August 26, 2010 Issue by The Auburn Plainsman

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Auburn Bass Fishing Club places 2nd in tournament, D1

More photos from the Iron Bowl

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

THURSDAY, December 3, 2009

Vol. 116, Issue 14 32 Pages

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Illustration by Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

James E. Foy Hall will open Jan. 11, 2010, for the Auburn University community. It will contain a renovated cafeteria with a variety of meal options for students, faculty and staff.

Foy opens with new amenities By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor

To prepare for the coming semester, Foy is getting a facelift. The building was closed upon the opening of the Student Center and had functioned much the same way while it was in use. It housed the offices of student organizations and provided a central location for on-campus student dining. “After observing the traf-

fic flow, evaluating the location of Foy, understanding the demand for more lunch options and conducting surveys among students, Tiger Dining partnered with the University and decided the best way to use the space allotted,” said Gina Groome, Tiger Dining’s marketing manager. After doing all the research, Auburn and Tiger Dining decided to “create an atmosphere that could provide as many dining

options as possible for the students,” Groome said. In addition to adding dining venues, the structure of the building itself has been updated. “The building will be getting a new roof, we will be modifying the existing HVAC systems, and we have repainted the areas where departments are now located or will be located,” said Jann Swaim, facilities division administrator. Foy has three floors and

a total of 123,048 square feet. It was built in 1953 and last renovated in 1974, according to Auburn’s buildings Web site. That space will be occupied by several new dining options. New additions are Salsarita’s, serving Mexican food; Mondo Subs, offering made-to-order sandwiches; Wild Greens, a selfserve salad bar; a station offering soups and toppings from Au Bon Pain;

and a grill, serving southern home-style cuisine. “The new food court will be a step in the modern direction with bold colors and an assortment of brand new, comfortable seating,” Groome said. The building is set to be open to the public when students return for the spring semester, Jan. 11, 2010. With lunchtime as one of the busiest few hours on campus, traffic in the Student Center can be heavy.

“It is hopeful Foy will provide another destination for students to choose from,” Groome said. “It is very likely it will help relieve traffic elsewhere on campus.” Foy is between Thach and Ross halls and is near Haley Center. “Our hope with Foy is to allow lunchtime to be an even more positive experience that is convenient for students and that meets the demands of their busy schedules,” Groome said.

Student tickets set at half price for predicted bowl By PATRICK DEVER

“

Assistant Sports Editor

Jim Killian / SAMUEL GINN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Auburn surveyor looks over the Shelby II area in the early phases of construction earlier this year.

Shelby, coliseum still on schedule to open late 2010 By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor

With the semester winding down, construction is moving full speed ahead on the new basketball arena and phase II of the Shelby Center construction. The new arena will have an approximate capacity of 9,600 fans and will include more than 29,000 square feet of space with features including a twocourt practice facility, coaches offices, the Auburn University Athletic Ticket Office, an AU Team Store and two food courts. “Some of the new features the project will have are a dedicated weight

INDEX

room, separate men’s and women’s training rooms, 12 tailgate suites, the relocated new and interactive Lovelace Hall of Honor, onsite food prep facility and meeting/conference space for after hours functions,” said Brain Hale, project manager for Robins & Morton and construction manager for the project. The Lovelace Hall of Honor will open up with the arena and will be a showplace highlighting the history, accomplishments and current happenings in all the Auburn sports programs. Randy Byars, project co> Turn to UPDATE, A2

News A3 Opinions A6

It has been reported by many media outlets Auburn football will be playing in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Jan. 1, 2010. The University will be offering student tickets to the game at $35, half the price of the tickets’ face value, limiting the halfprice tickets to one per student. “The support from the Auburn student body this year has been incredible, and we look forward to seeing a big crowd of students at our bowl game,” said Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. “The student

The support from the Auburn student body this year has been incredible.” CHIZIK section at Auburn is the best in the country, and their passion, along with the support of the rest of the Auburn Family, is one of the reasons we expect to go to a great bowl game.” The University will offer vouchers to receive the half-price tickets at the Auburn men’s basketball

game against the University of Virginia Monday, Dec. 7 at the student entrance of Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. Students unable to make the basketball game will be able to pick up remaining vouchers Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 8 a.m. from the Auburn Athletics Ticket Office located

on the second floor of the Coliseum. Tickets themselves will go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. from the ticket office. “I want to thank Athletics Director Jay Jacobs for making the bowl ticket more affordable for our students,” Chizik said. To receive the ticket at the discounted price, students must show their Auburn Ignited ID card along with the voucher. Although students can only purchase one ticket at the discounted price, tickets at the full price of $70 will still be available for those who wish to buy more than one.

Pay bias may be problem at University By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor

A complaint has been lodged against the University that black employees in building services are being paid less than white workers with similar levels of experience. The University is aware of one employee having formally filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, said Mike Clardy, University spokesman.

However, City CounDowdell said he has cilman Arthur Dowdell looked into University said he is representing records and claims between six and 10 emthe figures clearly ployees who think they show black employhave been discriminatees are being paid less ed against by the Unithan white employees. versity. Dowdell said he “It’s clear with the rethinks the issue of cords that we’re going pay discrimination at DOWDELL to show that blacks are the University is not being paid hundreds of dollars less isolated to the building services dethan whites that work in the same position,” Dowdell said. > Turn to BIAS, A2

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

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A2

DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Nov. 25 - Nov. 29, 2009 Robert L. Conner of Columbus, Ga. Ray’s Collision 130 E. Veterans Blvd. Nov. 25, 6:20 p.m. Justin A. Sabo of Orlando 626 Shug Jordan Parkway Nov. 26, 4:33 a.m.

CRIME REPORTS Nov. 25 - Nov. 29, 2009 Nov. 25, Theta Xi West Magnolia Avenue - Larceny reported. Five class photo’s (1953, 1954, 1996, 2008, 2009), one black Playstation 3, one framed Theta Xi flag with photo from space shuttle and one wooden Theta Xi crest.

By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor

Jacek Janusz Mazur of Poland Chevron 1935 S. College St. Nov. 27 8:23 p.m. Eddie James Johnson of Alexander City Chevron 1935 S. College St. Nov. 28, 12:51 a.m. Arbert Tyrail Smith of Opelika J&M Bookstore 115 S. College St. Nov. 28, 1:01 a.m. Christopher M. Munger of Birmingham Goal Post 190 N. Donahue Drive Nov. 28, 1:21 a.m. Mackenzie Chase Robinson of Mobile 17-16 156 E. Magnolia Ave. Nov. 28, 3:14 a.m. Joseph Dean Moore of Huntsville BP 120 E. Samford Ave. Nov. 29, 2:31 a.m. Matthew Shane West of Birmingham Brookes Condos 1761 Wire Road Nov. 29, 2:41 a.m.

>From A1

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ordinator for the Auburn Arena and director of Athletic Facilities, said the project is contracted to be completed in July 2010. He said they are currently ahead of schedule and the arena is approximately 82 percent complete. The seating configuration will offer better sight lines for fans and move

A rap party hosted by Sigma Chi was shut down by the Auburn Police Department Sunday morning. The Greek Life department was unsure as to why the event was shut down and had not received an incident report concerning the scene from the police department. One student was injured during the event and transported by ambulance to the hospital, said Capt. Tom Stofer of the APD. The student was standing in the street while the event was being cleared and was struck in the head by a bottle or can, said Director of Greek Life Paul Kittle. “There was an event,”

Kittle said. “It was shut down.” Kittle said the police department had not told him why the event was shut down. One student who attended the event, which featured an abbreviated performance by the Ying Yang Twins, said fights were a problem all evening. “It wasn’t (so bad) that everybody was getting hurt kind of thing,” said Jordyne Buckner, freshman in education. “It was more of like, people shoving each other and then one or two punches were thrown. It was pretty much yelling and then everybody holding each other back. It wasn’t like a big brawl to start out.” Buckner said she arrived at approximately 10:30 p.m. and spent most

BIAS

Volunteer at The Plainsman

>From A1

Nov. 26, South College Street/ Woodfield Drive - Criminal tampering reported. One eight-foot University of Alabama banner.

Nov. 27, Piedmont Drive - Larceny reported. One 52-inch Samsung LCD TV reported stolen. Nov. 28, Village Mall 1627 Opelika Road - Auto theft reported. One Black Ford F-150. - Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

Fraternity party brings trouble

Abbie Katherine Bostick of Hoover U.S. Post Office 300 Opelika Road Nov. 27, 1:28 a.m.

UPDATE

20-inch Vizio TV, one Winchester 30-30 Woodstock bolt-action rifle, one Ruger 22 rifle and one Ruger mini 14 rifle with 20 round clip.

Nov. 26, Rosalie Court - Larceny reported. One Toshiba laptop, one

Donald Wayne Baker of Opelika Cox Road Nov. 26, 10:28 p.m.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

them closer to the court, Byars said. The furthest seat will be 43 feet in elevation from courtside compared to 60 feet away at Beard-Eaves. “The new arena is radically different from BeardEaves,” Byars said. “All seating will be much closer to the court. Students will have some of the best seats in the house with 1,500 seats on court level surrounding three sides (two

partment. Dowdell said he had written the University about three weeks ago to notify it of the employees’ demands; however, he has not been satisfied with the University’s response. “They said that they had a team, affirmative action, in personnel that would look at this situation and they would get back in touch with me,” Dowdell said. “I’m not pleased with what they’ve done. I think they’ve been sluggish; they’ve been very slow in their doing and trying to rectify this problem.” However, while Clardy said the University has a policy of not discussing personnel issues, he said the complaint is being investigated. “Any complaint we get from the

ends and the west side of the court).” The scoreboard will feature a high-definition video board. Students will have an exclusive entrance along with a private courtside commons and food court along with courtside seating that permits standing with unobstructed views. The new facility will serve as more than a sports complex with more

of the night inside the fraternity house before leaving with her friends at approximately 12:45 p.m. because the fights scared her. Buckner said the security guards hired for the event stepped in to try to keep everyone under control, and that she did not see any motivation for the violence other than alcohol. “We actually were over there twice,” Stofer said. Stofer said the officers were first called to the event at approximately 1:05 a.m. because of disorderly behavior. Police went back to the event at approximately 1:34 a.m. because there may have been a fight. However, Stofer said the officers did not have cause to arrest anyone. “When we got over there

Auburn faculty or staff is thoroughly, fairly and promptly investigated,” Clardy said. “The E.E.O. coordinator has contacted that employee and is working toward a resolution.” Dowdell said because Auburn isn’t a private institution it’s required to abide by federal and state laws regarding equal employment and payment. However, Dowdell said the University is not doing this. He alleges the University is paying black workers with the same amount of experience as white workers in the same department hundreds of dollars less during each pay period. “I intend to show them that based with their own policy the only thing they gotta do is abide by what they got written in the (books),” Dowdell said. “If they were to go by that and that alone this problem would be

than 12,000 square feet of banquet and entertainment space. The site can be adapted for concerts and other cultural events. With the opening of the new arena, the question remains of what will happen to the current BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum after serving the University for 41 years. “Beard-Eaves will have a fairly short future life,” said Gregory Parsons, Univer-

we didn’t see (anything) or witness (anything),” Stofer said. “By the time we got over there it was over.” However, the Greek Life department was not notified of the police presence at the event until questioned by a reporter from The Plainsman. “We have a standing protocol with our chapter presidents, it’s our term, we call it the ‘flashing lights’ philosophy,” Kittle said. “But anytime there’s flashing lights in front of a fraternity house our office is to be notified regardless of what it is.” However, Kittle said the new Sigma Chi president, who just entered office, was not sure what to do during the situation and so did not notify the Greek Life department. The fraternity could not be reached for comment.

eradicated and subsided.” However, Dowdell said if he remains unsatisfied with the University’s response he will contact the national offices of the NAACP and Southern Christian Leadership Conference. “I believe that those workers doing their jobs, come to work faithfully, they shouldn’t be judged based on the fact that they’re black,” Dowdell said. “They should be judged based on the fact that they’re doing their job and should be paid for their work.” Dowdell said he had planned to host a press conference Monday, Nov. 23 to publicize the situation, but said he decided to move it to today or tomorrow as people were going to be gone during the holiday. Dowdell said he plans to host the press conference at Samford Hall.

sity architect and director of facilities design. “There are other departments in Beard-Eaves that will have a new location within the next three to four years.” The Shelby Center has moved into phase II of its development. A new MRI Research Facility will begin along with replacement of the shop buildings. “The MRI Facility is on track for bidding soon and construction (is) to start

in February 2010,” Parsons said. “ (It is) to be complete in early fall 2010.” Parsons said the current shop buildings will get torn down as soon as Shelby II is complete. “We also have a new Office of Information Technology Building and parking deck which are to be built near intersection of Lem Morrison and South Duncan (near the AU Medical Clinic),” Parsons said.

