The Auburn Plainsman

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Vol. 117, Issue 16, 24 Pages

Meal plan lawsuit dismissed Derek Lacey CAMPUS EDITOR

The class-action lawsuit against Auburn University and Chartwell’s/Compass USA, the company that operates on-campus dining for the University, was dismissed by Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Robert Vance Dec. 29.

On Aug. 11, 2010, the lawsuit was filed against Auburn University and the University of Alabama, as well as the respective companies that manage dining on each campus: Aramark at UA and Sodexo at UAB. Former students filed the lawsuit, claiming that the required fees violated state law, specifically Code of Alabama section 6–5– 60 which states, “Any person, firm or corporation injured or damaged by an unlawful trust, combine or monopoly, or its effect, direct or indirect, may, in each instance of such injury or damage, recover the sum of $500 and all actual damages.”

The students allege that the University’s agreement with Chartwell’s is also a violation of the Alabama constitution’s antitrust legislation, since the money can only be

spent at on-campus dining locations.

“It would be absolutely unfair if you’re trying to have a little private business for the state to use its authority, power and immunity to go into competition with you, and that’s what we’ve said they’ve done here,” said Daniel Evans of the Evans Law Firm, P.C., in Birmingham, one of the lawyers representing the students.

Vance ruled the dining plans legal under the board of trustee’s authority as a legitimate effort to improve the quality of living on campus.

“The things (Vance) did not say are important,” Evans said. “He did not say we misrepresented anything that happened, he didn’t say that what we said was anything other than the truth—what he said was it didn’t matter.”

Vance ruled the University holds sovereign immunity in this case.

BY THE NUMBERS

According to Auburn’s dining website, the meal plan is required because “a structured housing and dining program that provides convenience and variety allows students to focus on their studies and adjust to college life more easily, as well as provides social support systems.”

The current dining plan, which began with the freshman class in August 2008, is a mandatory $995 per semester for on-campus residents and $300 each semester for off-campus students.

A student living on campus all four years will end up paying $7,960 total, and off-campus residents will pay $2,400 in dining plan requirements.

“Auburn has one of the lowest priced

$955

$300

$7,960

$2,400

per semester for on-campus residents

CURRENT MEAL PLAN

campus dining programs among all of our peers, and that was intentional,” said Deedie Dowdle, executive director of communications and marketing.

The cost is not intended to cover every meal a student eats all year, according to the website, but leaves room for skipped meals, off-campus dining and weekends out of town.

Lee Armstrong, general counsel for Auburn University, said his office does not comment on pending litigation.

“While the court did grant our motion to dismiss, which we obviously think was proper, plaintiffs have indicated they intend to appeal and therefore the matter is still pending,” Armstrong said.

per semester for off-campus residents

total four years for on-campus residents

total four years for off-campus residents

Senate passes grading system Liz Conn ASSOCIATE CAMPUS EDITOR

PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES

Auburn Police direct traffic in front of Arby’s Nov. 6, 2009, as the Toyota 4-Runner that struck Shou Ju Chen is towed.

$2.5 million pedestrian safety lawsuit settled out of court Alison McFerrin ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

Walton Law Firm just closed what Trip Walton called “the biggest case in the history of Lee County,” resulting in $2.5 million for his client.

Shou Ju Chen, 35, was a visiting professor from China who was struck while walking in a cross walk on Magnolia Avenue between Thomas Street and Cox Street, Nov. 6, 2009.

The driver of the car was arrested at the scene of the accident for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Chen’s husband filed a INSIDE

Community » A3

civil lawsuit quickly after the accident.

“She was in a coma, and it was thought 50/50 whether she was going to live or die,” said Trip Walton, of Walton Law Firm, P.C., who handled her case.

In a normal civil suit, Walton said the procedure for making a claim usually begins once the injured person’s medical treatments are finished and injuries are mostly healed, but because of the severity of Chen’s injuries, they decided not to wait.

“We had to have interpreters through the whole |

Commentary » A5

thing,” Walton said. “A typical five-minute conversation would take three hours.”

Boxes full of files, forms, and photographs and every sort of applicable documentation were used to prove the seriousness of the case.

While the case didn’t go to trial, Walton said that is typical for the clients he represents.

“Most cases are settled with the insurance companies,” Walton said. “Even when you file suit, you still wind up settling.”

About five months after being hit by the Toyota 4-Runner, Chen’s civil case

| Campus » B1

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Intrigue » C1

closed in April 2010 with a settlement of $2.5 million.

“Most people don’t have that kind of coverage,” Walton said. “This kid, out of Mobile, his parents just happened to have $500,000 on the car and then a $2 million umbrella.”

Her medical expenses were more than $500,000, Walton said.

Walton said it was after this incident that more lights and signs were installed on Magnolia Avenue.

“If you walk out in front of a street and you’re not in the crosswalk, you’re fair game, » See PEDESTRIAN, A2 |

Fashion Page » C5

|

At its Jan. 18 meeting, the Auburn University Senate voted to pass two new academic policies.

The Senate passed a new grading scheme for classes that are graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

The proposal started in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, said Jocelyn Zanzot, assistant professor of architecture and senator for the College.

Zanzot said the College holds a summer program in which students’ work is evaluated and, under the current system, graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

The students with satisfactory work are admitted into the architecture program.

“It isn’t that the students that aren’t accepted did unsatisfactory work in all cases,” Zanzot said.

“In many cases they did very great work. We only have, however, a (limited)

number of spots.”

The new system will have three tiers of grades: unsatisfactory, satisfactory not for advancement and satisfactory for advancement.

A mark of unsatisfactory on a transcript has damaged some students’ chances of admission to graduate school, according to Claire Crutchley, associate professor of finance and chair of the Senate.

“Sometimes students would apply to law school, and the law school would see that unsatisfactory and factor it in as a zero in their grade point average,” she said.

Zanzot said the new grading system should help reduce the problems caused by the original system.

“The ones that did great work, but just didn’t make it in, were being unfairly penalized, and we want to make sure that they can continue on in any » See SENATE, A2

UNIVERSITY SENATE QUICK HITS ■ New grading scheme for classes graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory ■ Modification to the retroactive withdrawal and resignation policy

Wasting Time » C6

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Sports » D1

Recycled paper

News A2

The Auburn Plainsman

DUI ARRESTS IN THE CITY OF AUBURN JAN. 21 – JAN. 25, 2011

CRIME REPORTS FOR JAN. 21 – JAN. 25, 2011

■ Wayne D. Strickland, Jr., of Rome, Ga.

Jan. 21 — North Ross Street Theft of property reported. Five $20 bills.

North Donahue Drive Jan. 21, 7:44 p.m.

■ William K. Fullington, of Birmingham

Jan. 21 — West Longleaf Drive Theft of property reported. One motocross bike.

Dekalb Street at East University Drive Jan. 24, 6:11 p.m.

■ Caitlin L. Ackerman, 21, of Montgomery

Jan. 22 — East University Drive Theft of property reported. Two Xbox 360 games.

South Gay Street at Woodfield Drive Jan. 1, 12:48 a.m.

SENATE » From A1

direction they choose,” Zanzot said.

The proposal will now go to the provost and the president, Crutchley said.

If approved, any department wanting to use the new system must receive further approval from the curriculum committee.

The Senate also passed a modification to the retroactive withdrawal and resignation policy, said DeWayne Searcy, associate professor of accounting and chairman of the academic standards committee.

Retroactive withdrawal

PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES

Shou Ju Chen was airlifted to Columbus after the accident.

SAFETY » From A1

basically,” Walton said. “The rules of the road are not what people think they are.

Pedestrians do not have the right of way in every situation.”

Chen crossed using the crosswalk, but Walton said even using that safety precaution is not sufficient.

“Stop, look and listen,” he said. “You do not have the right of way. Even if you’re crossing in the crosswalk, like this lady was, you have

to be aware that some people aren’t paying attention.”

Walton said his firm dealt with three to four cases of pedestrian incidents last year.

“If they’re injured, they certainly do civil cases,” he said.

Chen’s progress includes being able to walk again after numerous surgeries.

“I never met her,” Walton said. “She was flown straight from Columbus, to Washington and then to China. We’re hoping she’s going to come visit us in the near couple months.”

William White OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS

Opelika Chamber of Commerce members and guests got to hear it first at breakfast Tuesday.

“I get to make a new announcement,” said Freida Hill, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. “Southern Union has invited Auburn University to partner with them by offering a bachelor’s degree, through their College of Business, at Southern Union’s Opelika campus during the evening hours.

“This is a big step. And they are working on the process right now of filing the papers with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

“What a great

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Staff Reports For the first time since 2005, the Auburn University home page has a new look.

The launch event capped a two-year process for Auburn’s Office of Communications and Marketing and Office of Information Technology.

“The new page is the result of the efforts of many people,” said Mike Clardy, director of University communications.

“From designers and programmers to focus groups made up of students, faculty, alumni and others, many members of the Auburn family contributed, and each of them

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Jan. 22 — Opelika Road Theft of property reported. One black wallet, one Alabama license, one student ID card, money.

occurs during an instance in which a student, usually for extraordinary reasons, requests to drop a class after the course has been completed.

“The biggest change on that one was putting a time limit for retroactive withdrawal and resignations for nonmedical reasons,” Searcy said.

Searcy said students must now apply for withdrawal by midterm of the semester after completion of the course to be dropped.

The Senate also discussed the expected increase in applicants for fall admission.

Last year’s applicants increased by 10 percent, said Deedie Dowdle, executive

opportunity for our students to be able to move on in their education and career, and they can do it right there in their own hometown.”

The chancellor was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Opelika Chamber of Commerce Business Over Breakfast event at the Saugahatchee Country Club in Opelika.

What were considered junior colleges in the old days are now considered community colleges, said the community college system chancellor.

“It made us seem to be a little bit less than what we were,” Hill said. “We are now community colleges.”

The chancellor said the community college system

shares in the success of the new site.”

One of the first things readers will see is large, inviting images that link to stories about Auburn people and their accomplishments.

The stories will be updated regularly and will include photos and videos. In the top right, readers can click on the new “Take 5” feature. A different member of the Auburn family will be highlighted each week.

“The new site allows us to do a better job telling the Auburn story,” said Brock Parker, multimedia specialist and the website’s content manager. “Before,

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Jan. 23 — Tucker Avenue Burglary of residence reported. Two flat screen TVs, one pair of shoes.

— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

director of the Office of Communications and Marketing.

It is expected that this year’s applicants will increase by 17 percent.

Dowdle said the increase is not necessarily related to football.

“Obviously the national championship garners a great deal of visibility,” Dowdle said. “However, most students who are seniors in high school have made a decision by January each year.”

Despite the increase in applicants, Auburn will continue to target between 3,900 to 4,100 acceptances.

“The strategic reason for that is because the Board of Trustees has established a

direction for Auburn to stay at around 25,000 in enrollment so that we can deliver quality education and have enough resources,” Dowdle said.

The Senate postponed a decision on modifying the distance education program for undergraduates, Searcy said.

Currently, on-campus students cannot take distance-learning classes, and the new policy would eliminate that rule.

The proposal also seeks to remove the policy that students can only complete 25 percent of their credit hours via distance learning.

The Senate will evaluate the proposal again at its February meeting.

covers the entire state with its 27 campuses and 90 instructional sites.

“We have 21 community colleges in our system,” Hill said. “We have four technical colleges. We have Marion Military Institute, which is one of only five in the nation.

“Also, we have Athens State University that delivers the last two years of the degree, [what] we call the upper level. Athens State is also one of only five in the nation.”

Included in the system in the area is Southern Union Community College with campuses in Opelika, Valley and Wadley.

She also said the system is responsive to the needs of local businesses and

industry through Alabama Industrial Development Training’s 160 ongoing projects, from shipbuilding to robotics and the Alabama Technology Network’s 16 sites, with most of those sites present on college campuses.

Hill said the system even offers prison education.

“One of our college’s total mission, Ingram Technical College, is prison education,” Hill said.

“If they don’t have a skill when they come out of prison, we know that the chances of them going back very soon is very high.

“I often say, ‘Everything we do in the community college system is about workforce and economic development.’”

Auburn launches new website

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Jan. 22 — Byrd Street Burglary of residence reported. One laptop, one iPhone and iPhone accessories.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

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The new website also allows the University to stay with the times in other areas, including mobile applications.

“With mobile devices so common, especially among prospective students and their parents, we wanted to be sure people see us as cutting-edge,” said Seth Humphrey, information technology specialist and lead designer for the site.

“We’ve tailored the site for enhanced performance in the mobile device arena, and we’ll continue to do so as we move forward.”

The site was built using more modern coding, and will allow for easier updates and future redesigns.

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we relied mainly on onedimensional news releases.

With this site, we are staying ahead of the curve by moving to a multimedia approach. Nowadays, people expect more when they log on.”

Drawing from feedback from the site’s users, the navigational structure remains similar to the previous site.

“We don’t want people to have to do a lot of searching for what they are looking for,” Parker said. “We know they are used to finding things in certain places.

The new look, while much improved in design, allows them comfort in the familiarity.”

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

A Page A3

City pedals forward with bicycling initiative Jeremy Gerrard ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Whether it’s for commuting, fitness or fun, the number of Auburn residents choosing to ride bikes has increased in recent years, along with the city’s response.

“It used to be that most of the bike racks in Auburn were empty,” said Lindy Biggs, associate professor of history and director of the Auburn University office of sustainability. “Now most of them are full, and we’re having to add more and more every year.”

Auburn traffic engineer Brandy Ezelle said the city has noticed this trend and has taken strides toward offering more programs and facilities for bikers, which include more than 35 miles of bike lanes and paths, although many are not contiguous.

“We are continually working on our network,” Ezelle said.

As one of the contributions to make Auburn biker friendly, the city began a bike rental program in 2008 that allows residents and visitors to check out bikes and helmets at no charge.

The bikes are loaned out for two-week periods and are able to be renewed.

However, since the program currently has only five bikes to distribute, Ezelle said they have needed to make waiting lists on occasion.

“We think it’s been a very successful program from our perspective,” Ezelle said. “It’s often an expensive purchase for those who are thinking about buying—this way they get to try it out beforehand.”

Much of the progress in recent years stems from the “Auburn 2020” plan, which was signed by the Auburn City Council in 1998. In the plan, the city outlined goals for developing many aspects of the community including an extensive bike plan.

Auburn was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a bicycle-friendly community in 2005 and is the only city in Alabama to receive this award.

Kirk Iversen, chairman of the Auburn bicycle committee, said the University has also contributed to the city’s efforts.

According to Iversen, the University was the driving force behind the addition of bike lanes on Wire Road, which are scheduled to be finished this summer. These lanes will stretch from the intersections at Samford Avenue to Webster Road and will allow the students who live in those areas the opportunity to commute to class.

“We are trying to make every street in Auburn safe to ride on,” Iversen said.

Other steps the University will soon take include new racks that will fit all bike models and a rental program for students similar to the one offered by the city. » See BIKES, A4

Auburn native appointed as new municipal court judge Alexandria Smith WRITER

Opelika considers red light cameras Elizabeth Fite STAFF WRITER

The Opelika city administration is in the process of initiating a legislative act that would allow the installation of red light cameras at dangerous intersections.

Opelika police chief Tommy Mangham said discussion about the cameras started a year ago.

“We’ve talked to the Montgomery Police Department who has this system installed at the present time, and they are quite pleased with it,” Mangham said.

Other than decreasing accidents, Mangham said the traffic cameras allow police officers to clear up confusion that can result from an accident.

Several intersections in Opelika are under consideration for cameras based on Geographic Information Systems data, which reveals the most volatile intersections, Mangham said.

Three intersections with Gateway Drive—Frederick Road, Thomason Drive and Pepperell Parkway— are targets for the cameras. These intersections with Gateway Drive would be the main focus because of the number and severity

of accidents that occur as a result of the high volume of traffic in this shopping district.

“Our main objective is not to issue citations—it is to decrease accidents and the severity of them,” Mangham said. “We’re approaching it on a safety issue.”

Mangham said he is optimistic that Opelika will eventually have the cameras since Montgomery was able to pass the legislation.

Montgomery is the only city in Alabama with red light cameras.

Capt. John McCall, commander of the traffic division and red light camera program manager for Montgomery, said he expects many major cities in the state will have the cameras in the next two to three years.

“Most of the people in the town are happy that we have them,” McCall said. “We get very few complaints about them.

Most of the calls I get regarding red light cameras are people calling wanting to know if they can get one for their neighborhood.”

From Jan. 1 to Sept.

30, 2007, before the cameras were installed, » See CAMERAS, A4

People heading to court in Auburn for DUI or traffic violations will now come face-to-face with Judge James McLaughlin.

McLaughlin was appointed as the new Municipal Court Judge of Auburn after the retirement of Judge Joe Bailey. McLaughlin began seeing cases at the municipal court Jan. 1.

