November 19 2009 Issue

INSIDE: Preview Thanksgiving burger, C1

On The Web: Video of Operation Bootcamp

A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

THURSDAY, November 19, 2009

Tigers conquer Iron Bowl of Pool

Vol. 116, Issue 13 32 Pages

www.theplainsman.com

Tubbi and Martin This comedy duo won Last Comic Standing, has been performing for years.

By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

The Auburn swimming and diving team won the Iron Bowl of Pool this past Thursday. Turn to D3 for complete coverage and more photos from the event.

Fraternity enforces drug tests

By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the first fraternity on Auburn’s campus, and the first SAE chapter in the nation, to require its members to undergo drug testing.

However, the fraternity is currently only testing officers, pledges and brothers who live in the house. But officials say it is working up to eventually testing all 120 members.

“It’s common knowl-

edge for anybody’s who’s around college campuses that Auburn University has a drug and alcohol problem,” said chapter adviser Greg Smith. “And this is just one of the ways for us to say, ‘Hey, we’re gonna be part of the solution, not part of the problem.’”

The change began when Smith proposed the idea of drug testing the members to House Corporation.

House Corp. is a group of fraternity alumni who own > Turn to DRUG, A2

The comedy duo Tubbi and Martin had students laughing as they took home first place at Thursday’s Last Comic Standing. A crowd gathered in the Student Center Ballroom to hear competitors battle it out for the winning title.

Joshua “Tubbi” Mays and Martin Morrow have known each other since attending Hewitt-Trussville High School together. The pair graduated one year apart and then both headed to Auburn.

“All the material I wrote somehow involved multiple people,” Morrow said.

Unsure of how to deal with the dilemma, Martin said he thought of using a sock puppet to fill the space in his material.

“I asked Tubbi to do it with me because I felt he was the funniest of our group of friends,” Morrow said. “The rest is history.”

This is the first year the two have participated in Last Comic Standing as a duo.

“Martin has performed at least twice in this contest, and it was my first year to ever be a part of it,” Mays said. “I’m out of school, and it’s Martin’s last semester so he wanted to take one more shot at it and see what we could do.”

Morrow said the group was influenced by a variety of styles.

“Other comedians have tried to

describe our style as a mix of sketch d stand-up,” Morrow said. and The The pair agreed their individual comedic styles make them nier together. funnier “It’s different, even looking at it ourselves we know it’s different, but to us that’s ood thing,” Mays said. “It’s a good d to be different nowahard ys.” days.

Morrow said a big partt of the group’s stylee “comes m Tubbi’s from kward and awkward

soft-spoken demeanor intertwined with my high energy.”

They both have separate solo stand-up sets, and Morrow said those situations allow people to more accurately observe their > Turn to COMEDY, A2

UAB, UAH change insurance policy

By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor

The University of Alabama at Huntsville and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have changed their employee insurance policies, because some officials say the new policy will enable them to attract higher quality faculty to their staff.

The new insurance policy extends coverage to an adult dependent that shares a primary residence with the covered UAH employee, has lived with the employee for at least 12

consecutive months and is not married, a relative or under 19.

“We want to compete for the best minds in the country,” said Ray Garner, director of public affairs at UAH. “What we wanted to do is be able to lower barriers to bring them to our area.”

The modified policy provides coverage to common law marriages and couples who are living together, but are not married. Since gender is not specified in the policy, this extends coverage to homosexual couples.

UAH conducts its insurance en-

rollment period during November.

The university employees can modify the way their insurance provided through the university.

However, as of Tuesday night, Garner said no one had applied under the new policy.

The policy of Auburn University is modeled after the Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan that the state follows that requires a couple to be married for the employee’s partner to be covered. > Turn to POLICY, A2

After loss, Auburn ready to face Alabama

By NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Sports Editor

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Sophomore defensive lineman Nick Fairley sacks Georgia senior quarterback Joe Cox.

INDEX

After coming up short between the hedges, the Auburn Tigers Football team (7-4) prepares for its biggest rivalry game: the Iron Bowl.

The Tigers came out firing on all cylinders holding the Bulldogs to negative four yards in three plays on its first possession. The Tiger offense scored touchdowns on its first two possessions to make it 14-0 with 3:15 left in the first quarter.

“I’m very proud of our team,” said head coach Gene Chizik.

News A3 Opinions A6

“We just kept coming at them and coming back after jumping off to a quick start. This one is a tough one to handle tonight.”

The Bulldogs scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead for the remainder of the game.

Auburn tied the game at 17 after a 37-yard kick from junior kicker Wes Byrum with 2:08 left in the third quarter.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Georgia senior quarterback Joe Cox threw a 47-yard pass to junior split end Tavarres King to set up a 11yard touchdown run by sopho-

more tailback Caleb King.

On the pursuing kickoff, junior defensive back Demond Washington took it 99 yards for the sixth longest kickoff

return in Auburn history to tie the game at 24.

The Bulldogs scored the > Turn to FOOTBALL, A2

20th Anniversary of Iron Bowl Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium Time: 1:30 p.m. CDT Televised: CBS

Pick up the Special Edition at various locations on gameday.

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

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A2

Thursday, November 19, 2009

CRIME REPORTS DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Nov. 7 - Nov. 15, 2009 Lazaro P. Mendez, 25, of Mexico CVS Pharmacy 1498 Opelika Road Nov. 11, 9:05 p.m.

David Chadwick Wood, 20, of Opelika Compass Bank 101 S. College St. Nov. 12, 12:48 .M. Alexandra Nicole Yount, 19, of Fort Hood, Texas Northpointe Subdivision 1601 Shug Jordan Parkway Nov. 12, 2:13 a.m.

Nov. 7 - Nov. 15, 2009 Nov. 8, Monarch Estates Retirement Home 1550 E. University Drive – Theft reported. One gold bracelet with an array of 1/4 carat diamonds and three clasps and one gold necklace with two diamond teardrop pendant.

Nov. 11, The Condos at Millcreek 3297 S. College St. – Auto Theft reported. One 2007 Kenworth T8100 dump truck.

Nov. 12, R.O. Parking Lot 903 W. Thach Ave. – Auto theft reported.

One dark gray 2004 Audi A4.

Nov. 9, Haley Center – Theft reported. Fifteen Dell Latitude E6400 laptops and 10 Macbook Pro laptops.

Nov.13, Kurt Circle – Burglary reported. One Ashley leather couch, one Ashley leather love seat, one Ashley leather recliner, one JVC DVD player, one 60-inch projection television, one queen sleigh bed and one chest of drawers with mirror.

Nov. 10, Edge Apartments 1114 S. College St. - Larceny reported. One Lord of the Rings replica sword.

Caitlin Leigh Ackerman, 20, of Montgomery South Donahue Drive / Devall Drive Nov. 13, 2:42 a.m.

Nov. 10, Village Drive – Larceny reported. One Makita jackhammer, one red toolbox with tools and one side grinder.

Nov. 14, Delta Chi 530 Biggio Drive – Burglary reported. Six Delta Chi fraternity composites (2004 – 2009), one Sir Edward Coke sketch on red mat, one red and yellow Del-

Alex Benjamin Godfrey, 22, of Fairhope Tiger Terrace Apartments 371 W. Glenn Ave. Nov. 13, 6:47 p.m.

DRUG

test by ingesting a substance to conceal any drugs in the system because that substance would also show up on the test.

All of the members passed.

However, in the case that a brother doesn’t pass, Smith said their punishment depends on their position.

Pledges who fail are removed from the pledge class. Officers who fail are removed from office and elections are held to replace them. Brothers living in the house who fail are evicted until they attend an assessment session with the University Health Behavior Assessment Center and then pass another drug test, Smith said.

However, the new policy doesn’t seem to have deterred many potential members.

“I thought it would change it a lot more than it has,” Penton said.

Penton also said the fraternity has received a lot of encouragement from the national organization, as well as the parents of potential pledges. “(We started drug testing) basically because we knew fraternities and kids at Auburn and just because we’ve been where fraternities have a drug problem,” said Matthew Murphy, a member of House Corp. “And we knew it would be a good way to

Nicholas Ryan Richards, 18, of Opelika Academy Drive / Gatewood Drive Nov. 13, 7:44 p.m.

COMEDY

probably be doing things individually for a while.

“We won’t be comquirks and style. pletely out of the pic“It’s not your typical ture though,” Mays said. sketch comedy; it’s not “Whenever we get an opyour typical stand-up portunity to entertain an comedy; it’s not even audience as well as ouryour typical ‘white guy, selves, we’ll be more than black guy’ comedy situa- up for it.” tion,” Mays said.

The duo has perTubbi and Morrow get formed in Atlanta and most of their inspiration Birmingham, and hopes from everyday life. to branch out if the op“In all honesty, if you’ve portunity arises. ever heard me and Mar“We’ve been involved tin having a in other regular conthings Check versation, it such as online for s h o r t can be pretty r i d i c u l o u s , video coverage films and and that’s show of this story. TV where a lot of p i l o t s ,” our comedy M o r originates from,” Mays row said. “We hope to said. maybe write a book on a Morrow said one of his lot of the events that ocfavorite bits is called ‘Yo- curred.”

Yo Extreme.’

Morrow said some of “It is probably the those events include the most ridiculous thing we experience of performdo, and it all started from ing stand-up comedy me playing with a yo-yo and dealing with “crazy in Tubbi’s room,” Morrow exes.” said.

“Tubbi would like for Tubbi and Morrow us to one day get a radio plan to continue collabo- show, like we previously rating in the future. held on WEGL for two “We might be taking a years, and I want to consmall hiatus after this,” tinue to pursue a career Mays said. “Martin will in acting and producbe getting an internship tion,” Morrow said. and maybe a job after Mays said he hopes that, and I’m currently they perform again. working part-time at a “We both know we radio station.” have something special Mays said Tubbi and here, and to put it to Martin may perform a the wayside for too long few more shows before would be a waste in my the year ends, but will opinion,” Mays said. >From A1

>From A1

the chapter’s house and the property where it’s located.

House Corp. agreed it was a good idea and discussed it with the fraternity officers, who agreed to implement it within the chapter.

“I talked to the chapter and asked them how they felt about people being drug-tested,” said Sim Penton, chapter president. “And they said they were fine with it. We really kind of started it to fix the reputation, I guess.”

Brothers living in the house were informed before the beginning of the fall semester that they would be tested sometime during the semester. Men pledging the fraternity were also notified they would be tested.

Pledges were tested once during pledgeship and again before initiation. Brothers were given a few days notice before they were tested about a month ago.

The tests were administered by a company from Prattville. Penton said they were tested for “everything,” including marijuana and amphetamines.

Smith said he thinks it would be difficult for a brother to cheat the

FOOTBALL >From A1

game’s final points on Caleb King’s 24-yard run with 6:52 left in the game to go up 31-24.

“It was a tough loss, but we’ll be ready for Alabama,” Washington said.

Auburn is fifth in the nation in total yards of offense with 4,856 yards, averaging 441.5 and ranks sixth in the nation in total rushing yards with 1,209. Senior running back Ben Tate ranks eighth in the nation and second in the Southeastern Conference in total rushing.

The Tigers have their first bye week after practicing and playing for 15 straight weeks.

“We have to stay smart on how to give rest and still stay sharp for Alabama,” Chizik said. “We need to be smart about it and that is something that we’ll look at tomorrow.

They are going to take a few days off, and we need that.”

The series between the two teams began Feb. 22, 1983 when Auburn defeated Alabama. The teams did not play from 1907 to 1948 because of heavy disputes. Both schools shot down the idea of having a football game until the Alabama House of Representatives wrote a resolution in 1947 encouraging the two schools to once again play against one another. Auburn President Ralph B. Draughon and Alabama President John Gallalee came to an agreement to once again let the teams play.

This year’s Iron Bowl is the 74th of the series with Alabama leading 3933-1. The game marks the 20th anniversary of Alabama playing in Jordan-Hare stadium for the first time ever. Auburn won the game 30-20.

The game is Friday, Nov. 27, at 1:30 p.m. CDT and will be televised on CBS.

ta Chi flag, one red and yellow Delta Chi table runner, one fire poker set and one cement knight statue.

Nov. 14, Timber Trails Apartments 1372 Commerce Drive – Burglary reported. One silver watch, one silver bracelet, two gold diamond ring, one gold diamond sapphire ring, one Coach purse and one Dunny and Burke.

Nov. 15, Mulberry Court – Burglary reported. One black Sirius Stiletto 2 radio, one Sirius radio cable, one Garmin Nuvi 205 and one black Smith and Wesson M&P40c .40 caliber

- Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

rid our fraternity of the drug problem and hopefully try to influence more fraternities down the road to do it.”

Murphy said he had even tried to implement drug testing while he was president of SAE during his time at Auburn, but said the amount of obstacles hindered him.

Murphy said not only is drug-testing expensive, but there is also the legal issue of making sure everyone has provided consent. And for anyone under 19, the fraternity needed parental consent.

Penton said he feels good about the caliber of man this change will attract to the fraternity. And while he agreed drugs may have been a problem, Penton said he thought people exaggerated the severity.

Murphy said he thinks the change will help the brothers to be better fraternity members and to take better care of the house. Murphy said the insurance policy will be renewed next year, and he hopes drug-testing will be a factor that lowers the cost of insurance.

“We didn’t do this really thinking we were gonna catch a lot of people,” Smith said. “I think we want to set the example that the Greek system needs to be drug free.”

POLICY >From A1

The University follows that pattern because it is the largest public health plan in the state, said Ronald Herring, executive director for the payroll and employee benefits office.

Herring said he wasn’t sure if the University would look into changing the policy if that meant the University could recruit more faculty.

J e n n i f e r

Barnes, secretary for the Auburn Gay Straight Alliance, said she thinks this is a sign UAH and UAB are moving forward toward giving rights to homosexuals that are equal to those given to heterosexuals.

“The reasons don’t really matter if they’re achieving the same thing,” Barnes said. “I think even if there was another motive for it, the results are going to be kind of the same.”

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The Auburn Plainsman Santa comes to the Village Mall City Council meeting summary City Planning Commission meeting summary

NEWS

A3

THURSDAY, November 19, 2009

Library hosts book signing

By THEADORIS MORRIS Staff Writer

Jill Clair / PHOTO STAFF

(Left to right) Kevin Nall, Shey Knight and Mark Flynn work on the surrounding pieces to their sand sculpture at the Village Mall this past weekend.

Sand, Santa at Village Mall Village Mall has a ‘Black Friday Bowl’ scene constructed in front of Dillards to commemorate the events

By DANIEL CHESSER Staff Writer

Jungle creatures and North Pole inhabitants came to life in sand this weekend at the Village Mall.

Sand Odyssey, a sand sculpting company, created a “Black Friday Bowl” scene in the Village Mall in front of Dillard’s department store near the entrance of the mall.

The sculpture began with a six-foot Santa Claus in the middle facing off against a five-foot tiger on the left and a five-foottall elephant on the right.

Santa Claus’ head was clad in the traditional droopy hat with big cheeks, twinkly eyes and a textured, realistic beard.

When the first sculpture developed cracks

Jill Clair / PHOTO STAFF

The sand sculptors of Sand Odyssey create a “Black Friday Bowl” scene combining Christmas and football.

and fell apart, the artists built a second scene.

“Basically we had a stack of three forms each standing two-feet-tall, we carved and finished the top two forms,” said Mark Flynn, master sculptor.

“Then when we were finishing the lowest level

form when large cracks developed and within 20 seconds the only thing left standing was the tiger’s head on a pedestal.”

In the second sculpture, Santa Claus was a foot shorter, and the tiger and elephant sprawled on the ground instead of

standing at Santa’s sides. ognizable figures.

The piece incorporates “I enjoy sand sculpting,” the biggest shopping day said Kevin Nall, assistant of the year, Black Friday carver. “I like going to and the Iron Bowl. beach and making sand “Black Friday falls on castles because it makes the same day as the Iron other people happy to see Bowl and something we decidthey don’t Check ed to have see everyonline for day.” a little fun with it,” The atvideo coverage said Terri tention to of this story.

Knight, detail paid marketto the tiger ing and specialty leasing and elephant made the manager of Village Mall. two figures look as if they “We have had a sand were about to shake off sculpture in here four the sand and start roamyears ago and had great ing the mall. responses from custom“I think it looks cool,” ers who love the sculp- said Trent Burnette, mall tures and watching the customer. “It is for Black Friday so I like the idea sculptors.”

The sculpture began of putting Santa, a tiger taking form Saturday as and an elephant together the sculptors molded and to give it multiple meanshaped the sand into rec- ings.”

Photographs, business cards, a few examples of her work and a bouquet of pink roses decorated the table as Kanisha Wilson signed autographs and posed for pictures at her first book signing.

An Opelika native, 28-year-old poet Kanisha Wilson has had her first book of compiled poetry published.

Wilson said she compiled her poems into her book, “Portraits of the Heart,” to share her work with others.

The book signing was Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the boardroom of Cooper Memorial Library in Opelika.

Her family, friends and classmates stopped by to support and join in her time of celebration.

“I’m very proud of her, this is her first book with more to come,” said Shirley Ogletree, Wilson’s mother.

“She has been writing since she was in elementary school, so I figured this day would come.”

Wilson said she began writing as a form of expression and an outlet for her thoughts.

Wilson said she thinks other people are able to relate to the themes expressed in her work.

Wilson said he poems are about love, deceit and life experiences.

“I was very shy, then people started telling me I needed to get my poems published because they had read them on Facebook or MySpace, and I wrote one for a friend’s wedding,” Wilson said. “I was afraid at first, but people encouraged me.” > Turn to POET, A4

$42,500 in laptop computers stolen from Haley Center

By SAMUEL SOLOMON Associate News Editor

An estimated $42,500 in laptop computers was stolen from the Haley Center between Nov. 6 and Nov. 9.

Twenty-five laptops were stolen. There were 15 Dell Latitude E6400 laptops and 10 Apple Macbook Pro laptops stolen.

“I’m not at liberty to release a lot of information because of investigation,” said Capt. Tom Stofer of the Auburn Police Department.

According to the incident report, the theft occurred last weekend, between 5 p.m. Friday and

7:15 a.m. Monday.

The report also states the suspect entered the crime scene through a doorway and that there was no force used when the suspect entered the scene.

Stofer could not comment on how the suspects escaped from the scene of the incident.

Stofer also said he could not specify where in Haley Center the event took place.

Officials from the University could not be contacted to answer questions about the incident.

However, there is a still frame available from the

surveillance video of a person Stofer said he thinks may be a suspect related to the incident.

The suspect is an black male, approximately 5-foot-10-inches and 190 pounds.

In the surveillance footage, the suspect is wearing a gray sweatshirt with a blue Auburn University backpack, Stofer said.

Any information about this crime, or those who can identify this suspect, should contact the Auburn Police Department’s detective division at 334501-3140. They can also call the anonymous tip line at 334-501-7337.

Contributed by the AUBURN POLICE DEPARTMENT

An image of a suspect related to the computer theft was taken from a surveillance camera.

The Auburn Plainsman

NEWS, A4

POET

>From A3

Wilson’s book was published in March by Publish America.

“I didn’t think they would accept it,” Wilson said. “It was free to submit, so I submitted my work and in a few months they informed me that they accepted it. I decided the book cover shortly after that.”

Wilson integrated her passion for photography and poetry into the title of

“

I like it because it is motivating and is an anthem for all single women doing it by themselves, that have been through heartbreak.”

Ronica Thomas, Wilson’s cousin her book.

“I like photography, and photography is in the book and to me it relates closely to poetry,” Wilson said. “I kind of wanted the word in the title and also

I wrote straight from the heart.”

Wilson’s favorite poem included in the book is called, “In Love With Myself.”

“It’s after a breakup and

THURSDAY, November 19, 2009

it is discussing how I had to learn how to deal with it,” Wilson said. “I ended up falling in love with myself and I got over the heartache.”

Wilson was not the only person at the book signing who said they are fond of that poem.

“I like it because it is motivating and is an anthem for all single women doing it by themselves, that have been through heartbreak,” said Ronica Thomas, Wilson’s cousin.

Wilson said she hopes

to go far in her career as a writer.

“I hope to go to the sky,” Wilson said.

Wilson is a graduate of Alabama A&M University.

Wilson later returned to school to study elementary education at the University of Phoenix, where she received her master’s degree.

“It’s more than expected for a Saturday, it was a good turnout,” said Marsha Hanson, who works in the reference section at Cooper Memorial Library.