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The Auburn Plainsman

NEWS

Christmas events in Auburn City council meeting summary

THURSDAY, December 3, 2009

Grant goes to recycling By ADAM SMITH Staff Writer

Photo by: Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR Illustration by: Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management reported the Alabama Recycling Fund Grants program has received grants totaling $1.1 million. The Alabama Recycling Fund was created after Gov. Bob Riley

signed into law the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act in 2008. Lee County was one of the eight areas that received money from the Alabama Recycling Fund. The county received more than $120,000. The money comes from a $1 per ton fee on

materials taken to landfills, said Jerome Hand, ADEM public relations director. The $1 per ton fee was established by Riley’s Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act. The $1.1 million grant was distributed to eight local communities. ADEM had applications

for more than $7 million in grants, but had to turn some down, Hand said. “Instead of putting all the waste in landfills, Governor Riley is hopeful that we can begin to incentivize recycling more than we currently do,” said Todd Stacy, > Turn to GRANT, A4

Ala. declares bingo machines sham By SAMUEL SOLOMON Associate News Editor

The Alabama Supreme Court ruled in favor of Gov. Bob Riley in a case involving the use of “electronic bingo” in Alabama. “It’s a sham, it’s a complete sham,” said Todd Stacy, press secretary for the governor, about electronic bingo. “Thankfully the state of Alabama has had a lot of success lately in shutting down these illegal casinos.” The Alabama Supreme Court defined the game traditionally known as bingo as a card game involving five columns and rows with random designations drawn individually. Players compete against others, listen, mark and properly identify their card to win. “From the officer’s testimony, it seems the machines operate almost exactly like slot machines,” according to page 49 of the court ruling. “In fact, an entire ‘bingo game’ takes approximately six seconds, involves no numbered cards and requires no player interaction at

all, other than the player initially inserting cash or a ‘player’s card’ with cash credits into the machine and then pressing a button or pulling a handle to find out the outcome.” The court ruled the “electronic bingo” machines manufactured by slot machine producers do not constitute traditional bingo and is illegal. On Nov. 13 Riley sent letters to the gambling commissions of Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada and New Jersey notifying them of the Supreme Court’s decision. “The Supreme Court’s ruling is crystal clear,” Riley said in a press release. “All these so-called electronic bingo machines are illegal in Alabama and it’s time for them to go. We warned the gambling commissions and the slot machine manufacturers almost a year ago that these machines are illegal, so the Supreme Court’s ruling can’t be a surprise to them.” Gambling commissions regulate state casinos and > Turn to BINGO, A4

Department of Energy designates coalition By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor

The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition has been designated as a member of the Clean Cities Program operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. The designation was bestowed during a Nov. 17 ceremony at the Alabama Renewable Energy Conference held at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. The new status means the non-profit Alabama organization will be eligible to receive more grant funds from the DOE. “We had to submit a 55-page detailed strategic plan as to how we would carry out our objectives in the state of Alabama with very strategic as well as tactical goals,” said Mark Bentley, executive director of Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. The organization has

been responsible for many alternative fuel-related projects that have been created across the state and region during the last several years. ACFC works with alternative fuels and alternative-fuel vehicles with the goal of reducing dependence on foreign oil, increasing economic development in the state and improving the state’s air quality. One of ACFC’s first project was to provide infrastructure monies to use E-85 ethanol in the municipal vehicles in Hoover. Now over 85 percent of municipal vehicles in Hoover use alternative fuels like E-85 ethanol and biodiesel, Bentley said. The organization was also involved in creating a clean corridor from the Great Lakes area to the Gulf of Mexico. ACFC helped build alternative > Turn to ACFC, A4

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

Gary Klarenbeek, owner of Fountainview Mansion with his wife, shows a gingerbread mansion replica made by Robin Fowler to Rudine Wilson and another tour guest Saturday.

Fountainview hosts festive tour By SIMPSON FLETCHER Staff Writer

Fountainview Mansion, on more than 100 acres near the Chewacla State Park, kicked off its first Season of Celebration last Saturday with its Season Gala Grand Opening Tour. Guests were greeted by owners Gary and Julie Klarenbeek and were offered warm pineapple cider and holiday refreshments as they toured the extensively decorated home. Guests also enjoyed the Auburn United Methodist Church hand bell choir, which played throughout the day. Nativity scenes, poinsettias, lights, garland, ornaments, angels, candles and almost 80 Christmas trees filled each hallway and room. Several rooms were themed. One room in particular paid tribute to Auburn with orange and blue lights adorning its garland and tree. “There’s so much gloom and doom this holiday season, I feel like,” said Gary Klarenbeek. “You watch the news and it’s just gloomy. We wanted to do something to bring some joy to the community.” Klarenbeek said they have always decorated extensively for Christmas. However, this year, they decided to open their home to the public this holiday season to allow

everyone to enjoy their home as well. Robin Fowler of Sonshine Cakes made the gingerbread house for the family this year. The cake was a scale model of the mansion. Fowler said she created it from blueprints of the mansion. Fowler said it took more than 100 hours to create, but she wanted to do it for them since she creates many cakes for weddings held at the mansion. Fountainview houses many antiques, including its oldest piece, a Frenchgothic style mantle from the 1500s. Angel statues in the garden were hand carved in Italy for the family. The Klarenbeeks said they love the four seasons and angels, so they had the angels carved with that idea in mind. Bonnie Nichols, a guest, said she had never been to the mansion before, but after hearing how gorgeous it was, she wanted to come. “I could live here,” Nichols said. Klarenbeek said the majority of weddings held there are not for women who live in Auburn, but rather women who were students at Auburn University and desire to have their weddings in their former college town. “It becomes like a destination wedding almost,” Klarenbeek said. The mansion already has some weddings scheduled for 2011 and is ideal for such an event

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

Jonathan Davis and Tim Phelps enjoy refreshments while taking a break from playing handbells at the mansion.

Ellison Langford / NEWS EDITOR

The Klarenbeeks decorated the mansion’s 16,000 sq. ft. in four days for the Christmas tour.

because it can serve up to 600 people. The garage was turned into a floral studio as well to allow for on-site flower preparations. Construction of Fountainview began in 2001 and was intended to be a home for just a single family. The property was later sold before completion to a developer who sold the land and mansion once again in hopes it would become a luxury inn and events venue. Other events for the Season of Celebration at

the mansion include a Breakfast with St. Nicholas Dec. 5, Holly Jolly Christmas with comedian Jeanne Robertson Dec. 5 and 6, High Tea at Fountainview Dec. 11, Joy of the Season Luncheon Dec. 16 and Holiday Jazz Candlelight Dinner Buffet and Tour Dec. 18. Reservations are required in advance for all mansion events. More information about the Season of Celebration at Fountainview Mansion can be found online at www.fountainviewmansion.com.

The Auburn Plainsman

NEWS, A4

GRANT >From A3

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The Auburn Public Library decorates the youth services department to coincide with the seasons.

Library provides incentives to read By EMILY CLEVER Staff Writer

The Auburn Public Library provides incentives for children to read outside of school, through its seasonal reading programs. Registration for the winter reading program began Tuesday and will end Dec. 31. The program ends Feb. 28. This winter the theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;River of Words,â&#x20AC;? focusing on books about the Mississippi River. Children ages 3 to 11 sign a â&#x20AC;&#x153;contractâ&#x20AC;? with the librarians, which includes the goal number of books they plan on reading during the three month program, said Ashley Brown, assistant youth services librarian and head of the reading programs at APL. If children meet or exceed their goals, they receive a prize. Other prizes are rewarded from a â&#x20AC;&#x153;treasure chestâ&#x20AC;? based on the number of books actually read during the program. Five books gets the reader one prize, 10 books equals two prizes and so on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of them have to read books in school anyway, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a double incentive for them,â&#x20AC;? said Eve Kneeland, head of youth

services at the Auburn Public Library. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficial for them either way.â&#x20AC;? Children are invited to select any books on their reading level, but a suggested reading list with titles relevant to the theme is also available, Kneeland said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Traditionally, libraries have reading programs during the summer,â&#x20AC;? Brown said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we thought, why not encourage kids to read all year?â&#x20AC;? More than 300 children regularly participate in the APL summer reading program, said Cynthia Ledbetter, library assistant at APL. This fall, 116 children signed up, Kneeland said. So-Yoon Kim, a thirdgrader at Cary Woods Elementary School, said she has participated in the APL reading programs previously and intends to sign up again this winter. Kim said she has read as many as 60 books during one of the three month programs. This winter, Kim said she intends to set her goal at 50. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end, she gives out a big prize if I pass my goal,â&#x20AC;? Kim said. Kim said the prizes have included beach balls, rubber snakes, erasers, plastic rings and plastic funnels.

MAKING THE WORLD A

FASTER PLACE, ONE

SANDWICH

press secretary for the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Andre Richardson, Auburn Waste Management recycling manager, said the ideology behind the Alabama Recycling Fund Grants program makes recycling a win-win situation. The more material that goes into landfills, the less usable land there is, Richardson said. He also said the commodities buried in landfills could be used to raise money for the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why pay to have a product buried when you could sell that product as reusable commodity to receive revenue from?â&#x20AC;? Richardson asked. The grant program will encourage schools, businesses and households to recycle more by providing more drop-off sites, more

BINGO >From A3

slot machine manufacturers. They are also held responsible for shipping unapproved gambling devices into Alabama, Stacy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like to set the record straight with gaming commissions to make sure they can enforce what regulations they need to,â&#x20AC;? Stacy said in response to the letter. The Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Task Force on Illegal Gambling now has a clear ruling on what is legal bingo. The task force has closed 70 casinos involved in illegal gambling practices since its establishment in December of last year, Stacy said. Alabama Baptist Convention commended Rileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to end illegal gambling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We oppose casino

ACFC

>From A3

fuel pumps so drivers could fill up while driving on I-65. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have, in the last year, pumped over one million gallons of alternative fuels at those stations in Alabama,â&#x20AC;? Bentley said. However, ACFC often partners with other groups on these projects.

curbside bins, containers and carts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Governor Riley hopes that cities and counties that may have found it financially difficult to start a recycling program could use these incentives to fund it and to expand recycling when it otherwise couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have,â&#x20AC;? Stacy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cities are strapped for resources right now; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a recession, and budgets are a little tighter than they were just a few years ago.â&#x20AC;? Stacy said he thinks these grants will help to expand existing recycling programs or to supply the resources to get newer programs off the ground. Hand said Lee County will utilize the grant by forming a partnership among four entities: the county, the City of Auburn, Opelika and Auburn University. Richardson said each entity will purchase items

gambling, including electronic slot machines, because it is predatory in nature, playing on the weaknesses of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens,â&#x20AC;? said former Alabama Baptist Convention Director Joe Godfrey in a press release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Legalized gambling causes social and economic damage to communities and families and should not be allowed into Alabama.â&#x20AC;? A resolution opposing â&#x20AC;&#x153;electronic bingoâ&#x20AC;? was approved at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alabama Baptist State Convention in Huntsville. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Supreme Court has issued an opinion setting forth in great detail what constitutes a legal game of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bingoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and not one of the so-called electronic bingo machines currently being operated in this state can qualify under the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definition,â&#x20AC;? Godfrey said in a press release.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really a dynamic group, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, and they have a great leadership,â&#x20AC;? said Kathy Hornsby, program manager with Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed a good rapport over the years and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a group you can just call up and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to find a way to help you.â&#x20AC;?

AT A TIME.

Four Salt Lake City teens are headed for trial after being cited for rapping at a McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive-thru.

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126 N. COLLEGE ST. 334.502.0444 FREAKY FAST DELIVERY! 3?2.8F 3.@A 1296C2?F Â&#x2022; % 76::F 7<5;Â´@ 3?.;056@2 990 .99 ?645A@ ?2@2?C21

THURSDAY, December 3, 2009 to enhance its recycling program. Auburn University will place more recycling containers around campus, as well as some containers for specified materials such as mixed paper and cardboard, Richardson said. As many as six Lee County schools will receive new drop-off sites. Opelika will work toward opening a new drop-off center and will work with area businesses to establish collection agreements for recycling paper and cardboard, Richardson said. Richardson said Auburn and Opelika will reach out to their school systems and participate in community events to motivate people to recycle, such as city fairs and America Recycles Day. Hand said some areas that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t previously have any recycling programs, such as Albertville

and Boaz, can now join forces to use the grant money to start one. The grants make it possible for small communities to make important environmental advances. Some of the money is going toward improving the recycling center on North Donahue Drive in Auburn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quite frankly, it is one of the nicest facilities in the state,â&#x20AC;? Hand said. Stacy said Lee Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to recycling is commendable, and Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s example to the rest of the state placed them at the front of the line to receive the first wave of recycling grants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The city of Auburn has had a recycling program for some time, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been an example to other cities and other areas,â&#x20AC;? Stacy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So this is an opportunity for them to expand and to make it more comprehensive.â&#x20AC;?

Auburn City Council Meeting Summary Tuesday, Dec. 1 â&#x20AC;˘Alcoholic Beverage Licenses were approved for the following businesses: - Jackie Lees Karaoke Pub 1577 S. College St. - Santa Fe Cattle Company 1660 S. College St. - Whatley Convenience Stores 1700 Opelika Road â&#x20AC;˘Five intersection traffic signal systems near the Village Mall have been approved for $22,000. â&#x20AC;˘A Wire Road Bridge widening and replacement contract has been approved for $441,041.64. â&#x20AC;˘The City Council approved one of three $133,275.10 payments for Software House Int. Microsofts secure computing initiative.

The next Auburn City Council meeting is Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber on Ross Street.

Auburn Weekly Gas Monitor Week of Dec. 1

This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prices Location

Regular

Mid

Premium

Shell - Shug Jordan Wal-Mart - South College Chevron - South College BP - Gay & Samford Shell - Glenn & Gay Spectrum - Glenn & Gay Chevron - Glenn & College

$2.499 $2.459 $2.699 $2.689 $2.499 $2.469 $2.799

$2.639 $2.579 $2.899 $2.889 $2.599 $2.609 $2.949

$2.779 $2.699 $3.099 $3.029 $2.799 $2.749 $3.099

Average Gas Price Last Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Average

$2.588 N/A

$2.738 N/A

$2.893 N/A

A Maryland woman left $40,000 in rare coins at a Catholic shrine. She claimed she wanted the Blessed Virgin Mary to watch over her valued possessions while she was out of town. The woman retrieved the coins a week later. A fine of $1,000 has been paid on two books checked out of Camelback High School in Phoenix, Ariz. The books were checked out 51 years ago. The offender was anonymous. By SAMUEL SOLOMON

Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A5

The Auburn Plainsman

COMMENTARY The Auburn Plainsman Editorial Board Cliff McCollum

Lindsey Davidson

Natalie Wade

Opinions Editor

Editor

Managing Editor

Ellison Langford

Rod Guajardo

Abby Albright

News Editor

Photo Editor

Sports Editor

Brittany Cosby

Ben Bartley

Helen Northcutt

Campus Editor

Copy Editor

Intrigue Editor

Kevin Saucier

Tom Hopf

Andrew Sims

Multimedia Editor

Business Manager

Online Editor

Our View

Chizik and company give hope for future ‘Midst the frozen, corn-filled wastelands of Iowa, a man was charged with a series of Herculean tasks: Bring new life to a team desperate to return to what it once was. Find an offense capable of putting points on the board. Step into a void left by a coach beloved by many. Repair a fractured, confused Auburn family and give them hope for a renewed future. This football season wasn’t perfect, but Gene Chizik has done a great deal of what he needed to do. Considering he came into a program with a 5-7 record, lacking depth and standout talent on both sides of the ball, he did exceedingly well. We’re heading to a decent bowl game, albeit one against a team we’ve played several times before. We see a team once divided by quarterback questions and media speculations come together and work as a team. We see a great recruitment class filled with top-notch players, adding much needed depth and talent to our battereddown benches. We see Gus Malzahn, that crazy magnificent bastard, with his bag of tricks and sneaks. We’re not entirely sure how all of it works, but we trust he knows what he’s doing.

