12.1.11 edition of the Auburn Plainsman by The Auburn Plainsman

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Tornado update Page A5

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Vol. 118, Issue 14, 18 Pages

AU Alert addresses delays, changes

Old phone books put to new use Anna Claire Conrad Staff Writer

Megan Smith Writer

Some new features are being added to the AU Alert system. The original AU Alert was implemented in November 2007 and relied on text messages and email to notify students of campus safety concerns. Now, AU Alert can be followed on Twitter and Facebook, and voice command-capable phones have been integrated into the system. There are also sirens and voice alarms in several buildings on campus. “We’re also working out a desktop alerting system,” said Susan McCallister, director of public safety and information and education at the University. “Anyone who loads it will have it pop up when AU Alert is activated.” Once texts are sent by AU Alert’s vendor, High Ground Solutions, it is up to the student’s phone service to get the texts through. However, McCallister said cellphone towers are affected any time a storm is passing through the area. “A storm can cause delays, or people contacting each other to make sure they are OK could inherently create delays in the system,” McCallister said. When tornadoes hit Auburn Nov. 16, students complained they did not receive an AU Alert until the tornado warning had expired or after they had already been ushered into a shelter on campus. “It is the nature of this type of alerting system,” McCallister said. “You can’t contact 30,000 people in a small geographic area at the same time. There are limitations.” McCallister said there is an analysis performed after each alert, and the vendor has identified a few things that went wrong with the tornado watch alerts. “The vendor made a few changes, and they did not think it would have this impact on the alerts,” McCallister said. “It was an unintended consequence, but we did have a number of people who reported getting them very promptly.” McCallister said another problem is that students enter their parent’s

Rebecca Croomes / Assistant Photo Editor

Head drum major Daniel Johnson and the marching band performing at the Ole miss game.

Marching band seeks new home

Robert E. Lee

Assistant Campus Editor

The band has new uniforms and all-silver-plated brass instruments, but lacks a practice facility to hold it all. The marching band has a new fundraising campaign in place to raise money for a new state-of-theart practice facility. The new band pavilion, adjacent to the football field, was constructed this summer with a $1 million grant from the College of Liberal Arts. While the structure fits most of the members, it doesn’t allow for effective outdoor practice, said Director of Bands Richard Good. “Right now if nasty weather comes up, there’s no shelter for band students,” Good said “Most schools have big enough facilities to play in. We can’t play indoors

right now, and if it rains practice has to get canceled.” The University will match half of the funds raised by the band for the project. “Auburn University bands are a source of pride and enthusiasm for the Auburn family,” said President Jay Gogue. “They’ve outgrown Goodwin Hall, and I know they’re excited for a new home to rehearse and prepare for their amazing performances.” The band’s current facility in Goodwin was built to house 250 members, but the band now stands at 380 members.. “We need to raise about $5.5 to $6 million, and the overall price stands around $11 million,” Good said. Practicality also plays a role in the marching band’s needs, said

Head Drum Major Daniel Johnson, as they currently have no central location to house all of their equipment, members and directors. “It really would do more than I can say for the program,” Johnson said. “A new facility would mean a lot to us.” On gameday the band walks more than a mile from Goodwin to Jordan-Hare Stadium, and some students are forced to keep small instruments in their car because of the lack of time and storage space, Good said. “What it might be is just people don’t understand everything we do,” Johnson said. “A lot goes into it.” The band moved to a bigger practice field two years ago when the University built the parking

» See Band, A2

Contributed

Holiday choo-choo train rides around downtown Opelika.

Porch tour brings Santa’s village to life Staff Writer

happened a long time ago, definitely at least 30 years. “I’m still waiting on my guys to do a little bit more, but short of sending it to some CSI lab, we probably won’t find out what happened.” The eagles were donated by William C. “Red” Sugg, a 1931 Auburn graduate, but they weren’t placed on the gates until later. “The gates were a gift of the class of 1917,” said Hal Smith, a volunteer for Special Collections and Archives and 1984 Auburn graduate. “Originally the gates were crowned with a couple of spheres. “In the 1960 Glom the gates still had the spheres. In the 1965 Glom the eagles were there, so I think it’s safe to say they were placed some-

If you dream of walking in a winter wonderland, go no farther than the streets of downtown Opelika. Opelika’s Victorian Front Porch Tour offers walking and driving tours through city streets adorned with elaborate Christmas displays. “The Victorian Front Porch Tour is a self-guided neighborhood tour in which all of the homes on the street are decorated with life-sized papiermache figures, whether it is Santas, families, angels or elves,” said Robyn Bridges, Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau communications director. “Anything related to Christmas, you will see.” The displays will be on the porches of neighborhood homes along 8th and 9th streets of historic downtown Opelika. The streets are open for driving Wednesday through Friday, as well as on Sunday. “On Saturday they close the streets, and it is for walking tours only,” Bridges said. “They also feature live entertainment with costume, carolers and various things like that to enhance the night.” This year will be downtown Ope-

» See Eagles, A2

» See Tour, A2

A rendering of the what the band wants their future practice facility to look like.

Toomer’s concrete eagles missing from pedestals Elizabeth Bonner Staff Writer

Don’t worry—the stone eagles perched atop the gates at Toomer’s Corner didn’t fly away. The statues were sent to Washington, D.C., Nov. 11 for repairs and restoration by preservation specialists at The Lathan Company, which is headquartered in Mobile. Among the statues’ damage was something no one expected: a coat of red paint under the surface of both eagles. Lathan Company artisans discovered the paint while cleaning them last week. “Apparently the paint is an aerosol type and confined to the breast and front of the eagles,” said Jerry Lathan, founder and CEO of The Lathan Company. “It is (on) both statues and will require a great deal more work on our

» See Phone book, A2

Lane Jones

Contributed

» See AuAlert, A2

The 4-1-1 is that Project Redirectory is under way for another year in Opelika. Opelika City Schools are participating in a Keep Opelika Beautiful initiative from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 called Project Redirectory, in which students collect old phone books to be recycled and turned into other usable materials. “Project Redirectory is a competition among the Opelika City Schools, grades K through 8th, to see which school can collect the most used phone books,” said Tipi Miller, director of Keep Opelika Beautiful. “Adding the competition factor is what makes this initiative so successful.” She said this will be the project’s sixth year. “It is the schools’ job to collect and count the phone books,” Miller said. “Once the directories are submitted, the City of Opelika Solid Waste Department will transport them to a recycling facility. “There, the phone books will be recycled into insulation material, gro-

Rebecca Croomes / Assistant Photo editor The Toomer’s concrete eagles were removed from their pedestals for repair.

part to remove.” The company has no information regarding who painted the eagles or when.

“The guy I talked to at the University has been there 20-something years, and he didn’t know anything about it,” Lathan said. “It looks like it

Recycled paper

Campus A2

The Auburn Plainsman

DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Nov. 26 – Nov. 27, 2011 ■ William C. Smith, 19, of Montgomery Mary Lane at Hams Avenue Nov. 26, 3:55 a.m. ■ Kerstien L. Peake, 20, of Wetumpka E. Glenn Avenue Nov. 26, 6:08 a.m. ■ Joshua R. Montee, 20, of Montgomery N. Gay Street at Shelton Mill Road Nov. 26, 7:38 a.m. ■ Joshua L. Lamb, 23, of Evansville Shug Jordan Parkway Nov. 27, 1:58 a.m. ■ John T. Piazza, 18, of Cincinnati S. Donahue Drive at Lem Morrison Road —Arrests provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

AU Alert » From A1

number first rather than their own. “The first number needs to be the student’s cell number because they go out first,” McCallister said. “The numbers are randomized for all faculty, staff and students. The system randomly contacts a first batch, then a second batch.” Kiersten Wones, junior in Spanish and English, said she was already in a shelter when her alert came. “We were having lunch in the Student Center when a tornado warning came over the

Band

» From A1 deck and Office of Information Technology building, but have still had setbacks in their ability to practice. “In order to continue to move forward, we need to provide students with an adequate facility,” said Corey Spurlin, marching band director. “This new facility is ex-

loudspeaker,” Wones said. “We got up to leave to go to Haley, but they told everyone to go to the first floor and we ended up in a back hallway by the service elevator.” Wones received her AU Alert five minutes before the warning expired, but said it is nice to have a system in place regardless. “I’ve gotten an AU Alert once every few months over the past few years,” Wones said. “I usually know about whatever it is before I get them, but it is really helpful to know when things are over. I like that follow-up messages are sent.” tremely important. It’s an urgent need.” Spurlin also said the band is a University class that students have to register for. “Every class should have a place to meet indoors,” he said. Other universities in the SEC, such as LSU, recently built a new facility and The University of Alabama has a fundraiser for a new facility as well.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Crime Reports for Nov. 25 – Nov. 26, 2011 Nov. 25 — South College Street Burglary of residence reported. $200

Nov. 26 — South College Street Theft of property reported. One valour twill sofa slipcover

Nov. 25 — East Longleaf Drive Burglary of residence reported. Three gold bracelets and two blank checks

Nov. 26 — US Highway 280 West Theft of property reported. One 10-channel sound mixing board and two 10” speakers

Nov. 25 — Lee Road 137 Burglary of residence reported. One compound bow, one laptop computer and two iPod speakers

Nov. 26 — South Ross Street Auto theft reported. Silver Honda

Nov. 26 — Lee Road 191 Auto theft reported. One license plate

Nov. 26 — North Gay Street Breaking and entering of a vehicle reported. One GPS, one computer bag, one laptop, one Playstaion 3, one video game and one Nook

Nov. 26 — East Samford Avenue Theft of property reported. One gold oval locket

Nov. 26 — Summertrees Drive Burglary of residence reported. Fourteen various guns, 40 rare silver and

Phone book » From A1

cery bags and other paper products, such as paper towels or more phone books.” Miller said the school that collects the most used phone books will receive a $1,000 prize. “The second-place winner will receive $700, and the third-place winner will re-

TOUR

» From A1 lika’s 16th year hosting the event. “It’s a fun time to be out and about in that area and historic neighborhood,” Bridges said. “There are people here who make sure the figures always look their best and that there’s new enhancements every year.”