“She’s a really good writer, actually as soon as she said she writes poetry we said, ‘Yes, we’ll have you.’

It’s a way for her to get publicity in her own city.”

A few of Wilson’s 29 poems featured in the book are: Tainted, Solitude, You Don’t Love Me, Sour Sugar, The First 15, Old Lovers and His Girl.

The book can be purchased online at publisher.net and amazon.com or at major booksellers such as Barnes and Noble and Borders.

Auburn City Council Meeting Summary

Auburn City Planning Commission Summary

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Thursday, Nov. 12

City streets will be closed for the Iron Bowl Thanksgiving celebration Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009.

Recommendation to the City Council to apply a Planned Development District designation of approximately 165.55 acres of West Pace Village approved.

The City Council approved $388,785 for sewer rehabilitation improvements.

Recommendation to the City Council to amend ordinance number 2199 to allow multi-family development in the form of 2000 to 3000 square-foot detatched-unit single family housing for Yarbrough Farms approved.

- Landlocked property owners will be notified when development planning near their property is on the agenda.

Worker’s compensation was approved for Frank Gates Company. $2,500 a month for a three year period.

A community development grant was given for three houses: - 1518 VFW Road. The Infinity Group. $14,824 - 965 Holmes St. ProSystems Elite. $24,424.54 - 3583 Mill Creek Road ProSystems Elite $16,974.21

The City Council approved $143,151 for renovations to the Frank Brown Recreation Center and the Senior Center Project.

Recommendation to the City Council to approve a four lot conventional residential subdivision for Camden Ridge approved.

Recommendation to the City Council to allow a commercial and entertainment use of the Gold & Silver Exchange approved.

Recommendation to the City Council to approve City Walk Plaza for office, commercial and entertainment uses approved.

Recommendation to the City Council approved to waiver the design speed for Deer Run Road from 30 mph to 25 mph.

The next Auburn City Council meeting is Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber on Ross Street.

Auburn Weekly Gas Monitor Week of Nov. 15 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 $2.469 $2.429 $2.699 $2.689 $2.549 $2.479 $2.699

Mid $2.609 $2.549 $2.899 $2.889 $2.649 $2.619 $2.849

Premium $2.749 $2.669 $3.099 $3.029 $2.849 $2.759 $2.999

$2.573 $2.723

$2.879

Last Week’s Average $2.598 $2.775

$2.930

Average Gas Price

By: Samuel Solomon

The next Auburn City Planning Commission meeting is Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chamber on Ross Street.

The Scoop Unfriend is the New Oxford American Dictionary’s 2009 Word of the Year. Contest finalists also included netbook and sexting.

•

• A man blamed a low-flying pelican and a dropped cell phone for driving his milliondollar sports car into a saltmarsh near Galveston. The driver said a bird distracted him while he was driving his Bugatti Veyron. He then dropped his cell phone and accidentally drove into a lake while reaching to retrieve it.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A5

The Auburn Plainsman

COMMENTARY

A6 Thursday, November 19, 2009 Staff Column

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

Drug testing in fraternity houses becoming norm?

The young men of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity could be seen as a controlled group study for a policy that could soon affect almost every Greek organization on campus.

Since last month, the officers, pledges and brothers of SAE who live in the SAE house have been drug tested.

No members have tested positive thus far, and the penalties for having drugs in their system are severe, ranging from housing expulsion to being removed from the fraternity.

We applaud the actions being taken to try and help clean up an aspect of college life that is largely swept under the rug: drug abuse.

By testing its members, SAE is taking the lead and being proactive in trying to end that problem.

The fraternity has the added benefit of trying to clean up its alleged less-thanstellar reputation on such matters, so it’s a win-win situation.

The idea for the testing came from SAE’s adviser and are mandated by the independent company that owns the fraternity’s residence, not the University.

We hope other Greek organizations will take note of what SAE is doing and soon follow suit.

By holding members accountable for their actions, Auburn’s Greek life is bound to improve, as fewer members

will be out in the community at large serving as public embarrassments.

After all, because of the close-knit nature of the Greek community, when one student is seen as a public embarrassment, all other Greeks tend to get painted with the same brush.

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to worry about such things, but in the world we live in, public perception and opinion changes on a daily basis, and members seen in the community as drug users and abusers could certainly hurt recruitment numbers and organizations’ pocketbooks.

Since the Greek organizations seem to exist as a class of students set apart from the general population and since, as a group, those organizations receive special perks and privileges like block seating at football games, we think it is perfectly fair to demand members of those groups should be held to a higher standard.

If the Greek organizations see themselves as leaders on Auburn’s campus (and considering many of our campus leaders are Greeks), they should challenge themselves to be held to high standards.

By raising the bar, you’ll be assuring the men and women who represent your organizations are on the up and up.

And that’s a good thing.

Why UGA makes me love Auburn Last weekend I traveled to Athens, Ga., for the Auburn vs. UGA football game.

I am from Atlanta so I was very excited to go to this game because a lot of my high school friends go to the University of Georgia.

As I was driving to Athens, I started wondering to myself why I chose to attend Auburn over UGA. After all, when I made the decision to go to Auburn as a senior in high school, I had not even stepped foot on UGA’s campus.

However, since coming to Auburn I have visited Athens three times and after each visit I cannot drive fast enough to get back to the Loveliest Village on The Plains.

Do not get me wrong, I have fun every time I go to Athens, but the University of Georgia lacks many of the qualities that had me begging my parents to let me attend Auburn and forfeit the HOPE scholarship.

During my trip last weekend I realized UGA is definitely not the family Auburn is. I experienced this first hand as I witnessed Georgia fans booing their own players and coaches during the game.

When I asked a Georgia student sitting beside me why they were booing he said it is because they are not happy with los-

Ashlea Draa photo@theplainsman.com

ing and they want Mark Richt to be fired.

This reminded me of one home game last year when Auburn’s fans were mad at our losing streak as well and booed the players on the field.

However, the difference between UGA and Auburn is that we got a nice e-mail the next day simply reminding us Auburn is a family and it is impolite to boo.

I shared this story with the UGA fan and he just rolled his eyes and thought we were ridiculous.

Half way into the game I decided to go get something to drink.

After I paid for my water the cashier unscrewed the top to the bottle and handed it back to me without the cap.

I was very confused.

How was I supposed to take an open bottle of water back into the stands with me and not expect it to get knocked over and spill everywhere?

I walked back up to my seat and once again asked my friend from Georgia what was up

with this whole no cap thing.

He told me fans were flicking the bottle caps onto the field so they are no longer allowed to serve beverages with the tops on.

I have been witness to a couple angry Auburn fans throwing their cups onto the visiting team’s side, but it has never been so out of control that cups had to be banned from the stadium all together like the bottle caps at UGA. Some Bulldog fans obviously lack respect and self-control.

The booing and bottle caps are just a few of the minor factors that make UGA’s gameday experience less inviting.

It is not my intent to put down a wonderful school that a number of my friends currently attend; however, experiencing a Saturday in Athens left me feeling extremely happy to be an Auburn student.

Losing the football game made me sad, but witnessing the class and respect exhibited by Auburn fans made me happy.

Thank you, UGA, for reminding me why I chose to be a member of the Auburn family.

Ashlea Draa is assistant photo editor of The Auburn Plainsman.

You can reach her at 844-9109.

WE WANT YOU!

Insurance benefits must be extended to same-sex couples When we heard the Universities of Alabama at Birmingham and Huntsville were extending insurance benefits to homosexual members of their faculties, we became excited and filled with hope.

Finally, we are beginning to see equal recognition of same-sex couples even here in Alabama, the buckle of the Bible Belt.

Sadly, we live in a state where colleges and universities have to take initiative on issues like this, as we all know full well the state of Alabama would not likely endorse such policies if left to its own devices.

In fact, UAB and UAH are among the only universities within the state that offer such benefits.

The main campus of the University of Alabama is currently studying adopting such a policy.

Auburn, on the other hand, appears to be happy to stand pat on this particular issue, as it does not seem to be a priority concern to the powers that be here.

Are we actually letting Alabama get ahead of us on something? As members of the Auburn family, should this even be allowed?

The language within the UAB and UAH policy changes are a point of interest, as benefits are now extended to anyone who “shares a primary residence, not as a renter, tenant or employee, with the covered UAB employee, and has lived with UAB employee at least 12 months prior to effective date of coverage, is at least 19 years old, the age of majority in Alabama, is not a relative and is not married.”

We see a broad spectrum of people who could fit the vague description offered by that cryptic, unintelligible legalese.

Honestly, we find it sad this is the sort of language that has to be inserted in order to grant same-sex couples the same rights and benefits their heterosexual counterparts get.

But, again, we live in Alabama.

We can look at the actions taken by UAB and UAH as a sign of what is to come: a more progressive, more open and more caring Alabama.

We long for a day when equality is a concept everyone can enjoy.

It may not come quickly, and it may meet some fierce resistance along the way, but we know this cause is right.

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.

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.

A7

COMMENTARY

Thursday, November 19, 2009

WSJ article is misleading, biased it was published.

The two most amusing parts of the whole article are that ATO and Auburn were chosen to be highlighted as the “party” groups; the drunken fools, if you will.

That just shows an outsider wrote this.

You don’t have to be Greek to know ATO would not be able to drink half the fraternities under the table at this campus.

I was waiting for her to quote a Farmhouse after I read the lead.

You sure don’t have to be in college to know Auburn is not exactly first in line for the AA meeting with the other surrounding schools.

With the Princeton Review that’s released annually, Auburn doesn’t touch the Top 20, but you do have Florida, Ole Miss and Georgia taking the 2nd through 4th spots.

We don’t even rank on

Lindsey Davidson editor@theplainsman.com

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the biggest fraternity supporter, and I don’t drive around with a “Go Frat” sticker on my car.

But, I do know the Wall Street Journal article degrading the Auburn male Greek system and Southern school traditions was disrespectful and, on most levels, wrong.

Any current or former student and any enlightened guest knows the information was skewed and slanted. Obviously, Ms. Hannah did not fact-check her “work” before

Playboy’s 2009 list.

I think another school could have more accurately represented her misguided point.

The purpose of “spirit points” was misleading as well. It was put into place as incentive for students to be more active with campus events. It has to do with the amount of people that participate, not just the size of a group.

It was not implemented because of “beligerantly drunk fraternity guys.”

Dressing up is not a fraternity tradition either.

I know Ms. Hannah was only here for a short while, but, in her limited time here, she should have noticed a large portion of the students and alum were dressed up.

It’s an old tradition where fans demonstrate their class.

I don’t think women wearing dresses to football games implies they are whores.

Some fraternities make their pledges wear suits or sports coats to show respect.

It is not to keep their seats.

Any single person or group can show up before the game to claim a large portion of seats.

That is not solely for fraternities, either.

When she planned her trip by the Office of Communications and Marketing at Auburn, which kindly gave her a tour of the campus and introduced her to the people she needed, she missed the actual happenings of the game.

If she did not come down here with a preconceived idea and took the traditions for what they were, this biased and fabriated article would have been different.

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

Editor, the Auburn Plainsman

The large number of nighttime car/pedestrian accidents in Auburn leads me to propose an obvious solution: Anyone studying any of the graphic arts or architecture learns in his freshman year the power of value: that is, lights and darks.

In other words, wearing black at night renders a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or any vehicle almost invisible.

DON’T DO IT! WEAR WHITE AT NIGHT! It rhymes, so you can remember it.

Don’t wear black helmets or leathers, even shiny ones, if you want to be seen and protected.

Professor Clark Lundell, head of industrial design, told of his Navy years when lots of sailors were hit by cars at night when their uniforms were all navy blue.

White caps helped, but the more white the better, unless it snows.

Remember: WHITE AT NIGHT! Or you may wind up decorating the front of a truck.

Nicholas D. Davis emeritus professor of architecture

Belittling women is not a part of how Southern chivalry should be defined Editor, the Auburn Plainsman I was recently referred, by a friend, to an article appearing in the Wall Street Journal regarding football traditions in the SEC. Auburn’s program acts as a primary example of many points made by the author.

What I find particularly appalling and embarrassing is the quoted material offered to the publication by members of Auburn’s student body which illuminates, proudly, a part of our campus culture which should be discouraged, if not at least hidden.

That part of the culture being the “dating games” for the football season (as labeled by the author and illustrated by Auburn students).

The most humiliating, though

a “Friend of Aubie” on what it’s like to be Auburn’s mascot

Last week’s question: “Should the state of Alabama continue the PACT program?” >Yes: 82 percent > No: 18 percent

This week’s question: “Should the Greek system drug test its members?” >Yes > No Go to www.theplainsman.com to vote.

Your View

Former professor talks about basics of pedestrian safety, “White at Night” key to staying safe

“Being Aubie is like running in circles in a sweatsuit and a tutu after drinking too much Starbucks – it’s hot, doesn’t make any sense, but is still fun to watch.”

-Chris Delvizis,

telling, part of the article is the characterization of women given by various fraternity men regarding football knowledge and femininity/masculinity.

One particular student claimed that it was undesirable for a girl, who is a date, to be more knowledgeable about football than a boy because it is “emasculating.”

Instead, a desirable candidate is a girl who can adequately baby-sit and nurse a drunken and childlike man who is too inebriated to behave with maturity and decorum.

I find it completely ridiculous that one would find a knowledgeable girl emasculating; what is emasculating is that you “gentlemen” cannot get your acts together and stay sober enough to stand up, refrain from violence and diminish your consistent ability to offend the rest of the population of game attendees through brash yelling and profanities.

What is also emasculating is the unified abandoning of academic responsibilities of many Auburn men (and women) days in advance of a home game as evidenced by absence from classrooms and campus in general in favor of partying downtown.

Perhaps if we gave more attention to becoming an institution known for our academic endeavors rather than our date selection and football program, then Auburn wouldn’t be negatively portrayed in an international publication, thus providing an avenue for commentary which labels Southerners as “uneducated” and “sexist.”

What is additionally laughable is the statement that all of this is part of “Southern chivalry” and part of “building better men.”

I hope that “Southern chivalry” does not truly involve degrading women by scoring them as potential dates based on the criteria of who can best nurse a hangover while looking the sexiest in an orange dress.

I also hope it does not mean provoking fights in the stadium, cursing our players in times when we’re struggling to score, and getting tossed onto the pavement

by Jordan-Hare security before the game even commences due to being intoxicated to the point of irrationality.

Women, I also implore you to consider yourselves worth more physically and intellectually than accessories to this behavior, beings only useful as mannequins and supporters of unappreciative men.

Do not concern yourselves with purchasing cute dresses and accompanying boys to parties, suffering all the while through the above-mentioned behavior simply to get a good seat and a plate at a tailgate celebration; rather, view yourselves as good enough contributors to our campus to denounce this behavior and work to discourage the Wall Street Journal’s published, negative perception of our institution’s current social climate.

Benjamin Arnberg Pearl Shields graduate students, English

Staff Column

Farewell Auburn Plainsman, I did my best Brittany Cosby

campus@theplainsman.com

Though my time on The Plainsman staff was short lived, I felt it was only right to leave my legacy to the ones I leave behind.

To the fall 2009 Plainsman staff, I leave safety walks to Moe’s, “We do our best,” Chick-fil-A in the Student Center, the candy drawer, e-board ramblings, late pagination days, laps around the office and the Diabeetus.

To the Campus section, I leave the section fronts, filling space, writing for the front on Wednesday,

the Scoop, story ideas and meeting deadline.

To Ellison Langford, I leave Story Idea Wednesdays, drowning ourselves in queso, Chef ’s Table, Degrassi: The Next Generation, So You Think You Can Dance Tour, The Office recaps, walking around without shoes, sneaking off to Cold Stone for ice cream, sleepovers in Atlanta, Plainsman talks, good and bad photo discussions and breaking news.

To Professor Judith Sheppard, I leave your insight into the journalism profession, nailing me on A.P. Style mistakes, pushing me to ask the hard questions and writing a great lead.

To Mallory Boykin, I leave showing me the ropes, channeling your

spirit for design ideas, your dedication and making me fall in love with the Campus section.

To Lindsey Davidson, I leave pep talks, break downs, saving my pages, living in the office, Au Bon Pain oatmeal, Panda, playing with kittens, car rides and the stress of meeting deadline. I know you love it.

To Natalie Wade, I leave being an InDesign genius, no-shower hat days, your best friend Kemper, car problems and Saigwa.

To Cliff McCollum, I leave Dr. Cosby, Bill Cosby impressions, Paula Backschieder and German class with Will.

To Rod Guajardo, I leave Nutrition class notes, Photo of the Week, Sketch Artist graphic, writing for the front, the Cater Hall

photo and being accused of stealing a hat on the sidelines of the football game.

To Jordan Dailey, I leave kicking over the George Lopez water cooler, falling out of chairs, On the Concourse, writing five stories in a week, Hewitt reminiscing, loving Press Law and sitting on the floor.

To Blake Hamilton, I leave frat-tastic shorts, Always Sunny in Philadelphia, returning video tapes, Red Sox nation, passing Journalism 1100, Campus Calendar and sticking around another semester.

To Helen Northcutt, I leave your artwork saving the Campus front each week: a Mardi Gras mask, Toomer’s Corner trees, the Shrimp boil, and the Dark Mark, kudos each week

and Michael Jackson.

To Abby Albright, I leave the largest daquiri at Alcapulco’s, breaking news from SkyBar, loving the F.U.P.A., Shape-up’s and letting it rain.

To Nick Van Der Linden, I leave your first school in America, picking my college teams each week and the football recap article.

You know which one I’m referring to.

To Patrick Dever, I leave trying to take a mug shot with eyes open and No. 2.

To Copy Elf Ben Bartley, I leave Natalie’s tank-top and Plainsman house parties. Enough said.

To Copy Elf Michelle Wilder, I leave the football strategy board and my alarm ringtone, Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.”

To Auburn University, I leave living in the Ex-

tension, Soup in a Cup, football season, all night study sessions, choosing a major, Mat Cat Wrestling Tournaments, the 2007 Halloween party, Drunkapoolza, working the parking lot on game days, the Derka Derka bowling club, never taking pictures, jumping on the bed, SkyBar karaoke, “Baby Got Back,” throwing things into the abyss, living with Blair, sleeping on the couch, our shoes from mud football, potty training Daisy and meeting Ava Grace, my beautiful goddaughter.

Brittany Cosby is the campus editor of The Auburn Plainsman.

You can reach her at 844-9108.

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A8

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a carriage pulled by two Clydesdale horses to an enthusiastic crowd at the Village Mall Friday night.

Santa arrives at Village Mall for Christmas

By MARY-GLENN SMITH Staff Writer

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but Santa Claus has already arrived at Auburn’s Village Mall.

Santa, along with Mrs. Claus, arrived by horse and carriage at the mall’s main entrance Friday at 7 p.m.

“I have been here since 1995 and Santa has been here every year I have been here,” said Village Mall Marketing Director Terri Knight. “To my knowledge, they have had him here ever since the mall opened in 1973.”

Mrs. Claus passed out

candy canes before Santa’s big entrance.

She also had “storytime” with the children who eagerly gathered at the mall for the event.

In addition to reading her traditional “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” she also read “A Magical Christmas.”

After story time, Mrs. Claus joined Santa on the carriage as the children headed outside the mall for Santa’s arrival.

“We usually see anywhere from as small as 100 children to as many 250,” Knight said, “it just varies from year to year. It always depends on if Auburn has a home or an away game

and what else is going on in the area.”

Approximately 150 children showed up with their parents for the event.

“Santa’s arrival is always one of our biggest events of the year,” Knight said.

Children waiting outside the mall beamed with happiness as the pair of Clydesdale horses drew the carriage into sight.

However, it wasn’t until snow began falling outside the mall in 70 degree weather that the magic of the Christmas season became evident.

This came with some help from the mall maintenance man and a snow machine.

“When we arrived and the snow started falling, all the children’s faces just lit up,” said Joy Notbohm, customer service director for Village Mall who played Mrs. Claus. “They really believed Santa had made it snow; it was like magic to them.”

Notbohm has been playing Mrs. Claus at the mall for more than 10 years.

“It’s always fun to read to the children and take part in Santa’s arrival,” Notbohm said. “This year was fabulous. It actually went better than we even expected it to.”

Children waited for Santa to get to the “winter wonderland” scene, set

up near the food court, so they could sit on his lap.

For the parents who brought their children to the event, getting the perfect photo for the family Christmas card seemed to be the top priority.

