The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Vol. 117, Issue 36, 12 Pages
What you think about The End: What character has grown the most throughout the series?
Bradley Burroughs
“Ron, just because he started out being Harry’s friend. And by being Harry’s friend you are sometimes put in the shadows, and Ron has had to really develop and mature out of that.”
What one scene do you hope the filmmakers have not left out in the final movie? © 2011 Warner Bros. Ent. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. Harry Potter characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and ©Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved
The final movie in the Potter series will be released a midnight, and The Plainsman has you covered on students’ opinions about the end.
The end is near
Courtney Smith Intrigue Editor
The year was 1997. Many incoming freshmen, now 18, would have been only four or five years old. In those days, Michael Jordan ruled the basketball courts, Bill Clinton ruled America and the fastest Internet speed was dial-up. In those days, the popularity of children’s literature was dying out. Reading books for fun? As if ! Few would have foreseen that over the course of 10 years, the story of the Boy Who Lived would hold multiple generations spellbound for years to come. And it all started with a single book, only 309 pages long, about a messy-haired bespectacled boy who learned on his eleventh birthday that he was a wizard. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released June 30, 1997 in the United Kingdom and Sept. 1, 1998 in the United States (retitled Sorcerer’s Stone for American audiences). According to Internet Movie Database, when the film of the first book was released Nov. 16, 2001 in the U.S., it set the record of opening on 3,762 screens, more than any other films at the time. And now, 10 years and seven movies later, the final film of the series will be released at midnight in theaters that have been sold out for weeks. Fans know the stories by heart, and most know how the epic finale will end, but the movie and the franchise have an allure they can’t stay away from. Haley Bridges, junior in English, said she began reading the series in fourth grade. “I love how detailed everything in the series is,” Bridges said. “Rowling did an incredible job of really building each character to their fullest, layer by layer, which let the reader relate in a way that I personally never had before with books.” Part of that connection is thanks how relatable the characters are, Bridges said. “It felt as if we really knew these people; we understood their quirks and secrets,” Bridges said. “Because of that, it provided readers with this indescribable connection to each character. We grew up with them, no question about it.” Amanda Wilson, industrial design alumna, said she loves the series because of its broad appeal to multiple generations. “I love this book series simply because it is so original and so well-written that it adapts to any reader, whether five or 50 years old,” Wilson said. Bradley Seymore, sophomore in radio, television and film, said he also was introduced to Harry Potter in elementary school when his
Books
450 million books sold Translated in 67 languages 4,176 total pages in series
1,084,170 total words in series
Movies
231 named actors involved 160 pairs of Harry’s glasses $6.3 billion in gross revenue
Helen Hernandez
“The final battle scene. The end has good lines with other characters.”
What character’s death were you most surprised or upset about?
Beth Alexander
“One of the twins, because I love them. They are hilarious, and I really felt a connection with them because they are goofballs.”
Are you looking forward to the epilogue scene?
60-70 wands used by Daniel Radcliffe
250 paintings made for the Marble Staircase 210,000 coins made for Gringotts bank scenes 900 memory vials made for Dumbledore’s office fifth-grade teacher shared the first book with the classroom. “The best thing about the book series is that when you read the books, it just takes you away from all your troubles and responsibilities and into this world that sometimes I wanted to be in myself,” Seymore said. Olivia Dean, industrial design alumna, said she got into the series after the first movie came out. When she saw the movie, Dean said, she was immediately interested in reading the books. “After the movie came out on DVD, I must have watched it a dozen times,” Dean said. “And I’ve read the first three books at least six times. I know, nerdy.” Dean said she is sad everything is coming to an end, but she has definitely enjoyed every minute.
“I’m lucky to have grown up with Harry Potter,” Dean said. All four said they will definitely be there Thursday night for their last Harry Potter movie premiere. “I’ve gone to all the movie premieres since the fourth movie,” Dean said. “And yes, I will be going to the one this Thursday with a lightning bolt on my forehead and plastic glasses on my nose.” Seymore said he has gone to the see the midnight premieres for the last two movies, and he bought his ticket for the final one weeks ago. “This series has been around a long time, and it’s been 10 years since the first movie came out so I’m definitely a little bummed that this is the last one,” Seymore said. “But I still have all the movies to watch and the books too, so I’ll never stop being a fan of them.”
Inside Campus » A3 | Classifieds » A8 | Community » A5 | Intrigue » B1 | Opinions » A7 | Puzzles » A8 | Sports » B3
Ann Marie Wu
“I felt it was not coherent to the rest of the series, so I’m not looking forward to it.”
Who is your favorite villain?
Jordan Luke
“Snape because he killed Dumbledore, and you didn’t see that coming.” » Share your thoughts at www.theplainsman.com
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July 6 — East Veterans Boulevard Theft of property. Toshiba laptop reported stolen. July 6 — East Veterans Boulevard Burglary. Playstation 3, four Playstation games, two controllers. July 7 — East Lee Road Theft of property. Automotive batteries.
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July 7 — East University Theft of property. Beretta shotgun firearms, citizen watch, Gateway 18” laptop. July 7 — Harper Avenue Burglary. 42” flat screen TV, HP laptop, Thinkpad Apple iPad 2 reported stolen. July 7 — East University Burglary. 50” LCD TV, Gateway 12” laptop, JVC video camera, Remington shotgun reported stolen.
July 9 — Debardeleben Street Theft of property. HP/Pavilion notebook PC, PC notebook. July 11 — Opelika Road Theft of property. Four Ralph Lauren Polo shirts. July 11 — Lee Road Burglary. Airconditioner unit, Miter Saw, assorted tools, grinder tool, ladder.
July 9 — Bedell Avenue Burglary. 1 Compaq laptop, digital camera, red hat.
— Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety
DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn
General Manager
Kim Rape
Campus
July 6 — East Veterans Boulevard Theft of property. Panasonic 50” HDTV, Samsung surround sound system, Kenwood amp, Fujitsu laptop, four GB iPod, HDMI chords.
Courtney Heinlien Tom Hopf Stephanie Garner Lorenzo Lane Stacey McMahan
Judy Riedl
News Editor
Crime Reports
Sports Nicole Singleton Sports Editor Photo
Thursday, July 14, 2011
■ Mark Raley Morris, 19, of Dothan Jack Hampton Drive July 7, 1:18 a.m.
■ Ricky Jerome Richardson, 45, of Opelika South College Street July 8, 10:43 p.m.
■ Gregory Mal Sport, 22, of Montgomery Glenn Avenue July 9, 2:42 a.m.
■ Christopher Charles Whaley, 29, of Lagrange, Ga. Wire Road July 7, 1:59 a.m.
■ Robert William Stewart, 19, of Dekalb, Ga. Toomer Street July 8, 11:15 p.m.
■ Jaynesh H. Patel, 25, of Nasauri, ZZ Temple Street July 9, 3:33 a.m.
■ Joseph Aron Olvey, 29, of Gadsden East Longleaf Drive July 7, 4 a.m.
■ Brandyn Scott Walker, 20, of Newnan, Ga. South College Street July 9, 1:38 a.m.
■ Susan Bledsoe Whitle, 54, of Cobb, Ga. Opelika Road at North Dean Road July 11, 5:32 p.m.
Harry Potter: A to Z
A B
Avada Kedavra Killing curse used to kill Harry’s parents.
Bellatrix Lestrange Fanatically loyal Death Eater.
C
Chamber of Secrets Home of the basilisk monster said to kill people by staring in their eyes.
D E F G
Albus Dumbledore Headmaster of Hogwarts. Elder Wand One of the Deathly Hallows.
Felix Felicis potion Tonic that makes the drinker lucky.
Gryffindor Hogwarts house where Harry, Ron and Hermione were sorted.
H
you say
Goodbye... we
say
Hello Your Auburn Alumni Association is here to help you prepare for graduation. For everything a graduate needs, go to:
www.aualum.org/goauseniors New graduates receive a discounted membership for the first five years. Join before you leave the Plains!
