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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Vol. 118, Issue 14, 18 Pages
Presidential election: Jobs, education top issues for students TJ Harlin Campus Reporter
Rebecca Croomes / Photo Editor
The right to bear arms
Two issues surface as the most important and pertinent topics for college students in the upcoming presidential election. “Jobs and education are the two main ones I’m worried about, said Thomas Baker, freshman in preaerospace engineering. “They’re definitely the most important in this election.” Political organizations across campus agree but have different ideas on how to tackle the issues and who the ideal candidate is.
“If you look at each candidate through the lens of a college student you will almost immediately grasp who holds the interest of college students, and that’s clearly Barack Obama,” said Jacob Dean, president of College Democrats. Sergio Gallardo, vice-president of College Democrats, agrees. “One of Obama’s biggest priorities is education,” Gallardo said. “That’s evident in the restructuring of student loans.” Not everyone be-
» See election, A2
Should students have the right to carry weapons on campus? Annie Faulk Writer
Considering the nation’s recent shootings and the resulting political debates, Students for Concealed Carry takes a stand with their views on campus gun control. “Our organization believes in the right of citizens to responsibly defend themselves within the boundaries set forth by the law,” said Nathan Young, president of Auburn’s Students for Concealed Carry. “To that end, we believe that students who have met the requirements and received a state issued concealed weapons permit should not have their rights abridged by University policy.” Auburn’s weapon policy prohibits the use, possession and transportation of dangerous or potentially dangerous weapons. These include, but are not limited to, concealed fixed blade knives, pistols, revolvers, air guns and explosive devices. “Students for Concealed Carry believes that a responsible citizen who is licensed by the state to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection should not be denied that right on university property,” said Stephen Gulley, adviser for Auburn’s Students for Concealed Carry. Students for Concealed Carry was founded after the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007 by Chris Brown, a political science major from the Uni-
“
Students for Concealed Carry believes that a responsible citizen who is licensed by the state to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection should not be denied that right on university property.” —Stephen Gulley Advisor for Students for Concealed Carry
versity of North Texas. “Our efforts are viewed with a variety of emotions I am sure, but many of the responses we have received have been positive,” Young said. “We place great emphasis on responsibility and respect for the law.” Young said he believes weapons should be allowed on campus for licensed individuals. “We advocate various means of preparation for self-defense, including nonlethal methods such as pep-
per spray or Tasers,” Young said. “In the realm of firearms, we support training citizens in proper firearms safety through various programs, and we have sponsored hands-on firearms safety seminars in the past and hope to do so in the future.” The two main functions of the organization are to educate the public by dispelling misconceptions and to promote legislation on concealed weapon rights, according to the Students for Concealed Carry website. “Students for Concealed Carry believes that those individuals who are legally able to carry firearms off campus should have the ability to do so on campus,” said David Shamp, vice president of Auburn’s Students for Concealed Carry. “Basically those people with government-issued concealed pistol permits. Permit holders normally undergo background checks and often times training, depending on the state or county.” Gulley said the organization does not take a position on gun use in general, only on the ability of licensed concealed carriers to exercise that right on campus. “The shootings in Aurora happened in a facility that restricted law abiding citizens the right to carry firearms,” Shamp said. “If anything, the
» See Weapons, A2
Business parking regulations, outdoor cafe permits reviewed at City Council Nathan Simone Online Editor
Amendments to Auburn’s minimum business parking requirements and the approval of a mixeduse shopping district and retail liquor licenses defined the brief Auburn City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 18. A special events retail alcoholic beverage license was also approved for a Luke Bryan concert taking place Friday, Oct. 5 at the Wilson Pub and Eatery on 2065 Sandhill Road. An amendment to the South College Curb Cut Plan was made, allowing Auburn businesses to have less than the minimum parking requirement per square foot of usage. “A good example of this is gas stations. We’re actually lowering the parking requirements to make the pumps count as parking spaces to prevent over parking and lessen the
Danielle Lowe / Photo Editor
An amendment to the Auburn’s minimum business parking requirements passed Tuesday at the city counsel meeting.
amount of impervious surfaces present.” Forrest Cotton, planning director for the city, further explained the amendment. “A developer or applicant now has the opportunity to have parking approved that is less than the minimum required by ordinances,”
Cotton said. An amendment was made to chapter XII, article XII of the city code, capping permits for outdoor cafes at $500. Permits for outdoor cafes were previously $1 per square foot, but concerns from restaurants with larger outdoor areas, such as Bloodhound, prompted the cap.
‘Safe Zones’ encourage awareness among LGBT TJ Harlin Campus Reporter
Many students may have noticed rainbow stickers across campus reading “Safe Zone.” Although these stickers are small, their message carries a huge meaning. The stickers signify the area is a safe one for students, faculty and staff who identify as gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual. “I don’t know that Auburn is considered an unsafe place ( for LGBT students) across the board, but there are certainly students as well as some faculty and staff who see some growth areas in how Auburn could be a safer environment,” said Brandy Smith, counselor II, licensed psychologist with Student Counseling Services. “I think part of it is education.” Education about these issues is easy to find at Auburn. Student Counseling Services and the Multicultural Center offer Safe Zone courses to faculty and staff that educate and inform people about the issues LGBT students, faculty and staff face. The Safe Zone project is a nationwide effort at numerous colleges and universities to raise awareness. “It’s really something that we were able to get started through efforts and interest on campus,” said Shakeer Abdullah, director of the Multicultural Center. “There was an interest for more awareness and professional development for LGBT issues.” The course lasts four hours and is filled with information tailored to some of the specific issues the LGBT community faces on Auburn’s campus. “We want it to be engaging, because we know if we have folks for four hours we really want them to stay awake,” Smith said. The course is more interactive than a usual lecture.
Participants in the course are broken into small groups throughout the day to learn how to deal with certain scenarios that may arise with LGBT students. “One main thing is to be informed,” Smith said. “Just like with every population, there are a lot of myths and misinformation out.” The course is not designed for any specific group of people. It is designed for anyone that wants to be considered an ally within the LGBT community. “The goal is not to impress any values on people,” Abdullah said. “It’s really to raise awareness.” The meaning of the stickers across campus is similar to the goals of the course. “The stickers mean that this is a space where it’s safe,” Smith said. “It does not mean that this is a space where someone has the same identity as me, but rather it’s a reflection of ‘hey, I’m an ally. This is a safe space you can come too.’” Smith and Abdullah both believe a safe environment for all students is critical to Auburn living up to its values. “We’re really focused on the Auburn family, and I know that’s such a core component of Auburn University,” Smith said. “What we’re trying to do is help make sure that every member of the Auburn family is able to be respected and have a voice.” Abdullah’s words carry a similar meaning. “If we are really representing the Auburn Creed, then we’re going to understand all of the people who are in our community and work to ensure that the experience that folks have is a positive experience when they leave Auburn,” Abdullah said. The next Safe Zone course will be offered Thursday Sept. 27. Those who wish to participate can sign up through Auburn Human Resources.
Campus A2
The Auburn Plainsman
DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Sept. 14 - Sept.17
■ Bradley Crain, 20, Huntsville Saturday, Sept. 15, 3:35 a.m. on Webster Road
■ Clint Martin, 21, Wetumpka
■ John Reaves, 20, Columbus, Ga. Saturday, Sept. 15, 3:58 a.m. at Wright Street and West Magnolia Avenue
Friday, Sept. 14, 2:36 a.m. on North Donahue Drive ■ Daniel Paul, 22, Greenville Friday, Sept. 14, 3:02 a.m. on West Longleaf Drive
■ Josh Jones, 22, Albertville Sunday, Sept. 16, 3:35 a.m. on Webster Road
■ Joseph Holmes, 25, Smyrna, Ga. Friday, Sept. 14, 7:08 a.m. on W.est Magnolia Avenue
■ Leah Pike, 21, Auburn Sunday, Sept. 16, 4:32 a.m. on N. Donahue Drive
■ Brandon Rohm, 18, Fairhope Friday, Sept. 14, 9:13 p.m. on Wire Road
■ Miguel Ramirez, 23, Auburn Sunday, Sept. 16, 11:44 p.m. at Webster and Wire Road
■ Ashley Lloyd, 30, Owensboro, Ky. Saturday, Sept. 15, 12:45 a.m. at Bragg and Donahue
■ Mark Remmel, 42, Opelika Monday, Sept. 17, 12:47 a.m. on West Magnolia Avenue
Thursday, September 20, 2012 Public Intoxications in Auburn Sept. 13 - Sept.14 ■ Sarah Hausler, 18, Jackonsville, Fla. Thursday, Sept. 13, 10:44 p.m. at Aspen Heights ■ Melissa Crowe, 18, Austin, Texas Thursday, Sept. 13, 10:44 p.m. at Aspen Heights ■ Jonathan Berry, 19, Macon, Ga. Thursday, Sept. 13, 11:36 p.m. on Wright Street ■ Elliott Peace, 19, Atlanta Friday, Sept. 14, 1:17 a.m. on Magnolia Avenue ■ Edwin Alvarez, 28, Guatemala Friday, Sept. 14, 1:33 a.m. on Gentry Drive ■ Joseph Morrison, Jr., 18, Memphis Friday, Sept. 14, 3:13 a.m. on Davis Drive ■ Joseph Cortopassi, 21, Mobile Thursday, Sept. 13, 12:38 a.m. on South Gay Street ■ Ryan Winters, 18, Chattanooga, Tenn. Thursday, Sept. 13, 12:49 a.m. on W. Longleaf Drive ■ Nicholas McLaughlin, 19, Dothan Thursday, Sept. 13, 1:11 a.m. on Wright St.
Emily Morris / Assistant Photo Editor
LEFT: The new open container law allows more leniency for those wishing to drink alchohol at the event. RIGHT: The Auburn cheerleaders perform on a temporary stage on Magnolia Street for a crowd of people.
AUtumn Nights begin new tradition Magnolia Street was closed Friday for the entertainment district’s first event, where the new drinking law was given a trial run
Toi Garcia Writer
Downtown Auburn held its first ever AUtumn Nights event since the creation of the entertainment district. The event was sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the City of Auburn, Auburn Athletics, Downtown Auburn Merchants and the Auburn Alumni Association. It took place Friday, Sept. 14. A pep rally started the celebration, and Aubie, the marching band, the cheerleaders and the Swingin’ Medallions were all at Toomer’s Corner throughout the night.
It was designed to offer students, alumni and the Auburn community a way to celebrate the first home game, which took place the morning after. Although the primary purpose of the event was to entertain people coming through for the game, businesses claim it did wonders for their stores and bars as well. The Gap on College Street typically closes at 9 p.m. on Fridays, but because of the event it stayed open longer, said Amanda Hutchinson, assistant manager of the Gap. “We’re staying open until 10 and it hasn’t negatively affected the business at all,” Hutchinson said. “Tonight alone we are doing
election » From A1
lieves that Obama’s presidency is a good thing. “Many conservative Republicans believe government has gotten too big.” said Charlie Smith, president of College Republicans. “As a conservative Republican, I believe in hard work and earning what I work hard for.” Smith plans to vote for Romney mainly because of America’s weak economy and the president’s handling of it,
weapons » From A1
Were you a 2011-12 SAA Member? If so, it’s time to renew your commitment to Auburn! When you renew, you’ll get another year of free Momma G’s nachos and other delicious benefits…and a new T-shirt! Come to the Auburn Alumni Center on S. College to renew any weekday this week. Questions?