However, for the children, presents seemed to be the main thing on their minds.

Most children hopped eagerly onto Santa’s lap to tell him what they wanted under the tree on Christmas morning.

“I want Thomas the Train,” said Walker Wiley, 3, as he grinned from ear to ear looking up at Santa.

“Thomas the Train,” he repeated to be sure Santa

understood his request.

Santa will be at Village Mall for children to visit and take photos every day until Christmas.

Santa’s hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. He will be there until Christmas.

Photo packages range in prices from $17 to $36.

However, Mrs. Claus will not be with him to greet children anymore.

“Mrs. Claus only comes this one time,” Knight said with a smile. “Only when Santa arrives. Then she has to go back to the North Pole and make things ready so Santa can stay here until Christmas.”

Bancorp South showcases Opelika students’ art

By CHARLEY GAINES Staff Writer

Colorful pieces of artwork created by artists from Opelika City Schools were displayed in two branches of BancorpSouth.

The art was displayed Nov. 9 through yesterday.

The artists’ works range from kindergarten mosaics and pictures of pumpkins to seniors who received scholarships for their pencil drawings and painting.

“Some of the work that has come out of Opelika City Schools is just amazing,” said Elizabeth SmithBaca, marketing officer and coordinator of the exhibit.

The bank began hosting local students’ artwork last year.

It showcases artwork created by students each fall and spring.

The main branch on Seventh Street in Opelika displayed 116 pieces.

Smith said the Pepperell Corners location featured approximately 30 pieces of art.

“We’re showing off the Opelika School System,” said Robert Williams, Bancorp South’s division president.

The first wave of artwork in the fall is produced primarily by younger artists in the elementary and junior high schools.

In the spring, when the more complex pieces are complete, the bank shows off the more advanced work created by high school students.

“It’s a good way for us to display our kids’ artwork,”

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

(Left) A selection of pieces created by Opelika students that are on display in one of the two locations of BancorpSouth in Opelika. (Right) Ja’Quavion Perry, a fourth grader at Northside Elementary School, stands next to his artwork while showing it to his mom.

said Becky Brown, public relations coordinator for Opelika City Schools. “Our goal is to show the community what the students are learning.”

Conway said the limited number of venues where art can displayed in the area is part of the reason why they chose the bank.

Conway said the bank is a great place for the students and their work to gain exposure in a public forum.

“We have exhibits in the schools, but there’s not a lot of traffic in them,” Brown said. “The bank is great from an exposure standpoint.”

Not only does the bank help the students gain exposure as some of the works are purchased, the students also help the bank.

“The banking industry is a very competitive market,” Smith said. “We thought it would be an

outlet for us to put Bancorp’s name out there by working with the community.”

The bank tries to make customers feel welcome and comfortable by building a relationship with residents in the area.

The artwork draws customers in and gives a level of comfort by showing the bank’s commitment and involvement to the community.

“We do a lot of things

to get you out of the bank with ATMs and Internet banking, but this is a way to get people in the bank,” Williams said. “You can’t see expressions and you can’t feel emotions over the phone or Internet, but face-to-face you can. You can’t replace that.”

Displaying art created by local students is one way Bancorp reaches out the community and support the arts programs.

“It’s about going back to

basic,” Smith said. “We are a hometown. We’re reaching out to the community and wanting to be a part of it.”

Bancorp and Opelika City Schools also want to reach out to Auburn’s campus.

“We want to encourage Auburn students to step out and look beyond the University,” Brown said.

“Keep your ears and eyes open, because there’s always something going on.”

The Auburn Plainsman

On the Concourse Photo of the Week Ask a Professor

CAMPUS

B

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Dark Mark looms as Voldemort returns

Rebecca Croomes / PHOTO STAFF

Richard Davis stars as Eugene in Brighton Beach Memoirs.

A look under the curtains The ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ cast tells all

By THEODORIS MORRIS Staff Writer

The lights dim as the crowd is silenced.

The play, “Brighton Beach Memoirs” by Neil Simon, had its opening night last Friday at the Telfair Peet Theatre.

Brighton Beach, the third of eight productions this year, will be running for six days.

The play is about the struggles of a Brooklyn family during the worst year of the Great Depression.

The cast has been preparing for the play since Oct. 2, said John Tourtellotte, who played Jack.

The play is set in late September 1937.

As the curtains open, Eugene Morris Jerome, a developing writer and would-be–baseball player, played by Richard Davis, is playing in the World Se-

ries.

Before the play begins and the curtains open, the actors and actresses in the play have to put on heavy make-up to get into character. Not only did the characters have to transform physically, but they had to also erase their southern accents for a Brooklyn dialect.

“We did a ton of table work and research on the play,” said Heather Rule, who played Nora. “We read pamphlets on Brooklyn, watched the movie ‘Radio Days’ and had a dialect coach.”

In the women’s dressing room were 1937 styled wigs, old robes and aprons, rollers, sweaters, outdated scuffed shoes, plenty of make-up remover and photos of the cast.

A voice sounded off over the intercom in the dressing rooms, “four minutes > Turn to CAST, B2

Students compete in costume contest during screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Illistration by Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR

By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

At least that was the case Tuesday night when Harry Potter fans dressed like their favorite characters to attend the screening of the year six film, “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.”

In this installment, Voldemort has returned in full force while Harry, Ron and Hermione return to new troubles at Hogwarts.

Harry begins taking private lessons from Dumbledore, while Ron dabbles in a new relationship creating a rift with Hermione.

Harry becomes suspicious of his school rival, Draco Malfoy, who Harry believes is up to something with the help of Snape.

“I have been a fan since the beginning of the novel and film series,” said Mitchell Kilpatrick, sophomore in social sci-

ence secondary ondary Other fans in atOthe education n and tendance enjoyed the tendan film en costume constenough they saw nner. it mu est winner. multiple times.

“People ““I thought this have alwas the funniw ways est e film in the t o l d series s so far,” s me that said Amanda I looked d Pinto, junior like Harry ry in public rePotter, so lations and I decided ded de d UPC counto dress like cil assistant him for Haldirector. “I loween and I dressed as already had Hermione H for all the essenssenthe t th midnight tials to comshowing sh in pete in the theaters. th My costume conffavorite scene test.” iis when Harry Kilpatrick Potter drinks P was awarded arded tthe Felix Felicis a “Harry Potand he seems an ter and d drunk off of Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR the Halfluck.”

B l o o d Mitchell Kilpatrick dresses O t h e r P r i n c e ” as the winning Harry Potter. fans at the poster screening and a UPC T-shirt. were still disappointed Kilpatrick said the lat- by the film adaptation of est Harry Potter film was the sixth installment in his second favorite aside the series. from “The Order of the “I was a little disapPheonix.” pointed by ‘Harry Pot-

ter and the Half-Blood Prince,’” said Syndney Stewart, sophomore in public relations. “I still thought it was a good movie overall. I have not read the books, but my friends who have thought it did the film did not do ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ justice.”

The special thing about this dinner and a movie experience, is the ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ DVD is not set to release to the public until Dec. 7.

“We use a company that works with college campuses after the theatrical release,” said Ryan Higginbotham, senior in industrial design and UPC director of films.

“We chose ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ because it was a popular film with a good theme to decorate for.”

Decorate they did, as members of the crowd were allowed to sit according to the four Hogwarts houses.

Four Auburn grads receive lifetime achievement award

By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor

Four Auburn graduates who went on to be movers and shakers will find recognition from the Auburn Alumni Association as its Lifetime Achievement Award is distributed next March.

The 2010 recipients will be Robert Kenneth Johns ’57, Smith Lanier ’49, Gerald Smith ’61 and Kathryn Thorton ’74.

“Numerous individuals are nominated each year who have had significant careers and made outstanding contributions over their life times,” said Debbie Shaw, vice president for alumni affairs and executive director of the Auburn Alumni Association. “This award pro-

vides a way for the Auburn Alumni Association to bring deserved recognition to these people, to let them know Auburn appreciates their service and the impact they have made on society.”

The award was created after Ed Dyas, former football player, surgeon and eventual recipient of the award himself, conceived the idea of an award to recognize distinguished alumni.

“So many lives have been touched by this one man’s vision,” said Tanja Matthews, alumni programs and awards coordinator. “It’s not just about who all has donated money, it’s about really giving back. If you look at the list of past recipients, they are all great people. It’s

just amazing what some Auburn folks have done to make an impact on the world.”

According to the alumni association’s Web site, Johns played for Shug Jordan as a lineman while at Auburn. He went on to develop the process of containerized shipping, founding the Hampshire Management Group Inc. and retiring as president and chief operating officer of Sea-Land Service Inc. Lanier worked for J. Smith Lanier & Co., his family’s insurance business, upon leaving Auburn and retired as its chairman. He also served as chair for the first dean’s advisory board for the College of Human Sciences.

A selection committee composed of faculty rep-

resentatives, alumni board members, the vice president for alumni affairs and the vice president for development chooses recipients of the award.

“Each member individually reviews the nomination packets on each applicant and scores them on a ballot, individually mailed to an outside accounting firm,” Shaw said. “From this process, the top four recipients are chosen. It is a highly objective and fair process.”

Smith spearheaded efforts to redesign and test improved solid rocket boosters following the Challenger accident. He then directed research operations at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and served as president of the Thiokol Corporation in

Printed on Recycled Paper

Utah.

Thornton worked as a physicist at the U.S. Army Foreign Science and Technology Center in Charolettesville, Va., and became an astronaut in 1985. She has flown on space shuttles Discovery, Endeavor and Columbia.

Thorton is now serving as associate dean for graduate programs and engineering at the University of Virginia.

“I have coordinated this event for five years, and it’s probably the best part of my job,” Matthews said. “To me it’s an honor to get to recognize these people and share their stories. Many of them are only known in their close circles, but with this award we have the opportunity to share just how great Au-

burn is, what a family it is and how full they are of the Auburn spirit.”

Past recipients include Dean George Petrie, Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan, Dean James Foy and former University of Georgia Coach Vince Dooley.

Matthews said other prominent figures associated with Auburn and its alumni attend the ceremony to show respect.

“People come and support these recipients, people like ( former Auburn Athletic Director) David Housel,” Matthews said.

“It’s just a great tribute to Auburn. It’s hard work, but check with me at about 10:30 p.m. and I’ll just be beaming off the walls. I love to let these people know how we appreciate them.”

The Auburn Plainsman

CAMPUS, B2

CAST >From B1

to places” as the characters added their final touches.

Onstage the wooden frame of the Jerome family house was built with a kitchen, two bedrooms, a living room, stairs and a wooden fence. The set was designed by Pip Gordon and was organized by the technical director, Chris Winnemann.

“As soon as the last set went down, this set went up, so we could get the feel of rehearsing on it,” Davis said. “The set feels like home to us now, we have even joked about sleeping over on it.”

As the voice sounded off over the intercom again, “Places,” the cast got into position and the curtains opened.

Ben Young, who played Stanley, described the play in one word: realism.

“These are real charac-

ters that everyone can relate to,” Young said.

A couple of minutes into the play, the crowd’s laughter was heard echoing throughout the theater.

“It was very interesting and the most humorous play yet at Auburn University,” said Tiffanie Thompson, senior in aerospace engineering. “The cast portrayed their characters very well using the Brooklyn accents, and me being a dancer, it was interesting to me that the character Nora was asked to be on Broadway.”

The cast consisted of seven main characters: Eugene, played by Richard Davis; Blanche, played by Laura Walter; Kate, played

by Bridget Knapik; Laurie, played by Becky Sheehan; Nora, played by Heather Rule; Stanley, played by Ben Young; Jack, played

by John Tourtellotte. The understudy for Jack was Shannon Hennessy.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Rebecca Croomes / PHOTO STAFF

The cast of Brighton Beach Memoirs, including John Tourtellotte as Jack, Heather Rule as Nora, Becky Sheehan as Laurie and Richard Davis as Eugene, performs a scene on stage at the Telfair Peet Theatre on Friday.

Past Aubies reflect on time as mascot

By MICHAEL HANSBERRY Staff Writer

Aubie stands as one of the official symbols for Auburn University to many Auburn students and fans alike.

Julian Holmes created the prototype decades ago, yet the same costume is still worn today.

Every five years there is a “Friends of Aubie” reunion at the University and all the alumni come together to celebrate.

Debbie Shaw, vice president of alumni affairs, hosts what she calls a geographic reunion in Atlanta during the Auburn-Georgia game, because she said so many past “Friends of Aubie” live in the area.

Shaw said the geographic reunion is their chance to go to them, instead of having them come back to Auburn.

“It has been extremely important to me that we stay connected with these folks,” Shaw said, who served as adviser to Aubie

for 20 years before handing the position over to Mike Reynolds four years ago.

“And not just through a reunion every five years, but through things like social networks so they can stay connected to Auburn.”

Barry Mask was the original Aubie and formed the first “Friends of Aubie” along with Bob Harris, ’82, and Vicki McGinty (Leach), when the program initiated in 1979.

Harris said he enjoyed passing on the Auburn experience and entertaining people of all ages.

James Lloyd, Harris’ Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brother, was the spirit director for SGA at the time.

Lloyd wanted to make Aubie into a real life mascot, so he gathered funding and sent the artist rendering off to New York to Brooks-Van Horn Costume Company, which also did costumes for Saturday Night Live.

Harris said he wanted to be a cheerleader at first, but gained an interest in being Aubie once he saw

what Lloyd was doing for lutely incredible.” He said Auburn, plus, his former serving as the most recjob at Six Flags over Geor- ognizable icon of Auburn gia gave him some experi- University was an opporence with performing in a tunity that he is fortunate suit. to have had experienced.

Justin Shugart, who was “The best way to dea friend of Aubie for the ’07 scribe the experience is by and ’08 school year, said witnessing the smiles that he wanted to become a fill the room when Aubie “Friend of pops in,” Aubie” beShugart cause, like a i d .

When Aubie s“Whether most fans, he grew came around the it be a up loving curtain, the girl’s face classroom Aubie and full of roww a n t e d beamed like a full dy thirdto make a moon.” graders or childhood at a nursJustin Shugart, ing home d r e a m Friend of Aubie ‘07 with secome true.

“I had a nior citigoal to lead zens playAuburn into Jordan-Hare ing bingo, Aubie’s ability to with 87,000 people sing- change the attitude of the ing ‘War Eagle,’” Shugart entire room would ultisaid. “I knew I wouldn’t mately have an incredible be strapping on the pads effect on Aubie and his for the Tigers in my future friends.” and that the only option Shugart’s most memoleft to live out my dream rable experience as Aubie and achieve a goal was to is when he went to the try out for Aubie.”

Birmingham Children’s Shugart described the Research Hospital and Aubie experience as “abso- visited a 4-year-old girl

“

Students build own degrees

By BLAKE HAMILTON Staff Writer

For those who can’t find a major that suits them, they can now make their own.

One of Auburn’s newest academic programs allows for students to build their own degree, creating a personalized discipline that meets their individual interests.

The Interdisciplinary University Studies program is currently in its first year at Auburn under the direction of Patricia Duffy, professor in agricultural economics, and Doyle Bickers, the registrar-continuing. The program allows students to complete 36 credit hours across several concentrated areas of study.

Students must have concentrated areas from a minimum of two different schools or colleges.

“Interest in the program results from several scenarios,” Duffy said. “Maybe you have a student who wants to go to Auburn with some idea of what they want to study, only we don’t have it. We have all the courses that they might want, but we don’t have a major that would al-

low them to take all those courses and get a degree in four or five years.”

In order to apply for the IDSC major, students must be in good academic standing with the University and have completed no less than 30 credit hours.

This keeps incoming freshmen from entering the program and not building a solid base of University core classes, Bickers said.

A forthcoming bulletin for the “This Week at AU” newsletter states that interested students should register for the course UNIV 2190 for next term.

“Nationally this is the kind of program that some really prestigious universities like Emory and Texas A&M and folks like that have been using,” Bickers said. “It really goes back a fairly long way and schools like this were looking for ways that students could meet their professional goals and, at the same time, be able to have a program that was academically credible for employers.”

Duffy said the program is especially modeled on a longstanding interdisciplinary major at Mississippi State Univer-

sity. What distinguishes Auburn, however, is its introductory course, which allows students to learn about the program without declaring themselves as a part of the major yet.

“We also have some students that will start in a major, say premed, pre-vet, pre-pharmacy, and they get into their junior year and they realize that, although they’re doing all right, they’re probably not going to make it into the professional program,” Duffy said. “This allows them to reinvent their undergraduate degree without having to start over from scratch.”

Once students have developed an approved plan of study, they receive a faculty mentor and staff adviser to aid in the completion of the program. The IDSC curriculum culminates into a bachelor of science degree.

“Schools with this kind of thing in place are able to look at courses of study with the recognition that not one-size-fitsall,” Bickers said. “The wonderful thing about this program is that it allows you to meet your personal, your professional and your education goals.”

who had just come out of a quadruple bypass heart surgery and was a huge Auburn fan.

“Aubie visited her one day after coming out of a successful surgery,” Shugart said. “The little girl hadn’t spoken to anyone, but the doctor since her surgery. When Aubie came around the curtain, the girls face beamed like a full moon. She proceeded to tell Aubie all about her surgery, how she was feeling, and then helped Aubie lead the entire nursing staff in her favorite cheer, ‘Bodda Getta.’ The look on her face and her parents’ tears was enough to know that a simple costumed tiger clearly meant more to that little girl than anything else a person could ever offer her.”

Shugart said he feels honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a successful and meaningful program. He said the Aubie program is more than just being a school mascot, but a brotherhood, with one sis-

ter, and the relationships that are built between the former and current “Friends of Aubie” will last a lifetime.

Chris Delvizis was a “Friend of Aubie” for the 2007 season. He now works as a product manager at National Instruments in Austin.

He said he wanted to become a “Friend of Aubie” his freshman year after seeing Aubie perform on the sidelines of football games. He tried out in the spring semester and the rest is history.

“Most people don’t realize how talented, creative and hard working these guys are,” Delvizis said.

“There is a whole mascot world out there that Aubie sets the bar for.

Delvizis said the experience was unlike any other he has had, and he’ll have amazing stories that he’ll be able to tell his grandchildren someday.

In order to request Aubie at am event, visit www. auburn.edu/student_info/ student_life/aubie.

p o o c S e h T Thursday, Nov. 19

Third Thursday: Drawing class for adults Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Japanese Film, “Nobody knows”: Asian Film Series #9 Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Haley 1203 Friday, Nov. 20 Smoked Chicken Sale by the Poultry Science Club Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Poultry Science Building, Front Lobby Fisheries seminar - Paul Zimba (Texas A&M - CC) Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Swingle Hall, Room 303

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

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.

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Mary Catherine Stewart and Kaitlin Duffy, seniors in public relations, use a cutting board in the MDRL to work on a project.

MDRL gets modern

By MICHAEL HANSBERRY Staff Writer

The Media Digital Resource Lab, or MDRL as students and faculty know it, is the one-stop shop for class projects, especially digital needs, such as editing video and making posters.

Students can either use the Mac computers or PCs, which features the entire Adobe Creative Suite, high-end video editing such as Final Cut and the iLife series.

There are also two largeformat printers that print 36-inch-wide rolls.

Students can use the MDRL’s resources as long as it’s for class.

“Society as a whole is moving toward a digital world,” said Gary Hawkins, information technology specialist, who has worked in the MDRL for the past five years. “The MDRL is basically a training ground for future designers, artists, researchers and scientists. Just about any and every concentration requires some type of digital notation. We will work

together with the students to help them in any way we can.”

Hawkins said as busy as it gets in the lab, the environment is still relaxed.

The lab can seat 35 people at a time with 200 to 300 students visiting every day and 30,000 to 35,000 students per year, which Hawkins said is remarkable because the only marketing they have is word of mouth.

The MDRL opened in fall 2004, although there had previously been a small form of the MDRL in its infancy two years prior.

“At first, it was just a large format scanner and printer and we grew from that,” Hawkins said. “It was a concept to see if we could do it, and we saw other universities like UT Knoxville doing it.”

The MDRL used to be on the first floor of the library in the old microfiche.

The old one was in Rm. 009 with three cubicles and 18 seats, but now, after two and a half years of remodeling and receiving funds from the University, it has evolved into what it is today.

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Katherine Webb, junior in hotel and restaurant management, said she comes into the MDRL at least four days per week to work on class assignments.

“The DRL has really nice computers and all the applications I need in order to do creative work such as Photoshop,” Webb said.