Eagles » From A1

time in the early 1960s.” Auburn decided to send both eagles for touch-ups. “With some carving tools

gold coins, two strong boxes and one Nintendo Nov. 26 — East Samford Avenue Breaking and entering of a vehicle reported. One camera, one GPS and one shaving kit bag Nov. 26 — Shug Jordan Parkway Burglary of residence reported. One John Deere gator Nov. 26 — Wire Rd. Auto theft reported. Black Ford Ranger — Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

ceive $500,” Miller said. “All Opelika City Schools that participate in this project will receive $100. We encourage the schools to use the money toward promoting environmental awareness and causes.” Becky Brown, Opelika City Schools public relations coordinator, said this is healthy competition for Opelika youth.

“The benefit of this competition is that we recycle all of these old phone books as opposed to them being thrown away and ending up in a landfill,” Brown said. Brown said Project Redirectory also teaches students the importance of recycling and respecting the environment. “The kids get really into this project,” Brown said. “The

competitive nature of Project Redirectory is a direct factor of its success, but behind that is the students wanting to be more conscientious about the environment.” For more information on Project Redirectory or where to drop off old phone books, contact Miller at 334-7494970 or Brown at 334-7459700.

One of those people is Diann Cullinan, coordinator of the front porch tours. When the original director left Opelika five years ago, Cullinan was chosen as the replacement. “They needed someone to keep the event going because the city loved it so much,” Cullinan said. “They contacted me because I’m an artist and

person that could keep the display in good condition.” The front porch displays began with only a couple of homes, but as interest grew the event expanded to include 60 homes and 10 city blocks. “People began to say, ‘Oh, I like that! Let’s put one on my porch!’ And it just grew,” Cullinan said. “The whole neighborhood just got involved.”

Cullinan said the city expects more than 10,000 visitors this year. “It brings people in from all over the country, not just this area,” Cullinan said. “It has been written up in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. The Tourism Bureau has ranked this one of its top tourism events.”

we’re going to restore some of the detailing that was on them (where) you can see some of the weathered features now,” Lathan said. Lathan said the statues are carved of white marble that is

not suitable to sit outside for many years. “They’re not going to live forever in a weathering environment,” Lathan said. “My suggestion to Auburn is that we have some kind of cam-

paign to replace them.” Whether or not Auburn plans to take Lathan’s advice and replace the eagles in the future, the statues are expected to be back in place by Christmas.

AUBIE NEEDS YOUR VOTE! Vote for Aubie by texting “Aubie” to 785-27 or by Voting online At www.cApitAlonebowl.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Campus A3

The Auburn Plainsman

Staff cycle ends with new deans Anna Claire Conrad Staff Writer

The process behind replacing a dean is more intricate than students may think. “Auburn has had several deans replaced in the past few years for various reasons, such as the previous dean retiring, being fired or simply moving on,” said Norman Godwin, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Business. Godwin said a college in need of a new dean will advertise the open position. “Normally, a search committee is formed within the college consisting of staff representatives, faculty members, student representatives from the undergraduate and graduate curriculums,” Godwin said. “We try to get a wide representation of the folks that the dean will work with.” Godwin said a search firm is often employed to help locate candidates. “We are the consultants of this process,” said William Funk, founder and president of R. William Funk & Associates. “We present the University’s search committee with candidates, after which it is the committee’s responsibility to evaluate the pool and ultimately recommend three or four persons to report to the University for further interviews and to meet all of their constituents. The provost and the president will make the final decision from there.” Funk said his firm has a longstanding relationship with Auburn, and it played a role in selecting the new provost and new deans for colleges including the College of Engineering and the College of Architecture. “A good amount of deans have stepped down in recent years because the instability the University faced with grounding a new president before Dr. Gogue came into the picture is no longer present,” Funk said. “Many of the older deans felt it was their

“

Many of the older deans felt it was their responsibility to stay around until stability was reached.” —William Funk President, R. William Funk & Associates

responsibility to stay around until stability was reached. Now that the University has Dr. Gogue, these older deans have decided to retire or, in some cases, return to the classroom.” Godwin said two types of interviews take place. “The first interview is sometimes called the ‘airport interview,’ which is when the search committee flies in candidates and meets with them at a hotel or at the airport to conduct the first round of interviews,” Godwin said. “From that pool the committee chooses a couple candidates to invite to campus for public interviews.” Godwin said the second round of interviews usually lasts one full day. “This is when the candidates basically meet everyone they will potentially be working with,” Godwin said. “From there we make a suggestion to the president and the provost as to who’s best for the position.” Godwin said many deans continue the work and projects of their predecessor. “As long as we find the work to be applicable to our office and to the University, we will continue a previous dean’s work,” Godwin said. “However, if the new dean decides to drop a particular project and begin a new initiative, he or she may do so.” Godwin also said students’ opinions and concerns are crucial to the search process and to the focus the new dean’s work will take.

Contributed

Meredith Blaylock, senior in nursing, is part of a three-person jump rope team during a spring 2011 service trip to Costa Rica.

ASB takes no winter break Sarah Cook

see us doing that many trips each year,” King said. Trip locations are usually centered on one issue, such as affordable housing construction or community development, said Hamp Price, senior in biomedical sciences and ASB director. “We have site leaders for each trip, and they are the ones who are planning it,” Price said. “We’ve sort of trained them to find an issue that they are passionate about and plan the trip based on that issue.” ASB has four trips planned over winter break and five planned for spring break. “The other trip that we have in January is during Martin Luther King weekend,” said Kylie Hastings, junior in mathematics education and assistant director of publicity. “They’re going to be working with homelessness and urban poverty is-

Writer

Instead of hitting the beach for vacation, some students hit the streets during school breaks to give back and impact communities in a positive way. Originally founded under Impact, Alternative Student Breaks is pushing to be its own student organization recognized by the Student Government Association. ASB, which belongs to the national alternative breaks organization Break Away, began in spring 2008 to offer students the opportunity to participate in community service projects during academic breaks. The alternative break movement began at Vanderbilt University in 1996, said ASB adviser Tim King, and Vanderbilt’s group does between 30 and 40 alternative breaks each year. “In 10 years, I would love to

sues in Atlanta.” Price said his interest in ASB began when he heard about the organization through friends while he was an Impact project coordinator. “After participating in ASB one year, I knew I’d be interested in participating again, and so I said I would lead a trip,” Price said. In an effort to increase awareness about ASB, Price said he and other students involved in the program have been trying to publicize the organization more. Along with local trips, ASB also travels abroad for service projects. “Our three international locations are Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Ecuador right now,” Price said. “Our Ecuador trip is in the winter.” Hastings said students traveling to Ecuador will be work-

ing on community development and building a church in the area. Price said one of his favorite memories while on an ASB trip was when his group was involved in a slight fender-bender in Costa Rica. “We had to wait for help on the side of the road for two hours,” Price said. “But everyone was so positive and content to be sitting there instead of hiking to a waterfall or playing with kids or building a house.” Price said that was when he saw what a great group of people he was with and how much he loved ASB. “You come together, for the most part, as complete strangers, but then you become really close in the common goal of service,” Price said. “I’ve met some of my best friends through this program.”

Alternative Student Breaks: Saturday, Dec. 10 – Sunday, Dec. 18 SUNDAY

MONDAY 11

TUESDAY 12

WEDNESDAY 13

THURSDAY

FRIDAY 15

SATURDAY 16

Community Development (construction, literacy, teaching English, etc.) - Quito, Ecuador

Assisting the Elderly - Savannah, Georgia Helping Children with Special Needs - Kissimmee, Florida Affordable Housing Construction - Punta Gorda, Florida

Family surprised with free meal Elizabeth Segarra Writer

Maria Iampietro / Photo Editor Recruiters on South College can help students register for military aptitude tests and learn requirements for joining the armed forces.

Military recruiting shifts to graduates Hayley Blair Associate Campus Editor

Students may want to pay more attention to those military recruiters pacing the Concourse. As the armed forces continue to tighten recruiting standards, more college graduates are being sought out to join the military. “We need intelligent people,” said Jason Long, recruiter for the National Guard. “The days of people joining the military to get out of trouble or because they had no other option … are over. We need more educated people and a higher quality soldier. College graduates are exactly what we’re looking for.” Students may be intimidated by the prospect of pursuing a military career after focusing on other professional goals, but Long said it might be an ideal option for those

with overwhelming student loans. Once a student joins the military, it’s possible to have $50,000 worth of loans repaid by the government, and most college graduates who do well on the military’s aptitude test, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, can be commissioned as officers. Long said many students don’t take this path, however. “If a student hasn’t come into the ROTC program already, it’s a little harder to get a college student to come into the military,” Long said. “It’s unfortunate because that’s really what we’re looking for. We’re looking for educated people, and right now there’s a shortage of officers in Alabama’s National Guard.” Ron Burgess, assistant admissions officer for ROTC, said only about 3 percent of Auburn’s student population

is enrolled in ROTC. “You’re not joining the military when you do ROTC,” Burgess said. “It’s a path to becoming an officer. You complete the requirements to commission as an officer while you complete the requirements for your degree. That’s much different from enlisting or joining.” A.J. Wilkins, junior in computer engineering, isn’t in ROTC, but has decided to enlist in the Air Force. “It was something I’d been debating since about the 11th grade or so,” Wilkins said. “It’s not a decision you can make on a whim. It can affect your present, it can affect your future. They can call you any time to take you away from college. It just depends.” Wilkins is a member of the reserves and has not yet received a call to action, but he’s become a kind of “weekend

warrior,” training and working for the military on set weekends each month. “One of the main reasons I did it was that I’d really been wanting to serve my country for a while, and I couldn’t put it off any longer,” Wilkins said. “I had that desire in my heart and my head to do it.” Burgess said the military is a good option for students, but they must make sure they are dedicated to fulfilling their duties before joining. “Many have a misconception about what it means to serve and what you’re going to do and where you’re going to go when you’re serving in the military,” Burgess said. “There’s also many who would like to do it who, when they register for ROTC, don’t want to do what it takes to be an officer. There are also those who wish to serve their country in a different way.”

Thanks to the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, an Auburn family was able to enjoy an unexpected meal this Thanksgiving holiday. Delta Sigma Theta is a community service-based sorority on campus, and by November it had collected more than 75 pounds of food for one Auburn family. “One sister in our sorority volunteers at J.F. Drake Middle School,” said Kara White, senior in biomedical sciences and member of Delta Sigma Theta. “She found out from a school counselor that one student at the middle school has a household with 11 people.” The sisters decided to collect food for the Jones family in honor of Thanksgiving, and it marked the first time Delta Sigma Theta has collected food for a family as a service project. In order to collect as much food as possible, the group used many different advertising strategies, including setting up a table on the Concourse to tell passing students about the food drive, posting fliers and broadcasting radio advertisements through WEGL. “We also advertised our service project on Facebook and Twitter,” said Jasmine Shaw, senior in human development and family studies and sorority treasurer.