Rubeus Hagrid Hogwarts gamekeeper and close friend of Harry’s.
I
Imperious Curse Spell that places someone under the con-
trol of the caster.
J K
James Potter Harry’s father who was killed by Voldemort.
King’s Cross Station Departure point for the Hogwart’s Express at Platform 9 3/4.
L
Leaky Couldron A popular wizarding pub in downtown London and entrance to Diagon Alley.
M N sons.
Muggle Nonmagical per-
Neville Longbottom Pureblood Gryffindor wizard who is a close friend of Harry’s.
Room that changes to suit its user’s needs.
S
Slytherin Hogwarts house known to have produced the most dark wizards.
T
Triwizard Tournament Games held in Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts.
U
Delores Umbridge Ministry member sent to keep Hogwarts under strict control.
V W X
Voldemort Most powerful dark wizard of all time. Wormtail Peter Pettigrew’s nickname.
O P
Xenophilious Lovegood Editor of The Quibbler and father of Luna Lovegood.
Q R
Z
Olivander’s Wand shop in Diagon Alley.
Petrificus totalus Spell used to petrify another. It renders a person immobile. Quidditch Game played in the air on broomstick. Room of Requirement
Y
Yaxley Death Eater who fought in both wizarding wars.
Zacharias Smith Seeker for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team.
Campus Thursday, July 14, 2011
A www.theplainsman.com
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Sniffing out the pine problem Auburn’s EcoDogs program trains dogs to detect pine-killing fungi Nicole Singleton Sports Editor
It’s not strange to see a dog sniffing a tree, but it might be strange to know that by sniffing, the dog is saving the tree’s life. The EcoDogs program is using this novel technique. One of the program’s projects is to train dogs to sniff out a deadly fungus in pine trees before it kills the trees. “The advantage to using the dogs would be that we’ll be able to find out if the trees are infected before it’s showing aboveground symptoms,” said Jason Dewitt, dog handler for the Animal Health and Performance Program. The dogs are trained to smell the fungus in the tree roots, then sit on that spot and look to their trainer to indicate they have picked up the scent. Charm and Opie, two Labrador Retrievers, are using their noses to detect the fungus. “They have really good noses,” Dewitt said. “Because this odor is underground, we need a dog with an exceptional nose that checks everything.” Charm and Opie started as explosive-detection dogs and were
Nicole Singleton / Sports Editor
Opie, a three-year-old Labrador, has been with EcoDogs for a year sniffing out deadly fungi.
Nicole Singleton / Sports Editor
Opie searches for signs of fungus in the ground as his dog handler, Jason DeWitt, uses a stick to guide him around. Once Opie picks up the scent, he begins digging for the fungus aggressively. chosen for this program because they are so good at what they do. “With this, you have to have a 100-percent trust in your dog, and these dogs don’t false,” DeWitt said. “They don’t sit when it’s not the odor, and they are very methodical.” The dogs go through an extensive training process to be able to detect the lethal fungus, and up to this time, the dogs have shown to
be infallible at the task. “When we go out and do searches, they not only take samples from where our dogs indicate; they take samples around the area to make sure the dogs aren’t missing anything, and so far we haven’t missed,” DeWitt said. The purpose of training the dogs is to prevent Southern pine decline. This decline is occurring
because of diseases that come from a fungus carried by beetles. There are four species of fungi that affect the trees and are under the same genus Leptographium. Procerum and terecrantis are native to the United States and serpens and huntii are both invasive species. “When the trees get stressed— and they can be stressed because of drought—they can be stressed
Business degree ranks high
Campus buildings to be demolished Kristen Ferrell Campus Editor
Within the next few months, three buildings on campus will be brought to the ground, so be prepared for more huge trucks and traffic detours on your way to class. Mell Hall, Sewell Hall and the Alpha Psi fraternity house are scheduled to be demolished in efforts to update and revitalize the image and character of campus. “Every university—to stay modern—has construction programs, but you’ve also got to tear old stuff down. You just can’t accumulate old junky buildings,” said Dan King, assistant vice president for facilities. “A healthy campus has a construction program and also a demolition program, and that is the way it should work.” Back in February, the Board of Trustees approved the demolition of the buildings. King gives three reasons why it is time for each to see their last day. “Alpha Psi has been in pretty bad repair for a while,” King said. “A vacant piece of property can always be a problem. We don’t want it to be an area of bad activity. We want it to be safe, and it’s really a good piece of property.” King said there are no plans for
the property right now other than to just get the eyesores down and put some sod around. Until that time, there are plans to work with the city to use Alpha Psi as a practice house for firefighters. “Auburn City fire department is interested in doing some training in Alpha Psi,” King said. “They want to go in there and put some smoke in there and do some rescues in the dark.” Located closer to the center of campus, Mell Hall’s absence is going to be the most noticeable to students as well as tailgaters who take over the corner of Mell Street and Roosevelt Drive every year with tents and grills. Built in 1920, Mell Hall was named in honor of Annie White Mell, a 20th-century campus and community leader. King said the building is not worth renovating. “Mell Hall is in very poor condition,” King said. “If we had to renovate that building, you would have to gut and replace the roof and windows. It’s a great location, and the university will eventually do something better with it.” Until a plan is made with something to build in Mell Hall’s place, it will just become a grassed knoll for anyone to stroll across. That is » See Demolished, A4
Sarah Layne Writer
Christen Harned / Photo editor
Windows have been boarded and doors have been locked at Alpha Psi, Mell Hall, and Sewell Hall in preparation for demolition. All are scheduled to go down by the end of the summer.
Urban Studio helps rebuild tornado-damaged city Trent Erwin Associate Campus Editor
Urban Studio is currently working in cooperation with FEMA to rebuild Cordova. Affiliated with the School of Architecture, Urban Studio is located in Birmingham as a teaching and outreach venue for Auburn architects. When the April tornados rolled across central Alabama, the community of Cordova was nearly wiped off the map. As rescue and rebuilding began, the Urban Studio was in contact with FEMA to help the community.
