November 12, 2009 Edition

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On The Web: A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

Video, photos of Homecoming activities

Berlin Wall special, A3

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

THURSDAY, November 12, 2009

Vol. 116, Issue 12 32 Pages

www.theplainsman.com

Student killed, 1 injured in car accident

By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor

Sophomore Sarah Anderson was killed in a single car accident Tuesday night as she was traveling from Montgomery to Auburn.

Anderson and her roommate Sara Clayton were driving on I-85 when the car overturned at mile marker 13 at 11:02 p.m.

“The initial report is that it was one vehicle crash,” said Sgt. Steve Jarrett of the Alabama State Troopers. “The passenger was injured and transported to Baptist South in Montgomery.”

Jarrett said the accident is still being investigated, but the initial report is Anderson lost control of the vehicle after it hit a patch of water and the vehicle overturned.

ANDERSON

CLAYTON

Killed in car accident

Injured in car accident

Anderson was ejected from the vehicle when it

overturned.

Jarrett said Anderson

was declared dead at the scene of the accident and transported by the Montgomery coroner’s office to a funeral home in Montgomery.

Clayton was transported to Baptist Medical Center South after the accident, but was not seriously injured. A hospital spokeswoman said Clayton was in stable condition yesterday morning.

“She was the happiest

person I have ever met,” said Ashley Stack, junior in sociology and public relations. “Just an example, during band camp, when it’s so hot and everyone’s in bad moods, you can hear her laughing across the band field, and it just makes you in a better mood.”

Stack said she, Anderson and Clayton were mem> Turn to ACCIDENT, A2

Cable company commits to Auburn

By MAX NEWFIELD Staff Writer

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Auburn High School Jr. ROTC members (left to right) freshman Kenneth Hubbard, junior Uriel Mendoza and Quayshon Williams present the flags during the Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

Ceremony celebrates veterans

By ROD GUAJARDO Photo Editor

Auburn held its 10th annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony yesterday at the Auburn Veteran’s Memorial Monument on the corner of Ross Street and Glenn

Avenue.

The ceremony included music from the Drake Middle School Mixed Choir and bagpiper Dan Drummond, a memorial wreath laying, remarks from Mayor Bill Hamm Jr. and the presentation of the flag by

the Auburn High School Jr. ROTC. Dick Phelan, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and member of the Veteran’s Committee and City Council, attended the ceremony.

“It exemplifies the city’s and the community’s ac-

knowledgement of what the veterans have done for this country,” Phelan said.

“I think the community is supportive, and I think the University is supportive.”

Hamm said the most > Turn to VETERANS, A2

Tigers prepare for Bulldogs, road

By NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Sports Editor

The Auburn Tigers (7-3) return to conference play to face their oldest rival the Georgia Bulldogs (54) Saturday. The rivalry is known as the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry and began in 1892.

The series is the seventh most played in the country, tying with Oregon-Oregon State. Auburn leads the series 53-51-8 and is 18-10 in Athens.

The Tigers are coming off a 63-31 homecoming win over the Furman Paladins, a game where Auburn put up 655 yards of total offense.

“It was great to out there and get a win,” said head coach Gene Chizik. “We played a lot of young guys

INDEX

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Walter McFadden tackles Furman player Adam Mims.

today and every senior on the squad, which is really important for us to be able to do that.”

Senior quarterback Chris Todd completed 17 out of 18 passes for 256 yards and

four touchdowns.

“Chris did a really nice job,” Chizik said. “It is hard to complete that many (throws) in a row.”

Auburn’s running game was led by wide receiver

News A3 Opinions A6

Anthony Gulley. He ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns on five carries.

Auburn is 10th in the nation in rushing offense (230.0), tied for 11th in scoring offense (35.0) and 12th in total offense (450.3).

Although the Tigers offense is top 25 quality, the Tiger defense can not be overlooked. Auburn has held four of its last six opponents to less than 25 percent on third-down conversions and ranks 17th nationally in that category.

Senior defensive end Antonio Coleman leads the Southeastern Conference with 12.5 tackles for loss and is tied for second with 6.5 sacks.

Joining him is senior de> Turn to TIGERS, A2

Auburn residents will have more choices than just what to watch when it comes to their cable.

The Auburn City Council passed an ordinance granting Knology of Alabama, Inc. a nonexclusive cable franchise Nov. 3.

The ordinance passed unanimously after the city council spoke with representatives from Charter and Knology.

Jim Buston, Auburn assistant city manager and chief information officer, said the council asked each representative questions that reflected Auburn residents frustrations with

Charter.

Now that the ordinance has passed, Knology must wait 30 days before taking any further business action according to Alabama state law. The waiting period expires Dec. 3.

Auburn city officials wanted to bring another cable company to the Auburn area to create competition, Buston said.

Tony Palermo, the vice president of marketing for Knology, said the passage of the ordinance is only the first step towards bringing a new cable company to Auburn.

“This is just the start > Turn to CABLE, A2

Plainsman names Jack Smith new general manager

By ELLISON LANGFORD

ence. There has never been much guidance News Editor from a general manager standpoint, and I am After three separate thrilled to have that supsearches and a number port and leadership from of applicants, The Au- him.” burn Plainsman has a Smith has a B.A. in hisnew general manager. tory from Birmingham Jack Smith started Southern College and work Monday, m a s t e r ’s Nov. 2. degree in The former journalism general manfrom the ager of 13 Univeryears, Jan Wasity of Alaters, tendered bama. her resignaSmith tion in Februmanaged ary. the award“ Jack’s winning SMITH strong backEufaula ground in the Tribune for newspaper industry, 11 years and has worked both editorial and busi- in the University athletness, and passion for the ics department in a conadvancement of The Au- sulting capacity. burn Plainsman was the Smith has also conreason we chose him,” ducted news and editosaid Lindsey Davidson, rial workshops newspaeditor of The Auburn pers that are members of Plainsman. “Just within the Alabama Press Assoa week, we have seen a ciation. positive change within the staff from his pres> Turn to SMITH, A2

Campus B1 Intrigue C1 Arts & Entertainment C4 Wasting Time C8 Sports D1

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A2

DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Oct. 25 - Nov. 6, 2009 Jimmy Morales Fernandez of Mexico War Eagle Supper Club 2061 S. College St. Nov. 1, 5:14 a.m.

Brian M. Samac of Charleston, S.C. Moores Mill Road / Estate Drive Nov. 3, 3:55 p.m.

Bridget A. O’Neil of Fairfax, Va. Auburn Police Department 141 N. Ross St. Nov. 4, 1:05 p.m.

Michael S. Wilkerson of Montgomery Azalea Drive / East University Drive.

Nov. 5, 209 a.m.

Stephen P. Newton of Opelika Auburn Municipal Parking Deck 151 N. Gay St. Nov. 6, 2:31 a.m.

TIGERS >From A1

fensive back Walter McFadden.

McFadden is tied for first in the SEC in interceptions ( four) and passes defended (11).

The Georgia Bulldogs are coming off a 38-0 win over Tennessee Tech last Saturday, posting its first shutout since 2006.

The Bulldog defense

VETERANS >From A1

meaningful thing to him is seeing the veterans get the credit and recognition they deserve.

“Without question it’s a meaningful place for a lot of people, whether they’ve been in the military or had family that’s been in the military,” Hamm said.

Sam Nichols is a retired U.S. Navy submariner and chairman of the City of Auburn Veteran’s

ACCIDENT >From A1

bers of the Auburn University Marching Band, as well as the band’s service organization, Kappa Kappa Psi. “They’re just both a ton of fun,” Stack said.

“They’re always cracking up and goofing off and stuff.”

Anderson of Robertsdale and Clayton of Auburn both played piccolo in the band.

“She was just always there for everyone,” Stack said. “And she always made sure that she smiled at you and made

held Tech to just 55 yards of offense, which is second best in school history. Sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green leads the SEC in receptions per game (5.5) and receiving yards per game (91.5).

Georgia is fourth in the SEC in rushing defense (120.9) and 11th in passing defense (211.1).

Kickoff is 6 p.m. CDT, and the game will be televised by ESPN2.

Committee, which cosponsors the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

“We had for the first time last year, the Drake Middle School choir perform,” Nichols said. “We had Auburn High School years prior to that, but Drake started doing it for us last year and I suspect they will continue on next year.”

For more information on the City of Auburn Veteran’s committee visit http://www.auburnalabama.org/veterans.

sure that you knew she hoped you had a good day.”

Now the fraternity members are trying to be there for each other, Stack said.

The members of Auburn’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi wore black ribbons and their membership pins yesterday and today in Anderson’s honor, Stack said.

A prayer service was held last night at 5 p.m. in the band hall.

“She meant so much to so many people in the band,” Stack said about losing Anderson. “It’s just gonna be really hard.”

Thursday, November 12, 2009

CRIME REPORTS Oct. 25 - Nov. 6, 2009 Oct. 31, University Village 221 W. Longleaf Drive – Larceny reported.

One Blackberry Curve 8900, one Fossil watch with brown leather band and one Fossil titanium watch one 18-karat Italian gold necklace with a crucifix.

Nov. 1, Chi Phi 319 N. College St. – Criminal mischief reported. One solid wood entry door and frame reported damaged.

Nov. 2, Gidgets 7658 Highway 280 W. – Larceny reported. Assorted copper wire tubing. Two air conditioner units reported damaged.

Nov. 3, Duke Circle – Theft reported. One Frigidaire window air

CABLE >From A1

of a process,” Palermo said. “Now the remaining part is analysis. I think we can do well in the area because we have first class customer service. We have been told our customers’ experience is very positive.”

The move comes at a transitional time for Charter Communications, who filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Palermo said Knology’s interest in coming to Auburn was not related to any of Charter’s business happenings.

“There’s always been discussions throughout the years,” Palermo said.

“There seem to be favorable conditions for something like this. The Auburn area wants a competitor.”

Palermo said one of the most favorable aspects of expanding Knology’s cov-

SMITH >From A1

“The search committee selected Jack because of the depth and breadth of his newspaper knowledge in terms of newspaper management, advertising, sales, circulation and editorial expertise,” said Jennifer Adams, The Auburn Plainsman’s faculty adviser. “Jack is a top-rate newspaperman with a stellar reputation within the Alabama newspaper community.”

Tom Hopf, business manager for The Auburn Plainsman, said he thinks Smith brings a level of experience that was not available from the former general manager.

“He’s also really, really energetic,” Hopf said. “He’s out there going out into the field with people.”

Hopf added he think Smith will be able to bring a new perspective and

conditioner unit.

Nov. 3, East Chase Apartments North Ross Street – Larceny reported. One 2007 C & W black utility trailer reported stolen.

Nov. 3, Haley Center 351 W. Thach Ave. – Theft reported. One blue and black rolling office chair.

Nov. 4, Shelby Center 345 W. Magnolia Ave. – Theft reported. One plaster tiger head statue.

mollie pouches, one pair of tan and black men’s boots, one navy blue gym bag and one Microsoft Zune player.

Nov. 5, Red Lobster 1805 Opelika Road – Burglary reported. One Sony Dual flip-out black touch screen DVD player, two white and grey speakers with custom fiberglass box, one red and black Memphis 1000watt amp, one black iPod Nano and one black and silver Cobra radar detector reported stolen. One center console reported damaged.

Nov. 5, Wright Street / West Glenn Avenue – Burglary reported. One Army duffle bag, ranger body armor carrier with tan inserts, three sets of multi-camouflage uniforms, 10

- Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

erage to Auburn was Auburn’s proximity to existing Knology markets.

“If you think about it from a geographic standpoint, it’s not far from West Point, Ga., Columbus, Ga., Montgomery, places like that,” Palermo said. “Auburn has a good density, enough homes per mile. It has a good demographic. Knology can leverage components to be competitive. It makes good sense.”

Knology is what is known as an overbuilder.

This means Knology only enters business markets with preexisting competition.

“In every market, we’re always second to come in,” Palermo said. “We’re familiar with the competitive landscape and its good for the consumer. We have all of the technology, like the triple-play package and on-demand ser-

vices, to be competitive.”

Buston said he thinks Knology’s presence in Auburn will benefit the residents of Auburn.

“It’s always good for the community to have choices,” Buston said. “We have always had the choice between cable or satellite providers like DIRECTV or Dish Network but now they have a choice in their cable companies, and I think that is a good thing.”

Some Auburn students think the possibility of another cable company is more than a good thing.

“It’s the answer to all my prayers,” said Jack Storrs, undeclared sophomore.

Taylor King, junior in marketing, said he could not be happier that Knology was granted a franchise in Auburn.

“I’ve had Charter for two years now and it has been terrible,” King said. “Our Internet never works; the

On Demand only works about half of the time. One time they stopped sending the cable signal to our apartment just because we hadn’t turned the box on in a few weeks even though we had been paying our bills.”

King said he would definitely try Knology as soon as it was available in Auburn.

“I mean, it can’t be any worse than Charter,” King said. “And even if it is, at least we will have options now. Hopefully it will make Charter improve their services.”

Palermo said people like King should try not to get too excited just yet because more must be done before Knology can move into Auburn.

“This part is just a start,” Palermo said. “There are no guarantees right now.

This is just a franchise approval.”

help the newspaper adapt to the economic conditions and changing industry.

“I thought it would be an opportunity to make a difference on campus, to mentor students and hopefully make a difference in the industry that I love,” Smith said.

Smith said he hopes he will be able to serve as a resource for students on both the editorial and business sides of The Auburn Plainsman.

“I think the primary goal is to ensure the financial success of The Plainsman over the long term,” Smith said. “The Plainsman has a rich tradition as an excellent college newspaper. The Plainsman has an independent editorial voice, and the surest way to ensure that The Plainsman always has a voice on campus is to keep it strong financially.”

Smith said his family

history in the newspaper industry is part of the reason he applied for the position after passing up the first two searches.

“My father passed away this summer and he was my business partner and the single greatest influence on my life and he was a giant in the community newspaper industry,” Smith said. “And (his death) caused me to re-evaluate what it is I’m doing, and what legacy I hope to leave behind.”

However, his role as general manager is not the first experience Smith will have had with The Auburn Plainsman.

Smith recalled a customer he delivered newspapers to when he was growing up who subscribed to The Auburn Plainsman in addition to the newspaper Smith delivered.

Smith said the customer was a lawyer and Auburn

graduate who would let Smith have The Auburn Plainsman when he was done reading it.

“Jack and I have talked many times about the direction of the newspaper,” Adams said. “We are in agreement that the paper needs to be financially stable so that the editorial and business departments can thrive. Our main priority is to make sure the students have the tools they need to make he Auburn Plainsman a firstrate publication.”

Smith seems ready to step forward and take on this task in order to bring The Auburn Plainsman back to the level of excellence it has been known for.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the students at the Plainsman and look forward to a bright future for the student newspaper,” Smith said.

www.theplainsman.com

The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID Physical address: Student Union Suite 1111 Auburn University, Ala. 36849 Mailing Address: 255 Duncan Drive, Suite 1111 Auburn, Ala. 36849-5343 Editor Managing News Advertising

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Intrigue

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The Auburn Plainsman Budget cuts will not cut classes Internet shown to stimulate brain Christmas preparations under way in Opelika

NEWS

A3

THURSDAY, November 12, 2009

More than just 87 miles of concrete Penniless after years of power

“

Symbol of the Cold War and of the Iron Curtain made out of bricks and mortar and concrete.”

Told by Paul Harris “Our biggest foe was Khruschev. Khruschev ordered the building of the wall, and this was in 1963.

So fast forward 40 years. In 2003 I was in Berlin where Checkpoint Charlie was.

And there is a museum where Checkpoint Charlie was. You can get all kinds of cheap Soviet knockoff stuff that was made in China, you can’t get a real Russian hat now.

I’m there, it’s a beautiful day in June, and there is a guy giving a talk and there are maybe three people listening to his talk. Everyone else is buying these cards and buying these Russian hats and he is giving a talk in Russian.

I asked the person in the museum, ‘Who is this guy?’ And it was Khruschev’s son.

He looked just like Khruschev, just a little slimmer.

And the guy was peddling a book that he had to publish himself about his memoirs of his dad.

Can you imagine? This shows you the sands of time just bury him. Forty years prior his father and Kennedy could have ended life on our planet as we knew it. And here it is 40 years later and he is penniless.”

Robert Weigel, foreign language department chair

Relations between the U.S., U.S.S.R. almost escalated to a nuclear exchange

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

Since 1989, the Berlin Wall has been transformed into a canvas for political art in Berlin’s East Side Gallery.

Some former East Berliners have fond memories of growing up behind the wall “The wall was there and we lived with it,” said Anja Werth, an Auburn professor in German. “We didn’t know anything else.”

Werth grew up in East Germany, also known as the German Democratic Republic.

“I knew there was another Germany somewhere, but you never really thought about it,” Werth said.

Werth said she remembers enjoying school, playing games after school and having a happy childhood.

Her family lived in a private apartment in a hotel, because her father worked for the government in the hotel business.

People were not starv-

ing, but there were fewer brands of food. Because of this, Werth said she associates the sight or smell of oranges with Christmas, because that was when they were available.

“There was food on the table, everybody had a roof over their head and everybody had a job,” Werth said. “East Germany had a 100 percent employment rate.”

After the wall fell, children from West Germany bombarded her with questions wanting to know about life in East Germany.

“I got questions like, did you have chocolate and TV and telephones and bathrooms inside with running water,” Werth said. “We did not

feel like we were missing anything.”

On the contrary, AnnaKatrin Gramberg, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, grew up in West Germany.

“Life in West Germany was very much like the United States of America,” Gramberg said.

Gramberg moved to the U.S. in 1986, three years before the wall came down.

Pat Deery, a U.S. Army officer stationed in Berlin, remembers a yellow hue over East Germany during winters from the burning of high-sulfer peat.

“We did not feel that our life was so dreary and gray and dark,” Deery said.

“People don’t really understand, but we came within hours, we came within hours of a full nuclear exchange with the Russians,” said Paul Harris, who was in the 3rd U.S. armor division during the Cold War. In October 1962, a U-2 reconnaissance plane photographed Soviet missiles along with the construction of launch sites, setting off the Cuban Missile Crisis.

One option the U.S. considered was bombing the missile sites; however, a naval blockade was chosen to avoid an escalation of war.

“We would have been able to take out missile sites before they became operational,” Harris said.

Harris said an attack on the site in Cuba would have invited the Soviets to mobilize two armor divisions stationed in East Berlin.

“The Russians would have gotten through the Fulda gap, they would have got through all of the 7th Core, all of the 3rd Core,” Harris said. “These are heavy divisions in Germany, they would have just

simply marched across.”

Harris said soldiers knew the battle plan.

On the third day, with the immediate threat of an escalating war, the U.S., would issue a nuclear response.

What might have hap-

pened next in a world of mutually assured destruction could be anyone’s guess.

“Had those Russian tanks come across, that would have been it,” Harris said. “Life on this planet may not have existed.”

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

Artists and visitors leave their mark on the wall. Some pieces are 10 feet high. Some are just names scribbled by tourists.

Information from FREEDOM WITH OUT WALLS!

1945

1949

1961

1963

1987

1989

Germany, as well as Berlin, are divided into four occupation zones after World War II ends.

Cold War begins.

Western zones become the Federal Republic of Germany; eastern zone becomes the German Democratic Republic.

Aug. 13, GDR force closes all crossing points between East and West Berlin. Construction of the wall begins.

June 26, President John F. Kennedy delivers his “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech.

June 12, President Ronald Reagan delivers his “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” speech.

Nov. 9, the GDR cannot suppress revolution.

Travel restrictions are lifted and, by midnight, tens of thousands flock to the Berlin Wall.

Written and Illustrated by Sam Solomon / ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A4

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Budget cuts don’t ax classes

By LINDSEY GRUBBS Staff Writer

An article by the Associated Press claims universities are facing budget reductions that ultimately cause courses to be cut and teachers to be laid off, making it harder for students to graduate.

However, University officials assert this is not a problem at Auburn.

“I would like to give credit to our budgeting office to make sure that we are physically sound,” said Mike Reynolds, director of student financial services.

“We gave up something, but not the quality of education.”

Reynolds said each department at Auburn was asked to make compromises in order not to have to cut courses and faculty.

Last fiscal year, which ended in October, the University saw a total budget cut of about $5.8 million in the area of academics.

The College of Liberal Arts saw the largest budget reduction of more than $900,000.

“To my knowledge it is not (a problem at Auburn) because I have asked the deans to have as their No. 1 priority to preserve the instruction mission as we do these budget reductions,” said Mary Ellen Mazey, Auburn University

“

We have been able so far to keep our class offerings pretty much at the same level.”