“Once I create the things I need, I can print it off. Everything is in here I need to get assignments done.

It’s easily accessible, and I never really have to wait on the computers.”

Webb said MDRL is creative, and especially helpful for student with creative majors.

Kelsey Chandler, senior in public relations, is using the MDRL to work on a senior project for her Public Relations in Style and Design class.

“I use it in photojournalism and I use Photoshop for printing off pictures,” Chandler said. “The DRL can be very helpful to students, especially the people behind the desk.”

Hawkins said the original concept for the MDRL came from other universi-

ties where it was a success.

“Sherri Downer was an interim dean for at last two years and it was her idea of having creative resources available to the student body,” Hawkins said. “We’ll teach you to do whatever you need to do in here. We check every job that people print in order to cut down on cost.

All our paper that goes into waste is all recycled.

We’re trying to stay green as much you can in the printing business.”

With 600 feet of paper used in two days, Hawkins said recycling is vital in the MDRL. Most of the printing is free, although it costs 50 cents to print a single color copy.

Lab hours are 7:45 a.m. to 2 a.m. weekdays, except Friday, when it closes at 6 p.m. The MDRL is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on home games when the hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and Sundays 1-p.m.- 2 a.m.

There are four full-time staff member assisting students from 7:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Then student workers come in until 2 a.m.

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B4

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Dennis M. Pinkard, a master gardener, stands with the Oak Leaf Hydranga in the Donald E. Davis Arboretum that was donated by Eddie Aldridge in the 1970s.

Lee County Master Gardeners show off beauty of nature on Auburn’s campus

By EMILY BECKETT Staff Writer

Nature provided pleasant commentary in the form of birds chirping, branches swaying and leaves rustling during a guided tour of the Donald E. Davis Arboretum Friday morning.

The Lee County Master Gardener Association recently began organizing and leading three onehour tours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. each second Friday and Saturday of the month.

Trained docents Margaret Holler and Tomie Dugas of Master Gardeners, led guests through the arboretum Friday while providing tidbits of history and information about the trees, plants and other wildlife that represent many of Ala-

bama’s varied and diverse ecosystems.

“Alabama is not just country folk,” Holler said.

“We have some very special natural areas. This seems to be the focus of our Arboretum.”

Holler said the Master Gardeners’ mission for the tours is to increase awareness of the habitats and biodiversity throughout the state.

They are also trying to make sure people know the Arboretum, which is part of Auburn University’s College of Science and Mathematics, is open to all students and the general public, Holler said.

“They are trying to educate the average person that might not come unless there was some special tour,” Holler said. “It opens up that door to the

Beat Bama Food Drive: past results YEAR

AUBURN ALABAMA (Pounds) (Pounds)

2008

212,199

270,915

2007

187,017

241,336

2006

172,492

150,414

2005

99,678

62,014

2004

104,088

67,708

2003

72,456

61,595

2002

63,292

47,067

2001

43,168

26,891

2000

37,692

34,047

1999

24,582

31,639

1998

26,043

20,474

1997

21,146

19,008

1996

12,585

16,530

1995

567

5,012

1994

1,790

1,982

-www. beatbamafooddrive.com

community and beyond.”

The Fox Gloves gardening group from Columbus, Ga., attended Friday’s tour, which included a wealth of historical information about the 7.5 acre natural sanctuary.

The arboretum was named for Davis, a professor of botany, in 1963, Dugas said.

Although it began as a small collection of 20 species of trees native to the Southeastern U.S., the area has expanded to include more than 500 species and 182 trees.

A stately 157-year-old post oak, known as the Founders Oak, was designated an Alabama historical landmark in 2004.

Another distinctive feature of the arboretum is its pond, which is one of Alabama’s first con-

structed fish ponds, Dugas said.

Located at the heart of the arboretum, the pond provides a peaceful home to various species of native fish and turtles found in Alabama ecosystems.

Turtle species include red-eared sliders, yelloweared sliders, painted, soft-shell, snapping, box and more.

Dugas said Alabama has more turtle species than any other state.

“The turtles here are the big feature,” Holler said.

Dugas said biology students have tracked turtles traveling back and forth between the arboretum and Chewacla State Park via streams connecting the two areas.

“That’s pretty far away,” Dugas said.

For nature enthusiasts

such as Holler and Dugas, it is easy to see why the turtles are willing to trek such a long distance to enjoy the precious gifts nature has earmarked for them.

“That’s my passion,” Holler said, “to get people to recognize the importance of the natural environment and how we are all connected.”

Auburn resident Betsy Huff said her daughter enjoys studying in the arboretum as often as she can.

“She just loves it here,” Huff said. “She loves the peace to get out of the rat race of school.”

Huff said she wanted to take the tour so she could tell her daughter what she had learned about the area.

Holler, who has worked at the Forest Ecology Pre-

serve for more than six years, said getting people out to the preserve or attracting them to the arboretum is her passion.

“It’s worthwhile to me,” Holler said. “We (at the preserve) do school groups to get families and children more connected, especially our children that don’t get to see the natural world anymore because of their computers and all the technology.”

Holler said she agreed with one of the Fox Gloves members who lamented about people who do not “stop to smell the roses.”

Holler said that, for her, nature is a therapy.

“It’s not going to be a world we want to live in if we don’t have people that care,” Holler said.

“It’s scary.”

Undergrads work toward master’s Students working toward a bachelor’s degree can receive graduate school credit

By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor

In addition to the standard bachelor’s degree, undergraduates now have the option to earn credit in the Auburn University Graduate School.

The honors college and graduate school have worked together to create the accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree.

The program is meant to draw more graduate students from within the University by appealing to its top students.

“This was put together as a program that is meant to, as far as graduate school, provide opportunities to attract outstanding undergraduates into the graduate program,” said George Flowers, professor and dean of the graduate school. “It brings in students from the honors college and is a valuable tool that will allow us to provide additional benefits to our outstanding freshmen students.”

The Board of Trustees

approved the program in its meeting Nov. 6.

The Graduate School Council and James Hanson, president of the honor’s college, approved the resolution before its submission. While there is no word yet on which courses qualify, proposals for varied accelerated degree programs are expected to be received throughout the remainder of the school year.

To be admitted, students must have at least 45 hours and no more than 96 credit hours, which includes credit acquired from high school advanced placement programs. Transfer students must have completed at least 24 credit hours at Auburn.

To apply, students must work with an honors or graduate adviser to determine their best course path.

A curriculum like this has been in demand from those involved in secondary institutions for some time.

“We’ve heard from prospective students and high school teachers and guidance counselors,” said Sarah Newton, president pro tempore of the Auburn Board of Trustees.

“Many students want to augment their educational experience by working toward two degrees.”

The time and money saved by participating is expected to attract Auburn’s top undergraduates. Because a minimum number of credit hours and, more importantly, a minimum grade point average are required, the program is also expected to bolster enrollment in the honors college. It also encourages students to stay in the honors college, as this grants students priority consideration when applications are reviewed.

Students aiming for a 30-hour master’s program can earn up to nine credit hours toward that and their undergraduate degree simultaneously.

Students looking at

a 36-hour program can earn up to 12 hours before entering the graduate school.

“This is a combined effort from the graduate school and honors college that we had been working for last year to put in place,” Flowers said. “It works in two ways, providing opportunities for students to attract them to Auburn’s graduate program, while providing opportunities once they get there.”

The program has been lauded by the administration due in part to the caliber of students expected to become involved. Because the requirements are so strict, it is presumed that the credentials of those accepted will help the credentials of Auburn as a whole.

“It’s an attractive option for highly motivated students,” said Auburn President Jay Gogue. “They can use their academic talents to more quickly earn an advanced degree through a rigorous course of study.”

Thursday, November 19, 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.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Swim/Dive vs. Georgia: 4 p.m., Aquatic Center

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic (Flu Shot and Nasal Spray): 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Student Center Rm. 2223 Connections meeting: Noon to 1 p.m. in Mary Martin Hall Rm. 311 Smoked Chicken Sale by Poultry Science Club: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., front lobby of the Poultry Science Building Women’s Basketball vs.

Alabama A & M: 6 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Asian Film Series: Japanese Film, “Nobody knows,” 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Haley 1203

Saturday, Nov. 21 Saturday Art Club: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Men’s Tennis- Auburn Fall Classic: Starting time TBA, Yarbrough Tennis Center Starry Nights:7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest Sunday, Nov. 22 Men’s Tennis- Auburn Fall Classic: Starting time TBA, Yarbrough Tennis Center

Volleyball vs. Georgia: 4 p.m. in the Student Activities Center

Men’s Basketball vs. Troy: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Saturday, Dec. 18

Tuesday, Jan. 5

Graduation: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Beard-EavesMemorialColiseum

Men’s Basketball vs.

West Georgia: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Saturday, Dec. 5 Sunday, Dec. 20

Men’s Basketball vs.

High Point: 6 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Women’s Basketball vs.

George Washington: 1 p.m., Beard Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Men’s Basketball vs. Sam Houston State: 1 p.m., Beard-EavesMemorialColiseum

Friday, Nov. 27 Football, Fans and Feathers: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. , Southeastern Raptor Center

Auburn Community Orchestra Concert: 7: 30 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Telfair Peet Theatre

Tuesday, Dec. 22 Men’s Basketball vs.

Alabama State: 7 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Monday, Dec. 7 Alumni Hospitality Tent: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m..

Wallace Center Lawn Football vs. Alabama: 1:30 p.m. in Jordan-Hare Stadium

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Men’s Basketball vs.

Virginia: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Men’s Basketball vs.

Charleston Southern: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Saturday, Dec. 12

Friday, Jan. 8 Gymnastics vs. Alabama: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Jan. 9 Basketball vs. South Carolina: 12:30 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum Thursday, Jan. 14 Women’s Basketball vs.

Alabama: 6 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Saturday, Jan. 2 Women’s Basketball vs.

Texas A&M: 2 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Friday, Nov. 20 Tuesday, Nov. 24 Fisheries Seminar: Paul Zimba from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, will speak at 1 p.m. in Swingle Hall Rm. 303

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Women’s Basketball vs.

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

Friday, Dec. 4 Fisheries Seminar: Orlando Sarnelle from Michigan State University will present a seminar titled, “Harmful cyanobacterial blooms in lakes: the role of native and exotic herbivores.” at 1 p.m. in Swingle Hall Rm. 303

Saturday Art Club: 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Men’s Basketball vs. GA Southern:1 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Tuesday, Dec. 15

Sunday, Jan. 3

Women’s Basketball vs.

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

Women’s Basketball vs.

Mississippi State: 2 p.m., Beard-EavesMemorialColiseum

Friday, Jan. 15 Gymnastics vs. OK: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Jan. 16 Basketball vs. KY: 3 p.m., Beard-Eaves Coliseum

CLASSIFIEDS Index

Employment For Sale -Real Estate -Mobile Homes -Miscellaneous For Rent -Homes -Mobile Homes -Apartments

Lost & Found -Items -Pets Wanted -Roommates -Item Service

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First 15 Words $6 $0.40 per

Local Rate: $11.00 per column inch National Rate: $16.00 per column inch

The deadline to place a classified ad is 3:00

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p.m. the Friday preceding the Thursday of

Minimum ad size is 1 column x 4 inches.

publication. The Auburn Plainsman reserves

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the right to refuse any ad it considers mis-

Space reservation deadline for border

leading or in poor taste. No Work at Home

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ads will be accepted.

to publication. No advertising discounts apply.

For more information Call 334-844-4130 or email classad@auburn.edu 255 Ducan Drive Suite 1111 M-F 7:45-4:45

For Sale

For Rent

For Rent

Miscellaneous

Homes

Apartments

RALLY TOWEL. SHOW YOUR TEAM SPIRIT. GET YOUR OWN AT www.therallytowel.com.

Only $9.99. JUST HOW BIG OF A FAN ARE YOU? For Sale moving Service/ Storage Business. Can be bought together or separate.

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For Sale Honda 450 R Moto Cross Bike. Carbon fiber renthal triple clamps & bars. $2500. Perfect condition.

334-524-6683 ask for Barnes.

For Rent Homes

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All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which ................................................. makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on Seasonal part-time andrace, color, religion, sex, work. Close to campus. handicap, familial status, or making jewelry. Students national origin, or intention welcome. Contact Steve to make any such preference, Bock, steveb@heartlimitation or discrimination. strings, 1415 Pumphrey We will not knowingly accept Avenue, Auburn, Al any advertising for real estate 36832, www.heartstrings. which is in violation of the net law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Web Marketing/Web Designer Needed. Real Estate/Construction/Insurance Claims.

Experience Helpful. Flexible Hours. Local 334-524-6683 Ask For Barnes.

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Situated on 5 ac. w/ pecan trees & irrigated garden. Ideal for families. Call 334-220-2209 ............................................

Duplex, Large 3 BR/BA for rent, no smokers/pets, 1/8 mi to AU, $650.00/2 renters/ $750.00/3 inc. cable,internet! keschneider@bellsouth.net ...........................................

Furnished house for lease on Toomer St (2 bedrooms/1bath). Walk downtown/campus. No pets.

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3 BR House available for sublease, individual rooms available as well. PET FRIENDLY. Duttoch@

Quiet 3 BR/2BA House, 2 BR duplex 2 BR T house on 5 acre lake with fishing privileges, 1 to 2 adults preferred. Call 887-9573 ............................................

4 Bedroom/2Bath for rent at Magnolia Arms (across from Lowder), Can rent as 3 Bedroom. Email me at Tcf0003@auburn.edu

Mobile Homes For Rent Mobile Home 1996 Near Vet School. 2 BR 2 FB. CH/A. $425 Per month.

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For Rent Apartments If you are looking for a fantastic deal....we have 3 and 4 bedroom condos and duplexes available NOW! Make us an offer.

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Contact Anne @ 706-402-4260 or email wallaaa78@gmail.com

Lost & Found Pets Missing your pet? Check Lee County Humane Society on Shug Jordan Pkway in Auburn.

Roommates ROOM FOR RENT Located in faculty home near A.U. campus. (10 minute walk from main library.)International female graduate student preferred. Kitchen and laundry privileges,internet access and basic cable. (334) 821-9268

Services Manuscript Services Typing, Proofreading, Bibliographies, Resumés, Data entry, by Walden Lechner 334-707-7089 cell, awlechner@charter.net

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B6

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Mariners hear from general

By AUBRIE DAVIS Staff Writer

Retired Gen. Carl Mundy, the 30th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, addressed students and faculty at the Lowder Business building last Thursday.

Mundy spoke about the nation’s armed forces and national security.

The event was hosted by the Auburn University Mariners.

The Mariners is a campus organization thats mission is to aid in the advancement of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps and support the purposes, traditions and concepts of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. It is the official host group for the marine and NROTC. Katie Werner, senior in communication disorders and member of the Auburn University Mariners, said she enjoyed Mundy’s speech.

“He was a very interesting speaker and we were very lucky to have him come,” Werner said. “He has done so much for our country.”

Werner said she found Mundy’s speech informative.

“I didn’t know about the different parts of the armed forces, so it was interesting to hear the information that he knows.”

Werner is a member of the Auburn University Mariners.

Mundy’s service to the country began in Decem-

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The Auburn University Mariners brought retired Gen. Carl Mundy, a purple heart recipient, to speak about the military and national security issues. Mundy is a former Auburn student who served in Vietnam and on various aircraft carriers.

ber 1953, just after his first semester as an Auburn University student.

Mundy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Platoon Leaders Class Program and served in the 38th Special Infantry Company in Montgomery as sergeant.

Following graduation from Auburn, Mundy was commissioned to second lieutenant in June 1957.

He followed up his military education at the Command and General Staff College and the Naval War College.

After college, Mundy was assigned to the 2nd Marine Regiment in the 2nd Marine Division. He served on the USS Tarawa (CV-40) and the USS Little Rock (CG-4).

Following his duty aboard the USS aircraft carriers, Mundy served in Vietnam.

From 1966 to 1967, Mundy worked as the executive officer of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines in the 3rd Marine Division.

He also served as the intelligence officer in the III Marine Amphibious Force

headquarters.

Mundy was assigned commandant, which is the Marine Corp’s highest ranking officer. As commandant, he relayed information to the U.S. President, Secretary of Defense, Congress and Secretary of the Navy.

Commandant’s other responsibilities include recruiting, training, organizing, equipping, managing and leading the active and reserve Marines.

Mundy said there are a total of 202,000 active duty marines and 40,000

reserve Marines.

Mundy retired in 1995, after serving 42 years in the Marines. From 1996 to 2000 Mundy held the position of president and chief executive officer of worldwide operations of the United Service Organizations (USO).

He earned 17 personal decorations and 10 unit and general service awards for his military service.

Some of the most prestigious awards he received include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, a

Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Mundy explained each of the armed forces branches which include the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and the Air Force.

“There are about 1.4 million active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Mundy said. “These men and women are the critical element in executing the national military strategy.”

Mundy said the armed forces are critical in executing the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy.

Gunnery Sgt. Walter Ramos, AMOI for the Auburn NROTC, explained the training one must go through to become a Marine.

“If you enlist in the Marines, you must go through 13 weeks of recruitment training and then get your degree,” Ramos said. “If you don’t enlist, the requirements are different.”

Maj. Jeff Dyal, the MOI for the Auburn NROTC, clarified the ranking process of naval officers.

“You must meet the performance requirements,” Dyal said. “You go through a board process and are evaluated based on your performance at each level.”

Dyal said it takes several years to move up in rank.

Mundy went through years of evaluation to earn the position of commandant.

The Auburn NROTC will have a second speaker in December.

The event will be open to the public.

Voices against Hunger Beat Bama Food Drive

By THEADORIS MORRIS

concert.

“The event was wonderStaff Writer ful and it was my first time in Auburn and I enjoyed As the weekend con- the energy and the atcluded, Auburn Univer- mosphere,” said Anthony sity’s Office of Diversity Poellritz. “It was for a very and Multicultural Affairs wonderful cause to help ended Sunday night pro- those in need.” moting hunT h e ger awarehost of ness with the event the Voices was the It is sad Against R e v .

H u n g e r that we are in a Shaemun Gospel Fest country that is very Webster, Fundraiser. senior at The pur- blessed, but inner city A u b u r n pose of the children are not able Univer fundrai ser sity in to eat at night.” was to unite public communiadminties across Jonathan Hall, istration Alabama junior in chemical and rain a spirit engineering dio, teleof giving vision as part of a and film local food and camdrive to replenish food pus pastor of GANG Stupantries in Lee and Macon dent Ministries. counties.

“I think it was excellent, The fundraiser was from there were no seats avail5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and $5 able and I really enjoyed or five canned goods were it,” Webster said. “I liked required for admittance. how it created church outThe event was held at side of the traditional four The City Church in Auburn walls, which is feeding the with more than 600 people hungry.” in attendance.

The gospel fest took a “We were rocking it over month to put together and here at The City Church,” was organized by Bransaid Vickey Sims, City don Wolfe, graduate asChurch member. sistant; Paulette Dilworth, Gospel choirs from all assistant vice president of over the state came to Access and Community show their support for the Affairs; Rosephanye Powcause with five choirs in ell, director of the Auburn attendance.

University Gospel Choir; The Afro-American and Tiffany Sanders of The Choir from the University City Church. of Alabama headlined the Between acts, represen-

“

tatives from Project 19, the foundation where the canned goods were donated, would give hunger public service announcements to educate the audience on statistics in Alabama.

“It was fantastic and empowering. The spirit here is really great,” said Douglas Coutts, senior adviser of United Nations World Food Programme.

“The students doing PSAs in Alabama, it was good and maybe we can keep doing more.”

It was a night of celebration for the community and students, said Jonathan Hall, junior in chemistry and chemical engineering.

“It is sad that we are in a country that is very blessed, but inner city children are not able to eat at night,” Hall said.

Evaluations were passed out to the audience members to fill out rating the event and turned in at the end of the fest. The evaluations all stated positive feedback and marked with fives being the highest praise.

“I enjoyed all of the choirs, it was very uplifting and I commend Dr. Dilworth; She did a wonderful job,” said Janice Watts, whose husband works for Auburn University. “It was good to have something like this in the community.”

A total of 12,000 pounds of canned goods were raised from the event.

finishes 15th program

By JORDAN DAILEY

items that will help them through the holiday seaAssistant Campus Editor son,” said Millie Harrison, assistant director of The Iron Bowl is viewed the food drive. by many as the biggest In last year’s competirivalry between Auburn tion, Auburn lost to Alaand Alabama by bama.