334-844-2960 or www.aualum.org/saa.
recent gun violence has only made people more interested in the right of legal selfdefense through the use of a firearm.” Shamp said the organization feels recent gun violence should promote legal firearm ownership, not discourage it. “The issue at hand is Auburn University’s restriction upon firearms,” Shamp said. “Legally they cannot restrict a law abiding citizen from carrying in Auburn University, since it’s a state-sponsored school, public property and the right to bear arms is protected by both the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I section 26 of the Alabama State Constitution.” According to the Office of the Attorney General’s website, Alabama law prohibits carrying a pistol in a vehicle or concealed on or about themselves without a pistol
really well.” The majority of their customers are Auburn fans, and they loved being there for the event, she said. “It brings in a lot of people from the community, and it’s just good for the business,” Hutchinson said. Thomas Paterson, a bouncer for Bourbon Street Bar, sat on a stool outside of the bar and waited for customers. He said the bar doesn’t usually open until 10 p.m. on a Friday for college students, but for this event Bourbon Street opened at 7 p.m. “The college crowd isn’t here and they are serving the parents, community and alumni, but are bringing in more business,” he said. Because of the new open container law that loosens the restraints on public consumption of alcohol, Paterson said that while the bar may not seem full, business is still good. “Customers are buying drinks and walking among other reasons. “The economy is the biggest concern for college students,” Smith said. “Romney has had a career turning around companies such as Staples and Sports Authority, and I believe this is why Romney is the better candidate.” Democrats tend to disagree, and many believe his upbringing somehow negatively affects his ability to lead. “Mr. Romney has been privileged his whole life,” Dean said. “The disconnect Romney has with most American peopermit license. “Our law enforcement agencies are superb and we respect them greatly, but they cannot predict random criminal activity to protect all citizens,” Young said. “The reason that they are often known as first responders is because they can only as a general rule respond to already ongoing criminal activity, not prevent it from happening initially.” Young said the purpose of self-defense advocacy is to make people prepared to defend themselves until law enforcement can arrive. “It is our wish that no violent crime would ever be committed against an innocent citizen; but because in our present world this dream is unlikely to become reality, we believe that it is best for citizens to have a means of defense to prevent them from victimization by the violent criminals who would commit crimes against them,” Young said.
out,” he said. “Our business right now is coming in and carrying out.” Lt. Kenny Frazier, an officer with the Auburn Police Department, said the new law has not produced any negative effects yet. “In this setting with adults and family it’s fine and hasn’t gotten out of hand,” Frazier said. “The department looks forward to securing the event because of the low-key environment.” Police officers had to show up about two hours before the event and stay another two afterward. “We want our patrons to know that they are in a secure environment,” he said. At the event, there were several officers scattered around to guarantee safety. “The main thing is you want enough officers visible,” Frazier said. The next Downtown AUtumn Nights event will be held Friday Nov. 16, the night before Auburn plays Alabama A&M University.
ple is very big. I don’t begrudge him for being successful, but I do think that lifestyle has led to the disconnect with American voters.” Smith cited several reasons why four more years of Obama would be unsuccessful. “There has been 43 straight months of over 8 percent unemployment, and there is currently a rough estimate of 23 million U.S. citizens unemployed,” Smith said. “For all the families that are hurting in this country, it is hard to be happy about Obama’s presi-
dency thus far.” Dean has a different list for why Obama is the ideal candidate. “(Obama) has made our country more safe,” Dean said. “He has brought our troops home from war and killed Osama bin Laden.” One thing unites most voters: the need to be informed and have a say in what goes on in the government. “The more kids are informed on college campuses, the more they have a sense of political identity,” Gallardo said.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Campus A3
The Auburn Plainsman
Auburn dining endeavors bear fruit Foy donates kitchen supplies to Chilton Food Innovation Center to salvage imperfect produce Becky Hardy Campus Reporter
Chilton Food Innovation Center hopes to bring more profits for farmers across Alabama with the help of donated kitchen equipment from Foy Hall. “We’re about providing a place for primarily famers to bring their excess crops and produce extended shelf life products,” said Christy Mendoza, director of Chilton Food Innovation Center. Farmers have trouble selling fruit and other produce that is not perfect, Mendoza said. “For example, in Chilton County, we have a lot of peaches, and 30 percent of the peaches on the trees will not make it to the fresh market, which the primary goal of selling it is at the fresh market,” Mendoza said. “Some of them will be too small, not ripe enough, too ripe, may have spots or just have a funny shape to them. So if they aren’t perfect they won’t be sold at the fresh market.” With the help of the old Foy Union cafeteria equipment, the Chilton Food Innovation Center will be able to provide farmers with a place to make products out of their unwanted produce. “Those peaches can be brought to the facility and the farmers can make things like peach jam, peach salsa or peach syrup,” Mendoza said. Mendoza also mentioned the importance of co-packers in this business.
“Farmers don’t have a lot of time to come and make their products while they’re in the middle of harvest,” Mendoza said. “Many of the famers would prefer having a copacker.” The center is looking for people who would like to start their own business as a co-packer, she said. “They would contact the farmers and purchase their produce, pack the product and could sell it back to them,” Mendoza said. Students are also welcome to share in the wealth, Mendoza said. “We welcome any students that would like to start their own food business,” Mendoza said. “It doesn’t require a lot of time, especially in the spring and summer when the crops are out. The students could come up for a few days and process and sell their own branded product.” The Chilton Food Innovation Center also is in collaboration with the agriculture school at Auburn. “The county extension research centers and the farmers that we work with at the center allow the agricultural department at Auburn to use the land to research and test,” Mendoza said. “The students can test new varieties of a fruit or new pesticide.” The Chilton Food Innovation Center will continue to collaborate with Auburn University. “We’re all in the same family,” Mendoza said.
Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor
Honeysuckle Gelato sells various types of ice cream and sorbets and has been present on campus for almost a year.
Auburn food truck wins national competition, owners head for New York Becky Hardy Campus Reporter
Honeysuckle Gelato, a shop operating one of Auburn’s food trucks, won a trip up North to learn business tricks from the best. The company applied for a contest through city guide website DailyCandy that could bring them to New York City for seminars with industry experts. “We will attend what DailyCandy calls the ‘academy’ and get to talk to people at their events that have been successful with growing their small businesses,” said Wes Jones, partner of Honeysuckle Gelato. Some of the experts include Matt Stinchcomb, inventor of Etsy, Gail Simmons, from Bravo, Food and Wine, and Ted Gibson, creator of Ted Gibson Beauty. “Some of the mentors in the past have been people like Sara Blakely, the wom-
an who invented Spanx,” Jones said. “Other people that will be there are the people from a famous cupcake place in D.C., called Georgetown Cupcakes, so I know that they will probably be the people that we are assigned to and can help us out on advice on online sales and retail sales.” A gala will also be held in honor of all the winners, but the most important prize is exposure on DailyCandy, Jones said. “DailyCandy have millions of subscribers all across the country,” Jones said. “It will help give us exposure to a lot of different markets that we currently don’t have any exposure in.” Honeysuckle Gelato has only been a part of the frozen treats scene for a year now. The gelato business all started when Jones and a childhood friend, Jackson Smith, joked about starting their own business. “(Smith and I) talked about it more and more, and before we knew it we started researching and fundraising,” Jones said. “We both ended up quitting our jobs, and Jackson moved back to Atlanta.” Soon after the two started the busi-
ness they welcomed Khatera Ballad as their third partner. “And the rest is history,” Jones said. Honeysuckle Gelato has over 108 flavors and pulls their inspiration from their everyday life. “We make a lot of flavors from foods we liked as a kid and types of desserts we like to eat that you don’t necessarily find as an ice cream or a gelato flavor,” Jones said. “We try and figure out ways we can try to turn that into a gelato.” Honeysuckle also makes sure they add seasonal flavors. “With the holidays coming up we have pumpkin, sweet potato and peppermint flavors,” Jones said. Honeysuckle Gelato’s main business is to sell to restaurants in the area, but the partners jumped at the chance to send a truck to Auburn. “We would love to be on campus at Auburn during the school year,” Jones said. “We would like to try out any other college campuses in the future.” Honeysuckle Gelato hopes to stay a part of the Auburn family for a long time, Jones said. “We love being at Auburn, and if we can find a home for the truck there, we’d love to keep it there,” Jones said.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
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No excuse for hate, violence We appreciate anyone of all faiths and beliefs. We think there is no need to hate anyone for being different. Not in the hippie nonsense sort of way, of course, but in the idea that every human deserves respect and the chance to live their life. It would be great if everyone else shared that viewpoint. Then we wouldn’t hear about large-scale riots in the Middle East over a film made by bigots; then we wouldn’t hear about lunatics protesting funerals. Religious extremism is completely unnecessary. However, using the doctrines of a seemingly benevolent faith as a reason to hate and kill appears to be a popular trend nowadays. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Many struggling nations in the Middle East and North Africa have adopted Islam as a national religion and have even formed governments around
Outsourcing our credibility Melody Kitchens Intrigue@ theplainsman.com
the doctrine of the faith. Although this growth scares a lot of people in the West, it really isn’t a big deal. Yes, Muslim extremists exist, and their actions are heinous and misguided. Those who participated in the violent protests on Sept. 11 are reactionaries who have no concept of the value of human life. But these people don’t represent all Muslims. In fact, they are a small fraction when compared to the number of Muslims worldwide, yet the idea that all Muslims are terrorists seems to be a popular notion in the West. Many have held peaceful protests in response to the inflammatory “Innocence of Muslims” film. Some have even apologized for the horrendous violence of the other protests. The events of Sept. 11 2001 have been burned into our national memory forever. We’ve all been negatively affected by that trage-
Journatic is the sweatshop of journalism, and it’s changing the face of journalism. Well, they tried to, at least. A segment on This American Life’s “Switcheroo” episode 468 delved into the controversy surrounding Journatic. The company of Journatic aims to produce over 100,000 hyper-local stories a week, hyperlocal meaning stories about trash pickup schedules to the new restaurant opening down the road in your community. In fact, Journatic is creating this deluge of quick, short stories by outsourcing contributors, primarily the Philippines. The company plus enormous amounts of data and public information and records into various data bases that they own, and they pay people to create stories for this information. Most of their writers live in the U.S., yet almost half are overseas, working between 35-45 cents a story. Yep, cents. Journatic also changes their bylines to more generic names, like Jenny Cox. This American Life spoke to Journatic writer Ryan Smith of Chicago. Smith told This American Life that he doesn’t even understand Journatic completely, and he said he believes that journalism is supposed to be a local institution, founded by people who care about the people in that community. I agree completely with Smith’s statement about journalism as a local institution, and Journatic is inauthentic, ethically wrong and frankly, disgusting. Journatic isn’t producing good journalism; it’s producing automated-like pieces of crap with little thought or care about the stories or the people behind them. It’s ruining the heart and connection to journalism that hyper-local reporters need and should thrive on. The only way to write a riveting piece about the trash pickups in a small neighborhood in Illinois is if you actually go there and speak to a garbageman, not grab some “facts” from a database and paste it together, hoping it’s correct. Journatic is all-around wrong, and although it may be cheaper to outsource rather than hire more hyper-local, community journalists or begin a small community newspaper, I think we can all agree that the cheap way is not always the best way.
dy, and it will be years before we can find any closure or reconciliation—if we find any at all. We do not have the right, however, to use that tragedy as motivation for prejudice. Much like Muslim extremists have no right to murder when they are offended. The lack of respect and tolerance on both sides is astounding. We are falling into the trap of letting ourselves be defined by the more idiotic among us, like those who think the right of free speech allows them to propagate hate or violence. We could offer a solution, but what could it be? Most of us know there is no reason to hate or kill because of our petty differences—religion, race and nationality are petty differences whether you like it or not. But some of us still feel the need to act like monsters. It’s sad that we still have to question our humanity in 2012.