However, “Tate down the middle” is overdone. Perhaps you should try “The Annexation of Puerto Rico” instead ... just a thought. We love Trooper Taylor. When little kids and old men walk by clutching Trooper Towels, we smile. Taylor’s better at pumping the fans up than the Mic Man, but that’s actually not hard to do. We had a great season, even if we didn’t win every game. We sang and danced in the rain at the West Virginia game. We beat that jackass Lane Kiffin up in Fat Phil Fulmer country. And, most importantly, we held the No. 2 team in the nation to a close game and our defense shut down a potential Heisman winner. Not too shabby, boys. It would have been nice to win, but a moral victory that’s leaving Bammers suspiciously quiet is nice in its own way. We feel Auburn is moving in the right direction. After our initial hesitance and skepticism, we see the powers that be might have actually known what they were doing for once. Welcome home, Coach Chizik. Thank you for what you’ve been able to do thus far, and long and magnificent may your reign be.

Alabama’s got to know when to hold ’em, fold ’em With the Governor’s latest railings against the video slot machine racket and Ron Sparks’ borrowing of the Don Seigelman playbook for yet another education lottery program, the gambling debate has returned to Alabama once again. Gambling already exists in this state. Victoryland and Wind Creek Casino are becoming tourist destinations, and you can’t throw a stone in Walker County without hitting a few slot machines. Finally throwing open the floodgates of gambling legalization could add much-needed funds to state education coffers and bring regulation and the rule of law to an industry in need of reining in. Part of us want to live in a state with legalized gaming and a state lottery. If people are going to gamble, we might as well keep the money here. If you allow poker, Rod, our photo editor, promises to blow tons of money at the tables. However, legalizing gambling and creating a state lottery may not be the best solution in this state. Such a proposition would certainly involve the State Legislature and we

wouldn’t trust those shady politicians to water our ficus if we went on vacation. With the potential billions of dollars at stake with legalization, Montgomery would erupt into a no-holds-barred cage match of pain broadcast live on Alabama Public Television. We’d watch it. We worry Alabama doesn’t have the population base necessary to sustain a state education lottery like Georgia or Florida, and we worry that a lottery fund meant to help supplement the education fund would eventually become the education fund. Even if we can sustain a lottery, we worry the citizens enjoying the lottery are those who can ill afford to spend their money that way. That’s an Alabama we don’t want to see. Legalizing gambling would also require amendments and revisions to our already ludicrously long state constitution. Gambling and lotteries are quick fixes to a problem that requires thoughtful reflection and planning and we should tread carefully if we choose to walk along that path.

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

A6 Thursday, December 3, 2009 Staff Column

America’s forgotten problem American infrastructure is failing. If we do not step up to the plate soon, the effects of a rapidly deteriorating infrastructure will cripple our economy. The U.S. received a D on the 2009 American Society of Civil Engineers Infrastructure Report Card. The report estimates that of the $930 billion needed to maintain this nation’s infrastructure only $380.5 billion was spent. The report measures everything from schools to solid waste disposal. Few categories achieved passing grades. Our roads and highways received a D- and was the only category in which the grade has consistently dropped since 2001. The need to cut costs in troubled times is understandable; however, it is a mistake of immense proportions to ignore the needs of some of this nation’s greatest assets, specifically our highways. The Eisenhower Interstate System is a greater engineering feat than the space shuttle and has influenced this country’s growth and prosperity more than the Internet. It is as vital as oxygen and, without it, this country would suffocate. “It is the largest single engineering and construction project on this planet,” says Dan McNichol in his book, The Roads That Built America. “In scale it is far larger than the great Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the aqueducts of Rome, and the Suez and Panama canals.” It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of the U.S. Interstate System. Allow me to give you an idea of its scale. The near 47,000 miles of American superhighway, which took more than 50 years to complete, includes 54,663 bridges and 104 tunnels. Nothing on the planet compares to it. Not all of Europe has such a vast array of highways. According to McNichol’s book, the amount of concrete used in the project could erect a wall nine-feet thick, 50-feet tall and long enough to wrap around the entire planet. Likewise, construction of the Interstate has displaced approximately 42 billion cubic yards of earth, the equivalent to digging the Panama Canal more than 160 times. Our roads and highways greatly reduce travel times giving us the freedom to quickly move around the country.

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

Samuel Solomon news@theplainsman.com

With a little gas and a good radio station, it takes me only an hour and a half to traverse the 115-mile stretch of I-85 from Atlanta to Auburn. The potholes and disrepair that slow and divert traffic is just as dangerous as the plaque that clogs arteries. The longer we wait to fix the problem, the greater the difficulty and expense. HEART ATTACK: 2007 I-35 West Mississippi River Bridge. A bridge along I-35 in Minneapolis collapsed killing thirteen and injuring more than one-hundred in August of 2007. The bridge, which carried approximately 140,000 vehicles daily, was labeled as “structurally deficient” in 1990 due to corrosion in the bridges bearings. HEART ATTACK: 2009 San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge. One month ago pieces of the Bay Bridge collapsed onto the roadway. Luckily repair moved quickly. While the disaster could have been much worse, traffic in the bay area was gridlocked for days. The 73-year-old bridge spans 8.4 miles across San Francisco Bay and carries approximately 280,000 vehicles daily according to the Bay Bridge Web site. A new Bay Bridge is currently under construction. Like the I-35 West Bridge, an alarming 26 percent of Bridges in the U.S. are labeled as “structurally deficient”, or “functionally obsolete,” according to the report. Some of those bridges you might even cross during your daily commute. Not a comforting thought. An estimated $2.2 trillion are needed to not only to maintain, but to improve the nation’s infrastructure to meet future demands. While I am not a proponent of government spending I would gladly see my tax dollars going towards our nation’s infrastructure. Why? That number is enormous, but it will only get larger as time progresses. The longer bridges, sewers and levees age the more expensive the repairs become.

Not only that, look at investing in infrastructure as an investment in the future. The Interstate was a catalyst for some of the nation’s most important businesses, without which Wal-Mart, UPS, McDonald’s, and Holiday Inn may not exist. It is also the lifeline of trucking, a $225.5 billion a year industry according to truckinfo.net. Trucks transport food, fuel and hazardous waste. Come to think of it, as I look around my room I cannot find a single item that has not been transported by truck. The orange I am eating, the coffee machine which brewed this morning’s coffee and the books I just ordered off the Internet – all transported by trucks. The more efficiently trucks move, the more efficient our nation becomes. Simply maintaining the roads we have is not good enough. Americans spend 4.2 billion hours a year stuck in traffic totaling nearly $80 billion lost in fuel and productivity costs. That number will also continue to rise. According to McNichol’s book, there are over 1 million more trucks on the road then there were a decade ago, and that number is expected to double by 2020. Room must be made for the 40-ton, 600-horsepower chrome behemoths, because they are truly what keeps America moving. The White House is taking a step in the right direction. In February, President Barack Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes the plans for nationwide high-speed rail. Expanding the nations rail network is an excellent place to start. Civil works projects like an upgrade to high-speed rail in the short term will give contractors work in a tough economy, but more importantly it will lay a solid foundation for the country to thrive for the next 50 years. Nonetheless, countless miles of roads, wires and water lines still need funding. If we continue to put infrastructure on the bottom of the spending list in time, America will crumble to pieces, along with the roads that once held her together. Sam Solomon is associate editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 8449109.

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students as well as from faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University. Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on the Monday for publication. Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

COMMENTARY

Hello, Goodbye, See you soon

Lindsey Davidson editor@theplainsman.com

This semester has come and gone and with that, we at the paper have had successes and room for improvement. There are a few staff members leaving that have been a true asset to this paper professionally and personally and will truly be missed on both levels. Julian, who has brought comic relief every time he graces the office with his less than punctual presence, has been behind the camera this semester. This new aspect to the paper would not have been a success without

his input, dedication and hard work. This semester The Plainsman had numerous new people on staff that exhibited whatever. Coming in new on staff and taking a section completely under her control, Brittany and her work ethic will truly be missed. Just like she had big shoes to fill, the next in line will as well. Dr. Cosby has worked through the flu, 5 a.m. workouts, wisdom teeth removal and German class and still managed to put out an impressive campus section while writing stories for the front each week. Sam Solomon is a name you will hear again. He came on staff not able to quote any individual to save his life to being one of the best writers and reporters within a single semester. His creativity and early mornings has made an

imprint in the paper this semester. Another workhorse who will be missed is Jordan. It’s not uncommon for her name to appear more than 10 times a week within the paper and online. She’s pursuing her career in SGA, and I wish her luck with that and all her endeavors. Nick is the hardest for me to part with. On the journalist level, we connect because of the need and want to stay in this field. He has a passion that cannot be replaced. Nick, your foreign ways and fresh attitude will be missed in this office. With the parting of old members and coming of new ones in the spring, I feel this an opportunity for transition with the paper. We haven’t covered everything we needed to on campus including the

SGA’s activities and what the Board of Trustees are actually doing. More in-depth coverage of the campus has slipped this semester. You will see more of that next year. With the coming of the new year, you will also see some changes to the Web site to better serve you. A readership survey will also be coming out Jan. 25 via e-mail so we can get feedback from you to better ourselves for your service. All of this is possible because of The Plainsman staff. As always, I want to hear from you and what we can do to make The Plainsman better for its readers. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next semester. Lindsey Davidson is the editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9021.

“The only tradition I have is making sure the tree looks hot and that my house is full of Christmas cheer.” -Hunter Henry, senior, fashion and apparel merchandising, on decorating for Christmas

Last week’s question: “Should the Greek system drug test its members?” >Yes: 62 percent > No: 38 percent

This week’s question: “How would you rank our football season this year?” >Good >So-so >Bad Go to www.theplainsman.com to vote.

Your View

Benefits for same-sex couples at AU not fine with AU alumnus Editor, the Auburn Plainsman The Plainsman editors argue that Auburn adopt a same-sex benefits policy. But the editors seem more interested in approbation for homosexual unions than in ideals of equality. They criticize other school guidelines as too vague because they want it made clear that gay unions, not a nebulously defined class, is at stake. Their passion for gay conduct is puzzling. Do they lack appreciation for other lifestyles? After all, the advantage of vague language might also mean benefits for pedophiles, polygamists or, perhaps, ones who engage in bestiality. And why not benefits for adulterous heterosexual couples too? No, actually, the editorial staff “like some institutions”suffers from an epidemic of political cowardice: a failure (or refusal) to acknowl-

edge a natural order of life since the dawn of mankind. MARRIAGE is a sacred relationship between one man and one woman, a miraculous bonding where two become one flesh, perpetuating humanity. None of the editors is the product of a samesex union. Nevertheless, they have no reservations about equating such with the parents that gave them life and sacrificed so they might attend Auburn where they lobby for sexual practices that inure only to prurient interests. Do the parents of these budding journalists know their enlightened darlings equate their love, pain and sacrifice with the pusillanimous lust of individuals? On the bright side, they should have no trouble finding work in modern media where honesty and critical analysis are no longer required for a job. The editors’ pitiable commentary is, again, evidence that Auburn teaches students what to think, not how to think. They’re either brainwashed or they simply lack the courage to speak truth; and are easily led through the gates of intellectual slaughter. So much for The Plainsman’s catchphrase “A Spirit That is Not Afraid.” Jeff S. Barganier Class of ‘78

Fascist tells meaning of Christmas Editor, the Auburn Plainsman With all of the crass commercialism associated with the modern holiday season and, given the fact that America was intended to be a Christian nation-state, a member of the United Fascist Union pointed out at the December meeting of our Grand Council, perhaps, we should remind the masses of this message. Turning to the book of books, The Holy Bible, for inspiration, we found this passage which we deem suitable for the occasion. “And at that time there were shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night and lo, an angel of the Lord appeared unto them and the glory of God shone round

about them and they were sore afraid. Then, the angel said: ‘Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, for born unto you, this day in the City of David, is a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.” “And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a manger. Then suddenly there was with the angel, a chorus of the heavenly host, singing ‘praise unto God and good will unto Men’.” So, while the lights on our houses are very pretty and the toys we give our children very kind, there can be no doubt Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Perhaps, if we could remember this simple fact, the spirit of Christ would live in our hearts all year round and make America a better place for all of us to live all of the time. Jackson K. Grimes director and CEO, United Fascist Union

Staff Column

‘It was fun and good’ Natalie Wade managing.editor@ theplainsman.com

The Plainsman has become such a huge part of my life during the past eight consecutive semesters, and it’s going to be hard to steer myself away from the office between classes or during a free moment. I’ve spent the better part of my Monday through Wednesdays deciphering AP Style and deciding if the hairline is more or less than a pica away from the picture, and I’ve loved every long night. I am choosing to leave The Plainsman while I am ahead. If I stick around much longer, Elli will be able to correct me on the best way to design her News front and Helen will have finally mastered the said rule. I’ve seen many people leave The Plainsman during my time, and I know this paper and its

staffs to come will not suffer without one member. I’ve witnessed this paper transform in my few years and there were amazing individuals who made that happen. These people have long since written their farewells and said their goodbyes. I’ve also seen one particular member say his final goodbye, and then make his way back. But all of these people have taught me that The Plainsman is more than a time-sucking job, it’s where you make friends you’ll have for a lifetime. Best of all these friends are as crazy as you are, because they know what it’s like to feel the rush of a breaking story and the annoyance of shady sources. They know the commitment of putting out special editions at 2 a.m. and distributing your work in the rain. They also know the absolute necessity of a candy drawer or drawers. There are many things I’ve learned about journalism, design and ethics at The Plainsman, but somehow the things I will treasure most are com-

pletely unrelated to my career choice. I know Abby can look more pregnant than Dr. Adams, Dutchmen have funny stories, the funniest guys in the group stick together and form a mega cool group of their own, Ms. Kim is the nicest person you could hope to become friends with, photographers will take pictures of Aubie for you if you’re nice, elves work with red pens, pink hair is cool, foot tattoos are more popular than originally thought and you can find a best friend among a group of newcomers. I will miss The Plainsman, the wonderful people who make it work, and I know I’ll read it every week. I can’t think of how to say goodbye, so I’ll leave with a few Flaming Lips lyrics: “And instead of saying all of your goodbyes — let them know / You realize that life goes fast / It’s hard to make the good things last.” Natalie Wade is the managing editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9108.