58,716 B u t pounds in the The last time of “food. weeks The p re c e d - we beat Bama was in f o o d ing the 2006. We’ve only lost d r i v e’s yearly goal this football twice since 1999, so year was m a t c h - we really need to take 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 up, anpounds,” back the title this other Harrison c o m p e - year!” said. tition is But, going on. as of Millie Harrison, T h e Monday assistant director of B e a t Beat Bama Food Drive n i g h t , B a m a Auburn’s F o o d collecDrive is in its 15th year tion bins weren’t overas an annual installment flowing with donations. with both universities.

“Currently, we have “The drive supports an estimated 44,000 the East Alabama Food pounds of food, which Bank,” said Jahnna Hall, is way below our goal,” SGA chief of staff.

Hall said. “This does not In the past 15 years of reflect our effort.” the competition, more Collection bins have than 1.5 million pounds been placed at various of food for people across locations around camthe state have been gath- pus and in community ered, according to the businesses.

Beat Bama Food Drive The 2009 food drive Web site. marks the fifth year the “The purpose of the program has included an Beat Bama Food Drive online component. is to reach out to the From Oct. 12 to Nov. Auburn community 19, contributors could and surrounding areas donate money via the by providing them with Beat Bama Food Drive nonperishable food Web site, according to

“

how many “pounds” of food they wished to give.

The funds collected in this manner were used to purchase food for the drive, and all donations were tax deductible.

The virtual food drive component put sponsors in levels according to how much food they donated.

These levels were Club Aubie, Club Spirit and Club Samford.

As an incentive for Auburn students, spirit points were awarded to students who donated to the food drive.

“The last time we beat Bama was in 2006,” Harrison said. “We’ve only lost twice since 1999, so we really need to take back the title this year!”

According to www. foodbankofeastalabama.com, the East Alabama Food Bank is a United Way Agency and a member of Feeding America.

The food bank provides food each month to more than 11,800 Alabama citizens.

For every dollar donated, the food bank provides more than 20 pounds of food to distribute. This is enough to provide four meals to a family of four.

The food bank distributes the food through more than 180 member agencies.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B7

Architecture, Design holds open house

By EMILY BECKETT Staff Writer

The College of Architecture, Design and Construction laid a foundation for prospective students to use in building their futures during the second annual college-wide graduate recruiting open house in Dudley Hall, Gorrie Center and Wallace Center, Friday.

CADC featured master’s programs in landscape architecture, community planning, building construction and industrial design, as well as two new programs, design-build and real estate development.

“We are excited to have the support of the dean’s office to host such an open house,” said Joyce Griffin, director of student services for the CADC. “It sets the pace for the camaraderie not only between the college and the students, but the students and their fellow classmates.”

Karen Rogers, associate dean for external affairs, said the executive master’s degree in real estate development (MRED) is a collaboration between CADC and the College of Business.

“It’s our newest addition, and we’re very excited about it,” Griffin said.

Rogers said the other new master’s program, design-build, is a collaborative degree between CADC and the College of Building

Science. “(It) is based on integrated project delivery,” Rogers said. “It is the collaboration from the early stages in the design process between builders and designers.”

Griffin said the dual programs option is beneficial for students because it allows them to consolidate their projects while taking less than 20 additional credit hours.

“Students can have two degrees,” Griffin said. “We think that’s a great asset for our department.”

Griffin said CADC is comprised of approximately 1,400 students, 300 to 400 of which are graduate level.

Rogers said CADC has contacted, specifically, undergraduate students about its graduate degrees.

“By nature, the students we are recruiting are undergraduates because they haven’t started graduate school yet,” Rogers said.

“We always get in touch with students from the College of Business for construction, students from horticulture for landscape (and) students from public administration for community planning.”

Rogers said the primary purpose of the open house is to share with prospective students the variety of programs CADC offers under one roof.

“It is a unique situation to teach our students to have three disciplines,

three graduate programs in the same school,” said Rod Barnett, associate professor and chair of the landscape architecture program. “They can develop their own program of study that builds a bridge between planning, landscape architecture and real estate.”

Barnett said the open house gives students a flavor of the Auburn family by allowing them to relax and open up with faculty and current students.

“This is exactly what is required out there in the real world,” Barnett said.

“It is important that they spend a full morning with us.”

Rogers said many students do their graduate school research online, but do not get the opportunity to meet the people they would be working with or see where students work.

“We wanted students who are interested in our college to be able to meet faculty, prospective students and actual students from all the different programs,” Rogers said.

“That’s the first, most important part.”

Griffin said the open house allows her to meet students for whom she might later be an adviser.

“It affords me the opportunity to begin rapport with them that I continue through each semester with e-mails and working with them,” Griffin said.

Griffin said she tends

to spoil her students by helping them register for classes.

“Many of our programs are lock-step; they don’t have a lot of flexibility,” Griffin said. “I try to provide assistance (with) the voids they would like to fill with something beyond design and construction.”

Griffin said one of the biggest concerns for students is how to apply for the graduate programs.

She helps students during this process by sharing information about GRE scores, GPA requirements, recommendation letters, letters of intent and specific deadlines.

“We have int ernship fairs for which we invite people to come in,” Griffin said. “ Fa c u l t y, through their grant money and their projects, afford these students assistantships and other opportunities for internships. That helps to put their fears at ease.”

Griffin said such opportunities allow students to explore various employment options they can pursue with their degrees.

“As a college, our graduate programs offer many related resources that go beyond the boundaries of specific disciplines,” Rog-

Emily Beckett / PHOTO STAFF

Sculptures made of metal and wood dot the exterior of Dudley Hall.

ers said.

“We’re really proud of our programs and the work our students do.”

Rogers said CADC displayed examples of students’ work, past and present, for prospective students to get an idea of the types of projects they would complete for certain master’s degrees.

“It’s not only good for prospective students, but I also think it’s really good for our own students,” Rogers said. “They get a

chance to do some work together and meet each other.”

Rogers said CADC tries to recruit a mixture of students from all schools and backgrounds.

“We actually have pretty good track records with students at a national level and an international level,” Rogers said. “We’ve got a lot going on, really eager to bring people in and let them see.”

Ask a Professor: How are seedless watermelons grown?

“A seedless watermelon plant is actually a hybrid, a cross between two parent watermelon plants. One parent watermelon plant has the usual number of chromosomes in its cells (and is said to be a diploid plant), but the other has been genetically modified to have double the normal number of chromosomes in its cells.

The modified parent is called a tetraploid plant. When the diploid and tetraploid parents are bred together, the hybrid has one and a half times the normal number of chromosomes and is called a triploid plant. It turns out that having an odd number of chromosomes prevents the triploid plant from producing fully developed seeds, and so the fruits are seedless. (Although you can still see small whitish structures inside the watermelon that would develop into seeds if the chromosome number were normal.)”

-Bob Boyd, professor of biology

Campus, B8

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Photo of the Week On the Concourse Do you think all fraternities should be drug tested?

“Not really, partying is kind of associated with their lifestyle.”

-Ally Kendel, sophomore in business “I don’t think so. If it’s Universityimposed, no. If it’s on a case-by-case basis, through the fraternity’s nationals, maybe.”

-John Scott Haley, senior in exercise science “Yes, because they’re part of this University. I don’t think drugs are a good thing.”

-Leidy Vicuna, freshman in architecture “No, I don’t really see a reason why they should. If an individual fraternity wants to, fine. But not Univeristy-wide.”

Abigail Cutchen / SOPHOMORE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

-Holly Howell, junior in marketing

Autumn sunlight creates shadows across Auburn’s lower quad. Send all photo of the week submissions to photo@theplainsman.com.

The Auburn Plainsman

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

CONTRIBUTED BY RIC SMITH

Ric Smith, announcer for Auburn football games, has been on the mic for three years.

Announcer experiences dream job

By DAVID CRAYTON Staff Writer

Ric Smith’s voice booms over a stadium full of fans as he announces the tribulations of Auburn football.

His voice can be recognized by any Auburn football fan.

Smith has been announcing for three seasons, starting in 2006.

For Smith, announcing football games is a personal satisfaction.

“It’s a great honor to be a part of Auburn football,” Smith said. “Auburn is as good as it gets.”

Before each game, Smith rehearses what he is going to say during the games.

“It takes about two hours to prepare the script,” Smith said. “I don’t write the script, but I take what is given to me and put it in a form that makes it easier for me to announce.”

When the opportunity presented itself, Smith said he took the job with no hesitation.

“Carl Stephens had been the announcer for almost 30 years,” Smith said. “When he retired after the 2005 season, I was offered the opportunity. For anyone who has ever been involved in announcing, this is a dream job. As I said, Auburn football is as good as it gets.”

Auburn senior Cole Cunningham said Smith is a great person to have as an announcer. > Turn to VOICE, C2

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Tiffany Qualls, server at Niffer’s Place, brings a Thanksgiving Burger to the table. Niffer’s Place will be open Thanksgiving Day.

Menus include Thanksgiving food choices

By LINDSEY GRUBBS Staff Writer

Some think of the Thanksgiving holiday as a weekend filled with family sitting around a table set for 12 and an oven-roasted turkey displayed as the center piece on the table.

No matter if students are staying in town for the holidays or for the long-awaited Iron Bowl, area restaurants are lending their own ovens to serve Thanksgiving dinner from the traditional to the extreme to those here in Auburn.

With Thanksgiving falling on the Thursday before the Iron Bowl, area businesses are preparing for the influx of fans with Thursday Thanksgiving Day menus.

Whitney Phillips, cater-

ing sales manager for The Hotel at Auburn University, said the hotel is preparing a banquet of a wide variety of foods to please any taste for a Thanksgiving dinner away from home.

The hotel will feature a Thanksgiving Day brunch in both the Ariccia Italian Trattoria and Bar and the grand ballroom from noon to 4:30 p.m. The brunch menu will include samplings of muscles, made-to-order omelets, homemade waffles and a carving station of roasted pork loin.

Ariccia will also feature a special holiday menu for other Thanksgiving meal options.

Reservations can be made ahead of time, and prices are $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children under 12.

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

The Thanksgiving Burger is a turkey burger with mozzarella cheese, cranberry sauce and gravy on the side.

“The hotel decided to serve such a large feast in order to accommodate those who were coming to Auburn for the game early and the guests who have made reservations in the hotel,” Phillips said.

If a low-key Thanksgiving tailgating feast is more appealing, Niffer’s Place will be open Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Specials include a Niffer’s

first, the Thanksgiving Burger.

This turkey burger is grilled and served with mozzarella cheese and topped with a special cranberry relish.

“This is a one-time special that we have never served before,” said Matt Knitter, owner of Niffer’s Place.

Knitter said he thinks the burger will be a big hit for those who want something different from an ordinary > Turn to DINNER, C2

Thanksgiving dining leads to primary doze of season

By MAX NEWFIELD Staff Writer

Ever since the pilgrims sat down to their first Thanksgiving dinner in Plymouth, Mass., people have used this holiday as a time to give thanks for

the blessings they have received throughout the year.

But for some Auburn students, Thanksgiving signifies something else.

Auburn students use Thanksgiving dinner to induce their first nap of the

holiday season.

“My family always tries to watch a Christmas movie after Thanksgiving dinner, usually ‘Christmas Vacation,’” said Brian Orgain, senior in Spanish. “But I seriously can’t remember the last time I stayed

awake for the whole thing.”

So what exactly induces the post-Thanksgiving drowsiness?

Comedians from Jerry Seinfeld to Dave Chappelle have blamed meat, especially turkey, for causing people to fall asleep soon

after eating. These accusations stem from turkey’s high level of tryptophan.

“Trytophan has been used as sleep aid,” said Robert Keith, professor in the school of nutrition and food sciences. “Research has shown that it can actu-

ally cause you to be sleepier and turkey has a high level in it.”

Tryptophan is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin when it reaches the brain. > Turn to NAP, C2

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Robby Jenkins, freshman in biomedical sciences, falls asleep on the couch before finishing a large meal. Napping after Thanksgiving dinner is common for most students.

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VOICE >From C1

“He’s pretty cool,” Cunningham said.

“He’s one of the top tier guys in the conferences, so it’s cool getting to hear him here at Auburn and at the SEC Championship.”

Smith said he enjoys announcing and that each game presents something new.

“They are all special in their own way,” Smith said. “If I were to make a list, there are two games that would have to go at the top: The Washington State game in 2006 – that was my first game – and the Alabama game in 2007.”

Smith has a routine which gets him ready for his job.

“I get to the press box about three hours before kickoff,” Smith said. “That gives me and my spotter, Eric Canada, time to go over the rosters and do a few other things to get ready for the game.”

Smith said he will talk with the other team’s sports information director to check pronunciations, usually get something to eat and then it’s time to get started.

He begins making announcements more

than an hour before kickoff.

To stay at the top of his game, Smith said he relies on the fans’ involvement.

“There is immediate feedback,” Smith said. “One of my favorite announcements is what we call the One Hour Warning: The correct Jordan–Hare Stadium time is ...

It’s always great to hear the roar from the student section when I say that. When I made the weather warning announcement during the West Virginia game asking everyone to leave the seating area and seek shelter, the student section booed. That was pretty funny and none of them moved.

That was a fun night.”

Steven Dixon, owner of Tiger motion productions, said Smith’s announcing always gets the crowd excited.

“I like him,” Dixon said. “I’ve known Ric for a long time. I listen to him all the time, and he does a wonderful job.”

Smith is looking forward to being an announcer for a long time.

He said the best part about being a football announcer is the opportunity to be a part of Auburn gameday and to be part of the experience for the fans.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

DINNER

green bean casserole and even options for vegetarians such as a vegetarian pasta filled with broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, spinach and pasta coated with a creamy parmesan sauce.

Gourmet Tiger will be open the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to noon.

Other restaurants around the Auburn area will also be open during Thanksgiving and serving either the regular dining menu or something special for the weekend.

Chef Graham Hage of Zazu Eclectic Eatery will be preparing specials for the dinner menu and regular menu items for

>From C1

burger during an ordinary tailgating weekend.

For any adventurous at-home chefs, Gourmet Tiger makes any dinner a cinch with menu offerings of its regular casseroles and desserts including a special stock of fall favorites such as the red velvet cheesecake and a caramel pumpkin torte.

Austin Baker, Gourmet Tiger employee, said the caramel pumpkin torte was also a one-time special made just for the holidays.

Gourmet Tiger offers take-and-bake casseroles in favorites such as

the night of Thanksgiving.

Zazu is on Magnolia Avenue and dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

To try a more exotic Thanksgiving Day menu, Julianna Tokyo will also be open to enjoy a break from turkey and stuffing.

Regular menu items such as sushi and martinis will be served during regular business hours and may include some specials.

For many area restaurants this is the first year that they will be open Thanksgiving Day, but because of the timing of the game, owners are taking a gamble hoping fans will be in town and ready to eat.

The Auburn Plainsman INTRIGUE STAFF

NAP

>From C1

“Serotonin is the opposite of adrenaline, it has a calming effect; it will make you sluggish or sleepy,” Keith said.

Despite the presence of tryptophan in turkey, Keith and other nutrition experts agreed it is not the only culprit in the case of the aftermeal tiredness.

“The tryptophan in the turkey may make you tired depending on the amount and if eaten on an empty stomach,” said Melanie Rubery, licensed nutritionist and founder of Healthy Life and Nutrition. “However, the most likely reason is the amount of food eaten, specifically the carbohydrates.

The increase in carbohydrates can cause a surge in insulin and blood sugar.”

Insulin is a hormone created by the body to regulate metabolism and other bodily functions related to digestion.

Keith said the changes in a person’s hormones are the most likely cause of the sleepy feeling after Thanksgiving dinner.

“After a big meal like that your body secretes a whole different level of hormones,” Keith said. “The body has to

make choices about what to do. The blood gets sent to the stomach instead of to your muscles. So with all of these blood changes and hormones changes I would say that’s why people feel sluggish or sleepy.”

Another factor in the Thanksgiving sleepiness equation is alcohol.

“Well it wouldn’t make you more awake; it’s a sedative,” Keith said. “Some people get excited under certain conditions when drinking alcohol, but generally it’s a sedative. It is a drug, it has sedative effects.

It affects the brain and makes you sleepier, less excited.”

Rubery said some people may not make it through their favorite holiday movie after Thanksgiving because they finally have a break from their daily routine.

“I think it’s an accumulation of things,” Rubery said.

“People who are enjoying the holidays the most are people who work. They are finally in a relaxed mode and when they’re stuffing their face and having the tryptophan on top from the turkey, I think it makes for a nap when you provide all those things together.”

Should anyone want to stay up to watch the entire

Thanksgiving night football game, Rubery said drinking coffee or eating a balanced meal would help someone stay alert.

“A better balance would be to make sure you have a good proportion of carbohydrates in respect to proteins,” Rubery said.

“Cut back on your carbohydrates. Divide your plate — half the plate with fruits and veggies, even the vegetable casseroles. With the other half, make half of it with your turkey and the other half your starches, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, etc.”

Rubery said it is better not to have three-quarters of the plate as starches and only a quarter with protein.

Orgain said he will probably use Rubery’s advice during the holiday season, just not on Thanksgiving.

“I think I’ll just take the traditional approach to Thanksgiving and eat as much as I can,” Orgain said.

“I mean, I can always watch ‘Christmas Vacation’, but Thanksgiving is one of the holidays I look forward to the most. It’s one of the few days a year besides Christmas where I eat as much as I want and literally feel no remorse whatsoever.”

Campus Rants •

•

This weekend I got a text message from a number I did not know. The text message • read, “I can’t take this anymore.

I'm tired of you walking all over me and kissing all of my friends when you pretend to be my boyfriend. Don’t come over anymore because it won't be pleasant for you.” All I said was ‘Sorry, wrong number.’

Poor girl.

• I was going to pee in one of the bathroom stalls at the bar.

It was one of those that didn’t lock. I was trying to finish up when someone burst through the door and vomited all over me. Luckily, it only really hit • my feet. It could have been worse, but I immediately left the bar. My night would not have gotten any better with

vomit on my legs and feet.

My friends pressured me to go on a blind date against my will.

I met him at the restaurant because he didn’t have a car to pick me up. When I got there, a little bit fashionably late, he was already drunk and couldn’t even remember my name.

Turns out I was walking around the bar half of the night with my dress tucked into my striped underwear.

Thanks to my friends for making sure no one told me.

My friend has a really bad rash from a hot tub we were in this weekend. She is going to see her ex-boyfriend next weekend.

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

Helen northcutt Editor Olivia Martin Associate Editor

Callie garrett Assistant Editor

To reach the staff, call 844-9109.

p o o c S The Nov. 19 WmHarrison Girls Night Out Join WmHarrison Fabrics for a Girls Night Out Holiday Style! You are invited to Sip, Shop and Sample Thursday, Nov. 19, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Great gift ideas and Christmas discounts from WmHarrison Fabrics, Flip Flop Foto, Silpada Jewelry, Usborne Books, Thirty One purses and accessories, Casseroles by Sandi, Buttons and Bows gifts, Frou Frou and more! Tickets are $1 in advance, $3 at the door. For additional information, call 334-821-1012.

Nov. 20 Auburn Idol Join The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center and Mix 96.7 FM in welcoming Auburn’s first Auburn Idol! One audition, four rounds and one winner to receive a grand prize of $10,000 cash.

Entry is free. One lucky, talented winner will walk away with $10,000 plus additional prizes.

Auditions: Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m.

First Round: Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

Second Round: Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

Third Round: Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

Final Round: Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 Pet Portraits with Santa Claus Have your pet’s portrait made with Jolly Old St. Nick and support the Lee County Humane Society. Portraits will be available in time for Christmas cards and a portion of the proceeds benefits the animals at the LCHS. LCHS would like to thank For Paws Boutique, The Rental Center and Fotos by Focht for their sponsorship of Pet Portraits with Santa.

Nov. 21, 2009, at 10 a.m.

For more information: Contact Stacee Strength at 334 821-3222

Starry Nights Join the Preserve staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society for a night under the stars. Enjoy a short program on the basics of astronomy, the chance to look through some amazing telescopes, a laser constellation show, a space movie and some out-of this- world snacks (you know- moon pies and milky ways!)

In case of cloud cover, the event will be canceled. Call the Preserve at 334-502-4553 to hear a recorded message if weather is iffy.