Municipal courts address misdemeanor cases and violations where the punishment does not exceed $500 or one year in jail.

The Auburn Municipal Court only serves the city of Auburn.

McLaughlin is originally from Auburn and earned an accounting degree from Auburn University. After college, he attended the University of Alabama School of Law. Before becoming Auburn’s municipal court judge, McLaughlin worked in private law practice for 16 years and served as Auburn’s

MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Jan. 1, James McLaughlin became the municipal court judge, seeing cases that address misdemeanors and violations where the punishment does not exceed $500 or one year in jail. public defender for 11 years.

As public defender, McLaughlin represented people in Municipal Court that could not afford the services of an attorney.

McLaughlin replaced Bailey, who served as judge in Auburn’s Municipal Court for 29 years.

“If I have half the reputation that Judge Bailey has, I will be very pleased,”

McLaughlin said.

Bailey retired after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, but he will continue to serve the court as an associate judge.

“I have every confidence in (McLaughlin),” Bailey said. “He is a great man who conducts himself with honesty and integrity.”

This is McLaughlin’s first experience as a judge.

“I like coming to work and knowing exactly what I will be doing, as opposed to private practice where you are dealing with many different things every day,” McLaughlin said.

He said he will strive to listen to all the evidence in every case, conduct himself with fairness and try to be courteous to every party involved.

I-85 exit 50 under construction Jillian Clair NEWS EDITOR

Starting Jan. 31, a section of Cox Road will be closed, and construction will begin on Auburn’s third I-85 interchange.

The new interchange will be exit 50 and should be completed by July 1, 2012.

“There’s also an auxiliary lane, which is the lane that connects the two interchanges, that will be parallel to the Interstate, allowing motorists to go from one interchange to the other without

getting on the Interstate,” said DeJarvis Leonard, fourth division engineer for the Department of Transportation.

The project will cost $18.2 million.

Cox Road will remain open from Wire Road to Veterans Boulevard (Auburn Technology Park), but will close from Veterans Boulevard to Hwy. 29, said Jamie Davis, project engineer.

“Only local traffic, which means only the residents at the trailer parks, pretty much, are gonna be allowed to come through there, and they can’t go all the way through to Beehive anymore,”

Davis said. “You’ll still be able to come up Wire Road and take a left on Cox Road, and you’ll be able to come all the way down to Veterans.”

Although Cox Road will close, I-85 will remain open throughout the construction of the new interchange.

“We will maintain two lanes at all times,” Leonard said.

When completed, the new interchange will provide a higher level of service to residents of west Auburn as well as businesses in Auburn Technology Park West, Leonard said.

Community A4

BIKES » From A3

For residents like Biggs and Iversen who commute to work by bicycle, these improvements offer peace of mind about the safety of riders.

“I wanted to give a message to bike riders that you are as important as a car driver, and we care about you,” Biggs said.

With members from both the University and city bike committee working together, Biggs said they are able to develop plans that will benefit the entire community and make it easier for bikers to travel through all parts of town.

One of the items Biggs proposed to the University is a bike shop that would assist students on campus.

“I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to have a facility on

The Auburn Plainsman campus that students, faculty and staff could use to repair bikes and learn about bike repair,” Biggs said. “One of the things that’s so wonderful about bikes is that they’re really simple machines.”

While plans to open the shop for this semester have been delayed, Biggs said the University is committed to following through with this idea.

A shop should materialize by the summer or fall semester of this year.

With improvements to encourage more people to ride bikes around the city, there are also problems that arise.

At a recent City Council meeting, council members discussed the possibility of extending the restriction of bike lanes, making them available to bikers all hours of the day.

While the discussion was

“

I wanted to give a message to bike riders that you are as important as a car driver, and we care about you.”

—Lindy Biggs ASSOCIATE PROFFESSOR OF HISTORY; DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

informal and no decision was made, council members said potential problems would include parking issues on roads with bike lanes, especially in residential areas.

Another problem would be safety for both pedestrians and riders. Students and faculty have voiced this issue at Auburn University, where riders are often

careless with their speed and proximity to pedestrians.

“What we really need is bicycle education or etiquette,” Biggs said. “It’s not fun when you’re a pedestrian to have people barrel racing around you.”

As a way to increase bike education in Auburn, Iversen said the committee sponsors a bike safety program for fourth graders at Auburn city schools. While this addresses a part of the problem, many residents remain uneducated.

“We need to get everybody on the same page,” Iversen said.

No matter the problem, Biggs says the city and University are committed to the principle of sustainability and that ultimately adjustments will be made in time.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Biggs said, “but we’ve also come so far.”

CAMERAS » From A3

JILLIAN CLAIR / NEWS EDITOR

Although the sign on the front of the College Street restaurant says ‘3 Heismen,’ owners John and Thomas Bush said its name will be Heisman’s.

New Heisman on the plains Heisman’s will replace Calypso’s Sports Bar and Grill Mackenzie Cogle WRITER

Less than a year after opening, Calypso’s Sports Bar and Grill will no longer be serving Greek cuisine in downtown Auburn.

Former owner Sherif Elbagdadi said he decided to sell the restaurant in order to pursue other opportunities.

“It had always been my dream to own a business in Auburn,” Elbagdadi said.

Elbagdadi graduated from Auburn in 2009 with a degree in business management.

The Auburn native wanted to offer traditional Greek food and a Mediterranean atmosphere in Auburn. Elbagdadi bought the downtown location and completed all of the renovations himself, transforming the space into a bar and grill.

“It took a lot of work,” he said.

Calypso’s opened in May

of 2010. Soon after opening, Elbagdadi decided to expand the seating and bar area. He purchased the space next door and began construction in July.

However, the new opportunities that arose for Elbagdadi needed his full attention, and he decided it would be best to sell the restaurant. Elbagdadi said owning a restaurant was a definite commitment.

“Time doesn’t allow you to do everything you want,” he said.

Elbagdadi said he misses the restaurant, but the experience was a positive one.

“I gained more knowledge from that experience than I did in four years of college,” he said. “It opened many doors and connections.”

The restaurant was sold at the end of October, but the space will not remain empty for much longer.

Brothers John and Thomas Bush, owners of Zaxby’s in TigerTown, bought the restaurant along with their partner Wes Whitwood.

The three saw the purchase as a great opportunity to open a family-oriented restaurant downtown.

Renamed Heisman’s, the owners hope to open its doors in time for the Super

Bowl game Feb. 6.

Heisman’s is currently undergoing construction, and the menu has not been set.

Whitwood said a chef has been hired from Atlanta to create the menu.

“Traditional bar food will definitely be available,” Whitwood said.

The restaurant will have a regular menu in addition to a bar menu. The kitchen will serve from its main menu until 10 p.m. and its bar menu until midnight. Heisman’s will offer a full bar with 20 beers on tap, Whitwood said.

The restaurant will have a quiet atmosphere in the front room and tables and televisions in the bar. Sliding windows in the front dining room will provide an outdoor atmosphere.

“We will be heavily sports affiliated,” said general manager Josh Motley.

“We’re going to have a lot of entertainment and trivia.”

Trivia nights are planned for Mondays and Ace’s and 8’s poker Thursdays.

Heisman’s is looking to hire for all positions and is accepting applications.

Whitwood said those looking to apply should come in weekdays between 2 and 4 p.m.

Montgomery had 7,285 accidents.

After the cameras were installed in April 2008, 6,552 accidents were recorded from Jan. 1 to Sept.

30.

Since the installation of red light cameras, traffic-related fatalities in Montgomery have also decreased from 36 in 2007 to 8 in 2010, McCall said.

McCall said although one to two people per month contest their citations, they have a 100 percent conviction rate.

“If you ask me, ‘Are red

Thursday, January 27, 2011

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Alfredia Harris, administrative secretary for the public works department, loans one of the city’s five bicycles to Laura Maxwell, senior in journalism. light cameras working?’

I’d have to say yes,” McCall said.

David Dorton, director of public affairs for the city of Auburn, said the City Council began discussing the use of traffic cameras in 2003.

However, discussion at the time was thwarted in part by a state law which required police officers to witness a person running a red light to issue a ticket. “(Assistant City Manager Jim Buston’s) research found that there’s some question as to whether the red light camera actually decreases accidents at intersections, and there’s some evidence that says

it increases them,” Dorton said.

“Our statistics don’t show a lot of accidents where running a red light was responsible, and just balancing that with the expense of red light cameras, the assistant city manager’s recommendation a year ago was that we don’t have a compelling reason to install them in Auburn.”

Dorton said the city would revisit the issue if the Council wishes to.

“As much as people hate to see them come into town because of the fear that they may end up getting one of these citations, they’re really a good thing,” McCall said.

Three renowned exhibits to be displayed at JCSM Morgan McKean WRITER

February marks the opening of three new exhibits at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Outsiders on the Inside: Contemporary Folk Art, and Prints by Edvard Munch open Feb. 5. A Wren by Any Other Name: Selections from the Miller Audubon Collection opens Feb. 19.

“We have so many things that we offer here,” said Marilyn Laufer, JCSM director. “The museum is truly a visual resource for the University.”

The Outsiders on the Inside exhibit will feature 10 to 12 different folk artists, some of whom are Alabama natives, according to the museum’s website.

“One of the things that distinguishes folk art, or ‘outsider art,’ from mainstream artwork is because these artists are usually not trained,” Laufer said.

“They are making art out of memory, visions or sheer passion.”

Laufer explained these artists don’t always have proper materials.

For example, instead of using oil paints, sometimes they resort to left over house paint, Laufer said.

Edvard Munch, expressionist painter and print maker, represents the opposite end of the art spectrum.

“He would be considered one of the great 20th century masters, and to have him is really a special opportunity,” Laufer said.

Munch is most famous for his work “The Scream,” which depicts a ghastlylooking man squeezing his face with his mouth wide open, a cool body of water and a hot-hued sky clash behind him.

“Munch could express the sensibility of modern man by looking at very

CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is preparing for three new exhibits, including prints by Edvard Munch. personal feelings, such as the death of a child or the death of a mother,” Laufer said. “Artists didn’t always do that historically.”

Andrew Henley, the museum’s education curator, said he is excited that the JCSM is bringing in such a big name.

“It’s going to be nice to have someone like Munch, who is in the canon of art history, shown at the same time as the Outsiders exhibit, since they are coming to the art world from a very different background,” Henley said.

February’s final new exhibit will be A Wren by Any Other Name, which is a series of Audubon prints from the museum’s permanent collection.

“We’re going to focus on those scientists and ornithologists who’ve studied birds and why their names are attached to that species,” Laufer said.

Laufer described JCSM’s Audubon collection as its “most amazing collection in terms of cross disciplinary things we can do.”

A majority of the

“

One of the things that distinguishes folk art, or ‘outsider art,’ from mainstream artwork is because these artists are usually not trained.”

—Marilyn Laufer, JCSM DIRECTOR

Audubon prints are handcolored, making them extremely light sensitive.

This presents a challenge because they can only be displayed for a maximum of 16 weeks, Laufer said.

Edith Ruiz, senior in French and international trade, said she visits the exhibits each time a new one is featured.

“It’s a unique place that Auburn has, and you don’t feel like you’re in Auburn when you are at the museum,” Ruiz said.

Commentary

A5

www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Community

Our View

City and University continue green push While the campus has been gushing orange and blue for the past two weeks from the jubilation of the National Championship win, take time to consider seeing a different color: green.

Though many “be green” opinion pieces have certainly been produced in the Auburn community, this week is a chance to highlight new and continuing initiatives the city and the campus are undertaking to produce a more sustainable, more environmentally friendly Auburn.

For example, the new city bicycle rental program is an outstanding initiative to encourage greener modes of transportation. The city has five bikes at its disposal that can be rented at two week intervals at no cost. Though the program will make no dent in Auburn’s carbon footprint, the city should be commended for at least making a conscious step to encourage residents to take a Sunday bike ride into the country instead of a Sunday drive. In the gargantuan task of combatting climate

HELEN NORTHCUTT / GRAPHICS EDITOR

change, success will not always come with big government initiatives. Perhaps change can come through a patchwork of small green initiatives instituted by local governments and carried out by an energetic network of green citizens.

In addition to the new bicycle program, the city of course should be constantly commended for its aggressive recycling campaign and the Tiger Transit system, both of which have become integral parts of the Auburn community.

With each new green initiative the city has launched, the University has been a partner every step of the way.

Though the outside observer may not expect a campus such as Auburn to be as conscious of sustainability issues, Auburn students have shown for years that they are incredibly passionate about green programs and see college as the crucial point to educate a generation of sustainable citizens.

In less than a week, the residence halls will once again commence Sustain-A-Bowl, where residents will compete against each other to see which hall can reduce its energy use and recycle most.

There is no better time to learn the competitive side of being green than in college, and Sustain-A-Bowl is a terrific program to foster such competition. Students should realize that learning the simple habits of green living are just as important as learning a trade.

So turn off a light, recycle a bottle, ride a bike to the grocery store. All the cool kids are doing it.

“

Auburn has one of the lowest priced campus dining programs among all of our peers, and that was intentional.”

—Deedie Dowdle, “MEAL PLAN LAWSUIT DISMISSED” A1

Last week’s question:

Do Auburn students segregate themselves?

Yes 75% No 25%

This week’s question:

Do you think Auburn is green enough? ❍ Yes ❍ No ❍ Why not purple?

Vote at www.theplainsman.com

Your View

Come on ladies (and gentlemen), we can do better Kelly Tsaltas INTRIGUE@ THEPLAINSMAN.COM

Let’s take a journey together.

Imagine, if you will, that you’re walking down the concourse. In the five minutes it takes you to walk across the pavement, numerous people’s poor clothing choices assault your eyes.

The first offender: The L.A.N.P. a.k.a. Leggings Are Not Pants.

They’re not! Leggings are appropriate to wear under a short dress or a tunic top, not a Tshirt and NOT those little sorority shirts with the tiny pockets on the front. What are those pockets

good for anyway? What can you fit in there? A quarter? Congratulations, you’re a fifth of the way to doing a load of laundry. Or maybe you could fit some Cocoa Krispies in there in case you need a tiny snack. Eh, that’s all you can eat anyway. You’re in a sorority.

The second offender: The Nike shorts addict.

It has become unsettlingly common to see girls wearing their precious Nike shorts IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER with hose or leggings underneath.

Really? It’s 30 degrees outside, you might want to consider buying some pants. I promise your Nike shorts won’t disappear in the drawer over the winter. The Nike gods will not smite you for leaving them in your dresser for more

than a day. They’ll still be there in summer, when it’s actually appropriate to wear them.

Perhaps the most disturbing thing about this trend is the amount of clothing it requires on the lower half. Underwear + Hose + Nike shorts (that have built in underwear)? That’s way too many layers for that area! Let it breeeeathe, ladies!

Also, underwear over pants is reserved for superheroes and confused toddlers.

The third offender: Frat Boy dress.

And you thought I was going to leave out the boys, didn’t you?

You boys really like your visors.

You wear visors when it rains, when it’s cloudy, and if there was a tornado, the winds would take

your life before you let them take your visor. If you keep this up, you will get a reverse bald spot. NOT. ATTRACTIVE. Another puzzling Frat Boy fashion statement is the “croakie and sunglasses” look... all the time. It was definitely cloudy almost every day last week, and you boys still had your sunglasses hanging from your neck. I guess that would come in handy if the sun decided to make a three second surprise appearance. Then you could throw your sunglasses on and be all, “Bitch, yes! I prepared for this!” or something equally obnoxious.

The final offender: XXL Shirt Lovers.

Are you going to bed? Because there is no other reason to be wearing a shirt that large. It’s not

cute. You could hide like, four guns under those things. Clearly, these hideously huge shirts are a danger to the Auburn campus. If this was high school, they would make you tuck that shit in.

The worst part is, we all know you chose that shirt on purpose.

They weren’t out of extra smalls.

You thought it would be super adorable if you wore a massive top instead of one that actually fit you.

For goodness sake, dress for your body. It takes just as much time to put on that sloppy shirt as it does to put on jeans and a cardigan.

That concludes our journey across the concourse. It’s amazing how much you see in such a short amount of time. I’m only sorry that you can’t UN-see it.

Don’t have a parade if you don’t want it rained on Remember Alison McFerrin NEWS@ THEPLAINSMAN.COM

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: Shoot for the moon. Reach for the stars.

Dream big.

But I have another philosophy for you.

Don’t aim so high. Lower your expectations. Dream small.

I have to say, I think the majority of disappointment in this world comes from failing to reach an unachievable goal.

So set your sights a little lower.

When January first rolled

around, people across the nation took part in the time-honored tradition of making New Year’s Resolutions. Average Joe and Jill promised to lose 100 pounds, solve world hunger and discover the meaning of life.