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A8

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Christmas Events in Auburn and Opelika

The Auburn Plainsman NEWS STAFF

ELLISON LANGFORD Editor SAMUEL SOLOMON Associate Editor

To reach the staff, call 844-9109.

Now pre-leasing for Fall 2010

Auburn Christmas Parade Downtown Dec. 3, 5 p.m.

•

Will Golf for Food benefiting Meals on Wheels Auburn University Club Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. $75 per person, plus one large canned good

•

Auburn Idol Auburn Hotel and Dixon Conference Center Dec. 4, 7 p.m. $5 per person

For information: TEXT the word

•

Breakfast with St. Nicholas Fountainview Mansion Dec. 5, 8:45 a.m. $25 for children, first adult is free $15 for each additional adult

“garden” to 843644

•

Festival of Lights Monarch Estates Dec. 5, 4 p.m. Donations of Christmas decorations will be accepted.

•

Polar Express Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Dec. 5, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear holiday pajamas.

• Holly Jolly Christmas with Jeanne Robertson Fountainview Mansion Dec. 5, 4 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. dessert show Matinee is $35. Dessert show is $45. Advance tickets are required.

•

Toys for Tots race Trinity Lutheran Church Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. $15 and a new toy Graphic by Kate Davis / GRAPHICS EDITOR

Visit us on keyword: Garden District

The Auburn Plainsman

Photo of the Week Ask a Professor On the Concourse

CAMPUS

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Miss Glomerata crowns winners

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

(Left) Miss Photogenic winner Rebecca Whitlow poses with Miss Glomerata first runner up, Rebecca Hart.

Mary Margaret Abernathy wins second runner up.

Taylor Henderson / CONTRIBUTED

Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Jordan-Lee Pearce wins Miss Congeniality, voted on by the other pageant contestants.

Courtney Hattaway poses backstage with her flowers and crown after being named the winner of Miss Glomerata 2009.

Miss Glomerata 2009 Courtney Hattaway poses with Miss Alabama 2009 winner Audrey Moore.

Coat Campaign lends helping hand to needy By LINDSEY GRUBBS Staff Writer

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Casey Fahey, junior in math and biomedical sciences, finds a quiet place to study for an upcoming exam.

Students find best places to cram By MAX NEWFIELD Staff Writer

College students can often find themselves asking a multitude of questions each final exam period. Questions such as, “How many energy drinks should I buy?,” “Why do I always seem to be scheduled for the last final of the term?” and “Why didn’t I go to this class more often?” are always among the most commonly asked questions. The one question every college student must answer is, “Where will I study for this final?” Whether gathered around a table with classmates in the library or locked away in the dark recess of a silent bedroom, (almost) every student must settle in for at least a couple hours at

the end of each semester to cram for impending finals. So, The Plainsman decided to do an informal survey of Auburn students and residents to find out where students like to study. The Library. With resources such as individual and group study rooms, study partners and the Internet café available, one might think the library would be the best place around town to study. But Jarrod Thorne, senior in radio, television and film and a studentemployee at the library, said people should reconsider coming to the library during finals. “It’s not a good place to study for finals at all,” Thorne said. “I came up here three times to study for finals in the spring and every time, just as I was

about to walk in the door, a fire alarm went off and people were just streaming out. It’s just impossible to do any studying up here.” Besides the seemingly endless amount of fire drills, Thorne said the level of ambient noise and lack of parking makes the library an undesirable location for finals cramming. But the biggest distraction at the library, according to Thorne, is the other students. “People take naps here constantly,” Thorne said. “We had a guy in the spring take Adderall and Red Bull and ended up having his heart speed up to a pace where he just got crazy. An ambulance had to come take him to the hospital.” Thorne said Ralph Broun Draughon may be a good place for people

who are in the routine of coming to the library or want to study in a group. “For some classes it’s good when you have science classes where you can study with lots of people,” Thorne said. “But for the most part try and study on your own because you want to be respectful to the people around you. Mainly the fourth floor and probably the first floor too, it’s got some nice study areas. Those are probably the best places to study in the library during those times.” Daylight Donuts. Since Daylight Donuts’ arrival on The Plains in April, many students have sought out the pastry place as an alternative study environment. Bill Springer, owner > Turn to STUDY, B2

Printed on Recycled Paper

With weather reaching cooler temperatures, coats are a must for everyone, even in south Alabama. This season, Auburn University Medical Clinic and East Alabama Medical Center have begun the first “One Coat Campaign” to receive coat and jacket donations for those in need around the AuburnOpelika community. Since beginning Nov. 4, EAMC has collected more than 200 jackets and has extended the deadline to end collecting of all coats and jackets to Dec. 11. Scott Lee, chaplain of EAMC, said the goal was to only collect 10 coats and jackets from a few individuals, but because of an overwhelming response from the community, there will be a lot more lives touched. “Something that was given to me years ago back when I was in college was this understanding that the greatest investment that we could ever make is to invest our life into helping someone else,” Lee said. “This could be a life changing event to the one who is receiving.” Lee said the campaign’s mission is to collect coats and jackets ranging in all sizes for men, women and children. The campaign asks that all donated items are still wearable and in style with no obvious signs

of wear and tear. “A lot of times people just throw coats away and there are a lot of people out there who are actually in need of a coat and in need of something warm to wear,” said Joyce Chocklett, campaign organizer with AUMC. “There are a lot of people who are homeless and actually people who have been laid off of their job and cannot afford to buy a new coat for their children or their elderly parents.” Auburn accounting graduate student and teaching assistant Haley Clark said she heard about the campaign from a friend. “I think this is a great way to give back to people who really need something,” Clark said. “I found the perfect jacket that I couldn’t wear anymore and decided to donate it.” Chocklett said donations can be taken to EAMC or AUMC to the front reception desk or at EAMC’s HealthPlus Fitness Center. “Ask yourself what difference could one coat make not only in your own life, but in the life of whoever receives it,” Lee said. “Something so small could become so significant in the life of someone else.” Lee said the campaign hopes to receive more coats as the holiday approaches and the organi> Turn to COATS, B2

The Auburn Plainsman

CAMPUS, B2

STUDY >From B1

and manager of Daylight Donuts, said he built the store with students in mind. “That’s what I built this thing for; I built it to be study friendly,” Springer said. “We have the best Wi-Fi system there can be put in. The lights, the greenery; we built it to be proactive for the students. It’s for them to come here.” Springer said the couches, coffee and the smell of fresh donuts in Daylight Donuts make it a great atmosphere for study, but he tries to add extra incentives for students there during finals. “Anybody that has ever come here will tell you there’s always hot donuts

being given out here,” Springer said. “I’m always giving the kids stuff, letting them try new stuff. Nobody ever leaves here hungry, they’ll tell you that much.” Katie Adcock, Daylight Donuts employee, said business has picked up at Daylight Donuts due to the impending finals period. Despite the increase in crowds at Daylight Donuts, Adcock still says it is an optimal place for people to study. “It’s like the library, but not as much pressure,” Adcock said. “You know you’re sitting in the library and you’re cramming and you’re stressed out, but here it’s low-key, there are no worries. You can just kind of get your stuff done and do your thing. I think

that’s it, it’s just low pressure.” Gnu’s Room. Some students may want a study location that is off the beaten path. For people like this, graduate student Alex Bonda said Gnu’s Room is the perfect spot. “It’s a nice atmosphere, it’s pretty quiet, there’s free Internet,” Bonda said. “People usually come here to meet each other to study. It’s not quiet central to campus. It’s more out of the way, so there’s more of a chance that there is probably a seat to study.” Bonda said he thinks people like to study in Gnu’s Room because it is not as crowded, there is free Internet and coffee for sale. But the No. 1 reason

Thursday, December 3, 2009

people seek out Gnu’s Room during finals is because of their quality customer service. “We might stay open later depending on demand,” Bonda said. “If enough people ask us to stay open later, we’ll definitely change.” Gnu’s Room is at the intersection of Gay and Samford, next to Amsterdam Café. So with an abundance of study locations throughout Auburn, where do Auburn students choose to study? Every single student polled for this article said they choose to study at home. “Me, personally, I like a quiet place,” Bonda said. “I’m more of a loner so I like to find a nice corner

somewhere that it’s really quiet where I can listen to my music and get stuff done.” Thorne said his home is his top choice for finals cramming because he knows it will have a soothing atmosphere and because he prefers forms of distraction in his house. “I do a lot more of my studying at home just because I know what the atmosphere is going to be like up (at the library); between parking and having to walk over here when it’s cold then to have to try to find a place, it’s usually not even worth it,” Thorne said. “(When we take a break) we play a lot of Call of Duty. We really get into it and kill each other off a couple times then get back into it.”

COATS >From B1

zation has since decided to set a new goal. “I would love to see 500 coats or jackets; that would be great,” Lee said. Clark said she would rather donate a jacket to someone who is in need than give a dollar to something or someone she didn’t know or know how the money was going to be used. “It’s just more personal,” Clark said. One Coat Campaign has also seen support from Auburn-Opelika City schools such as Richland. “Right now we want people to give what they want to give,” Chocklett said. “I think it is good to give from the heart.”

Auburn Alumni Association awards $500,000 to students By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor

For many high school seniors, the prospect of paying for a college education can be daunting. The efforts of the Auburn Alumni Association have made it possible for incoming freshmen to attend the University, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships for the current school year. The money derived from three sources – The Auburn Alumni Association Endowment, The Auburn Alumni Association PLUS Scholarship and the Auburn Club Scholarships.

“There are around 99 Auburn clubs, many of which raise money for scholarships by dues,” said Toni Littleton-Rich, scholarship coordinator in the Office of Alumni Affairs. “Each has its own dues infrastructure, often including fundraising events through the year from silent auctions to dinners, game-watching parties to golf tournaments in larger clubs.” Depending upon the weather and the size of venue, such tournaments draw in some of the largest contributions to the scholarship fund. These clubs encompass large areas,

from Huntsville/Madison County to Lee County. Clubs host events attended by the head coach and other officials of the football program. Auburn clubs vary on the amount they award, but most are given based on level of income or academic excellence. According to the Alumni Association Web site, 55 clubs awarded more than 150 scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. Some cities with large metropolitan areas, such as Atlanta and Birmingham, award multiple scholarships, while smaller bases such as Cull-

man might award a single scholarship while drawing from the surrounding counties. “Each club has its own agreement with Auburn University,” Littleton-Rich said. “Each club can determine its own criteria to a point, based on a GPA of 3.0 and above, while some are need based, which we try to encourage.” The Alumni Association Endowment awards money to students whose parents are lifetime members of the organization. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship of $1,500 is given to students earning at least a 3.0 GPA and at

least a 25 on the ACT. Half of the awards are given to in-state students, while the other half are given to out-of-state students. Students who are attempting two undergraduate degrees or have already received a scholarship of equal or greater value are excluded from consideration. The Provost Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship (PLUS) was created to promote diversity at Auburn. It is a $2,000 award given to two people and renewable up to three years, which works with the Auburn University Strategic Diversity Plan.

Each of these scholarships chooses winners based upon their applications to Auburn University. Aside from alumni donations, various corporations and small businesses connected to the University make these awards possible for students who meet the criteria. “One of the Auburn Alumni Association’s chief priorities is to help ensure that the cost of an Auburn education doesn’t present an insurmountable barrier to those who would otherwise enroll,” said Debbie Shaw, vice president for alumni affairs and director of the alumni association.