Ticketing info: Admission is $3 for non-members and $2 for members.

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

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Alex Kavadellas

Amelia Hand

Brittany King

Chi Chi Anachebe

Contessa Smile

Courtney Hattaway

Danna Marsh

Emily Hughes

Jordan-Lee Pearce

Karis Jones

Katie Newton

Kimberly Crawford

Maegan Harrison

Megan Watkins

Mary Margaret Abernathy

The 2010 Miss Glomerata contestants present

Party in the USA tonight at 7:00 pm in the Student Act Doors open at 6:30 pm

Molly Thorvilson

Natalie Salter

Rachel Wallace

Rebecca Hart

Rebecca Whitlow

Richelle Richey

Sara Hopkins

Stephanie Pennewill

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The Auburn Plainsman

fore zipping it up.

Toothbrush? Check. ShamSlade Peek, junior in com ? ear poo? Check. Clean underw is g kin pac d sai puter science, Working on it. ina much different and less ed These are the questions ask s. guy for a volved process when packing a suitcase for “I usually wait till the last to trip. It can differ from person things m minute and then throw person, and in some cases, fro d. “If sai k Pee ” into a bag to go, gender to gender. t’s tha ll, we , ing an I forget someth Ashley Sisk, junior in hum ev’s art l-M Wa e d- why they hav development and family stu g erywhere, I guess.” kin ies, said the process of pac Trey Tidmore, sophomore in to for a trip can differ from trip d biosystems engineering, sai trip. rgy ene ch mu , girls put far too “If it is a short trip I am taking into packing for trips. like k then no problem, I can pac “It all boils down to being it is a pro,” Sisk said. “However, if essive,” can thorough, but not obs like a week or two trip, that es I tim me “So Tidmore said. be a tad bit intimidating.” deal big a not is It forget things.

Sisk said the key to packing for row bor can ally though, I usu a trip is organization.

I en wh g sin mis . whatever I am “I always make a list,” Sisk said k- get there.”

“Absolutely essential to ma Brandon Massey, senior in bio ng etti ing sure you are not forg his d ere off s, nce er medical scie something vital. I have nev tips for packing a suitcase. forgotten a thing.” be 1. First thing I like to do is to Elizabeth Wackenhut, senior esom by s bag my th, asked to pack in secondary education ma one else. offered her packing tips. by 2. I then follow that closely for t fi 1. I plan to take an out my k pac to in aga or being asked each day plus maybe two bags. three more. say 3. It always works to then ee thr 2. I plan on bringing s bag r you all e e that you hav pairs of PJs and the appropriat the and go, to dy packed and rea amount of undergarments. asking party is none the wiser. lay 3. I take each outfit and ry4. You can then throw eve them out on my bed. do to like I se. tca thing at the sui 4. I pack two pairs of socks for nce cha a s the clo this to give the each day I will be gone. to to air out and become used the in 5. I put all the clothes the bag. suitcase first.

TV 5.You are then free to watch and 6. I then take a Ziploc bag er. put e, or play on com put my toothbrush, toothpast you 6. Check the weather if etc. in the bag. would like.

7. Then I take a smaller bag ute 7. At the last possible min and ts and pack my hair produc se tca sui a o int g hin throw everyt make-up in it. or dufflebag.

8. I then go back through and be 8.Anything forgotten will acis make sure everything n. atio tin des be- bought at the counted for inside the bag

How To

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Pack suitc a ase

By ANDREW SIMS Online Editor

Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR

Amber Smith, senior in biomedical sciences, demonstrates her efficient packing.

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C5

Pigs are intelligent, social, easy to train

By OLIVIA MARTIN Associate Intrigue Editor

It may have only been the third little pig to outsmart the wolf in the fairy tale, but in real life, pigs would have no trouble outsmarting the big bad wolf.

In the current issue of “Animal Behavior,” scientists discuss the latest evidence showing that domestic pigs can learn how mirrors work and use them to locate food.

The ability to use mirrors and pass the “mirror self-recognition test,” in which few species, including apes and dolphins, can recognize themselves in the mirror, are signs of intelligence.

So just how smart are pigs?

“Pigs are actually pretty smart,” said Anna Mosley, senior in animal sciences. “They remember faces. They can be house trained and taught most of the same tricks as dogs.

I also know that pigs are completely capable of figuring out how to open their crates if not properly closed.”

However, pigs can be categorized, not only into

breeds, but into domestic or tame pigs and wild pigs.

“Tame pigs are not so intelligent because it has somewhat been bred out of them,” said Andrew Sparks, senior in agricultural business and economics. “But wild pigs are very intelligent and can find good and defend themselves.”

Frank Owlsey, professor in animal sciences, said it is difficult to judge intelligence in animals.

“Extreme intelligence is based on the ability to survive, and pigs are about as good as surviving as an animal could be,” Owlsey said. “You can take a domestic pig, put it in the wild and within three generations they will have reverted back to wild pigs.”

Another sign of intelligence can be based on social behavior or how pigs interact with other pigs.

“They are interesting animals to watch,” Owlsey said. “If you get a group of 25 pigs, they will rank themselves one to 25. If you get a group of 400 pigs, they will divide themselves into subgroups and create a pecking order within those groups.”

Owlsey said this group

order is another aspect of survival because it creates stability.

When a new pig is introduced to a group it will be treated harshly as part of this social behavior oriented toward groups.

Another sign of intelligence is how easily an animal can be trained.

“They are quick to learn,” Owlsey said. “We trained pigs to eat when a bell was rung and, within two tries, they knew the bell equaled food. They can also be trained to ring a bell or push a button to indicate they want to be let outside.”

However, Owlsey said he thinks it is incorrect to bestow humanlike characteristics such as logic or reasoning to this intelligence and that people should realize pig intelligence is not the same as human intelligence.

Pigs also do not necessarily make good pets, simply because they are intelligent, Owlsey said.

“While a newborn pig is just as cute as a puppy and can be trained from that age to be docile, I don’t know that they would grow up to be the most suitable pet,” Mosley said.

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

In a recent study in ‘Animal Behavior,’ pigs were found to recognize themselves in the mirror.

They are one of the few species, among dolphins and apes, that exhibit this behavior.

“At 6 months of age, a pig can easily weigh over 200 pounds, and by a year of age they can reach up to 400 pounds. Also, pigs can eat over five pounds of food per day depending

on age.”

Mosley said she thinks the pigs’ weight, food expenses and odor would not make them great pets for a student.

Both Owsley and Sparks

said people should be educated about pigs if they would like to have one as a pet.

“It’s not a dog,” Owsley said. “It’s not a cat. It’s a pig.”

American Red Cross offers chance to volunteer

By ANDREW SIMS Online Editor

Auburn University and the American Red Cross have been working handin-hand to serve Alabama and the Lee County community for more than 40 years.

Recently that hand grip has become tighter through the formation of the Auburn Red Cross Campus Club.

Lauren Scruggs, junior in biomedical sciences and club president, said despite the club being new to Auburn, it has already ac-

complished a lot alongside the Lee County Red Cross.

Scruggs said she is thrilled with being able to provide students with a way to get involved alongside a great organization.

“Personally what I have enjoyed is being able to lead these very eager students and provide them with opportunities they would not have known about if they were not involved in this club,” Scruggs said.

The club has given students the chance to serve as active Red Cross volunteers and become involved

in blood and food drives as well as disaster relief.

The campus club, established in 2007, became a chartered group through the American National Red Cross and Auburn University SGA. The group has three advisers, two working for the American Red Cross in Lee County and the other is journalism and communications department head Margaret Fitch–Hauser, who also serves on the board for the Lee County chapter.

The group’s mission statement, found on its

Web site, reads, “Our club is dedicated to engaging Auburn students in the mission of the American Red Cross: To help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

The campus club currently has 50 active members. An active member pays the $25 dues to be part of the club.

Club member Rebecca Croomes, freshman in journalism, said she learned about the club through the University sponsored event O-Days.

“It’s been a real positive impact on me because it

is a opportunistic club,” Croomes said. “There are many ways for you to get involved. I joined because I like the work they do in disaster recovery and blood drives.”

Croomes said one of the best rewards she received from being involved with the club was being able to become CPR certified at a reduced price.

This semester the club has worked with the Lee County Red Cross on several projects, including the assembly and distribution of flu kits, blood drives and CPR training.

Scruggs said the club is currently planning its annual spring fundraising events and looking for volunteers and members.

The club will have another blood drive today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m in the third floor ballroom of the Student Center.

This will be the last one for the fall semester. The blood drives will resume Feb. 10 and 18.

The club meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Student Center.

For more information, visit www.leeredcross.org/ auredcrossclub.

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C6

Thursday, November 19, 2009

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REEL REVIEW 2012: TURNS OUT TO BE AN ACTUAL DISASTER

By ANDREW SIMS Online Editor

I guess the saying, “the third time’s the charm” really is a true statement.

Producer Roland Emmerich eagerly set out on his third attempt at making an epic disaster film.

After producing the funny, but ridiculous, “Independence Day” and the total bust, “The Day After Tomorrow,” Emmerich finally did what he set out to do all along. He made a complete disaster of a movie.

After assembling a solid cast consisting of John Cusack, Danny Glover, the talented Chiwetel Ejiofor and several other big names, Emmerich took this potentially stellar cast and made them jump through hoops right off

the old cliché cliff.

Imagine, literally, every Hollywood cliché smashed into one movie.

A divorced father forced to deal with a new stepdad taking his son’s attention.

Another father estranged from his son because of alcoholism, but trying to make his way back to him and oh, wait, here comes a 1,500-meter wave.

A guy who has two flight lessons suddenly is able fly a plane through a collapsing earth crust complete with a falling building, trains shooting out of the side of the earth.

(Note to self, start taking flying lessons now, or at least get back in shape to be able to run.)

Before seeing the movie, I really dedicated some time to researching the

whole idea the Mayans had about the 2012 disaster. It was some believable stuff. This movie turned my fears into anger as I realized if I do have only two years to live, I just wasted three hours of them here.

The audience was not given any sense of when it was appropriate to laugh and when it was not.

That is not their fault, but the fault of the writers.

Yes, there were a few funny lines, but when the audience erupts in laughter when Cusack’s son screams out crying that he is scared of having to bail out of a plane heading straight at the Himalayas, I feel like this train that had been wobbling on the tracks, for the past hour, had suddenly derailed.

Now you’re probably

wondering why everything I review, I hate. I don’t set out to be negative, honestly. I wanted to like this movie.

I refused to believe the reviews I read and stuck with my guns that I would like this movie.

Some parts I did like.

I still think Cusack is a great actor. He was great in the flop of a movie “1408,” so I stand behind him.

The special effects were what roped a lot of people into the theaters.

The effects did not disappoint.

Personally, I am a sucker for excellent effects, and this movie delivered-just not $9 worth.

The final verdict on the ‘Sims Scale’ would be that the special effects could not serve as a big enough

‘2012’ ★★ HOW WE RATE: ★ - Dismal ★★ - Bearable ★★★ - Average ★★★★ - Good ★★★★★ - Excellent life preserver to save this drowning movie.

The lack of anything original in terms of character development and the strictly cliché plot development were the iceberg that sunk this Titanic of a CGI voyage.

When the actual end of the world finally comes, I will be ready and waiting with open arms.

If this is all the world has to offer, then the end will actually be a blessing, with good special effects and Danny Glover.

DUAL ALBUM REVIEW John Mayer ‘Battle Studies’

By JILL CLAIR Staff Writer

★★★ John Mayer, once an innocent-looking pop heart throb, has been on a quest for several years to change that image.

Striving to disassociate his style from radio hits such as “Your Body is a Wonderland” and “Bigger Than My Body,” Mayer emphasized his passion for guitar in his last album, “Continuum,” released in 2006.

“Battle Studies,” Mayer’s first completely self-produced album, brings him even further from that original image.

Throughout the production of the album, Mayer wrote updates, shared song lyrics and posted videos on a companion blog called, “Battle Studies: A Mid-Action Report.”

Mayer wrote, “to evolve you have to dismantle, and that means accepting the idea that nothing you’ve created in the past matters anymore, except that it brought you here.

To pick up your new marching orders.”

By KEVIN SAUCIER Multimedia Editor

★★★★ When I first heard about the name and concept of singer/songwriter John Mayer’s fourth studio album, “Battle Studies,” I winced.

When the track listing was released, and I saw that the album would feature songs titled, “Heartbreak Warfare,” “Assassin,” and “War of My Life,” I groaned.

But when I listened to

This album is unlike anything Mayer has recorded before. Just when fans thought they understood him, “Battle Studies” reveals yet another side of the complex artist.

Although “Battle Studies” is certainly a show of Mayer’s musical dexterity, it is extremely understated and begs for attention to detail.

For fans who want instant gratification, this album may be disappointing when compared to Mayer’s heavy blues style in “Continuum.”

Mayer begins his “Battle Studies” with the moderate-tempo “Heartbreak Warfare,” in which he describes a relationship on the brink of destruction with the analogy of warfare, saying, “clouds of sulfur in the air/bombs are falling everywhere.”

He describes the relationship as a game, and the overall mood of the song is, well, heartbreaking.

The song is one of the more full ones instrumentally, with Mayer playing electric guitar throughout with several interesting effects and a rousing solo.

the album last week, after finding a link to a leak of the album on Twitter, I sighed with relief.

My initial reaction to Mayer equating failed relationships with the horrors of war was a hearty, “Puhlease.”

He’s my favorite modern pop artist, and I’m all for metaphor, but no breakup is even close to people dying.

But then I thought about the last time I got dumped, and I imagine the experience is one many can relate to.

It is a fitting preview to the rest of the album, in which seven of the 11 songs are somber breakup tunes.

In “Half of my Heart,” which features Taylor Swift, Mayer tells the story of a guy who is debating jumping full-on into a relationship rather than keeping his options open.

Although Mayer and Swift are not the most like-

You’re not thinking clearly. Nothing is more important than the pain you’re feeling.

It’s incredibly hyperbolic, in every way. Mayer’s album isn’t saying that heartbreak is in the same league as war, but it can certainly feel like it.

The songs on the album cover the whole gamut of emotions inherent to the breakup experience.

“Heartbreak Warfare”

ly duo, the song is light, acoustic and easily one of the most radio-worthy songs on the record.

Its relatively upbeat tempo (compared with the rest of the album) and Swift’s harmonies add some color to the dreary story that is “Battle Studies.”

In “Who Says,” which was released as a single before the album dropped,

is that initial hyperbolic declaration, featuring a guitar solo in the style of Jeff Beck.

“Edge of Desire” is an anthem of breakup remorse, when you know there’s a bulleted list of reasons why you broke up, but you want the other person back, right this moment, regardless of whether it’s the right thing to do.

“War of My Life” sounds like a revelation at sunrise

Mayer asks, “Who says I can’t get stoned?”

A quiet declaration of Mayer’s independence as an artist and a person, “Who Says” breaks up the relationship drama and allows listeners into Mayer’s free-spirited mind.

“Friends, Lovers or Nothing” is strongly reminiscent of the style of “Continuum,” displaying the same smooth, bluesy

after a night of thinking about your situation.

Its quiet positivity, acknowledging that heartbreak isn’t the end of it all, makes it this album’s “Gravity.”

“Friends, Lovers or Nothing” is that revelation that you can’t have it both ways and that it might be best to move on.

“Assassin” is a perfect example of lyrics matching up with music.

style featured in “I’m Gonna Find Another You” and “In Repair.”

It is one of the few songs on the album in which Mayer brings back the Strat and lets his fingers speak.

The album documents the tumultuous events of a failing relationship, and this last track provides closure for the storyline and the musical progression of the album.

Mayer ends his “Battle Studies” by repeating, “Anything other than yes is no/anything other than stay is go/anything less than I love you is lying,” while the music gradually fades into silence, bringing the album, and the “battle,” to a close.

When comparing “Battle Studies” to Mayer’s earlier work, it is sure to bring disappointment the first time around.

However, the genius of this album lies in the musical details rather than bold political statements or the shredding of the Strat.

Give it a chance and don’t write it off simply because it is different. Mayer isn’t done yet.

When the character in the song is learning something, it sounds like things are becoming clearer, and when that something is horrible, the solo section sounds like a vicious panic attack.

Mayer’s voice sounds better than ever, and the restraint he shows when recording guitar solos means this album is going to really open up when played live.

If you want an album from a guitar player who knows how to write a song, this is it.

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C7

Black Friday attracts early risers

By EMILY CLEVER Staff Writer

One night of the year students set their alarm clocks for 3 a.m., not in preparation for a test, but in hopes of bringing home loads of new clothes, electronics and Christmas gifts.

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year.

It is the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, and most stores offer huge sales, opening early to draw in the crowds.

This year, a variety of stores in Auburn are participating, including Hastings, Old Navy and CVS. “We are having some insanely good deals this year,” said David Hampton, general manager at Hastings Entertainment. “It’s

going to blow away last year.”

Hampton said Black Friday is the biggest opportunity for stores such as Hastings to bring in customers.

Hastings is having a 4-hour sale and a 6-hour sale in addition to its allday sales.

As an entertainment store, Hastings will have competitive deals on big name games such as Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, all Rock Band titles and Left 4 Dead 2, Hampton said.

Hastings will open one hour early, at 8 a.m., to provide for the expected oncoming rush of shoppers.

Snuggies, iPod Touch’s, Blu-Ray players and TV series will also be discounted.

“Black Friday is our big-

gest chance to impress and have fun,” Hampton said.

Hampton said his favorite things about Black Friday are the crowds, intensity and pace, but scheduling and preparation prove challenging, especially with the Iron Bowl later that day.

If clothes shopping sounds more exciting than video games, apparel stores such as Old Navy are opening as early as 3 a.m.

“Typically, we have jeans, graphic tees and sweaters on sale for the Black Friday event,” said Isaac McKeithen, senior in history and merchandising specialist at Old Navy in TigerTown.

Black Friday is the official start of the holiday shopping season, McKeithen said.

“It gives a lot of excite-

ment to both the shopper and the worker,” McKeithen said. “It’s a high energy work day.”

For more general merchandise, try Wal-Mart or Target, both of which have already begun advertising.

CVS hasn’t released its Black Friday deals yet, but it is sure to have some big sales, said Glenda Tuel, photo lab supervisor at the new CVS in Opelika.

Some students are preparing for Black Friday shopping frenzies as well.

Erin Gibbs, senior in Spanish and English, said she was going to Omaha, Neb., to visit her sister, but they are sure to get some shopping done.

“It’s kind of crazy, in a really fun way,” Gibbs said.

“You get to run through a store and get exactly what you want and you don’t

have to feel bad about cutting people off.”

Last year, Gibbs said she waited outside a Bass Pro Shop at 4 a.m. to pick up some GPSs for Christmas presents.

“It’s an exciting time to spend with friends and family doing something you don’t normally get to do,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs suggested shopping at malls, department stores and discount stores, such as Ross and Kohls, because they are always good places to look for deals.

“I would love to be a professional shopper,” Gibbs said.

Crowds, long lines and cranky shoppers have some students unwilling to leave their bedrooms on Black Friday.

Arianne Murphree, junior in English, said she

doesn’t plan to go shopping this year.

“Me and my mom and my aunt used to always go every year,” Murphree said.

“I never bought anything.”

Murphree said the bargains were tempting, but the people made her want to stay home.

“I went to Circuit City with my brother once, because he wanted a TV, and it was like three in the morning,” Murphree said.

“And there were already people there, which was the worst part.”

The overbearing crowds sometime prove too much for just one day of shopping and many do not feel the long lines are worth the extra cash.

“It’s just crazy how many people are out,” Tuel said.

“I’d rather just pay $5 more for something.”

Students look forward to returning ‘home for the holidays’

By CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Intrigue Editor

Thanksgiving brings family traditions to the table, and students are looking forward to returning home for the holidays.

“Every Thanksgiving since I can remember, my family has gone to my grandparents house to celebrate,” said Christina McQuinn, sophomore in human development and family studies.

“We always have ham and turkey, cooked by my grandfather, and my grandmother cooks all the trimmings, including her famous mashed potatoes.”

The football atmosphere during Thanksgiving is one of the first things people think of outside of the dining room table traditions.

Claire Humphrey, freshman in hotel and restaurant management, said she and her family host a football competition every year consisting of punting, kicking and passing. She said the winner gets to go first in the Thanksgiving meal line.

Traditions seem to transfer from youngsters to college students.