Letter to the Editor
Obama’s accomplishments have made US better As of late, the Republicans have been asking Americans a straightforward question: Are you better off today than you were four years ago? I can honestly answer that question with a resounding “YES.” Of course, the far right would also like us to believe that America is in decline and that we are heading towards a socialist, liberal abyss commanded by a president who wasn’t even born in the United States, but the facts state otherwise. To begin, I now have the opportunity to remain on my parents’ health care until the age of 26 because of the Affordable Care Act. This law allows me to go to law school, graduate school or pursue higher education without worrying about the pursuit of health care insurance on a student budget. This in turn will create a more educated society. President Obama risked a lot of political capital in order to pass the ACA, which will transform our health care system to focus more on preventative services instead of
later treatment. Secondly, President Obama ended the war in Iraq. The President ended a costly and seemingly perpetual war that diverted billions of dollars to restore the broken foundation of Iraq which could have been spent domestically building schools, improving our nation’s dismal infrastructure and trying to solve America’s looming debt crisis. President Obama ordered the military action which lead to Osama bin Laden’s death. President Obama also signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act, which makes it easier for women to file suit against discriminatory employers who pay females less simply because of their gender. Then, when congressional Republicans refused to pass the DREAM Act, President Obama issued an executive order to ensure that America doesn’t deport young people who were brought to America through no fault of their own. President Obama recognizes the need to invest in
The ‘F’ Word: the legacy of Title IX
By Elizabeth Johnston of the Women’s Resource Center
Graphic Contributed by Elizabeth Johnston
The Editorial Board Robert E. Lee Editor Chelsea Harvey Managing Editor
Andrew Yawn Sports Editor
Hayley Blair Campus Editor
Rachel Suhs Design Editor
Rebecca Croomes Photo Editor
Jenny Steele Copy Editor
Nathan Simone Online Editor
Benjamin Croomes Opinion Editor
Melody Kitchens Intrigue Editor
Zeke Turrentine Community Editor
young people and he worked diligently—and succeeded—to make sure that student loans are still offered at lower rates. Finally, under President Obama 4.6 million private sector jobs have been added during his administration, and America has experienced 30 straight months of job creation. The President took an enormous risk early in his presidency to save the auto industry, and because of his actions over one million American jobs were saved. No one, not even President Obama, concedes that the work is over. We still have much to accomplish. But rest assured that we have made significant progress over the past four years and, under Obama’s leadership, America is better off today than it was four years ago. Jacob Dean President Auburn College Democrats
Guest Column Let’s talk about the “F” word—feminism. If you’re a 90s kid like me, the word most likely uproots an unfortunate mental image of Topanga from the first season of “Boy Meets World.” In just one iconic episode, the braless, unhygienic and antimale Topanga conveys all the stereotypical attributes feminists fight against. If I lost you at “feminism,” but recaught your attention at “braless,” good—welcome back, and now stay with me because I’m about to clear up a few misconceptions. While I’m sure there are a few hairy armpits here and there, being a feminist does not mean you don’t shave. Nor does it mean you despise men. In fact, the only defining characteristic of feminism is the promotion of gender equality by promoting the female. What better time to reflect on gender equality than the year a groundbreaking law celebrates its 40th anniversary? In 1972, Congress passed a law that we all know as Title IX. This law requires gender equality for boys and girls
in every educational program receiving federal funding. What Title IX stands for is displayed in iconic moments like Brandy Chastain’s personal celebration in response to the 1999 victory at the Women’s World Cup. After scoring the fifth kick in the penalty shootout, she celebrated by whipping off her jersey and falling to her knees in a sports bra. By exhibiting a celebration technique usually only demonstrated by male athletes, Chastain made a bold statement for female athletics. The image was featured on the covers of Time, Newsweek and in the minds of idolizing girls everywhere, but this is only one of the many defining moments enabled by Title IX. It is important to note that the law does not only apply to athletics. Title IX has many other applications, such as preventing sexual harassment and increasing women’s opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. And since Title IX was passed 40 years ago, women have started playing a larger role in education and the workforce,
now earning undergraduate and graduate degrees at much higher rates and going into traditionally male-dominated fields. The increased access to higher education has enriched the economic progress of women as well. As important as it is to look back and celebrate the accomplishments Title IX has made, it is even more crucial to look forward to the many challenges we are still facing. Women still lag behind men in earning professional and doctoral degrees, specifically in disciplines like math and science. Also, while women are more than 50 percent of the lecturers and instructors and a little less than 50 percent of the assistant professors, they only account for 36 percent of associate professors and only 21 percent of full professors. It is challenges like these that inspire me and other women on Auburn’s campus to take initiative in continuing to pave a way for female empowerment. Last fall, a small group of young women got together every Sunday in the Stu-
dent Center to discuss global and regional issues that affect women on our campus. This small group forum is called Girls Access to Power (GAP) and is meant to foster strong female leaders around campus and battle the societal strongholds that act as obstacles. “Yes it was therapeutic, and yes it was informative, but more than anything it was inspirational,” said Sheyda Mehrara, active GAP member. The group’s next move is to legitimize the forum as an Auburn University organization. If you haven’t already gone into epileptic shock from such frequent usage of the F word, then I applaud you. In fact, if you have made it this far in the article, I owe you a cookie, maybe two. I hope what you take away from this article is that feminism is nothing to fear. Female equality and empowerment will not set your bras on fire during the night, nor will it hide all the shampoo in your household. So when it comes to girl power, I say F y’all... F as in feminism, of course.
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Community Thursday, September 20, 2012
A5
www.theplainsman.com
Community
EAMC fights breast cancer with fundraiser trio Sydney Callis Community Reporter
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation is helping to put on three events to raise money for breast care. Each event is raising money to support the breast health of women living in and around Lee County, said Sissy Barham, special events coordinator for the foundation. “All of the breast cancer events are raising money for the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved program,” Barham said. The EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program helps women in Lee County and several surrounding counties. “Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer, and this program allows for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, to be able to be tested,” Barham said. Colleen Alsobrook, the breast health navigator for the EAMC and event coordinator for the Think Pink Walk, said these events raise money to support the women in these counties where no other organization does. “This is our way for not only promoting breast cancer awareness, but is the way we raise the money to provide free mammograms for women who have no insurance,” Alsobrook said. “It’s grown every year, and it’s just an infor-
mational, inspirational-type walk.” The eighth annual Think Pink Walk will take place Sept. 29. Registration before the event is $12, but participants can also register the day of the event for $15. “If you want a T-shirt in your specific size, you need to register by the 20th,” Barham said. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. Registration begins at 8 a.m., but participants can also sign up beforehand online. Along with raising money for the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program, the one-mile walk also celebrates the survivors of breast cancer. “It’s a walk to honor breast cancer survivors,” Barham said. “It’s one mile around downtown, and everybody gets a T-shirt before the walk, so it’s just a flood of pink Tshirts.” The next event sponsored by the EAMC Foundation is Bingo for Breast Care on Oct. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Health Resource Center. Ten games of bingo will be played, and it is $25 for lunch and a bingo card. Each additional bingo card costs $1. Bra-Dazzle, a bra decorating contest, is the final EAMC Foundation-sponsored event to raise money for the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program. “Other towns had been very
Courtesy of EAMC
Participants march in the 2011 Think Pink Walk The East Alabama Medical Center Foundation is hosting three events in order to raise money to support the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program. The three events are the Think Pink Walk Sept, 29, Bingo for Breast Care Oct. 9 and Bra-Dazzle, a bra-decorating contest Oct. 2–9.
successful and very creative,” Alsobrook said. “They’ve had some really cute bras done, and they thought this would be something people would jump on board for. They seem to be liking the idea.” Alsobrook said she hopes anybody who wants to show
creativity and get the word out about how important early detection is enters the contest. Entry is $10 and must be submitted by Oct. 1. From Oct. 2 to 9, entries will be displayed and voted on at the Health Resource Center. Either individually or team
created, the entries must be turned in by Oct. 1 at the EAMC Foundation office or to Alsobrook in the EAMC Cancer Center. Final voting and announcement of the winners will take place during Bingo for Breast Care. There will be two win-
ners, one for best theme and the other for voter favorite. For more information about the three events, including official rules for the BraDazzle contest, visit thinkpink. eamc.org. If interested in volunteering for any event, email foundation@eamc.org.
State Farm brings driver safety event to the community Eva Woghiren Community Reporter
Learning to drive can be one of the most exciting times of a young person’s life, but one mistake behind the wheel can also change that person’s life forever. Countless people have been affected by a traffic accident at some point in their life and can vouch for how important it is to learn the rules of the road and being safe behind the wheel. It all starts with teens that are just learning to drive. Saturday, Sept. 15 State Farm debuted a teen driver safety program called Celebrate My Drive. Their goal is to promote teen driver safety. “State Farm is the largest home to auto insurance company in the country and we are partnering with our agents who are business owners in the community,” said State Farm spokesman, Roszell Gadson. “Obviously our agents see and insure new drivers on a daily basis and 16 is an exciting time for a teen, so teen driver safety has long been an important issue for us.” This event took place in 300 communities in the U.S. and Canada, but because it was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. last Saturday during Auburn’s first home football game, State Farm agents Kathy Powell and Scott Holley had to make last minutes changes to the Auburn location. “We had to adjust to the timing of the event, so we moved our biggest focus to be at the Auburn High School football game, where we are handed out lots of goodies and Niffer’s coupons for free food,” Powell said. “The other agent and I worked together to see how we could still do something at the Niffer’s location
on Saturday.” The agents focused on the students and parents that came out to the High School game Friday, Sept. 14. There they set up a tent in partnership with the Lee County Sherriff ’s Department and informed those who came by about the importance of driving safety. “We were really excited to be a part of the game this weekend, it was Auburn High School’s first football game and they were playing Smiths Station and both of those families are here in Lee County,” Powell said. As for Saturday’s main event, agents Powell and Holley handed out cupcakes at Niffer’s to people and answered questions about the Celebrate My Drive event. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes are the number one killer of American teens; and their first year out on the road is the most dangerous. State Farm said they do not believe scaring teens into safe driving habits is the right way to go. They tried out a concept of sharing information and enlightening the teenagers, as opposed to scaring them with violent and gory stats and videos. Although some adjustments had to be made to the event at the Auburn location, Gadson said he believed the event was still a big success. “As for the future of this event, we are very happy about how things are going so far,” Gadson said. “I can’t speak specifically as for what the plans are for next year, but I don’t think it’s going to go away anytime soon. I’m not getting that impression at all.”
Courtesy of Jean Dean RIF
The Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental foundation lost federal funding in 2011 and is turning to fundraising to fill the hole in the budget.