Ask a Professor? Q: “When asked to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in a court of law, what happens if you say ‘no’ ?” A: Pursuant to Alabama statutory law, “[a]ll testimony ... must be given in open court on the oath or affirmation of the witness.” Alabama Code section 12-21-135. The Code provides further that “[t]he sanction of an oath, or affirmation equivalent thereto, is necessary to the reception of any oral testimony. The court may frame such affirmation according to the religious faith of the witness ...” Alabama Code section 12-21-136. The punishment for refusal to testify under oath has been mandated by the Alabama Legislature as follows: “Any witness refusing to testify ... must be committed to the jail of the county, there to remain without bail until he consents to testify.” Alabama Code section 12-21-143(a). Dorothy Wells Littleton, J.D. Practitioner-in-residence Pre-Law Scholars Program

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Agriculture Alumni Association adds members to Hall of Honor By JORDAN DAILEY

“I measure my success through the success of my students.” The Auburn University Hardy puts great emAgriculture Alumni Asso- phasis on his role as an ciation will induct three educator. new members Feb. 23, “I think an important 2010. part of teaching is staying The Hall of Honor/Pio- abreast of the material,” neer Award Hardy said. gallery honThe proors living fessor saw I measure a need for Alabamians for the my success through an agriculachievetural law inments in the success of my structor and the agricul- students.” decided it tural sector. was time to “It’s probwork on getably the ting his law greatest William Hardy, degree. honor I’ve Hall of Honor inductee He gradureceived as ated cum a member laude from of Auburn’s faculty,” said Jones School of Law in William Hardy, former 1997, at the age of 51, and College of Agriculture was admitted to the Aladean for instruction and bama Bar Association in a professor in the Depart- 1998. ment of Agricultural EcoHardy said that just like nomics and Rural Sociol- the rest of the economy, ogy. agriculture faces a hard Hardy will be honored time. alongside William Powell, “General Motors can executive director of the set a price for a car, but a Alabama Cattlemen’s As- farmer can’t set a price for sociation, and Raymond his wheat,” Hardy said. Jones, Huntsville cattleIn his time at Auburn, man and businessman. Hardy was a leader of the “I’ve said this a thou- War on Hunger, along with sand times,” Hardy said. Harriet Giles from the ColAssistant Campus Editor

“

lege of Human Sciences. Fellow inductee Powell is concerned about the future of the agricultural industry. “I’ve got a real concern we could lose our food production to a lot of other countries,” Powell said. But Powell believes Auburn will play a strong role in the future of the sector. “The key developments over the years have come from land grant colleges,” Powell said. “But I’m concerned funding for these programs has become a low priority.” Powell received his bachelor and doctorate degrees from Auburn, both in animal sciences. After his formal education was complete, he joined Auburn’s faculty for several years as a food science specialist. Powell has been involved with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association in Montgomery since 1983. Jones, another honoree, said he believes the future of the industry is based on its past. “You have to go back in history to see where you’re going to end up,” Jones said. He said when he gradu-

ated from Auburn, 38 percent of Americans were involved in the agricultural sector. Now, Jones said, the percentage has dropped to 1.8. “Now, most of the work is being done on improving genetics,” Jones said. “That’s definitely playing an important part.” The businessman is CEO of G.W. Jones and Son, a real estate, engineering and insurance company in Huntsville. He and his son, Raymond Jr., operate cattle farms in Madison, Marshall and Jackson counties. “Hopefully, Auburn and other agricultural schools will keep us at the forefront of this field,” Jones said. Pioneer Awards are given posthumously to Alabama agricultural leaders. Recipients are Jamey Clary, former Alabama Cooperative Extension System coordinator for Hale County, and Ross Debter, poultry producer and founder of Debter Hereford Farm. Clary and Debter passed away in 2007 and 2001, respectively.

Campus, B3

Finals study hours Library: Dec. 8 -10, open 24 hours Dec. 11, open till midnight Dec. 12, open 9 a.m. to midnight Dec. 13, open 1 p.m. Dec. 14, open 24 hours Dec. 15, open till 6 p.m. Student Center: Dec. 8-10, open 24 hours Dec. 11, open till midnight Dec. 12, open 8 a.m. to midnight Dec. 13, open 8 a.m. Dec. 14, open 24 hours Dec. 15, open till 10 p.m.

Campus, B4

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Biological Sciences sells clownfish By DAVID CRAYTON

old and 0.5 to 1.5 inches long, though there is a chance they will grow to Two University biolo- about four inches long. gists are selling ornamenThe department is oftal fish cultured from the fering one year of tech Red Sea. support from University The sale is being orga- biologists who will know nized by how to Nanette keep fish Chadwick happy and They have a h e a l t h y of biological sciences distinct personality in a home and graduaquarium. ate student and are endlessly The deJoey Szcze- entertaining to partment bak. observe in aquaria.” has set The deup an acpartment Nanette Chadwick, count to is selling professor of biological sciences receive inanemone come from fish, which local sales are also called clownfish. of the clownfish. Chadwick said people Chadwick said she will buy the fish because hopes the sale will appeal they are unique. to people who love fish. “Our fish were born in “Our biggest appeal is aquaria, and so they are to people who love fish acclimated and used to tanks and also coral reef aquarium life and do not aquariums,” Chadwick experience the transition said. “These fish also are shock of wild-caught fish,” a great first-time pet for Chadwick said. “They have people who want to try a distinct personality and out having tropical fish are endlessly entertain- because they are so easy ing to observe in aquaria. to grow.” They have good memories The clownfish is disand learn quickly when tinct from other fish, feeding time is.” Chadwich said. The selling of the fish “A special trait of the is part of the Department clownfish is that they of Biological Sciences’ are sequential hermaphAuburn-Jordan program, rodites,” Chadwick said. which offers paid research “They change sex during experiences in the field of their lifetime, starting ecology. out as larvae, and then The department will becoming immature juvesell 10 juvenile fish for $15 niles. They are monogaeach with more to come. mous, which is another The fish are 2 months rare trait in fish.” Staff Writer

“

Chadwick said the clownfish will become males first and then female later. The department wanted to sell the fish because it was wasteful replacing them with other fish when they died. “We kept seeing our fish lay eggs, and the hatched larvae would just die in our tanks, or be eaten by the larger fish,” Chadwick said. “So we thought it would be less wasteful if we could culture the larvae and grow them out to juveniles so that we could replace any of our older fish that died.” Szczebak said the clownfish are rare and there are only a few in number. “It’s not a very popular and very common type of clownfish,” Szczebak said. “Not very many stores carry them and there are very few companies who breed.” The clownfish do not require special care though. “As far as special requirements that these fish need in aquarium conditions, there’s not really much,” Szczebak said. “You can take care of them like most fish.” Szczebak said the primary purpose of the fish was marine ecology research. The department wanted to culture its own fish for selling. All of the proceeds go to Auburn’s anemone fish culture program.

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

An anemone fish, or clownfish, is on display as part of the Red Sea fish sale.

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Clownfish gather around a piece of coral in a tank at Funchess Hall.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B5

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

Friday, Dec. 4

Saturday, Dec. 12

Saturday, Jan. 2

Friday, Jan. 15

Saturday, Jan. 30

Tuesday, Feb. 9

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

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

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

Gymnastics vs. OK: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Men’s Basketball vs. Alabama: 3 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Tuesday, Dec. 15

Sunday, Jan. 3

Saturday, Jan. 16

Career Expo for Engineering and Technical Majors: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Hotel at Auburn University

Women’s Basketball vs. Liberty: 6 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State: 2 p.m., Beard-EavesMemorialColiseum

Basketball vs. KY: 3 p.m., Beard-Eaves Coliseum

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

Saturday, Dec. 18

Tuesday, Jan. 5

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

Men’s Basketball vs. West Georgia: 7 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Internship and Summer Job Fair for Students: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Student Center.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Sunday, Dec. 20 Friday, Jan. 8

Thursday, Jan. 21

Women’s Basketball vs. George Washington: 1 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

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

Gymnastics vs. Alabama: 7 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Women’s Basketball vs. Vanderbilt: 8 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Auburn Community Orchestra Concert: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Telfair Peet Theatre

Tuesday, Dec. 22

Saturday, Jan. 9

Thursday, Jan. 28

Men’s Basketball vs. Alabama State: 7 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Basketball vs. South Carolina: 12:30 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Ralph Crocker Invite — Swim/Dive: TBA , James E. Martin Aquatics Center

Women’s Basketball vs. South Carolina 6 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Thursday, Jan. 14

Friday, Jan. 29

Saturday, Feb. 6

Career Expo: Business & Non-Technical Majors: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Hotel at Auburn University

Men’sBasketballvs. Charleston Southern: 7 p.m., Beard-EavesMemorialColiseum

Women’s Basketball vs. Alabama: 6 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

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

Swim/Dive vs. Emory: 11 a.m., James E. Martin Aquatics Center

Women’s Basketball vs. Arkansas: 6 p.m., BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum

Sunday, Jan. 31

Wednesday, Jan. 20

Ralph Crocker Invite — Swim/Dive: TBA in James E. Martin Aquatics Center Equestrian vs. Oklahoma State: 1 p.m., Horse Unit on Wire Road Women’s Basketball vs. Georgia: 5 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Thursday, Feb. 4

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

Film: Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jule Collins Smith Museum Wednesday, Feb. 10 Men’s Tennis vs. Troy: 1:30 p.m., Yarbrough Tennis Center Men’s Basketball vs. Georgia: 8 p.m., Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Thursday, Feb. 11

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

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

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

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Want to earn wage plus commission for buying back books from Auburn students? Great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals. Can make up to $1000 in that week. Need to be able to work Dec 7th to Dec 14th and the best team members may stay on to work in store. All equipment is provided. Also get store discount on great Auburn clothing! Call Laura at 334-8211137 Web Marketing/Web Designer Needed. Real Estate/Construction/Insurance Claims. Experience Helpful. Flexible Hours. Local 334-524-6683

herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B6

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Langdon Hall gets renovations By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor

To some students, Langdon Hall’s locked doors are a mystery. “The auditorium is not currently in use and is not planned for use in the near future,” said Jann Swaim, an Auburn Facilities Division administrator. The building’s history extends back to the middle of the 19th century. Langdon was built in 1853 and rebuilt in 1883, said Boyd Childress, Ralph Brown Draughon Library’s architecture specialist. “Charles Langdon was an Alabama politician, mayor of Mobile, state legislator, secretary of state from 1885 to 1889 and an Auburn trustee for many years,” Childress said. “He was elected to Congress in 1865, but denied the seat because of reconstruction.” According to the Auburn University walking tour guide, the building was first used as a chapel for the Auburn Female Masonic College.

Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Langdon Hall, most recently the home of Auburn’s department of human resources, is set to undergo renovations, including an HVAC upgrade. The building, near Samford Hall, was constructed in 1853.

It was constructed at a cost of $2,500. The wood frame building was acquired by the East Alabama Male College in 1883 and moved to

its present site near Samford Hall. It was remodeled in 1892 in the classic revival style to include its brick veneer.

When Old Main burned in 1887, all classes were held in Langdon Hall. At one time, the building housed the woodwork and machine

departments. The building’s long history continued as it served as the first electric dynamo and light plant from 1888 to 1921, next housing

the home economics department from 1921-1924. From 1951 to 1977, the auditorium served as a YMCA assembly hall and band rehearsal hall. In 1988, the department of human resources moved to the basement area of Langdon Hall. But its historic auditorium has been out of use for some time. “The auditorium is not currently in use and is not planned for use in the near future,” Swaim said. “The auditorium and human resources (office) will be getting an HVAC upgrade as part of the Langdon Steam Plant project. The auditorium will still need interior renovations, such as chairs, paint, flooring and ceiling lights, which are not a part of this project.” The building’s most recent renovations date back to 1950, when the auditorium acquired new curtains, seats, light fixtures, asphalt tile floor and newly painted walls, according to Auburn’s buildings Web site.

Extended insurance available for holidays By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor

The holiday season has arrived, meaning faculty and students alike will be throwing end-of-semester parties. However, in this age of endless litigation, an age where one can seemingly be sued for looking at someone else in a funny way, is basic homeowner’s insurance enough protection? Enter event insurance, special coverage that can make sure all bases are covered in the event of an accident, arrest or any other liability specific to a medium to large-scale event. “If it is a small party at your house, your homeowner’s (insurance) probably is enough,” said Alan Mitchell, Eclectic Insurance agent. “It is sad to say, but in this day and age you have got to protect yourself. There are so many possibilities for someone to sue you.” While basic policies

“

It’s sad to say, but in this day and age you have got to protect yourself. There are so many possibilities for someone to sue you.” Alan Mitchell, Eclectic Insurance agent cover most events at personal residences, extended coverage can be valuable for staff Christmas parties and other, larger events. Such policies can often reach an excess of $700 and often require a liquor license if alcohol is being served. The use of extended coverage can be valuable for those with the fiscal means and desire for peace of mind during the holiday season. However, Lee Colquitt, an Auburn insurance professor, said the use of extended coverage can often be avoided depending on the number of attendees. “If I had an accounting firm and invited three or

four people over for a corporate party, it would be under limited coverage,” Colquitt said. “This typically covers incidental liability for alcohol. If you’re not an alcohol distributor like a bar or restaurant and only a few drinks are served, that’s fine.” But what about students throwing parties? Colquitt said, while the presence of alcohol at a party with those underage can complicate and even nullify some policies, dry gatherings are usually covered by a parent’s policy. The difference between a student’s living in a family-owned house or a leased apartment can also be an issue. Extended insurance

coverage may vary depending on the terms of that lease. “The level of risk would be highly correlated with any alcohol being served,” Colquitt said. Colquitt said there are things to consider before throwing a party. “You’d have to ask the question of what would happen if it got out of hand,” Colquitt said. “A basic homeowner’s policy typically covers you for personal liability, as long as the activities are legal. If someone’s coverage extends to a student by claiming them as a dependent, the policy will cover that as well.” Use of extended coverage goes beyond apartment and office parties, however. It is often used for events and venues ranging from Christmas tree sales and parades to wedding ceremonies. Policies can reach upwards of $700, often for a single day’s use. However, this money

is well spent if able to avoid lengthy court cases or large corporate settlements. Larger companies such as State Farm are often reluctant to handle such policies due to the specific deviations between cases. “State Farm is very limited on commercial-type coverage,” said Rusty Sheehan, State Farm agent. “It falls more in the realm of independent companies. Intoxicating beverages could be consumed and it had the potential to get out of hand. Each form has to be looked at individually.” Sheehan said examinations of individual cases is also a major factor. A small wedding ceremony held in a church or courthouse without the use of alcohol would carry little liability. Ceremonies held in large, open areas employing fireworks or other potentially dangerous celebratory accessories are a different matter altogether.