Constance Relihan, associate dean academic affairs for the college of liberal arts Provost. “I have not heard any deans say that they are cutting courses.”

The University was granted $25.9 million in stimulus money Oct. 29 to go toward learning and safety.

Mazey said colleges have already received the money in order to help preserve institutional instruction.

According to Reynolds, 60 percent of Auburn students currently receive some sort of financial aid.

Reynolds said depending on a student’s class level, generally the average student receives about $6,750 a year in aid for college expenses.

Despite some worries of students and initial reports of extended graduation times, Reynolds said no matter how many years it takes a student to graduate, financial aid is generally not affected.

There is the exception of scholarships, which are awarded over a time plan such as four years or eight semesters.

“You are still eligible for financial aid as long as you are making the qualitative and quantitative requirements,” Reynolds said. “Typically as long as you are taking courses and completing them satisfactory then you will receive financial aid.”

Reynolds said the University receives money from the federal government through direct lending and no matter the current state of the economy, there is always going to be some type of aid available for students to go to college.

“Things are tight and I’m not going to say that they aren’t,” Relihan said. “We have been able so far been able to keep our class offerings pretty much at the same level.”

Relihan said a few sections were not being offered in some areas of liberal arts departments such as English, but the overall course is still available.

“If there is really a truly overwhelming need or

large negative impact, if possible they will add another section,” Relihan said.

Relihan said the college’s goal was to mainstream course sections and make sure all classes were full before trying to add another section.

Amy Hutchins, administrative support assistant in the English department, said courses such as world literature are being offered in the same amount as last spring.

Some English Composition II sections were cut because she said it had a lot of vacancies last year.

“We have to make sure all of our classes are completely full,” Hutchins said.

Hutchins also said the waiting lists in the English department were less popular compared to years past.

“We are very close to the bone, and we certainly don’t want to compromise anyone’s education,” Relihan said.

Relihan said if anyone has problem registering, or is in the situation of not graduating because of a course they cannot register for, should seek assistance from their department.

“I really can’t say what impact on the long run what this will have,” Relihan said.

Contributed by SPACE ELEVATOR BLOG

The climber, built by the LaserMotive team, is weighed after its prize-winning run during the competition.

Competition tests climbing devices

By LAURA MAXWELL Staff Writer

Jordin Kare, team leader of LaserMotive, one of the teams involved in the competition. “There is a further prize for climbing 1 kilometer at 5 meters per second or faster. The competition will probably be held in 2010, and we hope to win this final prize at that time.”

During 2009, each team created a device that would scale the vertical tether that was provided by the foundation.

The climbing devices were powered by energy beamed to them by the teams on the ground.

The Spaceward Foundation held a power beaming competition for the Elevator: 2010 Challenge.

The competition was at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert.

Bert Murray, the team leader for the National Space Society Space Elevator team, said the purpose of the competition was to demonstrate space-related technology.

“LaserMotive has won the competition for For the complete story, go to www.theplainsman.com climbing 1 kilometer at 2 meters per second,” said

Study predicts PACT may run out in 10 years

By ADAM SMITH Staff Writer

An August 2009 study by the Retirement Systems of Alabama concluded if people with Prepaid Affordable College Tuition accounts were paid full benefits, the funds would be depleted by 2016 if the economy continues as predicted.

However, the study said the funds could be depleted as early as 2014.

Established in 1990, the PACT program promised benefits to all account holders through 2032.

There are currently more than 45,000 account holders, and almost 20,000 are eligible to use the benefits.

The most recent actuarial study showed the li-

abilities for the program are $917 million, and the assets are only $571 million, which leaves a $345 million deficit.

Liabilities refer to how much money PACT needs to operate.

“An actuarial report is a snapshot of a situation where you are measuring assets and liabilities on a given day,” said Alabama State Treasurer Kay Ivey.

Ivey said on any given day the fund could pay for only 62 percent of students with its current assets.

“There will never be enough money in this moment to provide for tuition for all of those students without some kind of funding mechanism to pay the tuition over the short time until the corpus of

$571 million can grow when the market grows,” Ivey said.

PACT was pioneered in 1990 by Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. and George Wallace, who was treasurer at the time, said Gwen Braden, co-leader of the Mobile branch of Save Alabama PACT. Braden said there is normally a continuous flow of money going into the PACT portfolio, primarily from new contract buyers.

The invested money then earns more in the stock market, increasing the total portfolio.

“Since the portfolio lost money last year, and they have stopped any new contracts, that has stopped the flow of new money coming in,” Braden

Auburn Weekly Gas Monitor Week of Nov. 8

This week’s prices Location Shell - Shug Jordan Wal-Mart - South College Chevron - South College BP - Gay & Samford Shell - Glenn & Gay Spectrum - Glenn & Gay Chevron - Glenn & College

Regular

Mid

Premium

$2.479 $2.439 $2.699 $2.689 $2.649 $2.529 $2.699

$2.619 $2.559 $2.899 $2.889 $2.749 $2.669 $2.849

$2.759 $2.679 $3.099 $3.029 $2.949 $2.809 $2.999

Average Gas Price Last Week’s Average

$2.598 $2.624

$2.748 $2.775

$2.903 $2.930

said. “The only new money coming in (is from) people who bought contracts in the last two years and are continuing to pay into it.

But that will stop unless the state allows them to reopen it to new contracts, or unless the state steps in and funds it.”

Braden said the stock market failure is completely to blame for PACT’s deficit.

Ivey said it is impossible for the program to make enough interest on the invested money to outpace the rising cost of the tuition.

“There has to be another supplement of some amount of money to keep the program floating so that there’ll be enough cash money to pay the tu-

ition needs of the students who become eligible for the program every year,” Ivey said.

Although the PACT program operates out of the treasurer’s office, Ivey said it’s up to the legislature to find a solution.

“It’s only the legislators that can change law, modify law, pass law or make appropriations,” Ivey said.

But it remains unclear exactly what the legislature will decide to do about the $345 million deficit.

“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of proposals to deal with the PACT situation, but it’s too soon to speculate on exactly what those will look like and what they’ll do,” said Todd Stacy, press secretary for the

governor’s office.

Ivey said the PACT board is going to support the voters by providing them with information and ideas as they prepare to cast their ballots in January.

“Governor Riley has told constituents personally and through statements in the media that he believes Alabama has an obligation to live up to the commitments it made to the PACT families,” Stacy said.

The board also agreed to work with Save Alabama PACT, an organization established to raise public awareness about the PACT’s economic situation.

For the complete story, go to www.theplainsman.com

ur n Plainsma b u A e n h T

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The Auburn Plainsman

COMMENTARY

A6 Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman Editorial Board Cliff McCollum

Lindsey Davidson

Natalie Wade

Opinions Editor

Editor

Managing Editor

Ellison Langford

Rod Guajardo

Abby Albright

News Editor

Photo Editor

Sports Editor

Brittany Cosby

Ben Bartley

Helen Northcutt

Campus Editor

Copy Editor

Intrigue Editor

Kevin Saucier

Tom Hopf

Andrew Sims

Multimedia Editor

Business Manager

Online Editor

Our View

PACT payments must continue to be paid out Well, we got trouble, friends, trouble right here in Alabama.

If you’ve read a newspaper or watched the local news, you should be aware of the current $345 million deficit faced by the Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) account system.

The program has lost big in the stock market and has stopped accepting new accounts, keeping any new cash from entering the system.

The program stands at a crossroads, and unless measures are taken, it will eventually collapse.

This potential collapse would affect account holders, perhaps not some of us, but some of our certainly younger siblings.

A generation of Alabamians would have an unfulfilled promise on their hands, having to shelve dreams of college and higher education because of the faulty nature of the stock market.

Unfortunately, we live in a state that hasn’t always placed a high value on the education of its citizens.

Some Alabama schools lack the tax base and ability to fund their schools to adequate levels, as teachers try to scrape together some semblance of a curriculum with the outdated textbooks and meager supplies they have available.

What message does the PACT problem send to those communities?

For those families who have worked hard to try and save their money for their child to have a shot at a better life, a better education, what does this mean for them?

The PACT program was supposed to be a sacred trust.

If these kids worked hard enough, made the grades and got the scores they needed to gain entry to one of our state’s public or private universities or colleges, the PACT would help them pay for it.

We worry with the program’s failure, we could see a return of an Alabama where higher education is only an option for a privileged few.

We urge our legislators in Montgomery to find some way to honor this commitment they and their predecessors have made to the people of Alabama.

We’re used to broken promises and empty rhetoric from Montgomery, but this issue is far too important for us to allow you to try to hoodwink us once again.

We have statewide elections coming up in the next year.

Demand to hear every candidates’ opinions and ideas about saving the PACT program.

Hold them accountable, and don’t stop asking them until you get an answer.

The future of Alabama is at stake.

Cable company competition could comfort citizen concerns Charter’s malevolent monopoly o’er The Plains could soon be coming to an end.

Recent events in both Auburn and Opelika, as well as news from the financial sector, may help to finally bring down the cable kingpin and end its tyrannical oppression.

The city of Auburn granted Knology a non-exclusive cable franchise Nov. 3.

The city of Opelika is exploring its options to attract other franchises and even briefly consider creating its own cable company.

We had hoped the two cities could attempt to work together to solve the issue that affected both of them, but there’s a higher likelihood of Neil Diamond being the spring UPC concert than there is of Auburn and Opelika actually working together to solve something.

Thankfully, we don’t have to fully depend on the sister cities to stop squabbling for the Charter problem to go away.

Earlier this year, Charter filed for bankruptcy, and the company is undergoing serious financial transitions.

If they are forced to compete with

other companies in this market, we should automatically see results.

Charter may even actually decide to put in an honest-to-goodness customer service desk in their branch office here, something they haven’t done to date.

Any customer service request needed here is dispatched from Montgomery, and the capital city’s needs come before ours.

We aren’t going to assume Knology will be the perfect silver bullet.

They may prove to be comparable to Charter, but we sincerely doubt they could be worse.

However, the cable battle is the tip of a larger iceberg that could sink this area’s recent growth trends.

Fast, dependable Internet access is becoming a vital need, and our current capacities may soon be unable to support the volume of usage we will begin to see.

When we pick new companies to come here, their plans for future development and system management, especially with regards to the laying of more cables, must be a consideration.

We live in a digital age, and it’s time this area joined the rest of the world.

Adam Cooner

Staff Column

The ’90s: all that and a bag of chips One night last week, I sat up at 3 a.m., as I am wont to do, writing an essay. Suddenly, something on TV caught my attention. It was one of those Time-Life commercials for a decade’s worth of music in a convenient, $19.95 (in 10 payments), set of CDs spanning the 1990s. “The 1990s?” I thought. “Is that an era now? Is that a period?”

Sure enough, that K-tel-esque compilation had all the standards.

“Ice Ice Baby,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Wannabe,” even that song Salt-n-Pepa played on “All That” that one time.

Why the distress, you ask? Because I, like many of you, am a child of the ’90s. I grew up wearing my curly-shoelaced Light Ups, skipping Pogs over at my friends’ houses while watching the Crag get bigger and bigger with every episode of “Guts.”

I know all the words to the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song and can remember when we thought Mark McGwire could hit a ball that far just because he worked out a lot. We would go to school and work on spelling and history, learning how to name all 42 presidents and all nine planets. We would eagerly await the day when our class was signed up for the computer lab so

Blake Hamilton campus@theplainsman.com

we could hit those rectangular Macintoshes and play MathBlasters.

We had never heard of “SparkNotes” and actually read “Where the Red Fern Grows,” “A Wrinkle in Time” and the other books assigned to us. In fact, when the book fair came along we’d take our parents’ $20 and spend it all on Goosebumps, Captain Underpants, Pokemon strategy guides and the occasional triangular Nickelodeon pencil.

We’d then make sandwiches and hide under that box in the basement with Copernicus, our imaginary buffa… no?

That last part was just me? OK moving on.

Yes, my friends, it was a different time. We were at war in Iraq. A major professional athlete retired and then came back, all to great controversy.

Windows released a series of operating systems within a few years, each fraught with bugs.

Still, it was only 10 years ago! Is that decade of decadence, discovery and Crystal Pepsi already

distant enough to where we point out menopausal women that have “’90s hair” or “’90s glasses,” jeering like we did at that janitor with the hook in middle school? Was the age of Clinton really that long ago?

True, Vh1 did release two retrospective series of “I Love the ’90s,” but I challenge you to watch one episode of “Tool Academy” and take that network seriously.

Alas, I think the problem lies within, within myself and the rest of my Millenial brethren.

My generation is reaching the crossroads of adulthood, torn between “I can’t wait until…” and “remember how much better it was when…”.

Things are changing and, for the first time, we’re stopping to realize it.

Maybe this doesn’t have to be sad. Maybe we don’t have to keep seeing our childhoods as something we’ll never get back. Maybe, as we get older and our memories of that time become more and more idealized, we can hold them as something to strive for.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like that.

That and a day-long marathon Blake Hamilton is associate campus editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 844-9109.

Send us your letters, rants, complaints and raves at opinion@theplainsman.com We are an open forum for you, our readers, and appreciate any views you would like to share with us.

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

HOW TO CONTACT US Auburn Student Center Suite 1111H Auburn, Ala. 36849 844-4130 or editor@theplainsman.com

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students as well as from faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University.

Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on the Monday for publication. Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length.

COMMENTARY Changes needed with cars, pedestrians

A7

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Lindsey Davidson editor@theplainsman.com

There is a problem in Auburn that needs to be addressed. Whether it is with the citizens or the city, it needs to be dealt with regardless.

Two pedestrians have been struck by vehicles within the past month.

A librarian walking across College Street to the conference center at night and was struck by a truck.

There was a student this past Friday that was struck by a SUV on Magnolia Avenue.

There still seems to be

some debate of whether she was in a crosswalk.

Both were life-flighted to nearby hospitals.

The problem does not lie within the jaywalking, but more so with the lack of lighting in these areas.

Several residents have commented on the severe problem the lack of lighting from the latest accident has caused.

Bouncers from the nearby bars have said they hear sirens every night. When they were contacted about this specific incident, nothing surprising was thought about it.

A pedestrian struck on campus should not be everyday news.

Magnolia Avenue has high traffic because of passing cars, and it is a connector road along with the placement of restaurants.

More lamp posts would be ideal, but even reflectors

on the crosswalks would suffice.

With the bars being right up the street and little to no lighting alongside the road, it is a death trap for any pedestrian no matter if there is a crosswalk or not.

With the push for Auburn to be a pedestrian campus, the right requirements need to be met in order for it to be safe for students, faculty and staff members.

That being said, pedestrians need to know their rights and laws pertaining to them as well.

A crosswalk is there for a person to cross to cut back on the number of accidents.

They should be used.

On Magnolia, people cross freely with no mind to the vehicles passing by.

Constantly, students are jabbering away on their cell phones paying no attention to the massive machines that could take their lives in

a second.

Get off your phone.

Look both ways at a designated crossing area.

Wait for a car to stop.

You should then cross when oncoming traffic has stopped both ways at the crosswalk.

Just because a car is supposed to stop does not mean it will.

There are laws in place for citizens’ safety, but individuals need to look out for their own safety as well.

Change needs to happen.

People are always going to talk on their phones while walking and not look the other way.

Maybe lights can be added to help the situation and not have this situation turn into a common occurrence.

Lindsey Davidson is the editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9021.

“I think I was on the john.’”

-Ray Groover, on what he was doing when he found out he was named the 2009 recipient of the Walter Gilbert Award, an almuni athletic award

Last week’s question: “Would you support the creation of a free condom distribution program at Auburn?” >Yes: 69 percent > No: 31 percent

This week’s question: “Should the state of Alabama continue the PACT program?” >Yes > No Go to www.theplainsman.com to vote.

Your View

Student response to last week’s letter about Sen. Sessions Editor, the Auburn Plainsman

I am writing this brief letter in response to Mr. Dustin Pridgen’s rant about Senator Sessions.

I would like to point out to Mr. Pridgen that if you intend to educate the public on matters of state, you should not do so by calling people names.

Please stick to criticism of a man’s actions, not where he went to school or how backward you think most of the people in his state are for voting for him.

You will never get anyone to see your point if you criticize the way they think or call them names.

Also, you might want to brush up on your grammar before writing a letter that will be read by students and teachers across campus.

And, before you jump to the conclusion that I am just some radical, religious Republican trying to defend one of my own, I would like to say that I am, in fact, not a Republican, and I really am trying to help you.

Ashley Hunter senior, chemistry

Coalition believes cessation programs should be covered by Medicaid Editor, the Auburn Plainsman

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control, Medicaid expenditures attributable to smoking total nearly 22 billion dollars annually, representing 11 percent of all Medicaid expenditures. In 2007, approximately 33% of adult Medicaid enrollees smoked cigarettes, which is substantially higher than the 19.8 percent rate of the general population. Because the smoking prevalence among Medicaid clients is higher than the rest of the U.S. population, they are disproportionately affected by tobacco-related diseases and disability.

Currently, 22.1 percent of

AU alumna angered by honors not shown for Fort Hood soldiers Editor, the Auburn Plainsman

I am an alumna of Auburn University and have always been proud of that achievement.

However, today I was ashamed of my alma mater by the lack of respect shown for those brave soldiers who died and were injured at Fort Hood this past week.

I attended today’s game expecting to see the American flag being flown at half staff and expecting a moment of silence to be observed for those victims of this latest act of terrorism in America.

Alabama’s adults are smokers, or about 782,300 people. These numbers are disturbing because Alabama’s annual health care costs directly caused by smoking are $1.49 billion with some $238 million of those expenses covered by the state’s Medicaid program.

Alabama has an opportunity to reduce the health care costs by offering tobacco cessation coverage to Medicaid recipients. We encourage Alabama’s legislators to provide adequate resources to fund tobacco cessation coverage for Medicaid clients.

According to the U.S. Clinical Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Dependence, FDA-approved pharmacotherapy combined with counseling is highly cost-effective and cost-saving. Many of Medicaid’s tobacco users in Alabama would quit if they had access to cessation services. Providing cessation coverage to Alabama’s Medicaid recipients will save lives and money.

Any Alabamian who is ready to quit tobacco should consider a tobacco cessation program.

The good news is that if you get help, you’re twice as likely to quit tobacco for good.

Marc T. Riker, chairman, Coalition for Tobacco Free Alabama

I was appalled when I saw the flag flying high and the pregame festivities carried out as usual.

This lack of acknowledgement is in opposition to Governor Riley’s own directive issued Friday that flags should be flown at half staff on state government buildings until sunset Tuesday.

While Jordan-Hare Stadium is not a government building, it is part of a state university.

It’s ironic since he was actually attending the game today in order to bestow honors on Auburn University’s latest Homecoming Queen.

The lowering of the flag to half staff should have been an obvious action to take regardless of any political directive.

I was so distraught by this lack of respect that I questioned a security guard and eventually contacted facilities personnel via text message when I couldn’t locate an actual person.

The response I received stated that they had not received “any official notification” and that they would investigate.

Fan calls for tighter NCAA rules, penalties Editor, the Auburn Plainsman

On Dec. 28, 1905, the NCAA was birthed along with a rules committee in a meeting attended by 62 colleges. It warded off President Theodore Roosevelt’s threatened ban of college football by Presidential Order if violence (18 fatalities, 180 serious injuries in 1905) were not reduced. Practices such as hitting an opponent in the face were outlawed.

Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended for the season in September primarily for sucker punching a Boise State Player. President Lariviere’s quote, “His conduct was reprehensible.”Blount is still trying to work his way back on the team after missing eight games.

Coach Meyer suspended Brandon Spikes one-half game for gouging Georgia’s Washaun Ealey’s eyes. After a pubic and media backlash, Brandon Spikes suspended himself for the second half. All that for one game. Is gouging a milder offense than a sucker punch? In and among the excuses Urban Meyer made for his player’s behavior, he said, “I don’t condone that,” and “there’s no place for that.” The suspension came against Vanderbilt, a 35 point underdog, which Florida defeated 27-3. Coach Meyer on Friday drew a $30,000 fine from

Needless to say the flag was not lowered during the game.

“Official notification” should not have been necessary for an action that is simple common sense.

Whatever the reason for the lack of attention to this matter, today Auburn University lost some of it’s glorious reputation.

I will end this message by sharing with you that before the game fans stopped where they stood and applauded the ROTC color guard as they marched down Donahue Drive.

These fans were not give “official notification” to show respect for our military.

These members of the Auburn Family knew to whom they owe there gratitude and RESPECT! I can only hope that the leadership at Auburn University can learn from this outrageous lack of consideration and improve the University’s actions in the future.