The food collection was not limited to students, however. Delta Sigma Theta also collected food from Auburn locals, holding a “Donation Day” the first Wednesday of every month. White also said they received help from Johnny Green, pastor at Cross Roads Community Church. Green told his parishioners about the project, and the sisters were able to make collections at the church on donation days. The sisters delivered the food to the Jones family Nov. 15. White said the Jones family knew they would benefit from this service project, but what they didn’t know was how much food had been collected for them. “When they saw how much food we collected, they were amazed,” White said. Delta Sigma Theta plans to continue with organizing service projects for this family in the future. “We want to redo their house, like ‘Extreme Makeover,’” White said. She also said they feel especially connected to this family because a sorority member often volunteers with one of the Jones children. “Delta Sigma Theta will do any community service, but serving local people in Auburn is most important to us,” Shaw said.

Campus A4

The Auburn Plainsman

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Professor juggles teaching, business Sloane Hudson Writer

Professor. Business owner. Wife and mother. Mandy Harrelson, professor in the College of Business, exemplifies what it is to be a multi-tasker. Harrelson, an Auburn alumna, was presented with an opportunity to open her own branch of Northwestern Mutual, a Fortune 500 company that provides financial advice. Northwestern Mutual prides itself on representatives establishing close relationships with their clients. Harrelson interviewed for a representative job in Montgomery, but was presented with a different opportunity. “The nearest office is in Montgomery, so when I interviewed there they wanted me to commute,” Harrelson said. “The problem there is, it’s so relationship-based. Thankfully, the district director really believed in me and had faith that I could start an office in Opelika.” Harrelson opened the Opelika branch in June 2005 the day after she returned home from her honeymoon. Business owner is not the only role Harrelson plays on a daily basis, as she is also a professor of finance at Auburn. After receiving a call from John Jahera, dean of the finance department, Harrelson decided to give teaching a chance. “I was hesitant because I had never taught before, and he said, ‘Well, you’ve always tutored our students, and the other professors think very highly of you and would like for you to come on,’” Harrelson said. Harrelson said balancing the many responsibilities she has with two jobs isn’t always easy, but she has found a way to manage her time. “Balancing the two at first was a struggle,” Harrelson said, “but now that I’ve gotten used to it, I can manage the two quite nicely because I teach the same class. Sure,

Alex Sager / Associate Photo Editor

Harrelson’s branch of Northwestern Mutual is located in an office building in downtown Opelika.

there are tweaks I have to make, but I don’t have to prepare for an entirely separate class.” Levale Speigner, financial assistant at the Opelika branch, enjoys working with Harrelson because of her commitment to both of her titles. “She handles balancing the two very well,” Speigner said. “She does a great job balancing taking care of our needs as a rep as well as handle her clients and her workload.” According to Matthew Dixon, another financial assistant at the firm, Harrelson has struck the perfect balance in managing her time with the many different people that need her attention. “One good thing is that she only has classes in the morning and has the afternoon to focus on things here,” Dixon said. “She’s got a husband, child, students, co-workers— all these people to look after, and she does a great job with that. “As an educator, she wants to be sure (the students) are learning financial stability.” This is a lesson Harrelson said she considers extremely important for her students to learn. “I do have a passion for the idea that everyone, no matter

Alex Sager / Associate Photo Editor

Harrelson spends time in her Opelika business office and some time in the classroom. Harrelson said she has learned to balance both.

what your degree is, needs to know basic finance,” Harrelson said. “Our society is not very financially savvy in basic saving skills.” Harrelson tells her students that they shouldn’t expect to be in the same financial position as their parents upon graduation. Harrelson also said one advantage of being both a financial adviser and a professor is that she is able to apply real-

world situations to the classroom. “I’ll use examples from my clients at NM—obviously without using their names— but I can use their situations and ask students how they should structure their income,” Harrelson said. “If I can get five students to think about budgeting and saving by the time they graduate, I’ve done something impactful.”

Auburn offers GED program Sloane Hudson Writer

Auburn University is teaming up with Southern Union State Community College to offer a Graduate Equivalency Diploma for students who have not received their high school diploma. The GED program was extended to Auburn’s campus Nov. 17. “What we have done here is extended Southern Union’s program onto the Auburn campus in order to provide that service to the greater Auburn and Opelika area,” said James Witte of Auburn’s adult education program. Witte said individuals will meet on campus in Wallace Hall to receive GED instruction and testing, and participants will also be eligible for workforce development training including resume writing and job interviewing skills. “When someone completes the GED, they are perfectly eligible to enter either work skills programs or the academic programs at Southern Union,” Witte said. “Or for that matter, with their complete testing out of the way they can enter Auburn University with the GED.” Classes will be available Thursday evenings and will be led by Southern Union instructor Georgia Love. Witte said individuals entering the program are first given a placement test. “If your placement score

says you need to develop math skills, but your English skills are very good, you will minimize time studying English and focus on the math skills,” Witte said. “Everyone in the GED program has an individualized program of study. The object is to bring you in, find out where you need help, get you trained in that area and graduate.” Derika Griffin, director of adult education at Southern Union, said it is perfect timing to extend the program to Auburn’s campus. “We have excellent candidates throughout the Auburn area, and the objective is to elevate their educational status,” Griffin said. Royrickers Cook, assistant vice president for University Outreach, said the more instruction an individual receives, the better off he or she will be. “Receiving your GED will put a person in the position to have a better quality of life,” Cook said. “Overall, it’s extremely important that we emphasize helping with these needs.” Cook said Auburn is proud to support individuals who wish to participate in the GED program. “If you have individuals who have not finished high school, but have enough courage and interest to go and pursue the GED equivalent, then it is imperative that we support that,” Cook said.

Community

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Community

Campus, community unite for the holidays Kristen Oliver Writer

Auburn is ringing in the holiday season with hot chocolate, caroling and one big Christmas tree. Student Government Association and University Program Council are co-sponsoring a holiday celebration Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Samford Lawn. “We will be lighting the holiday tree,” said Olivia Hutchinson, junior in public relations and SGA director of the holiday celebration. “It’s actually a stationary tree that’s on Sam-

ford Lawn all year long. It’s near the corner of College and Thach.” The tree lighting will be the highlight of this year’s holiday celebration. “I love the way Auburn is decorated for Christmas every year,” said Sara Vaughan, junior in early childhood education. “A lot of people will go take pictures in front of the tree with their friends.” Auburn Mayor Bill Ham will join the community to light the tree. “He does a big ‘War Eagle,’ and on the ‘Hey!’ the tree lights

up,” Hutchinson said. “It’s a cool little moment.” Other aspects of the celebration include keynote speakers, music and children’s activities. “We’re having children’s choirs come from the surrounding elementary schools,” said Rachel McKinnon, undeclared sophomore and SGA assistant director of the celebration. “They’re going to come up and sing four songs during the program.” The Auburn University choirs and AU Cappella will sing several popular Christ-

mas carols, and Hutchinson said there will be entertainment for people of all ages at the lighting. “We’ll have a couple different tables set up at the event and free hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies,” Hutchinson said. “We’ll also have a table where kids can write letters to Santa.” Hutchinson said she’s hoping to involve the community even more this year. Many stores downtown will stay open past closing, and the Hotel at Auburn University will reveal its gingerbread village

“

It’s a moment of unity of all of the Auburn Family, Auburn community, students, faculty— everyone at the event being one.” —Olivia Hutchinson Holiday Celebration Director

after the event. The celebration will also be an opportunity for people to

give back to the community. “The biggest thing about the event is collecting toys for Toys for Tots,” Hutchinson said. “Those toys have to be new and unwrapped. Anyone is welcome to bring them, whether community members, students, faculty, anyone.” SGA President Kirby Turnage and UPC President Anne Smead will both speak at the event. “While they’re speaking, we are lighting a unity candle,” Hutchinson said, “so every-

» See Holidays, A6

Bluegrass band rings in the holiday season Lane Jones Staff Writer

Kate Jones / Intrigue Editor

Two tornadoes touched down in Auburn Nov. 16, damaging approximately 237 structures, like this home on Elkins Drive. The storms also downed about 1,000 trees. Auburn Public Works estimates another 2–3 weeks until all debris is cleared.

City cleans up after tornado Cleanup progressing as expected Alison McFerrin News Editor

Auburn and Opelika residents are still putting the pieces back together after the Nov. 16 tornado, and local officials say cleanup is progressing. “When the tornadoes hit we actually had people in the field very close to that location where the storm hit,” said Auburn Public Works director and city engineer Jeffrey Ramsey. “And so we were really able to mobilize very quickly.” Ramsey said city workers were evaluating the damage within 15 minutes, and the roads were cleared within three to four hours. Kathrine Raines, Lee County Emergency Management Agency director, said they also began coordi-

nating efforts to help those impacted almost immediately after the storms came through. “What we do here is coordinate the response of the community,” Raines said. “If anyone has any needs—any kind of assistance that they’re looking for, whether it be in cutting trees or whatever they need—if they would please call 2-1-1, we have had some offers from some faith-based groups to help people.” Raines said the efforts by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army were fantastic. “We didn’t have enough people to even open shelters, so the Red Cross was placing them in hotels,” Raines said. “They were also helping some (renters) find … another place to rent.” Ramsey said about 1,000 trees were downed by the storms, and approximately 237 structures were damaged.

Guidelines

for debris removal • Debris should be placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on regular garbage days. • No household garbage, hazardous waste or other unacceptable waste should be mixed in with debris. • Debris should not be placed in the roadway, on or around storm drains, near utility lines, on utility boxes or on vacant lots. • Limbs and other debris should be no longer than 5 feet. • Separate all wood debris, including limbs and grass clippings, from metal items. • For more information, call the City of Auburn Environmental Services Department at 334-501-3080.