Ultimately, inquiries regarding when to use extended event coverage should be submitted to one’s own agent. Because of the potential costliness of such policies and the potential of liability loopholes to render them useless, advising in cost-effectiveness is important. Also, the distinction between a private and corporate party can be hazy, which is why such questions are important to ask. Colquitt said, as representatives of the company, agents are there to serve both their holders and their company are the only ones who can give explanations regarding policy. “If I were a concerned student, the first thing I would do would be to go to that person for answers,” Colquitt said. “Is an apartment away from home defined by an insurance policy? Are there limitations defined by that? There’s no better source for specific, explicit responses.”

Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Campus, B7

Auburn hosts Renewable Energy Conference By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor

Cars of the future were the talk of the town Nov. 17-18 as Auburn hosted the Sixth Annual Alabama Renewable Energy Conference at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. More than 200 scientists and engineers from across the country attended the conference, exchanging concepts ranging from alternative forms of energy to the design of vehicles to implement these technologies. “I was very pleased with the turnout at the conference,” said Kathy Hornsby,

“

There is no reason why Auburn University should not be at the forefront in 2019 of alternative energy research in this country.” Artur Davis, U.S. Congressman renewable energy program manager with the energy division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “The level of the presentations and the interaction from the participants was very good. We got good feedback from the attendees and it was a great networking opportuni-

ty. It brought a lot of people together to help promote biofuel and the renewable fuel industry in our state.” Among the attendees was Dennis Smith, director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Clean Cities program. This program is closely tied with the development of alternative fuel

sources, as well as vehicular design for future generations. Smith was a speaker at the conference and used the occasion to comment on the difference between cars as depicted in science fiction and what they will actually look like. “As far as appearance, I think cars will look a lot like they look today,” Smith said. “We’re not going to be in hovercraft or rocket cars or things like that.” While Smith’s presence drew a portion of the crowd, gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Artur Davis also spoke. He appealed to Alabama’s

technological advances in the past, including Werner Von Braun’s development of the Saturn V in Huntsville during the ’60s, as proof that Alabama is an ideal place to develop these technologies. “It can happen in the next decade,” Davis said. “We can be a leader on the research front. There is no reason why Auburn University should not be at the forefront in 2019 of alternative energy research in this country.” Davis also said innovations in biofuels would be invaluable to the Black Belt region of the state, areas with mounting unemployment rates reaching excess-

es of 25 percent. This area, while lacking paying jobs, is rich in natural resources typically used for these fuels such as trees and grass. He cited in his speech that this, combined with Auburn’s research capabilities and the people’s “can-do” attitude, would be a great help in maximizing energy efficiency. Hornsby said, should this happen, both Auburn and the state as a whole will continue to grow in notoriety. “Sometimes bringing the right people together makes things click,” Hornsby said. “There has been a great partnership between ADECA and Auburn.”

Verizon Wireless funds rural health screenings By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor

What do cell phones, engineers and nurses have in common? They can all help rural Alabamians. Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has teamed up with the School of Nursing to utilize a grant from Verizon Wireless. The Verizon Foundation awarded $23,000 to Loachapoka High School Nov. 19. The money will be used for Kid Check, a program that provides health screenings for children in rural Alabama. “So many children

and families in rural areas don’t have easy access to health care,” said Barbara Wilder, nursing faculty member involved with the Kid Check program. “Through this program, our students are able to identify children who may have a previously unrecognized need, while getting experience in the area of community health.” Aside from aiding the underprivileged, the program educates nursing students. The screenings are free and offer referrals to local medical providers. The College of Engineering works out logis-

tical issues involved with processing paperwork. Wireless engineering students and faculty have been developing systems involving devices which would transfer such data instantaneously. Such practices shorten the procedure time and aid more children. “This is a significant opportunity for the two colleges to be involved in an interdisciplinary project,” said Richard Chapman, associate professor of wireless engineering. “It’s important that the people making software be involved with the people using software. This project gets the developers

and designers working together with the professionals who will really use the technology.” The system is expected to be implemented as early as spring 2010. It will serve as experimental for use in other health care facilities, as well as in patient confidentiality legislation being considered by lawmakers across the country. Such information includes the aforementioned referrals as well as possible dietary and exercise changes. The Verizon Foundation was established to aid in social issues affecting various communi-

ties, providing grants and other services toward student achievement in addressing these issues. It uses its Web site, Thinkfinity.org, to serve students from kindergarten through college, providing activities and information regarding health care issues. The criteria of the foundation’s grants are that they attempt to remedy illiteracy and lack of educational achievement, domestic violence and abuse or lack of health sustenance and safety. Once a grant is awarded, fulfillment of program objectives and other results are measured

throughout the funds’ utilization. “We focus on the issues of education and literacy and safety and health,” said Patrick R. Gaston, president of the Verizon Foundation, on the organization’s Web site. Their work is done through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, grant-making that represents an investment in results and the volunteer spirit of Verizon’s 224,000 employees, Gaston said. “Our goal is to help people achieve the skills they need to live, learn and work in the 21st Century,” Gaston said.

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

On the Concourse How do you study, cram sessions or spread out? “I talk about studying for about a week and then cram the night before.”

- Emily Carroll, senior in English “I’ve had mostly final projects, but I tend to cram.”

- Paul Mellen, senior in industrial design “I spread it out.”

- Macie Champion, freshman in chemical engineering “I study a lot in advance and cram a lot the night before, too.”

- Megan Carroll, senior in English

Samuel Hodges / SOPHOMORE IN WILDLIFE SCIENCE

Photo Specifications: ISO 1600, 1/2500, F4

Photo of the Week E-mail Photo of the Week submissions to

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Happy Holidays! Shop our Annual Holiday Sale December 1st-18th, 2009 Find the perfect gift for the Auburn Tiger on your list & Save up to 40% 0n selected merchandise Check aubookstore.com for details and updates OPENING: JANUARY 2010 AUBURN UNIVERSITY FOY HALL 1360 Haley Center • 334.844.4241 • aubookstore.com

auburn.edu/dining

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Jane Random Crossword His and Her Gifts for Less Than $30

INTRIGUE

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Holiday traditions differ among religions By CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Intrigue Editor

Illustration by Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR

Christmas “For many American people, Christmas is a time of gift exchange and happy fellowship,” said John Hung, adviser for Campus Crusades for Christ. “Retailers and goods manufacturers look forward to boosts in their economic fortunes. But for Christians, these things are of secondary emphasis. Christmas is one of our cherished celebrations commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God’s greatest gift to humanity. We believe our salvation and eternal security are in Christ alone. Therefore, His birth is worthy of celebration.” Experts have debated the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ. “The Dec. 25 date can be found in some very early writings, but was not consistently observed in many countries until much later,” Hung said. “In America, familiar practices such as sending greeting cards and putting up decorated trees were adopted during the early- to mid-1800s. Interestingly, the date of U.S. Thanksgiving Day is due to 1941 federal legislation to promote a longer period of shopping before Christmas Day.” Rich Penaskovic, religion professor, said the first evidence for Christmas celebrated Dec. 25 came from Egypt around 200 C.E. (Common Era) according to Saint Clement of Alexandria in his book, Stromateis. “It spread to other early Christian cities over time,” Penaskovic said. “Christmas was known in Rome in 354 C.E., in Antioch in 356, in Constantinople in 380 and in Jerusalem in 385. Saint Francis of Assisi, who died around 1226, made the first Christmas crib.”

Hanukkah “During Hanukkah, a candle holder called the menorah is lit,” said Wallis Smith-Owens, president of the Jewish Student Organization. “It holds nine candles, eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah and then one as the ‘shamash’ which lights all of the other candles. Candles are lit from right to left.” Smith-Owens said it is also a tradition to eat latkes, potato pancakes, made from grated potatoes mixed with eggs, onions and flour, then fried in vegetable oil, which reminds them of the oil that burned for eight days. “A popular game, known as dreidel, is played using a spinning top with four sides,” Smith-Owens said. “Each of the four sides has a different Hebrew letter on it that is part of an acronym standing for ‘A great miracle happened there.’” Israel had been taken over by Syrian Greeks, who tried to force their religion and culture on the Jewish people. The Greek ruler, King Antiochus IV, banned the practice of Judaism in the country and also destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. Judah, who was nicknamed “Maccabee” (meaning “the hammer” in Hebrew), led an army to defeat the Greeks and restore the temple. In order to be able to see after dark, the Maccabees (Judah’s army) lit oil, but there was only enough oil found in the temple to last one night. To everyone’s surprise, the oil burned for a full eight days. Hanukkah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, is celebrated in remembrance of the Maccabee’s saving the temple in Jerusalem.

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It is celebrated for seven days: Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, according to history.com. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle. The first principle is unity and exemplifies striving for and maintaining unity in the family, community, nation and race. The second principle is self-determination, Kujichagulia. This principle encourages the community to define itself, name itself, create for itself and speak for itself. The third principle is collective work and responsibility Ujima, which strives to build the community and make the brothers’ and sisters’ problems their problems and to solve them together. The fourth principle is cooperative economics, Ujamaa, which helps to build and maintain stores, shops and other businesses. The fifth principle is purpose Nia, which strives to make a collective vocation to help the building and developing of the community in order to restore the people to their traditional greatness. The sixth principle is creativity Kuumba, which means they always do as much as they can, in the way they can, in order to leave the community more beautiful and beneficial than they inherited it. The seventh principle is faith Imani, which encourages people to believe in their people, their parents, their teachers, their leaders and the righteousness and victory of their struggle.

Is Santa Claus legend supposed Ho! Ho! Hoax? By MARY-GLENN SMITH Staff Writer

Most Auburn students found out years ago that the big, bearded, jolly man dressed in red known as Santa Claus is not real. For some it was traumatic, but others didn’t seem to mind that the man who left presents beneath the tree on Christmas Eve, while the flying reindeer waited on the rooftop, was actually their parents. Growing up, nearly everyone sat on Santa’s lap at the mall, wrote him letters to tell him exactly what to bring them for Christmas and even baked cookies and put them out with milk for him to snack on as he left their presents under the Christmas tree. Then came the day when they found out it was all just a lie. There was no Santa Claus. What children had believed for years was all just a deception led by their own mother and father.

“I was 7 years old when I found out Santa wasn’t real,” said Rebecca Early, senior in political science. “My sister was 12, she already knew Santa was not real, so she woke me up in the middle of the night because she ‘heard’ him in the living room. Early said she walked out of her room and saw her parents putting gifts under the tree, and that’s when she found out. Like many kids, Early didn’t exactly know what to think when she found out that the whole Santa thing had all been a hoax. “I was shocked and then upset,” Early said. “My parents told me to go back to bed; they acted like nothing happened the next morning and every Christmas after that they continued to pretend Santa was real. They pretty much just avoided the subject.” While Early’s sister aided her in finding out the truth, others did some investigation of their own to solve the > Turn to SANTA, C2

Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Shanna Lockwood, graduate student in technical and professional communication, decorates her Christmas Tree.

Students trim their trees for Christmas By BRIAN DESSARO Staff Writer

While their trees may not look like Rockefeller Center’s 65-foot-tall tree, students still find creative and festive ways to celebrate the season by decorating Christmas trees with friends and family. One tradition many students participate in is making a special trip home to decorate a tree with their family. “My family and I always go the day after Thanksgiving to pick out a tree together,” said Jeremy Cooley, sophomore in marketing. “It’s kind of a tradition we have had since I was little.” Fran Bishop, graduate student in

consumer affairs, said she decorates a special Christmas tree at home with her family the day after Thanksgiving as well. “I think what I love most about my family’s tree is the fact that it is our tree,” Bishop said. “No one else could ever or will ever have a tree that is like it because my mom lets us all put our spin on it.” She said her family uses garland, lights and a large variety of ornaments, giving her tree an eclectic look. “Our tree consists of decorations that we have accumulated over 23 years together, as well as some from my mother’s childhood,” Bishop said. “The most precious things that are

Printed on Recycled Paper

on the tree are three hands that my mom saved from my brother, sister and myself in nursery school.” The ornaments her family has on their tree don’t really have a cohesive style. The cohesion of their tree, Bishop said, lies in family ties. Cooley said his family also has a special ornament tradition for their Christmas tree. “My mom tries to buy Christmas ornaments from all the places she visits,” Cooley said. “We have ornaments from all over the world.” While many students make special trips home to decorate for the holidays with their families, some > Turn to TREE, C2

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find time to spread the cheer right here in Auburn. Bishop said she has to decorate a tree in Auburn every year to give herself a break from the stress of exams. “I love Christmas because it gets me all warm and cozy inside,” Bishop said. “So when it comes to have a Christmas tree and decorations, I have to have them.” Bishop said she has a miniature tree that she decorates with white ornaments and snowflakes to remind her of the possibility of a white Christmas. Hunter Henry, senior in fashion and apparel merchandising, said he tries to decorate a tree here at school every year too. “The only tradition I have is making sure the tree looks hot and that my house is full of Christmas cheer,” Henry said. Another Christmas tree tradi-

tion many people have is the placing of a special topper on their tree at the end of decorating. Bishop said her family has a snow angel tree topper that was crocheted by her grandmother, which gives the tree special value to the whole family. On her Christmas tree in Auburn, though, Bishop said she just ties a ribbon to keep it from being top heavy. Cooley, however, said his family just picks a special ornament every year to top their tree. The timing of tree decorating is often highly debated and important to many students. “We never put a tree up until after Thanksgiving,” Cooley said. “Anything before that is just way too soon.” Bishop said, while her family does not put its tree up right after Thanksgiving, she usually tries to wait till the beginning of December to decorate her apartment because it is the Christmas month.

p o o c S The Dec. 3

Auburn Christmas Parade Join the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn University for an evening of holiday cheer. The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the Auburn Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Immediately following the parade, join the students, faculty and staff of Auburn University on Samford Lawn for a Holiday Celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Hotel at Auburn University invites everyone to the hotel for hot cocoa and cider, live music and the unveiling of the gingerbread village after the Christmas Tree Lighting on Samford Lawn.