Ramona Delicia Northcutt alumna, Class of 1995

SEC commissioner, Mike Slive, the second largest fine in SEC history, for criticizing officials.

Consider this! Traumatic glaucoma occurs later in life as a result of blunt trauma to the eye. This is how I lost sight in one eye in my early 40’s, as a result of a sports related injury in my youth. Washaun Ealey may not realize the full damage from eye gouging for two or three decades. There must be zero tolerance.

I believe gouging attacks like Brandon Spikes’ should result in an automatic suspension based on tighter rules enacted and enforced by the NCAA. There has been a week long circus in Gainesville. Meanwhile, the coach at Oregon is in the process of reclaiming a troubled young man. I ask the NCAA to consider: One game suspension - player caught on film trying to thrust his fingers into an opponent’s eyes.

At least a two game suspension - player making continuous attempts to gouge an opponent’s eyes (like Brandon Spikes).

The offender would be automatically suspended, even if based on video evidence discovered after the game. I call on the Commissioners of the NCAA to suspend Brandon Spikes for at least a second game as an example and warning to other players of stiffer penalties to come.

One scenario we need not fear, the NCAA measuring out punishment in half-game increments while making excuses for the offender.

Terry Herbert St. Augustine, Fla.

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A8

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Opelika gets ready for Christmas

By THEADORIS MORRIS Staff Writer

Welcoming the Christmas season early, Opelika Main Street and Downtown Merchants held its annual Christmas Open House, Sunday.

The event has been celebrated for about 10 years as a way to bring people downtown and support the small business, said Velinda Wheels, director of the event.

The open house was from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and approximately 20 stores participated.

“It’s fun, festive and a good way to get into the spirit,” said Sue Watson of Opelika. “Everybody is out having a leisurely good time, and it’s a good way to spend time with your friends on a Sunday afternoon.”

The event was originally just a store or two, but gained momentum as more began participating.

The stores eventually joined together to create one big event, Wheels said.

Stores were adorned with Christmas decorations and sold goods such as ornaments, jewelry, kitchenware and wine.

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Richard Penaskovic, professor of religious studies, uses his computer in his office.

Internet instigates, energizes brain

By BRIAN DESARRO Staff Writer

Turns out spending all day searching Facebook and YouTube may not be such a waste of time, according to a UCLA study.

The study, which worked with 24 neurologically normal volunteers between the ages of 55 and 78, found Internet use stimulates neural activity and may enhance brain function in older adults.

“Basically, we wanted to see what the brain looked like the first time it searched online,” said Gary Small, professor of clinical psychiatry at UCLA. “We found that, compared to people that have searched online before, there was a lot less activity, so searching online really increased brain activity.”

The volunteers underwent an initial functional magnetic resonance imaging scan, which records brain activity by measuring the blood flow during cognitive tasks.

Over a two week period, after the initial scan, participants were instructed to use the Internet for one hour a day for a total of seven days.

After this period of Internet use, participants underwent another fMRI scan which showed additional activity in important areas of the brain.

“These Internet naïve people practiced for a week, and there was a big difference because they were able to train their brains in a matter of a week,” Small said. “It wasn’t randomly throughout the brain, but in the key memory centers that control memory and decision making.”

Marie Wooten, professor of cell and molecular bioscience, said while the study is interesting, it doesn’t offer much new information.

“It is pretty widely recognized that doing complex tasks or even learning a new task stimulates your brain to actually think better and work better,” Wooten said. “It’s been pretty widely known for the last couple of years that contrary to what we originally thought, which is that the number of neurons you are born with is the number you die with, we now realize that the brain is ‘plastic’ and exhibits characteristics of plasticity.”

Wooten said this ability to be molded means the brain can be shaped by different experiences.

As the brain ages, Wooten said the neurons can be stimulated to take on or exhibit a greater architecture, which means the brain can transfer, store, retrieve and communicate information faster and more efficiently.

Wooten said she thinks it is too soon to tell what this means for the younger generation that has grown with the Internet as a daily part of their lives.

“I think our brains are getting rewired from all the extra stimulation we get from things like computers, the Internet and word processing programs,” Wooten said.

Wooten said the Internet is changing the way the brain learns information, and that it’s moving from traditional visual, auditory and hands-on learning to a combination of all three.

In order to maintain and improve brain function, Wooten suggested doing complex word or math puzzles or using the Internet constructively.

“Doing those kinds of things really stimulates your brain to have this very complex architecture on your neurons, which helps you think better,” Wooten said. “That saying ‘Use it or lose it’ is true.”

“We are the most unique store,” said Rick Horne, owner of The Brass Brassiere. “We sell antique gifts, home decor, wine and we cater.”

Refreshments and complimentary gift wrap were available and merchants gave away prizes.

The Southern Crossing, a gift shop, had a random drawing of receipts.

If a person had a pink receipt with a sticker on it, they got to choose out of a gift bucket containing Christmas ornaments, festive notebooks and calendars.

The Southern Crossing

also sold Auburn and Alabama Christmas trees, ornaments and kitchenware.

“It’s been an awesome afternoon and is a great way to begin the Christmas shopping season,” Wheels said.

At Picket Fence, customers could register to win a Vera Bradley backpack, and The Brass Brassiere offered two free wine tastings.

“We’ve been here for about two hours and we’ve enjoyed looking,” said Christie Parker of Opelika. “We got here late so it wasn’t as crowded coming later.”

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

Savannah Karl gives away samples from a plate to Monique Jenkins outside Alpen Café and Bakery.

Picket Fence had about 850 customers peruse their store and thought the event turned out great, said Liz McCollum, owner of Picket Fence.

“It was a great experi-

ence,” said Ashley Yerves, junior in exercise science.

“We went everywhere. It was our first time attending the event. We came to the wine and food tasting here before.”

The Auburn Plainsman Photo of the Week On the Concourse Ask a Professor

CAMPUS

B

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fans roll Toomer’s at home School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences sells seedlings of Toomer’s Corner oaks

By MAX NEWFIELD Staff Writer

Auburn fans can now roll the Toomer’s oaks whenever they want thanks to the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

The school sold seedling trees that were descendents of the oaks on Toomer’s Corner at their Homecoming events Saturday.

“Since it’s the alumni game what we do is we have the Toomer’s oaks, that we collect and we grow and we sell to the alumni for gifts or graduation presents or whatnot,” said Scott Enebak, professor of forest pathology.

Enebak said, since there would be a big group of people attending the game with a lot of alumni coming in, they put up a table out front to try and sell more trees.

Each tree sold is one of the offspring of the live oaks on Toomer’s Corner.

Students in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences harvest the acorns from Toomer’s oaks and sow them.

“Each October we go out and we actually have a boom that we go up in and pick acorns out of the tree and pick them up from the street where they’ve dropped,” said John Goode, sophomore in wildlife sciences. “This year I think we collected about 1,800 acorns, and we’ll take those and of those we’ll plant 700 to 800 of them and raise them from seedlings all the way up and try and get them all sold the first year, and if we don’t get them sold the first year, we’ll sell again the next year as an older tree.”

The program began in 2003 when there was growing concern about the health of the trees on Toomer’s Corner.

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences first planted 40 acorns from the trees so they would have a replacement tree in case something happened to one of the original trees.

The event sparked discussions of spreading the descendents of the trees > Turn to TOOMER’S, B2

Graphic by Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR

Students beat Bama with ‘Bingo ’n Chicken’

By BLAKE HAMILTON

Associate Campus Editor

Numerals and empty calories were king in the Student Center Ballroom last Thursday as “Beat Bama Bingo ’n Chicken” got into full swing.

Auburn Residence Hall Association hosted the event to gather supplies for the Beat Bama Food Drive.

It is one of several events organizations on campus have held that accept canned goods for admission.

“AuRHA Beat Bama Bingo ’n Chicken was started last year to raise cans and awareness among the residence halls for the Beat Bama Food Drive,” said Luke Howard, sophomore in wireless engineering and president of AuRHA. “This year was even bigger than last year. We had 35-plus cans brought in to donate to the food drive and almost doubled our attendance.”

Howard said the association pushed for awareness of its event

this year and had a great food drive started, in turn out. combined efforts with On-campus Alabama we have raised residents over 1.5 million were alpounds of food, lowed into which is incredthe event ible. Last year for free.

Alabama beat Off-camus by about pus resi5 9 , 0 0 0 dents either pounds.” donated Harrifive cans son said of food or the goal $5 for the this year is to cause. raise 250,000 This grantpounds of ed attendees food. access to the They have fried chicken collected less and a bingo than 44,000 card, though pounds of an additional cans so far, so bingo card Harrison said could be acthis next week quired for every and a half is additional can or crucial for getdollar contributed. ting in food.

“For the A table Morgan Thacker / past 15 years, ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR of various Auburn has prizes was been taking on Alabama emptied as students won in a different kind of bingo games, adding to competition – the food the appeal of the event. drive,” said Millie HarriStudents involved with son, sophomore in bio- the food drive spoke medical sciences and regarding its mission, assistant director of the which is to aid in the food drive. “Since the fight against world hun-

ger, one can at a time.

“The food drive is going great, but we could always be doing better,” said Grace Fleming, director of the Beat Bama Food Drive. “We have been working with the Auburn Alumni Association and the City of Auburn to help the event grow, and we are trying for one final push in this last week.”

Donations can also be made online at www. beatbamafooddrive. com.

All checks should be made to the East Alabama Food Bank.

Barrels can be found on campus in the Student Center, Chick-fil-A and the Ralph Brown Draughon Library, as well as off campus at Wal-Mart and Morris Avenue Intermediate School.

The last day to donate is next Thursday, Nov. 19.

Harrison said the main goal of the Beat Bama Food Drive is for students to reach out to Auburn and its surrounding areas in order to help those in need.

Printed on Recycled Paper

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Christian Becraft receives Miss Homecoming award.

Students bank on Becraft for Homecoming Christian Becraft was crowned Miss Homecoming at halftime of the Auburn vs.

Furman game last Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Becraft supported the East Alabama Food Bank on her platform “Bank on Christian.”

She encouraged students to donate food throughout the year.

“I remember, as a freshman, watching Miss Homecoming on the field and thinking what an awesome honor that would be, and then not thinking twice about me one day having that same opportunity,” Becraft said.

The Auburn Plainsman

CAMPUS, B2

Tiger Nights hits the deck

By MARY-GLENN SMITH Staff Writer

The Auburn University Student Center looked more like a sunken pirate ship than the usual student union building Friday night.

Treasure chests, spyglasses, treasure maps, eye patches, hooks, fake swords and treasures of gold decorated the Student Center for “Tiger Nights Hits the Deck,” pirate-themed event.

“We do all this for the students,” said Leah Colvin, junior in interior design and UPC member.

“All the ideas come from students. We find out what they want, put it all together and come up with a theme we think everyone will enjoy.”

Colvin said this time they went with a pirate theme and one of the big events was a scavenger hunt with a $500 prize.

The scavenger hunt began at 8:30 p.m. and ended at 10 p.m.

Forty participants divided up into groups of five in search of the hidden treasure. The first team to complete the scavenger hunt won $250, the second place team

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Students line up to take turns on the bungee trampoline outside the Student Center.

won $200 and the third place team took home $150.

In addition to the scavenger hunt, there were also inflatable games, a bungee trampoline, an entanglement and a pedestal joust, just like the one from “American Gladiators.”

“I came to do the bouncy thing,” said Katie Nunnelley, freshman in polymer and fiber engineering.

Another popular part of Tiger Nights was the “Robo Surfer,” where people got to try their hand at surfing on a realistic surfing simulator. There was also a bungee run and

laser tag for attendees to challenge each other in competition.

Other attractions included caricature artists, sand art, airbrush face paint, henna tattoo artists, a palm reader and keepsake photos with cutouts for visitors to stand behind and put their face in so their heads would be on a pirate’s body.

To keep the pirate feel alive, UPC showed the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.” “I pretty much just came for the free food,” said Chelsea Gaspard, freshman in pre-pharmacy.

Everyone who attended

the Tiger Nights event received two meal tickets, appropriately adorned with skull and crossbones to follow the pirate theme.

One ticket was redeemable for the attendee’s choice of one of the food items available: Mama Leone’s pizza, Chick-fil-A six-piece chicken nuggets, sushi, nachos, ice cream bar or a hamburger from Coyote Jack’s.

“It’s something free to do on Friday night,” said Julia Ryczak, freshman in pre-pharmacy. “It’s a fun way to get out and meet people instead of just sitting in your dorm room, and I really liked the pirate theme.”

Thursday, November 12, 2009

TOOMER’S >From B1

across Auburn and the Southeast.

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences started selling baby Toomer’s oaks to raise money for student activities.

“Each dollar goes straight back to the school,” Goode said. “It goes to the forestry club, the wildlife sciences club and to scholarship funds.”

Auburn fans can purchase the trees in person or have them shipped to their houses. Every seedling comes with all of the essentials for owning a Toomer’s oak.

“When you get the oak, most of them are shipped out,” Goode said. “They’re shipped out in little cardboard boxes and with that comes an envelope which has your certificate of authenticity and all that and a roll of toilet paper.”

Goode said there’s news articles that pop up every now and then about people who have their Toomer’s oak in their yard and will actually go out and roll it after a win.

Enebak said many people who purchase a baby Toomer’s oak keep him updated on the status of the tree.

People send Enebak pictures of their trees, and he often hears interesting stories associated with

the oaks.

“We’ve had people call us, one was even involved in a divorce,” Enebak said.

“It became part of the property and someone lost it and they contacted us and said, ‘I need to replace my tree that I lost in the divorce.’ So there’s those stories where people really were attached to the tree and then there’s feel good stories about the tree that are 8-feet tall and they go out and they put toilet paper on it when Auburn wins.”

Enebak said there are plenty of trees left if people would like to give out the tree as a gift this holiday season.

“After today we’ll probably have at least 300 trees left over,” Enebak said. “So they can call the School of Forestry here or go to the Tiger Rags Web site and just order it online and you’ll have it at your door in a couple of weeks.”

Lindsey Phillips, sophomore in forestry and wildlife sciences, said she has benefited from the trees through her involvement.

Phillips said everyone should buy a Toomer’s oak, because it is a good cause.

“Definitely do it, it’s a great thing,” Phillips said.

“You’d have a piece of Auburn history, and it goes to support students. The money that comes from that goes to the scholarships in the school. “

Student Alumni Association boils up food, fun

By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor

A large, hungry crowd gathered around the smell of fresh seafood at the Student Alumni Association’s annual Shrimp Boil, Nov. 5.

“The shrimp is like I used to eat growing up in South Carolina at our beach house,” said Seth Parker, senior in business administration. “It’s cooked the exact same way with the potatoes and corn. It’s wonderful. I’m very impressed with SAA, and it is incredible that it is free.”

The shrimp boil benefits students of SAA and all

SAA members.

“The shrimp boil is a great introduction to the Student Alumni Association in the fall,” said Debbie Shaw, vice president of alumni affairs. “It is a benefit to members they don’t have to pay anything to come and eat all the shrimp that they want.”

SAA members said the shrimp boil is their most popular event throughout the entire year.

“We put it on because we know everybody loves shrimp and a good ole country shrimp boil,” said Erin St. John, student alumni board member. “We usually have 300 people come throughout the night. I love the smell,

it smells amazing. I know people who get three and four plates of shrimp.”

As a part of football season in the fall, the shrimp boil has turned out to be SAA’s marquee event where the organization tries to engage as many of its members as possible.

The alumni association has a tent at each home game, but this was the student board member’s project.

“It really is a student run event,” said Scott Greenwood, alumni programs coordinator and Student Alumni Association adviser.

SAA has 3,500 members.

The organization ordered enough for 2 ½

pounds of shrimp for each person.

SAA also decided to contribute to the Beat Bama Food Drive, by asking their members to donate canned foods for a free Beat Bama T-shirt.

“We have our Beat Bama T-shirts for SAA members that chose to donate to the Beat Bama food drive,” Greenwood said.

“So far we have collected 250 pounds of food just for Beat T-shirts. As an (organization), that’s one real outreach we wanted to add to what we are doing. We’ve been all about the free benefits, but part of why we exist as a student alumni organization is to start learning what it

means to be an alumni and that means giving back.”

The shrimp boil was also an opportunity for students and alumni to connect and share experiences.

“It is important because we want students to feel connected to their future and Auburn for a lifetime,” Shaw said. “When students graduate, they will be Auburn alumni and we want them to stay connected to Auburn hopefully forever. Our alumni are in the position to be good mentors to students, and students can learn so much from interacting with alums and gain networks” Greenwood said the

shrimp boil never fails to bring hundreds of students and alumni together and the atmosphere of the shrimp boil is unlike anything Auburn has to offer.

“I’m kind of a sentimental guy, “ Greenwood said.

“I’m kind of like a proud papa. I love to see everybody being together and watching the students make it happen.”

Shaw said she agreed her favorite thing about the shrimp boil was the gathering of Auburn students in one place having a good time.

“You can’t beat eating shrimp right here by Jordan-Hare Stadium,” Shaw said. “It is all about Auburn.”

Ask a Professor?

Q: Is it possible to swallow your tongue?

A: “Technically, you do not swallow your tongue as during a seizure. However, the tongue does relax and falls back in the throat thereby obstructing the airway and blocks breathing.”

Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks, professor in the College of Nursing

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Head of aircraft company speaks to Auburn aviators

By AUBRIE DAVIS Staff Writer

Thursday night kicked off Homecoming festivities for Auburn Aviation Management.

Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, spoke at the Lowder Business Building at 7:30 p.m. Students and faculty gathered to listen to Pelton speak about his experiences in the industry and the Cessna business.

“Cessna planes are essential to our training as professional pilots here at Auburn,” said Doug Leiser, senior in professional flight.

Leiser said the flight education program at Auburn uses Cessna model planes in student training, and he said having Pelton speak on campus was an honor.

Cessna is the leader in worldwide manufacturing of general aviation aircraft. More than 187,000 airplanes have been produced since the company’s creation in 1927.

Pelton joined Cessna in November 2000, serving as senior vice president.

He supervised the engineering and product development aspect of the company, testing aircraft development and design through experimental test flight.

In 2003, Pelton became president and chief executive officer.

Prior to working with Cessna, Pelton worked with Boeing, formerly known as Douglas Aircraft, and also served as senior vice president of engineering and pro-

grams at Fairchild Dornier in Germany.

Pelton is a well-known pilot in the aviation industry. In 2007, he received the Kansas Chamber of Commerce Ad Astra Award, making him Kansas’s most influential business leader.

In 2008, he was recognized as one of the industry’s top accolades, being named the Aviation Week Laurel for Business and General Aviation.

Soon after, Pelton earned the Freedom of Flight award, which is the Experimental Aircraft Association’s highest honor.

Pelton is a former chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and currently serves as a board member.

He is chairman of the Flight Operations Policy committee and serves on the Associate Member Advisory Board of the National Business Aviation Association. He is also on the board of directors for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Corporate Angel Network.

Pelton obtained his commercial pilot’s license with instrument, multi-engine and seaplane ratings.

He also has ratings in Citation business jets including the Citation X and a single pilot rating in the Citation Mustang.

Pelton spoke about the economic recession and its effect on the industry.

He said across the industry, production rates have been cut. Since the downfall, Pelton has worked to restructure Cessna.

Pelton said the com-

pany has already begun to see changes and there have been trends that point to economic prosperity.

Cessna said he expects to increase aircraft sales within the next two years and for the economy to return to normal by 2011.

“I really enjoyed Mr. Pelton’s speech,” said Sarah White, junior in marketing. “I’m not a flight education student, but I was interested in what he was speaking about. I had no idea the aviation industry was struggling so bad.”

The Homecoming festivities continued Friday and Saturday. Friday, the Aviation Management Advisory Board inducted three new members: Ben Boston, with Chick-fil-A Aviation; Steve Inabinet, executive vice president and manager of Commerce Overseas Corporation; and Art Morris, director of the Dothan Regional Airport.

Saturday, students were invited to a reunion tailgate. At the tailgate, faculty held a silent auction where visitors were able to bid on an array of items, including American Airlines tickets.

“I had a good time this weekend,” said Rob Giordano, senior in professional flight who attended the Homecoming tailgate Saturday. “There were a lot of great prizes for sale at the silent auction and everyone there seemed to be having a great time.”

All funds raised during Homecoming weekend will support student scholarships and the aviation program at Auburn.

Campus, B3

The Auburn Plainsman CAMPUS STAFF

BRITTANY COSBY Editor BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Editor

JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Editor

To reach the staff, call 844-9109.