“My grandmother puts a Sharpie star on the bottom of one of the plates,” Humphrey said. “If you happen to choose the star plate you get a jar of coins that my grandmother had been saving since the Thanksgiving before.”

Some students find it challenging to move back in with their parents for a week after living on their own.

“Every time I go home it feels different from when I was there on a daily basis,” McQuinn said. “On Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is especially different having rules, and some sort of a curfew, living in my parents’ house again. The time I do get to spend at home, with my family, is something I cherish though.”

Brendan Christy, junior in management, said he enjoys going home because he gets a good home cooked meal.

“My favorite childhood memory from Thanksgiving would be making turkey cookies with my mom and sister,” McQuinn said. “To make them, we used a cookie cutter shaped as a small hand. After we baked the cookies, we would put M&Ms on the fingers, for feathers, and one on the thumb, for the eye, making the cookie look like a turkey. This is definitely a memory that I’ll never forget.”

Spencer Maddox, senior in biomedical sciences, said he likes being home for the holidays because he does not get to go home often and the food is better there, as well as his parents being excited to see him.

“It’ll definitely be relaxing, and I will probably be more aware of all my things after living in a dorm room,” Humphrey said. “Having so much space will feel great.”

Christy said he looks forward most to sleeping in and not having class for the week of Thanksgiving.

He said he also hopes to play golf with his dad while he is home.

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and also a time students enjoy sharing what they are thankful for.

McQuinn said her family has a Thanksgiving family game night. It doesn’t matter what game it is, it always makes excellent memories and everyone always has a great time, McQuinn said.

“I’m thankful for the health and happiness of my family and friends,” McQuinn said. “And of course, I’m thankful for Auburn University for giving me the opportunity to have a successful future.”

It is never too late to start family traditions, from board games to football competitions.

Illustration by Kate Davis / GRAPHICS EDITOR

pretty party dresses and sparkly jewelry to match

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C8

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wasting Time ACROSS 1 Study hard 5 Tool handle 9 Type options 14 Cement component 15 Gumbo veggie 16 Cornhusker city 17 Nile sun god 18 Perfume bottle 19 Return the favor 20 Castle wall 22 A-frams 24 Fizzy drinks 26 Yes, to Angus 27 Brats’ opposites 30 Calls the dog 35 Dorian Gray’s creator 36 Nippy 37 Musical chairs goal 38 Crack pilot 39 Most boring 42 So far - - know 43 Bogus 45 Realty sign 46 Peer Gynt creator 48 Iron ore 50 Most accurate 51 Bask on the

beach 52 More up-todate 54 Ritual 58 Night owl need (2 wds.)

62 In plain view 63 “Fernando” band 65 Stein fillers 66 Discussion group 67 Onion relative 68 Containers 69 Contest mailin 70 Means justifier 71 Dele’s undoing DOWN 1 Peal of Thunder 2 Coolidge or Gam 3 Romance, to Pedro 4 Threatened 5 Rundown shacks 6 Watchdog breed 7 Brother’s title 8 Dusting powder 9 Quick raids 10 Diner fate 11 Collar site

12 Not this 13 Remarks 21 Pushed a raft 23 Rains ice pellets 25 Puffed up 27 Covered with water 28 Recess 29 Faint flicker 31 Cultivated, as soil 32 Auto option 33 Soothes 34 Be frugal 36 Thicken, as cream 40 Imposing on 41 Lacking getup-and-go 44 Not so callow 47 Rough fabrics 49 Sharply 50 Fine-tunes 53 Receded 54 Long easy stride 55 Russian name 56 Camper’s quarters 57 Kind of lock 59 Oodles (2 wds.)

60 Allot 61 Attention gett 64 Movie rat

OCTO Instructions •

•

•

•

(c) 2009, Doug Gardner — Patent Pending

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.

Weekly Horoscopes Aries (March 21 - April 19): Your charity to others is misplaced this week. You usually give people second chances to prove themselves, and you are quick to forgive and forget.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): At times you are reserved when you interact with your associates, Virgo. You’ll open up with your contemporaries on Monday. A situation you were perplexed about will finally become clear to you on Friday.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): You’ll take off for places unknown so you can savor lots of new sights and sounds.

After all, you are at your best when you are in the midst of new situations. You’ll be asked to aid one of your companions who is carrying a heavy load on Saturday.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Monday you’ll be filled with the desire to explore your creative urges. Thursday, you’ll confront a rival. Your competitor is not willing to take second place to you in any project you are both involved with, so keep that in mind. Be very careful and on guard when you deal with this person.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): You’ll vary your regular activities and venture forth from your cocoon. After all, you are a creature of habit and now you’ll be eager for new experiences. You’ll be ready to leave your own backyard.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): Gemini, you become frazzled quickly if you don’t rest, eat right, and exercise. On Monday you’ll make a new commitment toward preserving your well-being.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23): You’ll find it hard to be your usual diplomatic self, and you won’t be the reasonable soul you normally are. Sunday, you’ll visit a setting where you can explore your scientific interests

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Your companion won’t accept that you are right about a certain issue on Thursday, as Venus in Scorpio squares Mars.

You’ll make the world a better place and help a worthy cause on Sunday.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): You’ll be blessed with exceptionally positive energy during the next several weeks, as the beaming Sun glows in your sector of self. This is a great time for you to throw a party for your friends. Get ready to follow your hunches.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): On Tuesday you’ll find it’s easy for you to apologize to someone you have wronged.

That’s great, since it can be hard for you to admit you are in error whenever you make a mistake.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Rest and relax your body and your brain! Leave room for schedule changes this weekend, since you will be confronted with a quickly shifting life scenario. you’ll finally be able to begin the right course of action in an important area of your life on Tuesday.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): At times you are your own worst enemy, Pisces, and you sabotage your own efforts, but you’ll resolve to become your own best friend on Tuesday! After all, your kind heart and sympathetic ear are always available to others, and now it’s your turn to be good to yourself.

5 9

3 7 95 21 4 1 3 9 2 6 8 4 2 6 63 4 25 6 4 3 Thursday 35c Wing Night

No cover all weekend always 19 and up

The Auburn Plainsman Coach’s Corner Equestrian Cheerleaders

SPORTS

D

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Auburn shoots past Troy

By CRYSTAL COLE Staff Writer

Patrick Dever sports@theplainsman.com

Much needed bye week In the first leg of Amen Corner, Auburn was on the 11th green poised to beat Georgia, but four putted and ended up losing the game.

The first putt that went awry was the play calling.

On the first two drives, Auburn’s offense had its way with the Bulldog defense.

Chris Todd completed his first eight passes and had two touchdown passes during those drives.

All the passes were short, no more than 15 yards, and over the middle during the first two drives and were extremely effective.

Why did the play calling change?

If something is working, run it until the other team can stop it, then move onto something new.

If anything, it wasn’t a lack of coaching that lost the game, it was too much coaching.

The second missed putt was the offensive line.

Injuries and fatigue along the front five led to three Georgia sacks and nine tackles for loss. > Turn to DEVER, D3

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

In a game riddled with foul trouble and missed opportunities, the women’s basketball team (1-0) edged past in-state rival Troy University (0-1) Friday night 70-65.

The game was the first of the season for both the Tigers and the Trojans.

The two teams combined for 54 fouls throughout the game.

Three players for the Trojans fouled out of the game and two others finished the game with four fouls.

The Tigers had one player foul out and three others with four fouls at the end of the game.

Junior guard Chantel Hilliard, who had her first collegiate start against Troy, said when the referees call fouls that much, players need to play hard, but know their limits.

“We just got to pay attention to our mistakes and not repeat them over and over again,” Hilliard said.

Troy head coach Michael Murphy said he felt the fouls indicated both teams playing a strong man defense, and even though each team went to the line frequently, neither shot free throws particularly well.

“It could have been a real game changer late in the game and created some space on the scoreboard,” Murphy said.

Space on the scoreboard is something the Tigers lacked throughout the game, with their largest lead only nine points late in the first half.

Junior guard Alli Smalley took the reins as veteran and team leader and tried to further the gap between the two teams.

Smalley took 30 shots and made five of six free throws.

Smalley tied her own career high with 23 points and had a team-high four assists.

“I’m one of the upperclassmen now and have more experience than a lot of other players, and we are a young > Turn to BASKETBALL, D8

Junior forward Jordan Greenleaf brushes past a Troy defender to the basket Friday.

Battle of the cats Tigers drop 1 to Wildcats, 3-1

By CRYSTAL COLE Staff Writer

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Freshman outside hitter Sarah Bullock spikes the ball in Sunday’s game against Kentucky.

After making a strong statement in the first set, Auburn’s Volleyball team struggled to hold on and lost three sets in a row to fall to No. 11 Kentucky Sunday afternoon, 3-1.

The loss put Auburn’s record at 15-13 overall and 7-10 in the SEC. Kentucky’s record is now 26-2 overall and 16-1 in con-

ference play.

The first set saw the Tigers down by six, but the team battled back aggressively with several ties and lead changes to pull out a 25-22 win.

The second set was just as close for the two teams, but the Tigers lost 25-22.

The teams went into the break tied at one set a piece. > Turn to VOLLEYBALL, D3

Previous Game Stats vs. Georgia vs L 31-24

OFFENSE First Downs: 18 Rushing Attempts: 38 Rushing Yds.: 115 Passing Attempts: 28 Passes Completed: 20 Passing Yds.: 238 Total Yds.: 353 Penalties-Yds.: 9-60

DEFENSE Interceptions: 0 Fumbles Caused: 0 Sacks: 2 Punt Returns: 2 Punt Returns Yds.: 27 Tackles for Loss: 6 Total Yds. Against: 342

vs. Miss. State te

Iron Bowl Stats - Alabama leads series, 39-33-1 - Auburn leads 7-2 in games played at Auburn -Longest Winning Streak: -Alabama - 9 -Auburn - 6

W 31-3

OFFENSE First Downs: 17 Rushing Attempts: 40 Rushing Yds.: 252 Passing Attempts: 18 Passes Completed: 13 Passing Yds.: 192 Total Yds.: 444 Penalties-Yds.: 3-25

DEFENSE Interceptions: 3 Fumbles Caused: 1 Sacks: 2 Punt Returns: 1 Punt Returns Yds.: 0 Tackles for Loss: 6 Total Yds. Against: 213

For photos and the recap of the Auburn-Georgia Game, turn to D5 Printed on Recycled Paper

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D2

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

p o o c S e h T Women’s Basketball 11/19 vs. Alabama A & M @ 6 p.m.

On the court with Fortner

By DANIEL CHESSER

winner and leading the 2000 USA women’s basketball team to an overall record of 101-14, along with Auburn Women’s Basketball being named coach of the year that head coach Nell Fortner, in her season. sixth season as head coach, was Fortner became the head coach named Southeastern Conference of the USA team in 1997 winning Coach of the Year and led her team the 1998 FIBA World Championto the SEC Championship last sea- ship, her first gold medal. son with an overall record of 30-4 “I traveled around the world and 12-2 in the SEC. coaching and training that team “Winning the for three years and we SEC Championship won the gold medal was something we which was a great worked hard on for experience,” Fortner many years and exsaid. pected to achieve Fortner’s past inwith all the seniors cludes playing for Uniwe had last year,” versity of Texas from Fortner said. “The 1978-1981, which led only reason I was to her induction in the named coach of the Texas Sports Hall of year was because Fame in 2001.

I had a bunch of “I would rather be good players.” playing instead of FORTNER Fortner has had coaching, because bethree winning seaing coach is stressful, sons in a row as head coach at Au- but it was an easy transition from burn since the 2006-2007 season. player to coach,” Fortner said.

Her record is 101-57 in five seasons.

Fortner coached three seasons “It has been great to see the fan in the WNBA for the Indiana Fever base and the importance of wom- with an overall record of 42-56, inen’s basketball grow here at Au- cluding one playoff win in her time burn,” Fortner said. “I am looking at that level. forward to coaching in the new “My career path is just the ladcoliseum, and our goal is to win as der I climbed,” Fortner said. “In my many games as possible in order to process, I started coaching at the make the NCAA tournament this high school level and just worked year.” my way up.”

The women’s basketball team Fortner was also a TV analyst for is off to a good start with a 70-65 ESPN from 2001 until her return to victory over Troy at home Friday head coaching when she became night. the fifth head coach in Auburn “Coach Fortner is a great coach Women’s Basketball history. to play under because she is ex“Working for ESPN was fun,” perienced having coached at ev- Fortner said. “I was an analyst, so I ery level,” said Alli Smalley, junior just watched ball games and got to shooting guard. “She (Fortner) is give my take on them.” enthusiastic and a great motivator.”

The women’s basketball team Fortner is probably most famous plays next at Temple University in for being an Olympic gold medal Philadelphia at 6 p.m Tuesday.

Staff Writer

11/20 vs. Georgia @ 4 p.m.

Fooling around with Fortner...

Men’s Basketball 11/20 vs. UCF @ 5 p.m.

Men’s Tennis 11/20-22 Auburn Fall Classic All Day

1. iPhone or BlackBerry?

Blackberry 2. What is your favorite hobby?

Swimming

Men’s Basketball 11/21 vs. IUPUI @ 5 p.m.

3. What is your favorite book?

“Confederacy of Dunces” 4. What is your favorite movie?

“Hoosiers”

Women’s Basketball 11/22 vs. Texas A & M @ 2 p.m.

5. Do you have any pets?

Four dogs and a cat

Men’s Basketball 11/22 vs. N.C. State @ 7:15 p.m.

6. What genre of music do you like?

Contemporary rock 7. What is your guilty pleasure snack food?

Sour cream and onion Lay’s potato chips

Women’s Basketball 11/24 vs. Georgia Southern @ 6 p.m.

8. Where is your favorite spot in Auburn?

Amsterdam’s Cafe 9. Which SEC team do you despise the most?

Tennessee 10. What is your favorite quote to recite or remember?

“Today I gave all I had and what I have kept I have lost forever.”

11/25 vs. Georgia @ 4 p.m.

Men’s Basketball 11/25 vs. High Point @ 6 p.m.

No. 1 Auburn Equestrian topples to No. 2 Georgia, 12-8

By MARY-GLENN SMITH Staff Writer

Auburn’s Equestrian team was defeated 12-8 by SEC rival Georgia Friday in the final match of the fall season.

Auburn traveled to Bishop, Ga., just outside of Athens, to the University of Georgia’s equestrian center, for the meet.

Auburn knew going into the meet that Georgia had only been beat once at its home equestrian center, so it was going to be a tough competition.

“We knew we had to go big or go home,” said sophomore Hunt Seat rider Maggie McAlary.

Though they rode hard, the No. 1 Tigers came up short and were defeated by the No. 2 Bulldogs 7-3 in Hunt Seat and tied 5-5 in the Western riding events.

The loss was Auburn’s second of the season. It went into the meet against Georgia with a record 6-1.

The Tigers’ only loss was in early September when they were defeated by South Carolina.

Georgia won Hunt Seat cluded Georgia’s Anthony Equitation over Fences over Becker 77-60 and Mi4-1. Georgia’s Carly Antho- chelle Morris over freshny defeated Auburn junior man Lindsay Portela 77Dottie Grubb 85-81.

69.

The match-up between The two Tiger wins the two strong teams was came from senior Katie close, but not enough for Breedlove over Emma LipAuburn to pull out a win in man 69-61 and McAlary the event. over Daisy GeorWhelan gia’s Kacy 78-61.

We had strong “ Jenkins I beat Au- riders, but just some thought burn juthe meet nior Anna little things happened w e n t S c h i e r - and we couldn’t pull well, even holz 75though out the win.”

60, Emma we didn’t Lipman Maggie McAlary, win,” McAdefeated sophomore rider lary said. sopho“It’s alm o r e ways hard Anna Becker 82-79 and Mi- going to Georgia, they chelle Morris beat sopho- are a good team. We had more Grace Socha 80-74. strong rides, but just some The Tigers’ only victory little things happened and in Hunt Seat Equitation we couldn’t pull out the over Fences was McAlary win.” over Grace Rogers 84-72.

In the Western ridAuburn also lost Hunt ing event the two teams Seat Equitation on the Flat stayed neck and neck, fin3-2. ishing with a tie of 5-5.

Georgia MVP Grace Auburn won Western Rogers defeated Auburn Horsemanship 4-1. Ausenior Chelsea Anheuser burn MVP, sophomore 80-65.

Kristin Hansen, defeated Other match-ups in- UGA’s Dana Wilson 73-72.

“

Auburn freshman Indy Roper finished on top over Ali Eidson 71.5-65, junior Bailey Dymond won over Lauren Love 74-73.5 and senior Jessica Jones over Maria Salazar 72-64.5.

Auburn’s only loss in the Horsemanship event was only a half a point defeat.

Georgia’s Alicia Shrum won over Auburn’s Kylie Miller in a close 72-71.5 finish.

After the Auburn win in Western Horsemanship, Georgia came back and won the Western Reining 4-1.

UGA’s Sarah Locker defeated Jones 76-74, Kelly Truesdell beat junior Jillian Fuller 72-71.5, Dee St. Hilaire won over senior Kim Pope 70.5-70 and Marianne Grebel over junior Paige Monfore 69.567.

The one win in the reining was Auburn senior Lyndsey Jordan over UGA’s Becca Haaland 70-69.5.

“We definitely have some things to work on and improve, but there were bright spots on Friday,” Schierholz said. “It wasn’t our day for Hunt

Seat, but Western was great. We didn’t get the job done, but I’m confident we will come back stronger than ever in the spring.”

Auburn Equestrian returns to competition at the start of the spring semester when it hosts Oklahoma State Jan. 31, 2010, at the Auburn Equestrian Center off Wire Road.

“I feel like even though we lost against Georgia it’s going to help inspire us for the spring season,” McAlary said. “We are going to be ready to start it off with a bang,” Even though the team came up shy of a win against Georgia, it has recently been nationally recognized for its excellence.

Two weeks ago, the equestrian team traveled north for a meet against Sacred Heart in Bethany, Conn., and Delaware State in Dover Nov. 7-8.

The team stayed in New York City for the meet and spent some time touring the city.

Saturday morning, six members of the Auburn team woke at 5 a.m. and headed to the Rockefeller

Center for the filming of the NBC morning show, the Today Show.

After a two hour wait for the show to begin at 7 a.m., the girls were at the front of the crowd of people who had came for the show.

“We figured if we all dressed alike and made some noise, they’d have to put us on television,” Schierholz said.

She was right. The team members caught the attention of the show host and were interviewed in front of a live audience and broadcast to people all over the U.S. They made mention of Auburn’s Equestrian team being ranked No. 1 in the nation and of course threw out a big “War Eagle” for added school spirit.

“Being on the Today Show was a lot of fun and definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Pope said. “It was great to get the word out on the show in New York and let the whole nation know that equestrian is a college sport and is rising; it’s very competitive and there is actually a ranking system.”

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

VOLLEYBALL >From D1

When the third set started, it was a different game being played on the court.

The Tigers let Kentucky have seven unanswered points and another five at the end to lose 25-11.

Seeing how his team handled itself in the third set, head coach Wade Benson decided to put all freshmen out in the fourth set to get them play time against a quality team.

“If we had come out in game three and played the level we did in one and

DEVER >From D1

The line couldn’t provide the rushing attack the lanes and push to make a difference in the game.

When coaches switch the game plan from short passes to long passes, the offensive line needs to establish a running game to allow the deep throws to open up.

Ben Tate needs to be gaining more than 67 yards in a big rivalry game, especially when he is wearing No. 4.

It didn’t happen Saturday and will kill Auburn against Alabama.

Rolando McClain and the Crimson Tide defense will have a field day if Auburn isn’t able to run the ball.

The third missed putt

“

The Auburn Plainsman

I think we’ve exceeded our goal this year so far.”

Wade Benson, head coach

two, I probably wouldn’t have done it,” Benson said.

In the fourth set, the girls had many runs against them and a service error by freshman outside hitter Katherine Culwell rounded out the match point for Kentucky.

The Tigers came into the match of a home win thriller against Tennessee,

who is 20-7 overall and 13-4 in the SEC. Tennessee won the first two sets, but the Tigers battled their way back and won the last three to win the match 3-2.

Benson said his team accomplished a lot with the win against Tennessee and felt the girls played well against Kentucky.

was the defensive line.

The defensive line couldn’t stop Georgia’s rushing attack and paid for it in the fourth quarter when Caleb King was able to score two touchdowns on the ground.

The defense’s pursuit was excellent, but there was no penetration from the men in the trenches to keep the Bulldog backs behind the line of scrimmage.