Federal budget cuts leave Reading is Fundamental foundation in the lurch Sydney Callis Community Reporter
The Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental, or RIF, foundation is working hard to raise money to cover the hole in their revenue made by Congress this year. Jean Dean RIF, in its 22nd year, provides free books for more than 25,000 children aged five and under in Alabama. Cathy Gafford, executive director of the organization, said this is the largest RIF project in the nation. More than 2,000 volunteers help around the state to give books to young children. ”We primarily serve at risk young children, age zero through five,” Gafford said. “What we’re trying to do is to put books in their hands before they reach kindergarten so they can be ready to start school and do well in school. We want them to have the opportunity to do well in school.” Research done by the Birmingham husband and wife team, Sharon and Craig Ramey, showed the importance
of getting books in the hands of children, Gafford said. “The shorthand version is that you have all these wires when you’re born and if you don’t have experiences that make those wires make connections then those wires atrophy and go away,” Gafford said. “It’s very important to stimulate their brain.” Since 1991, Jean Dean RIF has provided more than 450,000 at-risk children with books, Gafford said. In previous years, Jean Dean RIF was funded by: federal grants, Kiwanis and individuals, businesses or groups that “had a heart for children who needed books,” Gafford said. Established 45 years ago, National RIF is the oldest children’s literature organization in the U.S. It was removed from the federal budget through the U.S. Department of Education, effective 2011. “We do not have the ability to even apply for that funding for that third that we were using to cover kids all over Alabama that were in coun-
ties that didn’t have Kiwanis clubs or didn’t have any other funders,” Gafford said. “So, we are working hard to beef up all of our fundraisers. The run is our premier fundraiser event.” Jean Dean RIF has three fundraising events every year. These events are a Run to Read, a pancake breakfast in the spring and a motorcycle Ride to Read event in the summer. Profits go toward filling the gap in their funds left by the federal budget cuts. The Run to Read event will be Oct. 20. Registration is now open and participants can register online at jeandeanrif.org. Prior to the race, registration is $15 for adults and $12 for military, firefighters, police and students. Gafford said Clifford the Big Red Dog and Aubie will be in attendance for the run, and there will be awards and door prizes, including a Hilton Head vacation. “Everybody who registers has the opportunity to win a one-week vacation this year
to Hilton Head,” Gafford said. Run to Read is a familyfriendly event, with different race lengths available for participants to choose from. The Auburn University chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma also supports Jean Dean RIF through their philanthropy events, and Kappa alumnus Morgan Luger said she is proud of the work Kappa does for RIF. “It’s really important for kids to have access to reading material to they can learn how to be successful when they get to school,” Luger said. Also, Gafford said Jean Dean RIF will welcome all interested in volunteering. Those interested can email jdrifvolunteer@gmail.com to help with deliveries, warehouse work and fundraisers. “Anybody who wants to try to help us is welcome,” Gafford said. “People who care about literacy can also help by writing their Congressman and saying they’re interested in literacy and they’d like to see funds put back in the federal budget to support literacy.”
Community A6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Genre-bending Harpeth Rising brings new sound to Sundilla Eva Woghiren Community Reporter
Harpeth Rising believes it has created a new genre of music. The folk-influenced band consists of four classically trained musicians who recently returned from touring the United Kingdom. “We love playing there, as the audiences are incredibly enthusiastic,” said band member and Western Kentucky University professor Jordana Greenberg. “Our tour this year had almost every show completely sold out.” Since forming in the Nashville area they have toured several times throughout Europe, including a stop at the 2011 Cambridge Folk Festival, one of the biggest folk festivals in England. The four members have ventured around America’s classical scene to famed venues including Carnegie Hall, in addition to recording on four
different continents. The band has been featured on acclaimed Nashville-area shows “Music City Roots” and “Nashville Traditions.” Harpeth Rising will be in Auburn for the Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. “Their sound is very refined, but carries an improvised quality that makes you feel like you are sitting at the coffee table hearing the telling of a tale for the very first time,” said Sean McMorrow, Top Shelf Event’s talent booker. “If we are lucky, these kids are creating a new genre for others to emulate and develop for years to come.” The band consists of a banjo (Rebecca Reed-Lunn), fiddle (Greenberg), cello (Maria Di Meglio) and hand drums (Chris Burgess), all accompanied by vocals. The parts blend together to create a sound with a hint of bluegrass spunk, some classi-
“
members of the group because it presents songs written by David Greenberg, faIf we are lucky, ther of Jordana, the band’s violinist. these kids are The band writes most of creating a new its own music, but it also pergenre for others forms covers of its favorite songs. to emulate and Its U.S. agent, Joann Murdevelop for years dock, booked the Sundilla to come.” Concert for them. “I’d heard of the series be—Sean McMorrow fore, as many of my favorTop Shelf Event’s talent booker ite artists have played there,” Murdock said. “We are really happy and excited to be makcal undertones and a splash of ing our debut there,” Greenberg said. folky Americana. The Sundilla Acoustic ConInfluences listed on the band’s website biography span cert Series hosts artists of tragenres as well as centuries and ditional folk to blues, country, include Beethoven, Gustav bluegrass and jazz. The event will be held at the Mahler and Bob Dylan. Their debut album, “The Auburn Unitarian Universalist End of the World,” recent- Fellowship. Tickets will be available for ly earned a place in the Top Ten on the International Folk $12 at the door and $10 before and will also be sold at the Charts. The album is special to the Gnu’s Room.
Courtesy of Harpeth Rising
Harpeth Rising consists of (clockwise from left) Rebecca Reed-Lunn, Chris Burgess, Maria Di Meglio and Jordana Greenberg.
Lee County agrees on trust fund amendment Zeke Turrentine Community Editor
Lee County joined in with much of the rest of the state in voting overwhelmingly to approve an amendment to the Alabama constitution that would move $437 million dollars from the state trust fund to its general fund over three years. This would amount to approximately $145 million a year. The county voted 7,919 yes to 4,511 no votes. Lee County is home to 37 precincts, only two of which reported more no than yes votes. The entire state voted nearly 2-to-1 in support of the proposal. The Associated Press reported late Tuesday evening that 88 percent of precincts had been counted and that there were 349,029 yes votes, or 65 percent, and 184,713 no votes, or 35 percent.
Auburn’s Mike Hubbard, Speaker of the House, blamed prior governors and legislators for the state’s problems. “Democrats created Alabama’s deep fiscal problems over several decades, and Republicans can’t solve them overnight,” he said in a press release. “This temporary transfer will provide us the time needed to fully implement the common-sense, conservative budgeting practices, targeted spending reductions and fundamental government reforms necessary to put Alabama back on the path to prosperity without raising taxes.” Gov. Robert Bentley spoke about the approval as a victory for those who wanted to save certain state-funded programs without raising taxes. “I want to thank the voters for approving the state’s plan to temporarily borrow funds
from our savings account to help get us through these difficult economic times without raising taxes,” Bentley said in a press release Tuesday night. “Once again, I pledge to the people of this state that the funds transferred to help support critical state services will be paid back.” The state’s budgets show the general fund is slated to spend around $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2013, beginning Oct. 1. Deep cuts would have occurred if there was a no vote and Bentley and legislators did not find a new source of revenue, like a tax increase. Many in the health care industry welcomed the yes vote as a victory, while several on the far right decried the governor’s campaign for approval as scaring people into voting for something they weren’t completely informed about. “We are pleased that the
citizens of Alabama recognize the need to protect pregnant women and children from severe cuts to Medicaid,” East Alabama Medical Center President and CEO Terry Andrus told the Opelika-Auburn News. “Now the governor’s office, the Legislature, health care providers and the business community can come up with a comprehensive plan to fund Medicaid for the future.” Sen. Scott Beason (R-Gardendale) had been imploring people to vote no and said he thought a lot of Alabamians would wake up Wednesday wondering what they’d just approved. Lee County election officials said 13.5 percent of the county’s 92,000 registered voters took part in the referendum. They were happy with this outcome as they said they were expecting a turnout in the single digits.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Community A7
The Auburn Plainsman
Museum hosts A Little Lunch Music to break up the day Rebecca Moseley
appreciation classes to choose A Little Lunch Music for their required viewing of performances outside of the classroom. Hendrix said she hopes the local music, free student membership and Wi-Fi and fair prices on soups, salads and sandwiches will encourage students to study at the museum. “We’re thinking it will be Auburn’s newest tradition,” Hendrix said. The venue has highlighted musicians from the University’s music students and faculty. Faculty members and students from Columbus State University, members of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and students from Carver Elementary School in Montgomery
Intrigue Reporter
For those looking for a change of pace in their study habits or a fresh new sound from a local band, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is hosting a weekly daytime series called A Little Lunch Music. The free concert series is every Thursday from noon until 1:00 p.m. in the area just beyond the lobby of the museum. “ Visiting the museum should be a part of the students’ education, and we hope it will be just as important as studying at the library or going to football games,” said Charlotte Hendrix, director of communications for the museum. “Programs are printed to encourage students in music
have also been highlighted. Upcoming performances include Joseph Ikner on Sept. 20 and the Auburn Indian Music Ensemble on Oct. 4. Series coordinator Patrick McCurry said the series began in 2007 by cellist, pianist and electric keyboardist Charles Wright. Wright was a high school friend of McCurry and once led the Auburn Quartet. McCurry said Wright began the series because he was simply looking for a place to play and share his music. McCurry said he began playing the saxophone, flute and cello with Wright in the series in 2008. After a Steinway grand piano was donated to the museum in 2009, he and Wright
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There’s something conducive about Auburn for music. It is my desire to make its art and music scene grow.” —Patrick McCurry A Little Lunch Music coordinator
asked pianist Barbara AckerMills to join them. The Woodfield Trio was then born. In 2009, Acker-Mills left to teach psychology at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. Wright moved to Sarasota,
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Fla., and McCurry took over Wright’s position as series coordinator. McCurry said he is excited to see the audience and interested performers growing in number as the series progresses. The series now attracts crowds of around 30 to 50 people and performers of all genres. The series mostly displays classical music with some jazz, but it is open to all music performers and has no bar on talent, he said. “ Wri g ht o c casional ly brought in new people, but not like this,” McCurry said. McCurry is now looking for sponsors on a student recital level for $150, a local color sponsorship level for $250, the
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Woodfield Trio level for $500, a chamber group level for $750 and a key performance level for $1000 to cover time and travel costs for performers. For performances without sponsorship, the museum holds a small honorarium. “As a musician, it’s important to me that the musicians get paid,” McCurry said. McCurry said his favorite performances in the series are those by artists who are not usually able to perform at recitals. He said he is happy to make that setting more accessible to them. “There’s something conducive about Auburn for music,” McCurry said. “It is my desire to make its art and music scene grow.”
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Community A8
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Food enthusiasts get back to the basics AU “Real Food” Fest focuses on locally grown and sustainable food sources
“The goal for schools who take the challenge is to get 20 percent of their school’s food budget to go toward food that is ecologically sound, local, fair and humane,” Davis said. The festival has one main objective broken up into three parts: to return the satisfaction of local food back into the community by incorporating fresh ingredients, to connect farmer to consumer more easily and to instill the values of slow food in people’s lives. Robyn Bridges, public relations and communications director for the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, was the media relations force behind the festival. “We are rich in this part of the country in terms of agriculture; being able to grow those products,” Bridges said. “Auburn is a land-grant university.” Bridges said she believes the project will be well-received in Auburn because of the city’s history in agriculture. “We are talking about lifestyle and cultural change when asking people to change their diet,” said Cameron Ingrum, Auburn senior inter-
Chandler Jones Writer
The AU “Real Food” Fest is the inaugural event of Auburn’s new slow food movement. The event is open to the communities of Auburn, Opelika and the student body of Auburn University. The festival will celebrate local ingredients and aims to introduce the community to slow food and the Real Food Challenge, a local organization with a goal of supporting local and sustainable food culture. The Slow Food chapter, a campus organization, gives people in the Auburn community a chance to find each other and come together to celebrate food, said Rosco Davis, senior interdisciplinary major and president of the Real Food Challenge.
disciplinary major and Real Food Challenge chief strategic officer. “Back in the day, food was something all people could gather around; all people could share.” A $40 donation buys a ticket to the event. Profits will provide the necessary tools to help maintain the Auburn Real Food Challenge community gardens, located on campus. The Challenge began working closely with David Bancroft, head chef at the AU Club, in beginning the slow food movement in Auburn in May. “We lucked up when we found David Bancroft and started the Slow Food chapter; he is so deeply ingrained in this community and knows so many people,” Davis said. For Bancroft it all began four years ago when he experienced all the trends, various chefs and the eclectic dining scene outside communities had. “All the community support, seeing all the names on the menus for me is such an attractive thing,” Bancroft said. “That was intriguing to see relationships translated into the
Rachel Suhs / Design Editor
menu and seeing the impact that it was making.” For Bancroft, the festival is an example of the community coming together. “The city of Auburn with Auburn University, the students, the professors and the foodie community is the biggest melting pot,” Bancroft said. “This is the common ground for everyone. Food can become a community gathering.”
