UA engineers work on building stronger structures (with video)
FOX6.com – May 17
Hidden in some of Tuscaloosa’s worst tornado damage are clues to building safer homes. That’s according to members of a 12 person engineering team based at the University of Alabama. Prof. John van de Lindt, a civil engineer, says they’re using a National Science Foundation Grant to fund a study to gather information on tornado damage to, and performance of, wood framed structures in affected areas due to strong winds. Dr. van de Lindt says, ”What can we do to create a safe place in these buildings? Is it the geometry, is it the connectors?” The team is also made up of engineers from several universities around the country. They began working soon after the tornadoes passed. Engineers hope to come up with recommendations that improve design codes and safety guidelines. Results from the study should be available in 60 days.
Birmingham News – May 18
Cover Story: Terror, Tragedy And Hope In Tuscaloosa
Sports Illustrated – May 18
On April 27 the most devastating tornado in Alabama history cut nearly a mile-wide swath through the university town, killing 41. Crimson Tide athletes, haunted by the storm and its aftermath, work to heal a community that has always cheered them on as they try to put their own lives back together…And hundreds of athletes have. Grant, the men’s basketball coach, has worked on rooftops all around Tuscaloosa repairing damage. Courtney Upshaw, a linebacker, signed thousands of autographs to raise $25,000 for tornado victims. Carlos Taborga, a tennis player from La Paz, Bolivia, has spent hours acting as an interpreter for Temporary Emergency Services. Barrett Jones, a 6’5”, 311-pound offensive lineman, lugged a chain saw around town for a few days helping people remove trees from their homes and yards. And hordes of athletes from every sport have been fixtures in the most desperate areas, handing out water and food, and—most significant—simply listening to stories of survival and loss. So far the athletic department has donated more than $1 million to the relief effort …
Tuscaloosa tornado: reporters discuss their SI cover story
AL.com – May 18
… The cover story in Sports Illustrated this week was reported by senior staff writer Lars Anderson and University of Alabama graduate student Allyson Angle. Together, they interviewed some 40 people — many of them current or former Crimson Tide athletes — about their stories of survival and hope…Anderson, who lives in Birmingham and taught a sports journalism class at Alabama this spring, pitched the idea to his editors. Once they approved, Anderson asked Angle if she would be interested in helping with the reporting. Angle, a former Crimson Tide swimmer, began an internship at the Anniston Star on Monday. Angle, who says she’s passionate about sports journalism, first met Anderson last year at J-Day, also called Journalism Day at Alabama. Anderson was on a panel, and Angle approached him afterward to ask some questions. She also took his class this spring. In the immediate aftermath of the tornado, Anderson said he scrambled to find his 14 students to ensure they were safe. Angle was one of them. ”He called to make sure I was okay, and we were trying to get a hold of everyone,” Angle said. ”I was still in Tuscaloosa working. …Later, he said I have this big story idea to pitch to the editors, would you like to help me out? Of course I said yes. The experience of reporting for Sports Illustrated, that’s a dream…Through the help of Alabama’s sports information department and Angle’s contacts (she knew many of the athletes, including Arenas), the reporting duo was able to construct this week’s centerpiece. On Thursday, they will appear on The Paul Finebaum Radio Network as in-studio guests to tell their story …
UA School of Law Offers Free Legal Advice to Storm Victims
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 17
From now thru June 1st, you can have your legal questions answered free. From 9 a.m. until noon, you can go to the University of Alabama’s School of Law clinical program …
Prom goes on for Bryant, Central students
Tuscaloosa News – May 18
… Kelley Green, assistant principal of Central High, said… the school has also received numerous prom dresses from students at the University of Alabama. “It’s funny,” she said. “Some of the girls that live in sorority houses said, ‘We knew we were keeping our dresses for something, we just didn’t know what,’ when they brought us their dresses …