Weeks after the destruction occurred, Urban Studio got the green light from FEMA to partner with Cordova in rebuilding efforts. “What we are going to start with is engaging the community to get their input about the opportunities and needs,” said Cheryl Morgan, director of the Urban Studio. “Helping us to develop a master-plan update.” The key is to look toward the future and develop a strategy of how and where the new buildings will be placed. According to Morgan, Cordova was originally built around a rail-
because of fire, they can stressed because of having equipment go through the woods and causing oil compaction, so anything that stresses the tree causes the tree to give off a chemical that attracts beetles,” said Lori Eckhardt, associate research professor of integrated forest pathology and entomology. After the beetles attack the root system of the pine trees, the fungus begins to grow in the system and causes the root to die, which causes the tree to die. Symptoms include yellow green needles, sparse tree crowns with heavy cone crops and limited stem diameter growth. “The bad part is, once you see the above-ground symptoms like that, it’s too late to do anything to save the trees,” Eckhardt said. » See EcoDogs, A4
“
This is the first step in a very longterm process.” —Cheryl Morgan Director of urban Studio
road and textile mill for its industry, but no longer relies on these as a means of industry. Because of this evolution of the city, buildings may require some relocation as they are rebuilt. Morgan also emphasized the importance of the community
looking toward new means of industry surrounding the new interstate and the portion of the Black Warrior River that runs by the town. “There is potential for developing some economic opportunity from the river, maybe something the community wants to reconsider,” Morgan said. The Urban Studio is playing a large role as a facilitator for the people to have a say in what they want for the future. Students will be involved with the reconstruction efforts. » Read the rest online at www.theplainsman.com
Coined by the program as “The Best Major You’ve Never Heard Of,” Auburn’s supply chain management department recently ranked among the top 25 in the nation of its kind. Last month Gartner Inc., a global research firm, released its most recent Supply Chain Management Educational Rankings, in which Auburn ranked at 19.5. The study ranked undergraduate supply chain management programs by measuring three different criteria to comprise a total assessment score. “Forty percent of the score was industry value, which measured things like experts’ impressions of program quality, quality of students graduating from the program and willingness to recruit employees and future leaders from the program,” said Joe Hanna, associate dean for research and outreach and professor of supply chain management. Another 40 percent of the score, known as program scope, measured the curriculum’s quality and ability to prepare students for successes in supply chain practice. The remaining 20 percent focused on the overall size of the schools’ programs. This year’s candidate pool included larger programs than previous years. “To be ranked in the top 20 among such prestigious schools as Georgia Tech, Penn State, Stanford and University of Texas, and to be ranked alongside supply chain programs from schools like Indiana University and South Carolina is truly an honor and quite an accomplishment,” Hanna said. Hanna said he has a desire to strengthen the research and outreach efforts of the college, and he is pleased the program is filled with talented individuals. » Read the rest online at www.theplainsman.com
Campus A4
The Auburn Plainsman
Ecodogs Âť From A4
“We’re hoping to use the dogs as early detection.� Todd Steury, co-creator of EcoDogs and assistant professor of wildlife ecology, said he believes people will want to use the dogs, but it is important for program get as much informa-
Demolished Âť From A3
if officials decide not to put up don’t-step-on the-grass signs. “We anticipate the demolition to begin on July 25, and per contract, we have 37 days to knock it down,� said Mark Aderholdt, project leader for the demolition of Mell Hall. “The winning bidder thinks they can have it down sooner so we will just see.� Aderholdt said there will be no explosions, so classes nearby will not have noise issues, and the grass should be ready to walk on by the
Thursday, July 14, 2011 tion about it out to the public. “We’re doing OK, but the hope is to increase the amount of business,� Steury said. “I think that to do that, all we have to do is get out name out there.� The cost of the EcoDogs program is $2,000 a week, and up until now it has been paid by the Alabama
Agricultural Experiment Station grant, which was used to begin the program. “My hope is just that it continues to grow,� Stuery said. “Right now the program is in the red basically. We’re not generating enough business to compensate for the cost of having full-time handlers and vehicles and stuff like that.�
second or third home game this fall. Sewell Hall resides at the corner of Samford Avenue and Donahue Drive. Built in 1962 and named after Roy Sewell, the man commissioned to write the War Eagle fight song we still chant today, this building can house 140 beds. Outdated and in need of a makeover, King said this prime location will become a larger dormitory that will be able to house more students and eventually help house students when the Hill dorms begin their renovation process. After the demolition
and planned building of a new dormitory and parking deck approved by the Board, King said the tentatively named West Samford and South Donahue Student Housing Complex should house roughly 400 beds. King said no students will be affected by any of these buildings being knocked down because none are currently occupied. But, be prepared because the next few months are sure to be filled with even more hard hats around campus in the pursuit to make a more modern learning experience for everyone.
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Community Chefs bring Farm to Table www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Natalie Yarid
Writer
While decisions are being made 474.12 miles away in Washington DC, the outcome will affect students at Auburn University. The GOP and Democratic leaders met Sunday night at the White House to discuss the current debt ceiling and its looming implications on the economy. Lawmakers are in the process of hashing out a plan that will allow the government to increase
come to a close. More than 200 people are on the list obtained by The Auburn Plainsman Monday. Interviews will be in progress until Sept. 30. The panel will then make its final selections. While the list does not include Bobby Lowder, it does include other current trustees. The list contains mainly new names. All Natalie Yarid / News editor
Chefs Miguel Figueroa and Andrew Litherland choose peaches to use in the Farm-to-Table meal. the market to give the utmost fresh taste. Last week, the menu’s appetizer included a honey and goat cheese mixture served with homemade toasted cinnamonraisin bread, also bought at the market. Andrew Litherland, chef at Ariccia, said buying locally is the right thing to do. The food tastes better, which is better for the restaurant business, and it helps the local farmers increase their business. Local farmers, Judy Hale of Burnette Farms, said the chefs give great insight into new ways to cook their foods. “The chefs gave me the idea to grill peaches and it was wonderful,” Hale said. A few weeks ago, Figueroa and Litherland set up a cooking station at the market, and all the farmers congregated to learn new ways to use their foods. The chefs said they would like to do that again and plan to in the near future.
its borrowing limit, but are unable to agree on spending cuts and tax reforms. Earlier this year, the $14.3 billion borrowing limit was reached, causing a fear among political officials that the government could possibly default on its obligations to pay the money back if the limit was not raised by Aug. 2. Lawmakers on both sides are trying to reach an agreement that will allow the government to borrow more than $2 trillion
Natalie Yarid / news editor
Farm-to-Table meal prepared by chef Miguel Figueroa. “We love the products, and the farmers have been very helpful,” Figueroa said. The farm to table meals can be purchased for $34 at Ariccia every Thursday night. Starting July 14, Farm-to-Table meals will be available every night until September 29. “It is a really reasonable price,”
to cover bills and expenses. Conversation became tense when Republicans refused to budge on tax breaks for oil and gas companies as well as tax deductions for the wealthy. Democrats had their own requests in asking that the Pentagon would contribute to spending cuts, which republicans refused. “Only by refocusing our attention on creating a sound and predictable economic environment will American companies be able
Tysonn McKinnon Writer
Alex Sager / photo editor
Construction on Magnolia Avenue picks up this summer. ahead. “Those stand-up ‘Stop for Pedestrian’ signs in the middle will go away, but there will be an electronic messaging sign as you enter (Magnolia),” said David Dorton, city director of public affairs. These signs, a separate project,
appointments to the Board must be confirmed by the Alabama Senate.
said Sara Barkley, waitress at Ariccia. Before each Farm-to-Table meal is served, the server informs the customer of the locally-grown dishes available to them that evening. “You can tell the food is fresh, and has been picked recently and tastes light,” Barkley said.