All admirable goals, but by this point in January, Joe and Jill are starting to realize that they can’t achieve what they set out to do, and so they’re already quitting.

You’ve seen it before.

So what I’m suggesting is that we expect a little less from ourselves.

Expect to mess up.

Expect to let at least one person down, every day of your life, and that someone is going to let you down in return.

Expect that sometime in your college career, you are going to forget a major homework assignment, miss a class or fail a test.

Expect all these things, and you won’t be so easily disappointed.

I don’t mean to be pessimistic.

I’m not saying everyday people can’t do extraordinary things, or that people are absolutely incapable of doing what they set out to do.

I’m just tired of hearing people whine about their lives being terrible because they set insurmountable goals and then wondered why they couldn’t reach them.

Don’t make it your goal to have the perfect life because I’ve got news for you: it ain’t gonna happen.

And realize that’s okay.

Just so you don’t think I’m completely cynical, let’s end on a positive note.

You don’t have to be the biggest and best, the smartest and fastest, the richest and prettiest.

Learn to see the positives in your life, even if they don’t include becoming the world’s youngest brain surgeon, winning a marathon, keeping a 4.0 or saving the rain forest.

Don’t let the bad things overshadow the good, and don’t let failure keep you down. Set goals you can achieve, and then life won’t seem so impossible.

Don’t give up. Don’t feel defeated. Don’t miss the rainbow while you’re crying about the rain.

Celebration organizers have some explaining to do Dear Editor: I just returned from the Championship season celebration at Auburn. This was a priceless, memorable day for all but one person and several thousand of his supporters. Former Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville was not present nor was his name mentioned once. Former Coach Pat Dye was sitting on stage with the

VIPs and recognized. Former AD Housel not only was highly recognized but actively participated in the program, speaking and accepting an award on behalf of the team.

It doesn’t take great intellect to see this was an intentional snub of Tuberville. Even if he chose not to attend or was not invited, the very minimum courtesy would have

been to verbally recognize his contribution and service to this team, especially since he coached and recruited many of them. It is as if the powers that be at AU have declared Tommy Tuberville persona non grata!

Many fans sitting near me during the event and at lunch afterwords were as disappointed as my son and I.

Whoever made this decision to leave Tommy Tuberville out of today’s celebration owes Tuberville, AU, the fans, the state taxpayers and the public in general an explanation and apology.

the band

Dear Editor: What a wonderful National Championship celebration last weekend! I was very proud to see the extraordinary turnout, and was filled with pride as we honored our players, coaches, past greats and support staff. There is one other group which deserves the appreciation of the Auburn Family: The Auburn University Marching Band. Without the band, the Auburn football experience simply would not be the same.

It’s hard to imagine not hearing our fight song played during pre-game, after every significant play and especially after an emotional win. I, for one, would like to show my gratitude to the members of Auburn University Marching Band for their dedication and long hours of practice. The band is an integral part of the Auburn University athletic experience and embodies the Spirit of Auburn. So, thank you and congratulations, Auburn Band, for a job well done. You make us proud. War Damn Eagle!

—Jacquelyn Locke Byrne

—James W. Anderson, Auburn Parent, Talladega

‘95 Former member, Auburn University Flag Corps

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EDITOR

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Miranda Dollarhide Emily Clever

Auburn Student Center Suite 1111H Auburn, AL 36849

MANAGING EDITOR

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COPY EDITOR

Contact

Jillian Clair

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NEWS EDITOR

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Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .334–844–4130 Email . .opinion@theplainsman.com

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students as well as from faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University. Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on the Monday for publication. Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length.

The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. These unsigned editorials are the majority opinion of the 9-member editorial board and are the official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

Community A6

The Auburn Plainsman

Voice of the Bulldogs carries on despite physical struggle Miranda Dollarhide INTRIGUE EDITOR

According to D. Mark Mitchell, he is Opelika’s biggest fan.

“I love Opelika,” Mitchell said. “I’m all about it. I like my name being associated with it and the Bulldogs.”

Named the voice of the Opelika Bulldogs, Mitchell has been a radio broadcaster for high school sports for

more than 30 years.

“As a child I always wanted to be a play-by-play announcer,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said he was a sophomore in high school when he told Jack Smollon, KICKER 97.7 station owner, he wanted to broadcast.

Now, Mitchell not only broadcasts live sports, but hosts his own weekday morning show between 7 and 9 a.m. called “On the Mark.”

“We talk about local sports, all the high schools, especially Auburn, Opelika and Lee Scott,” Mitchell said. “They all get equal share.”

Mitchell said coaches call every week during their respective seasons.

Mitchell also created The High School Coaches show.

“I give every school equal opportunity to get on the air,” Mitchell said. “Auburn and Opelika have radio stations that follow them, but other schools don’t have a

play-by-play radio.”

Even with Mitchell’s various shows, he hasn’t been able to work full time since a surgery he had in 1992.

“I started experiencing pain in my lower hip,” Mitchell said. “I went to the doctor, but it never went away.”

Mitchell’s doctor eventually discovered his sciatic nerve was wrapped around a muscle.

He had surgery to remedy the problem, but the worst came during post-operation.

Blood clots had gone undetected, crushing the sciatic nerve in his left leg and causing excruciating pain.

“I wanted (the doctor) to cut off my leg,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said he went to Emory Hospital in Atlanta and they diagnosed him with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a nerve disease.

“It’s like turning a nerve inside out,” Mitchell said. “I can’t wear long pants. I’m

Thursday, January 27, 2011

very sensitive to movement.

It’s like raw nerve.”

Mitchell received more than 100 injections in his leg and back, leaving him unable to walk.

Mitchell was offered an opportunity to try an experimental surgery in Houston.

Doctors implanted a computer stimulation chip into his back and hip.

“I felt like the Bionic Man,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t know if it would work. They said I could be paralyzed.”

Today, with the help of a Canadian crutch Mitchell is able to walk again, but his trials continue.

Four years ago, Mitchell was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.

Mitchell said the doctor told his family he wouldn’t make it through the night.

“I had a tough four years,” Mitchell said. “I don’t go around pouting about it. I think I handle it well.”

With the help of his family and friends, including

CHRISTEN HARNED / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

D. Mark Mitchell hosts “On the Mark,” a weekday morning show that discusses local high school sports.

Pat Dye, who went through the same struggles with liver problems, Mitchell said he is making it through the tough times.

The two people he said he

CALENDAR: THURSDAY, JAN. 27 – SATURDAY, FEB. 5 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 27

Women’s Basketball vs. South Carolina

■ Arena ■ 2 p.m.

31

1

Creating Visual Narratives: Exhibitions in Space and Time

■ Biggin Hall Auditorium ■ 5 p.m.

2

Southern Outsiders Film Series presents ■ Auburn Uni- Norma Rae

■ JCSM ■ 6 p.m.

to 7 p.m.

29

Location

Reg

Mid

Prem

LSAT practice test

Walmart — South College

2.939

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Center Room 2222 ■ 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Circle K — Glenn and Gay

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Exxon — Wire

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3.199

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Chevron — South College

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Chevron — University

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BP — Samford and Gay

3.159

3.259

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Chevron — Glenn

3.159

3.319

3.459

Average

3.067

3.209

3.355

■ Student

Activities Center ■ 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

3

Renowned Journalist Earl Caldwell Lecture

versity Hotel Auditorium ■ 5 p.m.

28

■ Student

Ballroom ■ 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

4

Board of Trustees Meeting

■ AUM, 10th floor library tower ■ 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WEEK OF JAN. 27

SATURDAY

Miss Auburn University Scholarship Pageant

■ Old Foy

30

AUBURN GAS MONITOR

FRIDAY

Jazz and Poetry Night “Orange and Blues” Featuring YVPG

5

Auburn Men’s Ice Hockey Final Home Game (Senior Night)

■ Columbus

Civic Center

$3.40 $3.15 $2.90 $2.65 $2.40 Nov. 18, 2010

Dec. 2, 2010

Regular

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most credits with his high spirits are his daughters, Mallory, 20, and Madison, 18.

“I love first and foremost my kids,” Mitchell said.

9856-0112-3596-1819-0461-7105-00

© 2010 Target Stores. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. 011100

Jan. 20, 2010

Mid

Jan.27, 2010

Premium

Campus

Gnu’s philosophy

B

Earl Caldwell

» PAGE B6

» PAGE B2

www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Page B1

Campus housing goes GREEN

Residence halls compete to conserve resources, strive to increase recycling Annie Faulk Staff Writer Nobody wants to skimp on their daily shower time.

But for an entire month, on-campus residents will do just that and more as part of Housing and Residence Life’s annual SustainA-Bowl.

Sustain-A-Bowl is a

competition occurring in February, coordinated by the Office of Sustainability and residence halls.

The idea is to see which halls can reduce and reuse the most throughout the month. Sustain-ABowl teaches residents to conserve resources while promoting environmental awareness through

competitive events.

The competition revolves around the basic ideas of decreasing energy, conserving water and increasing recycling.

There are three winners of the Sustain-A-Bowl, one for each of the three housing areas.

“The winner is based on reduction of water,

“ “

electrical wastes and increased recycling rates,” said Sustain-A-Bowl coordinator Jennifer Morse.

By participating in certain sponsored activities, residents have the opportunity to gain points toward their residence hall’s overall score.

A variety of activities are planned for this year’s

Sustain-A-Bowl, such as photo competitions, bulletin board contests, movie nights, recycling sorts and candlelit dinners.

There are bonus events in which resident assistants have the opportunity to construct their own activities for their residents during the competition. Each planned activity is designed

around themes which promote sustainability and conservation.

“Some halls have other small events unique to their residents, such as a centralized recycling take-out performed by RAs,” said Mary Talbert, senior in nutrition and food science/dietetics, resident assistant for Boyd Hall in the Hill.

QUAD

We are having a recycling competition against Owen Hall, the other all-girls hall in the Quad.”

—Abby Jackson KELLER HALL, SENIOR IN ACCOUNTING

We’re going to do whatever is on schedule and let the residents decide what they want to do.”

“

VILLAGE

We plan to decorate reusable bags so people can take them to the grocery store.”

It costs a lot to live on campus, and anything you can do to cut down on that cost is good.”

—Amy Walker RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN OAK HALL, JUNIOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

We’re doing bulletin boards on all the halls.”

—Jonathan Ezell RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN HARPER HALL, FRESHMAN IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

“

RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN TALON HALL, SOPHOMORE IN MATH EDUCATION

Recycling is important.

Just use the recycling bags they gave us, turn off lights, turn off water when you aren’t using it.”

HILL

I think I will try some of the same tactics as last year to try and get everyone into the competition aspect of the Sustain-A-Bowl.”

—Kylie Hastings

D

“ “

“

—Jordan Law RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN HARPER HALL, SENIOR IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

—Madelyn Timmins RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN TOOMER HALL, SENIOR IN EQUINE SCIENCE

“

Many residents have used them (shower timers) already and even started to have competitions for the shortest showers.”

—Ryan McMichens RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN TOOMER HALL, SOPHOMORE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

—Jordan Law RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN HARPER HALL, SENIOR IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

“ SUSTAIN-A-BOWL QUICK HITS

—Trey Gross RESIDENT ASSISTANT IN TOOMER HALL, SOPHOMORE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

S

R

U

It costs a lot to live on campus, and anything you can do to cut down on that cost is good.”

Sustain-A-Bowl 2010 Final Winners Quad

Quad Winner Lupton Hall

Hill

Hill Winner Knapp Hall

Village

Village Winner Oak Hall

Campus B2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

New system optimizes scheduling, classroom space Annie Faulk STAFF WRITER

The University is implementing a new program, Ad Astra, to ease the burden of scheduling classes for students.

Ad Astra works with the student information system, Banner, to make scheduling classes more efficient. The program is fully automated, which will allow all scheduling information to be in a single centralized area.

Since its formation in 1996, Ad Astra has been integrated with 550 college and university campus scheduling systems. With the program, course sizes are outfitted with appropriate classrooms.

“The program utilizes classroom space more efficiently for our students,” said Emmett Winn, associate provost and vice-president of academic affairs.

With Auburn’s current system, most scheduling

is done manually, which leaves room for errors. Ad Astra is designed to take into account scheduling aspects which can cause issues such as classroom capacity, course availability and efficient technology use.

The system addresses certain recurring problems with scheduling classes.

For instance, if a classroom has the capacity to hold 90 students, but the professor prefers 20

students in the class, there will be more seats than students.

“We are not asking to put students in crowded rooms,” Winn says. “The solution is to put big courses in big classrooms and small courses in small classrooms.”

Ad Astra works with the professors’ needs to find a coordinating classroom that is proportionally sized.

The program eliminates the issue of having large

lecture halls designated for small discussion classes.

“The main complaint of students is, ‘I can’t get the classes at times I need them,’” Winn said.

Ad Astra provides enough courses to enhance graduation rates while keeping an eye on cost, according to the Ad Astra website.

“The University will also benefit from centralizing academic and event scheduling in one database,” said Laura Ann Forester, Auburn

University registrar.

The program works with Auburn’s existing student information to enable scheduling.

Ad Astra will allow students to schedule classes when they need them with fewer conflicts.

“Everyone wants a schedule that equitably balances tight resources,” Forester said. “This is a tight balancing act. As the registrar, I want to make everyone happy.”

Renowned civil rights era journalists speaks to Auburn Elizabeth Fite STAFF WRITER

Civil rights era journalist Earl Caldwell, best known for his coverage as the only reporter to witness the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., will speak at the Davis Lecture Series Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.

Jennifer Adams, associate professor of journalism and organizer of this year’s lecture, knew Caldwell personally as a colleague at Hampton University.

“He’s just a really good story teller,” Adams said. “I thought he was someone that people would turn out to see.”

The Davis Lecture Series, which is free to the public, is an annual event sponsored by the Department of Communication and Journalism.

The lecture usually features journalists who covered civil rights events and was created to honor Neil O. and Henrietta Davis.

The Davises are remembered as two people who advocated the civil rights movement in the Southeast through journalism during a time when it was not popular to do so.

Caldwell’s lecture is titled “Being There When Something Really Important Happens: The Assassination

of Martin Luther King Jr.,” and follows last year’s lecture by Pulitzer Prize winner Ray Jenkins.

“The focus of the lecture every year is to bring people in that can actually tell the stories that now students are reading about,” Adams said.

The main topic of the lecture, which will be held in the 450-seat auditorium of the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, will be Caldwell’s experience as a New York Times reporter on the day of the 1968 King assassination.

The Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, the only living person to spend the last hour of King’s life with him, stood beside King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis the day of the assassination. He said recalling that day is still painful, but he remembers Caldwell writing there.

“If you’re a writer, you’re always a writer. You find places and stories to write,” Kyles said. “That was a traumatic experience for everyone there, and Caldwell was in the background writing.”

Kyles said the first-hand account from Caldwell is an important part of journalistic history.

“It’s something that we’ve

“

It’s something that we’ve learned all of our lives in history classes, but he can really bring it to life because he was there.”

—Jennifer Adams ASSOCIATE JOURNALISM PROFESSOR

learned all of our lives in history classes, but he can really bring it to life because he was there,” Adams said.

“Also, with his Supreme Court case, U.S. v. Caldwell, that’s something that I learned about when I was an undergraduate journalism student. It’s not often that you get to meet somebody in a Supreme Court case; usually those people are long dead by the time they’re in the history books.”

David Carter, associate professor of history, said the media during the civil rights movement, particularly television media before 1965, played a critical role in translating the movement to the larger public.

Carter also said at the time, local media coverage in white journalism didn’t always work to advance the cause of civil rights.

Kyles said he also remembered the local paper in Memphis, “The Commercial Appeal,” publishing cartoons poking fun at the march.

“In that day we never thought the white media was friendly to us,” Kyles said.

According to Carter, although there is a long history of black journalists in the United States, white audiences often ignored them.

What makes Caldwell different is that he was a black journalist employed by a white media outlet.

“After King was killed in April of 1968, the national media really treated the event as the tragedy that it was, but in a sort of elegy fashion, and then there was a national grieving period,” Carter said. “Caldwell was really instrumental in that period and covering the assassination.”

Carter said although journalists strive for objectivity, Caldwell shaped the event through his perspective and the particular questions he asked.

“He’s an iconic journalist

CONTRIBUTED

Earl Caldwell, journalist, witnessed the murder of MLK Jr. in that he has fantastic stories to tell,” Adams said. “It would be a great night to come out.”

According to Adams, the National Association of Black Journalists named Caldwell one of the most important journalists of the last 50 years for his coverage of the assassination, the

Black Panther Party activities and race riots.

“I just think it’s a great honor that he would come to Auburn and speak to us,” Adams said. “It will tell us a little bit about the event he’s covered and what it means to him, and what he thinks it means to journalism and what it means to history.”