WE WANT YOU!

Applications for The Auburn Plainsman spring staff are available in the Student Center Suite 1111 or Tichenor 2727.

Deadline: Nov. 20 by 5 p.m.

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B4

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

AU Rhythm performs during the pep rally Friday night on Magnolia Street.

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

Natalie Brock and Abby Basinger, both members of Kappa Delta sorority, embrace after seeing each other before starting the parade.

Students walk by Toomer’s Corner in the spirit march that started at Parker Hall and lead to the pep rally.

Auburn’s homecoming week brings campaigning, events NPHC hosts Homecoming Step Show benefiting December toy drive

By THEODORIS MORRIS Staff Writer

The sounds of stomping, chanting and loud music echoed through the Student Activity Center as fraternities, sororities, students and supporters from the Auburn community celebrated the annual National PanHellenic Homecoming Step Show, Friday.

The doors opened at 5:30 p.m., and tickets were sold for $5 in advance for students and $15 for anyone at the door.

Bia Pete, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, coordinated the event.

The seven fraternities and sororities that participated had been practicing and coordinating for weeks leading up to the step show.

“It is tradition,” said Heather Horn, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Counsel. “Alumni came back and it is just a way for us to show our appreciation and highlight the activities that we are doing this semester.”

Brandon Young, senior in electrical engineering and a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and his acquaintance from Atlanta, were the hosts of the event.

“It went well,” Young said. “It was the best show I have seen since I’ve been here, especially as far as crowd participation.”

People from the community came to join in celebrating and supporting the event.

The show opened with Total Knock Out, a local all-girl step team from Opelika.

“I think it was a great show, it was good to see seven out of nine NPHC organizations represented,” said Brandon Wolfe, one of the eight judges of the event and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. “The hosts were entertaining, the music was good and I like the crowd participation.”

The fraternities that participated in the show were Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma from Auburn and Iota Phi Theta who traveled from Jacksonville, Ala. The sororities included Alpha Kappa Alpha from Auburn and Sigma Gamma Rho from Jacksonville, Ala. “I went to the yard shows, but this is my first official step show and I think it was good,” said Kimmy Armour, freshman in biomedical sciences.

Other special guests that performed were a group named Monopoly and AU Rhythm Hip Hop Dance Troupe.

The winners of this year’s step show for best sorority and best fraternity were awarded a trophy and $500.

Last year’s winners were Omega Psi Phi fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta sorority, but this year Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority strolled away with the

highest awards.

“All of us felt when it started, we had it,” said John Henderson, senior in information systems management. “It feels great. We have been practicing this show all semester and have performed it three times, but this was the first and most important victory.”

The competition was evaluated by a panel of eight judges who scored the steppers on a scale of one to 10 on factors ranging from costume to overall performance.

“I thought the show was very well put together, probably the best one the students had in a long time,” said Paul Kittle, director of Greek Life.

“I enjoyed it and I think the students represented well.”

Some of the themes performed were Nightmare on Ivy Street by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, a boxing theme by Iota Phi Theta fraternity, a band theme by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and a Soul Train theme by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

“Our performance was well deserving of a win, all of our time and dedication paid off,” said Morgan Driver, senior in apparel product design and marketing. “We were precise and we brought something fresh, something new and a new creative idea.”

The proceeds from the step show will go toward a toy drive that the NPHC will be hosting Dec. 3, Horn said.

Candidates, community, alumni walk in Homecoming Spirit March

By EMILY CLEVER

of their supporting sororities, who marched together to Toomer’s Corner for a High-pitched cheers pre-game pep rally. blended with the sounds A pep band, cheerleadof marching band brass ers and the Tiger Paws and percussion at Friday dance team were the feanight’s spirit march. tured entertainment at the University members of pep rally. sororities and fraternities Sorority sisters made waved balloons, signs and signs and wore matching banners to show off their campaign T-shirts in supschool spirit as they wait- port of their candidates. ed for the “I was parade to surprised start in front t h e r e of Parker w e r e n’ t One main Hall. m o r e T h e element of Auburn people march was is our football, and outside free and of fraterI love how during open to n i t i e s ,” the public, Homecoming we can said Mike and festivi- use that time to come B o t t s , ties began 1 9 7 6 at 4:45 p.m. together with our Auburn in front of families and show alumni Parker Hall, who had them what Auburn where the come to Miss Home- means to us.”

Parker c o m i n g to watch nominees the fesChristian Becraft, t i v i t i e s lined up Miss Homecoming and look in front of their sororiat the ties. spirit Parker Concourse was booths. lined with spirit booths Botts said this was his and large posters, boasting first Spirit March.

Greek symbols and show“My favorite booth ing off sorority and frater- would have to be the Alnity campus pride. pha Chi Omega,” Botts said Chants of “Bodda Getta” about a Star Wars-themed and other Auburn tradi- Spirit Booth featuring a tions began the night, papier-mâché Aubie exalong with some danc- claiming, “Furman, I am ing and music in front of your Father.”

Parker.

“Homecoming, I feel is a Aubie then led the Spirit time to share Auburn traMarch to Toomer’s Corner, ditions,” said Christian Beriding in style to his next craft, senior in journalism location in a golf cart. who was elected the 2009 The nominees were es- Miss Homecoming during corted by bicycle in front halftime of the football Staff Writer

“

game Saturday. “One main element of Auburn is football and our love for football, and I love how during Homecoming we can use that time to come together with our families and show them what Auburn means to us.”

Miss Homecoming voting was conducted through Auburn’s Web site from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

“Miss Homecoming is a girl that everyone looks up to as a role model for Auburn University,” said May May Cates, freshman in apparel merchandise who was out supporting Miss Homecoming nominee Grace Anthony. “War Damn!”

Cates said she didn’t know what to expect, but was ultimately pleased with the amount of students and community members that attended and showed support at the Spirit March.

“The turnout was great!”

Becraft said. “I see the spirit march definitely turning into another tradition at Auburn, and I see it eventually becoming something that families visiting for Homecoming look forward to and think it will grow each year.”

Becraft said she was interested to see how Auburn was planning to support the Spirit March in the years to come.

“When I come back to visit Auburn and visit my children, who I hope go to school here, I hope that I can go and watch the Spirit March with my family,” Becraft said.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B5

CAMPUS CALENDAR Campus calendar is provided to University-chartered organizations. Submit written events to The Plainsman office between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., prior to the Monday before publication. Limit 30 words. May be edited for pertinent content.

Campus Events

Friday, Nov. 13

Sunday, Nov. 15

Thursday, Nov. 12 H1N1 Vaccination Clinic (Nasal Spray): 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Concourse between Lowder and Shelby Center, then again from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Haley Concourse

Fisheries Seminar: Mark Liles and Jeff Terhune will present, “Diagnostics and Therapeutics for E. ictaluri Infection Of Channel Catfish using Biological Control Agents” from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Swingle Hall, Rm. 303

Volleyball vs. Kentucky: 1:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Center

Swim/Dive vs. Alabama: 5 p.m. at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center

Volleyball vs. Tennessee: 6 p.m. at the Student Activities Center

Asian Film Series No. 8: Korean film “Tae Guk Gi,” 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Haley 1203

Women’s Basketball vs.

Troy: 6 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Speaker: Gen. Carl E. Mundy Jr., USMC (Ret.) will speak on, “The United States Organization for National Security” from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Lowder 125-A

Aubie Reunion: 7 p.m. till midnight in Atlanta

Voices Against Hunger Gospel Fest: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The City Church, 950 Shelton Mill Road Monday, Nov. 16

Faculty Recital: Bill Shaffer, Horn. 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Goodwin Recital Hall Student Alumni Board Call-Outs: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Cater Hall

Poultry Science Club Smoked Chicken Sale: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Poultry Science Building Symphonic Band Concert: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, Nov. 17

Men’s Basketball vs.

Niagara: 8:30 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Nov. 14 Guest Artist Recital, Joel Burcham: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Goodwin Music Building Recital Hall

School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Seminar: Madan Oli will speak on “Stochasticity, density-dependence and Richardson’s ground squirrel population dynamics” from 11 a.m. to noon in School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Rm. 1101

Alumni Relations Committee Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m., location TBA Poultry Science Club Smoked Chicken Sale: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Poultry Science Building Alumni Board Teleconference: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., location TBA Wednesday, Nov. 18 Poultry Science Club Smoked Chicken Sale: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Poultry Science Building International Week Italian Student Play: “Il Lungo Viaggio (The Long Crossing) ” by Leonardo Sciascia, will be performed by the Italian Department in English from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Student Center, Rm. 2222 Around the World Competition- Arabian Night: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tiger Zone at the Village

Thursday, Nov. 19 Poultry Science Club Smoked Chicken Sale: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Poultry Science Building Third Thursday- Drawing Class for Adults: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Women’s Basketball vs.

Alabama A&M: 6p.m.,BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Swim/Dive vs. Georgia: 4 p.m. in the Aquatic Center Saturday, Nov. 21 Men’s Tennis- Auburn Fall Classic: Starting time TBA, Yarbrough Tennis Center Saturday Art Club: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Friday, Nov. 20 Sunday, Nov. 22 Men’s Tennis- Auburn Fall Classic: Starting time TBA, Yarbrough Tennis Center Poultry Science Club Smoked Chicken Sale: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Poultry Science Building Fisheries Seminar: Paul Zimba of Texas A&M University will present, “Remote sensing in aquaculture: are there practical uses?” from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Swingle Hall Rm. 303

Men’s Tennis- Auburn Fall Classic: Starting time TBA, Yarbrough Tennis Center Women’s Basketball vs.

Texas A&M: 2 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum Tuesday, Nov. 24 Women’s Basketball vs.

Georgia Southern: 6 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

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The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B6

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Library shifts books Workers rearrange stacks, making room for new Learning Commons

By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor

For the past 10 weeks, library employees have moved 820,000 books around the library to make room for the new Learning Commons.

Student employees worked all day and into the night to complete the time-consuming task.

“The hardest part about moving the books was doing it in a timely order,” said Marci Solomon, sophomore in public relations.

“We really wanted to do a good job and it was getting them off the shelves and keeping them in order and getting them back on the shelf that was tough.

I think it is going to be a great addition, something that will bring a lot more people into the library.”

Most of the books were moved and rearranged, not taken away.

“The students that moved the books worked really hard, it was hard physical labor to move those books,” said Bonnie

MacEwan, dean of libraries. “We thought it would take twice that long and the students worked so hard and so smart. We finished the project weeks ahead of schedule, and I’m just so proud of them.”

The Learning Commons is a space in the library that has been redesigned with student input.

The principle behind the Learning Commons is creating an environment that is flexible and responsive to student needs.

“Students requested a writing center and tutoring assistance, and that is when we started working with the people in the writing center and study partners telling them we wanted them to be a part of this project,” MacEwan said.

Library administration asked students what they wanted and needed. They took surveys at the tailgate at the library, and the Student Advisory Council also did a survey.

“We did some fun things,” MacEwan said.

“We gave students a cam-

era and asked them to take pictures of where they study at home and what you always have with you just to get a sense of how students were working. We had students draw their perfect library. We got lots of wild and crazy things like a massage parlor, but we got a lot of really useful information.”

Some things library personnel hadn’t thought of before were round tables.

“It sounds like a really small thing, but you look around in the library and most of the tables are square,” MacEwan said.

“We never thought of having round tables, but several of the groups drew in round tables and that is something really easy for us to do.”

The library staff took all of the student input, analyzed it and sent it off to a learning commons planner in Colorado named Group 3 Planners.

The Learning Commons will include soft furniture, tables for varying group sizes, additional study rooms, an alcove

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Jarrod Thorne, senior in radio, television and film, passes government documents to Elif Ozgormus, graduate student in industrial engineering.

room that should fit six to eight study rooms, white boards, power outlets and comfy chairs.

“I’ve been moving the books since August,” said Neel Nambeesan, graduate student in industrial engineering. “It was fun, we got to work with a lot of people. I think we were short of space, you come

in during midterms and there is not enough space, you can’t find a spot to sit down and study. So this will be a neat addition.”

The library is planning an open house focused on the students sometime in February, as well as a formal ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Ours has been designed

with the input we got from students,” MacEwan said.

“We are going to have writing center assistance in our Learning Commons because that is something the students said they wanted. I am excited for the students to see what it looks like when it’s done and to know they had a part in doing this.”

Roundup auctions for charity On the Concourse

By BRIAN DESARRO Staff Writer

“Do you play any musical instruments?”

“I’ve played the piano since I was 7, and I started learning guitar three years ago.”

- Anna Turner, freshman in accounting

“I sing. I can kind of play the guitar.

I just know chords and stuff.”

- Griffin Collins, junior in biomedical sciences

“Nope, I don’t play anything.”

- Grant Hitchness, freshman in prephysical therapy

“I play the guitar, and I sing.”

- Caroline Schell, senior in international business

As the sun shone bright and the air filled with the smell of sausage and corn dogs, hungry Tiger fans flocked to the 30th annual Fall Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture before the Homecoming game last Saturday against Furman.

The event, which featured various University departments and organizations, as well as commodity groups from across the state, offered up a pregame feast at the Ag Heritage Park for $5 a person.

There was also a live and silent auction, children’s activities and visits from the Auburn cheerleaders and pep band at the roundup.

“It is to showcase the commodity groups in the state and it shows what they produce,” said Elaine Rollo, administrative support specialist for the College of Agriculture. “The auctions are for raising money for scholarships for the Auburn agriculture students.”

The auctions, which raised approximately

$8,900, were a huge suc“We come every year cess, Rollo said. and we usually bring corItems featured in the sages or some kind of food auctions included Auburn to give back,” Burgess said. gift baskets and memora- “This is my second year bilia, hunting equipment, coming and I would say tailgating supplies, a John meeting people and the Deere edger and weed food, of course, are my faeater, as well as Alabama vorite part.” agriculture products such There was no shortage as Priester’s pecans and of food at the event, which an Alabama w a s wine gift g o o d basket. n e w s The vento the Meeting dors circled thoupeople and the food, sands of the event and handed of course, are my hungry out free favorite part.” fans who samples of c a m e their prodjust for a Morgan Burgess, pregame ucts and president of the Auburn meal. had inforHorticulture Forum mative dis“ M y plays about favorite their role in part is Alabama agriculture. the food, definitely,” said Conecuh Sausage, Ala- Amy Bley, senior in animal bama Bee and Honey Pro- sciences and production ducers and the Alabama management and a memFarmers Cooperative Inc. ber of the Block and Bridle were among the many ta- Club. “There is everything bles that were set up. you could ever want: corn Morgan Burgess, junior dogs, goat meat, honey, in landscape horticulture hamburgers and everyand president of the Au- thing. It’s just great to see burn Horticulture Forum, everything we can prosaid she loves attending duce in Alabama.” and representing the horWhile fans filled their ticulture forum. stomachs in preparation

“

for the game, the Auburn cheerleaders and pep band stopped by to help get everyone pumped with spirit.

The cheerleaders gathered a large crowd with their performance of “Bodda Getta” and “Track ‘Em,” which was followed by the live auction.

The pep band performed the fight song and “Tiger Rag,” which had fans singing and cheering along.

The event also included a children’s area, featuring a moon bounce and fishing game, making the Fall Roundup enjoyable for people of all ages.

“It was very successful this year,” Rollo said.

“I think that everyone enjoyed the silent and live auctions, and of course, getting to sample the products that are brought in from around the state by the various vendors.”

Many fans come back to the roundup year after year.

“This is my third year,” Bley said. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything because I love Ag Roundup.”

The event was sponsored by John Deere, KMG Chemicals and Milo’s Tea.

SGA grants provisional status to clubs

By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor

Members of SGA Senate met Monday night in the Student Center to pass bills granting provisional status to campus organizations.

First up in old business were the H2Ostesses, a group supporting the water polo team.

An organization seeking to promote Toms shoes on campus was denied provisional status.

Auburn allows campus organizations to use the

Auburn trademarks without charge.

If the group was allowed provisional status on campus, Toms shoes would be able to use any Auburn trademarks without charge, a service for which the University charges.

The senators also discussed if an organization promoting a business was granted provisional status, other business-specific organizations might begin seeking provisional status.

“The point was addressed that we might start getting requests for a J&M

campus club, an Academy Sports campus club and other related groups,” said SGA Vice President Sarah Molony.

The Women’s Rugby club was granted provisional status, as well as the Korean-American Student Association.

Lastly, the Religion club, a group that seeks to discuss religion in an academic manner, was granted provisional status.

The SGA Senators then moved to pass two bills categorized as new business.

An organizations fund request was granted to the Indian Student Association for $499.

The group wanted to use the money to print banners for public events.

Last on the agenda was the appointment of a new senator to the College of Human Sciences.

After passing the Senate’s agenda, Molony gave announcements to the room, which was made up of senators and representatives from the organizations, and called the meeting to an end.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B7

Katie Tingey / CONTRIBUTED

Sara Lynn Baird conducts a dual performance by the Symphonic Band and Chamber Choir.

Katie Tingey / CONTRIBUTED

The Steel Band, dressed in Hawaiian shirts, performs “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.”

‘Sounds of Auburn’ fill Coliseum

By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor

Auburn’s music department showcased the talents of its ensembles at the ninth annual Sounds of Auburn concert Thursday at the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum.

“We present a sampling of the music that is performed by each of these ensembles throughout the year,” said Sara Lynn Baird, professor and chair

of the music department.

The program began with a football game-style presentation from the marching band.

The group, directed by Corey Spurlin, performed again later in the night.

“Certain audience members may be drawn to the concert by their familiarity with a specific ensemble,” Spurlin said.

“They will get exposure to a variety of other musical mediums that may appeal

to them,” Spurlin said, “The hope is that they will take advantage of these other cultural opportunities on our campus.”

The evening continued with performances from various choirs and bands, a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces.

“The concert instrumental ensembles, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble and Steel Band, performed inspiring se-

lections from their fall concerts,” Baird said.

“Several choral ensembles also exhibited their excellent skills with repertoire ranging from the eclectic, difficult and beautiful ‘Sounding Sea’ by Eric Barnum to spiritual and gospel arrangements and the feisty ‘Steam Heat.’”

Baird conducted a performance from the Symphonic Band and Chamber Choir of “God of our Fathers,” arranged by

C.T. Smith.

The Auburn University Singers, directed by Dale Farmer, added choreography to the night of music with their performances of “Lift up Your Eyes,” by Ken Medema and “Steam Heat,” arranged by Mac Huff. “(Sounds of Auburn) is a great opportunity for some of the ensembles to come together to represent the music department in one perfor-

mance,” Farmer said.

The Gospel Choir danced and clapped in the stands to “Betelehemu,’”

by Barrington Brooks.

The group added several instruments including a saxophone, electric guitar, drums and two keyboards to their second performance, “I Told the Storm,” by Greg O’Quin.

William and Rosephanye Powell conducted the Gospel Choir’s performances.

MBA program ranks 40th Auburn’s executive MBA program ranks high in the nation upon its first year of eligibility

By BLAKE HAMILTON

ments,” said Dan Gropper, professor of economics and associate dean of the Auburn’s executive MBA programs. “We feel MBA programs have that this has helped put joined the University’s al- Auburn on the map interready extensive directory nationally.” of internationally ranked Data for the study is curricula, receiving men- compiled by canvasstion in the Financial ing alumni, who answer Times’ list of the world’s questions regarding cabest. reer progress, use of the T h e program programs in reachhave been ing goals We’ve been in exisand level tence for making a difference of earn11 years in our graduates’ lives ings. Othand are er criteria r a n k e d by positioning them include 40th in to get better jobs” diversity, the nation. internaStan Harris This is the t i o n a l director of physicians first year reach and executive MBA program the profaculty gram was research eligible to make the list. productivity.

Though schools such as “We’re very proud of Florida and Georgia are the ranking, because it usually seen in the rank- shows that we’re headed ings, the only other SEC in the right direction,” school to make this year’s said Stan Harris, profeslist was Tennessee, which sor of management and ranked 46th in the U.S. director of the physicians “Last year we celebrat- executive MBA program. ed the 10th anniversary “People outside of the of the start of Auburn’s Auburn family are appreexecutive MBA programs, ciating some of the things and we view this honor we’ve been doing. We’ve as a recognition of our been making a difference growth and accomplish- in our graduates’ lives by Associate Campus Editor

“

positioning them to be able to get jobs better and enhance the reputation of the degrees that they receive.”

The College of Business is one of only 15 percent of business schools in the world to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business on both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the highest standard of achievement attainable by a business school.