to grow, thrive, and most importantly, create new jobs,” said Julie Eckert, deputy press secretary for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. President Obama is pushing for revenue increases and deficit cuts over the next decade in the range of $4 trillion, but the GOP remains firm that tax increases would ultimately destroy jobs in an already uncertain economy. Monday, Vice President Joe Biden led agreements between Republicans and Democrats that » See Debt, A6
Magnolia Avenue crosswalks to be under construction Pedestrians traveling along West Magnolia Avenue may soon have less to worry about from oncoming traffic thanks to a new joint project between the University and the City of Auburn. Construction began June 20 and should last two months. The construction along the seven Magnolia Avenue crosswalks between the North Donahue Drive and North College Street intersections is expected to increase awareness of pedestrians crossing the street and reduce the number of accidents. “The construction is to put in some stamp concrete crosswalks along Magnolia from College to Donahue,” said Jeff Ramsey, city engineer. “They’ll be similar to the ones on Samford, but instead of being raised, they’re going to be the same elevation of the road.” In addition to redesigned walkways, there will also be electronic signs placed at the two intersections to warn drivers of increased pedestrian activity
Trustee Update Board of Trustees have
National debt becomes focus for Congress Laura Hobbs
Page A5
Nominations for the
News Editor
If a meal prepared with local, fresh ingredients is something you’ve been seeking, seek no longer. Chefs of Ariccia at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center have begun to attend the weekly farmers market at Ag Heritage Park to gather food for Farm-to-Table menu. The food is prepared the day it is bought and is served as a suggested option to customers on Thursday nights. The chefs also use the foods from the market throughout the week. Miguel Figueroa, Chef de Cuisine, said each week he attends the farmers market and picks up usual items like goat cheese and then scans each booth for new items that could enhance the menu like cinnamon-raisin bread. After purchasing the items, the chefs begin to brainstorm and create the Farm-to-Table meal. Farm-to-Table is a national nonprofit organization that aims to promote local businesses and bring fresh food to the public. The chefs heard about this idea and decided they wanted to be involved. Each week a three-course meal is added to the menu for the night, only consisting of locally- grown foods. “The fruit and produce has a much better taste after being on the tree longer,” said Judy Hale of Burnette Farms. According to Hale, most nonlocal foods are picked while they are still green and travel for days or weeks to get to where they need to go. Most of the farmers at the market pick their foods the morning of the market. One of the regular items the chefs buy is goat cheese from Bulger Creek Farm. Farmers milk the goats only two days before
a
will promote pedestrian awareness as well as serve other functions such as informing traffic on game days. “With the verbal message signs and the visual difference in the crosswalks, I think people will be more aware and hope-
fully watch out for pedestrians,” Ramsey said. However, while city officials are optimistic, they are also well aware of the sobering realities of the situation. “Obviously with the amount of vehicles on Magnolia and also the amount of pedestrians, you’re bound to have accidents,” Ramsey said. “There’s just so many opportunities for conflicts.” The new stamp concrete crosswalks are anticipated to help cut down on these conflicts. “I think any of the enhancements that are put on Magnolia that improves driver and pedestrian awareness probably helps in reducing any types of accidents that there are on Magnolia,” said Bill James, City of Auburn director of public safety. Improvements to the road have been deemed necessary because of the increase of pedestrian-related auto accidents occurring along the street within recent years. In 2009, 11 pedestrians were struck. » See Construction , A6
Helpers prepare supplies for kids Kelley Rouse Writer
Volunteers will be stuffing bins with school supplies instead of stuffing busses full of children, for the second annual Stuff the Bus event, coordinated by United Way of Lee County. The event, which will be held July 15, serves to ensure every child in the area starts the school year off properly. Stuff the Bus is a program in which school supplies are collected and evenly distributed throughout public schools in Lee County, Opelika and Auburn city schools. Volunteers will be located at the Auburn and Opelika Walmart locations from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday. If you are unable to make it out, drop-off bins will be at the locations until July 17. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is also housing a drop-off location through Friday. You can contact United Way if none of these locations work for you, but you would still like to donate. Last year, United Way collected around $2,000 in school supplies and another $2,000 from the Auburn Rotary Club. The donations were used for Walmart gift cards according to Kristen Meadows, campaign manager for United Way of Lee County. “The monetary donations are more helpful and the reason is because they can go and buy whatever the kid or student needs,” said Jenifer Lovvorn, director of public relations at Auburn City Schools. School supplies are great to have on hand, but there are times when the child may need something special that they are not able to get, Meadows said. “In the Opelika school system, they said it was nice because a kid came to school, and they didn’t have a belt and, he was never able to get one,” Meadows said. » See Bus , A6
Community A6
The Auburn Plainsman
City Council Update •
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Council approved a conditional-use request. Avondale Bar and Tap Room, a prospective second-floor bar on North College Street, will have requirements for hours of operations and soundproofed walls. Council approved plan to purchase electronic message signs on West Magnolia Avenue to improve pedestrian safety. Council approved an amendment to the city code on bicycle lanes. It is now illegal to park vehicles in the lanes adjacent to major arterial or collector streets during any time of the day. Council members voted to authorize the use of the remaining balance of $105,000 from previous bonds. The bonds were intended to fund construction of the Auburn Research Park to pay for infrastructure improvements on Longleaf Drive. Council approved a proposal to reimburse the city. It will now be reimbursed for any funds spent on capital projects ahead of issuing a series of bonds.
Bus
» From A5 “So they were able to kind of use it for something like that as well.” School supplies like backpacks, pencils, notebooks and paper are highly encouraged as well as monetary donations. Teacher supplies, like paper towels and hand sanitizer, are also accepted. “We’re really open to be able to give more and have it be a little bit bigger this year,” Meadows said. If you’d like to be involved, United Way is looking for volunteers for the event. Volunteers are needed for the supply collection on Friday and to divide up the supplies next week.
Construction
Youthfuloffender.com Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean you have to carry a record with you for the rest of your life. Don Eddins, Attorney. *Auburn * (334)821-9981 No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other attorneys.
» From A5 “All of the work that we’re doing is intended to improve safety, to reduce the number of conflicts that could result in injury to a pedestrian,” said Auburn University master plan civil engineer Catherine Love. “It’s intended to make the crosswalks safer and to train pedestrians to use the crosswalks.” Costs for the improvements are estimated to be $130,000. The city is covering the majority of the cost. “It’s a joint project,” Ramsey said. “The City of Auburn’s paying the first $125,000, and the University’s picking up any additional costs thereafter.” Love, however, does not expect costs to go above the city’s budget. “It’s anticipated to be well under that threshold where the University won’t have to put any money into
To volunteer, contact the United Way of Lee County office by email at info@ unitedwayofleecounty.com or by phone at 334-7455540. Once the school supplies have been collected, divided and sorted through, they are delivered to the schools that are participating in the program. According to local school principals, the donations are greatly appreciated. “It has been most helpful,” said Janet Johnson, principal of Auburn Early Education Center. “There were many children who were provided school supplies throughout the year who wouldn’t have otherwise had it not been for this program.” the work,” Love said. Neither Ramsey nor Love knew whether construction would affect tuition rates. The last round of improvements took place in 2010 in the form of five generator-powered lights and brightly-colored signs along crosswalks reminding drivers to stop for pedestrians. Despite the signs routinely being run over or blatantly ignored, the number of pedestrian-related auto accidents has reportedly declined, though accidents still occur. The last reported incident occurred April 27. With this new round of improvements, both city and University officials expect drivers and pedestrians will become more aware of their surroundings and of the safety of those around them on Magnolia Avenue. It is a matter of life and death.
Thursday, July 14, 2011 Auburn Gas Monitor Week of July 12 Location
Reg
Mid
Prem
BP - Glenn Ave.
3.49
3.61
3.73
Kangaroo - Glenn Ave.
3.49
3.63
3.77
Chevron - N College St.
3.69
3.84
3.99
BP - Gay St.
3.69
3.79
3.85
Murphy USA - College St.
3.49
3.61
3.73
Chevron - Harmon Dr.
3.59
3.74
3.89
Jet Prep - Wire Rd.
3.49
3.59
3.69
Exxon - Wire Rd.
3.69
3.79
3.99
Chevron - Wire Rd.
3.69
3.89
3.99
Shell - Wire Rd.
3.49
3.63
3.77
Average
3.58
3.71
3.84
Debt
» From A5 included cuts to farm subsidies, student aid, federal workers’ pensions and domestic agency budgets, according to the Associated Press. If both sides cannot reach an agreement before the Aug. 2 deadline it is believed that the government would not default on the debt if it prioritized payments, but if it were to, the financial stability of the economy would enter total turmoil. “It will take significant spending reductions, coupled with long-overdue tax reform, to put the United States back on track toward getting it fiscal house in order,” Eckert said. It is important that the debt ceiling is raised, according to Christine Lagarde, chief of the International Monetary Fund. Lagarde said she believes the stock market will take a hit, interests will hike and nasty consequences, not only for American, but global
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economies will be a result of governmental default. “I would hope that there is enough bipartisan intelligence and understanding of the challenge that is ahead of the United States, but also the rest of the world,” she told the Associated Press. On a local level, U.S. Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District believes that a deal discussing the debt ceiling will be agreed upon by the end of July. Rodgers, like many Republicans, is against raising tax rates in fear that it will lead to a decrease in the job market. “Regardless of the makeup of the final bill, Congressman Rogers strongly opposes the inclusions of any job-destroying tax increases,” said Shea Snider, spokesperson for Congressman Rogers. An imminent default on governmental spending is the first in U. S. history, making it hard to predict what will happen next.