Dec. 5 Breakfast with St. Nicholas Enjoy a delectable breakfast, self-guided tours of the mansion, children’s crafts, elves, whimsical reindeer characters and a dramatic surprise arrival by St. Nicholas. Capture the memories with Heather Carson of Carson Photography at 8:45 a.m.

Dec. 10

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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Santa mystery. “I was 10 or 11 years old when I looked under my parents’ bed and found my Christmas gifts from Santa under there,” said Chris Strain, junior in agriculture economics. “I came out and told my parents I didn’t think Santa was real, but they tried to tell me he was.” Being well behaved and believing in Santa Claus has always been part of the deal with him coming and bringing presents, Strain said. “My parents told me if I didn’t believe then I wouldn’t get any more presents,” Strain said. “So I told them I would act like I believed so I would still get gifts.” There are various numbers of different stories about how students found out Santa wasn’t real. A few didn’t even seem to be phased by the news. “I really have no idea when I found out that Santa wasn’t real,” said Sadie McElwee, senior in

hotel and restaurant management. “I just can’t remember so it must have not been that upsetting.” McElwee is just one of the few that doesn’t remember finding out about the news. Most students still remember the day they found out Santa wasn’t real, even though they may not exactly remember all the details. “I don’t remember how old I was, probably 7 or 8, when I asked my dad about Santa and he said ‘Yep, no Santa for real,’” said Tyler Savage, junior in agriculture economics. “My mom still tried to say that there was a Santa.” Like several others, Savage was somewhat disturbed by the shocking news. “I didn’t like hearing about it too much,” Savage said. “I was pretty upset.” But even after the truth comes out and everyone knows Santa Claus does not really exist, some people still find it hard to let go of the magic of Santa. “My mother still puts a couple of things under the tree and says they are from Santa,” Savage said. “I enjoy it though; I can’t lie.”

Failure beneficial in long run By THEADORIS MORRIS Staff Writer

The word failure has a negative connotation, but failure is not as derogatory as it may seem, and experts say it can be viewed as a healthy life experience. “If you’ve never failed then you’ve never tried,” said Douglas Hankes, licensed psychologist and director at Student Counseling Services. “Part of the process of being successful is to fail.” Students face the pressures of failing every day, whether it is academically, athletically or on the job, but some students cope with failure better than others. “How a person interprets the failure makes a big difference,” Hankes said. Students view failure as a positive life experience, while others quiver at the sound of the word. “I think it is productive to learn how to deal with some failures in life,” said Courtney Henderson, junior in biomedical sciences. “If you’ve never failed then you will not know how it feels, and it also helps you grow as a person.” Students find it hard to handle failure because of pressures from home or never having failed before. “I feel like if you haven’t failed before then you are a failure already,” said Ashley Horton, senior in English. The prime example that most students refer to when explaining coping with failure is the

Victorian Homes Christmas Tour

transition from high school to college. Some college students were used to making good grades in high school, but had to learn how to cope with failing classes in college. “Most of the students here at Auburn are overachievers in our academic studies, so the thing that we are worried about the most is achieving academically,” Henderson said. Hankes explained the scare of failure as a cultural thing, and how parents in this day and age are not letting their children experience failure, so more students do not know how to deal with it. “Parents stepping in and trying to correct the failure is not a helpful thing,” Hankes said. “Some people won’t put themselves in challenging situations, so they can avoid the failure.” Despite adversity, students find their own way of coping when having to stare failure in the face. “First, we have to come to terms with failing and accept it,” Henderson said. “Then we have to decipher why we failed and learn from them so we do not make the same mistakes again.” Failure is a challenge that have to learn how to deal with, Horton said. “Failing pressures are family, self-set goals and competition, but I think some people feel the most pressure from the smallest, most insignificant of sources,” Horton said. “The best way to deal with failure is to deal with what comes with it and understanding yourself in failure,” Horton said.

The Auburn Plainsman

See the historic Victorian homes of Opelika transformed into an Old World Christmas Wonderland. More than 60 turn-ofthe-century homes are adorned with life-size Santas, angels, toys, teddy bears, carousel horses and other figures. Featured in “Southern Living” and “Better Homes and Gardens”, Opelika artist Jan Jones and her staff have spent years creating the impressive displays by loving hand. The local neighborhood association now takes the lead in maintaining the displays and staging the event each year.

INTRIGUE STAFF

Helen northcutt Editor Olivia Martin Associate Editor

Callie garrett Assistant Editor

To reach the staff, call 844-9109.

Campus Rants •

•

Two nights ago I was coming home from a long night out and I couldn’t get into my apartment. After 30 minutes of • struggling to get my key into the keyhole and pretty much freaking out about why I couldn’t get in, I realized I was at the wrong apartment. My building is next door and it looks almost identical. • For an early Christmas present my parents gave me a new CD player and GPS system for my car. I park in my drive way when I’m at home because there is no space in the garage. I woke up the next morning to a great Christmas surprise, my car driver’s side window had been busted into and my brand

new radio and GPS system were stolen. I got the grade back from my English paper that I worked so hard on and even let a friend in the class use as an example. I got a D on the paper and my friend got an A. Unbelievable. I let my friend and her friends from Alabama spend the night at my apartment after the Iron Bowl. I woke up the next morning and all of the alcohol was gone. My friend claims we drank it, but I know his friends took my entire stash. There was no way we drank my alcohol.

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

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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Holiday cheer spreads to troops overseas By CHARLEY GAINES Staff Writer

As people in the U.S. move toward the end of the year and celebrate a time of giving and togetherness, organizations across the nation help ease the strain on the troops overseas. Organizations and students on campus and in the area are pulling together to show support for the men and women fighting for freedom Americans take for granted. “We take things for granted,” said Mary Catherine Stewart, senior in public relations. “Regardless if you support the war, you need to support the troops. You can support them without supporting the war if that’s the case.” As Auburn’s Director of Benevolence, Stewart coordinates all the philanthropies with each sorority. Thanks to Stewart, instead of individual sororities giving to an organization, the 17 sororities are pulling together to give to the troops a personalized gift during the holidays.

“

Auburn students need to remember it’s not just 30, 40 and 50 year olds fighting over there. It’s people our age.” Mary Catherine Stewart, senior, public relations Stewart decided to organize “Sisters for Soldiers” because her brother, Capt. Bryan Stewart, served in central Iraq as an Army tank commander from October 2007 to December 2008. “Auburn students need to remember it’s not just 30, 40 and 50 year olds fighting for us over there. It’s people our age,” Stewart said. “I mean, they’re carrying two fully loaded weapons around at all times while we just go out and do whatever we do without thinking about it.” Stewart is expecting to collect 100 care packages from each sorority on campus, and she has an overall goal of sending 2,000 boxes to the troops overseas. “I think it’s hard for stu-

dents to identify and reach out to elderly, but it should be easy to identify with a 21-year-old soldier,” Stewart said. Stewart is asking the sororities to send items the soldiers want, not necessarily what they need. This way the boxes are more like gifts than necessity care packages. “My brother liked it when I sent him things like remote control cars, baseballs and footballs,” Stewart said. “They always get things they need, we’re asking the girls to send things that they want for the little down time they get.” Kelly Mezick, first year graduate student in secondary English and language arts education, also has a brother in the mili-

tary overseas, and she has a similar mission to help with the same motive as Stewart. “When I was talking to my brother a few weeks ago, he was saying some people don’t get anything like mail or packages,” Mezick said. “It broke my heart to hear that.” Mezick’s brother, Pvt. Kyle Mezick, is in the Army’s fourth striker combat brigade, 2nd infantry division, stationed in Camp Liberty, Iraq. “They’re over there getting shot at, and we don’t want them to think we’ve forgotten them especially on Christmas,” Mezick said. Mezick is asking people from the Valley area, including Auburn students, to help her remind the soldiers during the holiday season that their efforts are appreciated and their presence at home is missed. She is asking for civilians to write Christmas cards for the 400 members of her brother’s unit. “It’s a young unit, and it’s the first time most of

them have been away from home during the holidays,” Mezick said. “I’m just asking people to make Christmas cards for the troops. It can be store bought, construction paper or a leaf folded in half with a simple ‘thank you’ or ‘we’re thinking of you’ for the holidays.” By bringing the holidays to the troops, Mezick and Stewart said they hope to make the troops more realistic for people back here. “I just want people to be able to put a face on the war effort like I have,” Mezick said. “I mean, my brother is flying an Auburn flag in Baghdad right now.” Dan Lovell, junior in microbiology, was stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from October 2007 to May 2008. “We weren’t around our families during the holidays, and that was probably the hardest thing,” Lovell said. “We were over there and we were each others’ family.” Getting simple things to remind him of home

meant a lot during the holidays. “A Christmas tree from someone and homemade cookies meant so much,” Lovell said. “Little things that made me feel like I was home.” In this time of year when giving is prevalent, there are organizations, not only around Auburn, but around the nation showing the men and women they remember, appreciate and are thankful for the work they are doing for their country. “It doesn’t have to be a Christmas card, maybe just a ‘thank you’ or a simple ‘thinking about you’ is more than enough,” Lovell said. For more information on ways to contribute to Stewart’s “Sister for Soldiers” organization and Panhellenic’s efforts to support the troops during the holidays, e-mail stewamc@auburn.edu. For more information on helping Mezick reach her goal of sending more than 400 hundred cards overseas, e-mail mezicka@ auburn.edu.

Jane Random Favorite Thanksgiving tradition? Eating turkey.

Do you over pack when you’re going on a trip? No, I pack reasonable.

Callie Garrett / ASSISTANT INTRIGUE EDITOR

Glassock’s favorite holiday is Christmas.

Emily Glassock sophomore, elementary education

ABOUT JANE: Age: 20 Hometown: Oneonta Greatest fear: Frogs Hobbies: Tennis Availability: Single Random fact: I am left handed

Do you get sleepy after eating? Yes, I get tired after I eat turkey. What has been your worst job? Teaching a 2-year-old class. What is your favorite day of the week? Saturday, because I can relax.

What are you looking forward to most about being home for the holidays? I am looking forward to seeing my family. Pumpkin pie or pecan pie? Pecan pie What is your favorite comfort food? Chocolate Who is the first person you call when you’re having a bad day? My mom Do you like your turkey baked or fried? Fried

pretty party dresses and sparkly jewelry to match

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His and Her Local Gifts Less Than $30 Private Gallery $16

Private Gallery $24

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AuburnArt.com $21.95

AuburnArt.com $30

Kinnucan’s $21.99 Kinnucan’s $19.99 each

Private Gallery $8 - $16 each

Kinnucan’s $16.99

Private Gallery $29

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Gap $29.50 Kinnucan’s - Guy Harvey T-shirts $19.99-$23.99, Hat $19.99, Mug $10.99

Gap $26

Private Gallery - small $10, large $18

Kinnucan’s $24.99

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Gap $6.99

AuburnArt.com - Toomer’s Lemonade Soy Candle $5.95 $18.95 each

Gap $28 each

Kinnucan’s $24.99 Private Gallery $12 - $16 each

Private Gallery - small $7, large $10

Kinnucan’s 14.95

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Illustrated by Callie Garrett/ ASSISTANT INTRIGUE ED ITOR

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REEL REVIEW I am ‘Die Hard’ about ‘A Christmas Story’ By ANDREW SIMS Online Editor

There are few Christmas movies that make me angry. I mean how can you, as a normal human being, be angry at a movie about presents, snow and capitalism? However, there is one movie that has tried my patience year in and year out. Its name is “A Christmas Story,” and it has no mercy on my soul. Every year, on Christmas Eve, they show this movie for 24 hours. All day, they show “A Christmas Story.” Yeah, I know. OK, so for those of you who are obviously the lucky ones and have been spared from having to watch this time machine back to a time where fathers were cruel, mothers were idiot home makers

and every little brother made you want to take a hacksaw to him, let me fill you in. “A Christmas Story’’ is about how a young middle class boy, Ralphie, fares in his campaign to obtain a Christmas present. This present is a brand new Red Rider BB Gun. Yeah, a kid spends an entire movie trying to get a weapon. How American is that? The movie takes us through the days leading up to Christmas in a small town in Indiana full of crushes on teachers and battles with a neighborhood bully who looks a lot like Adam Putnam, a senator from Florida. Granted there are some funny parts that I am sure, the first time I saw the movie, I might have laughed at. Children getting their tongues stuck to poles, lit-

tle kids in too much winter clothing falling over and not being able to get up and finally the evil, scary Santa Claus that kicks Ralphie down the slide after informing him that with his BB gun he would just shoot his eye out. All the images do is help affirm the romanticized view of the 1940s where every day was a struggle down at the plant and you came home to a loving, submissive wife and everyone was happy with a glass of milk. So in the end Ralphie actually gets the BB gun and promptly walks outside and shoots something, which ricochets and hits him in the eye. He loses the eye due to an infection and spends the rest of his life in the Indiana State Hospital sitting in a corner, rocking back and forth singing “Jingle Bells.”

Wow, I “laughed out loud” on that one. I think my ending is a lot more realistic. As it turns out he just knocks his glasses off and then they go eat Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant where they mock internationals and Chinese accents. Real funny, but awesome! You know I really don’t remember what happens at the end, but hey look at it this way, they will play this movie 3,657,895 more times before the Christmas holiday is over, so it will all work out. If you want a real Christmas movie, full of good lines, good action and guns, you should rent the first and second “Die Hard” movies. Now that is some good Christmas action. Nothing says, “I love Santa and celebrating the birth of Jesus,” like a rogue

‘A Christmas Story’ ★ HOW WE RATE: ★ - Dismal ★★ - Bearable ★★★ - Average ★★★★ - Good ★★★★★ - Excellent cop, without shoes, beating up a bunch of terrorists. Sarah Palin would love it! So when Christmas comes, cuddle up with your American flag Snuggies and cups of hot cocoa and help me boycott “A Christmas Story.”