AU View

ADAM BULGATZ / DESIGN EDITOR

Alex Manning, sophomore in biochemsitry, walks on a tight rope made out of tow rope in front of Tichenor Hall.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Campus B3

The Auburn Plainsman

The fame game comes under scrutiny in RTVF class Kala Bolton Writer

John Mayer’s latest controversial tweet and the biggest celebrity feuds of all time sound like causal conversation starters, but they are topics for regular classroom discussion for students enrolled in the Radio, Television and Film 4580 course, “Fame, Celebrity and Media Culture.”

Led by George Plasketes, RTVF majors are exploring the impact fame and celebrities have on our lives.

“While ‘fame’ has always been a part of our cultural heritage, ‘celebrity’ has become one of the most distinguishing characteristics of contemporary American popular culture,” Plasketes explains in the class syllabus. “In this course, we will explore how fame/celebrity continues to evolve into one of the most significant cultural phenomena, if not

a culture unto itself.”

A part of the curriculum for RTVF majors, the course involves study and discussion of contemporary materials including books, television, film and music.

The goal of the course is to better understand the significance of this celebrity culture. “(‘Fame’ and ‘celebrity’) are very important dimensions to our culture,” Plasketes said. “It says a lot about us—where we’re at, how we got here. It reflects the value scale, the times, all those things.”

The course, which is offered once a year, has been a part of the RTVF course list for only a few years.

“It started in special topics one year and then got officially added to the curriculum,” Plasketes said.

Although it is only offered to RTVF majors, Plasketes said he hopes it will be made available to students

of all majors in the future.

“I think it is a course that has broad appeal, and we would very much like for people from other walks of life and other majors to take it because it obviously isn’t limited to radio, television and film,” Plasketes said.

“But for now, it is just for our majors.”

Having taught the course since it was first offered, Plasketes attributes his knowledge of and passion for the subject to his independent studies.

“Compared to other courses, this class is different in that the subject matter is more interesting,” said Hilary Nalampoon, senior in RTVF. While Plasketes’ enthusiasm for the course is evident, his students seem equally excited about exploring the world of fame and celebrity.

“It’s definitely exciting to have a class with such a

Rebekah Weaver / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Students in “Fame, Celebrity and Media Culture” listen to George Plasketes’ discussion of Andy Warhol. The class is offered to radio, TV and film majors. focus on a specific topic,” said Michael Stagno, senior in RTVF. “It’s a lot more fun than traditional courses. I come to class every day because Dr. Plasketes is a trip.”

With a background in communication and journalism, Plasketes received

his doctorate in Bowling Green, Ohio.

“Bowling Green State was kind of the mecca of popular culture studies, so I combined radio, television, film and media with popular culture, and they merged very well,” Plasketes said.

He is the only professor who teaches the course, and he said he likes it that way.

“This is kind of my baby,” Plasketes said. “So when I become famous and move on, someone else will have to teach it.”

Atheists and agnostics address Christian community STAFF REPORTS The Auburn Atheists and Agnostics (AAA) brought their message to the Auburn Christian community Sunday night.

The club held its first meeting of the semester, entitled “Dear Christians,” as a way to convey its beliefs and agenda to Auburn’s Christian population.

“We thought this would be a good opening to our semester as an event,” said Seth Denney, vice president of the club and junior in electrical and computer engineering.

Select members of the club gave short presentations on a range of topics including faith, reason and even the meaning of life.

“We really want to interact with the community,” said Rebecca Godwin, president of AAA and graduate student in biology, “and we thought it would be a good way to kind of make our side known and also to get some feedback and to open the community and the student body to this idea of open and civil discussion.”

Group members said several times their purpose was not to convert Christians, but to bring about a greater understanding between Christians and atheists.

“

We (atheists and agnostics) don’t really have church homes or anything to provide that social network.”

—Rebecca Godwin AAA President

AAA invited any Christian to attend and hear its message.

With every seat filled and the walls lined with standing listeners, the group received the turnout for which it was hoping.

Kyle Casey, freshman in business management and member of the Auburn Christian Student Center, was one of many Christian students at the meeting.

“We discuss God and what we believe and why we believe it to strengthen our faith, and it was an activity for us to come tonight and hear the other side,” Casey said.

Following the presentation, attendees were invited to write questions on index cards for the AAA leaders to

Derek Lacey / Campus Editor

The Atheists and Agnostics club presents its beliefs during the semester’s first meeting Sunday in the Student Center. review and answer.

The questions were at times pointed, but respectful.

“They definitely got their point across,” Casey said.

“We’re going to respect their ideas, and as Christians, we’ve still got to try

and work at them and see if we can (change) what they believe, because that’s the way we are, that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

Godwin said she hopes the meeting and others like it will open a spirit of dialogue between the religious

and nonreligious communities at Auburn.

The club plans on hosting more events this semester, including an “Ask an Atheist” table in the Student Center, where club members will answer questions.

She emphasized the

importance of having an atheist group on campus.

“We don’t really have church homes or anything to provide that social network,” Godwin said. “So (we are) providing a safe place, a safe social setting, a support kind of group.”

Campus calendar: Thursday, Jan. 27 – Saturday, Feb. 5 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 27

Pre-law information session

Southern Outsiders film series: “Cool Hand Luke”

Miss Auburn University scholarship pageant

Museum of Art ■ 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

■ 7 p.m.

■ Auburn Arena ■ 2 p.m.

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1

2

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

Lecture: Earl Caldwell

rium ■ 5 p.m.

■ 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SFWS seminar series

■ Goodwin Recital

and Wildlife Sciences Room 1101 ■ 11 a.m. to noon

■ 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ■ Jule Collins Smith

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ Biggin Hall Audito-

■ School of Forestry

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3

1001 Words lecture series

4

Men’s basketball vs.

Tennessee

University

■ Auburn Arena ■ 8 p.m.

Gymnastics vs. Kentucky

Quink performance

Southern Outsiders film series: “Norma Rae”

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

■ The Hotel at Auburn

Hall

Museum of Art

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

■ 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Room 2222

■ 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Center

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

31

■ Student Center

■ Student Activities

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

Drawing on Alabama exhibition

29

LSAT practice test

■ Auburn Arena ■ 7 p.m.

■ Jule Collins Smith

30

28

Gymnastics vs. Arkansas

■ Lowder Room 152 ■ 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Women’s basketball vs. South Carolina

Saturday

■ Auburn Arena ■ 7 p.m.

■ 101 Biggin Hall ■ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5

Campus B4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Exhibition draws attention to state’s talented artists “Drawing on Alabama” highlights art in the state Molly Montgomery WRITER

MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Isaac Wasilefsky, freshman in civil engineering, checks out the biennial “Drawing on Alabama” exhibit in Biggin Hall.

MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Tom Manig, philosophy instructor, views the “Drawing on Alabama” exhibit. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 4.

Undergraduate Research Fellowship Available through the Undergraduate Competitive Research Fellowship Program Beginning Summer 2011 through Spring 2012

Annual Student Stipend up to $4,400 Project Funds up to $1,400 Program Goal: To encourage undergraduate

students to participate actively in research.

This research may be in any degree program at Auburn University and may involve any type of research.

Twenty year-long fellowships and two

semester-long fellowships for research with Auburn faculty are available. Student and mentor should apply as a pair.

Applications: A description of the program and application forms for students and mentors can be found at www.auburn.edu/research/vpr/urfp Download both the mentor and student forms.

If you have questions contact: Dr. Lorraine Wolf 4-5772 undgres@auburn.edu or Dr. Leanne Lamke 4-3231 lamkelk@auburn.edu

Deadline: Friday, February 25, 2011

“Drawing on Alabama,” a biennial juried art exhibition that began in 2007, is on display in the Biggin Hall art gallery through Feb. 4.

“A juried exhibition is a competitive exhibition, which is a great opportunity for professional development because it gives you the opportunity to have your work peer-reviewed,” said Barb Bondy, exhibition and lectures coordinator for the art department. “This is a contemporary drawing exhibition, and there are no limitations. It can be digital or it can take on other forms, such as three-dimensional.”

Bondy said Carter Foster, curator of drawing at the Whitney Museum of American Art, will be the guest juror.

Jay Lamar, director of the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, said the center works closely with the art department.

“Our office is the outreach office for the College of Liberal Arts to find ways in which we can connect the College and the University to the general public,” Lamar said. “With the art department, we’ve done all kinds of projects.”

The Center for the Arts and Humanities is involved with this year’s exhibition.

“We are co-sponsor of this year’s ‘Drawing on Alabama’

exhibition,” Lamar said. “We have always supported it.”

The exhibit is made possible in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

“We have funded this exhibition before,” said Georgine Clarke, visual arts manager for the council.

“It’s important for us to support visions, opportunities for artists and showcases to the public of the arts of Alabama, so they can know the wonderful artists that live in the state.”

The exhibition is an effort to create a public dialogue about art in Alabama.

“It’s such a privilege to be able to showcase Alabama artists,” Lamar said. “We are full of wonderfully creative, nationally and internationally known people, and an exhibition like ‘Drawing on Alabama’ gives us a chance to tell ourselves and the rest of the world how rich the culture is here.”

Anne-Katrin Gramberg, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said she supports the exhibit.

“This is a big project—it has high visibility and participation from all over the state,” Gramberg said. “We would like to expand it to two more states next year.

We’ve been discussing Mississippi and Georgia.”

Both Gramberg and Bondy agreed the exhibit is an excellent teaching tool.

“It’s really fantastic,” Gramberg said. “The work that is displayed here is outstanding. We have outstanding students, we have great faculty, and it’s all about building community.”

Admission to the exhibit is free, and the gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday, or by appointment.

Women compete for title of Miss Auburn University Liz Conn ASSOCIATE CAMPUS EDITOR

Most women would be petrified to walk across a stage in a swimsuit in front of hundreds of people.

Tomorrow night, 24 women will do just that.

The Miss Auburn University scholarship pageant will take place at 7 p.m. in the Student Activities Center.

“The winner, if they’re an in-state student, receives a full year of in-state tuition,” said Michelle Murphy, executive director and adviser to the Miss AU pageant. “If they are an out-of-state student, it basically winds up being about two-thirds of their tuition.”

Murphy said the first through fourth-place runners-up receive a portion of scholarship money as well.

In addition to the swimsuit section, contestants will face talent and evening-wear sections, as well as an onstage question.

On-stage questions generally relate to current events, Murphy said.

Contestants’ scores are also determined by an interview that takes place on the day of the pageant.

Miss AU makes about 100 appearances in the community during her yearlong reign, Murphy said.

“That could be assisting with SGA-related activities or events, such as blood drives or the Big Event— things of that nature,” Murphy said. “It could also be that she’s visiting local schools, reading to students, helping out with events like parent-teacher association nights.”

Current Miss AU Rebecca Hart, senior in communication disorders, said the

PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES

Rebecca Hart, senior in communication disorders, accepts the title of 2010 Miss Auburn University. appearances have been her favorite aspect of the experience.

“It’s so fun to go to an appearance and have little girls come up to you and to see how excited they get,” Hart said. “They really think that you’re a princess, and it’s just really fun to see that and to be able to interact with them and talk to them and provide a positive role model for them.”

Miss AU is part of the three-tiered Miss America system. The newly crowned Miss AU will compete in the Miss Alabama pageant in June. The winner will then go on to the Miss America pageant.

Murphy said the Miss AU

pageant is more than a beauty pageant.

“It is a pageant for however you want to interpret that, but I think it stands for so much more,” she said. “I think by all of those areas of competition, it’s both the inside intelligence and beauty shining on the outside as well.”

Megan Murphy, director of the pageant and junior in communication disorders, said she expects the next Miss AU to grow as a person during her reign.

“It’s a growing experience,” she said. “That’s the whole point. And I want them to have fun. It’s such an honor to be Miss AU, so they need to live it up.”

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Campus B5

The Auburn Plainsman

Saving the world’s art from disappearance Author tells story of American soldiers rescuing masterpieces during WWII Elizabeth Fite WRITER

People don’t normally associate the words soldier and scholar, but Robert Edsel, author of “The Monuments Men” and president of Monuments Men Foundation, is trying to change that.

Edsel spoke 4 p.m. Friday at the Jule Collins Smith Museum in a lecture sponsored the by the museum and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

The lecture focused on Edsel’s book, his foundation and his efforts to inform the world of the Monuments Men, a group of United States soldiers sent to recover cultural artifacts destined for destruction in World War II. “Most people don’t know what happened to these works of art and know the extraordinary role the United States played in protecting these things for all these years and making sure they got back where they belong,” Edsel said.

Edsel, a former nationally ranked tennis player with a successful career in gas and oil exploration, moved with his family to Europe in 1996.

“

Some of the pictures are just mind-blowing, like the archival pictures of rooms and caverns as big as this (the museum) just with stacked burlap sacks wrapped around framed masterpieces.”

—Jones Fowler ART HISTORY GRADUATE

At this time, curiosity over the fate of Europe’s culture and art during World War II led Edsel to the Monuments Men. The primary task of these scholar soldiers, which were mostly middle-aged artists, architects, curators, historians, educators and museum directors, was to recover artwork stolen by the Nazis.

In addition, the Monuments Men salvaged

millions of cultural items including paintings, stained glass, sculptures, buildings, church bells, Torah scrolls, books and documents.

Ultimately, these soldiers returned more than 5 million stolen works which were favored treasures among Hitler’s forces.

“It was the first time in history that the conquering army said to the world: To the victors did not belong the spoils. These things will be returned to the country from which they were taken.”

According to Edsel, this group of no more than 350 soldiers has received little recognition for their work.

“It’s long since time that we give them their proper recognition and call them Monuments Men,” he said.

Capt. Robert Posey, a 1926 Auburn graduate in architecture, served as a Monuments officer after arriving in Normandy. He landed there shortly after D-Day as a member of Patton’s Third Army.

Posey traveled throughout northern Europe applying his architectural expertise as a Monuments Man. Along with his partner, Posey saved culturally significant buildings, historic monuments and contacted art officials.

Perhaps Posey’s greatest contribution to the Monuments Men’s efforts was his discovery of the 2-mile-deep salt mine at Altaussee, Austria.

Hidden in the mine were the Van Eyck brothers’ “Ghent Altarpiece,” Michelangelo’s “Bruges Madonna,” Vermeer’s “The Astronomer” and thousands of other works of art.

Auburn resident Elaine Randolph said she was glad she attended the lecture.

She said her husband, a Vietnam veteran, was the one who originally expressed an interest in attending.

Randolph said she was unaware of Posey’s involvement in the war, but was proud to learn about an Auburn graduate’s connection.

She said her favorite part of the lecture was the story

NATIONAL ARCHIVES RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

Members of the Monuments Men inspect paintings to be rescued found underground. about a French woman who worked with the Monuments Men to save paintings from being burned.

Jones Fowler, art history graduate at the University of Alabama, said “The Monuments Men” particularly appealed to him because it married two of his interests: art and World War II. Fowler said he knew he had to make the trip down to Auburn to attend Edsel’s lecture after receiving the book six months ago as a gift from his aunt and uncle.

Fowler said the visuals from the lecture and getting Edsel to sign his book made the trip worthwhile.

“Some of the pictures are just mind-blowing, like the archival pictures of rooms and caverns as big

as this (the museum) just with stacked burlap sacks wrapped around framed masterpieces,” Fowler said.

According to Fowler, approximately half of the masterpieces found in “Gardner’s Art Through the Ages,” a well-known art history textbook, came up in Edsel’s book as being stolen.

One of those pieces, a painting by Manet, was featured in Edsel’s presentation as recovered by the Monuments Men. “It’s just amazing to go all the way through school and study all this stuff,” Fowler said. “You memorize who painted it, what the meaning of it was, a little bit about the style, but then you come back and learn, oh yeah, it was stolen.”

Edsel created the Monuments Men Foundation to honor the scholar soldiers and to encourage people to return artifacts from the war that are still missing, which he estimates are in the millions, to their rightful owners.

In addition, Edsel said he hopes this awareness will prompt new government policies on the handling of cultural artifacts in current war efforts.

“Their legacy is rich and filled with incredible examples of how to protect cultural treasures from armed conflict, but their legacy has been all but lost,” Edsel said.

“We as a nation have paid a high price for not having preserved and utilized that legacy.”

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Locations: Student Center, Haley, Tichenor, Louder, Parker, Shelby and more.

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Campus B6

On the Concourse

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Question:

Do you think Auburn does a good job of maximizing classroom space?

“There are a few classes where they could definitely fill the room up, but for the most part they do a good job.”

–Darrius Culpepper, senior, political science

“In the classes I’ve had, it’s been perfect.”

–Joey Clark, senior, political science

KARINA ROMANDETTI, 21 “Sometimes we have too many people stuffed in really small classrooms and sometimes we’ll have very few people in huge classrooms.”

–Michael Rasmussin, undeclared senior

From Melbourne, Fla., this week’s Loveliest brings the sun out on even the dreariest days.