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A7 www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Campus
Our View
Social networks not so social With the recent introduction of Google+ beta, it seems there is a never-ending stream of social networks for us to get involved in. Between Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and LinkedIn (to name a few) it is easy to see why so many people our age and younger spend half their lives glued to a computer or smartphone screen. Some of us even feel stressed by the time we commit to sharing our lives with our friends. What have we gained from all this social networking? It was great in the beginning, connecting with old friends and keeping friends back home up-to-date on college news. As time has worn on, social networks have become a breeding ground for stalkers, pedophiles and scams. Not only that, but we are always in an information overload. We learn far too much about people we barely speak to or haven’t spoken to in years. We are available to everyone
all the time and feel the pressure to respond to messages and notifications for instant gratification. There are times several people are in a room together communicating, but not even speaking to each other. While we may be gaining some by sharing easier, we are losing too much in the ability to interact organically. Teenagers today text more than ever as opposed to waiting on an ever-important phone call like generations past. By spending so much time being social electronically, young people are losing the ability to carry conversations with others and face-to-face contact is lost. Young people’s writing skills are also dampened by the need to abbreviate simple words in messages. While most of us a little older think this is either funny or annoying, many find it difficult to switch from text speak to proper writing. Social networking has be-
come a gargantuan part of our lives to the point where some people even give up Facebook for lent. The self-deprivation of lent is meant to deny the self of something essential in preparation for the observation of Easter. If Facebook has become that essential to us, that people think stepping away from it for 40 days is a challenge, we need to check our priorities. What happened to the days when gathering together just to talk was praised and anticipated? Kids growing up in this are missing out on things in their day-to-day lives they can’t even comprehend because their heads are down and thumbs are blazing. Google+ presents an additional challenge young people should be careful about. When posting on the budding social platform, Google holds the rights to sell and distribute anything you post. So, ambitious youngsters should be mindful not to post
Your View
anything that would be incriminating if they dream of a life in the public eye. There is hardly any media attention on this at the moment, something we feel should be changed. Our generation is desensitized and overly-informed, with precious little to show for it. Children should be enjoying their youth while they have it because growing up robs them of an innocence that is almost impossible to gain back. With all their time wrapped in electronics, they lose the tree house adventures and make-believe games so many of us remember fondly. It isn’t just children wasting their lives away, though. Many people of our age and older would rather spend their free time checking posts than walking around outside. It’s time we closed our laptops, visited with friends and remembered what’s good in life. We need to stop being social so we can be social.
Quote of the Week
“
I still have all the movies to watch and the books, too so I’ll never stop being a fan of them.” —Bradley Seymore “The End is Near” A1
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Our View
Student says reader should do research I must take issue with the opinion piece from Robert Agnew (“Reader says editorial was simplistic, silly,” July 7, 2011). After his ad hominem argument against the editorial’s author, he goes on to say that marriage is “an inherently religious concept.” I disagree, and so do the history books. The concept of marriage predates every current religion and has even been observed in practice in completely isolated African and South American tribes. Martin Luther himself once stated that marriage was a “worldly thing.” For all human cultures, past and present, marriage is only a social union between two or more people for the purpose of operating as a single societal unit (a family). Anything more than that is a cultural practice or interpretation. I think that Mr. Agnew is confusing the social construct of marriage with the Christian practice of holy matrimony. Matrimony is the Christian interpretation of marriage, which can greatly differ with other religions’. I think we can safely assume that separation of church and state is a truth in our country, Mr. Agnew. The phrase is borrowed from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptists in 1802, explaining the First Amendment. Since then, the concept and Jefferson’s letter have been cited in numerous Supreme Court rulings. Also, the Treaty of Tripoli, ratified in 1797, specifically states “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” All treaties, according to our Constitution, become the supreme Law of the Land once they are ratified. This separation is a key to our country’s success, in my opinion. Not only does it protect the government from religious interference, it protects religions from government meddling. You would do well to do your research, Mr. Agnew, before you accuse your countrymen of “getting dumber.” -Rob Hubble junior in wireless software engineering
Rowling’s mischief finally managed Crystal Cole managing.editor@ theplainsman.com
To say Harry Potter has been a big part of my life would be an understatement. From the time I started the series when I was 10, until this week, I have consistently looked forward to the next book or movie in this franchise. From its humble beginnings on restaurant napkins, to a now $15 billion empire, the Harry Potter brand has done more than excite crowds of children into dressing in robes and round glasses. It has been a launching point for many children’s literary lives and has inspired an entire youth to put down the remote and pick up a book. From the depths of J.K. Rowling’s imagination has come the fantastical wizarding world with its inhabitants and, of course, Hogwarts. The school acts as a character of its own, ever changing and providing assistance to those who need it most. I know myself and several of my friends hoped to receive our acceptance letter to the prestigious magical school. No other series in my generation—or my parent’s for that matter—has seen such crowds line up for the midnight re-
lease...of the BOOK. Every time a new book came out, my parents knew talking to me for the next two days was out of the question. I found it hard to pull myself away from my Potter read-a-thons, and even when I was away I pictured myself hanging with friends in the Gryffindor common room or studying by the shores of the Black Lake. I don’t mean for these statements to sound nerdy, but more to emphasize the detail Rowling provides in her writing and how involved the reader feels in the story. Harry’s triumphs became my triumphs, and I would get so engrossed in a battle scene, you would think it was my life on the line. Rowling thought her series out with a passionate precision most writers can only dream of. To open one of her novels is to open your mind and completely immerse yourself in the picture she has painted for her readers. Many religious groups look at the books as devil worship, and some older folks tend to think of them as silly, driving some kids to read them under the sheets with a flashlight (much like Harry with his spellbooks). What some refuse to, or simply cannot see, is that the world of Harry and his friends has also provided an entire generation with a means to escape.
For a few hours, we were able to slip away from homework or the terrible things going on in the world to learn spells and how to fight off dementors. While none of that is useful in everyday life, it helped us expand our minds and our vocabularies. What is most magical about the Harry Potter franchise is that the movies live up to the book’s expectations. Certain details and plot twists might be tweaked or left out altogether, much to the chagrin of Potterheads, but the main story line remains intact and is easily followed, especially for those who haven’t read the books. The set development for the films was, in my humble opinion, brilliant. Every part of the castle looks exactly as I would have pictured it in my head almost as if the words leapt off the page to form it themselves. To create such a world in the imaginations of many with simply words is a feat, but to do that world justice cinematically made the movies a success. And so we find ourselves on the eve of the premiere, staring the end in the face. It will be undoubtably difficult to walk out of the theater and comprehend there will be no more installments of the series to look forward to. Rowling has captivated and delighted us for 15 years and her magic will undoubtably last the test of time, without the help of the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Running low on True Blood knowledge Hayley Blair intrigue@theplainsman. com
There are some TV series you just can’t understand without in-depth study. True Blood is one of those shows. This was made apparent to me when my roommate invited me to watch it with her the other night. It was a third season episode so I was a little lost, especially with the werepanther plot line. But my roommate was very nice and explained everything I would ever want to know about Jason Stackhouse and his relationship with the obsessive Crystal Norris. And when she explained how Jason’s humanitarian efforts caused him to be chained to the bed in a room of crazy
inbred werepanthers, I truly felt for the man. I had yet to see any vampires at all when one suddenly appeared in front of telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, killing her fairy godmother. My roommate said the craziness of the whole series had increased so much over the past four seasons that things like dead fairy godmothers didn’t really merit any big reaction. It seems like I could possibly come to enjoy this series, but I can’t help but think there may be some disadvantages to becoming obsessed with a new TV series, especially since I have so many episodes to catch up on. The one time I tried to catch up with a popular TV series I definitely had some pretty exhaustive cram sessions. I spent the entire weekend catching up with Pretty Little Liars, which my grandmother had said was ‘the bomb.’ It was a very intense weekend, and
when I finally left my room the sun almost drove me back inside. I had classes, though, so I squinted my way along the concourse. So now I have a choice. I could spend a few weekends secluded from my friends and family, holed in my room watching True Blood or I can continue on in the misery of ignorance, while those around me have animated discussions about the new developments between Sookie and Bill (whose relationship seems a bit like a backwards version of Twilight.) I think I will have to hold off on watching the series and hope that my outdated Buffy knowledge will see me through. It may be a pyrrhic victory, but at least I can be happy that, instead of spending all of my money on Amazon Instant Videos, I will have enough money to buy the brand name CheezIts when grocery day comes around.