» See Tornado, A6

It’s going to be a blue Christmas in Opelika—bluegrass that is. As part of “Christmas in a Railroad Town,” downtown Opelika is hosting the Bluegrass Christmas Concert at Transformations Life Center Dec. 9 from 6–9 p.m. “There’ll be some traditional Christmas carols being played by a four-man bluegrass band,” said Ann Stroud, concert coordinator. “It will be a free way for the community to start celebrating for Christmas. ‘Christmas in a Railroad Town’ is a traditional Opelika event, but this is the first time we’re having the band here.” The Bluegrass Christmas Concert features the local band WireGrass. “We wanted a name that was fairly local,” said Philip Stroud, WireGrass banjo player and Ann’s husband. “The Wiregrass is a little south of here. We were thinking about calling ourselves Grassaholics Anonymous, but that wouldn’t work with the kids.” Through his wife’s work with Transformations, Philip and his band were contacted to perform at the event. “Transformations asked us to do this because they’re a new and upcoming business,” Philip said. “A psychologist owns it, and she promotes well-being. We promote what she loves, and that’s music. She could probably have had any group come in there to perform, but I think the kind of music we play is really upbeat, foot-stomping, high energy and loud.” The band formed when three of its members who worked together were asked to play some carols at an office party. Philip said this concert will take them back to those roots. “When we play at Transformations this time, we’ll be play-

“

We were thinking about calling ourselves Grassaholics Anonymous, but that wouldn’t work with the kids.” —Philip Stroud Wiregrass Banjo Player

ing Christmas music, which is real fun,” Philip said. “Between the songs we’ll be doing hardcore bluegrass. We’re usually real high-energy, and of course we’ll take requests.” Ken Prestridge, the band’s guitarist and lead singer, said the music selection will combine bluegrass classics and holiday favorites with Opelika’s history as a railroad town. “About a third of them will be Christmas carols, a third will be bluegrass instrumentals, and a third will be bluegrass vocals,” Prestridge said. “Going with the theme that was suggested, we’re doing a lot of train songs.” As the wife of a member and a Transformations employee, Ann has the responsibility of both hosting and promoting the event. “I think downtown Opelika is taking on a new flavor than what we are used to around here,” Ann said. “I hope it’s a nice beginning to the Christmas season and that people can come to see what downtown Opelika has to offer.” Philip encouraged college students to attend the concert for an authentic bluegrass experience. “If they haven’t heard this music, when it’s played in front of their face they’ll fall in love with it,” Philip said. “If college kids come to see us, they are more than welcome to sing along or play along if they have a guitar. I don’t mind jamming.”

Exotic pets provide hobby and legacy Nick Bowman Opinions Editor

“The biggest problem with most pet stores is it’s about money, and that’s the last thing it should be about.” For Stacy Hall and her family, owning and operating Petz Unleashed on South College Street next to Winn-Dixie is a tough hobby, not a tough job. “It’s been fun,” Hall said. “But it isn’t easy. It’s 80–90 hours a week, because even when you leave you don’t leave it. You can’t take a vacation. “Every animal in here has to be fed. Christmas Day people are opening gifts. Christmas Day I’m in here feeding animals.” Hall and her husband Kyle are Auburn natives who wanted to have something they could leave behind for

their children. They said one of the ways to do that was to go in a different route from most other pet stores. “We wanted a community-type store,” Stacy said. “We wanted a place where people can come in and just hang out.” “It’s a lot like a petting zoo,” Kyle said. “This is a place people can come in and pick up and handle the animals.” Shawna Ware, owner of a ball python and a corn snake and a resident of Beauregard, said she goes to the store to buy mice. “They’re always so helpful,” Ware said. “A few weeks back I had some trouble with my corn snake, and I went to PetCo, and they couldn’t figure it out. They told me to try this place and I did. They fixed my little guy up right away.” Petz Unleashed sells bun-

nies, guinea pigs, rats and mice, birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, spiders, scorpions, centipedes and freshwater and saltwater fish. Stacy said the strangest—and scariest—animal to come through their door was a crocodile monitor. “He was about 5-and-a-half feet,” she said. “They’re arboreal, so his claws were so long that him just walking on you splits your arms open. We had to redo a cage specifically to have him in it.” The Halls said they want to expand, and the way to do that is to be helpful. “We do enjoy it, we love it, but it’s stressful,” Stacy said. “We’re very cautious of where our animals come from. We like to get everything privately bred. “You’re not promoting the same thing everyone else

is promoting. You don’t get them in the store and get them sold and make a quick buck.” She said the best example is a pair of sun conures that have been in the store for 14 months. “When we sell those, we’ll have lost a lot of money on them,” Stacy said. Kyle said he started spending time at the store with its previous owners, and when he found out they wanted to sell, he was willing to buy. When the Halls took over the store, policies changed drastically. “We have an open door policy,” Stacy said. “The humane society has enough issues and enough going on without people dumping snakes on them. We’re a little better equipped for things like that.”

Nick Bowman / Opinions Editor

Petz Unleashed, located on South College Street next to Winn-Dixie, offers the community another option besides cats and dogs, such as lizards, birds, bunnies and rats.

Community A6

The Auburn Plainsman

Johnston runs ‘tiger of a bookstore’ Meredith Hall Writer

Other than Aubie, Trey Johnston may be the most recognized tiger in Auburn. The owner and CEO of J&M Bookstore has deep roots in this city and its traditions. “My mother fainted (when she was pregnant) with me on Toomer’s Corner, and she was revived by the lemonade,” Johnston said. So began the life of an Auburn celebrity. A product of the Auburn

school system, Johnston said he remembers the strong connection he had to the University even before he entered Auburn’s College of Business. Playing sports in middle school and high school, Johnston said he felt he was representing more than just his amateur team. “When you’re a kid growing up in Auburn, you’re a part of the University whether you want it or not,” Johnston said. “You better take on the challenge.” Even though Johnston expressed an interest in business, he never anticipated carrying on the family trade. “It’s kind of a wonderful story,” Johnston said. “I never thought when I was going to Auburn that I’d be working in the college bookstore my whole life.” Every home football game includes the tradition of hand-

ing out stickers at J&M. “It’s so crowded in the store on gameday,” Johnston said. “I wanted people to have something from J&M.” Johnston has handed out free stickers to fans for almost 25 years. Another famous J&M tradition, the tiger growl, arose accidentally. “It wasn’t any marketing genius,” Johnston said. After shooting several failed takes for a commercial, Johnston let out a frustrated growl at the camera, and, as almost everyone in Auburn knows, the growl stuck. “I would have to describe Trey as ‘double-E’: energy and enthusiasm,” said Kevin McNally, sales representative for Under Armour and Johnston’s friend of 26 years. “To me, he’s a true Auburn man.” J&M Bookstore has been helping students with all their

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college necessities since 1953. Johnston’s father, George Johnston, and Paul Malone built the business based on customer service, and Trey carries on his father’s mantra: “Service your customer, boy.” “No matter if you’re a customer or you do business with him, he makes you feel like family,” McNally said. Matthew Berube, freshman in engineering, said going to J&M was his first experience with a college bookstore. “Everyone at J&M was really pleasant and tried to get me the best deal,” Berube said. “I didn’t feel hurried.” Aside from helping students in the bookstore, Johnston enjoys golfing, spending time with his family and being active in the community. He’s served on numerous committees and boards in Auburn and as president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

Tornado » From A5

The public works department focuses on removing debris that residents place on streets outside of homes. “It could be as much as three or four weeks before everybody gets everything moved to the right-of-way, and then we can haul it off,” Ramsey said. Power outages were another aspect of the storm’s damage. “A number of power poles were broken, (and) a number of trees were on power lines and brought the lines down,” said Mike Jordan, external af-

Holidays » From A5

one in the audience will have a candle to light. It’s a moment of unity of all of the Auburn Family, Auburn community, students, faculty—everyone at the event being one at

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Maria Iampietro / Photo editor

Trey Johnston carries on an Auburn tradition in J&M Bookstore, which was started by his father, George Johnston, and Paul Malone.

Trey’s passion for football and the Auburn community has kept J&M going strong. “It keeps me young,” he said.

“I enjoy working with the students and the personal relationships I have with the reps and the customers.”

fairs manager for Alabama Power Company, Southern Division. He said the tornado, along with the accompanying straight-line winds, resulted in the loss of power for about 12,000 people in the area. “Because we were able to get more crews in, it allowed us to restore the power much faster than we would have otherwise,” Jordan said. The more localized damage meant crews in other areas of the state could assist the Auburn and Montgomery areas. “Most everyone had power by 4 o’clock that next morning,” he said. Raines said some people

may have thought the tornado sirens were the regular weekly tests. “We never test the sirens on Wednesday when there’s any threatening weather,” Raines said. “But this is the first time that I’m aware of that we have ever had a real tornado warning that close to Wednesday at noon.” Raines also said people shouldn’t rely on the sirens as their primary alert system. “The outdoor warning sirens are actually not meant to warn people in their homes,” Raines said. “We strongly encourage people to have a NOAA weather radio in their home.”

that moment in time.” McKinnon said she likes being able to celebrate Christmas in Auburn. “It’s been a blast, and I love Christmas time,” she said. “It’s my favorite season. It’s just fun to get to plan stuff for it, especially being in Auburn because

usually Christmas is kind of an at-home thing. Having it here, too, has been great.” Vaughan also said she enjoys celebrating the holidays at school. “Celebrating Christmas here makes Auburn feel more like home.”

Opinions Thursday, December 1, 2011

A7 www.theplainsman.com

Community

Our View

Fans must accept BCS, like it or not

Quote of the Week

“

Christmas will always be a religious holiday. However, there has emerged a commercial interpretation of it …” —Abby Anderson “CHristmas vs. holidays,” b5

The Plainsman Poll Vote at theplainsman.com

Brandon Miller Sports@ theplainsman.com

The BCS is flawed. There’s no denying that. At the same time, the BCS is also exactly what college football needs. Let’s be honest. Auburn’s fans are still hurt by being cheated out of the 2004 Orange Bowl, which was that year’s national championship game. Rightfully so, but it’s nothing to hold a grudge over. The BCS, which was put in place in 1998, has been slowly ridiculed more and more each year. Yes, teams have been cheated out of games, but the positives have outweighed the negatives. More times than not, the correct two teams have played for the Coaches’ Trophy. However, yet again, there’s an argument over who should play in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game. If LSU defeats Georgia, they deserve a spot. The discussion of the second team in the game is when things get sticky. That’s where the major flaw in the BCS is created. Every college football fan in America has an opinion on who it should be, including the voters. With that said, everyone is biased, including the voters. It’s impossible to watch a college football game and not cheer for either team in the slightest way. Considering that, if a voter wants a rematch of LSU and Alabama for the national championship, he or she can make that happen. The same problem occurs with preseason polls, which is another flaw. The reason Auburn played in the 2004 Sugar Bowl and not against USC for the Orange Bowl is because voters didn’t expect the team to be as good as it was. How about that? Auburn is better than expected and is rewarded by being left out of a possible national championship. A playoff won’t solve the problem either. In fact, it would only continue the current problem on a larger scale. Despite every team in a playoff having a chance to win a championship, the problem would occur when multiple teams on the in-and-out line have the same record. Who’s in and who’s out? That creates the exact same problem as deciding who plays for the national championship. While the BCS is the way to go, having a rematch between two SEC West teams would be a terrible move. No, it’s not because one of the teams didn’t win the conference—or their own division for that matter. It’s because the country has already seen them play. Remember “The Game of the Century?” It was boring, lackluster, long and low-scoring. Do you get the point? No one outside of the SEC cares to see them play again. Not to mention, most fans of other conferences hate the SEC. LSU won when Alabama had its shot at home against the Bayou Bengals. Instead, show the nation how the so-called best conference in America fares against a team who averages the second-most points per game. Yes, that’s Oklahoma State. Accepting the BCS as the easiest and best method for football should be as easy for fans as accepting a loss. You may not like it, but it’s not changing. Stick your chest out and accept it like a man. Or, to stick to the cliché, it is what it is.