A senior in nursing, Karina hopes to work with children following graduation. Don’t think she’s all textbooks and stethoscopes, though. Our gal keeps busy with the nursing honor society, her social sorority and a healthy dose of outdoor activities. “Being surrounded by nature is pure God,” she says. Being around Karina is a close second.

Think you know an Auburn woman who has what it takes to be the Loveliest Lady on the Plains? Send submissions, with names and contact information, to campus@theplainsman.com

Employment services find jobs when others can’t Crystal Cole SPORTS EDITOR

When you can’t find a job in your neighborhood, who you gonna call?

Temporary employment services.

TES is a division of Auburn’s human resources department and has been active since 1962.

The office recently moved to Gay Street to make parking access easier.

Mary Prather, manager of TES, said the main goal of the office is to help University departments in times of need.

“Sometimes these

departments lose employees for one reason or another and sometimes they just need extra help for special projects,” Prater said.

“We try to offer the best, most professional work we can and help with overflow work.”

Prather said the office employs people with a wide range of skills, from general labor and security work to computer technicians.

TES helps many people in the community gain stable work, helping anywhere from 50 people a month during slower seasons to almost 200 a month during

the summer.

Roderick Marshall, a 37-year-old Opelika resident, is currently in the process of applying for employment.

Marshall said he heard about TES from a friend at church and wanted a job more stable than what he has.

“I have two boys–one is 15 and one is 12,” Marshall said. “I need to get something better, with better benefits, so they are better off. I don’t have health insurance right now and paying cash gets expensive.”

Marshall moved back to

Opelika eight months ago and said the job market in the area is very competitive.

“Everybody I know either has a job, or is trying to start their own business,” Marshall said. “I painted for 15 years and now I work a fork lift. I don’t mind working, I just need something with benefits.”

Prather said when applicants come in it is imperative to bring a Social Security card, along with a driver’s license, passport, voter’s registration card or birth certificate.

Employment terms range

from one day to 11 months, Prather said.

Anyone who wishes to stay on longer than 11 months is generally recommended to take a month off before coming back.

TES is an extension of the University and therefore only offers jobs to campus departments.

In situations where many people are applying with the same skill set, Prather said she would send applications to the department and assist in reviewing them in order to find the best applicant for the job.

Marshall said at this

point, he doesn’t care what job he gets, as long as he gets something.

“My babies will be complaining to me about stuff, and there’s nothing I can do about it,” Marshall said.

“The jobs I’ve had recently just don’t pay anything at all really.”

Prather said she gets a sense of accomplishment when she sees someone succeed.

“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t enjoy it,” Prather said. “When I see someone get a job, it makes me feel like I have done something good in their lives.”

Philosophy discussions emerge at the Gnu’s Room Elizabeth Fite STAFF WRITER

The first Philosophy at the Gnu’s Room meeting of the semester kicked off with a discussion on virtues and vices Tuesday.

The six-person panel, comprised of philosophy professors and students, discussed the virtues and the vices as they were explained and understood by different thinkers, philosophers and theologians.

Philosophers ranging from ancient Greece to modern times were cited.

Questions the group examined were what it means and requires to be virtuous, whether true virtue is attainable, if virtue requires a person overcome temptation and the relationship between virtue and grace.

The panel also examined vicious acts and how they relate to virtue.

The panel consisted of Kelly Jolley, Roderick Long, Nina Brewer-Davis and Howard Hewitt, professors of philosophy at Auburn.

Also on the panel were Rob Wallis, senior in philosophy, and Megan Robinson, senior in philosophy.

Both Wallis and Robinson are members of the philosophy club.

“One major goal that

these panel meetings have is to spark questions that anyone can get excited about and get interested in,” said Kristin Courtney, graduate student in math.

The goal of the Gnu’s Room series is to be general enough for people who are not philosophy experts to participate in discussions.

“What we want is really ideas and problems and issues in philosophy that someone can really grab onto and have an emotional response to and have an opinion on and talk about that opinion,” Courtney said.

Courtney said the most regular attendees of the meetings are actually people from the community as opposed to students and professors.

“We come to better understand the topics through talking about opinions that we feel strongly about,” Courtney said.

Courtney said the idea for the meetings formed when she and Karen Gorodeisky, assistant professor in philosophy and adviser of the philosophy club, were having independent study at the Gnu’s Room, and regulars in the Gnu’s Room started showing an interest in the conversations they

MARIA IAMIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

The first Philosophy at the Gnu’s Room meeting was held with a panel of six speakers who discussed virtues and vices. were having.

“Students are not the only members of the community that are interested in philosophy, and so the Gun’s Room panel kind of developed as sort of a philosophy club for the community,” Courtney said.

Wallis said the meeting topics are selected to encourage more community participation in philosophy.

“We’re always looking for ways to have events in the club that somebody that’s never been exposed to philosophy can join in on,” Wallis said.

“We also do a film series where we just invite people to watch a movie and then see what they think is philosophical about it,” Wallis said. “It’s a good way to expose people to philosophy

without the uncomfortable sting that being thrown into it will have.”

According to Gorodeisky, the attendance for Tuesday’s meeting was less than average, which was probably because it was the first meeting of the semester.

In the past, 60 or more people have attended the meetings.

The Gnu’s Room meetings

began in Fall 2009 and have continued to take place every semester.

Meetings typically last two hours with a small break for coffee in the middle.

The next meeting will take place Wednesday, Feb. 3, with the topic “language and logic.”

Meetings are also scheduled in March and April.

Intrigue Thursday, January 27, 2011

War Eagle storybook

Coffee overload

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Rebekah Weaver / Assistant Photo Editor

Examples of Cook’s handiwork are displayed on mannequins in her craft workspace.

Rebekah Weaver / Assistant Photo Editor

Auburn pharmacy student Laurie Cook strings together beads on a necklace for Esty.com.

Rebekah Weaver / Assistant Photo Editor

Cook has been designing jewelry since elementary school and now considers it her passion.

Bead all you can bead

Locals create homemade jewelry for craft website Jenna Moran Associate Copy Editor

Finding vintage homemade jewelry has become as easy as a click of the mouse.

Etsy.com is a website where people can buy and sell handmade items, such as jewelry and clothing.

Designers nationwide sell their items on the website, including designers from Auburn.

Laurie Cook from Enterprise has been designing jewelry since elementary school. But creating homemade jewelry didn’t become a passion of hers until after graduation.

Cook graduated from Auburn in 2007 with a degree in biomedical science. She soon moved to Birmingham and less than a year later,

Bead store provides creativity for community Destiny Brown Writer

Nestled in the same shopping strip as Auburn’s treasured Amsterdam Café and The Gnu’s Room is one of Auburn’s rarest gems: Perch Bead Studio.

Open for almost a year and half, this quaint bead shoppe and design studio offers Auburn locals free jewelry-making workshops and parties for any occasion.

“We are an open studio,” said owner Barbara Birdsong. “Anyone can come in at any time and make jewelry.”

she decided it was time to leave her home state.

“I called one of my friends and said, ‘I’ve got to get out of this city,’” Cook said. “So we went up to New York for a week, and when I was there I fell in love with it and told my parents I was going to move up there in a month.”

Cook moved to the city with her new roommate, who inspired her to start designing jewelry again.

“When (my roommate) was making her jewelry, I was like, well, I want to make some too,” Cook said.

“And then she told me about the Garment District.”

The Garment District is located in Manhattan and is known as the center of American fashion design, with multiple avenues filled with jewelry and fabric design stores.

“The first day I went there, I was so overwhelmed,” Cook said. “I stayed there for four hours, bought jewelry supplies and started to get really into it again.”

With lots of open space to shop through their wide variety of beads, Perch encourages buyers to sit at one of their craft tables and create a unique piece of jewelry with the help from their friendly staff.

They will assist shoppers in make jewelry for weddings, formals or any occasion.

Buyers can pick from a collection of semi-precious gems, fresh water pearls, sterling silver charms and much more.

Different types of beads vary in prize depending on their material.

“You can make a piece of jewelry for under $10, or you could make an expensive piece,” Birdsong said.

“It’s really up to you and how much you’re willing to spend.”

They also offer a wide range of supplies for the

Cook’s jewelry designs vary from basic and simple to loud and eccentric.

Recently, Cook returned to Auburn for pharmacy school and began to sell some of her jewelry on Etsy after hearing about the website from her friends.

“It’s hard to be successful (on the website) if you’re not putting stuff up there constantly,” she said. “And since I go to pharmacy school, I don’t have time to put jewelry up there daily.”

Even though Cook has

sold items, she said she considers jewelry designing as more of a hobby right now.

“I put way more money into supplies than I will ever get back until I make my own company,” she said.

“The biggest thing about Etsy is I love that people want to wear my jewelry.”

Cook said she takes pride in the fact that women from around the country are wearing her designs.

Another form of inspiration has come from her boyfriend, who has also created

a side business of his own.

“I’m in pharmacy school, but I like to make jewelry; he owns nursing homes, but then he just started a company—Steady Arms—that makes balance bracelets,” she said. “It’s kinda neat because we feed off of each other.”

Once Cook has completed pharmacy school, she plans on working part time as a pharmacist and part time as a jewelry designer.

Cook hopes to eventually open her own jewelry company in New York.

Meredith Jedlicka, senior in horticulture, also sells handmade jewelry on Etsy.

The Marietta, Ga., native was inspired to start designing after a friend introduced her to Perch, an Auburn shop that allows customers to create their own custom jewelry.

Initially, Jedlicka only designed at Perch for fun, but soon she began to submit her items to local shows, Auburn’s Stamp and eventually, to Etsy.

buyer to use for free.

Each Friday, Perch Bead Studio collaborates with another local business to provide a night of entertainment for Auburn jewelry patrons.

Having worked with local businesses such as Earthfare, Birdsong said the collaboration nights help promote both businesses and showcase their specialties.

Birdsong said Perch and Blueshoes of Auburn will collaborate for a “boots and beading” event Friday from 6 p.m. to close.

Blueshoes will bring boots and purses to be sold at 50 percent off.

Shoppers can browse all of Perch’s bead collection while enjoying free cupcakes and wine.

The beads will also be on sale for an additional 25 percent off.

Large groups should call

head to prepare staff.

Not only does Perch work with local businesses, it also offers services for private events like sorority functions.

“I just booked a sisterhood event for my sorority at Perch,” said Catie Faison, sophomore in public relations and sisterhood chair for Zeta Tau Alpha.

“I thought it’d be a great time for the girls to have some bonding time.”

Perch also hosts a weeklong camp during July known as Camp Perch.

Birdsong said campers learn all the techniques of bead-making while creating their own collection.

At the end of the week, they showcase their work at the studio for their friends and family.

Camp tuition is $175 and includes instruction, all materials and a T-shirt.

A variety of beads are on display for purchase at Perch.

Rebekah Winter / Assistant Photo Editor

Cook uses a variety of elements like turquoise and gold.

The majority of her designs appeal to college students, and she has sold jewelry to shoppers in America and Canada.

Jedlicka recently started a blog to bring together all of her hobbies under one business name, Jedlicka Design Group.

“It will be sort of a brand name for my jewelry, landscape design and eventually home goods,” she said.

Jordan Pease, junior in hotel and restaurant management, is a regular online shopper who visits Etsy’s website weekly.

Pease said Etsy is one of the many websites that is changing the way people think about online shopping.

“I have always had an interest in hand-crafted jewelry because I like the idea that what I am wearing is something truly unique,” Pease said. “I’m glad that by shopping on (Etsy), I can support different artisans, especially those from Auburn.”

Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor

Intrigue C2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Children’s book illustrates the story of a legend Helen Northcutt GRAPHICS EDITOR

In 2006, Francesca AdlerBaeder, associate professor in human development and family studies, was invited to tell the “War Eagle” story to incoming freshmen. The response to Adler-Baeder’s reading was so positive, she was encouraged to publish the story as a book called “The War Eagle Story.”

“The story of the ‘War Eagle’ cheer brings a sense of entitlement to each member of the Auburn family,” said Justin Pitts, junior in chemical engineering and head Camp War Eagle counselor.

“We share a piece of history with one another. It’s important for a freshman to hear (War Eagle), because it’s like a final welcoming into the Auburn family. It’s the last piece of the puzzle to becoming an Auburn student.”

Adler-Baeder began writing her story weeks before she read it in front of Camp War Eagle.

“In my spare time in the evenings, I started writing

it out,” Adler-Baeder said.

“It is all written in verse or rhyme. Writing it didn’t take long because the story itself had great characters.”

For the reading, AdlerBaeder chose the most popular version of the story involving a civil war veteran.

“I was surprised no one had ever put the story into written form because it is one of our most popular oral histories,” Adler-Baeder said. “I wanted it to be lyrical and easy to read as well as listen to.”

When the day came to read her story, Adler-Baeder sat on stage in a rocking chair, with the cheerleaders and Aubie behind her to lead the “War Eagle” cheer.

Tiffany Everett, Auburn native and student at Savannah College of Art and Design, was chosen to illustrate Adler-Baeder’s version of the “War Eagle” story.

“I think a book like ‘The War Eagle Story’ was long overdue,” Everett said.

“There are several stories out there about why we shout ‘War Eagle,’ but few people know that this

CONTRIBUTED

The War Eagle story book describes in picture how the famous battle cry came to be. version of the story is the most credible.”

Because this version of the “War Eagle” story was

written as a children’s book, Everett was given the artistic freedom to use vivid colors, simplified shapes and

exaggerated facial expressions.

“My favorite thing about illustrating children’s books is how it lends itself to art that is bright, colorful and, well, childlike,” Everett said. “‘The War Eagle Story’ allowed me to embrace those same principles.”

Everett said the illustrating process opened her eyes to just how hard it is to illustrate a children’s book in a short period of time.

“I love children’s illustrations and I collect storybooks, but I never gave much consideration to how time-consuming it really is to illustrate a standard 32page story,” Everett said.

“I was on a tight deadline, illustrating one to two pages per day. I learned that doing a seemingly simple illustration can take hours upon hours of preparation between conceptualizing, researching, measuring, composing, drawing, painting, drying and finalizing.”

Most importantly though, Everett said she found the illustrating process to be extremely rewarding

experience and hopes to do more in the future.

The authors decided some of the proceeds would be donated to benefit the Auburn University Center for Children, Youth and Families, as well as outreach and student scholarships.

“The donation is important because we felt very strongly that the story belongs to Auburn,” AdlerBaeder said.

“We framed it in a way that hopefully makes it an entertaining delivery, but the story itself belongs to Auburn.”

Adler-Baeder said her main goal was to provide a way for families to share the cherished “War Eagle” story.

“I have been hearing from lots of different people of all ages who would like to share it with friends and grandchildren,” Adler-Baeder said.

“The experience was nothing but enjoyment. It has been one of the highlights of my experiences here at Auburn, and to share the enthusiasm, the story and the joy was magical.”

Here’s something you can recycle Recycling drop-offs accept unexpected items Madeline Hall WRITER

In the national movement to become a more sustainable country, recycling is at the forefront.

The city of Auburn and Auburn University are doing their part to reduce, reuse and recycle—the three Rs of being eco-friendly.

Established in 2005, the Auburn Recycling Program has worked under the Auburn University Facilities Division and the Sustainability Initiative to make on-campus recycling simple and effective.

“Our mission is to encourage and expand recycling, waste diversion and reuse programs and promote efforts to decrease the amount of waste produced on campus in order to reduce the amount of waste in the local landfill,” said recycling coordinator Leigh Jacobsen.

The amount of recycling on campus has increased substantially in the past five years.

“Our first year, 2005, we collected 135 tons of recycling,” Jacobsen said. “In 2010, we collected 607 tons.”

Part of the success comes from the recycling bins placed around campus.

One bin students have seen, but probably don’t know the name for, is the slim-jim bin trio.

“A slim-jim bin trio includes one bin each for trash, mixed paper and

Baked Chickpeas

‑DUI ‑Public Intoxication ‑Minor In Possession ‑Drug Offenses ‑Auto/Truck Accidents

co-mingled plastic bottles, aluminum and tin cans,” Jacobsen said.

Another reason for success is the implementation of the Dining Hall Recycling Program.

“Kitchen staff got involved by recycling steel food containers and plastic jugs and buckets,” Jacobsen said. “The Student Center and West Campus Dining also have cardboard balers where the kitchen and custodial staff recycles all cardboard boxes.”

Auburn’s work on campus to be more sustainable has not gone unnoticed.

“Auburn University did make The Princeton Green Schools Guide last year, which features green colleges,” said Jennifer Morse, technician in the Office of Sustainability.

Auburn scored a “B” overall, according to the College

Sustainability Report Card.

“Recycling plays a part in both of those rating systems,” Morse said.

Along with a drop-off center on North Donahue, the city of Auburn has a curbside service for picking up everyday recycling items like cardboard and cans.