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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.
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Intrigue Thursday, July 14, 2011
B www.theplainsman.com
Page B1
Trials inspire morbid interest Ariana Diaz Writer
Christen Harned / Associate Photo Editor
The Bank Vault’s assistant manager Will Rankin poses by the bar’s famous vault which is now used as a storage room.
Vault adds to Auburn history Courtney Smith Intrigue Editor
While most people now associate The Vault with college nightlife, the building it is in was initially used for a much different purpose. A century before it became known for serving drinks, it was primarily known the location of Auburn’s first bank. The Auburn Bank, originally known as the Bank of Auburn, was founded by Sheldon Toomer,
the businessman and pharmacist behind Toomer’s Drugs. Before it opened, Auburn citizens had to drive seven miles by horse and buggy to Opelika to visit the bank. Toomer, tired of taking the nearly day-long trip just to do his banking, decided Auburn needed to have its own bank that would cater specifically to the needs of a college community. Ben Barley, manager and bartender at The Vault, said the
building was constructed in 1906 and opened January 3, 1907. Located across the street from Toomer’s Drugs, the building has also been the site of a cigar shop and a coffee shop over the years, Barley said. What truly sets The Vault apart from other bars is not just its historic location, however. After all, it’s not like every bar has a piece of history tucked away within its walls. The old bank vault is still in
its original place from when the building was first made into a bank. Barley said they still keep the titular vault in use, though it serves a different purpose these days. “It’s where we keep our actual dry storage and supplies and liquor cases,” Barley said. “It’s just a big room that’s secure with the vault door and it’s good storage. It’s a pretty big size and everything.” » See Vault, B2
More than a million people stopped what they were doing and tuned in to the closest news channels, websites and radio stations for Casey Anthony’s final verdict. According to the New York Times, cable news channels such as Headline News (HLN), CNN and Fox ratings more than doubled, exceeding even Sept. 11 viewership. HLN drew its highest rating in 29 years with 5.2 million viewers, a 1,700 percent increase. Her trial, with its shocking discoveries, media uproar and notguilty verdict has been compared to that of O.J. Simpson, who was found not guilty for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Simpson. However, it can also be compared to Susan Smith, guilty of drowning her two boys by pushing her vehicle in a lake after claiming she had been carjacked and Natalee Holloway, missing for more than six years until she was finally declared dead at the hands of Joran van der Sloot. “I think people followed this trial like they followed all of the others,” said Allen Furr, professor and chair department of sociology, anthropology and social work. “They follow them because there’s something extraordinary about the story.” Furr said in this case there were a lot of twists and turns to the story line, sort of like a soap opera. He also said people are entertained in that the person is thought to have done something that violates people’s moral standards. A mother killing her child is just unethical, he said, because it is expected for parents to protect their children. Chrissandra Jallah, sophomore in political science, said these cases that make breaking news do not deserve so much attention because similar cases happen all the time. She said the reason it is » See Public, B2
Tattoos needle their way into culture Body art holds significance for employees and customers Alexander Harper Writer
Tattoos come in all shapes and sizes, but the difference between a good tattoo and bad tattoo can be devastating when permanent ink is involved. Businesses like Voodoo Needle and Flying Tiger Tattoo thrive on the creative impulses of their clientele, but the customers don’t always think their decisions through. “I always liked tattoos, even when I was a kid,” said Nils Larsens, tattoo artist at Shenanigan’s Tattoo Parlor. “I thought they looked neat. I knew that I eventually wanted to have a tattoo, but I never really pinned down any specific ideas.” Larsens, who has tattooed for about five years, said the difference between a good tattoo and a “bad-tat nightmare” is all about the way an artist goes about tattooing and making sure to not leave any hazy lines or awful errors.
Larsens said getting a tattoo is a big consideration because the decision has lasting outcomes, but tattoos can also be a way to commemorate such situations and experiences, such as the loss of a loved one or friend. “If a customer sees things that are truly this relevant to them personally, then we take the time to ask them to think about what they really want,” Larsens said. “We want customers to be more judicious about selecting an artist who will envision and create the tattoo just the way the customer wants it.” This is why Maddie Jackson, junior in psychology and sociology, put so much thought into the turquoise dove tattoo she has. “My tattoo is a love dove; they come in pairs,” Jackson said. “I got it for my sister because we’ve been through a lot together. My sister is getting its pair (the other dove) when she turns 18.” Jackson said she got her tattoo before college so she could have something from her home in Maryland all the way with her in Alabama. She also said one of her good friends has a similar tattoo which made getting hers even more meaningful. “The tattoo is turquoise ink so it fades, therefore it’ll last as long as I maintain it,” Jackson said. “It
will mean the same to me each time as when I first got it, and remind me of home and what I’ve been through.” However, Shenanigans coworker and tattoo artist Leah Patrick said most of the customers who come into the shop aren’t exactly sure what they want, thus the Shenanigan’s crew makes it a special point to inform the customer of what they’re getting into. “Artists have a sense of responsibility; there’s a reason why I am a tattoo artist and someone else may be an engineer,” Patrick said. “There’s limits to tattoos, but there is a common loophole that most people fall into prior to getting their first tattoo.” Patrick said the problem most people experience is indecision about whether to get a tattoo. Patrick said being a tattoo artist is where she excels and where she feels most comfortable. She said the tattoo industry is definitely changing for the better, and the social boundaries, and stereotypes of tattoos and those who have them are becoming more clear to the general public. On a trip to Target, Patrick said a woman with two sons stopped and asked if they could look at her tattoos. Patrick said it made her » See Tattoo, B2
Alex sager / photo editor
Colin Thrift, tattoo artist at Voodoo Needle, prepares a needle.
Intrigue B2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Motorcycles attract student bikers
Hayley Blair Associate Intrigue Editor
Motorcycles can sometimes be intimidating for the uninitiated, but the freedom and exhilaration of riding still draws people to the hobby. Ashley Mills, senior in zoology, said she has grown up with motorcycles, and her hobby has even helped her relax when she felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities as a student. “For me it’s a stress reliever because I’m in classes all the time and studying,” Mills said. “I’m a little bit of a nerd, so when I have a break I like to go on my bike and be able to just relax and not worry about everything else that’s going on.” Mills also said being a part of a community of motorcyclists is very rewarding because of the great people she has met. “I’ve made a lot of friends through the motorcycle
community,” Mills said. “Something that all motorcyclists do on the road is every time we pass someone else, we always wave. It doesn’t matter if we know the person or not. It can be anywhere in the country, and it’s like that.” A way bikers get in touch with each other is through Bike Nights, held every Thursday. These meetings happen in Auburn at different places each week, and allow bikers to share their interests and go on motorcycle rides with others. “A couple times a month usually, two, three, maybe four times we’ll get together and ride to Cheaha or any other place that is a good place to ride motorcycles and have fun,” said Bradley Rainosek, junior in professional flight management. “Also some people get together and go to a drag strip or race track and either watch or race our
bikes there as well.” Joshua Brown, senior in mechanical engineering, said bikes are also very convenient because of good gas mileage. He said his motorcycle can get about 42 miles per gallon, which is why he almost never uses his truck. “A lot of times if there’s no rain, I’ll really just drive my truck once a week to the grocery store and the rest of the miles on my motorcycle,” Brown said. Some people, however, feel the risk of riding motorcycles outweighs its benefits, and parents can become concerned when their kids consider riding motorcycles instead of cars. “There are some motorcyclists who give us bad names,” Mills said. “And I know a lot of parents see a motorcyclist who weave in and out of traffic without a helmet or proper equipment on. I think it generally does give a bad name, and I
Contributed by Ashley Mills
Left to right: Nicholas Conley, Talor Drinkard, Daniel Jordan, Jon Roberson, Ashley Mills, Brad Nordstrom and Steve Pritchard at first Bike Night at Buffalo Wild Wings. can see why parents would be worried.” But Mills said she actually feels safer and less distracted on a motorcycle, and safety on the road will always come down to the driver’s experience.