The festival will feature different forms of entertainment. “There will be music playing the whole time, food the whole time and in the middle there will be a panel with several well-educated, knowledgeable food patrons in our community,” Davis said. The event is all-you-can-eat with food made by local head chefs with local ingredients. There will also be a chance to drink all you can from 5 to
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7:30 p.m. Earth Fare will sponsor a raffle including handmade baskets from Ghana filled with various local products. The panel will discuss the potential work of Slow Food. “It is about going back to localized economies; about small-scale farming, farm to plate, reducing all those middle-man mechanized input costs of conventional agriculture,” Ingrum said.
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
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By The Mepham Group
Level: 1 2 3 4
Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle
10/7/12
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders)
Across 1 Run headlong into 4 Leave in stitches 8 Soupçon 11 Ostrich cousins 13 Henchmen 14 Printing measure 15 Speech therapist’s concern 16 Certain music teacher 18 Keen on 19 Je ne __ quoi 20 Freebies near the register 21 Outmoded street fixture 24 Play a good joke on 25 Moose feature 28 Word with tie or cord 31 It may be bleeped out 34 Write to a disk 35 News initials 36 Succulent part of a rack 39 Mario Brothers letters 40 “The Mod Squad” role 42 “Way to go!” 43 Insurance worker 45 Study intently 47 “The Simpsons” shop keeper 48 International Tennis Hall of Famer who won consecutive US Opens in 1997 and 1998 55 __-load: prep for a marathon 57 Liposuction target 58 Overdue book penalty 59 Louisiana nickname 61 “Absolutely!” 62 Upbeat 63 Farm girls? 64 Telegram 65 Fleur-de-__ 66 Cabled carrier 67 With “the,” much -watched index, a different component of which is hidden in 16-, 21-, 36-, 48- and 59-Across
Down
1 Museum piece 2 Acid type 3 “__ paint you a picture?” 4 Sand bar 5 Desi’s daughter 6 Shocked 7 Maker of Opium, initially 8 “Unfaithful” Oscar nominee 9 Money in the bank: Abbr. 10 Curmudgeonly cries 12 Cleaning aid 13 Best Buy buy 14 Shows the way 17 “Hurry up!” 22 Okla., before 11/16/1907 23 “Good one!” 26 Square, moneywise 27 Sit for a spell 28 Juicer refuse 29 Mayberry boy
30 Napa equipment 31 Back-tied sash 32 “Breaking Bad” cable channel 33 Place to start a hole 37 Kind of verb: Abbr. 38 Bite with un aperitivo 41 Cantankerous 44 Belly laugh 46 Yours, to Yves 47 Chain with Market Fresh sandwiches 49 Lead-in to bad news 50 Silicon Valley’s Santa __ 51 Deejay Casey 52 Like a wallflower 53 Madrid month 54 Ask for more Money? 55 PC key 56 Shout between ships 60 London hrs.
Sports Thursday, September 20, 2012
B1 www.theplainsman.com
Sports
Auburn looks to climb from SEC cellar vs. LSU Andrew Yawn sports@theplainsman.com
On Sept. 15, ULM took Auburn to the wire and narrowly missed upsetting an SEC team for the second straight time. This week on Sept. 22, Auburn (1-2) welcomes ULM’s bayou brethren the LSU Tigers (3-0) to the Plains as LSU begins their conference play in Jordan-Hare Stadium. LSU has played three relatively easy games against unranked non-conference opponents North Texas, Washington and Idaho. In those three games, LSU has been the epitome of balance on both sides of the ball, allowing an average of 10.3 points per game and racking up 48.3 points per game behind new starting quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Mettenberger has shown improvement since his first start against North Texas, but his play
has still been less than spectacular. He has thrown an interception in two of his three games, only broken 200 yards once and shown an inability to effectively run the ball (eight carries for -24 yards). The 6-foot 5-inch junior has been consistent, however, and can make all the throws required of him. And yet, the real strength of LSU lies in its rushing attack. The Bayou Bengals have four running backs capable of starting for any team in the NCAA and boast a stable of workhorses consisting of Alfred Blue, Kenny Hiliard, Michael Ford and Spencer Ware. The fact that Ware, the team leader in rushing touchdowns last season, is fourth on the depth chart is a testament to the team’s depth. LSU has garnered 808 yards rushing in their first three games with 12 touchdowns on the ground. Auburn’s defense has played poorly against the run this season, and opponents have averaged 189 yards per game.
nior tight end Tyler Edwards, sophomore linebacker D.J. Welter and sophomore offensive lineman Evan Washington and projected starting junior linebacker Tahj Jones. All four players missed the first three games as they awaited the decision, but LSU now knows the holes it has to fill going against Auburn. As for Auburn, the team is tied for last in the SEC West and has scored the fewest amount of points in the entire conference. Chizik continuously preaches about taking the season one game at a time, but with AP No. 5 Georgia and No. 1 Alabama (not to mention former top-10 Arkansas) looming on the schedule, a loss against No. 3 LSU would cast doubt on Auburn’s chances of climbing up from the bottom rung of the division. As for this week’s game against LSU, Auburn faces a steep challenge against the nation’s No. 17 ranked scoring offense and No. 2 total defense. If they overcome the odds, however, Auburn will definitely have earned their SEC stripes.
Despite LSU’s status as an 18-point favorite and Auburn fans’ low expectations, Gene Chizik seemed nonplussed about facing the national championship runner-up. “This is what college football’s all about– to be able to have the opportunity to have a very good football team come in here and see how much improvement we’ve made from the week before,” Chizik said. “I think our players are very excited about the opportunity. I know our coaches are, as well. I think it’ll be fun for our fans. It’s going to be a great evening, so we’re looking forward to it.” LSU has typical SEC powerhouse depth, but the team has suffered numerous losses that may impact the team’s first game against a conference opponent. Starting left tackle Chris Faulk is out for the season with a knee injury. Tyrann Mathieu had his much publicized dismissal for failing a drug test and must now hope to make the team next season. In addition, four LSU players have been ruled academically ineligible for the 2012 season: se-
By the numbers ULM vs Auburn 40
Auburn possessed the ball for 40 minutes–40 minutes and 15 seconds to be precise–and outpossessed their opponent for the first time this season. This resulted from a larger focus on the running game which gained 255 net rushing yards to keep the chains moving and the clock running. The increase in time of possession showed that Auburn can keep opposing defenses on the field while allowing rest for their own.
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Auburn converted two of their three red zone opportunities and the scores could not have been bigger for Auburn. Tre Mason scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown to put Auburn up by 14 in the 3rd quarter. The final conversion proved to be the game winning one as Cody Parkey connected on a 35-yard field goal. Auburn should have gone three for three, but running back Mike Blakely fumbled inside the 5-yard line.
1
Kiehl Frazier completed only one pass in the second half despite six attempts. While Scot Loeffler was right to keep the ball on the ground where the team enjoyed its biggest success Saturday, Frazier must still maintain control of the game. Judging from the post-game comments, Frazier’s game plan was designed for him to manage the game and occassionally take a shot down the field. For Auburn to establish or keep a lead, however, Frazier must make the throws required of him in the closing minutes of games.
27
Rachel Suhs / Graphics Editor
ULM gained 27 first downs against Auburn’s defense. Unfortunately, nine of those came on third down and three came from fourth down conversions. The offense did a decent job of keeping the defense off the field, but the defense must return the favor and get off the field on the late downs. Auburn only recorded 19 first downs.
Locals flock to Football, Fans and Feathers Caitlin Wagenseil Writer
Many Auburn fans know about Spirit, one of the bald eagles that flies around Jordan-Hare Stadium before home football games. His home, however, isn’t as wellknown. The Southeastern Raptor Center, located at 1350 PrattCarden Drive, is a rehabilitation center for raptors, a category of birds that are hunters and are able to grab food with their claws. It is home to a variety of these birds, including owls, eagles, falcons and vultures. This will be the seventh year the Raptor Center will host Football, Fans and Feathers, an event held every Friday afternoon before a home football game. An outside amphitheater with stacked-stone benches allows spectators to watch as the birds are released from two wooden towers situated behind each side of the stage. More than 200 orange-andblue clad fans came out this past Friday, Sept. 14, to watch the birds soar through the air and down to the gloved arms of their trainers. “Releasing them is the most rewarding thing—it’s an incredible feeling,” said Taylor Wyatt, a sophomore in preveterinary medicine and volunteer at the Raptor Center. An owl named Chaplin was shown to the crowd first, followed by a falcon. As the vulture was brought out, the Addams Family theme song played in the background as
he skipped along to it. The raptor trainers chanted “vulture family” together. Spirit was released from the tower last and was unveiled by a blue and orange Auburn blanket covering his cage. “What a lot of people don’t realize is that we fly our birds in the stadium just about every day,” said Marianne Hudson, raptor specialist. All of the birds at the Raptor Center are there because they would not be able to survive in the wild on their own. One of the birds only has one eye, and another was stolen from his nest as a baby. “He has imprinted now, so he either thinks he’s a little person or that we’re all birds,” said Carla Irene, volunteer at the rehabilitation center. “If we tried to release him he would most likely go back to where there is a lot of people, so we keep him here,” she said. As for Spirit, he lacks one important characteristic to survive in the wild. “He’s missing a sharphooked beak, so he can’t tear his food very well, so that’s why he lives at the Raptor Center,” Hudson said. “He has flown at many games off and on since 2004, and has done a great job representing Auburn University.” Working with the birds is no easy feat. “The most challenging thing is to make sure the eagle lands on the 50-yard line on game day, because we never know where the birds are
going to go whenever we let them loose,” Hudson said. “We’re just holding our breath every time we let a bird fly free, whether it’s an owl or an eagle, and then we really hope we get them back.” The task can even be dangerous. “Its very humbling working with the birds,” Wyatt said. “But they are wild animals and they will go after you sometimes—I definitely have some battle wounds.” Because the birds are raptors, it is in their nature to be aggressive. “They have to hunt and kill things in the wild, so we just have to manage it; make sure that we’re being safe, and make sure we’re not getting hurt,” said Andrew Hopkins, raptor specialist at the Raptor Center who assists in training all the raptors. In addition to caring for and training the birds, the raptor specialists also work to educate the public. “What is often not known is they [the raptor specialists] go around the state and teach and provide outreach to over 20,000 children a year,” said Jamie Bellah, director of the Raptor Center. “The best thing about the program is being able to educate the public,” Irene said. The next event will be this Friday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. Admission is $5, and proceeds will help support the Raptor Center and go toward buying the necessary tools and food for both the trainers and the birds.
Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor
Spirit, an American bald eagle, is one of the eagles that fly at home football games along with Nova, a golden eagle.
Danielle Lowe / assistant Photo Editor
One of the trainers at the Raptor Center holds Spirit on a gloved hand as another trainer narrates Spirit’s story to the audience. Spirit is lacking the hooked beak needed for hunting making him unreleasable.
Sports B2
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Swimming a different stroke Former Tiger swimmer Dave Denniston overcomes paralysis to compete, coach in Paralympics
John Burns Sports Reporter
Emily Morris / Assistant Photo Editor
Frazier defused some of the criticism with his two touchdown performance in a win over University of Louisiana at Monroe. The sophomore went 10 of 18 for 130 yards, a touchdown and an interception and also caught a 33-yard touchdown pass.
Frazier shows improvement in win Andrew Yawn sports@ theplainsman. com
Sophomore quarterback Kiehl Frazier entered the Sept. 15 ULM game under heavy scrutiny and walked off Pat Dye Field with a win and a shred of redemption. The team won for the first time with Frazier under center, and even if you dismiss the win because of the opponent, fans have to be happy with what they witnessed. Yes, he had another turnover. Yes, he completed one pass of six in the second half as the Warhawks fought back into the game. Yes, it was against a team Auburn paid $1.05 million to play.