In addition to the work of students and alumni, surveyors looked at the accomplishments of faculty, such as their publication in academic journals.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of programs that can be ranked, but you have to have a minimum of 35 graduates,” Gropper said. “We had some smaller classes and didn’t have quite enough graduates for several years. The fact that this ranking is out signifies that we are being recognized as one of the best programs in the world.”

Though the Financial Times only ranks a certain number of schools, it considers most major

executive MBA programs, including Auburn.

“To give this some perspective, the Financial Times looks at all big, major accredited executive MBA programs,” Gropper said. “There’s the AACSD, which is a big American accrediting group that goes through about 400 or 500 fully accredited programs.”

According to the Financial Times, graduates of the MBA program made an average of $126,823 in one to three years following graduation. In addition, the same surveyed alumni saw their salaries increase 39 percent.

Though it was the alumni whose surveys determined the ranking, members of the Auburn administration acknowledge this honor is a team effort.

“This ranking is a tribute to both the faculty and staff who have worked to build this program and to the accomplishments of our alumni,” said Paul Bobrowski, dean of the College of Business. “It is a pleasure to see our program receive international recognition at this level.”

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The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B8

Photo of the Week

Documentary exposes North Carolina tragedy

By DANIEL CHESSER Staff Writer

Jenna Robinson / FRESHMAN IN ENGLISH

Students prepare to brave the weather with umbrellas as they leave an Auburn dorm.

Photo specifications: Nikon D40, F 4.5, 1/30, f = 75.

E-mail all photo of the week submissions to

photo@theplainsman.com

Former AU professor discusses first novel

By DANIEL CHESSER Staff Writer

A former Auburn University religion professor gave a lecture on his newest piece of literature in the Libraries Special Collections and Archive Department of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library Tuesday.

James M. Dawsey is the author of the novel “Masters and Savages,” published by Mercer University Press.

Dawsey said he worked on this novel on and off for years, but the rule of thumb for writing a first novel and getting published is eight to 10 years.

“When I got my novel accepted and published it was a big accomplishment,” Dawsey said. “I have written and published several academic articles and books, but there is a level of excitement with ‘Masters and Savages’ because it is my first novel to be published.”

“Masters and Savages” was published in June 2009 and is a fictional story of a Civil War survivor and ship captain, Witfield Stone.

“A story is more openended and pointing beyond itself,” Dawsey said.

“Having written academic books this was an area of history I have been wanting to deal with for a long time.”

In the novel, the main character, Stone, despises slavery, but transports contract laborers from Africa to Brazil. He does

this for his father and the cally talk in stories.” rebuilding of the SouthAccording to Dawsey’s ern Land and Immigra- business card, he is an aution Society, who lost their thor, speaker and in spirifortunes in America when tual renewal. He is also slavery was abolished. Wolfe Chair of Religious Stone’s mindset is formed Studies at Emory and Henin the novel by dealing ry College in Virginia. with conflicts such as reDawsey has written bellion of the laborers, other works about history horrendous weather and and theology such as “The pursuing British warships. Confederados: Old South “This book could be un- Immigrants in Brazil” derstood and “From on a couWa st e l a n d ple differto Promised ent levLand: LibI have writels,” said eration TheR i c h a r d ten and published ology for a P e n a s - several academic Post-Marxkovic, ist World.” professor articles and books, “The Conin the De- but there is a level fed erado s” partment of excitement with are papers of Phiand letters losophy. ‘Masters and Savages’ of Confeder“It could because it is my first ate ex-patribe looked ots who left at as a novel to be pubthe United s i m p l e lished.”

States folstory of a James M Dawsey, lowing the slave ship War author Civil going to and went to the new Brazil,” said world, but also on a theo- Dwayne Cox, head of Spelogical level in terms of cial Collections and Arwhy bad things happen chives. “Through Dawsey to good people and the and his brothers, those letunexplainable evil in this ters came here to Auburn world.”

University’s library.”

According to Dawsey, Dawsey’s discussion is he has lectured at major just one of many presentuniversities, churches and ed and filmed for archive other venues in the United use at Auburn.

States, Europe and Latin “These book talks are America. sponsored by the Center “The deep truths are for Arts and Humanities, carried by stories,” Dawsey the library and the Universaid. “I am really inter- sity bookstore,” Cox said. ested in stories, so it is not “All are welcome to attend a surprise to me that the because they go hand and religious figures I am in- hand with the ‘Discover terested in, like Jesus, basi- Auburn’ lecture series.”

“

Thursday, November 12, 2009

A North Carolina massacre and its effects still resonate 30 years after its occurrence with the help of an independent film that documents the event.

Auburn University’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, along with the department of geology and geography, brought award-winning and nationally known documentary film-maker Andy B. Coon to show and discuss his award-winning documentary, “Greensboro’s Child,” Thursday in the Haley Center Auditorium.

“This documentary means a lot to me, and I feel really honored that Auburn asked me to come here to present this film,” Coon said.

“Greensboro’s Child” is an hour-long documentary written, shot, directed, scored and produced by Coon.

“I wrote a paper on the Greensboro’s Child and I felt like this was a great opportunity to meet Andy Coon,” said Roderick Robinson, junior in psychology. “This gives me the a chance to get more insight on what happened and compare my perspective with (Coon’s).”

Coon said he began working on the documentary in college as a class project.

He later went back to the project to add more in-depth details, including corruption and conspiracy of Greensboro city officials.

The film took Coon five years to complete and has two story lines.

The first story line involves the massacre of five people and the wounding of 10 others at a rally for better work conditions.

The violence was incited by the Klu Klux Klan and a Nazi group in Greensboro, N.C., Nov. 3, 1979.

The other story line is about Kwame Cannon and his imprisonment.

The two stories correlate because Kwame Cannon was given a doublelife sentence for six counts of non-violent burglary in 1986 for a plea bargain due to his involvement with the massacre of 1979.

Cannon is the son of one of the protesters, Willena Cannon, a lifelong civil rights activist and a member of the victimized protesting group, the Workers Viewpoint Organization.

Kwame Cannon was a child when the massacre took place at the “Death to The Klan” rally.

“A friend of mine lives in the Greensboro area and has been involved in trying to eradicate the Klan for decades,” said Andrew Davis, a faculty member of the department of communication and journal-

ism. “I am personally interested in the subject and that is what brought me to the presentation of this film.”

In this documentary, Coon takes a look at why Cannon was given such a long sentence for a nonviolent crime, but the Klan and Nazi members were found not guilty for their actions.

“The contrast between the crimes presented in this documentary is the most important thing for the viewers to realize,” Coon said. “Five people were shot and killed in 1979 and the shooters were found not guilty, but Cannon in 1986 was given two life sentences for burglary.”

The film was followed by a panel discussion and audience questions.

The panelist included professor Ivan Watts of the educational foundations, assistant professor Josh Inwood of the department of geology and geography, professor Ruth Crocker in history and women’s studies and professor emeritus Larry Gerber.

“This film intersects with a lot of questions of social justice,” Inwood said. “I think it is important for a university community to engage those questions of equality and how it relates to criminal justice, race, gender and class.”

The Auburn Plainsman

How to: Cook different types of eggs Joe Random Wasting Time

INTRIGUE

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Vitamins, are they essential or useless?

Students show spirit for seats

By AUBRIE DAVIS Staff Writer

By OLIVIA MARTIN Associate Intrigue Editor

It is that special section between the 35-yard line and the band. It is the crowd of formally dressed students in suits and sundresses. It is the SGA Block Seating Program.

According to the 2009-2010 Spirit Contract, “all chartered organizations of the Student Government Association, and any organization recognized by the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and National Panhellenic Council” can participate in the Spirit Program.

“It gives an incentive for everyone to go out and be involved,” said Elizabeth Stewart, sophomore in human development and family studies and spirit chair for Pi Beta Phi. “The Ignited program also offers incentive for those who don’t receive block seating so it’s a way to motivate people to go to things.”

Events to earn spirit points range from blood drives, to Impact, to supporting sporting events.

The points are then added up and scaled to the amount of people participating versus the amount of people in the organization.

“We look and see if the event is associated with SGA or if it is for a good cause,” said Kurt Sasser, junior in human resource management and secretary of involvement for SGA. “The request form has to be in within two weeks of the event.

The event also has to be applicable to all spirit organizations to be accepted.”

As an offset for supporting the school and attending these events, SGA offers incentives, the most visible of which is block seating.

Steve Miller, spirit chair for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said he thinks this trade-off is fair and beneficial.

“It's absolutely worth the extra effort,” Miller said. “People should work for their spirit points because it helps the school and the football seats are great.”

Women in sororities work together to create banners, attend pep rallies and support various sports’ teams to earn spirit points, Stewart said.

Miller explained that fraternity brothers have a certain amount of mandatory points per month. > Turn to SPIRIT, C2

C

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Alex Jenkins, junior in pre-pharmacy, examines a bottle of fish oil. Taking fish oil capsules can be beneficial for the skin.

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Daily vitamins help provide nutrition for a variety of bodily functions, such as cell production, energy and metabolism.

Vitamins are an essential part of a daily diet. It is important that students get an adequate amount of each vitamin in order to live healthy lives.

“Studies show that vitamin supplements improve overall health,” said Nichole Riley, an employee at GNC. Riley said supplements provided at GNC help boost immunity and help people live longer.

There are several types of vitamins including Vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamin complex.

Vitamin B consists of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin V-6, vitamin B-12 and folate. These 13 vitamins are vital for healthy lives.

The Food and Drug Administration said vitamins are used for a variety of different bodily processes including growth, digestion and nerve function.

There are two types of vitamins — fat-soluble and water-soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble.

The body stores these vitamins to use as needed.

Vitamin C and much of the vitamin B complex make up the water-solubles. They are easily absorbed by the body, and kidneys remove the excess vitamins that are not needed.

Each vitamin plays a specific part in keeping bodies healthy.

Not getting enough of any vitamin may cause disease or other medical problems.

There are many ways one may obtain vitamins.

The first, most efficient way is to eat a balanced, healthy diet with a variety of different foods.

Vitamin A, which supports vision, skin, bone

and tooth growth, immunity and reproduction, can be found in fruits and vegetables such as mangos, broccoli, carrots, tomato juice and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin B, which supports energy, metabolism, nerve function and red blood cell production, can be found in a variety of foods such as spinach, broccoli, tomato juice and chicken breast.

Eating foods such as spinach, broccoli, oranges, strawberries and grapefruit juice will give one an adequate serving of vitamin C, which helps collagen synthesis, amino acid metabolism, iron absorption and immunity.

Sunlight is absorbed by the body and stored as a source of vitamin D, which promotes bone mineralization.

Vitamin D can also be found in foods such as fish, egg yolk and fortified milk.

Vitamin E, which supports the cell membrane, can be consumed through shrimp, sweet potatoes, avocado and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin K, which aids in the synthesis of blood clotting proteins and regulates blood calcium, can be achieved through certain foods such as brussel sprouts, leafy green vegetables, spinach, broccoli and cabbage.

A second way to obtain vitamins is through supplementary pills.

Riley said there are no risks with taking supplements, and it is a simple, safe way of getting the vitamins bodies need to function well.

She said there are added nutrients in supplements, such as fiber, but they do not pose a health threat.

“There are normally small amounts that won’t > Turn to VITAMIN, C2

Community collects toys for children’s Christmas gifts

By EMILY BECKETT Staff Writer

Spirit is more than a mind set, an eagle or the colors orange and blue for Auburn students and residents.

It is what fuels the men and women of Auburn to contribute to charitable causes such as Toys for Tots during the Christmas season.

“The goal for this year,” said Sgt. Cedric Anderson of Auburn Police Department, “is to have enough toys to make sure all those who have signed up have a full load for Christmas.”

Toys for Tots is a national program established in 1947 by Col. William Hendricks, U.S.

Marine Corps Reserve, whose wife helped him recognize a need for a program through which Christmas gifts could be distributed to underprivileged children.

This year Auburn Police Department teamed up with Auburn Fire Department, Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage, Spa Auburn and the Auburn Social Work Club to collect gifts throughout the community during October, November and December.

Anderson said any resident of Auburn may register his or her child until Dec. 8 to receive gifts as long as he or she is the child’s par-

ent or legal guardian has proof of residency in Auburn and provides the child’s social security number.

Registration is held at the Auburn Police Department Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The program is available to both boys and girls, but children are eligible only if they are 12 years old or younger.

“We try to give a wide range of gifts to each child,” Anderson said.

“Our goal every year is to make sure no child is left out.”

Anderson said the number of gifts each > Turn to TOYS, C2

Blakeley Sisk/ ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Students can drop off donations at the Auburn Fire Department through December. Parents and guardians can register their children for gifts Monday through Wednesday.

Printed on Recycled Paper

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C2

Joe Random Micah Douthit freshman, mechanical engineering

ABOUT JOE: Age: 18 Hometown: Huntsville Greatest fear: Spiders Hobbies: Intramural sports Callie Garrett / ASSISTANT INTRIGUE EDITOR

Availability: Single

Douthit’s favorite holiday is Christmas.

Do you have an innie or outie belly button?

Innie

Favorite way to cook an egg?

Scrambled Do you wake up early to get more done throughout the day?

Yes, I have almost all 8 a.m. classes.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas Are you named after anyone?

Yes, my grandad

What was your last vivid dream?

That I woke up late for class and rushed out of the house.

What is the first thing you wash when you get in the shower?

My feet

Are you addicted to any new technology?

Yes, Facebook

Beatles or Journey?

Beatles

Do you have a personal relationship with your doctor?

No

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?

No

Do you take vitamins for your health?

No

What is the most money you have spent on a hair cut? $20

What do you call your grandparents?

Grandma and Grandad

Have you ever been cow tipping or snipe hunting?

No

TOYS

>From C1

child receives depends on how many are donated.

“We try to make sure each child gets half a dozen gifts if we have a lot come in,” Anderson said.

“It depends on the volume of toys.”

Anderson said the goal is to completely fill the gift boxes and bags distributed to the children.

“Some gifts can’t fit in a bag,” Anderson said, “but those are big-ticket items and really put a smile on a child’s face when they wake up Christmas morning.”

Gifts can include bicycles, DVDs, CDs, clothes and miscellaneous toys, but all gifts must be unwrapped so they can be inspected and placed with the correct age groups.

“We would like to encourage everyone to come out and participate in the program so that every child will have at least one gift under their tree for Christmas,” An-

SPIRIT >From C1

Sasser explained how these efforts support the school.

“For instance, there was an All Auburn, All Orange equestrian meet a couple of weeks ago,” Sasser said.

“A lot of students went because there were spirit points offered, and that created a better atmosphere for the meet. They were able to support the riders and get spirit points at the same time.”

For the greek system, SGA block seating is cov-

Thursday, November 12, 2009 derson said.

Anderson said the program seems to grow every year, which is evident in businesses such as Spa Auburn, participating for the first time this year.

“We just all wanted to do something community service related,” said Kelly Moseley, director of Spa Auburn. “We’re excited to do something for somebody else.”

Moseley said Spa Auburn is offering discounts on spa services to customers who donate toys by Dec. 15.

“If you come here and bring a new, unwrapped gift, you get 10 percent off of your visit that day and your name is entered in a drawing for a day at the spa,” Moseley said.

Another first-time supporter of the program is the Auburn University Social Work Club.

“We’re really excited about it,” said Kendra Collins, president of the club.

“This is such a great cause.

The social work club is so happy we could team up and help.”

Collins said the club is holding a toy drive on Haley Concourse, Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, the week before Thanksgiving break.

The club will also have an angel tree from which students can choose children ages 1 through 9 to sponsor during Christmas.

“The children have a wish list of four gifts they really like,” Collins said. “It would be great if we could get all the gifts on the list.”

Collins said students can drop off unwrapped gifts at the club’s Concourse table or office in Haley Center Rm. 7030.

“A member of the police department will come to campus each day after the drive to pick up what we have collected,” Collins said.

Collins said the club is holding a fundraiser at Shakey’s Pizza, Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the Toys for Tots and Angel Tree programs.

Twenty percent of all proceeds from the night will be divided between the two programs, Collins said.

eted and generates competition among the fraternities.

“We have good seats now, but we really want to make it into top three for spirit so we can get as many seats as we need,” Miller said.

Although Stewart said it would be nice for sororities to have a similar incentive, she said she thinks Auburn does a good job at motivating students to become spirited.

Stewart noted that many sorority members also get to enjoy block seating through the frater-

nities.

“Priority seating is nice because you don't have to get there early to save seats, you know who you'll be sitting with and there is a big tailgate with the same people each weekend,” Stewart said.

Miller agreed the block seating makes for a more enjoyable game experience.

While it may seem as though block seating is the highlight of the spirit system, behind those sun dresses and suits are a group of students working to support Auburn.

VITAMIN >From C1

Nov. 12 Auburn Area Community Theatre Production of “The Miracle Worker” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center AACT opens their fall season with “The Miracle Worker,” by William Gibson. This production tells the inspiring story of Helen Keller. Deaf and blind, she lived in a prison of silence and darkness, with no way to comprehend the world around her. “The Miracle Worker,” was the young Annie Sullivan. Half blind, Annie struggled to tame the wild girl, and bring Helen into the world at last. Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain time, although reservations are recommended. For more information, please contact Stas Czerkawski at 334-741-5333 or the Community Arts Center at 334-501-2963

Nov. 15 Make a Move. Find a Cure.

Learn how you can join Holiday Retirement and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. Join Monarch Estates Sunday, Nov. 15, in the fight to find a cure for cancer.

Cruise in for a cure (Dress is ’50s attire) and sign up for door prizes.

Buffet dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m.

affect your body negatively,” Riley said.

“Vegetarians are often worried about the outer covering of the pills, which may contain gelatin, but it is more a personal preference rather than a health risk.”

The American Academy of Family Physicians Web site says vegetarians, women who are pregnant or nursing and people with certain health problems should take vitamin supplementary pills in order to be sure to meet their dietary needs.

“There are specific formulas that tailor to specific needs,” Riley said. “There are supplements high in iron for women and supplements that tailor to prostate needs for men.”

Unfortunately, too much of any one vitamin can cause immune system problems.

“It’s important to get your vitamins on a day-to-day basis, but you have to be careful because it is possible to get too much of a vitamin,” said Jean Weese, professor and food scientist at Auburn University.

Too much of vitamin A can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision.

The more serious side effects include birth defects, liver problems and osteoporosis.

People who drink large amounts of al-

cohol, have low protein levels and high cholesterol are at greater risk.

Too much vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, heart rhythm problems and calcium deposits in soft tissue.

High amounts of vitamin B can lead to redness of the skin and nerve damage to the limbs, causing numbness, trouble walking and pain. Too much vitamin C can lead to kidney stones and increased iron absorption.

Weese suggested getting vitamins and nutrients through food.

“It’s definitely better to get your daily vitamins through foods because there are added things in supplements like fiber,” Weese said. “There are nutrients in food, like antioxidants, that you can’t get through a supplement.”

Dr. John S. Bynon, who practices in Birmingham, said he advises his patients to eat balanced diets to get a sufficient amount of vitamins.

“I recommend that you get your vitamins through diet because if you take multi-vitamins, you’ll miss out on a lot of dietary fiber and other essential nutrients your body needs,” Bynon said.

Bynon said vitamins are not the only thing people need for good health, and “there is no substitute for a well-rounded diet, but vitamin supplements can help fill in the nutrient gaps in diets.”

Campus Rants ● I woke up on a random couch that I did not remember going to sleep at, with a massive hang over.

When I found out that I was at my friend’s girlfriend’s house, I realized that in my search for water, I had spilled a vase of flowers, maple syrup and other kitchen items all

over her floor and curtains.

and it molded and began to smell like something died. When all of our ● After cooking some spaghetti, friends came over, they commented my roommate left the grease from on the obnoxious smell. the hamburger meat in a bowl. It proceeded to sit on our counter for ● When my roommate gets an A on two weeks. Out of principle, I would her paper, she puts it on the fridge not clean it up. Two weeks went by and insists on reading it to me.

To submit your anonymous campus rants e-mail them to intrigue@theplainsman.com

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Doctors focus on relations

By MICHAEL HANSBERRY

Staff Writer

This is college. Who wakes up early?

Brittany Haverland, sophomore in pre-nursing, does. She said it gives her more time to complete her schoolwork.

Dr. Fred Kam at AU Medical Clinic said waking up early allows people to be more productive throughout the day.

“We as humans have a certain rhythm, so there’s things, physiological things, that happen within our body and brains that gets us up and gets us going,” Kam said. “So we’re just following the pattern of our physiological behavior.”

Haverland wakes up early to attend her 8 a.m. classes, which she also has all next semester.