Jane Random Diana Kate Lushington graduate student, engineering ──
What would you do if you had a million dollars? I would probably pay off my parents’ bills and try to find a nice place at the beach. Anything left over, I guess I’d just give to charity. What was the last song stuck in your head? Skylar Grey. It would be “Love the Way You Lie,” the original version, not the Rihanna version.
What’s was your favorite party? One of my best friend’s bachelorette parties. I love to get down. Who’s your favorite book character? It would be Ron Weasley. I really like Ron because he’s kind of the guy in the background who doesn’t take the spotlight from Harry. He is, for the most part, supportive and a good friend and that’s what I really admire.
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Tattoo » From B1
feel like she was being more accepted and welcomed for having her tattoos, instead of being looked at as something scary or different. Larsens said tattoos are beginning to break through social barriers, and people are now generally more accepting of the tattoo culture. “We need to subvert the paradigm of society,” Larsens said. “I’ve had people come up to me before and ignore all common courtesy by grabbing my arms so they could look at my tattoos. All they needed to do was ask.” Patrick said the most important aspect about getting a good tattoo is anyone interested must practice consumer awareness and do their own research before jumping into the
Vault
» From B1 Barley has worked in the building since 2003 and was previously manager when it was called Bodega. Although ownership changed, Barley said, the staff remained the same. Barley said that the bar is now owned by James Kahler and Kealon and Laura Leigh Drake. Will Rankin, assistant manager and bartender at The Vault, has worked there since 2005 and said he thinks the building’s location is what makes it unique. “It’s got a lot of history behind it,” Rankin said. “It used to be the bank vault, and then it was the savings loan for awhile, and you can kind of see the history in the building of that. This building has seen numerous wins and championships.” Both Rankin and Barley said they have enjoyed their
“It’s not always the motorcycle that’s dangerous,” Mills said. “It’s how the driver is and how much control they have over wanting to speed and show off.” There are benefits to riding a motorcycle, and it can
be a lot of fun to ride with people who have similar interests. The important thing, however, is to savor the excitement of the ride. “If you enjoy riding, then that’s all that really matters,” Brown said.
Public
what the jury thinks “Sometimes they get it wrong,” he said. “A lot of the time they get it right. In the end, it is the fairest system in the world.” The jury in Casey Anthony’s trial decided there was no evidence to prove she was guilty. However Wilson said the jury’s final decision does not mean they felt she was innocent. The prosecutors were just unable to prove she was guilty beyond reasonable doubt. “All of these trials that become the big stories, they aren’t any more tragic,” Furr said. “... It’s just that for some reason these catch on.”
» From B1
a big deal is because of the emphasis reporters put on it. “I think they pick and choose what they want to amp up, and this is one of them,” Jallah said. Furr said unclear evidence in these cases is another reason the media and people become intrigued. It becomes a guessing game for people about whether they think the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Clint Wilson, a partner with the law firm McCollum and Wilson, P.C., said in the end, it only matters
“
We want customers to be more judicious about selecting an artist who will envision and create the tattoo just the way the customer wants it.” —Nils Larsens Tattoo Artist
hotseat of any standard tattoo parlor. “We generally want to inform the customer that they should get something that reminds them of that person or commemorates them in the best way possible,” Patrick said. “We like to let them think about it
“
It’s got a lot of history behind it. It used to be the bank vault, and then it was the savings loan for a while, and you can kind of see the history in the building of that. —Will Rankin Vault Assistant Manager
experiences while working there. “You get to deal with a lot of different people,” Rankin said. “It’s a cool job to meet new people, and you get to see people grow throughout their college experience.” They have a good location, Barley said, and they always do really well during football season.
and come up with the best possible idea before we just tattoo them.” Shenanigan’s strives to make the tattoo experience one of the best simply because they know how important tattoos can be to their customers. Auburn local and tattoo customer Andrew Davis has had 10 of his 12 tattoos done at Shenanigan’s. Davis said it is extremely important for a customer to know if a tattoo parlor is well sterilized and has an exceptionally clean environment. “The tattoo industry is changing because tattooing is a different medium than drawing with a pencil, and the tattoo may look different when it fully heals,” Patrick said. “We are artists first, and tattoo artists second, but we love what we do, so it’s easy to come into work each day.” “It’s fun working here during football season,” Rankin said. “There’s all sorts of crazy things going on at the corner when we win a game.” Because it is one of the few bars in town that restricts its patrons to 21 years and older, Barley said the bar tries its best to compete with others that allow younger students in at 19 years old. “We cater to a little bit older crowd, we try to anyway,” Barley said. “We have a considerable amount of regulars, and we like to take pride in having them. We try to cater to folks who come in here a good bit.” Aside from its namesake, Rankin said he thinks The Vault’s laid-back atmosphere helps set it apart from other bars. “I think we offer a nice place where you can come sit down and relax as opposed to some of the higher volume, more party bars,” Rankin said.
Sports
B www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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Indoor facility finished soon Nicole Singleton Sports Editor
Todd Van Emst / Media Relations
Havron was named Most Improved Player in 2009.
Kicking it with Havron Alex Harper Writer
When it’s game time for the women’s soccer team, no one is more dependable than defensive player Heather Havron, one of four returning seniors. “Heather is the most energetic and positive girl I’ve ever met,” said Amy Berbary, assistant coach to the women’s soccer team. “She can make your day better just by looking at her. She’s very motivating.” Lydia Townsend, returning senior and forward for the Tigers, said Havron is a charismatic person and always a lively girl, on or off the field. “She always gives 110 percent and plays a huge role in our teams’ chemistry,” Townsend said. “Her intensity on the field as a competitor is the same off the field as a friend and a teammate.” Havron started playing soccer when she was four years old and never stopped, but ran track in the offseason to stay in shape. She said she was lucky enough to be given an opportunity to keep going and keep playing, so she did. » See havron, B4
The football practice facility will be officially finished this month. The 90,000 square foot facility houses a full football field along with area around the field for player safety. “It’s a big open structure, to me, it looks like a massive barn,” said Randy Byars, director of facility operations. When preparing for the project Byars said that many other school’s facilities were looked at to help with what the structure would look like and consist of. “We were pretty familiar with others in the SEC. We see those fairly often, but we also looked at some schools in Texas, some schools in Virginia, West Vir-
ginia, Clemson, Tennessee and then we did some Internet surveys of other places,” Byars said. Byars said that the coaches also helped in the process by talking about facilities they had seen when they had been coaches at other schools. “I think there was a combination of learning from others,” Byars said. Although the football team could begin practicing in the facility on July 30th, the team doesn’t report to practice until the beginning of August. The new field will be replacing an outdoor artificial turf field so now the Tigers have an indoor facility and two outdoor fields. » Read the rest online at www.theplainsman.com
Nicole Singleton / Sports Editor
The indoor practice facililty is scheduled to be finished July 29. The football players would be allowed to be in the facility on the July 30, but won’t report to practice until a few days later.
Lutzenkirchen named to 2011 mackey award watchlist Philip Lutzenkirchen, junior tight end, is on the watchlist for the John Mackey Award. The award is given to the top tight end in FBS college football at the end of each season. Lutzenkirchen is one of 33 players on the watchlist for the annual award. Besides athletic ability, the winner of the Mackey award should also exhibit good sportsmanship, high academic standing and positive leadership.
