who need them to race, commute , recreate, and so on. I don't build frames to make people look.....I build frames for the folks that ride. There are many framebuilders that share that view. We are not the ones winning awards at the bike shows-to be frank, some of us don't even go to those shows , great though they are. We are from the lowlands-the place of welders. We put tubes together to make things to ride....it isn't what gets the attention of the media for the most part and it isn't what turns heads of the discriminating bike show junkie. Our bikes aren't ugly, they just aren't flashy. You will seldom find stainless bits or much in the way of ornamentation on our bikes. What you'll find on our bikes are people riding them.
Yes, I'm doing it again , calling attention to the folks that don't build a 'special bike for the show' or launch some sort of 'special edition' bike to try to get orders. I'm not saying that either of those labors are worthless, they are just not worth much to folks like us, the lowly welders of bike frames. I guess I get a little pissed off-actually a lot pissed off because welders of bike frames do not get the same level of respect as the folks that build the fancy lugged efforts. I'm pissed because welding is actually more difficult than brazing in that there's no room for error and there's no place to hide shoddy work. A lug can hide not only poor tube contact but also insufficient brazing. With welding everything is out in the open, both the miter of the tube and the result of one's welding skills. If something isn't right it will stick out like a red flag and no amount of paint will cover a really bad welding job.
Welding gets little respect because people assume that is is easy and quick. It is quick for those who have done the many hours of practice to create both a strong and attractive bond. The lugged construction has the benefit of the 'cleanup' phase , a period after brazing where imperfections can be filed away. Essentially , something that was pretty awful looking can be transformed into something quite passable after much filing and some creative paint work. With welding things have to go right the first time........there's no prettying up a tig weld without potentially removing too much metal and creating a future failure zone on the frame.
Maybe I sound pathetic trying to get folks to appreciate welded framebuilding-perhaps it is pathetic and I'm just one of those lazy no good bum framebuilders from the lowlands , the realm of mere welders .........certainly not craftsmen of the order of the ones that dazzle you with " your name here " in stainless steel letters on a prominent place on the frame . Maybe I'm just jealous of the artisans who are charging three times what I get for a frame and making folks wait years.......years !!!! for a bicycle frame. Maybe some people don't value a custom frame by what it does for their riding pleasure.....maybe it isn't desirable if it is too easy to get or too affordable-after all , that would pretty much eliminate the exclusivity part, wouldn't it ? If some schmuck down the street who is a working stiff can afford to buy a such-and-such frame - it isn't special enough , is it ? I rest my case.
5 comments:
hey paul -ReplyDelete
give yourself more credit atmo. you have pioneer status, have forgotten more about bicycles and framebuilding than most of the flickr gods and blog-istas will ever know, and you and the RL brand have endured for generations.
just say 'no' to stainless down tube logos, water jet dropouts, and me-too geegaws atmo.
forza paul, huh!
- AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:35 PM
That bike at the header looks pretty sweet. I agree that those building with a "form follows function" approach deserve respect. It is not easy to do. A lot to do with internal battles...ReplyDelete
My best machines so far have been repros of my 1979 bianchi geometry. It is a magic bike.
I dont think there is anything wrong with water jet DO per se its more about the design philosophy...point taken though...some of them are over the top.
- AnonymousFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:35 PM
This post brought tears to my eyes! All I can say is amen brother!!!ReplyDelete
Try telling anyone whose formative bike years were in the early 90s, in BC, who likely lusted after a Brodie or in-house Rocky Mountain, that lugs are the righteous path to follow. They'll be confused, and will think that you come from another planet.ReplyDelete
my favorite two bike are my Wicked Fat and my Petaluma Salsa La Raza both welded both beauties. My dad used to called lugged bikes plumber bikes, only half in jestReplyDelete