“I would rather get up in the morning because I get more accomplished,” Haverland said. “I get up three days a week at 6:15 a.m. to go to class. I would

INTRIGUE STAFF

Editor Olivia Martin Associate Editor

Callie garrett Assistant Editor

To reach the staff, call 844-9109.

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Shannon Cason of AU Medical Clinic checks a patient’s breathing patterns.

Cason said both the doctor and the patient need to work together to establish a healthy relationship.

we’ve been in town. He’s very personal and seems to be genuinely concerned with what’s going on.”

When a patient and doctor aren’t seeing eye-to-eye, Cason said one option would be to see another doctor, but also discussing it would probably fix relations.

“Tell them that you’re not communicating well,” Cason said. “I don’t know if someone doesn’t tell me, I may assume things are fine. Sometimes it’s just as simple as a communication error and they could and be cleared easy.”

Lee Bradshaw, senior in human development and family studies, sometimes visits Auburn Urgent Care and said, although students aren’t able to develop a close relationship with the doctors, he believes it’s still important to do so.

“With Urgent Care, students go in for treatment and leave without really getting to know the doctors,” Bradshaw said. “The doctors see so many people per day and no one really talks to them. I think it’s important to establish that relationship

because they are more than just a cure and some people forget that.”

Taking a few extra minutes to listen to a patient can pay off.

“I think the most important thing is to listen to what your patients tell you,” Cason said. “It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort. If you want to know what’s wrong with a patient listen for a minute and they’ll tell you.”

Cason said in order to establish a good relationship with his patients, he asks everyone about their hometown because a lot of the time it’s a place he’s familiar with and he is more likely to establish a good connection.

One advantage of doctors establishing a healthy relationship with their patients is that if something goes wrong, the patient is less likely to sue, Cason said.

“There’s something therapeutic about a good doctor-patient relationship,” Cason said, “and no one knows how it works, but establishing a good relationship with your patient will help you do better.”

‘Early to rise’ increases productivity

By MICHAEL HANSBERRY

The Auburn Plainsman Helen northcutt

Staff Writer

The relationship students have with their doctors could be one of the most important relationships they foster.

Doctors have to find a happy medium when dealing with their patients.

Being stern with their patients could lead to uncomfortable situations.

Sarah Dansak, senior in childhood education, said her relationship with her doctor is great.

“He (the doctor) listens to me and seems to take my input into consideration, which makes him different from some of the other doctors I’ve seen, but then again, he may have just mastered the required social skills that so many doctors are lacking,” Dansak said. “But either way, it convinces me. So it’s a positive thing.”

Dr. Shannon Cason of AU Medical Clinic said the most important thing to realize is health care is a partnership and both doctor and patient need to be on the same page about everything in order to establish a good and effective relationship.

“For so long, the doctor told the student what to do and they did it,” Cason said. “Nowadays, it’s better to look at it as a partnership. Certainly, we would expect me to have some knowledge and expertise to give. We have to adjust things to the student’s schedule and lifestyle.”

Cason sees approximately 25 patients per day, mostly students, and said he has had a big influx of patients since the swine flu outbreak in September.

Emergency Room doctors aren’t able to establish a strong relationship with their patients and that’s why Cason said it varies from specialty to specialty.

“It’s a very casual relationship,” Dansak said. “He’s been my doctor for most of my family for as long as

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rather get it over during the morning so I can have more to do during the day.

I usually go to sleep at 11:30 p.m.”

Just like exercising, getting used to waking up early in the morning does take time and effort, Kam said.

“I’m not sure there is an easy adjustment,” Kam said. “Just like if you haven’t exercised for a long time, it’s going to take discipline and determination and persistence. You can almost reset your internal clock so it can be a habit.”

Kam said waking up at a certain time is a learned habit of the subconscious mind. He said if someone has a job, then he or she will start getting up at the same time every day by the second week.

Kam said he thinks waking up early will reduce stress, especially with students, because it would give them more hours in the day to be active and more productive.

Sleeping too long can also be a hindrance to the

body. According to a recent CNN.com article, too much sleep can leave one just as tired and sluggish.

The article also said oversleeping could mean that person has an unnoticed health problem, and not getting enough sleep could lead to a higher mortality rate.

Sleep is the body’s way of restoring itself. Kam suggested that students need to study and then sleep because they’ll be able to process the information they have learned.

Kam said not sleeping will make a person more fatigued and will affect his or her mood, reflexes and level of attentiveness.

“I usually wake up late,” said Michael DeArmond, sophomore in history and political science. “It’s just a struggle to get out of bed.

I’m just so tired when I wake up that I feel I need to go back to bed.”

DeArmond said he sleeps five to six hours on weekdays and more than nine hours on the weekends, and he said he al-

ways feels sluggish.

Kam used the military as an example of waking up early as a learned behavior.

He said when new recruits go through basic training, they have to adhere to the same wake-up time in the early mornings.

After a while, everyone begins to automatically wake-up at the same time, even the ones who aren’t “morning people.”

“When the military recruits all these recruits all over the country, in basic training they have to get up at a certain time in the morning,” Kam said.

“Within a few weeks, they all become ‘morning people.’ So if you’re disciplined and persistent, you can learn this. If you’re lazy, you can undo it.”

The amount of sleep necessary to function varies from person to person.

“Sleep affects your ability to optimally function,” Kam said. “When you sleep too much or too little you may not be at your capability to function well.”

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C4

Thursday, November 12, 2009

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REEL REVIEW

THE FOURTH KIND, ‘IT’S ONE OF A KIND’

By ANDREW SIMS Online Editor

There are three kinds of movies – ones you love and can watch over and over again, ones that are tolerable and that you wish maybe you had just rented instead of spent the money to see in theater and finally, movies that make you sick to your stomach to even admit to other people that you saw.

Many movies can quickly be classified into these simple categories, which is a great convenience to us, the viewer, when describing them to other people.

However, there comes a time when veteran movie goers bring out a fourth, secret ranking. The fourth kind of movie is one that many will never experience, and one that one should never pray to experience.

Thursday

footage taken during the supposed real Tyler's interviews with patients, (I am going to go out on a limb and say that they too were actors, but call me crazy.)

We go through interview scenes where patients are asked to recall the moment the “aliens” came into their rooms to abduct them, which then causes them to react violently. Sort of like Bill O'Reilly when presented with facts he doesn't understand.

Tyler herself even reacts strangely when asked to recount her own abduction after she herself seeks hypnosis therapy from a fellow psychologist played

by Elias Koteas.

Remember “Blair Witch” and god forbid you actually paid to see “Paranormal Activity?” Yeah, this

movie is about as good as those. Filled with build up moments, meant to keep you gripping tightly to the edge of your seat and leading to a scary finish, which by the time you finally reach the end you find yourself asking, “What the hell just happened?”

Apparently it's not hard to write a script, submit it to a studio and then get a movie deal.

With the consistent lack of anything worthwhile coming out in the “realistic suspense” genre, apparently that is where I should head if I want to make money making terrible, nonsense movies.

The dialogue in the movie was ridiculous, and that is being kind.

The child actors sucked.

Milla tried way too hard to convince me that she had any mental health back-

‘The Fourth Kind’ ★★ HOW WE RATE: ★ - Dismal ★★ - Bearable ★★★ - Average ★★★★ - Good ★★★★★ - Excellent ground, which is surprising since she is obviously crazy because she agreed to do this film.

Final result, movie was bad, I'm disappointed, but feel better about the direction in life I am going as I leave the theater.

The point I want you

to take home? If aliens are trying to take people, want to keep it secret and tell you in a thousand year old language to back off. I would suggest doing it.

Alaska, where all our good looking women are therapists or politicians, but alas they are dumb.

‘A Christmas This Week’s Band Lineup Carol’ causes Supper Club Saturday Supper Club- Rollin’ Weston Burt in the Hay 3D explosion Fat Daddy’s - Adam

Friday

The fourth kind of movie is a film that makes you lose faith in the hope that humanity will ever move forward in a positive direction.

Sadly, and ironically, this is where the movie “The Fourth Kind” will lay to rest. The movie had a lot of hype. The previews looked promising, which is always the case, but once you got into the seat, you were quickly wishing you hadn't.

Dr. Abby Tyler, played

by Milla Jovovich, is a psychologist who, along with her husband, has been living in Nome, Alaska, investigating the weird reports coming from its citizens about alien abductions.

The movie switches back and forth between the remake version, with Jovovich, and “actual”

Hood Eight and Rail - Bel Air Monday Strutting Duck Ale House - Bingo Wednesday Troubadours SkyBar Supper Club The Good Doctor

By BRITTANY COSBY

SkyBar - Karaoke

★★★ Bourbon Street Travis Barrow

To submit your band lineup, e-mail intrigue@theplainsman.com

REEL REVIEW ‘ALLY MCBEAL’ SINGS BACK INTO MY HEART

By CLIFF MCCOLLUM Opinions Editor

★★★★★ I can remember the day I got the text message from Amy: Ally McBeal is coming to DVD. I vaguely remember actually squealing.

I probably shouldn’t admit that, as I can ill afford to take the loss to what few man points I have remaining, but it’s true nevertheless.

The long-running series, focused on single female lawyer Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart) and the odd cast of characters that made up her world, was hailed as an iconic show for women, even though McBeal was often portrayed as a whiny, neurotic and lovesick individual.

The only thing that seemed to make McBeal a supposed icon for women was the sole fact she was a woman.

This “quirky lawyer” formula is David E. Kelley’s signature and can be seen in other shows like “Boston

Legal” or “The Practice.” However, most of Kelley’s other quirky characters were male.

Ally was his only well-defined woman.

The reasoning behind Ally’s delay to DVD was a common one: music rights.

Like most of Kelley’s shows, Ally McBeal featured a rich soundtrack that often wove its way into the plot lines of several episodes.

While some producers chose to change the songs in order to expedite the move to DVD (Dawson’s Creek being a prime example), Kelley chose to try and negotiate the music rights with the individual artists involved.

He was absolutely right to do this, as so many episodes hinged on a particular song.

Would the episode where the entire cast does some self-affirmational dancing in the mirrors of the unisex bathroom to Barry White’s “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything” still work if the music were replaced by something from Bjork? I

think not.

Music was a guiding hand on this show, and if you couldn’t figure out what emotions you were supposed to feel, Vonda Shepherd’s warbling would come into the scene as oddly appropriate background music, using the Motown sound to move the plot.

Vonda’s singing “The Shoop Shoop Song”; therefore, Ally must be having man problems and it’s making her confused. Even a toddler could understand that kind of logic.

Most of the episodes and plotlines still hold up remarkably well, even though the show ended its run in 2002.

Some of the computergenerated graphics seem sophomoric and unnecessary, but I recall thinking they were cheesy when the show originally aired.

The infamous dancing baby, the one thing everyone tends to associate with the show, is still creepy, but babies tend to frighten me

Campus Editor

anyway.

The show features a phenomenal supporting cast that never really got their due during the show’s run. Ally McBeal alumni have gone on to greater roles in other shows, like Jane Krakowski’s move to “30 Rock.”

Most of my love comes from the nostalgia I feel whenever I watch the show.

“Ally McBeal” was a child of the late-Clinton era, my formative period.

“McBeal” was one of the first “grown-up” shows I watched on a regular basis, so it will always have a special place in my heart.

It’s certainly not a perfect product, but any true fan of the show or of Kelley’s work should go grab this set now.

Trust me, it will make you so happy, you’ll have to go home and sing with a hairbrush in front of a mirror.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching, that sort of behavior should be encouraged, so crank up the Barry White and dance away.

The first Christmas film kicked off the holiday season with another remake of Charles Dickens’, “A Christmas Carol.”

Except this time director Robert Zemeckis made it into a 3D, IMAX, CGI extravaganza starring Jim Carrey in a variety of roles, but mainly as ole Scrooge himself. I love this classic tale, and I am willing to give any remake a try, but this one was way too gimmicky for my taste.

One scene dragged on too long to show off the rollercoaster effect of the 3D. On the other hand, I was under the impression this was a children’s film and took along a 3 year old.

This film was way too terrifying for children below the age of 10. With jaws falling off, demon-eyed horses and skeletal stalkers, I began to think I was in a scary movie and not a Christmas film to get me in the holiday spirit.

There was even one scene to make me jump out of my seat and I’m 22. Needless to say, my 3-year-old companion did not enjoy herself, so parents beware!

I did enjoy the realistic look of the characters, but I did not feel it was necessary to make the characters look exactly like the actors.

I did not see Gary Oldman anywhere in the novel. It had me wishing that Zemeckis would have just made this a live action movie, instead of animated.

This film did give a more in-depth look at Ebenezer Scrooge before and after the night he is visited by the three ghosts, and I liked the detailed plot line about what makes Scrooge so cold-hearted.

But then I started feeling almost sorry for him and forgetting what a villain he was in the first place.

To sum things up, the movie was allover the place in terms of tone. One minute, I was in a feel-good Christmas classic and then it jumped to a Stephen King movie and then back to a goofy comedy.

Call me a Scrooge, but I just wish Zemeckis would have kept me off the visual and emotional rollercoaster, and stuck to what makes this movie great: the story the way Dicken’s intended it to be told without all the fancy tricks up some director’s sleeve.

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

How To

Cook diffe rent types of eg gs

By CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Intrigue Editor

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

The “incredible edible egg” can be the most inexpensive and easy meal to prepare, not only for breakfast, but for lunch and dinner as well.

There are multiple ways to prepare an egg after it is cracked. Depending on the way it is cooked results in many different tastes.

1. Start with the fried egg, sunny-side up. Begin by heating some butter in the skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl without breaking the yolk (easier to remove the shells) and then gently pour them into a skillet. Reduce the heat to low and allow them to cook slowly while you spoon the heated butter over the top of the egg. Once the egg white becomes bright white and the yolk is set (a film will form over it), the eggs are done.

“My favorite way to cook an egg is fried over medium in a frying pan,” said Andrea Hartis, senior in exercise science.

For a basic fried egg, follow the same directions, except instead of spooning the butter over the eggs, flip them over when the whites become white. You can then cook them over-easy, overmedium and over-hard — varying the length of time you allow them to set.

2. “Frustrata is an Italianstyle omelette and you don’t have to flip it or anything,” said Malcom Sanz, executive chef at The Hotel at Auburn University. “You basically cook everything in a pan and you put the whole pan in the oven and finish cooking. It usually will have potatoes and cheese on top. Start cooking the eggs with all of the ingredients inside and put it in the oven.

That is typically the way they cook omelettes.”

3. Poached eggs are prepared in a completely differ-

Eggs are used for many recipes.

Contiuously improving, gadgets create time-wasting addictions

By JILL CLAIR Staff Writer

There are four new notifications on Facebook. Sixteen more people are now following Twitter. A text message comes, so surfing the Internet is paused for a moment to check that as well.

Technology, some argue, is more than simply a way to stay connected and find information. It can become addictive.

Shanna Lockwood, graduate student in technical and professional communication, got an iPhone two weeks ago and quickly became addicted.

“At any given time or place, I can peruse Facebook, check my TigerMail or use the GPS feature with Google Maps to get where I want to go,” Lockwood said. “Information is immediate and easily accessible, and I find that addictive.”

Several Auburn students said they feel they are somewhat addicted to technology, but didn’t think their technology addiction is out of control.

Students expressed concerns with face-to-face communication issues and wasting time, but didn’t feel they were in any danger because of the extent of their technology use.

Lockwood said she is concerned with the expectations technology places on people to stay constantly connected and responsive to people’s constant technological advances.

“If we call or send a text to someone, the response we anticipate is immediate,” Lockwood said. “This can be harmful, as a delay in re-

sponse is often taken as a conscious gests that people who are prone decision by the other party to ig- to technology addictions are more nore the person calling or texting.” likely to have other psychiatric or Elizabeth Wright, junior in el- psychological disorders. ementary education, said Facebook “Technology addiction becomes is addictive and can be a waste of a vehicle for fulfillment for what time. they lack in their everyday exis“It’s like we get on and all of a sud- tence,” Mohan said. “Technology, by den it’s 9 p.m., and nothing produc- its very nature, is obsessive.” tive has been done all day,” Wright Mohan also said younger people said. are more prone to technology adMegan Thompson, freshman diction, but no one is immune from in pre-nursing, said she prefers becoming addicted. face-to-face comAlthough most munication, and students probably doesn’t feel she is do not have severe addicted to techtechnology addicTechnology tions, there are many nology.

“I would much addiction becomes a in the current college rather talk to who are vehicle for fulfillment generation people in person,” dependent and someThompson said. for what they lack in what obsessed with “Communication everyday existence.” technology, including via a screen makes Internet connection you miss out on a sites and cell phones. lot.”

Many experts fear Raj Mohan, The term addicface-to-face commusociology professor tion is used loosenication skills will ly when referring steadily decline as the to devoting nuuse of technology inmerous hours to the computer, cell creases. phones, video games and televison.

“In the long term, I do fear our However, true technology ad- connections with others will turn diction is possible and has been a from the conversational to the digimajor problem in several countries tal,” Lockwood said. around the world.

Mohan said society is adjusting to Research in South Korea and these new ways of communicating.

China suggests addiction to tech“Current technologies ask for nologies such as e-mails, Internet, different skills for communication, computer games, cyber sex and cell and for the most part we have and phones is real, said Raj Mohan, so- are adjusting to these technological ciology professor at Auburn. demands,” Mohan said.

A healthy balance between obsesThere are benefits and risks assion and convenience is difficult to sociated with technology use, and find. each person must remain aware Mohan said research also sug- of both.

“

Intrigue, C5

ent method.

Water is brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer before the egg is cracked into the heated liquid. Cover the skillet and allow the eggs to simmer for anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes (the longer you cook, the harder the yolk). Lift them out with a slotted spoon and serve.

4. Shirred eggs are basically oven-baked eggs. Crack each egg into a three-inch custard or tart cup and top with one teaspoon of butter. Salt and pepper to taste and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes (the longer they bake, the harder the yolk).

5. Boiled eggs are heated right in the shell. Varying the cooking time will make them either soft or hard. Bring water to a boil and then add eggs. Once submerged, reduce the heat to a simmer. For softboiled eggs, allow to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, keep them in a lot longer, 18 to 20 minutes.

“Bring the water boiling with a pinch of salt, because it helps keep the temperature of the water, and drop three or four eggs in there for 13 minutes,” Sanz said. “You need to be gentle when dropping the eggs, that is when they usually crack.”

6. Scrambled eggs are also popular. Brad French, sophomore in political science, agrees and said he prefers his eggs scrambled with cheese.

In a bowl, beat together one tablespoon of milk for every egg.

Heat about one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and reduce the heat to low. As soon as the bottom sets, stir. Continue stirring until eggs are cooked evenly.

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C6

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Do dreams reveal actual meaning?

By MICHELLE TESLIK Staff Writer

Do the dreams students have at night or during their long afternoon naps mean anything?

Do reoccurring dreams have specific meanings?

A few students and professionals agree that dreams are personal and cannot be interpreted, except by the individual.

“My guess is that there is very little, if any, research that would be credible on dreams,” said Sarah Wilson, a local family counselor and graduate of Richmond University, with a master’s in professional counseling. “We learn how to help a person process and talk through what a dream means if they come to us with one, but there are no classes where we learn what dreams mean or anything like that.”

Talking through them is one way Rhoades Hughes, senior in electrical engineering, deals with his dreams.

“My roommates and I

discuss our dreams all of the time,” Hughes said, “especially our crazy ones.”

Katie Sturgis, junior in art, said dreams had specific meanings in the past, such as in biblical times, but she thinks it’s not as likely to happen now.

“Dreams can teach you things,” Sturgis said.

“You can take what you want out of them.”

Hughes said she also believes in the possibility of spiritual dreams.

“I think I have had dreams where I was supposed to get something out of it,” Hughes said.

“But for the most part I think dreams are just random stuff.”

According to Ana Franco-Watkins, psychology professor, dreams are only random thoughts.

“I don’t believe in the dream analysis,” Franco-Watkins said. “It hasn’t been scientifically demonstrated that we can interpret dreams.”

Franco-Watkins said there are different books written about translating the meanings of dreams.

Franco-Watkins tried to make sense of dreams once in an Intro to Psychology class she taught by having students write down their dreams and then look up the meanings.

She said the translations were outrageous and all over the place.

“It just proves that

there is no system to dream interpreting,” Franco-Watkins said.

Whether a dream is translatable, students admit to occasionally letting their dreams determine how they feel throughout the day.

Piper Schouten, junior in human development and family studies with a concentration in social work, said she barely ever remembers her dreams.