Alabama should be salivating when they watch the film of Saturday’s game.

Mark Ingram could have a career game if the defense that played against Georgia shows up for the Iron Bowl.

One good thing to take from the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is Auburn finally started playing on

all special teams.

Auburn gets a much needed rest after playing 11 straight games.

The rest should allow the team to recover from all its injuries and get the players’ minds off football for a few days in hopes of correcting mistakes and being able to play the best game they can against Alabama.

On an unrelated matter, I was impressed by the class the University of Georgia had in handling the loss the Auburn family suffered last week.

The red coat band had a moment of silence for Sarah Anderson and the entire stadium joined them in honoring her.

It was a great show of the mutual respect the two universities have for each other.

“I think we’ve exceeded our goal this year so far, and we’re just going to keep going with it,” Benson said. “I like this group a lot, and we’ve got a great outlook for next year.”

Leading the Auburn team was freshman outside hitter Sarah Bullock with 13 kills and eight digs.

Junior libero Liz Crouch had a team-high 17 digs.

Another Tiger who showed well against Kentucky was junior setter Sarah Shanks who picked up her second consecutive double-double, recording 21 assists and 10 digs.

Sports, D3 Bullock said she felt the biggest problem for the team was keeping its concentration up for more than one or two sets.

“You have to go all five games if you have to and that’s what we are still battling with,” Bullock said.

Auburn heads on the road for its next two games, the first being Arkansas Friday, and then on to Oxford to take on Ole Miss Sunday.

Bullock said coming off four straight road losses might cause some stress for the young team, but she feels they have to

come out guns blaring and show people what they are made of.

Culwell agreed the team needs to maintain its focus throughout and said the girls need to learn to stay together throughout longer matches.

“We’re going to focus through the last week and a half of practice to finish the season out strong,” Culwell said.

Benson said his expectations are to win the last three matches, finish 1010 in the SEC and maybe have a chance to go to the NCAA tournament.

ur n Plainsma b u A e n h T

Look for the BEAT BAMA 20 years at Jordan Hare Collectors Edition 2009 Beat Bama Issue will be distributed on GAME DAY (November 27)

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D4

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Senior Ava Ohlgren swims the butterfly leg of the women’s 400-yard medley relay during the Iron Bowl of the Pool Thursday. The women defeated Alabama 134-107 and the men 142-101.

Auburn wins Iron Bowl of the Pool

By MOLLY WICKSTROM Staff Writer

Auburn Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams defeated instate rival University of Alabama for the Iron Bowl of the Pool, Nov. 12 at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center.

The teams combined won 16 events. They also earned 12 NCAA Provision “B” qualifying times.

When asked about the significance of NCAA “B” cuts, senior Tyler McGill said, “NCAAs have ‘A’ and ‘B’ standards. If you achieve an ‘A’ standard, you automatically qualify for NCAA’s, and if you have a ‘B’ standard, you have the potential to be selected as an at large participant. ‘A’ standards are rare to see until the end of the year, so to accomplish that ‘B’ standard now tells me we are in a good spot for this point in the season and sets us up well the rest of the way.”

There was a turnout of 1,156 fans for the All Auburn, All Orange event.

Both teams were undefeated going into the meet.

The Auburn women defeated Alabama 134-107.

The Auburn men scored 142 points with Alabama trailing with 101 points.

“We are extremely pleased with the way our women’s and men’s teams performed against Alabama,” said head coach Brett Hawke. “Clearly they are one of our biggest rivals, and it feels great when our student-athletes step up and race tough against them. Alabama

is an up and coming program, and I am excited about the outcome, not only with the victory, but how our team handled themselves.”

The swimming portion of the meet began with the women’s 400 medley relay.

Auburn’s relay team of senior Melissa Marik, sophomore Micah Lawrence, senior Ava Ohlgren and sophomore Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace came in first place, qualifying for an NCAA “B” time of 3:40.85.

“It’s always good to win relays, not only because they score the most points,” Marik said. “But for me they are more fun than the individual races.”

Freshman Katie Gardocki won both the 1,650 freestyle and the 500 freestyle against Alabama.

Gardocki earned her first NCAA “B” cut in the 1,650 with a time of 16:34.88.

Vand er p o o l-Wal l a c e placed first in the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.17.

She also earned first in the 100 freestyle qualifying for an NCAA “B” cut with a time of 50.18.

“The ‘B’ cut is exciting, because it’s nice to know that I can get it this early in the season,” VanderpoolWallace said. “It is motivation to me, because I know that I am that much closer to achieving the ‘A’ cut later on.”

Junior Caitlin Geary placed first in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:48.96.

Sophomore Stephanie Horner came in first place in the 200 butterfly with a time of 2:01.45.

Auburn’s women scored first and second place in

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Senior diver Kelly Marx earned 332.69 off the 1-meter dive.

the 200 backstroke.

“Our team is truly a family, not just in the pool,” Vanderpool-Wallace said.

“I think that knowing that you can count on everyone to be there if you need them is an important aspect that makes our team so unique.”

Marik placed first earning an NCAA “B” cut with a time of 1:58.02.

Junior Erica Meissner finished second also earning an NCAA “B” cut with a time of 1:58.23.

“I was pretty happy with my swims,” Marik said.

“Personally, I think I swam well, but looking back on

my race I saw a few things that will help me improve before our next meet against Georgia.”

In the diving portion of the meet, sophomore Vennie Dantin came in second place on the 1-meter and earned an NCAA Zone score of 278.77.

Dantin also earned an NCAA Zone score of 288.90 on the 3-meter, placing her in fourth place.

Sophomore Anna Aguero came in third place in the 1-meter dive with a score of 261.00.

In the men’s 400 medley relay, junior Jared White, senior Michael Silva, Mc-

Gill and sophomore Christopher Fox took first place with an NCAA “B” time of 3:14.67.

“Being on the winning relays feels great,” McGill said. “Auburn swimming has always built their success around relays so to continue that tradition and expectation is very important to the rest of the team and me.”

Senior Gideon Louw won both the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle for the Auburn Men’s team with times of 19.87 and 44.20 respectively. Those times earned Louw two NCAA “B” cuts.

McGill also earned an NCAA “B” cut in the 200 butterfly. McGill placed first with a time of 1:47.56.

“Winning the 200 fly is something that I was really happy to do for our team,” McGill said. “It kept our momentum going from the previous events and set the tone for the second half of the meet. Alabama usually has some guys that challenge us in the fly events, so to come out on top was a good feeling.”

Earning first place in the men’s 200 breaststroke was Auburn junior Adam Klein with the time 2:00.21.

Freshman Kyle Owens took first place in the 200 individual medley with an NCAA “B” qualifying time of 1:49.31.

The meet ended with the men’s 800 freestyle relay. Fox, Louw, McGill and junior Kohlton Norys, also finished first with an NCAA “B” time of 6:41.58.

“The team spirit we have for each other is very important,” McGill said. “We realize that no one per-

son is going to be able to win the NCAA team title by themselves, so it’s important that we get each other’s back and keep one another motivated all year. We always want to represent Auburn University the best we can. The University has given all of us a great opportunity and to show any disrespect to ourselves or our opponent would be a great disservice to Auburn University.”

Coming in second place in the men’s 1-meter diving, freshman Thad Ellis earned an NCAA Zone score of 338.32.

Senior Kelly Marx finished second on the 3-meter with an NCAA Zone score of 404.77. Marx also earned an NCAA Zone score of 332.69 in the 1-meter diving.

“This was a great win and it always feel good to defeat an SEC opponent, as the SEC conference is the premier conference in college swimming,” Hawke said. “We knew that Alabama was going to be ready to face us, but we were ready for the challenge.”

Auburn remains undefeated going into this weekend’s meet against the University of Georgia.

“UGA is a very good team,” Hawke said. “It will be fun to watch both the women and men step up and compete with one of the best teams in the country. I feel that if we can get a great crowd at the meet our teams will perform extremely well and make for an exciting meet.”

The Tigers face off at home against the Bulldogs Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.

Auburn vs. Alabama Swimming Results Women:

Men:

Race - Winner - Time

Race - Winner - Time

400-yard Medley Relay - Auburn ‘A’ - 3:40.84 1650-yard Freestyle - Katie Gardocki (AU) - 16:34.88 200-yard Freestyle - Caitlin Geary (AU) - 1:48.96 50-yard Freestyle - Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace (AU) - 23.17 200-yard IM - Agustina de Giovanni (UA) - 2:01.48 200-yard Butterfly - Stephanie Horner (AU) - 2:01.45 100-yard Freestyle - Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace (AU) - 50.18 200-yard Backstroke - Melissa Marik (AU) - 1:58.02 500-yard Freestyle - Katie Gardocki (AU) - 4:53.40 200-yard Breaststroke - Agus Degiovanni (UA) 2:12.45 800-yard Freestyle Relay - University of Alabama ‘A’ - 7:40.56

400-yard Medley Relay - Auburn ‘A’ - 3:14.67 1650-yard Freestyle - Mark Randall (UA) - 15:34.27 200-yard Freestyle - Joe Ziegler (UA) - 1:40.27 50-yard Freestyle - Gideon Louw (AU) - 19.87 200-yard IM - Kyle Owens (AU) - 1:49.31 200-yard Butterfly - Tyler McGill (AU) - 1:47.56 100-yard Freestyle - Gideon Louw (AU) - 44.20 200-yard Backstroke - Pascal Wollach (AU) - 1:48.76 500-yard Freestyle - Mark Randall (UA) - 4:27.84 200-yard Breaststroke - Adam Klein (AU) - 2:00.21 800-yard Freestyle Relay - Auburn ‘A’ - 6:41.58

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D5

Tigers falter in Athens

By ABBY ALBRIGHT

heart attack,” said senior Auburn fan George Stinson.

Georgia took the lead again in the The Auburn Tigers Football team fourth quarter when Caleb King ran (7-4, 3-4 SEC) fell to the University of for a touchdown.

Georgia Bulldogs (6-4, 4-3 SEC) SatKing’s touchdown gave the Bullurday, 31-24. dogs a 24-17 lead.

“I am very proud of our team,” said Junior defensive back Demond head coach Gene Chizik. “We just Washington then stole the show for kept coming at them and coming the Tigers by returning the kickoff back after jumping off to the quick 99 yards for a touchdown. start and Georgia came firing back.

“The kick return team blocked This one is a tough one to handle great, my hats off to those guys,” tonight.”

Washington said. “The blockers Junior wide receiver Kodi Burns were great and that was a big moscored his first receiving touchdown mentum shift.” of his career on a 5-yard pass from The return was Washington’s first senior quarterback Chris Todd on career return for a touchdown. the opening drive of the game.

“That was real good to see him,” Auburn made it a two-possession Chizik said of Washington. “He’s game when junior wide receiver been in so many roles the last few Terrell Zachery scored on a 31-yard weeks. It is just really great to see a pass from Todd, bringing the score young guy step up to the plate and to 14-0. perform like that.”

The Tigers gained 145 yards in the Washington’s touchdown tied the first quarter compared to the Bull- game at 24-24, but the Tigers were dogs’ five yards and had possession unable to put anymore points on the for 10:59. board after that.

After a scoreless first quarter, Todd threw an interception that Bulldog Israel Troupe scored on a gave Georgia position at the Auburn 50-yard pass from 39-yard line and King Joe Cox. ran up the middle for Check Georgia’s Blair a 24-yard touchdown.

Walsh kicked a 51King’s second online for yard field goal to touchdown of the more photos. bring the score to game brought the 14-10.

Bulldogs to a 31-24 The Tigers then lead. let the Bulldogs gain the lead at 17The Tigers have a bye week before 14 on a 1-yard touchdown run by playing Alabama for the Iron Bowl, Washaun Ealey.

Nov. 27.

Junior kicker Wes Byrum helped “Our guys have been going for 15 the Tigers catch up to tie the game straight weeks, close to four months at 17-17 with a 37-yard field goal. non-stop,” Chizik said. “We have to On Byrum’s kick, the ball hit the stay smart on how to give rest and left upright of the goalpost that had still stay sharp for Alabama. We Auburn fans holding their breath. need to be smart about it and that “At first I didn’t think it went is something that we’ll look into tothrough, I think the entire Auburn morrow. They are going to take a few section of the stadium almost had a days off, and we need that.”

Sports Editor

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Assistant coach Trooper Taylor and wide receiver Kodi Burns celebrate after Burns’ touchdown.

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D6

Rod Guajardo Photo Editor 79-31

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Texas Oregon East Carolina

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Brittany Cosby Texas Campus Editor Oregon 74-36 East Carolina

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Abby Albright Texas Sports Editor Oregon 77-33 East Carolina

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Lindsey Davidson Texas Oregon Editor 72-38 East Carolina

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Natalie Wade Texas Managing Editor Oregon 69-41 East Carolina

Andrew Sims Online Editor 47-63

Ohio State Minnesota LSU Michigan State Vanderbilt Stanford Kentucky Kansas Oregon UAB

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Ellison Langford Texas Oregon News Editor 76-34 UAB

Ohio State Minnesota LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford Kentucky Cliff McCollum Texas Opinions Editor Oregon 64-46 UAB

Thursday, November 19, 2009

OUT ON A L I M B

Ohio State Iowa Ole Miss Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Helen Northcutt Texas Intrigue Editor Oregon 76-34 East Carolina

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Kevin Saucier Texas Online Editor Oregon 71-39 East Carolina

Ben Bartley Copy Editor 71-39

Ohio State Iowa LSU Penn State Tennessee Stanford UGA Texas Oregon East Carolina

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 12 Michigan vs. Ohio State Iowa vs. Minnesota Ole Miss vs. LSU Michigan State vs.

Penn State

Tennessee vs.

Vanderbilt Stanford vs. California UGA vs. Kentucky Texas vs. Kansas Arizona vs. Oregon East Carolina vs. UAB

Thursday, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D7

Cheerleaders support Auburn on, off the field

By BRIAN DESARRO Staff Writer

When the smoke starts to rise, they begin to get ready. The fans start screaming as the video plays, and they know it’s almost time. The band snaps to attention and starts blasting the fight song and there’s no turning back. The football team charges out, led by the Auburn cheerleaders.

Whether on the sidelines or out serving the community, the cheerleaders work hard to live up to Auburn’s traditions and reputation.

“It’s not just about cheering, it’s about being involved with the community too,” said Laura Ferguson, junior in early childhood education. “It’s a lot of fun because we get to support not just the specific sports, but the whole athletic program.”

The cheerleaders not only perform at the football games, but almost all other sporting events, as well as making appearances at pre-schools, elementary schools, nursing homes and different community events.

Daniel Friday, junior in radio, television and film,

said his favorite thing about cheering is giving back.

“I would definitely have to say that the best thing about Auburn Cheerleading is the opportunity for community service and being able to give back and serve the University,” Friday said. “I do of course love the athletic part of it, I love gameday and I love all that stuff, but hands down my favorite part is all the appearances all over the place.”

While community service is a big part of what Auburn Cheerleading is all about, they also have

to get the entire stadium pumped and excited in order to support the team.

Friday, the mic-man, said he enjoys leading the cheers alongside the band.

“The first year I did it, I was extremely nervous, and I didn’t really know what I had gotten myself into talking on a microphone in front of 87,000 people,” Friday said. “But in the end, I really do enjoy it, and I am glad I have the mic in my hand because I have the opportunity to get the Auburn family on their feet, really cheering loud, and that’s what I like most.”

Will Bryan, junior in radio, television and film, said he just likes being in the middle of the action on gameday.

“It’s really a lot of fun because you are between the game, which is action packed, and the student section, which is one of the better and more supportive student sections that I have seen,” Bryan said.

Another favorite part of the game for both the cheerleaders and fans is getting to play with Aubie.

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

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Wil Noel and Benton Sprayberry cheer during a home football game this year.

Calling ALL Auburn University PACT (Prepaid Affordable College Tuition) Students!

WHERE ARE YOU? East Alabama “Save Alabama PACT” meeting for Parents/Grandparents/Students Thursday, November 19th 6:30-8:00 P.M. Lee-Scott Academy 1601 Academy Drive, Auburn, Alabama Several of our state political officials in Montgomery and other political hopefuls will be at this important meeting, and they want to meet with you. Your vote in the 2010 state election is important to them, and it’s up to us to keep “Save Alabama PACT” at the forefront of political discussion for an ultimate satifactory solution for ALL PACT contract owners!

Are you a PACT beneficiary? You’re the “face” of PACT....help to protect your prepaid tuition contract!

This isn’t just your parents’ concern.....voice your own concerns about your PACT contract, for your educational future.

Questions? Call (334)826-7829. www.savealabamapact.com

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D8

BASKETBALL >From D1

team,” Smalley said. “We have four freshmen coming in and we’ll just continue to get better.”

Auburn head coach Nell Fortner said Smalley knows her role this season and has done a good job embracing that role.

She feels Smalley will continue to improve as the go-to player in the offense.

Hilliard and freshman guard Nicolle Thomas each recorded 13 points in the team’s win.

Junior forward Jordan Greenleaf led the team in rebounds with nine.

Even though the Trojans’ largest lead was only

two early in the second half, the team kept the score close.

Troy was led by senior guard Brittnie Davis, who scored 14 points and had six rebounds.

Murphy said he was appreciative of his team’s effort and passion.

“We overcame a lot of things such as injuries, foul trouble and kids that have never played before,” Murphy said. “You take away something from every game, pro and con, and we’ve got a lot of pros to look at.”

Both teams hit less than 40 percent from the field.

Auburn only connected on close to 16 percent of its three-point attempts.

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Soccer players celebrate a goal early in the season.

Soccer team falls in first NCAA round

By NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Sports Editor

The Auburn Tigers Women’s Soccer team (10-9-3) reached its goal of making it to the NCAA Tournament, but its season came to an end Friday night with a 2-1 overtime loss to the University of California at Berkeley Golden Bears (11-8-1) at the Seminole Soccer Complex on Florida State University’s campus.

“It was one of those heartbreaking losses,” said head coach Karen Hoppa.

“I don’t think the shots or the score indicate how the match went. We played very hard, but came up short in the end, but that’s how things are sometimes.”

The Tigers were down 1-0 at the half when California junior forward Alex Morgan scored from 17 yards out, hitting the inside left post.

The shot was Cal’s eighth shot of the match and the fifth from Morgan, three of which were on goal.

Morgan took six of Cal’s nine first half shots and finished with 10 shots for the game.

“We started off a little slow, maybe we were just a little bit nervous because it was the NCAA tournament,” Hoppa said. “We came together, I told them to relax and we played great after that.”

The Tigers came out and took control of the second half.

Freshman forward Mary Coffed took the ball deep into Cal territory, shot and

forced a deflection and Auburn’s sixth corner of the match.

Sophomore forward Heather Havron took the corner and bent it in from the right to tie the game 1-1 in the 59th minute.

The Tigers scored again and seemingly took a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute when sophomore midfielder Katy Frierson sent a corner into the box which was headed in, but a foul was called on Auburn, keeping the match tied.

“Heather’s got a great corner,” Frierson said after Friday’s game. “She is so consistent on them and she just did what she usually does and it went in for us.

It was a great goal.”

In overtime, Auburn had a tough time keeping up with Cal. The Golden Bears outshot the Tigers 6-0 in overtime and 22-12 in the game.

California junior forward Lisa Kevorkian finished off a cross from forward Alex Morgan to win the game and send them to the next round of the tournament.

“Cal stepped it up in overtime,” Hoppa said.

“They have one of the best forwards in the country, and she made a great run and found a player wide open at the goal.”

Auburn finished the game with 12 shots on goal and nine corners. They will hit the practice fields again early next year.

“It was a great honor to play in the NCAA tournament and we’re going to continue to work hard as a team and make sure we make it further than we did this year,” Havron said.

Auburn looks for another win tonight as Texas A&M travels to Beard– Eaves Memorial Coliseum.

The Aggies will come to Auburn ranked No. 16 in the USA Today poll.

The Aggies are also coming off a huge win, knocking sixth ranked Duke at home, 95-77.

Fortner said her team still has a long way to go to reach its potential and is far from being the team it needs to be when conference season arrives.

“The kids have to grow up and learn how to play at this level and come to play every night,” Fortner said. “We’ve got a young team, and it’s just going to take us a while.”

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Junior guard Alli Smalley shoots the ball over two Troy defenders. The Tigers beat the Trojans 70-65 last Friday night.

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