Special arrangements can be made for bigger items.

“If you make an appointment with us, you can drop off computers, PDAs and gaming consoles,” said Andre Richardson, Auburn’s division manager of recycling.

During the spring, a certain day is set aside for recycling household items.

“Also, in the spring there is a special day for household hazardous waste collection where we collect herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and household cleaners,” Richardson said.

Kerry’s recipe of the week

Ingredients: 19 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper pinch of cayenne

Directions: Preheat oven to 400° F. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil and all seasonings. Toss until chickpeas are evenly coated. Transfer chickpeas to a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the oven.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn the chickpeas over for even cooking. Serve at room temperature for a snack.

Serves: 4

‑Personal Injury Contributed by Kerry Fannon

‑Defective Products ‑Wrongful Death

Jane Random Bradley Singletari

Experienced in representing college students facing DUI, drug, and other criminal charges in the Auburn Municipal Court and the Circuit and District Courts of Lee County Free Consultation 457 S. 10th Street, Opelika Website: www.deanandbarrett.com E‑mail: dblaw1@bellsouth.net No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of services performed by other lawyers.

freshman, early childhood education ──

What’s your hometown?

Birmingham

Morning or night person?

Night

What do you want to do after college?

Be a kindergarten teacher.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’ve been out of the country three times on mission trips.

If you were president, what’s the first thing you’d do?

Make abortion illegal.

What do you find attractive in the opposite sex?

Personality and sense of humor

Goals for this semester?

4.0 GPA Give me your best pickup line: Are you from Tennessee? Cause you’re the only ten I see!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Intrigue C3

The Auburn Plainsman

Coffee overindulgence may ensue A new Starbucks cold cup size holds 31 ounces, which is four to five times the amount of caffeine as a normal cup of coffee Christina Santee WRITER

Beginning May 3, the Starbucks Coffee Company will be launching its new 31 ounce cold cup size, appropriately named “Trenta,” meaning “30” in Italian. The drink will be available in all U.S. stores.

Customers are already excited for the new product.

“Right after I left my old store in Charleston, S.C., they welcomed the Trenta

Caffeine Calculator 1. 25 mg in 8 ounces of green tea 2. 45 mg in 12 ounces of Diet Coke, 75 mg in 12 ounces of Mountain Dew 3. 75 mg in 12 ounces of coffee 4. 77 mg in 1.5 ounces of espresso 5. 80 mg in 8.46 ounces of Red Bull

there as a test market,” said Amy Lynne, shift manager of a store in Highland Park, Ill. “My friend who still works there said customers went crazy. It’s only supposed to be for iced coffee and iced teas, but many of the customers wouldn’t stop asking until they were able to get their choice frappuccinos and iced lattes in the larger size as well.”

The 31 ounce size has already been labeled as “The Big Gulp of Starbucks.”

“Either you’re going to be absolutely ecstatic about the new size or completely disgusted,” said Kristina Lunardi, a four-year veteran of the company and former employee of the Highland Park store.

She said many have been desiring a larger size for quite some time now, but there are also those who feel Starbucks is well on its way to becoming categorized as a fast-food establishment.

“We are a company dedicated to health and wellness,” said Amber Waldo, store manager of the TigerTown store. “The Trenta is strictly for iced coffee and iced teas. Both options are extremely low in calories and contain no added sugar unless the customer asks for it.”

The Opelika store, which currently offers the Trenta as one of their size options, is also part of Starbucks’ ongoing test market.

Presently, the test market

has been limited to the Southeast and Southwest regions, areas which are considered to experience more favorable weather conditions in the colder months.

An article posted by management on the Starbucks website elaborates on the new size option.

“We’re excited to offer this larger size to our iced coffee and Tazo iced tea fans out there,” according to the official press release on the website written by Grant G., tea category manager. “You told us on My Starbucks Idea and through your purchases that you love refreshing iced coffee and tea beverages, but want them in a larger size.”

Sixty percent of those who currently purchase Starbucks iced tea already order the largest size, the Venti, which is 24 ounces.

At 31 ounces, the Trenta is only 50 cents more than the Venti, which most might find to be a better deal, especially since it qualifies for the company’s well-known 54-cent refill.

Though many caffeine cravers might worship Starbucks for catering to their addictive buzz, there are some cons to consider when it comes to overindulging.

“Especially for students, caffeine can cause increased alertness and awareness, which for some students might help them

1

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MARIA IAMPIETRO / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

A new cup size, Trenta, will be available for cold drinks at the Auburn Student Center Starbucks. study and wake up if they have a test first thing in the morning and overall just give them a clearer mindset,” said Jacque Nash, pharmacist at the Auburn University Student Pharmacy.

“However, the bad effects of caffeine are that it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, especially in someone who may already have a pre-existing heart abnormality.

“As well, it can cause

headaches in both cases where you have either too much or too little, depending on if your body is experiencing a withdrawal from the stimulant. Restlessness and moodiness can also be expected if too much is consumed.”

Some stores have already added the Trenta to their menus, but the remaining locations will have to wait until the unveiled May date rolls around.

4

5

Intrigue C4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Stress Reduction Kit

Bang Head Here

AND 10 OTHER WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Directions: 1. Place kit on FIRM surface.

2. Follow directions in circle of kit.

3. Repeat step 2 as necessary or until unconscious.

4. If unconscious, cease stress reduction activity.

Read these 1 x 10 1 ways to excrete stress from your body and encourage your brain to release endorphins, the body’s natural “happy” drug.

1 2

Find time to exercise! Even if it’s just a quick 15-minute circuit in your dorm room, exercise increases endorphins—that feel-good hormone.

Review what you went over in class later the same day. It will help you remember the information and make your study time much shorter.

3 4 5 6

Give yourself 10-minute study breaks to go online, eat, watch TV, whatever.

Keep a daily planner. Having everything organized and laid out in front of you makes budgeting time easier.

Eat healthy. Get those fruits and veggies to keep your body in tip-top shape.

Have a routine. Set aside time each morning and night to wash your face, brush your teeth, etc. This will give you some consistency during those busy times.

7 8 9 10

Take some “me” time. It’s ok to sit back and relax.

Sleep! Your body needs it. 7 to 9 hours a night is best.

Clear your clutter. Having a messy room can be a stressor.

Hang out with your friends. Being around familiar people will take your mind off stress. They’ll keep you grounded!

Chinese New Year brings a variety of traditions Jade Currid WRITER

Say goodbye to the Year of the Tiger.

The Chinese New Year, which will occur Feb. 3, will usher in the Year of the Rabbit.

Yinyin Zhao, graduate student in mechanical engineering, recently moved from China and enrolled in Auburn this semester.

She said Chinese New Year is the greatest festival for Chinese people.

“In all, Chinese New Year

is a day for people to rest after a whole year’s work, to get together with families who may not meet very often, to make a New Year’s Resolution and to plan for a better year,” Zhao said.

Chinese New Year is not a fixed holiday on the Western calendar.

Instead, the holiday depends on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar and falls on a different day each year.

The first new moon of the first month marks Chinese New Year, and a 15-day,

work- and school-free celebration ensues.

Tin Man Lau, professor in the College of Architecture, said many subcultures exist, and different groups follow various traditions while celebrating.

Widely recognized activities include greeting elders, giving money in red packets to younger family members, preparing traditional foods and wearing new clothes for

good luck.

O t h e r symbolic events in clud e f i r e works as well as dragon and lion dances.

Lau, who grew up in Hong Kong, said he does not practice superstitious traditions, such as scaring away a Chinese mythological monster.

He said his wife believes

in instilling a sense of Chinese heritage into both of their children.

Mike Wang, a third year graduate student in mechanical engineering and president of the Taiwanese Student Organization, said Taiwanese culture has a tradition of its own when celebrating Chinese New Year.

“Most of us will visit our ancestors’ graveyard in the first day of the New Year and remind ourselves that without them, there is no existing of me,” Wang said.

The TSO is hosting a

Chinese New Year dinner Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Student Center rooms 2222 and 2223.

Following the dinner, TSO will provide games and a gift exchange.

Students should bring one of their favorite dishes for the dinner and a present for the gift exchange.

In addition, the Chinese Student Organization is hosting a Chinese New Year’s evening show Saturday, Feb. 5.

Tickets are $3. A Chinese buffet dinner is included.

Fashion Thursday, January 27, 2011

C5 www.theplainsman.com

Intrigue

Amp up and slim down your winter wardrobe Looking sexy in winter is easier when you know what pieces to have and how to wear them Miranda Dollarhide INTRIGUE EDITOR

Ditch the oversized sweatshirt and fluffy Ugg boots—this season is all about showing off sexy silhouettes.

Winter weather has long been an excuse to bundle up in clothes three sizes too big, but not this year.

Start with a fitted, dark colored pant or jean. Most jean companies carry either a skinny or slim boot-cut style. Avoid a flared or wide leg pant. Finding a pant closer to the body is key.

If a skinny pant isn’t right for your body type, try a long sleeve dress in a neutral color. Neutral colors will slim your shape and show off your curves.

Wearing a dress in the winter may seem crazy, but pairing it with a cute jacket will keep you warm all day.

Try to stay away from bulky jackets, though. Go for a leather jacket or blazer instead. And if a jacket isn’t enough, try a coat that hits slightly above the hip. Long coats can look overwhelming on most body types.

Shoes are the secret to a perfect winter outfit. Stray away from anything that has a fur lining. Tall boots and heeled booties will create a sexier shape. If for some outfits a boot seems too masculine, replace it with a suede stiletto or a colorful heel.

When wearing neutrals, avoid looking too monochromatic. Adding fun accessories will spice up your look. Try a small purse and sparkly jewelry.

Whether you work a sexy boot or skinny jeans, staying warm is no longer an excuse to dress frumpy.

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Sam Edelman boots, Zad necklace, Free People dress, Hue tights, Staccato jacket, Ada belt—all from Behind the Glass

Esley jacket, Esley tank top, J. Brand jeans, Steve Madden heels, Wakamol earrings—all from Behind the Glass

Ella Moss top, Free People vest, Citizens of Humanity straight leg jeans, Seychelles heels, Wakamol necklace—all from Behind the Glass

Brown purse, HOBO INTERNATIONAL, $163.50 at Behind the Glass

Brown boots, SEYCHELLES, $164 at Behind the Glass

Red heels, NAUGHTY MONKEY, $53 at Therapy

Sparkle cardigan, KARLIE, $89 at Therapy

Woven belt, THERAPY, $18 at Therapy

Skinny jeans, FREE PEOPLE, $98 at Behind the Glass

Free People dress, Seychelles heels, Wakamol necklace, all from Behind the Glass

Tan boots, STEVE MADDEN, $102 at Behind the Glass

Models courtesy of AU Modeling Board: Anna Adcock, senior in agriculture economics; Hannah Waid, freshman in exercise science; Anna Freeman, junior in English; Emily Busby, sophomore in broadcast journalism

Patterned dress, ANALILI, $142 at Therapy

Leopard jacket, VELVET, $96 at Behind the Glass Black dress, GESTUZ, $128 at Therapy

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Wasting Time

C6

www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Intrigue

HOROSCOPES

Written by Lindsay Rife / Associate Intrigue Editor

Leo: Smile. Tomorrow will be worse.

Pisces: If your left palm itches today, then it is certainly your lucky day. Go gamble on something.

Scorpio: Oh no! Your friends don’t remember how clever you are!

Do them a favor and remind them.

Taurus: The greatest thing that will happen to you today will be looking in the mirror. Work it!

Aquarius: You’re annoyingly productive. Join the rest of us slackers and waste away playing stupid games on the Internet for a while.

Cancer: Do something that excites you today. It might not succeed, but in the meantime, you’ve wasted a good chunk of precious time being thrilled about nothing.

Libra: You seem to be under the impression you have a superpower. Guess what? You’re right.

Capricorn: If you don’t believe in Auburn and love it, you’re not my brother or sister.

ACROSS 1.

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Ceases Move a little Edible roots Orange drink Allot Sufficient Proportion Bend gracefully Office assistant Queen beater Kind and generous Humidity measure Burning S&L offering __ Lee Lewis Compensate Roundup gear __ Kippur Texting disclaimer Jeweler’s lens Joan __ & The Blackhearts Belly dance instrument Cheap-sounding Quips Hanker after Burnt __ __ crisp Glacial epoch (2 wds.)

Stroll Not petty Bullring shout Jason’s vessel Disney CEO Bob __ Liverpool poky Scent finder

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Oust Sicily’s erupter Pate de foie __ Fender mishaps

DOWN 1.

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Morsel Copy a drawing Kind of space Air-pump meas.

Rainy Quick to learn Semester Yen Practice a part Annual Santa __ race-track Internet hookup Garbo or Bergman Literary miscellany Dated hairdo Aloha in Rome

Pleasure trip See from afar __ de Janeiro Ostrich cousin Univ. degree Isolated Proposal response Giant’s Mel __ Pepping up Arp or Auel Frat-party attire Fought like knights Vegetable-oil type Corporate concern Gem measure Incite (2 wds.)

Blisters Vote in Lies down Composer __ Stravinsky Grand Canyon sight Blvd.

Aries: That pep talk you gave yourself in the mirror this morning?

Yeah, right on. Go you!

Sagittarius: The stars have aligned in your favor. You should quit school and take part in reality television immediately.

Gemini: If you’re the butt of all jokes, don’t worry. It’s flattery.

Virgo: A conversation with you is just a treat. Bother as many people possible today with these conversations.

BREAKFAST SCRAMBLER

Answers to last issue’s crossword

Clue 1:

FMNUFI

Clue 4:

SAOTT

Clue 2:

EARELC

Clue 5:

TSGIR

Clue 3:

CANBO

Bonus: Use circles to solve

SUDOKU

OCTO Instructions

1

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Place the numbers 1 to 8 in each of the octagons such that the numbers are not repeated in any row, column or diagonal.

5 4

6

2

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7

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The numbers along the edges, top and bottom are the sums for the numbers in the diagonal that begins or ends at that number.

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4 8

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The number in each diamond is the sum of the numbers of each of the four faces that border that diamond. The numbers that border the diamonds do not have to be unique.

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1

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2

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55 numbers are provided in this Octo

9

Answers to last issue’s puzzle

© 2009, Doug Gardner Patent Pending

Check www.theplainsman.com for the answers. For more OCTOs, go to home.comcast.net~douglasdgardner/site

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CRYPTO A

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12

At the top there is a KEY that lists all the letters from A thru Z with a box below. Each of the letters has a corresponding number. The bottom part contains a secret phrase. Each of the blanks has a number underneath it. Fill in the letters that correspond to the numbers below the blanks to solve the phrase.

“

E 26

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” 23

—Ben Franklin

Sports Thursday, January 27, 2011

Basketball preview

Swimming preview

» PAGE D6

» PAGE D5

www.theplainsman.com

D Page D1

AUBURN CRICKET CLUB NEEDS CHANGE Auburn cricket club looks for community support to compete at the national level Jordan Dale WRITER

With the National Cricket Championships looming in March, the No. 2 ranked Auburn club team is worrying if they can pay to get there.

At the national level, the Auburn cricket team placed eighth and is hoping to do better this year, assuming it can afford the trip.

With an extension already granted for the $400 registration fee, the Auburn cricket team is on the hunt for

community donations to allow them to compete at the national level.

Auburn’s cricket team was officially established in 2006; however, members of the team had been playing together outside collegiate action for longer.

The 2009 season left an indelible mark on the cricket community, culminating in a undefeated season and winning the SEC Championship.

Team captain Naveenan Thiagarajan said the team is operating solely on donations from the community, and despite the generosity, the team is still hurdling monetary obstacles.

“Community support has not just been from the India community, or the Pakistan community, but from the Auburn community,” said Navin Twarakavi, faculty sponsor. “So it’s very diverse.”

The team currently practices every

Saturday at 2 p.m. on the intramural fields, a situation that is not ideal because of the fields’ frequent use.

Even the annual Tiger Cup Tournament, which Auburn has won every year, is played on the intramural fields.

Twarakavi explained the tournament is done “professionally” and with Auburn staff assistance.

“We hope with club status and continued success that some sort of minimal facility could be available in the future,” Twarakavi said. “A good pitch is important.”

Thiagarajan said practicing without a » See CRICKET, D2

Back in the saddle again

ELAINE BUSBY / PHOTO STAFF

DEREK LACEY / CAMPUS EDITOR

An Auburn rider turns her horse during a competition against Fresno State Oct. 9.

Eric Ingram, president of Parkour club, leaps over staircases in front of the student center.

The equestrian team begins competing after a break during the colder months

Parkour class jumps heartbeat into overdrive

Colton Campbell WRITER

Although they’ve achieved a No. 2 ranking, Auburn’s equestrian team hasn’t rested on its laurels.

With half of its season underway and a 7-2 record under its belt, the team is looking forward to getting back on the field this semester starting with a match against Tennessee-Martin (2-3) Jan. 28.