“But, if I have a bad dream and remember it,” Schouten said. “I’ll worry all day because I’ll be thinking about it.”

Rachel Brown, junior in exercise science, also said she often doesn’t remember her dreams.

“I had a dream last night that my roommate’s dog, Lily, died,” Brown said. “It was terrible.”

Brown thinks the dreams she remembers could be caused by what is on her mind at the time.

“I’m glad I don’t remember my dreams,” Brown said, “because when I do, and it’s weird stuff, I think about it too much the next day.”

Graphic by KATE DAVIS / GRAPHICS EDITOR

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Dates seem similar to family

By SARA WEEKS Staff Writer

He is a jerk. She has no sense of humor. His knees are too knobby. She sounds like a small child when she talks. He is immature. She does not remind me of my mom enough?

These are a few examples of excuses one may hear, or give, when the ride of love comes to an abrupt halt.

Even the excuse, “sorry, you are not enough like my mom,” has been used.

The variables that affect this opinion are based on circumstances such as experience and relationships with parents.

“It all depends on the impact one’s parents have made in their life and what one thinks of their parents,” said Matt Snow, sophomore in mathematical education.

When it comes to dating, Snow is interested in finding someone similar to his mother.

“My mom has had a huge impact on my life,” Smith said. “I value her opinion and thoughts. It is cool when you can go to your mom and tell her that your girlfriend reminds you of her, at least I think my mom likes it.”

Laura Hester, senior in supply chain management, said “people are attracted to people who remind them of someone they admire.”

Katie Goode, senior in nursing, made a comment

Intrigue, C7

Eggs Benedict Time: 45 minutes

that supported this claim.

“Since my dad has been one of my greatest examples in my life, I think it’s only natural that I look for someone to date who is similar to him,” Goode said. “I think it's a good thing to date someone who is similar to your parents; it just means your parents are pretty much guaranteed to love him.”

Reasons for attraction may not be positive.

Jamie Sailors, director of undergraduate internships with the College of Human Development and Family Studies, said that the early attachment relationship between a child and the primary care giver also influences to whom people are attracted.

If a child’s parent neglects to show his or her child love, or if a child observed his or her parents abusive relationship, the child would not realize it is unhealthy to be treated in the same way because it is familiar.

This verifies that people are sometimes attracted to people with similar characteristics of their parents, even if the relationship was not good.

“People try to fulfill their broken relationships (with their parent) through someone else,” Sailors said. “That would explain why good girls or guys are attracted to the bad girls or guys.”

There is one more idea to answering this question, and it is science.

A study performed at a university in Austin, Texas, determined that attraction is based on specific sets of genes called Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).

It is suggested that MHC plays a role in mate selection via olfaction (sense of smelling).

According to the study, MHC genes make molecules that enable the immune system to recognize invaders.

In general, the more diverse the MHC genes of the parents, the stronger the immune system of the offspring.

It would be beneficial, therefore, to have evolved systems of recognizing individuals with different MHC genes and preferentially selecting them to breed with.

Based on this fact, parents do play a role in who their child is attracted to, and who attracts them.

There is no sense in fighting the inevitable truth of what a large role a parent plays in their child’s life.

Although there are underlying facts, theories and ideas that influence who people are attracted to, there is no definite answer to the question, ”Are people more attracted to people like their parents?”

But that does not mean one cannot use the excuse “He is not enough like my dad” to get out of a bad dating situation. Some students encouraged it.

Ingredients Water 1/2 cup distilled vinegar, divided 12 large eggs 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 12 slices Canadian bacon 6 plain English muffins, split 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves Hollandaise Sauce 1 1/3 cup unsalted butter 2 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons cold water 1 tablespoon strained freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Level: Intermediate

Serves: 6

Directions Pour enough water into 2 large skillets to reach a depth of 3 inches and divide the vinegar between them. Bring both skillets to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Poach the eggs, turning them occasionally with a spoon, until the whites are firm, or to the desired degree of doneness, about 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs and transfer to a kitchen towel.

While the eggs are poaching, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until heated through, about a minute on each side.

To serve, toast the English muffin halves and divide them among 6 warmed plates. Top each half with a slice of Canadian bacon, and set an egg on top. Spoon the hollandaise sauce over the eggs and garnish with the chives.

For the sauce: Melt all ingredients in a saucepan, stirring slowly until thick and yellow.

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C8

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Wasting Time

ACROSS 1 Is optimistic 6 Lump of clay 10 Persuade 14 One-way sign 15 Go postal 16 Peak 17 Della or Pee Wee 18 With, to monsieur 19 Go over quickly 20 Husk 21 Pool problem 23 Finnish bath 24 — -ski wear 26 Snake charmer’s

snake 27 Vouch for 29 Island nation 31 Daydream 32 Pay by mail 33 Pub. prosecutors 36 Household supply (2 wds.)

40 Bride’s title 41 Invoices 42 Comic-strip dog 43 Free-for-all 44 Corsage choice 46 Arrange in folds 48 “Gunsmoke” co-star

49 Abyss 50 Frog cousins 52 Rural addr.

55 View from Zermatt 56 Factory 57 Ring up sales 59 Ask a question 60 Droplet 61 Condor’s abode 62 “Sign here” marks 63 Pet shop sounds 64 Sibilates DOWN 1 Dwell on

2 Sandwich cookie 3 Animals that hunt 4 Sister of Helios 5 Takes an oath 6 Jagged rocks 7 Emerging magma 8 Pointed arch 9 Winter mo.

10 Greenish melon 11 Take place 12 Fridge maker 13 Lucy Lawless role 22 Give the go-ahead 23 — voce (softly) 25 Sean of films 26 Groom a poodle 27 Kind of radio 28 Travel agent offering 29 Mr. Haggard 30 Iowa college town 32 Bylaw 33 Indecisive ones 34 — spumante 35 Not barefoot 37 Steel girder (hyph.)

38 Pinball no-no 39 Wrestling hold 43 Sticky situations 44 Primeval 45 Rogue 46 Garden flower 47 Memory glitch 48 Gets bare on top 49 Zorro wear 50 Row of seats 51 Viking name 53 Stumble 54 Makes do with 56 Wall Street deg.

58 Oahu welcome

Worst Pick-up Lines Baby, I’m an American Express lover. You shouldn’t go home without me.

You must be a library book ‘cause I’ve been checking you out all night.

Take me drunk, I’m home!

I may not be the best looking guy here, but I’m the only one talking to you.

You must be a parking ticket, cause you got fine written all over you.

You might not be the best lookin’ girl here, but beauty’s only a light switch away.

What’s a nice girl like you doing with a face like that?

If yer gunna regret this in the mornin’, we kin sleep til the afternoon.

Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?

OCTO Instructions •

•

•

•

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

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

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

Number of numbers provided = 63

Check the Web site for the answers.

For more OCTOs, go to home.comcast. net/~douglasdgardner/site.

Girl you look so good. I wish I could plant you and grow a whole field of you.

I may not be a genie, but I can make your dreams come true.

I think I have seen your picture somewhere. It was in the dictionary, next to Kablam.

I may not be Uncle Sam, but I still want you.

(c) 2009, Doug Gardner — Patent Pending

Weekly Horoscopes 3 5 6 4 1 7 9

1 7 5 6 8 1 9 5 5 6 8

7 2 1 7 8 4 3 9

Auburn/UGA Watch Party Game on 2 projector screens Giveaways , Food & Drink Specials Listen to Mix 96.7 for more info always 19 and up

Aries (March 21 - April 19): It helps to not indulge wishful thinking. With a focus on your financial zone, you may be assessing your current situation and wondering what to do for the best outcome.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Expect a week of happy socializing with plenty of interaction.

Wednesday and Saturday both bring opportunities for some interesting meetings which will introduce you to a number of new experiences.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): You feel a need to play the detective. The good news is that a wonderful opportunity may come out of the blue - be ready to grab it before someone else does.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You may feel motivated to take up yoga or Tai Chi, or any other discipline that enables you to feel calm and at peace with the world. This isn’t a good time to take a gamble.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23): A focus on your personal financial zone reveals that this is a good time to think about making the most of your resources.

Sell what you don’t need and consider recycling leftover food as compost, and using old clothes to make new ones - or giving them to a charity shop

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): you are going to be in the spotlight more than ever. It is great if you need publicity - you will certainly get it. But you will also need to act impeccably; otherwise you could end up with egg on your face.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): You may attract opposition from partners, co-workers, and anyone you associate with. There is a lot happening in your career zone which is great for getting publicity and making your name known in all the right places.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): You may feel tension building as the week gathers pace.

This aspect may bring about a conflict whereby you feel at the mercy of a large corporation or organization, and it seems your money may be involved.

You have the strength and good fortune to win.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Your creative abilities are very much to the fore, which is always very therapeutic for you. Allowing yourself to play around with paints or music soothes your soul and helps you release stress and tension.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Your social zone is very busy this week, bringing plenty of opportunity for interaction and collaboration. Some of your ideas will be positively inspired and those you associate with will be suitably impressed.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): You are feeling more energized and confident than you have in some time. You now have a wonderful opportunity to bring your dreams to life and to inspire others to share their own brand of magic.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): A focus on your travel and adventure zone suggests that you may be just about ready for a break. This is a good time to take a vacation as you’re in the mood to explore and hang out in places of magic and mystery. You may have to let go of the past.

The Auburn Plainsman Equestrian Soccer Coach’s Corner

SPORTS

D

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

Basketball wins exhibitions Men down Miles College 87-40, Friday

Patrick Dever

Women post 73-50 win over Georgia College and State University, Sunday

sports@theplainsman.com

It’s that time of year again

By CRYSTAL COLE

By ANDREW SIMS

Staff Writer

Online Editor

Lebo’s Lunatics looked as if they had been practicing during the off season as their added loony behavior helped push Auburn Men’s Basketball to a large victory over Division II Miles College in a preseason matchup at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Friday.

Auburn made 14-of-32 shots from 3-point range as the Tigers cruised to an 87-40 win.

Senior guard Tay Waller scored a game-high 15 points, making 5-of-7 3-pointers.

Senior forward Lucas Hargrove added 13 points and senior guard DeWayne Reed had 11 points and five assists.

“In the first half, we just needed to get the jitters out,” Waller said. “We weren’t playing good defense in the first half. I think in the second half, we got our heads together and came out and played pretty well. The defense and the offense both started working well in the second half.”

Waller said the team continues to need work making the easy points, as the team was 9-of-21 from the free-throw line.

“We just need to build confidence from the free-throw line,” Waller said. “No matter how much you work in practice, you never know how you are gonna be under pressure until game time. We really need to change our mindset from the freethrow line.”

Head coach Jeff Lebo was pleased with the team’s opening performance, having lost a number of starters and seniors last season.

“I thought that we shot the ball much better in the second half,” Lebo said. “We defended better too. We had a good start in the second half. Some of the young kids were a little jittery to start, which was to be expected, but I thought they settled down in the second half.”

Zac Etheridge, the recently injured Auburn football player, was in attendance at the game and was treated to cheers and a standing ovation from the 3,780 fans inside the coliseum.

A homecoming game is nothing more than a warm-up for the next week.

The starters gave a good showing for the 30 minutes they were actually in.

Quarterback Chris Todd only threw one pass that fell incomplete and wide receiver Darvin Adams had as many touchdowns in the first half as Furman had points.

The 63-31 score is a complete misrepresentation of how the game actually went.

The Tiger offense seems to have enough depth at each position to be able to not worry about injuries.

It does show the lack of depth on defense, as the second team gave up 28 points to the FCS ( formerly Division I-AA) Paladins.

Auburn lucks out by having its homecoming the week before Amen Corner.

The term “Amen Corner” refers to the final two games of the season vs. the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama.

Former head football coach Pat Dye coined the phrase after the fabled 11th and 12th holes at Augusta National Golf Club where the Master’s is played.

UGA is the par 4 11th hole and Alabama is the par 3 12th.

This season, UGA has faced set back after set back.

The Bulldogs lost their offense to the NFL draft, with quarterback Matthew Stafford going to Detroit, running back Knowshon Moreno heading to Denver and wide receiver > Turn to DEVER, D2

Al l 1 5 team memb e r s s a w time on the court and 12 of them scored.

Lebo said he is still finalizing who will be starting on the court come the season opener.

“We’re still trying to figure out who’s going to be in it,” Lebo said.

“We’ve got five that I know for sure.

The other ones we’re not quite sure yet.”

Lebo was complimentary of many of the new players’ moments on the court.

Freshman guard Earnest Ross had eight points and seven rebounds off the bench, and freshman guard Andre Malone scored nine points and had seven rebounds.

Walk-on freshman guard Josh Wallace added five points and five assists.

“We had a lot of guys sitting along that bench,” Lebo said. “I thought our depth really bothered them, especially in the second half.”

Students in attendance were excited about the big score line and the flurry of shots Auburn was making.

“This is what I have always known Auburn could do,” said Gatlin Thornberry, sophomore in biosystems engineering.

“Yeah, the missed free throws are unfortunate, but the depth of the team this year is just awesome, and I look forward to this

Alum recognized at Homecoming Dr. Ray Groover named 2009 Walter Gilbert Award recipient

By EMILY CLEVER Staff Writer

Dr. Ray Groover received the 2009 Walter Gilbert Award at the Auburn Homecoming football game Saturday.

“It is extremely honorable,” Ray said.

Ray, who graduated from Auburn in 1961, still holds the records for the most free throws made (17) and attempted (21) in a basketball game.

Auburn Women’s basketball came away with an easy win Sunday, beating the Georgia College and State University Bobcats 7350 in an exhibition game.

Four Tigers scored in double digits, while sophomore guard Parrisha Simmons took a doubledouble with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Auburn scored first and the game remained relatively close until t h e Ti-

season.

A lot of people are gonna feel us on that court.”

The men’s team will play its final season opener in BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum Friday against Niagara University.

Illustration by Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

gers scored 17 unanswered points and held GCSU without a goal for almost nine minutes.

The first half ended with the Tigers up 40-18.

Auburn was slow to start after halftime, only scoring one point in five and a half minutes.

The team bounced back and finished strong, but was only 9-of-28 at the free-throw line.

Head coach Nell Fortner said that statistic was a big concern.

“We are getting high percentage shots taken away from us and they are sending us to the line and we are not knocking them down and that’s not good,” Fortner said.

“Some days you just have off days at the free-throw line, but we will spend a lot more time with our free throws.”

Team leaders for the Bobcats were Dominique Huffin with 16 points and Tammeshia Law with seven rebounds. GCSU was 25.8 percent in field goal range, hitting just 17-of-66.

The Auburn team lost four starters from last season, so the exhibition was a good way to get first-time jitters out of new players.

Coach Fortner said she felt the freshmen came in, fought and did some nice things.

“I thought Nicolle Thomas came in and shot the ball real well,” Fortner said. “I thought Morgan Toles really did a good job for her first performance here. It’s a whole new world for Morgan, but she’s done a great job so far in practice, and she’s just going to get better and better.”

Team leader Simmons said she felt the atmosphere and fans were > Turn to BBALL, D3

Previous Game Stats vs. Furman

vs. Tenn. Tech

W 63-31

W 38-0

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

OFFENSE

First Downs: 30 Rushing Attempts: 39 Rushing Yds.: 282 Passing Attempts: 30 Passes Completed: 27 Passing Yds.: 373 Total Yds.: 655 Penalties-Yds.: 7-55

Interceptions: 1 Fumbles Caused: 0 Sacks: 2 Punt Returns: 5 Punt Returns Yds.: 24 Tackles for Loss: 5 Total Yds. Against: 266

First Downs: 20 Rushing Attempts: 39 Rushing Yds.: 304 Passing Attempts: 18 Passes Completed: 14 Passing Yds.: 165 Total Yds.: 469 Penalties-Yds.: 11-86

DEFENSE Interceptions: 0 Fumbles Caused: 1 Sacks: 6 Punt Returns: 5 Punt Returns Yds.: 45 Tackles for Loss: 15 Total Yds. Against: 55

For photos and the recap of the Auburn-Furman game, turn to D8

> Turn to GROOVER, D2

Printed on Recycled Paper

Sports, D2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

11/12 vs. Alabama @ 5 p.m.

11/13 vs. Tennessee @ 4 p.m.

Women’s Basketball 11/13 vs. Troy @ 6 p.m.

Men’s Basketball 11/13 vs. Niagara @ 8:30 p.m.

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

11/15 vs. Kentucky @ 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Ray Groover celebrates the 2009 homecoming festivities and winning The Walter Gilbert Award with his family Saturday.

GROOVER >From D1

“Dr. Ray Groover is a complete Auburn man,� said Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs in a release. “He is an outstanding individual, made the game-winning shot in bringing Auburn its first SEC Championship in basketball, served our country and has benefited many, many people with his medical expertise. Dr. Groover is a wonderful addition to an impressive group of Walter Gilbert Award recipients. He has definitely made Auburn proud.�

The records were made in a game against Florida State University Dec. 10, 1960, by No. 22, Ray. “This award is the highest award that former student-athlete (male) can receive from Auburn University,� said Gary Waters, chair of the Committee of Intercollegiate Athletics at Auburn University. “The Walter Gilbert Award signifies a record of excellence in a former student athlete’s professional career. Equally important, The Walter Gilbert Award signifies an eagerness on the part of a former student-athlete to give back to society and an eagerness to help others.�

Ray established a private medical practice, in which he is still involved, said Kim Groover, Ray’s daughter.

Kim said Ray was heavily scouted by the Boston Celtics, but decided against professional basketball and chose to pursue medical school.

Ray didn’t want to give up his spot in medical school for a cut-contract with the Celtics, Kim said.

Ray said a cut-contract meant they could watch him for two days and then choose whether to cut him and there wasn’t enough stability.

According to the background and nomination information for the award, “The Walter Gilbert Award

recognizes Auburn student-athletes who have distinguished themselves as alumni. Generally the individual must have demonstrated excellence in his or her profession and/ or in service to others by 20 or more years of superior performance after graduation.�

While a student-athlete at Auburn, Ray was also the president of the Letterman’s Club.

Kim said her father’s work ethic, ambition and goal-oriented personality helped him with both his basketball playing skills and his future career path. “He knew what he wanted early on,� Kim said.

Ray practiced his free throws by attempting a minimum of 100 a day, Kim said. “One of the big deficiencies on the current team is free throw inadequacy,� Ray said. “Maybe they should try throwing at least 100 a day.�

In addition to his basketball and medical accomplishments, Ray is a senior amateur golf champion. “I’ve played golf for 10 to 12 years,�

Ray said.

Ray said he received a letter in the mail announcing the award two months ago. “I think I was on the john,� Ray said about where he was when he read the letter.

Kim said friends and family from all over came to celebrate and honor Ray. “It’s such a unique experience because it’s not a wedding or a funeral, but it’s still a family reunion,� Kim said.

In 2002, Ray’s college roommate, Jimmy Fibbe, was also awarded The Walter Gilbert Award. “It’s great that we both received the same award,� Ray said. “It’s an honor to be in front of the student body.�

The Auburn Plainsman SPORTS STAFF

ABBY ALBRIGHT Editor NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Editor

PATRICK DEVER Assistant Editor

To reach the staff, call 844-9109.

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Ray Groover and his wife Betty Groover stand on the field during the Homecoming football game halftime to receive The Walter Gilbert Award.

But this isn’t the first time Ray has been on the field during the halftime of a Homecoming football game. “Kim was homecoming queen in 1989,� Ray said. “So I was on the field then, too.�

In addition, Grace Ann Sooter, one of the 2009 Miss Homecoming nominees, is Ray’s niece.

A small pep rally was organized in Ray’s honor on the Tailgate Guys lawn in front of Jordan-Hare before the game Saturday. “Corey Spurlin, the band director, organized this for us, and it was really just amazing,� Kim said.

Ray continues to be active in the Auburn community and his Birmingham medical practice.

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Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D3

BBALL >From D1

great. She said she felt the team let the energy down in the second half and the team needs to keep hustling.

“This game helped to get our thoughts where we need help, both on offense and defense,” Simmons said. “We need to really practice on defense and contesting the three and running the play right.”

Junior guard Alli Smalley is the lone returning starter from last season. She said the exhibition game opened the team’s eyes to a lot of areas that need work and she hopes it can make changes before Friday’s game against Troy.

“One of the main things is that we have to go hard and be more fluent for 40 minutes,” Smalley said. “There are some other key things like free throws and other offensive and defensive things that we need to work on.”

She said she was concerned about only having nine players, and the team as a whole, needs to step up and have the same vision and goals.

The team’s next home game will be Friday against Troy. Smalley said she is excited for the game, but Fortner said there needs to be improvement.