Thicken your skin, America Fans shock Does being greeted by a cheery “Merry Christmas!” offend you? If it does, you need to change your perspective. A person wishing you a Merry Christmas is only wishing you well. They’re taking a religion-specific holiday that calls for charity and brotherly love and applying it to everyone in a warm, welcoming way. They’re not trying to convert. They’re not trying to oppress. They’re just being cheery. We should appreciate a “Merry Christmas” in the same way weshould appreciate a “Happy Hanukkah” or a “Happy Ramadan.” A person is sharing his or her culture with you in a welcoming way. As such, the “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays” debate needs to end. A business using the happy holidays greeting does so because they want to avoid the hassle of an offended customer. We respect that decision, but we also respect the decision of individuals to avoid stores that don’t share their values.

However, all of the irritation and arguing can end with everyone growing up and acknowledging that religious-based greetings aren’t offensive. To go a step further, religiousbased parties or decorations in schools aren’t a state endorsement of religion. The yearly Christmas party doesn’t communicate to children that they need to be Christian. It also doesn’t trample on any other religion. A school is a place of education, and a fourth-grade class can take a break from social studies and division for a day to learn about Christmas, Hannukah and any other holiday. We believe Christmas, celebrated religiously or secularly, is an American holiday. It is a piece of American culture. It’s something that we, as a nation and a people, can celebrate together. It’s fine to disagree—we respect that—but it’s not fine to attempt to take Christmas out of our culture and our schools. Would we erase the history of

our country because we don’t like it? We are not a secular people. Nearly 80 percent of this nation believes in a god. To take every shred of faith from schools to the point of drowning out the echoes of Christmas with a “winter party” is foolish. It does not do our culture justice. Believe it or not, there is an American culture of which Christianity is a part. Like it or not, Christian values were a part of the founding of our nation. The principles that guided our Founding Fathers have guided Christians for 2,000 years. To atheist parents, the occasional atheist child and to followers of other religions, a cookiesand-cake party with a jolly, overweight, bearded guy handing out gifts for no reason should sound like a fun event. Because Christmas has become more and more disassociated from the celebration of Jesus’ birth, “Merry Christmas” should be viewed more as an expression of goodwill and charity than a statement of religious belief.

with rival’s treatment

The 2011 Iron Bowl is in the books. My team won, which is always good; but that’s not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about the Auburn fans and faithful that my wife and I encountered at the game on Saturday. This was our first Iron Bowl at Auburn and also the first Iron Bowl we’ve attended since the Punt-BamaPunt Iron Bowl of 1972. Yes, I’m sure you remember how that one ended. We were students at U of A back then, and like most everyone on, or close to, campus, we were totally consumed by the Alabama-Auburn rivalry. It was intense, it was hostile, it was loud, it was everywhere and it...

Read the rest online at www.theplainsman.com

Alabama fanbase takes state rivalry too far Rebecca Croomes Photo@ theplainsman.com

God, help this state. My brother and I are exact opposites. He is older—I am younger. He likes vanilla—I adore almost everything covered in chocolate. I go to Auburn—he graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and Bama, in case you haven’t heard, is on its way to a possible 14th national championship. Oh, you have heard that? A lot? You’re reminded of it every day? I don’t think I’m the only one who knew Auburn wasn’t going to be spectacular this season, but hey, we did leaps and bounds better than I expected, and I only know the bare minimum to get me through a game.

So I say “War Eagle” anyway. We’ll get them next year. But what I can’t stand is drowning in the Tide … the fans of the Crimson Tide that is. Hours after the Iron Bowl, I looked up the latest story on al.com. From this endeavor I now know the majority of people on that site are registered under a username with ‘bama,’ ‘tide,’ ‘bear’ or ‘Saban’, or some combination of the four. What made my stomach churn was the seven (yes, seven) pages of comments disparaging Auburn. Online comment sections as a whole make me want to pursue a lifestyle in the woods that Thoreau would put into a novel, but I am still amazed at how people simply drop the label of ‘human’ and let their absolute worst come out over a game. I’m not saying Alabama doesn’t deserve to do well at football—it’s kind of their thing. I’m also well aware of Auburn’s contingency of obnoxious fans. I

was even appalled to learn some were comparing the Toomer’s poisonings to the Tuscaloosa tornado. But I’m talking about a normal day, if there is such a thing anymore. You’d think after everything that’s happened we could all just shake hands and say, “Good game.” No. It’s never that simple. It’s as if after a Bama victory in the Iron Bowl that the universe is now realigned after some great wrong had occurred. Or as if a crime had been committed and justice had been served with every houndstooth hat thrown on high. But cheering when the other team’s man is lying on the field in pain? You guys have no shame. I was absolutely disgusted watching the ESPN documentary on the Iron Bowl, especially at how much time they spent playing phone calls to the Paul Finebaum Show. It’s amazing to hear how many people completely devote themselves to a

school they never went to. Wait, I forgot. Anytime a smudge might appear on the spotless record of the Bama Nation, I’m supposed to remember that this is not how true, classy Bama fans are in real life. Really? For one thing, I’m so sick of the word ‘classy’ I could spit. Secondly, if I’m to believe all these people aren’t what true Bama fans are about, I’m beginning to think Alabama has no true fans at all. Not surprising. Look what happens when you lose one game—you’re ready to punt the kicker out of the state, pun intended. So what is it to you? A game? A university? Or your only source of pride? Yes, I believe in Auburn, and love it. Whether we win or lose, I’d rather be a student cheering on a team that’s part of a family, than a fan cheering on a coach whose name is only one letter away from the devil’s.

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Sports Thursday, December 1, 2011

Women’s basketball to face Temple away

Men’s basketball travels to Big East

» Page B2

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Sports

Swim, dive team aims to impress Bianca Seward Writer

The swim and dive team aims to keep its strong season afloat at this weekend’s Georgia Invitational in Athens. The invitational will match the Tigers against strong swim programs such as Georgia, University of California at Berkley and Indiana University during a pivotal period in Auburn’s season: immediately after the U.S. swimming winter nationals and a week before the diving winter nationals. Brett Hawke, the men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach, said at this invitational Auburn will focus on solidifying its SEC championship team. “Although we are traveling and competing as a team, we will be using this invitational to get a better look at our middle swimmers,” Hawke said. “At this point in the season we know who our top swimmers are, but it’s now time to understand where the others stand.” Diving coach Jeffrey Shaffer said the team is feeling confident after its successful meet at the Georgia Tech Invitational Nov. 18–20. “This is a perfect opportunity for us to improve on our scores and dives, which is what we are always aiming to do,” Shaffer said. “Competing away gives us a chance to compete in a different environment, which is key to performing strong dives consistently.” Shaffer said this weekend’s meet will give the team a good look at what it will be up against in January when it returns to Athens for the Georgia Diving Invitational following the Dec. 15–22 U.S. winter nationals. Vennie Dantin, senior diver, said she believes Auburn’s team has several advantages over the other schools competing based on its focus and

» See Swim, B2

Final stages of Q-school test Tigers Coleman McDowell

robert e. lee / Assistant Campus editor

Aubie gets the crowd of Auburn students in Jordan-Hare Stadium pumped up at Saturday’s Iron Bowl against the University of Alabama.

Spirits are still high after 7–5 season Despite a less-than-perfect season, fellow Tigers remain loyal and hopeful for redemption in 2012 Christina Santee Sports Editor

As defending champions, Auburn was intent to give the new season its all. The Tigers started out strong— overpowering opponents like Utah State and Mississippi State by the skin of their teeth. However, as the season continued on to offer more lethal opponents, their luck ran out—and fast. Auburn is in the process of rebuilding. They’re a young team that needs to accumulate experience. They did that in 2011. It’ll take a few more years before Auburn reaches a seasoned status again, but the outcome will be well worth the wait. “I think that becomes more evident when you take the time to really re-evaluate over a long period of time everything that you are doing which will be done at Auburn, and we will know more then,” said coach Gene Chizik. “Like I said, we are going to keep growing. We got a lot of experience this year for a lot of guys that will be invaluable moving forward, and we are just going to continue to grow.” Auburn’s first season loss to Clem-

son was only the beginning of the Tigers’ struggles. Auburn suffered loss after loss, falling to No. 6 Arkansas, No. 1 LSU, No. 12 Georgia and recently No. 2 Alabama. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs this season for 12 games, and we’ve had some really good things occur in our 12-game season, and we’ve had some disappointments,” Chizik said. Despite that fact, there are no sore losers here. There’s always next year, and Chizik is well aware of that. “It’s my job as the head coach at Auburn to make sure that this program continues on the right path, and that will happen here,” Chizik said. “We will continue to grow as a football team, no question about it. “We will continue to move forward, and we are going to figure out what is next for us as a team, but more importantly, we are going to make sure as a program right now (we’re) moving in the right direction, which again, I am very sure that’s going to happen. “Again, we had our moments, and we did most of the classic things you do in a football game against a great football team that allow you not to win. “But, they played hard, and they

robert e. lee / ASSISTANT CAMPUS EDITOR

The Auburn defense tackles Alabama wide reciever Duron Carter Saturday.

kept fighting in there until the end, and that is what we expected them to do. “So again, our goal from here is to make sure we grow and continue on a path that we know the Auburn football program is going to stay on.” It was obvious that the Tigers suf-

Associate Sports Editor

The Auburn men’s golf program has had five former athletes advance to the final round of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, more commonly referred to as “Q-School.” Will Claxton, Reid Edstrom and Lee Williams advanced from a tournament at Redstone Golf Club in Humble, Texas, and Jimmy Brandt and Glenn Northcutt qualified at Hombre Golf Club in Panama City Beach, Fla. Williams had the most dramatic day of the five finalists, carding six birdies on the back nine and making the cut line by two strokes. Williams’ 66 vaulted him from 29th into the top 10 and into the Q-School final stage for the first time since 2006. This system dates back to 1965, and since 2009 the process has involved four stages. The prequalifying stage consists of five tournaments held in September at various warmweather courses in the United States. Nearly 40 players advance to the first stage from each tournament. The first stage has 13 tournaments in October. The player pool has the winners from the prequalifying stage, along with players who were exempted from the opening round. The top 25 in each tournament then advance to the second stage. Exemptions are in play here as well, and the top 20 golfers from each of the six November tournaments advance. This year’s final qualifying stage is Wednesday through Monday at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. Roughly the top 30 players in that final tournament receive full exempt status on the PGA for the following year.

fered from a poor defensive front and unorganized offense—things Chizik will ensure aren’t 2012 issues. “I think that a lot of the teams that we struggled against obviously were extremely good defensively,” he said.