Paige Monfore, senior in biomedical sciences, said breaks in school and training can be tough or great, depending on how you look at them.

“Over the break, the best thing to do is to ride for fun and enjoy your hobby,” Monfore said.

Coach Greg Williams’ advice to them was simple: relax.

“I basically just told them to recharge and stay mentally sharp,” Williams said. “I wanted them to ride on some tough horses that would keep them on their toes.”

One of the best advantages of being part of a sport that has a break in the middle of the season is being able to ride horses and practice outside the familiar college arena for a significant period of time, Williams said.

A semester’s worth of riding can be tough on the riders’ bodies and can affect their mentality during meets.

“I just wanted to make sure my body wouldn’t fall apart when I came back this semester,” Monfore said. “I decided to keep a clear mind and ride horses I enjoy riding, but don’t get to that often.”

Piper Donnelly, freshman, spent the break working out and riding in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.

“I worked out four times a week and rode every day,” Donnelly said.

The team is looking forward to getting back to action in the meet against Tennessee-Martin.

“It’s on the road with unfamiliar horses,” Williams said. “But that gives us good experience, and we’re pretty confident we’ll be coming away with a win.”

Seven new riders joined the Auburn team during the fall signing period during winter break.

Monfore felt responsible as a senior for making sure the new riders felt welcome to the team.

“We tried to show them the ropes as well as we could,” Monfore said. “It can be a little overwhelming when there are 20 riders competing in two hours. It’s very fastpaced.”

Monfore said she has supported her new teammates in more ways than just helping with their technical skills.

“It’s important to set examples and stay positive no matter what,” she said. “I’m always trying to be encouraging and keep everyone focused on what’s important.”

Donnelly has used her experience as a freshman to support the new riders as well.

“We got to meet them during their recruiting visit and had dinner with them,” Donnelly said. “We hung out with them, and they became part of our little group.

We just want to make it an easy transition.”

The team’s greatest victory last semester was defeating its biggest rival, the Georgia Bulldogs, Nov. 12.

The team will face Georgia again Feb. 12 in Bishop, Ga. Donnelly said the match will be the team’s toughest competition this semester, but it won’t be the only tough test.

“We’ve got South Carolina coming up in February, and they have a really good program,” she said.

The team has four more matches on the schedule before the postseason begins in late March.

Rachel Hampton WRITER

Students looking to keep in shape can come to the Student Activities Center to join Parkour Playground, an interactive group-fitness class aimed at a full body workout.

“Parkour is not like anything else,” said instructor Barrett “Bear” Townsend.

“It’s a full body workout that gets you sweating immediately,” The 19-year-old instructor sets up an obstacle course featuring over and under drills, moving under PVC pipe, jumping over tables, plyometrics, flexibility, speed ladders and hurdles.

It may sound overwhelming, but if you can walk, you can do it; if you can jump around, you can do it, Townsend said.

“It’s different every time,” said freshman Emily Bradley, a four-time participant.

“It’s a good bang for your buck as far as time goes.

The first time I came I had to sit out for a little while, but you get used to it. It gets you back in shape quickly.”

The fast-paced workout class, accompanied by musical artists like Lady Gaga and Chris Brown, has only

been offered for a week, but boasts participant numbers in the 20s.

“You get a really good workout, and you feel really accomplished afterwards,” said freshman Emily Lewis, also a repeat participant. “It goes by really fast. You don’t really know that you’re working out.”

A short jog begins the warm-up, and afterward the group is separated into teams. After choosing a team name, the groups compete against each other through the obstacle course.

“I think it’s cool because it’s a class that guys and girls can do,” said Mackenzie Horsefield, freshman in health promotion. “The cool part is you are in a team so everybody keeps each other going. If you know there is somebody behind you then you keep going faster. I mean, it’s exhausting, but you feel really good after.”

Townsend, who is also a certified yoga instructor, said he tries to keep the class fun and upbeat, even encouraging dancing to the music between obstacle course rotations.

“I don’t want going to the

gym to have to be a hassle, because it shouldn’t be,” Townsend said. “Everyone that comes is going to get more fit. If you want to lose weight, you can. If you want to get stronger plyometrics, we do that.”

The laid-back atmosphere allows students to let loose and forget about the demands of their school schedules.

“It’s just a chance to get all your stress out from the week and just have a good time,” Horsefield said.

Townsend even jokes you can bring your backpack and practice for running to class late.

“Its applicable if you are ever trying to get to class quick and you have to go over something,” Townsend said. “It’s perfect.”

The class is not limited to the music chosen by Townsend or even the selection of obstacles.

“If you want something out of the class you can come to me,” Townsend said. “I want people in five years to not feel unhappy about what they look like and start now working toward being fit for the rest of their lives. That’s how it should be.”

Sports D2

The Auburn Plainsman

CRICKET » From D1

proper pitch was like practicing football without a field or baseball without a diamond.

“The 2009 season was amazing,” said Rahul Potghan, co-captain. “But even with that, we did not receive recognition nor any substantial help. We still hope.”

Team spirit is high going into competitions despite the financial worries, Potghan said.

“We have good team chemistry, and we believe in putting in effort,” Potghan said.

Potghan said the team is running practices as often as possible in preparation for the national championships, which hosts 32 teams.

Twarakavi said the team has good competition from the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State, South Alabama, University of Georgia, University of Alabama and University of Florida.

The Auburn team is predominately comprised of players from Sri Lanka and India; but Americans and Caribbean natives have also joined the cricket club recently, One of the team’s goals is to continue to introduce cricket to the Auburn community and engender the same love for the sport as they have.

“To me, if you love sports, no game is too tough for you to learn,” Potghan said, “If you’re a baseball hitter, you can smack the ball in cricket, too. It’s kind of similar.”

Celebrating with the family

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Junior quarterback Cam Newton speaks to the crowd as he accepts the Heisman Trophy at the BCS Celebration Saturday. Estimates put the crowd size at more than 80,000.

Goodbye seniors Part of being an Auburn man or woman is to live by the creed, which states, “Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.”

Every time I see those words, I think of linebacker Josh Bynes, who appeared in only five games his freshman year and had eight starts as a sophomore, but his true work ethic showed during the 2009 season.

Auburn had no depth at linebacker, and Bynes was forced to play almost every snap.

The Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., native paced the Tigers with 104 tackles during the season and was sixth in the SEC and tied for 77th in NCAA with 8.0 tackles per game.

Although every position in football is important, there is a group of men that often do not get the credit they deserve— the offensive line, also known as the men in the trenches.

The quality and strength of an offensive line is paramount to a successful offense, whether running or throwing the ball.

Men responsible for this success on Auburn’s line include Lee Ziemba, Mike Berry, Byron Isom, Bart Eddins, Jorrell Bostrom and Ryan Pugh.

This year’s line saw three All-SEC performers this season and set school marks for points (577), total offense (6,989 yards) and rushing offense (3,987 yards) this season.

Ziemba also won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for the best lineman in the Southeastern Conference.

Finally, there is kicker Wes Byrum. The South Florida native has emerged as Auburn’s leading scorer and one of the program’s most reliable kickers.

Byrum kicked the winning field goal in the BCS National Championship, bringing his total of game-winning field goals to six.

He finished his career with a school record 363 points, which ranks fifth in SEC history, and also has the top two individual scoring seasons by a kicker in Auburn history, including a record 123 points this season.

Byrum is the first Auburn player to play in the East-West Shrine Game, America’s longest-running college all-star football game, since Jonathan Wilhite in 2008.

To the seniors I just mentioned and to those I didn’t, thank you for everything, and you’re now forevermore part of the Auburn family.

Nick Van Der Linden SPORTS@THEPLAINSMAN.COM

These past four years have been filled with ups and downs for the Tiger faithful and nobody could attest to that more than Auburn’s senior class.

What do you say to a team that— through adversity and coaching changes, sticks with a program and wins a national championship—besides, thank you?

Thank you for three bowl wins and a perfect season.

Thank you for showing us what resilience and perseverance is about.

Of course, these seasons couldn’t have happened without the athletes who gave it their all for the orange and blue every Saturday.

Some of these guys have stood out more than others to me, guys like Kodi Burns.

I remember watching Kodi as a high school senior, running in the first score from six yards out against the Florida Gators, and scoring the overtime touchdown for the win over Clemson in the Chick-filA Bowl.

Burns was the first Auburn true freshman quarterback to start since Gabe Gross in 1998, but has done and endured a lot more at his time at Auburn.

Burns was released from the quarterback position and later played wide receiver, but his contribution extended far above just catching passes. He was committed.

He had two teeth knocked out during the 2008 LSU game, but he decided to go back into the game and help his team.

His blocking, team motivational skills and overall commitment to Auburn will be missed.

Then there was a guy like Zac Etheridge.

Etheridge is one of those guys, like Aairon Savage, who has had to battle the injury bug during his tenure at Auburn, but was able to still push through, work hard and play his senior season.

He started 12 of 13 games at safety and led the team with eight tackles during his first career start in 2007. Etheridge would also lead the team in tackles in 2008 and started 33 consecutive games before suffering a season-ending neck injury against Ole Miss.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

New book discusses the green involved in college athletics Brian Woodham ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

While the focus of much of the football season being on agent involvement in player’s recruitment and the possibility of pay-forplay conspiracies, it’s just business as usual.

Sports journalist Mark Yost’s latest book, “Varsity Green,” delves into the economic and cultural implications of a NCAA system of college athletics he sees as “broken...financially and academically corrupt and morally bankrupt.”

He even refers to the NCAA as a “cartel,” comparing them to the mafia family depicted in the HBO series, the Sopranos.

It is hardly surprising or revelatory that corruption in college sports is by no means a new phenomenon, as Yost demonstrates through a detailed historical analysis of big money and college sports.

Yost pegs the advent of corruption in college sports to the first organized intercollegiate athletics event, an 1852 rowing contest between Harvard and Yale on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee.

The idea for the contest, Yost writes, was conceived by James Elkins, the superintendent of the Boston-Concord-Montreal Railroad, and even though it was billed as a rowing event, it was actually meant to increase ridership on the railroad.

Yost writes that the players were even provided free alcohol on the train ride and became so drunk that the game had to be delayed for an hour to give them time to sober up.

“Presidential aspirant

General Franklin Pierce was in attendance, and presented the Harvard rowers with prizes valued at more than $500, including gold-leafed oars and jeweled trophies from Tiffany & Co.,” Yost writes.

Yost’s book is not limited to a nostalgic trip down infraction lane: it also deftly covers the economic and cultural impacts of conference television contracts, bowl game and stadium corporate sponsorships, the fluctuations and adjustments in rules covering academic eligibility, shoe and apparel partnerships between universities and corporations, the facilities “arms race,” the influence (both good and bad) of boosters, the exorbitant sums paid out to elite college football coaches, and the action taken by the NCAA to protect its monopoly.

Yost also decries how the corruption and commercialism of professional and collegiate athletics has trickled down and infected youth sports, from Pop Warner football to AAU basketball leagues.

Yost doesn’t trumpet the bad in college athletics while ignoring good developments, however.

He lauds the universities that divert sports revenue to academic endeavors, but points out that most athletic departments lose money, primarily because of the requirement that non-revenue sports be supported.

If you want to gain a better understanding of the history of culture and corruption in college athletics and their impacts on our economy, youth and society, check out Yost’s factlaced analysis in his book “Varsity Green.”

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sports D3

The Auburn Plainsman

Fortner’s passion and confidence key to team’s success

“

Alison McFerrin WRITER

Coach Fortner is in it to win it.

“I’m a highly competitive person,” said Nell Fortner, Auburn women’s basketball head coach since 2004. “I want to win everything.”

Fortner came to Auburn after coaching the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Previously, she held jobs as an ESPN analyst for college basketball, head women’s basketball coach at Purdue University and a gold medal-winning women’s basketball coach during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

“For three years we trained that team,” Fortner said. “In that time span I traveled the world, over and over, playing in countries all over the place. So that was a very unique experience, with all the travel.”

But after her stint with WNBA, Fortner said she was ready for something else.

“I could have stayed on at ESPN and just continued being an analyst,” Fortner said, “but I wasn’t done coaching. I wanted to get back into college.”

Fortner said her love for the SEC and the belief that Auburn was a tremendous

FORTNER

opportunity brought her to the Plains.

“I love it,” Fortner said.

“I can’t even imagine doing anything else. I’ve never worked a day in my life.”

Confidence is the most important thing for an athlete to have, Fortner said, and that’s an area where she leads by example.

“She’s a very confident person,” said Carla McGhee, Lady Tigers assistant coach.

But confidence is not the only thing Fortner brings to the court.

“She just has a passion and a drive that’s refreshing,” McGhee said. “I think why I really like working for her is that I know that she’s in it for the right reasons. She cares about the kids; she cares about the game.”

The student athletes are Fortner’s favorite part about coaching.

“I love all their energy and everything they’re

I know that she’s in it for the right reasons. She cares about the kids; she cares about the game.”

CHATTING WITH NELL

—Carla McGhee WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ASSISTANT COACH

going through,” Fortner said. “It’s just really fun being around them and helping them through some things, and then helping mold them into the best team and have the most success that they can.”

Alli Smalley, guard and senior in elementary education, said Fortner is a fun and energetic coach.

“She’s just always really enthusiastic and excited, and she loves the game of basketball,” Smalley said.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, what drill we’re running in practice, no matter what we’re doing, she wants to win.”

During the 2008-2009 season, Fortner led the Lady Tigers to their first Southeastern Conference title since 1989.

Fortner said she knew

ever since high school that she wanted to be a basketball coach.

“I had dreams of being the Olympic coach before

I even knew how in the world you became the Olympic coach,” Fortner said. “I knew I wanted to coach at the highest level.

So I’ve been very fortunate in the places I’ve been and the athletes I’ve been able to coach. I feel very blessed in my career.”

CONTRIBUTED

Members of the Tigerettes pose together on the field during a home game this season.

CONTRIBUTED

Jamie Nolen and Lauren Taylor smile with Aubie during a home game this season.

Helping Auburn recruit the best since 1970 Auburn’s Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts have been a key part of Auburn athletics and its recruiting Brian Woodham ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

A team’s recruiting class is only as good as the Tigerettes or Tiger Hosts who sacrifice their time for that year.

The Tigerettes got their start in the late 1970s during former football head coach Doug Barfield’s tenure.

At first, the program used local high school seniors and Auburn freshman as guides for prospects, but as the program expanded, interviews and training processes were added, and participation in the program was limited to female Auburn students, at which point they became known as the Tigerettes.

The program further expanded once former coach Pat Dye came to Auburn.

“We used more of them because he brought in large numbers of recruits, trying to build the program back up” said Sue Locklar, on-campus recruiting coordinator. “We started going through a very hard selection process.”

Locklar said there are typically between 400–500 applicants who go through the selection process.

Those selected undergo in-depth training seminars about football, the football program and the coaching staff.

They are also trained to give tours of the school similar to those conducted by typical student recruiters.

Toward the end of Dye’s coaching tenure in 1992, Tiger Hosts were added to complement the Tigerettes, making Auburn the first program in the nation to incorporate male students into the recruiting process.

“I talked to him (Dye), and I said, ‘You know, coach, there’s a lot of times that we’re looking for a prospect and we don’t

know where he is, and we think he’s in the locker room or dressing room— we’re not sure. Guys could really help us out,’” Locklar said. “And he said, ‘Good idea’.”

Locklar said their philosophy is to assign two Tigerettes and one Tiger Host to a prospect and his parents.

“It never looks like a dating situation or an escort service,” Locklar said. “We try to be very protective of these girls—also, we don’t know these young men coming in here, so we’re very protective.”

In addition to an initial interview process, Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts who want to be involved in the recruitment of student athletes must also go through an interview process with the admissions office to become a part of SOAR, or Students of Auburn Recruitment.

According to a SOAR brochure, they “work with the Office of University Recruitment, serving as a part of the athletic division of Students of Auburn Recruitment recruiting prospective student-athletes alongside Student

Recruiters operating in the athletic division.”

Locklar said those students who work with prospects are trained extensively in NCAA rules and regulations, as well as in the intricacies of football.

Jeremy Osborn, senior in biomedical sciences and third-year Tiger Host, said that the benefit of being a Tiger Host extends beyond football.

“This has actually taught me more than all my days in high school football.

It teaches you a lot of life lessons,” Osborn said. “It teaches you how to sacrifice.”

Jamie Nolen, senior in public relations and thirdyear Tigerette, said her friends give her a hard time because she doesn’t come home enough.

“I love it so much, so I’ll be up here until three o’clock in the morning if I need to get something right. I’ll put in extra time,” Nolen said. “Pretty much the only time we were at home this weekend was to put our pajamas on and go to bed.”

According to Nolen, the knowledge and experience she has gained as a

Tigerette are worth the extra time and effort.