“We have a long way to go, but the biggest thing that I saw today is that we are such a different team than we were last year, and we are still trying to figure out who that team is,” Fortner said. “We will get better, this is our first game and you kind of expect that out of your first game.”

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Freshman guard Morgan Toles drives to the hoop Saturday.

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Junior Alli Smalley goes up for a layup against GCSU Saturday.

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D4

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Layups with Lebo 1. What do you enjoy most about Auburn?

I love how passionate it is, how the students are very passionate fans for athletics. That’s one thing that separates us from other places I’ve been, and I’ve been a lot of places.

2. What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

It was actually when I was done playing and I was a coach at Vanderbilt playing a pick-up game. I hurt my knee and was out for about two weeks.

Shootin’ hoops with Lebo

By CRYSTAL COLE Staff Writer

Auburn Men’s Basketball head coach Jeff Lebo, in his fifth year as head coach, has helped record the second most wins in the team’s history, by going 24-12 last season.

The team made it to the third round of the NIT Tournament and lost to Baylor.

More impressively, he led the team to win eight out of the last nine SEC regular season games.

Eight of the Tigers’ 11 wins in the conference were by double digits.

He came to a team facing NCAA probation and many players left Auburn.

It was a slow and steady struggle for Lebo and his Tigers, but the hard work is paying off.

His father, Dave Lebo, is an assistant coach for the program.

He said the biggest struggle for Jeff was taking small steps and doing things the right way.

“He had to make some

decisions to get the right endary Dean Smith which kind of players in here,” is something he said he will Dave said. “Auburn being always remember. on probaHe even tion was had a brief very, very career in the difficult to NBA, appearovercome ing in four some things games for the because kids San Antonio don’t want Spurs during to come to a the 1989-90 school that’s season. on probaBasketball tion.” has always D a v e been a family LEBO said his son affair for the made sure Tigers’ coach. players coming in wanted Dave coached Jeff in high to play for the name on the school and has served as front of the jersey, and not an assistant coach here at the name on the back.

Auburn.

As a player, Jeff led his Dave also aids his son high school in Pennsylva- during the summer months nia to a 108-9 record in four with the basketball camps years with a state champi- the team offers. onship his senior year.

One of the camps, the faIn college, Lebo started ther-son camp, was Dave’s all four years at the Univer- idea. sity of North Carolina and “We enjoy that camp helped lead them to four more than any other camp NCAA Tournament trips. we have, to be truthful,” Two of those were Sweet Dave said. “We enjoy seeing Sixteen finishes with the the fathers and their sons other two being Elite Eight. come back and watching He was coached by the leg- them grow and sharing the

Auburn experience.”

Dave said he actually tried to get Jeff to not pursue coaching as a profession.

“You know, he had it in his blood because he grew up in a basketball family,” Dave said. “I’m pleased at what he’s done and how he’s grown as a young person through coaching. The game helped him and now I think he’s just interested in trying to pass that on to others.”

In parallel with the Auburn spirit, Jeff Lebo said his family is very important to him.

He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 17 years.

The couple has three children together, two daughters Addison, 14, and Mills, 11, and one son Creighton, 7.

With last season being his most successful as an Auburn Tiger and the end of the season finishing so strong, fans can only expect bigger and better things from Jeff Lebo and the men’s basketball program.

3. Any interesting fan stories?

I remember playing Jacksonville on the road when I was a freshman. We were shooting foul shots and there was a girl underneath the goal and she’d flash us when we shot. They had to remove her after a few shots.

4. What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Bruce Springsteen in Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburg.

5. If you hadn’t pursued basketball as a career, what would you have done?

I’ve got a business degree, so I’d probably be in some sort of business endeavor.

6. How did you meet your wife?

In college, she was working at a clothing store on Franklin Street in North Carolina. My roommate was working with her and introduced us.

7. What pro basketball team do you cheer for?

I’m a Philadelphia 76ers fan because I grew up near there, but I played for San Antonio, so I kind of follow them a bit.

8. Where’s the farthest you’ve ever been to recruit a player?

We drove to Utah when I was coaching in Tennessee, so that was a long trip.

9. What do you like to do in the off-season?

I like to golf since I never have time for it, and pretty much anything with my kids.

10. Best moment in your career so far?

Well, working with Dean Smith at North Carolina is something I will never forget and a feeling you can never really match.

Women’s Tennis player loses in indoor first round

By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor

Auburn Women’s Tennis player Fani Chifchieva, junior from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, competed in the ITA Indoor National Tournament Nov. 5 in New Haven, Conn.

Chifchieva lost her first round matchup to the No. 2 seeded Irina Falconi of Georgia Tech.

After dropping the first set 6-0 to Falconi, the three-time All-American and 2009 ITA Southern Regional Champion held a 3-0 advantage in the second set.

Chifchieva’s opponent sent the second set into a

DEVER >From D1

Mohamed Massaquoi shipped out to Cleveland.

They did, however, retain the electrifying wide receiver AJ Green.

Green leads his team in receiving yards and has almost 500 yards more than the next receiver.

The Auburn secondary should be able to keep Green from having a big game.

UGA’s rushing attack is a flavor of the week system.

The Bulldogs don’t have a definite No. 1 running back, but have three backs that have combined for just under 1,000 yards for the season.

After a bye week, Auburn will welcome Alabama to The Plains.

tie-breaker that Chifchieva dropped 7-3 to fall into the consolation bracket.

“It was awesome, I was very happy,” Chifchieva said about winning the SEC Regional Championship. “I was off for a long time, but I’m very proud I was the first one in history.”

Chifchieva said her experience at the SEC Regional Championship prepared her for the ITA Indoor National Tournament.

“Winning the SEC Regional Title had prepared me for this tournament,” Chifchieva said. “Even though I didn’t have that great of a result, I think I am playing better than I

was at the beginning of the semester. My game is getting back on track.”

Chifchieva was a 20072008 ITA All-American, 2008 SEC Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Year, 2007-2008 First-Team All-SEC and the 2007 ITA South Region Freshman of

Alabama could change its mascot to the Irish this year because of the extreme luck they’ve had with calls.

The Crimson Tide have squeaked by their past two opponents by the skin of their teeth.

Against Tennessee, Alabama’s famed defensive lineman Terrance “Mount” Cody removed his helmet after he blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds of the game.

The play had not yet been whistled dead.

Cody should’ve been penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct and Tennessee would have had another chance to win the game.

Last week was just as bad.

Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy threw an

interception to LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson.

Peterson had possession of the football with both feet in bounds.

That’s a catch in the NFL. There was a divit in the turf where Peterson had dragged his foot.

The play was called incomplete and replay “confirmed” the ruling on the field.

Alabama put a field goal on the board to seal the victory after the missed call.

The Crimson Tide should have at least one loss this season.

It’s scary to think a call like those could happen in the Iron Bowl, but it’s going to happen.

The question is when it will happen and how will Auburn respond.

CHIFCHIEVA

the Year.

Chifchieva’s head coach Tim Gray said her opponents were some of the toughest she has faced yet in a match.

“Fani played a very tough opponent today and after an extremely slow start, got it going,” Gray said. “She didn’t finish the job in the second set after going up 3-0, and at this level, if you don’t finish the job, these players are so good that they will come storming back and that’s exactly what happened today.”

Chifchieva lost her first round consolation matchup, falling to Yale’s Stephanie Kent 7-6 (5), 6-4 Nov. 6.

The three-time All-

American fell behind early in the first set against Kent trailing 4-1 through the first five games of set two.

“The competition was hard,” Chifchieva said. “I played with the No. 2 seed and it was a tough draw.

I had a chance in the second set, but I just couldn’t win the second set. I get a lot more experience I’ve never had playing the No. 2 seed. “ However, Chifchieva came back, winning four straight games to tie the set at 5-5 and forced a tiebreak that she dropped 5-0 to lose the set 7-6 (5).

“I wish I could have won the second set, then maybe things would have turned out differently,”

Chifchieva said.

The second set saw Chifchieva, fall behind 4-1 trying to cut Kent’s lead to 5-4, but ultimately she lost the second and deciding set, 6-4.

“I played OK in this tournament,” Chifchieva said.

“I could have been more aggressive and maybe hit some deeper shots so my opponent wouldn’t have had as much place to back.”

Chifchieva’s loss in the tournament wraps up Auburn’s 2009 fall schedule.

The women’s tennis team will begin its spring season beginning Jan. 30-31 at the ITA National Team Qualifier in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

Tigers come up short

Old Guys Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Field 4

Navy High Flyers

Volleyball loses to No. 9 Florida, 3-0

Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Field 7

By SIMPSON FLETCHER

Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Field 5

Staff Writer

BHF Nov. 16, 7:45 p.m.

Field 4

Hurricane Ditka Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Field 6

Samba Team Woodchucks

Nov. 12, 7:45 p.m.

Field 5

Nov. 17, 7:45 p.m.

Field 4

Nov. 11, 7:45 p.m.

Field 4

FB GM

Intramural Men’s Independent Soccer Playoff Bracket

Team Mom Nov. 11, 7:45 p.m.

Field 5

Aresenal I’m Chris Hawkins

Sports, D5

Nov. 12, 7:45 p.m.

Field 6

Nov. 11, 7:45 p.m.

Field 6

SPEjects Nov. 16, 7:45 p.m.

Field 6

KB Nov. 11, 9 p.m.

Field 4

Lonestars Sock Gnomes Nov. 11, 9 p.m.

Field 5

FC Auburn

Nov. 12, 9 p.m.

Field 1 NOTE: Schedule is subject to change because of weather. Games will be moved to the same time on the following day.

Equestrian wins on the road

By CHARLEY GAINES Staff Writer

Auburn’s No. 1 Equestrian team traveled north for Nov. 7 and 8 meets and came home with wins.

The women competed against Sacred Heart University in Bethany, Conn., Saturday. “(The meet) was a little more disorganized than we’re used to,” said junior Western rider Jillian Fuller. “We kind of bared with them, and overall it was a good day.”

Four riders competed in each event instead of the usual five, and the facilities only allowed one event to take place at a time.

“To win on horses we’ve never seen before and to win in a place we’ve never been, we pulled off a big victory,” said Head Coach Greg Williams.

All riders dealt with Sacred Heart’s smaller program and difficult horses. “(The meet) was a lot different because their team was very small,” said freshman Hunt Seat rider Lindsay Portela. “It was good practice for Delaware State.”

The team left Sacred Heart with a 14-2 win and traveled to Delaware State University last Sunday.

The team competed and came out of the meet with a 12 – 8 win.

Several women earned MVP honors at the meet.

Recognized riders were Portela in Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences, Grace Socha in Hunt Seat equitation on the Flat and Fuller in Western Reining.

In Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences, the team won 4-1 over the Hornets.

Portela won over Frayser Tuttle 80-79. Dottie Grubb defeated Kamerra Brown 80-0.

Katie Breedlove defeated Caroline Foltz 56-55, and Chelsea Anheuser got the point over Kayleigh Karnback 81-78. Anna Becker lost one point to Delaware State’s Kayla Blair.

The women won 3-2 in the Hunt Seat equitation on the flat.

Socha defeated Blair 75-69. Maggie McAlary received a point over Fotz 71-69.

Elise Fraza won over Tuttle 67-66.

Anna Schierholz came up short to Brown 68-66 and Rachel Cooper lost a point to Ashley Butler 6360.

“The whole team rode really well,” Portela said.

“We went out there to win and nobody had a bad ride. We won almost every point in the Hunt Seat.”

The Western Horsemanship riders won their event over Delaware 3-2, although Hornet’s rider Morgan Scuse received the MVP honor for the event.

Scuse came out over Jessica Jones 75-71 and Anna Beck lost the point to Jessica Pierson 72.5-67.

Auburn’s Kristin Hansen got a 72 over Delaware State’s Brittni Collins’ 67.

Other points Auburn racked up were from Indy Roper with a 71.5 over Mackenzie Trueba’s 68.5, and Kylie Miller received a 72 defeating Amanda Hotz with a 71.5.

“Their horses, compared to what we had the day before were very nice,” Fuller said. “They had some very nice reining horses and I saw some good horsemanship horses. I didn’t hear anyone complaining. We couldn’t have asked for much better.”

Auburn came up short in the Western Reining.

The riders lost the event to the Hornets 3-2.

Fuller, in her first longdistance meet, won the MVP honor with a 69 over Scuse’s 66.

The other point winning ride went to Shannon Hinton with a 65.5 over Alicia Maynard with a 64.

Hotz defeated Kelsey George 67-65.5. Delaware’s Breann Huyett won 69 to Kim Pope’s 68.5 and Collins won by half a point with a 60.5 over Paige Monfore’s 60.

“I’ve got to give a lot of credit to Coach Helfer and Coach Neubarth,” Williams said. “They’ve put so much thought into what’s going to prepare these riders, and I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that can prepare riders as well as they do.”

Although the team is No. 1 in the nation, the riders don’t let the rank get to their heads.

“We really want a national championship this year,” Portela said. “To be No. 1 right now is awesome, but our end goal is really to win a national championship and as a team we know we can do it.”

The team will travel to Athens Nov. 13 to face the No. 2 ranked University of Georgia Bulldogs.

Auburn Women’s Volleyball (14-12, 6-9 SEC) fell to the No. 9 Florida Gators (20-3, 14-2 SEC) Sunday in three sets, 2515, 25-18 and 25-14, in Gainesville.

The big players of the day were sophomore outside hitter Kelly Fidero and freshman outside hitter Sarah Bullock.

Fidero recorded nine kills and two service aces during the match while Bullock had eight kills and eight digs.

“I think one of the team’s biggest strengths against Florida was our serving,” Bullock said.

“We served tough, and because of that, we took Florida out of system a lot, which resulted in them rolling the ball into the middle of the court, instead of big swings like they usually do.”

Fidero said the team’s biggest challenge was believing it could beat a tough team such as Florida and keeping its confidence level high.

“We had a six-point lead on them in the second set, and it turned into a mind-over-matter situation because it was Florida,” Fidero said.

“We just needed to play our game.”

Other key players for the Tigers were junior setter Sara Shanks with 16 assists and junior libero Liz Crouch.

Crouch said the team’s game plan going into the match was to serve tough to take the Gators off of their offense.

“We didn’t have everyone playing to their fullest potential at the same time,” Crouch said. “There were only a couple of people in the game, and that makes it very hard.”

The Gators offense was led by sophomore outsider hitters Colleen Ward and Kristy Jaeckel.

Ward recorded 12 kills while Jaeckel finished with 10. Elyse Cusack, senior libero, had a match-high 14 digs.

Auburn got a quick 4-2 lead by starting the first set with a set of kills from junior middle blocker Lauren Mellor and freshman outside hitter Katherine Culwell.

However, the Gators caught back up by making a couple of runs to lead the Tigers 15-9.

The Tigers started the second set with another 4-1 lead and then pushed forward to a 7-2 lead off of a kill from Mellor and a pair of aces from Fidero.

The two teams went point-for-point until a

final six-point rally from Florida, which ended the set 25-18.

The final set began with a 7-4 lead from the Gators.

The Gators continued to push against the Tigers taking a six-point lead at 12-6.

Florida won the final set 25-13.

“The coaches are going to keep it tough during practice,” Fidero said.

Bullock said she thinks the team needs to improve on closing matches, serve-receive passing and keeping a lead.

“I am almost positive we will work on these skills in the upcoming weeks,” Bullock said. “I have full confidence that we can improve on these skills and our overall game, enabling us to finish the season strong.”

Fidero said they want to finish the season the way they started it.

“We want a strong finish and end with a win,” Fidero said The Tigers will continue their season with matches against Tennessee and Kentucky this weekend.

They will play the University of Tennessee Friday at 4 p.m. and No. 11 University of Kentucky Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

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A Plainsman Tradition Plainsman staff members make picks each week about which college football teams will win. The staff members will move up or down on the tree, depending on how many games they pick correctly.

Week 11 UGA vs. Auburn Cincinnati vs. West Virginia Iowa vs. Ohio State South Carolina vs.

Florida

Mississippi State vs.

Alabama Ole Miss vs. Tennessee TCU vs. Utah Pittsburgh vs. Notre Dame Wisconsin vs. Michigan Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky

Thursday, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

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CONTRIBUTED

The soccer team watches the 2009 NCAA Soccer Selection show Monday. The Tigers play California in the first round Friday.

Soccer is ousted from SEC Tournament

By NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Sports Editor

The Auburn Tigers Soccer team (10-8-3) ended its run in the Southeastern Conference Tournament Friday with a 1-0 loss against Louisiana State University (14-4-3) in the semifinals.

“LSU is a great team so we knew we had to compete at the highest level,” said sophomore midfielder Katy Frierson. “We competed with them, but, at the end of the day, they had that one goal that made the difference.”

The Auburn attack was led by senior forward Re-

becca Howell’s six shots.

Howell took three shots in the first half, one of which was on goal.

Both Auburn and LSU had similar statistics.

Auburn had 12 shots total, while LSU had 16.

LSU sophomore goalkeeper Mo Isom had six saves and helped seal the win when she made a sliding stop to grab the ball from Auburn’s sophomore forward Heather Havron, in the 87th minute of the game.

“Isom had some great saves,” said head coach Karen Hoppa. “Unfortunately, we let one in and lost.”

Hoppa told the team she

was proud of the way they played and to meet at her house Monday to watch the NCAA Soccer Selection show to see if they got a bid.

“The season has been one of ups and downs for us,” Hoppa said. “I’ve been pleased with our play the last three weeks, and I think our RPI and quality of wins are good enough for a bid.”

The Tigers received a bid Monday night and will play the University of California Golden Bears (10-81) in the first round in Tallahassee.

“These last six or seven games, we have played great soccer,” Hoppa said

Monday night in a press release. “We feel like we are peaking at the right time of year, and we are excited to play again on Friday night.”

The bid is the Tigers’ eighth overall, and they play in Tallahassee in the postseason for the fourth time in eight appearances, having been there in 2002, 2003 and 2006.

The last time Auburn went to Tallahassee, the Tigers lost to California 3-1 in the first round.

Auburn plays its first game at 7 p.m. EDT Friday against the winner of the Florida State (16-4-1) vs. Southeastern Louisiana (13-4-2) game.

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Auburn earns 70th Homecoming win

By PATRICK DEVER

Auburn’s offensive line didn’t allow a sack and only gave up one tackle for loss Saturday.

Auburn football won HomecomTodd said the offense starts with ing 2009 over Furman University the offensive line.

63-31 “They start the running game, “It was a good team win,” said the passing game and the tempo of head coach Gene Chizik. the game,” Todd said. “We feed off Auburn was led in the first half by of them and they really stepped up senior quarterback Chris Todd. and did a great job today.”

“It was good to see him come out Adams echoed Todd’s praise of and fire on all cylinders,” Chizik the offensive line. said.

“I think that we have the best five Todd was 17 of 18 passing, con- front men in the nation and we, as necting on his first 14 pass attempts, a team, believe that to be true,” Adfor 256 yards and four touchdowns. ams said.

Todd was quick to pass the credit Auburn’s defense recorded two along to his teammates on the of- sacks, five tackles for loss and an fensive line and in interception against the receiving corps. the Paladins.

“They stepped up The defense had a Check and had a really great lot of new faces playonline for ing in the second half. game today and we had some receivers “It’s good to be able more photos. do a really good job,” to have some more Todd said. people with that exSenior running perience with the two back Ben Tate, like most of the games left on our schedule,” said starters, only played the first half of freshman safety Daren Bates. the game.

Senior defensive end Antonio He was still able to gain 75 yards Coleman recorded the 21st quarteron 12 rush attempts. back sack of his career, but said he “It was good, but I think I could was happy to see the younger guys have done some things better,” Tate get the chance to play. said. “We came out here and got the “Those guys have been working win and that’s what we wanted to hard all year,” Coleman said. “They do.” deserve that opportunity.”

Sophomore receiver Darvin AdAuburn travels to Athens next ams led all receivers with six recep- week to take on the University tions for 115 yards and three touch- of Georgia Bulldogs in The Deep downs.

South’s Oldest Rivalry.

Adams also credited his team“It will be a challenge,” Bates said. mates for his success.

“All the seniors will tell you that “Chris (Todd) was doing a great Athens is a tough place to play.” job of throwing me the ball,” Adams Coleman said it’s good to get said. “The offensive line did a great two wins in a row, but said they’ve job blocking and I felt good catch- “got some big games coming down ing the ball.” the stretch.”

Assistant Sports Editor

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Senior defensive end Antonio Coleman sacks Furman quarterback Jordan Sorrells Saturday.