» See TIGERS, B2

Auburn brothers bond through bass fishing Miranda Dollarhide Editor

When brothers Jordan and Matt Lee first picked up a fishing rod at age 6, they were hooked. Now, Jordan, tournament director, and Matt, president, are members of Auburn’s Bass Sports club, and they show no sign of reeling it in anytime soon. “We’ve been around the lake our whole lives, so (our parents) kind of put a rod and reel in our hand,” Matt said. “A lot of people who fish do because their grandparents or mom and dad fish. Ours do occasionally, but we picked up the bug on our own.” It’s that bug that persuaded Jordan to attend Auburn. “He saw college fishing on TV,” Matt said. “They had Alabama and Auburn and all that, so he went to a tournament weigh-in that Auburn was at, and he got hooked on it. He said, ‘That is what I want to do.’” Shortly after Jordan arrived at Auburn, Matt decided to follow his brother. “He came here, and I saw where he was fishing at Auburn,” Matt said. “That’s all I started to care about once I got out of high school, so I said, ‘I want to be there and do that, too.’” Bass fishing has become a way of life for the Lee brothers, both committing themselves to executive po-

maria iampietro / photo editor

Matt Lee (left), president of bass fishing team and Jordan Lee (right), tournament director, pose by their boat.

sitions in the club and encouraging others to try it. “The bass team is just a learning experience, and it is for everybody,” Matt said. “The good thing about it is any level person can come out. There are people who have never fished bass before and they just want to come learn something, and it’s a good opportunity for them to get involved in the club. And the good thing is you don’t have to have a boat.” Even though they encourage all

skill levels to participate, Matt and Jordan said fishing is a time commitment that involves preparation. “It is kind of like hunting,” Jordan said. “You don’t just kill a deer. If you want to go hunting, you won’t just get into a stand and kill one. You have a lot of preparation. That’s how fishing is. It’s more in-depth with tournament fishing because we don’t just go out there in the boat and have fun. It’s hard work.” Matt said bass club members spend most of their time fishing in

tournaments. They compete in five qualifier tournaments in the fall, which determine their rankings in the club. In the spring they compete in bigger tournaments outside of the state. “We have the national championship that Jordan and I are going to in April to Lake Murray, S.C.,” Matt said. “That’s for the FLW National Championship.” FLW Outdoors and Bass Anglers

» See fishing, B2

Sports B2

The Auburn Plainsman

tigers » From B1

“I don’t think there is any question about that. We did the classic things that make you struggle on offense when you can’t run the ball effectively, consistently. “I don’t think we protected the quarterback as well as we

swim

» From B1 persistent practice on the basics. “Having a solid base and fundamental skills is extremely important for consistency,” Dantin said. “I think coach Shaffer has done such a great job of enforcing basic skills in our practice, and this is extremely important for diving consistently.” Shaffer said he’s confident in the team’s ability to perform well at the upcoming invitational and specifically excited about the debut of two

fishing » From B1

Sportsman Society, or BASS, are the two main tournament circuits for bass anglers. To prepare for a tournament, Jordan said the club tries to practice at the lake where they will compete, but there are restrictions on when they can fish. “For different tournaments there are off-limits periods at different times,” Jordan said. For their last tournament, members were able to practice a week and a half before the event began. Matt and Jordan must consider all the nuances of the lake during practice. “It’s like a crazy puzzle you have to put together,” Matt said. “Anything changes— wind direction, sun, clouds, the way the water is moving or not. We spend a lot of time out

needed to, and then when we did protect the quarterback, I don’t feel like we were very consistent in throwing the ball and completing balls and not dropping balls. “It just seemed like we didn’t get in any kind of rhythm as an offense, and, again, traditionally we have played really good offense here, but we struggled.

There is no question about it, so I think it was all of the above.” Auburn will likely advance to a bowl game, but it has not yet been set in stone. Several sports blogs have predicted Auburn will travel to Atlanta to participate in the Chick-fil-A Bowl or the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.

new dives: a back three and a half pike by sophomore John Santeiu and a back two and a half pike by freshman Shanna Schuelein. “I have been preparing for this dive since the beginning of the semester, but I didn’t even do it until right before Thanksgiving break,” Schuelein said. “I am nervous, but I’m also excited to perform a new dive in a meet.” Hawke said he believes the invitational will benefit the team because of the chance to watch the current NCAA men’s champions from the University of California at Berkley. He

hopes it will give them an edge seeing an opponent perform. “We don’t usually get to see California until the NCAAs, so this will be a good opportunity to see them compete and see how we are in comparison,” Hawke said. Despite the Georgia Invitational falling between the two winter nationals, Hawke said he is confident this will not negatively impact Auburn’s performance. “We have been well prepared for this invitational for over a month now,” Hawke said. “Everyone is ready to go out and swim fast.”

there before the cutoff day trying to get our best shot.” For anglers, preparation doesn’t always lead to success. “You can put in a week for a tournament, and the day of tournament a cold front or anything can happen,” Jordan said. “Your boat can break down. “You try to prepare for weather conditions coming up because that matters a lot this time of year and in the spring. You have all these factors in your head while you prepare for tournament.” If the weather isn’t enough to consider, finding where the fish are is its own battle. Matt said 20 percent of the lake will have 90 percent of the fish, and even then, the big fish live in only 5 percent. Jordan and Matt must catch and keep five 12-inch live fish to qualify for a win. “Different tournaments

have different penalties for dead fish,” Matt said. “So it’s half a pound for every dead fish you have. In the summertime, it is really hard to keep them alive, but now when the water is colder they stay alive longer. “ Auburn will only be able to send one boat with two anglers to big tournaments. In other tournaments the club sends 10 boats. “In our fall classic you can send as many boats as you want,” Matt said. “There is just no limit to how many boats you can bring.” Matt said when he competes with his brother, his drive to win is greater. “We’re competitive,” Matt said. “We want to beat each other worse than anything, but were pretty good buddies.” Matt and Jordan said they hope to win enough to start offering fishing scholarships.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

alex sager / associate photo editor

Junior guard Najat Oaurdad weaves through University of South Carolina Upstate defenders in Auburn’s 75–34 rout of the Spartans Sunday.

Tigers seek third away victory Graham Carr Writer

The Auburn women’s basketball team will have revenge on its mind when it takes on Temple University in Philadelphia Saturday. The Tigers will step away from the friendly confines of Auburn Arena—where they hold a 3–0 record—for the third time this season and attempt to improve their 1–1 record on the road. The Tigers will try to avenge their loss to the Owls in Auburn last year. Auburn led by as many as seven points late in the game, but Temple hit a 3-point shot with just over a minute left to take the lead, holding on to win 62–61. Coach Nell Fortner said while Auburn’s record so far this season is respectable, she is not content with the way the team has played. “I am a coach, so no,” Fortner said. “I am never satisfied, and I always want us to be better. We still have a long way to go.” Junior forward Blanche Alverson is the leading returning scorer from the game

UPC & SGA

“

I think we’re getting better each game.” —Blanche Alverson junior forward

against Temple. Alverson said she believes this year’s Tigers have a long way to go until they can be considered an elite team, but they are making progress toward achieving that goal. “I think we are getting better each game,” Alverson said. “We were a little sloppy in the second half of (University of South Carolina) Upstate. “We have to cut that out and play a full game for 40 minutes. That is what we have to work on to get better.” The Owls are led by Kristen McCarthy and Shey Peddy at 13.5 and 13.3 average points per game, respectively. Alverson and sophomore guard Camille Glymph have led Auburn in scoring in every game except the first against Mercer. Auburn is hoping the hot

shooting of freshman guard Hasina Muhammad continues. Muhammad has scored double digits in four of her first five games as a Tiger. Muhammad said her success comes from being herself and attacking the goal, adding that her coaches have told her to hover around the rim to make plays. Muhammad believes she still has a lot of work to do to become a better all-around player, though. “I still need to work on my rebounding and on-the-ball defense,” Muhammad said. Temple has a 2–4 record this season, with all of their losses coming on the road. They have only lost two games at home the past two seasons. The Owls won their first two games against the University of Miami (Ohio) and Northeastern University, but then lost their past four games to Ohio State, Northern Illinois, Texas A&M and St. John’s University. Auburn has outscored opponents such as Mercer, Belmont, George Washington and USC Upstate.

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Holiday Celebration Thursday, December 1st Samford Lawn 6:30 PM Toys for Tots Donations Accepted Free Refreshments & Entertainment! For Event Information: www.auburn.edu/UPC 844-4788

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sports B3

The Auburn Plainsman

Barbee disappointed in play as team travels to Big East Brandon Miller Assistant Sports Editor

After starting the season 4–0 for the first time since 2006, the men’s basketball team will take its perfect record on the road Friday. Although Auburn will face the Seton Hall Pirates in the annual Big East-SEC Challenge undefeated, coach Tony Barbee has expressed disappointment in the Tigers’ defense. “Until we start to enjoy playing hard and playing tough and playing nasty, we’re going to look sluggish,” Barbee said. “We think it’s about trying to outscore people. That’s not going to do anything but get you beat.” Despite Auburn’s 72–59 victory, Barbee said the team isn’t where he’d like it to be heading into its first away game. “Happy we won,” Barbee said, “but we’ve got a long way to get better.” Barbee recognized some players’ defensive struggles by name, including sophomore guard Chris Denson, who led Auburn with 17 points Monday. “Yeah, he has the ability to score and slash and throw the ball in the hole,” Barbee said. “But he’s not bringing it defensively.” Auburn went on a 20–2 run to go into hafltime with a 44– 25 lead before the second-half defensive struggles began. Barbee also noted Auburn’s lackluster performance in the paint, especially rebounding. “Our big guys got their tails kicked,” Barbee said. “My starting (center) got his first rebound with a minute to go in the game. That’s not going to get it.” Freshman center Willy

christen harned / assistant photo editor

Sophomore forward Allen Payne shoots over an Arkansas-Pine Bluff defender Monday in the Tigers’ 72–59 victory.