But you can’t dismiss Frazier’s noticeable improvement from the past two debacles. He cut down turnovers, showed poise in the pocket and had his first multi-touchdown game of his career–albeit not in the way most expected. Frazier scored on an electric 33-yard catch-and-run and ignited the home crowd again with his last second bomb to freshman Sammie Coates to end the first half. On the hail mary, Frazier avoided pressure and a near sack to roll left. Most fans who had seen the first two games undoubtedly envisioned a wild throw out of bounds or into the hands of a ULM defender. Frazier, however, squared his shoulders and heaved the ball to where only Coates could catch it.
When Frazier scrambled, he kept his eyes downfield and extended the play with his feet.When the time came to run, Frazier did so decisively looking only for positive yardage. Although he only had 8 yards rushing, he was only stopped once for negative yards and took one sack. He wasn’t spectacular, and there are still strides to make in his game, but, to echo the coaches’ post-game thoughts, Frazier did a solid job of “managing the game.” Auburn led it’s attack on the ground, but Frazier made enough throws to keep the defense honest and six of his 10 completions were first downs that kept drives alive. The offense rediscovered its strength on the ground and rushed for 255 yards. If the defense improves its consistency, that rushing at-
tack combined with the efficiency Frazier showed in the first half–nine of 12 for 114 yards and a touchdown–is all that Auburn needs to win games. Frazier has still not proven himself a master of comebacks or the two-minute drill. When ULM got within a touchdown of Auburn’s lead, Frazier rushed twice for -1 yard and threw twice for two incompletions. Auburn is not content with mediocrity, and Frazier must do more to give his team a chance to win in the future. But Frazier now has the confidence of his first win and he showed the fans and critics alike that he was serious about correcting his mistakes. Against LSU, Frazier faces his biggest test and must show he can be more than a game manager.
Former Auburn swimmer Dave Denniston has had highs and lows in his career, but he has found a way to climb from the deepest valley to the tallest mountain. Denniston was a three-time NCAA individual champion and a 15-time All-American during his tenure at Auburn in the late 1990s. After leaving Auburn, Denniston set his sights on making the Olympic team in 2004, but came up short. The swimmer then decided to brush it off and get ready for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, however his career took a devastating turn in 2005. While sledding in Wyoming, Denniston suffered an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, an enormous blow to any swimmer. His resolve was unwavering. Denniston made it to Beijing, and competed in the Paralympics. This summer Dennison had the opportunity to coach Paralympics athletes in London, after shelving his career as a competitive swimmer. Denniston said he feels that his career as a Paralympics swimmer helped him coach the athletes in London. “I love coaching,” Danniston said. “After being a competitor, I feel like I have a better feel for the athletes’ wants … Instead of them having to tell me, I kind of already had a feel for what they needed.” The American swimmers
benefitted from having an experienced coach, and were able to rake in 41 medals, 14 of which were gold. “There were swimming events every day of the games,” Denniston said. “And most of our time was spent at the pool, but the experience itself was phenomenal. It was just great to get to meet so many people with a lot of different backgrounds.” Denniston and the team worked together for two and a half years before the Paralympics this summer in Colorado Springs, Colo. “Before the games we went to Stuttgart, [Germany],” Denniston said. “We had to adjust to the time change before going to London. That was a great experience.” After a successful run in the Paralympics, Denniston has his sights set on thefuture. “I’m committed to continue coaching,” Denniston said. “We’re getting geared up for Rio de Janeiro, and we’re going to be ready to hit the ground running this coming January.” While he is not in the water or coaching, Denniston tells his story to inspire youth and adults. Denniston’s website, davedenniston.com, welcomes visitors to learn about swimming, whether it be swimming strokes, safety or technique. The site also has links to inspirational books and stories as well as a charitable donations tab which redirects to numerous charities like Operation Smile and the American Cancer Society.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sports B3
The Auburn Plainsman
Baseball ‘Star’ Morris is MVP in Southern League Ali Jenkins Sports Reporter
Rebecca Croomes / Photo Editor
In McGill’s second Olympics, he won the gold as part of the men’s 4x100 meter relay team. McGIll is back from London now and already training for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Gold medalist McGill named volunteer swim coach, trains for 2016 Olympics Nathan Simone Online Editor
Former Auburn swimmer Tyler McGill was named volunteer assistant on Sept. 5. McGill was a part of Team USA along with Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte in the 2012 London Olympics. McGill agreed to sit down with The Plainsman and discuss his future in the Olympics and as volunteer assistant for the Tigers. You were unable to talk on Sept. 14 because you were at the White House with Team USA. What did you do? Did you get to meet the president?
The Olympic and Paralympic teams were invited to the White House for a visit, so we traveled to D.C. on Thursday night and got up really early on Friday to drive over to the White House. They had a reception on the South Lawn for us, and then at 9:30 a.m. we all sat and watched the president, vice president and first lady come up on a stage and speak. Afterward everyone got the opportunity to shake the president’s and vice president’s hand, and the first lady was giving out hugs, so it was really cool to meet them and say ‘thank you, it’s an honor to be here.’ It was something that we got to do a little bit of in 2007, when Auburn won its first title that I was here for, so to go back and do it again was nice. Different president, but equally as special to be there.
Representing the USA in the London Olympics and then meeting the
president, did the process of training and achieving come full circle?
A little bit. It’s always a little surreal when you meet the president of the United States just because you know who he is and what he represents how busy he is. You feel honored that he takes time out of his day to thank all of the Olympians and Paralympians for inspiring young athletes and young people across the country. It was special to us because it’s special to him, considering how busy he is.
Having won a gold medal in the Olympics, what’s it like coming back to Auburn as a volunteer assistant coach?
Well, I’m still training ( for the 2016 Olympics), so I’ll be in the water. My volunteer job as a coach is a bit limited, but I’ll try to help out a little bit a couple of times during the week. My goal is to be someone the athletes can look up to and talk to if they have questions about anything. Brett wanted to name me a volunteer assistant coach and asked me if I would be a volunteer assistant coach, and of course, with everything Auburn and Brett have done for me, it was easy to say yes.
So you’re training full time for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil while being a volunteer assistant coach?
I am. My training schedule is a little hectic right now. I’m pretty much gone Friday, Saturday and Sunday of every week. I get in the water when I can, trying to stay in the best shape as possible these first couple months so that when December and January rolls around, that can really kick in my training and I’ll be ready to go.
Your stroke of specialty is butterfly. What’s your training regimen like now?
Like I said, it’s just a matter of finding different ways to stay in shape, keeping my feel in the water, so that it’s not a foreign way of working out when I start back in December and January. I’m doing some yoga right now, playing with different things in the weight room, just having fun being an Olympian and doing all the things that come along with winning a medal. I’m very busy outside the pool, so I’m trying to do my best staying in shape and keeping a feel for the water, but also having a lot of fun at the same time.
With the football team not doing so great, will it be easier to encourage people to watch meets?
I think that when the football team is doing great, it brings attention to Auburn and it brings attention to how good Auburn is at so many other sports. Yes, it’s unfortunate that they’ve started the way have, but they’re trying everything they can. They prepare weekly to do the best they can, just like the guys here prepare all season long to be great at the end of the year. Any attention that’s brought to Auburn and the swim program, whether it’s through the football team or other sports, is always positive here.
As a competitive swimmer and Olympian, you’ve gotten to travel all over the world. What’s been your favorite place to visit and why?
Mark Gangloff, myself, Lionel Moreau and Alana Dillett went to the French National Meet this past march in Dunkirk, France. We did a little
bit of training in Paris first, and it was the first time that I’ve been able to go to a big competition without that competition being my focus meet of the year. So we got to enjoy the city a little bit more, walk around Paris and grasp the culture a bit. Lionel is French, so he took us around and showed us a lot of cool things about the people and the culture there. I was with great friends, in a very relaxed atmosphere.
On Oct. 12, the swim t eam will comp et e against Alabama in an SEC dual meet. How excited are you for that?
Unfortunately, I will be out of town as I will be inducted into my high school’s hall of fame that week. Obviously, football sets up that rivalry, but it’s a little less intense in the swimming community. We always look forward to racing them however, because of the tradition that the schools have together. I’ll be excitedly watching from afar.
If you could tell the students of Auburn one thing, what would it be?
Come out and experience what a swim meet is like. There’s a lot of excitement and work that these athletes put into racing, so come see what that’s all about. Along the timeline of predictions, I think this team has a great opportunity to utilize leadership in its upperclassmen, and grow their good, young talent that have performed well in the past. Obviously there’s a long way to go in the season, so I’m hoping that things will develop in the right way so those upperclassmen can lead the way they want to and are supposed to, and that the younger guys will find ways to improve and take Auburn to great places.
It took Hunter Morris only 136 games to make his name known throughout the minors. The Huntsville Stars first baseman just wrapped up the greatest season any player has had since the franchise came to Huntsville in 1985. Morris needed one full season at Double-A to grab the attention of league field managers, broadcasters and print media and become the fifth Star in history to be named the Southern League Most Valuable Player. The honor places him with the likes of ex-Star Jose Canseco, an outfielder and designated hitter who spent 16 years in Major League Baseball. “It really is crazy,” Morris said. “It’s an honor. It’s a pretty exclusive list of players that have been in that position before. The last Brewers player that won it was Corey Hart back in 2003 and he’s had a great career up to this point, and he’s going to continue to do well.” The 23-year-old led the league in six different categories with 28 home runs, 113 RBIs, 158 hits, 74 extrabase hits, 294 total bases and a slugging percentage of .563. He played the secondmost games this season, had the second-most at bats (522) and doubles (40) and scored the third-most runs (77). His 113 RBIs are the second most in all of Minor League Baseball this season and the most in the Southern League since 2000. “It’s good and bad,” Morris said of his MVP title. “It’s a lot to live up to. I would like to think that it could only get better from here, but at the same time, you kind of set a standard. You continue to want to live up to that from here on out and that’s not always the easiest thing to do, especially in baseball. It’s not the easiest sport to try to stay consistent with, but I think it’s a good place to be right now and to continue to
build from there.” His MVP crown isn’t the only honor he’s received this year. He was named the Topps Southern League Player of the Month for June and July, the first player to receive the accolade back-to-back since Montgomery’s Delmon Young in 2005. He was named to both the mid-season and post-season All-Star teams and earned the Brewers Minor League Player of the Month for April and July. But his on-field success didn’t start there. He graduated from Virgil I. Grissom High School in Huntsville with a career batting average of .470, 46 home runs and 198 RBIs. While in high school, he was a member of Team USA’s silver medal team in the World Games in Cuba. He was also named Huntsville City Player of the Year four times, as well as North Alabama Super Metro Player of the Year and Alabama 6A All-State Player. He was All-SEC at Auburn, hitting a team-high .351 in 54 games as a freshman in 2008. He also finished second in home runs (11) and RBIs (49) and tied for third in runs scored (42) that season. Morris was named SEC Player of the Year in 2010, batting .386 with 23 home runs, a school record. That same year, Morris was drafted by the Brewers in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. Morris is the first Huntsville native to play for the Stars, a luxury for the hometown hero. “It was surreal,” Morris said. “Just to play in front of my friends and family and be at home with my wife and son every day, it’s an opportunity that very few guys in Minor League Baseball ever get. It’s something that I certainly didn’t take for granted; I enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully I didn’t disappoint the home-crowd too much. Hopefully they enjoyed watching me play as much as I enjoyed getting to play in front of them.”
Courtesy of Jason Clark
Morris led the league in six different offensive categories and is the fifth player to claim the league MVP honors in Stars’ history.
Sports B4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Women’s soccer drops two games to kick off conference play Taylor Grafft and Justin Ferguson Writers
Rebecca Croomes / Photo Editor
Auburn had numerous chances to defeat both Florida and Missouri, but the team lost both SEC games.