Grace Socha, equestrian, prioritizes team instead of self Hayley Blair plainsman archives
The Competition
Dwyane Allen – Clemson Brandon Barden – Vanderbilt Tim Biere – Kansas Ted Bolser – Indiana George Bryan – NC State Orson Charles –Georgia Josh Chichester – Louisville Jack Doyle – WKU Drake Dunsmore – Northwestern Kyle Efaw – Boise State Michael Egnew – Missouri Tyler Eifert – Notre Dame Rhett Ellison – USC Coby Fleener – Stanford Ladarius Green – Louisana Ryan Griffin – Connecticut
Joe Halahuni – Oregon State Cooper Helfet – Duke DC Jefferson – Rutgers Kevin Koger – Michigan Eric Lair – Minnesota Brian Linthicum – Michigan State Anthony Miller – California Chris Pantale – Boston College David Paulson – Oregon Colter Phillips – Virginia Nick Provo – Syracuse Lucas Reed – New Mexico Kyler Reed – Nebraska Evan Rodriguez – Temple Jake Stoneburner – Ohio State Michael Williams – Alabama Luke Willson – Rice
Schueller transitions from conditioning coach to director Brandon Miller Writer
Dawn Schueller’s work ethic, which gained her a job as a volunteer for Auburn’s gymnastics team, has also gained her a new position as the first Director of Gymnastics Operations. “Part of the issue with gymnastics is we’re a sport that it’s a little difficult on the surface,” said head coach Jeff Graba. “The fact that she’s been involved in our sport in the past as a volunteer coach is what really made her the right choice.” Schueller’s new job responsibilities will include serving as a contact between the coaches and athletic department administrators. She will also handle day-today responsibilities in the office, coordinate the gymnastics summer camp and assist with team budget, team travel, team meals and various other operational tasks. “It doesn’t help to hire someone who’s tied down to a normal 9 to 5 job,” Graba said. “You need to be able to go above and beyond to stay competitive, and she definitely brings that to the table.” “When Jeff asked me if I wanted to do that, I jumped at the chance,” Schueller said. “They really needed some assistance with all of their office work and paperwork, so they would be able
Nicole Singleton / Sports Editor
Dawn Schueller trained to run in a marathon ten years ago. to put all of their time toward recruiting and taking care of the girls and not so much the office.” Schueller joined the team six seasons ago as the volunteer strength and conditioning coach. “She’s really done a lot of our conditioning and cardio workouts with the girls,” said assistant coach Kurt Hettinger. Hettinger believes because of Schueller’s hard work ethic she will transition easily from one job to the other. “She’s a really tireless worker and she does a great job motivating the girls, and she did an excellent job conditioning our athletes for the past several years.”
Bucking the high horse
After Schueller was the volunteer strength and conditioning coach for three years, she spent the next three years as the volunteer coach of the team. “If they give you the volunteer coach title, it just meant I could travel with them,” Schueller said. “I didn’t actually coach them in gymnastics. I just pretty much always did their conditioning and workout.” Schueller said her incredible work ethic started about a decade ago. “I wanted to run a marathon,” Schueller said. “And I picked up a book and started training. In return, when you’re training for a
marathon, you get in great shape.” Schueller said someone asked her how she got in great shape and, in turn, she was asked to help this person train for an upcoming marathon. Schueller, who moved to Auburn eight years ago from Wisconsin, didn’t stop working out when she arrived on the Plains. She said shortly after arriving, she decided to become certified to be a personal trainer. Schueller said one day at the gym, then head coach Michelle Thompson, asked her if she would allow the gymnastics team to take part in a spin class that Schueller taught. “Then I started working them out for free for volunteering,” Schueller said. “I kept doing it year after year. It’s was great to be part of the Auburn team.” From training herself to run a marathon 10 years ago to training the Auburn Tigers gymnastics team last year for what Graba said is the hardest conference in the country, Schueller said she loves to play a part in motivating others. “I feel like I’m making a difference,” Schueller said. “And I’m changing people’s lives. When I see them sweating and not getting hurt, then I feel like I’ve done something right, and I feel rewarded.”
Associate Intrigue Editor
Grace Socha began her successful career as an equestrian rider when she was three, becoming enamored with horseback riding through long trail rides with her mother. Because Socha became proficient at horseback so young, she began competing early. “I started probably around the age of 10,” Socha said. “The more I started riding and showing I just became more competitive and really decided that it was what I wanted to do, and I focused all my time and energy on it and looking back I’m glad I did.” The individual riding competitions did not prepare Socha for the team aspect of riding at Auburn, though she adapted to the new collegelevel competitions quickly. “Her ability in the arena was never in question,” equestrian coach Greg Williams said. “I think it’s just a shock when you’re thrown all of a sudden with Division I strength coaches. We’re housed with the same coaches that work out the football team. All of that is kind of a shock. You’ve got to put this large group of girls ahead of yourself and that’s very hard to do.” Socha quickly grasped the importance of working as a team and soon became an inspiration for others, including teammate Lindsay Portela. “She was so well known on our circuit and everybody kind of looked up to her because she did win a lot and she was very good,” Portela said. “When I realized she could put aside her own desire to win for herself in favor of wanting to win for the team, I thought ‘If Grace can do it, I guess I need to do it too.’” The devotion everyone has for the team was a big factor in Auburn’s championship win this past year, Williams said. “That was what was so amazing about last year’s championship team,” Williams said. “They did exactly that, and they weren’t just talented, they also worked as a team. That’s something that Grace Socha’s really big about.” Williams said Socha’s abil» See socha, B4
Sports B4
The Auburn Plainsman
Havron » From B3
“I don’t have an interesting life story except for soccer, but I’ve loved every minute of it,” Havron said. “My favorite part about soccer is doing something I love with my friends.” Havron has superstitions and rituals that constantly keep her on edge. Havron said she has a particular playlist that she listens to before every game, and hip hop is definitely a common genre for her pump-up soundtrack. Before every game, Havron has one of her teammates tape up her bracelets with black sports tape because according to rules and regulations all jewelry must be removed or taped down due to safety concerns.
Havron said she knows it’s weird, but her bracelets are something she just has to wear. “Every game we go into, we basically look at it as if every opponent is our toughest opponent, and everyone gives 190 percent,” Havron said. “We have spent a lot of time setting goals and working for them this past year. We will be ready for them, and we’ll have fun when the games get here.” Havron’s teammates agree that she is quite the team player, but they all bring something special to the team, according to teammate and defensive player Julie King. “We never have to worry about Heather giving 100 percent. She is definitely, definitely going to help us this year,” King
said. Of the four returning seniors, King said each of them offer different personalities that really mesh well together and is a good leading force for the team this year. “Between the four seniors, we all have easy going attitudes and are very compatible with each other and have never had any sort of issues, and are always willing to work with each other to accomplish what needs to be done,” Townsend said. Despite her game-face attitude and deep love for the game, Havron’s teammates said she doesn’t get stressed out before games, and that during the game, she is one of the most dependable players on the team. Townsend said Hav-
Thursday, July 14, 2011
ron’s appetite before games may be a little too much to stomach sometimes. Part of her strange appetite includes bringing her own egg to the team room in a plastic bag to add to her breakfast. “Heather has a very unique appetite, and for her pregame breakfast on Sundays, she’ll usually make a Bagel with grape jelly, banana, eggs, and then try and tell us how good it tastes,” Townsend said. “But that’s just her. She’s very quirky.” The Auburn Women’s Soccer team plays Friday and Sunday nights. Fans will be able to catch Havron and the other seniors display their individual skills as well as team play on a field where nothing but hard work and love of the game matter.
todd van emst / media relations
Grace Socha finished this season 9-4 over fences.
socha » From B4
ity to work well with those around her is a big asset to the team. “She actually builds up people around her,” Williams said. “We want riders like that who aren’t just capable of winning points while they’re riding. Their
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attitude also helps others win their points as well.” Portela said she and Socha were neighbors, and seeing a friendly face helped her when she joined the team. “There’s a lot of great friendships, and it really does feel like you’re family,” Socha said. “It’s really important for me to try to be a leader on the team.”