Kouassi was the only player Barbee said played with the intensity that he wants to see in his team. “He plays with that meanness and that toughness and that desire,” Barbee said. “He has no clue what he’s doing out there. All that other stuff, we’ll teach him. It’s going to be a work in progress.” Auburn’s trip to New Jersey will mark the first of four games in the Big East-SEC Challenge. Despite being a preseason pick to finish 14th the 16-team Big East and after finishing 7–11 in conference play last year, Seton Hall currently has a 5–1 record, including a 69– 54 victory over 2011 Final Four contender Virginia Commonwealth University. Seton Hall’s lone loss on the year came against Northwestern 80–73 in the champion-

ship game of the Charleston Classic. Seton Hall has three players who possess talent the Tigers have not seen this year. The Pirates are led by forward Herb Pope, who is averaging a double-double on the season with 20.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He is also shooting 51 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from 3-point range. Also, guard Jordan Thedore and forward Fuquan Edwin are averaging 17.5 and 14.8 points for the Pirates, respectively. Auburn’s game against Seton Hall will be on ESPNU, and tip-off is set for 8 p.m. “We’re not playing to our full potential,” said junior guard Frankie Sullivan. “We’re going backwards right now. We’re not satisfied at all with ourselves.”

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Sports B4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Intramurals give students opportunity to have a ball brandon miller assistant Sports Editor

Returning after winter break isn’t just about buying new books and starting new classes—it’s also a time to become active in spring intramural sports. “From January to roughly the first week of March, we will be in full swing for intramural basketball,” said Nicholas Head, student coordinator of recreational services. “Then, from March right around the week before spring break until we leave for summer school will be softball and co-rec soccer.” There is not an official schedule made for the spring semester, and Head said the sign-up process typically takes a week. After a captains meeting that explains the basic rules of the sport, sign-up days take place shortly afterward, Head said. In the following days, the leagues’ schedules are made and released online. From there, referees are trained for a week, and the season begins. Head said basketball is the second-most popular sport offered year-round, trailing only flag football. The season starts in the first few weeks of spring semester. “(Basketball) teams will be guaranteed four or five games per season,” he said. “There are different leagues you can sign up for. Our men’s league has novice, intermediate and advanced.” Despite having soccer available during the fall, Head said it’s so popular in Auburn they wanted to have a league in the spring as well. “It’s played eight-on-eight, and our fields are a little bit

smaller than regulation,” Head said. “It’s four guys and four girls on the field at a time. What we see a lot is teams that played men’s and women’s in the fall kind of join up forces for the spring.” Softball sign-ups take place the same time as co-rec soccer, Head said. “I would say out of our sports, it’s the most enjoyable because it’s the most laid back,” Head said. “Even though its right when we come back from spring break and participation may drop off some, it’s still a lot more laid back than basketball or football. They have fun.” For students who haven’t been to the intramural fields recently, they will notice a difference when softball begins: the permanent backstops that have been in place for years are now gone. “They went ahead and pulled those up,” Head said. “And we are actually purchasing portable backstops that we will put at different points in the field.” Head said the movable backstops will make the field more playable and will help players avoid standing water or any other inconvenience. Head also said Auburn offers three other sports in the spring which don’t have a full season. “Those are basically tournament or other events that we have sign-ups for.” Bowling will take place from January to March. “We open it up to less teams because it’s one of those things that we do off campus at the Auburn bowling alley,” he said. “We have specified times that the bowling alley lets us bowl.” Swimming and diving is a

one- or two-day tournament hosted at the Martin Aquatics Center, Head said. Participants can sign up for diving and event relays. The relays vary depending on what the swimming and diving center decides to offer. Head said Auburn’s golf tournament at Indian Pines last year had a great turnout. This year’s tournament is in late April, a week before finals. “It’s a two-player scramble,” Head said. “Anyone that wants to sign up can get spirit points for his or her fraternity or sorority, or you can sign up individually.” Head did mention there is a fee, but golfers get 18 holes and a cart. Despite providing the same sports since 2002, when Head started working with intramural sports, he said they have tried offering new sports over the years. In the past, ultimate Frisbee and kickball tournaments were offered. “We actually offered a small basketball league this year for the first time ever,” Head said. “We saw the demand for it, and it seemed like something we could do. “We’ve gotten surveys back that said, ‘We would love to see spring football.’ Right now, we’re looking at what is returned with the survey. People want more and games, but it’s difficult sometimes because you are limited to what you can do.” Head said the easiest way for students to voice opinions regarding sports they wish to be made available is to simply tell the department. “We want to offer more,” Head said. “And we’re looking to offer more.”

Coleman McDowell / Associate Sports Editor

Plainsman adviser John Carvalho interviews ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit before the Iron Bowl.

One-on-one with GameDay Coleman McDowell sports@ theplainsman. com

As I walked into the Auburn University Hotel last Friday, my mind was empty. Just two hours earlier, I had received an email from Jeremy Henderson, editor-in-chief of The War Eagle Reader, asking me if I wanted to cover a “College GameDay media thing.” It took me two seconds to jump at the offer. Walking into the hotel flanked by a television reporter from Huntsville and Plainsman adviser John Carvalho, I expected to be fighting for a spot in the room. Instead, we gently knocked on the door and entered to the surprised looks of the GameDay crew. If Carvalho hadn’t been standing beside me, I would have quietly shut the door and hoped they’d forget about the whole thing. Instead, we spent the next hour interviewing some of the

most well-known figures in college football broadcasting. First up was David Pollack. As a former star player for Georgia, I already didn’t like him. After talking with him for a few minutes, I actually had a reason not to like him. “I’m pretty confident,” he said. “In my head, I think I’m right all the time anyway, so I just kind of spew off and start talking anyway. I don’t really think about things too much. I just pop off at the mouth.” Pollack doesn’t quite get it. Someone who does understand the business, however, is Erin Andrews. Even though she was in a hurry to catch the LSU-Arkansas game, she patiently talked with us about her career. “I deal with some of the toughest coaches and athletes to deal with in the nation,” she said. “They understand how much I work and how hard I work, so in the end they’re a lot easier to work with.” After Andrews, Fowler and Herbie shuttled in and out during the game’s commer-

Auburn 114 West Magnolia Auburn, AL 36830 PH 334.466.8035 FX 334.466.8036

cial breaks. Fowler spoke about the perception that ESPN targets certain programs to bring them down. “How is it good for the business of ESPN if Ohio State or Miami or USC is on probation? It’s not.” Once Fowler left, we brought in Herbstreit for the final round. Herbstreit was down-toearth and spoke about the special traditions at colleges such as Auburn. “You’ve got former players and alumni that come back and they bring their kids and teach them about their school and their traditions,” Herbstreit said. Once he disappeared into the meeting room in favor of the top-3 SEC matchup, we were done. Walking out with only Carvalho this time, I breathed a sigh of relief. After being scared out of my mind for the past hour, I gazed back at the hotel as we crossed College Street and thought, “That was awesome.”

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Intrigue Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas decorations

Uses for peppermint

» Page B6

» Page B7

www.theplainsman.com

B5 Intrigue

Five pit stops on the road to finish finals GETTING STARTED 1. Print out PowerPoint slides or handouts 2. Consolidate notes and handouts into one area 3. Write down dates and times of exams Christen Harned / Assistant Photo Editor

Cydney Lawson, sophomore in English, is the author of “Wingless,” the first book in her three-part series.

Author soars with first published book Melody Kitchens Online Editor

Cydney Lawson wasn’t planning on being a published author. “I’ve been writing stories since I was little,” said Lawson, sophomore in English. “Eventually it got to the point of thinking specific scenes and writing them down. It wouldn’t really go anywhere until my current book.” Lawson’s book, “Wingless,” was published in March 2011, and it is the first in her soon-to-be-finished trilogy. Lawson said she remembers as a young girl sitting with her grandfather at his computer and coming up with stories to go along with pictures. “She’s got so many stories in her head, and there’s so much talent that is just about to blossom,” said Alonzo Smith, Lawson’s grandfather. Lawson began writing “Wingless” her senior year of high school after committing to paper a recurring image from her imagination. “This girl was falling from the sky and landing on this boy’s lawn,” Lawson said. “He had to figure out who she was, where she came from and what she wanted. It kind of just took off from there.” After completing “Wingless,” Lawson said she let friends and family read it, as she did with her previous works. “All of the characters are very much their own person, and you can connect with their personalities,” said Alex McPeak, a friend who’s read many of Lawson’s short stories. “It keeps you hooked on the book.”

PLACES TO STUDY 1. Auburn Public Library 2. Top floor of Student Center (open 24 hours) 3. Daylight Donuts (open 24 hours) 4. Outside: Samford Lawn, Cater Lawn

Lawson said family and friends encouraged her to publish “Wingless,” so she began sending manuscripts to nearly 100 publishing houses. Her story was selected by publisher Simon and Schuster. “I was really excited, but then it turns out they started trying to change things, not just editing,” Lawson said. “I was kind of put off by that.” Not wanting to change her story, Lawson decided to self-publish, formatting the book herself and finding a cover artist and editor. “It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be, but it was something that was really important to me to keep the story the exact same as it was,” Lawson said. “Displaced,” the sequel to “Wingless,” will be published next month. “The first book was a lot easier because I could go wherever my imagination took me,” Lawson said. “This second book I had to focus on the details of the first one. It’s a lot harder because I have to discipline myself into writing the same people with the same goals.” Lawson is now working on the final book of the trilogy. “I hope this last one will be 40 times better than the first one,” Lawson said. “I just hope to keep expanding what I love to do so much.” Smith is also excited about his granddaughter’s blossoming talent. “It’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Smith said. “It has made me very proud seeing where she started and seeing where she’s coming . The best is still yet to come.” “Wingless” can be found on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and createspace.com.