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The Auburn women’s soccer team dropped their first two conference games Friday and Saturday night, losing 2-0 to 13th ranked Missouri and 2-1 in overtime versus Florida. Against Missouri, long distance goals from Missouri’s Kaysie Clark and Haley Krentz separated the two Tiger teams. “Missouri did a better job of executing their gameplan and playing the way they wanted to play,” Auburn Head Coach Karen Hoppa said after the game. “We needed to connect more passes and be more effective offensively.” After non-conference wins over Auburn in 2008 and 2009, the Tigers from Columbia celebrated their first win as a member of the SEC on Friday. Despite allowing two goals, Auburn goalkeeper Amy Howard kept Auburn in the game with nine saves. The defending SEC Defensive Player of the Week has made 19 saves in Auburn’s last two matches. “She was very good again tonight,” Hoppa said. “Nine saves is a really high number. She saw a lot of shots, and I think that [Missouri’s] two goals were really quality finishes.” Clark’s 29th minute goal, a low shot that took an awkward bounce at the last moment, broke the 0-0 deadlock and gave Missouri a lead Auburn was never able to overcome. After trading good shots and quality possession with the conference newcomers, Auburn suffered from too many turnovers for the rest of the opening period. The second half started off with more dominating play from Missouri. Krentz doubled Missouri’s lead in the 52nd minute with a
22-yard strike that was just out of Howard’s diving reach. From that point until the final whistle, Auburn looked determined to score. Near misses and shots off the woodwork gave fans hope, but to the dismay of the newly christened student section, Hoppa’s Hooligans, and the rest of the crowd at the Auburn Soccer Complex, none of those chances materialized into a goal. “We had our opportunities,” Hoppa said. “We hit a couple of crossbars, had an empty net chance that we missed. We had our chances, but we just didn’t finish.” Auburn had a better showing against Florida and took the lead early, but junior forward Adriana Leon’s long distance goal with 32 seconds left in the first overtime period completed No. 13 Florida’s comeback, and the Tigers lost 2-1. “I thought we did a good job with patience in our defense,” Hoppa said. “We kept them in front of us… they’re such a good possession team, you just have to give them that. You’re not going to out-possess Florida, they’re too good on the ball. I thought we were patient and the goal scored was great, exactly what we were trying to do. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish our other opportunities and Florida did.” Senior forward Mary Coffed put Auburn up, 1-0, in the 5th minute, when she finessed a shot low into the right corner past Florida goalkeeper Taylor Burke. Sophomore forward Tatiana Coleman did a good job beating her defender on the right wing before sending a low cross into the box to Coffed for the assist. The goal was Coffed’s 14th of her career and third of the
season. Auburn took the 1-0 lead into halftime, but the Tigers were unable to keep up with Florida’s dominating possession in the second half. In the 73rd minute, Florida (4-3-1, 1-1-0 SEC) found the equalizer from senior midfielder Holly King. Senior defender Jo Dragotta was credited with the assist after sending a free kick into the box where King was able to connect and slide the ball past Howard. Auburn created several chances to go ahead in the final minutes of regulation, but was unable to find a finish. Their best chance came in the 90th minute when the ball was crossed in from the right wing forcing Florida’s Burke to make a diving save. The rebound was loose in the box, but cleared away by Florida defenders before an Auburn player could possess it. Florida won in overtime after Leon dribbled to the top of the box, following an Auburn foul, and fired a low shot past Howard into the left corner. “They played a quick free kick and they transitioned out of the foul quicker than we did. We left her open and they punished us for it,” Hoppa said. Of the nine games Auburn has played this season, five have been decided by a single goal. Auburn’s record in those games is 2-3-0. Auburn defeated Florida 3-2 last year to win the SEC Tournament, but this year, Auburn has fallen to an overall record of 4-5-0, 0-2-0 SEC. They travel to Baton Rouge to play LSU, Friday, Sept. 21 for Auburn’s first SEC road test of the season. The Tigers then head west to challenge Texas A&M.
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Intrigue
B5 www.theplainsman.com
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Intrigue
Skateboarders push for clarity of campus rules
Emily Morris / assistant photo editor
Rebecca Moseley Intrigue Reporter
Local skateboarders are hoping for a clear set of rules and regulations concerning skateboarding to clear the confusion experienced by the many students and residents who often use the mode of transportation primarily, as well as for police officers that are unfamiliar with the current laws, and also the techniques, of skateboarding. Numerous skateboarders have been issued costly tickets as a result of unawareness of the contrasting rules and regulations of the city and on campus. For example, 21-year-old Auburn native Charles Galik, who has used a skateboard to get to his job at Kroger on Glenn and Dean for four years, was pulled over at McDonald’s two years ago after traveling at a high speed down the right side of Magnolia. “I experienced what I felt was harassment and was threatened to be handcuffed on the spot,” Galik said. Galik said that the officer accused him of doing tricks in the middle of the road, which he said was impossible because of his high speed. He said he was then read his rights, but saw it was just a scare tactic after the officer began writing a ticket. More recently is the incident of Elliot Broder, who recently graduated with a degree in fisheries, still resides
in Auburn and also uses a skateboard for transportation daily. After what Broder said he felt was an innocent ride through empty streets to a late Tuesday afternoon lab last spring, he was pulled over and issued a ticket for disorderly conduct. Broder said after he researched the charge and watched other court proceedings, he chose to fight the charge in court by explaining to the judge that his experience with skateboards allows him to understand how to remain safe and that the board is important to him because it is his only form of transportation to and from class and work. “I felt stupid because I had to explain skateboarding terms to the judge, including carving to adjust speed, that (the officer) may have misinterpreted as losing control,” Broder said. Broder said that he received a letter stating the charge was dropped because of lack of evidence after the judge dismissed the court, admitting that he was unfamiliar with skateboarding laws, and essentially put the case on hold to discuss the matter with other officials. Another example is Hunter Dobbins, a senior in creative writing, who has been pulled over on his skateboard at least two dozen times in his two years of living in Auburn by police officers both in cars
Emily Morris / assistant photo editor
Hunter Dobbins, senior in creative writing, has been pulled over on his skateboard at least two dozen times in his two years of living in Auburn by police, both in cars and on bicycles.
and on bicycles. Similar to Broder, Dobbins feels his experience should be taken into account when considering the safety and legal aspects of skateboarding. “I know how to stop…I know how to use (the skateboard),” Dobbins said. “It is so
open for interpretation.” Dobbins said a specific incident occurred last spring semester when he was given a criminal mischief charge for skateboarding across the crosswalk from campus toward Chick-fil-A in front of the engineering building.
He said after he received the charge, he took it directly to a district attorney he had previously consulted with on other similar charges regarding skateboarding. He said the charge was dropped immediately because of what the district attorney said was uncertain rules and regulations against skateboarding on and off campus. “When it comes to city and downtown on the roads, I want to know what I can and can’t do because different cops tell me different things,” Dobbins said. Dobbins said on-campus police tell him he cannot skate on campus, but that he can skate on the road; and that off-campus police tell him that he can skate on campus, but not on the road. “(I hope) that we get a strict set of rules of when and where I can skate,” Dobbins said. While section XXII-XI of the city code of ordinances prohibits riding a bicycle and skating with skates, roller blades, skateboards, or other similar devices on the sidewalk within the downtown business district, there is no mention of riding or skating on the street. The downtown business district is defined by the code and the penalty of skating in this area consists of a maximum of $500 in fines and a six-month maximum sentence of hard labor for the city, as stated in section I-IX
of the code. On the other hand, the campus skateboarding policy as defined by the 20122013 Traffic and Regulations of AU Parking Services states “the use of skateboards, longboards and the like (minicruisers) is allowed on campus as long as it does not pose a hazard to oneself or others, or potentially cause property damage (to include trick riding) and is in compliance with Alabama state law and University regulations.” Part two of the policy goes on to say that sidewalks that are intended for pedestrian use only include those that are less than 10 feet wide and are not to be skated on, as well as ramps at the Coliseum and any parking deck. Sidewalks on campus wider than 10 feet are considered shared-use corridors and are open to careful skaters so long as there is no congestion of pedestrians. A map of these sidewalks can be found on the parking services website. While the policy does not prohibit skating on the street, it strongly discourages it, whether in bike or vehicle lanes. “If you see a skateboarder on campus, understand that you don’t have to jump out of their way,” Dobbins said. “ You’re not going to see a new skateboarder trying to (skate among) 2,000 people by the Haley Center.”
Young Americans of Liberty spread importance of free speech Rebecca Moseley Intrigue Reporter
The Young Americans for Liberty organization plans to celebrate the nationwide YAL Constitution Week by standing up for student rights. “We have two main objectives which would be to spread the message of the liberty, and to explain the importance of the First Amendment of free speech,” said Forest Warren, president of the University’s chapter of YAL. The protests, which were originally planned for the spring, began yesterday with members gathering just outside of the free speech zone next to the library from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. “We’re going to be using the free speech zone—or the open air forum, as the University likes to call it—as a tool to spread the message of the importance of free speech,” Warren said. The organization is holding the protests in order to demonstrate that the free speech zones exist, because
most students are unaware of them, said Cely Thompson, freshman in economics and director of communications and recruitment for the YAL. “We’re trying to spread the message that if you’re restricting one group’s free speech, then you’re kind of throwing free speech out the window because restricting speech at all isn’t free speech,” Thompson said. The concensus of YAL is that it is important for students to learn about the free speech zones because if one right is limited, the boundaries of other rights are threatened as well, Thompson said. As far as spreading the message of liberty, Warren said the organization will be having several students dress up as Guantanamo Bay prisoners with orange jumpsuits and black bags over their heads. Several students will be dressed in donated security guard attire as well. He said there will also be students dressed as TSA officers in a booth made by
“
We’re going to be using the free speech zone– or the open air forum, as the University likes to call it–as a tool to spread the message of the importance of free speech. ” —Forest Warren President of Auburn’s Young Americans of Liberty
group members to mock a TSA checkpoint. Students will be given a convenient, pocket-sized Constitution after passing through the booth. Warren said other plans for spreading the message of liberty include meeting on the concourse Tuesday, Sept. 18 to continue the protests, even though they are still working to raise enough
money for a new tent that can be used on the concourse. The organization had planned to meet on the concourse every day of the week beginning Sept. 17, but Warren had troubles getting the plan approved by the University because of the organization’s dunk booth event held on the concourse two weeks ago. “They were giving me a little bit of what I’d like to call ‘bureaucratic troubles’ just because of things I had to sign up and pay for,” Warren said. Warren said the University required him to make a $100 purchase for extra insurance and that the dunk booth ended up costing about $600, which was mostly paid for by an activism grant from the Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is also helping YAL to spread the message of liberty with a $750 grant to start its own newspaper to publish on campus and in the community.
Courtesy of Young americans for liberty
YAL holds protests to demonstrate that the free speech exist.
Courtesy of Young americans for liberty
YAL met on the concourse earlier this month to protest student debt.
Intrigue B6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Rent a Puppy?! » Well, close enough. ”Pups and Pops” is coming Monday to the Greenspace. Pups provided by For Paws Rescue, and pops will be made fresh from The Overall Company. For more information, check the Intrigue section on www.theplainsman.com
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Hurry in to find bar signs, cheap furniture, old windows, cool Auburn stuff, vintage records, jewelry, etc!