“It’s fun because I never really pictured me being here, but now I want to work in sports,” Nolen said. “It’s kind of given me direction for the rest of my life, too.”

Scott Fountain, football operations coordinator, said the Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts are valuable because they serve as the face of the program when a recruit comes to Auburn on an official or unofficial visit.

“The thing that makes you appreciate them so much is that they are regular students just like any other students on campus that have to go to class, and everything they do is on a volunteer basis,” Fountain said. “We appreciate their professionalism with recruiting, and the work that Sue Locklar puts in organizing that group is worth so much.”

While the Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts’ responsibilities with recruitment are limited to on-campus visits by prospects, they also represent the athletic department at functions and community events, such

“

This has actually taught me more than all my days in high school football. It teaches you a lot of life lessons.”

—Jeremy Osborn SENIOR TIGER HOST

as spring flings at local schools.

“The rules now are such that we don’t go off campus that much,” Locklar said. “The Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts can do all the clerical stuff and all the office stuff and the community stuff.

“We help Jay Jacobs host his functions. Even the Auburn University Retirement Association, we help with their function, just to kind of represent the Athletic Department.”

Interviews to be a Tigerette or Tiger Host will be conducted soon, although a firm date has not been set, Locklar said.

Sports D4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Contributed

Freshmen midfielders Rich Crawford and David Metz face off during a game.

Contributed

Rich Crawford and sophomore defender Andrew Sivon battle for possession of the ball.

Men’s lacrosse hoping for breakthrough season Kelly Nicastro Writer

After returning from a tough season in 2010, the Auburn University men’s lacrosse team is ready to get back on the field.

Last year, the team only had two seniors and two starters returning from its 2009 undefeated season, which was a big adjustment in the team dynamics.

“After going 10–0 to winning one game last year, it was a difficult season to stomach,” said coach Addison Barden. “This year, we have about seven returning players, so we’ll be a young

team, but I’ve been impressed with the returning players’ leadership as well as some new guys stepping up.”

Returning players have stood out as leaders on the field by helping the new players transition from high school lacrosse to the faster pace at the collegiate level.

Sophomore attackman Jake Ponseti, senior midfielder Mshon Pulliam and senior defenseman Marshall Clark have been chosen as the team’s captains for this season.

All three are expected to have a large impact on the

team’s success this season.

“I really feel like we’re starting to come together as a team,” Ponseti said.

“Guys are hanging out together outside of practice, and that’s what you want to help you succeed with any team.”

Barden has not only coached the Auburn lacrosse team for the past year, but also played on the team as an undergrad.

His experience in participating both on and off the field in the SEC is a great asset in understanding what to expect from Auburn’s competition.

“After playing at Auburn as an undergrad and coaching last year, it seems as though every SELC (Southeastern Lacrosse Conference) team we play is a big rivalry,” Barden said.

“But our biggest three rivalries would be the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, in that order.”

Having a successful season is a primary focus for the players, but the team also puts a lot of time and effort into getting involved in the Auburn community.

Parents in the community

are trying to start a league for youth lacrosse, and the lacrosse club is working on making that happen.

Last Sunday, the team held a youth lacrosse clinic next to Wright’s Mill Elementary School on Margie Piper Field.

“A goal of mine is that we can get this little league started,” Clark said. “This is a great opportunity for the kids, as lacrosse is still growing and there are not many teams in Alabama.”

The lacrosse club will host its first game Saturday against Mississippi State.

The team also plays

Florida State in Auburn the following day.

Home games take place on the City of Auburn fields located on Shug Jordan Parkway.

The lacrosse club has high expectations this season and hopes to qualify for the SELC tournament at the end of the season.

“Who knows, maybe we’ll pick up some of the momentum that one of our other, more major sports teams has recently been creating,” Ponseti said.

For more information, visit the website http://auburn.ialax.com.

Spirited Alverson becomes key part of team dynamics Between practices and games, Alverson finds time to excel, entertain off the court Blakeley Sisk Writer Emily Adams / Photo Editor

Gymnasts cheer on teammates during the home opener Jan. 14 against LSU.

Tigers prepare for ‘Hogs Patrick Tighe Writer

The Auburn Tigers will have a carnivorous encounter on the mats, bars and vaults Friday with SEC West opponent the Arkansas Razorbacks.

While the Auburn squad is improving, the Arkansas squad has jumped on the national scene.

According to gyminfo. com, the Razorbacks are currently ranked 12th in the country with a roster that includes two AllAmericans.

After scoring a seasonbest team score of 194.975 during the loss at Georgia last weekend, Auburn jumped into the polls and is currently ranked 22nd in the nation.

The Razorbacks are coming off a road victory against SEC East opponent Kentucky Wildcats.

The Razorbacks secured their first victory of the season thanks to solid efforts from junior Jamie Pisani and sophomore Jordan Salsberg.

Pisani posted a 39.125 on the floor and Salsberg

clinched a beam victory with a score of 9.775. Pisani has already gained AllAmerican status and is currently ranked 12th in the country in the All Around category.

Freshman Katherine Grable is ranked 29th nationally on vault, while Pisani is the third-ranked vaulter in the country.

The Tigers are coming off a loss to the University of Georgia.

Auburn is led by senior Rachel Innis, who is ranked 17th in the country on the beam and 20th in the floor exercises.

Auburn junior Kylie Shields is ranked 43rd in the country on the uneven bars.

Shields also has the team’s season high score of 9.825.

Arkansas and Auburn have faced off in gymnastics a total of 16 times.

The series is tied at eight wins for both teams, and Auburn came out victorious in its last meeting during the SEC Championships.

Arkansas, however, did

light up the scoreboard last year in its regular season meet, with a mesmerizing final score of 197.025.

“We have to keep together as a team,” said sophomore Toi Garcia. “We have to hit our 24 for 24s and just keep the whole team working hard in practice.”

Auburn first-year head coach Jeff Graba urged Tiger fans to come out in throngs, as this meet is important in determining SEC West standings.

“It’s going to be fantastic to go home to our crowd next week and improve on what we’ve done tonight,” Graba said.

The Tigers and Razorbacks will tear into each other at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Arena Friday.

The gymnastics program is asking that all fans who attend the meet wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive pink shakers upon entry.

Pink Auburn gear as well as $1 raffle tickets will be on sale to benefit breast cancer research.

From beauty pageants to basketball, Blanche Alverson can do it all.

As Southeastern Conference player of the week, Alverson said she is honored to be part of such an incredible group.

“It was an honor because we have such great players in this conference,” Alverson said.

Alverson started playing basketball when she was 6 years old because she always saw her brother playing.

Since then, she has Todd Van Emst / Auburn Media Relations played in recreational leagues and in high school Sophomore forward Blanche Alverson shoots for two during the Nov. 15 loss against the Seminoles of Florida State. and now at Auburn.

“I grew up an Auburn fan, and my dream was with her friends, all while words, so it hurts my singalways to go play college playing basketball.” ing ability,” Alverson said. basketball, so it just made The extracurricular acNot only does Alverson sense,” Alverson said. “I had tivities do not seem to wor- enjoy singing to pump up always been an Auburn fan, ry Alverson, though. her teammates, she also and it was both worlds to“I have enjoyed getting to participated in pageants in gether.” know both sides of it,” Al- high school.

While attending Auburn, verson said. “I get more of She sang in many of the basketball has become a a social aspect with Greek pageants and placed in sevmajor part of Alverson’s life. life, but I also get to know eral of them.

She said academics al- all of the athletes.”

Fellow teammate Morways come first, but basketOther than basketball gan Toles said Alverson’s ball is right after that. and Greek life, Alverson spirit shows on the court.

“All of her friends know likes to hone her singing Toles gets other insights that basketball is a main skills before games and at into Alverson’s life because priority,” said friend Emily practices. they are roommates.

Brown, senior in education, She sings before every “She eats the nastiest “but we also see her doing game to get her team- snacks,” Toles said, “like a great job of time manage- mates pumped up and has the healthiest stuff that ment. fun singing along with the your grandmother would “Somehow she manages band. eat and enjoy. I don’t even to be in a sorority, make “The songs (in the are- know the names of these great grades and hang out na) sometimes don’t have snacks–so gross.”

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sports D5

The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn’s swimming Tigers prepare for SEC Championship

TIGERS ON TOP

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Sophomore Lindsey Norberg dives into the pool at the home meet against Florida Friday.

Tigers gear up to win 15th straight SEC Championship in Gainseville Erik Yabor WRITER

The Auburn swimming and diving teams are headed to the SEC Championship once again.

Last season, the men won the conference title in Athens, Ga., with 784 total points.

The Florida Gators finished in second place with 765 points. It was the ninth consecutive time the two teams have finished in that order.

Needless to say, a bit of feisty competition has been brewing between the two programs.

Senior swimmer Kohlton Norys described it as a “bitter rivalry.”

“It goes back and forth,” Norys said.

Both the men and women were able to sink the Gators Friday evening in a back and forth contest, with the men’s team winning 167– 133 and the women’s team winning 165–135.

“They have great swimmers and strong divers,” said senior diver Dan Mazzaferro.

To add to the mix, the Tigers’ win in Athens last year gave them 14 straight SEC championships, beating Florida’s record of 13

straight, which they won from 1956 to 1968.

The Auburn women have won five of the last seven conference titles.

Despite Auburn’s recent dominance, Florida has proven to be a formidable opponent.

The Florida women won conference titles in 2008 and 2010.

The Lady Gators also won the national title last season.

This year, the Tigers will have to fight for their 15th straight SEC championship in the Gators’ own stomping grounds at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Natatorium in Gainesville, Fla. There are more tough teams than the Gators, though.

Both the Georgia Bulldogs’ and the Tennessee Volunteers’ swimming teams are on the rise in conference play.

“You’re always fighting to beat the best teams in the SEC,” Mazzaferro said. “We have a team that is focused on one goal.”

Second-year head coach Brett Hawke agreed with Mazzaferro, calling the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams the hardest working group on campus.

“You just work on your technique,” Mazzaferro said. “Then you build on that. You have to be consistent. It is part of making sure you win.”

This is just one of many times that Hawke has been in a situation with the

“

You just work on your technique.

Then you build on that. You have to be consistent. It is part of making sure you win.”

—Dan Mazzaferro, SENIOR DIVER

stakes so high.

He was co-head coach in 2009 when the men won the national title.

Hawke was also an assistant coach for the Brazilian team at the Olympics in 2008.

He was a two-time Olympian, has three Commonwealth Games medals and was a world championship finalist at the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships.

As a result, Hawke is used to the big stage.

The teams will arrive in Gainesville, Fla., Feb. 14.

SEC swimming competition begins Feb. 16, with the preliminary swimming competition at 10 a.m. and ending with the finals competition at 6 p.m.

Doors will open to the public starting at 9 a.m.

The competition continues each day until Sunday, Feb. 16.

The winners of the conference will then be announced when the final scores for all teams have been tallied.

Schedule Date

Event

Time

2/11/11

SEC Diving Championships

10 a.m.

2/12/11

SEC Diving Championships

10 a.m.

2/13/11

SEC Diving Championships

10 a.m.

2/16/11

SEC Swimming Championships

9 a.m.

2/17/11

SEC Swimming Championships

9 a.m.

2/18/11

SEC Swimming Championships

9 a.m.

2/19/11

SEC Swimming Championships

9 a.m.

2/26/11

Bulldog Last Chance Meet

ALL DAY

2/27/11

Bulldog Last Chance Meet

ALL DAY

3/5/11

James E. Martin Invitational

ALL DAY

3/6/11

James E. Martin Invitational

ALL DAY

3/10/11

NCAA Zone Diving Championships

ALL DAY

3/11/11

NCAA Zone Diving Championships

ALL DAY

3/12/11

NCAA Zone Diving Championships

ALL DAY

3/17/11

NCAA Championships - Women

10 a.m.

3/18/11

NCAA Championships - Women

10 a.m.

3/19/11

NCAA Championships - Women

10 a.m.

3/24/11

NCAA Championships - Men

11 a.m.

3/25/11

NCAA Championships - Men

11 a.m.

3/26/11

NCAA Championships - Men

11 a.m.

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Sports D6

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, January 27, 2011

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Gene Chizik and the Auburn football team accept the ODK Sportsmanship Trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Iron Bowl, during halftime of the Auburn–Alabama game.

Men struggle in SEC play, look for win on the road Crystal Cole SPORTS EDITOR

The men’s basketball team continues the hunt for its first SEC victory of the season on the road at South Carolina Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers had two close games this week, one at home against Alabama and another on the road at Arkansas.

Both games were a challenge for the team, and though Auburn posed comebacks in both, the deficits were too great to overcome.

Head coach Tony Barbee said his team struggled shooting against Arkansas.

“I told the kids to keep fighting, keep fighting,” Barbee said. “It is a game of runs and our run is coming.

We played well enough on the road. We just can’t have these lapses.”

Auburn is now 0–6 in SEC play and heading to South Carolina to battle the

Gamecocks, who are also coming off an SEC loss.

The Gamecocks (12–6, 3–2 SEC) lost to Kentucky at home Saturday, but beat Arkansas three days before in overtime.

Bruce Ellington, freshman guard for the Gamecocks, averages 30.4 points per game and was a fourstar prospect coming out of high school.

Another leader for the Gamecocks is senior forward Sam Muldrow.

Muldrow averages 27.8 points per game and shoots 72.5 percent from the freethrow line, which is the highest on the team.

South Carolina has been moderately successful in SEC action, beating Florida and Arkansas in consecutive games.

Auburn has struggled to find its first SEC win, but consistently plays well under pressure.

Auburn scored 31 points in the first 32 minutes of

“

It’s a game of runs and our run is coming.

We played well enough on the road, we just can’t have these lapses.”

—Tony Barbee, MEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

play against Arkansas Tuesday, but managed to score 33 points in the final eight minutes.

“I told them that you can’t get down just because the shots aren’t going in,” Barbee said. “We had good looks in the first 10 minutes (of the second half).

We got it to the rim, and I don’t know how many layups we missed and some

wide open jump shots. We pounded the ball into the post and couldn’t get any production.”

Auburn fought for every point it got Tuesday, but only managed to make 31 percent of its shots in the second half.

In the Gamecocks’ last game, leading scorer Ellington was only able to play eight minutes in the first half because of foul trouble and was held to eight points.

South Carolina coach Darrin Horn said it’s difficult to rally when you fall as far behind as the Gamecocks did.

“Our kids fought and gave us a chance to win at the end, but the game started with a bad tone and a bad mood so it was tough to overcome that,” Horn said.

Saturday’s game will be held in Columbia, S.C., is slated for a 1:30 p.m. tip-off and will be televised by the SEC Network.

EMILY ADAMS / PHOTO EDITOR

Junior forward Kenny Gabriel stretches to shoot the ball.

Tigers continue SEC play The women’s basketball team gets a week off in preparation for South Carolina Nick Van Der Linden ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR

The Auburn Tigers women’s basketball team will face a tough offensive challenge as it prepares to face the South Carolina Gamecocks Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Gamecocks are coming off a 59–48 conference win against the University of Alabama and close out its three-game home stand against the Georgia Bulldogs today.

The Gamecocks held Alabama to just 30.4 percent shooting and rank 95 out of 333 nationally in scoring defense (59.6).

Auburn head coach Nell Fortner said she felt her team showed signs of improvement following the Tennessee game, but knows there is still room for improvement.

“We need to shoot the ball better, and we have been,” Fortner said. “We were challenged today. We just need to get back to knocking shots down, and I thought we had some good shots at the beginning of the game.”

Key players for the Gamecocks include sophomore guard Ieasia Walker and junior guard La’Keisha Sutton. Sutton is second on the team in scoring with an average of 9.7 points per game.

Walker has been named AgSouth Athlete of the

REBEKAH WEAVER / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Auburn guard Morgan Toles runs past a Tennessee player.

week for her performance against Tennessee and Alabama while leading the team in scoring in both games last week.

Walker also leads the team with an average 2.4 steals per game.

Auburn will have its first bye of the month to get ready for the Gamecocks, following a 73–53 loss against No. 5 Tennessee.

“I think everyone is looking forward to a bye week,” said senior guard Alli Smalley. “We can get our legs back and get our focus back for the next game, so we can get some good rest this week in preparation.”

Smalley and sophomore guard Blanche Alverson paced the Tigers with 13

points in the loss.

After scoring three three-pointers, Alverson now trails Lynn Stevenson by just five three-pointers for ninth all-time in career three-point field goals.

“I think we can definitely learn a lot from this game because we have talked a lot about things that we could have done better that we discussed before the game that we did not execute when we got out there,” Smalley said. “We can learn from that, but at the same time, we still have to look ahead and get ready for South Carolina.”

Sophomore guard Morgan Toles had seven assists against the Volunteers and now has at least five assists in 11 of the last 13 games.