STUDY BREAKS 1. See a movie on Stimlus Tuesday at Carmike Winsong 2. Grab frozen yogurt with friends

STUDY SNACKS

3. Light exercise

1. Trail mix with

through campus

almonds and dried fruit 2. Tuna 3. Fresh fruit 4. Light popcorn 5. Sunflower seeds

STUDY TUNES 1. Classical (Yo-Yo Ma, Bocelli, Liszt, Brahms) 2. Christmas (Michael Buble, Charlie Brown, Glee) 3. Indie, Folk (Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons)

Christmas vs. holidays debate gets heated Raye May Associate Intrigue Editor

With the Christmas season fast approaching, it's time to remember not only the cheer it brings, but also the controversy. In the coming weeks businesses across the United States will choose between using the words “holiday” and “Christmas” for their storefront displays and seasonal sales in the spirit of political correctness. Abby Anderson, sophomore in zoology, said she is apathetic toward the use or disuse of the word “Christmas” in advertising. “I don't particularly care if advertisers acknowledge Christmas or not,” Anderson said. “I imagine (they)

view Christmas as a marketing tool and will most likely cater to the requests of the consumers.” Anderson said she thinks more people in the South are offended when “Christmas” is replaced. “I believe it definitely is a religious thing,” Anderson said. “The same people who complain about advertisers neglecting the word ‘Christmas’ have issues with ‘under God’ being left out of the Pledge of Allegiance.” Cara McElroy, also a sophomore in zoology, shares Anderson's sentiments. “Especially in the state we live in, a lot of people seem to be angered by the way Christ is being taken from Christmas,” McElroy said. “I don't

think that that's the perspective we should have on it.” McElroy said using a nonreligious phrase like “Happy Holidays” is not a denunciation of religion, but many in the South take it that way. “Look at the way people reacted to Obama's Thanksgiving address,” McElroy said. “Many people were up in arms because he celebrated community, gratefulness and togetherness and not specifically the Christian God.” Anderson and McElroy both said that while Christmas is obviously a Christian holiday, it isn't only religious people who celebrate it. “Christmas will always be a religious holiday,” Anderson said. “How-

ever, there has emerged a commercial interpretation of (it) which dominates popular culture.” McElroy said she thinks both religious and nonreligious people celebrate Christmas as both a spiritual and commercial holiday. “Let's be real, everyone in America celebrates Christmas,” McElroy said. “I'm fairly agnostic, but that doesn't mean I don't celebrate Christmas as a time to celebrate the relationships I have with people I love and revel in the Christmas spirit.” Though it is a spiritual holiday, McElroy said, it isn't strictly a religious holiday. “I am all for people using this as a chance to embrace their religion, but

that's like asking if Sunday is a holy day,” McElroy said. “It might be the Sabbath for some, but that doesn't make it a worldwide holy day.” McElroy said Christmas has become increasingly secular, but she doesn't feel that takes away from it. “I love giving and getting Christmas gifts, and I think the saddest day of my life was when I grew up enough to admit to myself that Santa wasn’t real,” McElroy said. “I can realize that advertisers are playing on my emotions to create dollar signs, but it’s the thought that counts, and my motives are to celebrate those who are important to

» See Controversy, B6

Additional December Celebrations DATE: Sunset Dec. 20 through sunset Dec. 28.

FESTIVUS: DATE:

WHAT IT IS: Celebrating rededication of Holy Temple

WHAT IT IS: Celebrating the holidays without pressures and

AKA: Eight-day festival of lights

RITUALS: Families exchange gifts each night and light the menorah

AKA: “Festivus for the rest of us”

FACT: Not a Sabbath holiday, so there is no obligation to refrain

RITUALS: Airing of Grievances, Feats of Strength

FACT: Made popular by the ‘90s show “Seinfeld.”

HANUKKAH:

from activities prohibited on the Sabbath.

Dec. 23 commercialism

Intrigue B6

The Auburn Plainsman

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Kerry’s recipe of the week Directions:

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cooked 12 lasagna noodles 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 1 quart half and half 8 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped salt and pepper, to taste 12 ounces mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a deep 9” x 13” casserole dish. Shred the cooked chicken breasts into small pieces and set aside. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, according to the directions on the box. Heat a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Whisk for 2 minutes, or until roux turns tan in color. Slowly whisk in the half and half, stirring constantly to keep the roux from lumping. When the sauce is thick, add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine and set aside. Place enough Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish to coat the bottom. Lay three noodles down. Add 1/4 of the sauce, 1/3 of the chicken and 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process 2 more times. Top the last layer with the remaining 3 lasagna noodles, Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 35–40 minutes.

Serves: 8

Contributed by Kerry Fannon Rebecca Croomes / Assistant Photo Editor

Auburn-themed ornaments, especially those related to Toomer’s Oaks, are popular ornaments this holiday season.

Joe Random Unique decor Michael Rasmussen senior, English ──

Do you have a nickname? Rasmanian Devil

Controversy » From B6

me.” As far as the wording goes, McElroy said both militantly

What is your favorite book? “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

What’s your favorite color? Hunter green

What is your favorite food? Eggs Benedict

Where did you go to high school? Oak Mountain

What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Long Island Iced Tea

What’s your favorite band? Right now, Cage the Elephant

Name something random about yourself. I love jazz.

religious people and atheists need to calm down. “‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy Holidays’ are indistinguishable in my mind,” she said.

McElroy said instead of focusing on political correctness this season, people should focus on the meaningful things the holidays celebrate. “I think the important thing

to note is whether you set up a menorah or a nativity scene or a nonaffiliated fir tree, we’re all basking in the joy of a holiday spirit and the magic of believing in mankind.”

provides edge Rebecca Croomes Assistant Photo Editor

Before the Halloween candy was put on sale, boutiques in Auburn were getting ready for the holidays. Storefronts along South College Street and Magnolia Avenue began to look a lot like Christmas when October rolled around. Windows were decorated with trees, wreaths and lights lining downtown. While customers are shopping for gifts at places like The Villager, Moxii and Wrapsody, owners say shoppers can buy home decorations not found at big box stores. “Just about everything we have is handmade by American artists,” said Ingrid Brown, owner of The Villager. “So we try not to be dictated by what’s going on in the marketplace.” The Villager began stocking up on 2011 holiday items even before the new year. “We pick a year in advance what we want our themes to be, so it’s not based on what the marketplace themes are,” Brown said. The small business wastes no time in getting ready for the holidays. “We actually put it out for football season because a lot of our customers come into town for football season,” Brown said. “So probably, I’d say, end of September.” Brown said handpicking her products directly from the artists gives The Villager an edge over other stores. People looking to purchase other festive décor have been visiting Wrapsody for things like wreaths and

lawn ornaments. Amanda Martin from Atlanta has been buying her holiday items in Auburn the past five years. “I just think they have a good variety and just neat stuff—stuff you don’t find if you go to the department store,” Martin said. Kendall Clark, senior in interior design and Wrapsody employee, said the store carries something for every style, from traditional ornaments in reds and greens to lake-style decorations, which have a handmade look and are usually painted on tin and garnished with flowers. “We have a very large variety,” Clark said. “Anything you really want, I think Wrapsody has it.” Like other boutiques, Clark said Wrapsody prepares for the holiday rush early by ordering products the January before. “Literally, it’s a year-long process,” Clark said. She said ornaments this holiday season are trending back to a traditional, homemade look. But Auburn-themed decorations are never out of style at The Villager, Brown said. “This year the Toomer’s Oak ornament is one that’s really popular,” she said. With football traffic and downtown Auburn’s Blue Friday adding customers to the busy holiday season, Clark said sales have been consistent. “We do well,” Clark said. “I mean, obviously on the weekends with gameday it’s a lot bigger sales, but we still have people come in for gift towels or Dirty Santa gifts.”

Rebecca Croomes / Assistant Photo Editor

Shops like The Villager, Moxii and Wrapsody offer decorations not found at larger stores.

Food & Home

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Top five holiday albums on iTunes

B7 Intrigue B7

The Auburn Plainsman

1. Christmas MICHAEL BUBLE

2. Glee: The Christmas Album, Vol. 2 GLEE CAST

3. Noel JOSH GROBAN

4. Under the Mistletoe JUSTIN BIEBER

5. Number 1’s: Christmas VARIOUS ARTISTS

Snag these popular albums to fill your home with holiday cheer

It’s the time for mint Elizabeth Bonner Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again— time to take those overlooked peppermints that sit on restaurant countertops and in waiting rooms all year and turn them into sensational holiday treats that are the object of attention for everyone’s taste buds. From September’s first gust of wind, Starbucks customers anxiously await the arrival of the festive red-and-white holiday cup and peppermint coffees. “At Christmastime we promote something called the Peppermint Mocha,” said Nancy Weathers, assistant manager at Starbucks’ Tiger Town branch. “My new thing is the Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop. It looks like a sucker, but it’s actually icing-covered cake.” Retail stores also stock up on peppermint items during the holiday season. World Market sells all things peppermint this time of year, including peppermint chocolate, peppermint bark, syrup, s’mores, Peeps marshmallows, cupcake mix, lotion, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and even a peppermint gift set that includes miniatures of some of these treats in a peppermint-

Raye May / Associate Intrigue Editor

Peppermint can be used in many holiday-themed foods.

shaped cup complete with a candy cane. “There are all kinds of little things you can put together, from food to lotions,” said Eliza Turner, stock supervisor at World Market in Tiger Town. Even with all of these options, some of the best Christmas peppermint treats are the homemade ones. Kerry Fannon, senior in nutrition and dietetics and contributor of the Recipe of the Week, said there are several holiday peppermint recipes that are easy for college students to make. “Peppermint and chocolate kind of mix,” Fannon said. “I guess the most traditional peppermint dessert would probably be peppermint bark.”

Fannon also suggested some more innovative indulgences. “You can use candy canes to stir hot chocolate,” Fannon said. “It kind of tastes like a peppermint patty. “You could use peppermint extract to add to vanilla icing just to jazz it up a little bit. Put that over cupcakes or a regular cake.” Fannon agreed that a connection between peppermint and Christmastime exists. “I think it’s just kind of a tradition thing,” Fannon said. “People celebrate the holidays in so many different ways, but that’s one of those foundation kind of things that’s always around. It’s seen everywhere, so that’s kind of cool.”

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The Auburn Plainsman Congratulates the graduates & wishes everyone a happy holiday season!

Intrigue B8

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, December 1, 2011