Ag Ambassadors selling coffee for Haiti COREY ARWOOD Writer
With every bag of Haitian coffee Auburn’s College of Agriculture Ambassadors sell, they promote sustainable economic development and supply the demands of both developed and developing countries. A beverage to consumers and an economic staple to producers, how coffee is viewed is determined by the wealth of both the country and its people. After years of political upheaval and one of the worst earthquakes in its history, Haiti is trying to reach developing-country status. With this in mind, Alltech, a Lexington, Ky. based agriculture company focused on animal health and nutrition, became involved in Haiti almost immediately after the 2010 earthquake. The company has helped regions struck by natural disaster before. Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and earlier earthquakes in China all received natural disaster relief from Alltech. However, according to Susanna Elliott of Alltech corporate public relations, “it became quickly apparent that traditional relief efforts would
not work in Haiti. They needed a long term commitment to sustainable economic development.” Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, attempted to travel directly into Haiti. But with complications from the earthquake and Alltech having an office in the Domincan Republic, he changed route and crossed the border of the Dominican Republic into Haiti within 48 hours after disaster struck. “We formed what we called the ‘Sustainable Haiti Project’ and it really takes a long term view to Haiti,” Elliott said. “Where we are looking at what kind of resources they already have in place, and then working to build those up. And we see it as not a handout–we’re not sending checks over–but a hand up, to try to elevate them economically so that they can rebuild an even better Haiti.” Haiti was once a leading coffee supplier, and although it is still a major cash crop for families and communities, over time its role in the coffee market has severely diminished. Alltech capitalized on this potential as one of its efforts to promote Haiti’s economic development.
The College of Agriculture’s Associate Dean for Instruction Paul Patterson explained the company buys green beans from the growers and brings them back to Lexington. There they are roasted, then packaged and marketed under the name Café Citadelle and sold. The coffee is sold in 12 ounce bags for $12 a bag. Kaitlyn Mulvaney, of Alltech’s Georgia location, said, “this is actually a complete nonprofit initiative that Alltech is involved in. So, Alltech does not hold any of the funds back, the clubs get $4.50 and then the remaining $7.50 goes directly back to the Haitian families.” This is not the first time the College of Agriculture Ambassadors have sold the Café Citadelle coffee or helped Alltech’s continued efforts in Haiti. Katie Brennan, along with her sister Emily Brennan who was president of the organization last year, spent a week in Haiti that was sponsored by Alltech through last year’s coffee sales. Katie Brennan said seeing the coffee cooperative in Northern Haiti, the schools that Alltech sponsors and the realities of the coffee fields
“
(The Sustainable Haiti Project) is providing an education for children that would not usually get resources, or money, or even a school.” —Katie Brennan Former President of the Ag Ambassadors
were a major inspiration for her. “It’s definitely providing an education for children that would not usually get resources, or money or even have a school,” she said. More information about Alltech’s Café Citadelle can be found on Alltech’s website. All proceeds from coffee sales through the Alltech website go to the Sustainable Haiti Project. A percentage of each purchase made through the College of Agriculture store website will fund Auburn’s College of Agriculture Ambassadors, while the majority will go to the Sustainable Haiti Project.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Intrigue B7
The Auburn Plainsman
Bellwether Graphic by lane jones
Album review: ‘The Carpenter’ by The Avett Brothers
Comedy show encourages local talent the first Tuesday night of every month at Bloodhound
Anna Beth Jager Writer
Picture this: a bar packed with people, all spread around a room adorned with antler decor, that eventually leads you to a dimly lit stage with a painted crescent moon hanging against the wall, smirking at you, preparing you for a night of inevitable laughter. It’s a scene that recurs every second Tuesday night of each month for what has become known as The Bellwether Variety Show. A show built for laughs, The Bellwether Variety Show started in October of 2011 by Auburn alumnus Rivers Langley, who has since moved to California to pursue his comedic passions, leaving the show to a new host and funny man David Dettmering. The Bellwether variety show is held at Bloodhound or ‘The Hound,’ a family owned restaurant, bar and live music venue off Tichenor Avenue in downtown Auburn. With an open, easy-going atmosphere and food served until 2 a.m., The Hound was exactly the type of venue for The Bellwether Variety Show to expand to. Dettmering is equally passionate about the show and the opportunity it gives for local artists who like to get up on stage. “If people haven’t been here, I think they’d be surprised at the level some of these people are working at,” Dettmering said. “I’ve definitely seen people on TV who aren’t as funny as some of the people we have come in.” Every month, there is an array of comedic stylings from performers from all around the East Coast. There are a few veterans, but new people come in every week to try it out. There is no audition process; if someone hopes to perform and there
is enough room for them, they can. An up-and-coming performer, River Morris, said the show helped him develop his own personal comedic styles and the various things that inspire him for his performance. “Inspiration for my jokes comes from a lot of things,” Morris said. “Most of it comes from real life experiences. I see the things that happen around me, and I try to laugh about it.” Another performer, Scott Howard, said performing on stage is an adrenaline rush. “It usually keeps me wired for the rest of the night,” Howard said. “Now that I've bombed a couple of times, I can shrug it off and still enjoy myself afterwards.” The laid-back attitude of the performers and the eclectic group that gathers to watch every month are a few of the reasons Dettmering said the show is so unique. “I think people like to come out and laugh,” Dettering said. “Especially when you’re going through college. For the college-aged kids, everything is uncertain right now. Things that are staples in all of society aren’t staples anymore. So people going through school need a break and need to laugh.” Dettmering also stressed the importance of finding new local talent in aspects other than comedy. He said “one of the things I’ve lacked on is the ‘variety’ part of the show. We need anything–carnival people, contortionists, fire breathers; doesn’t matter what it is. If it fits fire code, then we want you on stage.” Dettmering said he hopes to add a bit more variety to the predominantly comedic show, opening the floor to any musicians, dancers, actors and any other talented artists that hope to perform.
Lane Jones Lane@ theplainsman. com
All photos courtesy of bellwether variety show
Top: Rivers Langley, Auburn alumnus and creater of the Bellwether Variety Show, now lives in California to pursue his comedic passions. Middle: Lisa Taylor of the band Outskirts played at the show last December. Bottom: Mario Carreras performed his comedy routine last November.
The Avett Brothers have been breaking banjos and plucking heart strings since 2000. The Southern roots rock of the Avetts is manic, high-energy, warm-hearted and harmonydrenched. Their sound centers on the interplay of banjo, guitar and upright bass, but it can take the form of a soaring ballads or an unhinged country-rocker with equal ease. “The Carpenter,” released on Sept. 11, is their seventh full-length album in 10 years. Like 2009’s “I and Love and You,” it was produced by Rick Rubin, who has also worked with the likes of Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond. The Avetts have a legacy of favoring a bright, raw sound, but Rubin’s production polishes down some of their rough edges. The result is a collection of songs that, while more stripped down and streamlined than their predecessors, are both achingly beautiful and startlingly honest. While “The Carpenter” capitalizes more on “I and Love and You’s” sadness and soul instead of previous albums’ frenetic yells, there’s no mistaking the signature mix of confusion and clarity that has characterized their lyricism the whole way through. “Live and Die,” the first single from the album, captures a theme that runs through the entire album. Nearly every song deals with questions of mortality, devotion and the delicate balance of life and death. The reckless boyhood that marked their early albums has given way to the voice of experience. Along with this transformation came a distinct shift in the tone of the music. Their signature frenzy and spontaneity seem to have been benched in favor of a more deliberate and cautious approach. The airy vocals and tired lyrics of “Winter In My Heart” have a blandness that doesn't seem to belong to the same band. “Febru-
ary 7” recalls some of the simple songs of “I and Love and You” but lacks the emotional grit to make it memorable. The sentiment is too vague or too familiar, and they simply don't hold up to the standard set by earlier albums. The album’s introspective second half offers an intimate glimpse into both the joyous and sorrowful moments of life, reminding us (in case we forgot) why we loved them in the first place. “A Father’s First Spring” chronicles the birth of Scott Avett’s daughter Eleanor in 2008. Songs like “Life,” which closes the album, speak to the pain that the entire band has endured since bassist Bob Crawford’s daughter was diagnosed with brain tumor. Their songs are able to capture the fullness of conflict and emotion with remarkable grace. The weight of the album borrows directly from the band member’s struggles and triumphs, lending it a heartbreaking sincerity. These moments of vulnerability resonate with keen awareness and a relentless hope. Even in the album’s lighter moments, an undeniable authenticity remains at the core of every song. The lilting tune “Down with the Shine” is a gleaming example of how the boys can approach heavy subject matter with a light touch. “Pretty Girl From Michigan” is the latest in their long line of “Pretty Girl From [Place]” tunes–a series they had to establish after the last girl they named in a song title was not too pleased about all the publicity. Cheery anthems like “I Never Knew You,” and the 97-second “Geraldine” expertly infuse insight with their trademark contagious energy. The bulk of “The Carpenter” is heavy with heartache. but paired with a dose of familiar foot-stompin'. The effect is cathartic instead of gloomy. The Avett Brothers are a band that would rather stop playing than do the same thing twice. Their sound may have transformed, but the heart of the music has remained the same.
Transition your decor in between seasons with tips from Moxii Annie Faulk Writer
As the warm summer nights begin to cool and hints of fall are in the air, college students may find themselves questioning how to redecorate their spaces. Moxii, an interior design and decor shop in Auburn, was featured in a USA Today photograph slideshow about designer dorms. The photograph pictorial demonstrated how Moxii designers were able to transform Auburn dorm rooms and were able to capture the student’s style. Moxii co-owners gave insight on how to transform your own space with the latest trends. What are the new colors for fall in college dorms and apartment decorating? “College students today are moving toward neutral colors with the occasional pop of color,” said Betsy Stark, co-owner of Moxii. “Greys with orang-
es and soft blues with flax are currently popular.” “Neutrals, ivory and white, with a pop of color in decorative pillows,” said Katherine Bailey, interior designer and co-owner of Moxii. “Anything navy has been popular this year. Textures, layers and ruffles continue to be popular.”
What are the best ways to decorate a small space, such as a bathroom, living room or bedroom? “Choosing one item for a focal point and adding touches of the same color can bring a sense of completion to a room of any size,” Stark said. “For example, adding an interest-
ing piece of art in any of the three rooms suggested above and then pulling colors from the art around the room can give the room a cohesive feel.” “I suggest choosing one main color and two complementary colors for small spaces,” Bailey said. “Keep accessories simple, and focus on the bed, sofa and other larger focal points in the room. Lighting is also important. Choosing the right size lamp is key in small spaces.”
What are the best ways to re-vamp your dorm or apartment? “Curtains and wall art of-
ten refresh dorms and apartments because they draw the eye upward,” Stark said. “In my opinion, the bedding and rug should be the focus,” Bailey said. “Spend energy on making your bed the wow for the room with a complementary rug.” What is one way for people to change the decor of their space without changing everything? “One of the least expensive, but most dramatic, ways to update a space is with a can of paint,” Stark said. “Also an area rug can pull the room.” “A can of paint can go a long way,” Bailey said. “If you are permitted to paint, removable wallpaper is always fun.”
What is something that every dorm should have? Is there a certain item or a certain trend? “Well we love our Moxii shelving because it adds both vertical space and display areas to make the room seem like home,” Stark said. “Every dorm room should have a combination of personal items brought from home mixed with new introductions,” Bailey said. “Photos, artwork, or a pillow from your bed at home mixed with new frames, new bedding and new organizational items.” What are a few tips for college students when they are decorating their space? “The tag line for Moxii is ‘your personality, your style’,” Stark said. “And that is the most important concept to remember whatever size the space or whatever the budget.” “It is about expressing who you are,” Stark said. “Secondly, enjoy the process.”
“Sometimes an idea works and sometimes it doesn't but that is part of the process,” Stark said. “Thirdly, remember the details a candle, new pillows on the sofa, picture frames, all the personal touches that create a comfortable space.”
“Enjoy the process, plan your style and color scheme and stick to it, and don't be afraid to spend a little extra money on an item or two you will have for years to come,” Bailey said. “Student decor doesn't have to be disposable.”
Intrigue B8
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 20, 2012
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