Tell TBS that we don’t want that movie anymore. We want real life action movie star Bruce Willis to grace our TV screens. Let’s replace “Ho Ho Ho” with another saying like, “Yipee KaiYay Mutha...” well, you know how the rest goes.

HIS AND HER REEL REVIEW

Twilight Saga ‘New Moon’ creates fans, critics By JACOB COLE Staff Writer

★ Director Chris Weitz fails to bring anything aesthetically captivating to his work on “New Moon,” the second entry in the “Twilight” saga; compared to Catherine Hardwicke’s slimy blue color timing and queasy camera movements; however, his direction is as exciting and breathtaking as Scorsese’s. That’s more or less where the positive aspects of this film end, sadly, as “New Moon” is an arduous slog through a mythology that seems as long as a round-trip to Mordor in real-time. Codependent protagonist Bella (Kristen Stewart) is still in chaste bliss with vampire hunk Edward (Robert Pattinson), though her impending 18th birthday reminds her that she ages, while Edward remains eternally young. Naturally, she suffers nightmares of being an old lady chained to her eternally teenaged beau, which Edward believes is a bit obsessive (it is important, here, to remember the relativity of perception). His vampire family invites Bella over to celebrate, she cuts herself on the birthday card, yadda yadda yadda, and tensions (and appetites) are stoked. Edward decides to leave, to where he does

Courtesy of Public Domain

Edward, Jacob and Bella are the main characters in the second installation of the “Twilight” saga, “New Moon.”

not say, nor did I ask owing to an old saying about gift horses and mouths. Bella suffers screaming nightmares in his absence, her shrieks rating somewhere between a child crying in a restaurant and “Crazy Frog” on the list of Things That Are Insufferably Annoying. Only the return of childhood pal Jacob (Taylor Lautner) eases her pain. Jacob, a werewolf (oh, like you didn’t know), clearly has his own infatuation with Bella, and he spends every moment with her a-wooing. When she cuts her head on a rock, Jacob

takes off his shirt. When Bella broaches the “E” word, he mumbles those “I’d never treat you that way” lines the second-place finisher always says. And yet Jacob is an interesting character, believably awkward and impatient and more immediately concerned with Bella’s feelings than that toothless vamp ever was. Put me in Team Jacob, I suppose, a lesser of two evils situation if ever one existed. Lautner gives the only decent performance precisely because he gets to

speak lines that a person might conceivably say, compared to the sub-poetic musings of Edward, which evoke not Shakespeare, but George Lucas. Lautner also sports some killer abs, which serve the purpose here that Edward’s hair did in the last film: to distract from the plot. This movie pauses. Its pauses give way to more pauses. Some of its pauses themselves have pauses. Even when the characters go to Italy for an actionpacked climax (on Virgin Air, no less; a nice touch), nothing happens. It’s like Antonioni by way of My Chemical Romance. Its endless pauses are broken up only by a bizarre, often unsettling, undercurrent of desperate sexual fantasy, making this less a movie than an Ambien-induced hallucination. The closest it comes to its nominal usage of the vampire myth is in its soullessness. It should be noted, though, that, for all the film’s abstinence preaching, Bella wants to be a virgin about as badly as the geeks of every high school movie ever made, yet that hasn’t stopped insecure young men from condescending to this series’ fanatical female crowd. Perhaps we should get all the female fans and the male detractors into a room for a civilized debate. Or an orgy, which would get to the root of the matter more quickly.

By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor

★★★★ One film has been buzzed about more than any showing in theaters this holiday season. Of course I am talking about “New Moon.” Let me start off by saying that I am not a Twilight fan, so this is not a review about how much I love Edward Cullen or Jacob Black or how I have seen it three times already. I’m not sure I understand what all the hype is about. I am just someone who happened to read the books and watched both films, but I will focus on the film itself. Fans will not be disappointed with this installment in the “Twilight” saga. The movie stays close to the book’s plot and plays out each scene. That being said, this makes the film more than two hours long and the scenes stretch on a bit. It definitely had more action scenes, where “Twilight” was more boring. I enjoyed the scene with the Volturi and when the wolves are chasing Victoria in the woods. It had me on the edge of my seat, even though I know what happens. I was a bit critical of director Chris Weitz’s decision to show Edward (Robert Pattinson) when Bella (Kristen Stewart) imagines his voice during her reckless episodes, but it turned out nicely. I also like that he gave

Bella a bit more color and she did not look like such a corpse from the first film. Also, Cullen’s eye color was more emphasized and they looked less like normal people which made the idea they are vampires a little more believable. I did not like that Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) was featured so much without a shirt on. I went on a Sunday afternoon and there were literally girls squealing every time he walked in the frame. It made it seem like he was just eye-candy and not a genuine character I should care about. I understand that he gained 35 pounds of muscle to keep the role, but I don’t need to see him shirtless the whole film. I hope they tone it down in the next one. I feel like Edward was featured a bit like eye candy too like when they have him walking in slow motion in the beginning. I get it, he is supposed to be beautiful. I don’t need you to slow him down so I can watch his every move. Overall, I enjoyed the film. Weltz used the right tricks at the right time and the film did emphasize both Bella’s true feelings for Edward and Jacob. The graphics were well done and the werewolves transitions did not look too cheesy and fake. “New Moon,” of course will be a treat for fans of the series, but to those who just want to see the film it is much more watchable than “Twilight.” It is worth watching, but once is enough for me.

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, Decmber 3, 2009

Regif with t out getti ng c How aught

By MICHAEL HANSBERRY Staff Writer

Intrigue, C7

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Stephanie Cahsin, junior in exercise science, demonstrates not-so-successful re-wrapping skills.

Victorian front porch tour entertains, delights locals By OLIVIA MARTIN

requested someone continue to run the event, and Jill Bonneau, current coorThis Christmas, Opelika dinator of the event volunis celebrating like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1899. teered. The 17th annual VictoriThis year, Bonneau said an Front Porch Christmas there will be more than 60 Tour is Dec. 9 - 13, in Ope- different vignettes with lika, beginning from North Christmas themed scenes, Eighth Street and Second including a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gone with the Avenue, Windâ&#x20AC;? vicovering 10 gnette with blocks of Scarlett Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the the historic Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara and neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift Rhett Butdistrict. Rose Ann to the community. ler. Demson, To exwho helped It takes you away pand on begin the from the hustlethe original event, said it pieces made and-bustle.â&#x20AC;? began when by Jones, local artist Bonneau exRose Ann Demson, Jan Jones plained that volunteer wanted to they now use her lefthave an arover Christtistic commas displays from the mittee for the event. years when she decorated â&#x20AC;&#x153;The homeowners get malls. some input, and the comâ&#x20AC;&#x153;One day we just rode binations of Santas, angels around in a truck and and Victorian figures are thought about how love- all old world, not commerly her handmade Santa cial,â&#x20AC;? Bonneau said. Clauses would look on the To complete the ambiVictorian houses,â&#x20AC;? Dem- ance, streets will close Satson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That first year urday, Dec. 10, from 6 p.m. we just put out a couple to 10 p.m. for an evening and the porch tour has of walking tours and engrown from there.â&#x20AC;? tertainment. Since then, the VictoriAmong other local musian Front Porch Christmas cians, the Auburn Knights Tour has been recognized will perform at 7:30 p.m., by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Southern Living,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bet- Trinity United Methodist ter Homes and Gardensâ&#x20AC;? Church will provide muand has received awards sic in its sanctuary, and from the Southeastern Albert Killian, local histoTourism Society as one of rian and storyteller, will the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top 10 Things to Do tell stories about Opelikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the Southeast.â&#x20AC;? history. When Jones moved out The Brownfield House, of the area, many assumed owned by the historic sothe event would end, but ciety, will be open with rethen Mayor Gary Fuller freshments and entertainAssociate Intrigue Editor

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

ment for visitors. Locals dressed in Victorian party costumes will mingle with guests as part of the display. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The night is just always a magical night, weather permitting,â&#x20AC;? Demson said. For those who cannot wait, the tour will also be a part of Opelikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas in a Railroad Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities, Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trolleys and wagon carts will take visitors through the streets of Victorian houses,â&#x20AC;? said Velinda Wheeles, director of Opelika Main Street. It will cost $5 for a trolley ride, and $1 for a wagon ride per person. Bonneau said she thinks this event, and others like it, are important to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of community and tradition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Especially in this day and age, traditions that people can count on are extremely important,â&#x20AC;? Bonneau said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If they move away, when they come back home there needs to be something to be there and bring back all those good memories.â&#x20AC;? As a result, Bonneau said the event draws tour busses of people from all across the Southeast, and many people who used to live in Opelika return to the tour as part of their Christmas traditions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift to the community,â&#x20AC;? Demson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes you away from the hustle-andbustle and the retail of the season. It provides a wonderful atmosphere.â&#x20AC;?

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The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, C8

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Wasting Time OCTO

Instructions • • • •

The Auburn Plainsman wishes everyone a Happy Holidays

Place the numbers 1 to 8 in each of the octagons such that the numbers are not repeated in any row, column or diagonal. The numbers along the edges, top and bottom are the sums for the numbers in the diagonal that begins or ends at that number. The number in each diamond is the sum of the numbers of each of the four faces that border that diamond. The numbers that border the diamonds do not have to be unique. Number of numbers provided = 62

Weekly Horoscopes Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Don’t place your trust in anyone besides yourself this week. You won’t have all the facts about a confusing matter on Monday. Moving around helps you lose weight and activates your metabolism, so keep that in mind this weekend.

Aries (March 21 - April 19): You love to compete with others, Aries! Whether you win or lose, you are always willing to shake your opponent’s hand. You’ll put your best foot forward when you associate with others on Saturday.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): This week you’ll encounter a lot of tumultuous experiences! Be wise and use restraint as you encounter an angry associate on Monday. Do your best to keep cool. It’s important to be good to yourself this week.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22): You’ll take off mentally if you cannot afford a plane ticket, and immerse yourself in a novel. Your approach to life will become more grounded than it is the early part of the week.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Remind yourself that everyone on planet Earth encounters setbacks, and don’t get discouraged. You’ll begin to imagine the lifestyle that will suit you. Your good spirits will be back in full swing and you’ll have the faith in yourself that you need to pursue your heart’s desire this weekend.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): You’ll have a falling out with a family member on an important matter this week. you’ll realize it’s not selfish to want and need time for yourself ! After all, you have your own life to lead. You’ll investigate homeopathic medicine on Sunday in an effort to resolve a minor health issue.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 23): Your schedule will be upended Monday. Your frankness will come as a surprise to the people you interact with. This weekend you may decide to host a family reunion.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): This week you’ll discover you are on the wrong road, and need to get back on track. Your social desires accelerate this weekend, and you’ll call family and friends and suggest getting together.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): A close relative will make an attempt to get closer, and is ready to mend any fences that stand between you on Thursday. You’ll be grateful for his or her demonstration of emotional support and concern. Sunday, you may be tempted to overeat or drink too much, so remember to control yourself.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): Remember, it’s important to face the real truth in all your life situations. Empathy is your middle name on Wednesday, when a close associate needs you to provide him or her with a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. You’ll share scholarly interests with a new friend on Saturday.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): You’ll need solitude in order to be able to sort through your feelings and thoughts on this complex issue. You’ll have the boldness you need to change your life on Saturday. your sense of control will increase this weekend. You’ll find it’s a lot easier for you to be your own person.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): You’ll need to be tolerant with a young person who doesn’t share your views. You’ll be a real trendsetter this weekend. you will make a real splash at a social event. All eyes will be on you.

Saturday X-Mas Party Drink Specials Open for Lunch - Friday at Noon always 19 and up

The Auburn Plainsman Felix Kiboiywo Coach’s Corner Women’s Basketball

SPORTS

Thursday, December 3, 2009

AU Bass Fishing earns 2nd By ANNA SCHIERHOLZ Staff Writer

Patrick Dever sports@theplainsman.com

Future looks bright after loss to UA Last Friday, we saw Auburn come up short against arch rival Alabama. The atmosphere was not one of disgust however, but of hope. The No. 2 Crimson Tide came to The Plains with hopes of crushing the 7-4 Tigers and preserving its perfect record. One of its goals was accomplished. Auburn faithful saw a glimpse into the future in the 26-21 defeat. Auburn came out of the locker room and hit the > Turn to DEVER, D2

For most, fishing is just a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The Auburn Bass Fishing Club has a bit more invested in the relaxing activity. Spending the first weekend of Thanksgiving break in Sanford, Fla., the bass fishing club fought for fish and respect in the National Guard FLW College Fishing Southeast Regional on Lake Monroe. They got both. The club had two teams finish in the top five, qualifying them for the national tournament in Knoxville, April 10-12. “We did an amazing job,” said Richard Peek, recent Auburn graduate and angler in the club. “To have three teams qualify for regionals, two teams finish in the top five and qualify for nationals really says a lot about the caliber of anglers we have

David A. Brown / CONTRIBUTED

Auburn Bass Fisherman Shaye Baker and Dennis Parker hang their hopes on light line and small bait.

at Auburn.” Peek and partner Caleb Rodgers finished third in the tournament. Peek, who graduated in May, qualified for the

Iron Bowl heartbreaker 26-21

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

Juniors Lee Ziemba and Craig Stevens solemnly walk off Pat Dye Field for the last time this season Friday after the 26-21 loss to Alabama.

tournament while he was still enrolled at Auburn, making him eligible to fish in the regional and national tournaments. “Our performance in

Florida was a good representation of how great the Auburn Bass Fishing team really is,” said Rodgers, senior in civil engineering. “The fishing was

tough, and we were able to capitalize on what little bites we had.” The duo of Shaye Baker > Turn to BASS, D8

Gymnastics gears up 2010-11 By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor

Auburn Gymnastics head coach Jeff Thompson announced two new gymnasts will join the team next fall. Abigail Habicht and Aliaksandra Tsikhanovich have signed national letters of intent to attend Auburn University and participate in gymnastics in the 2011 season. “There is nothing better than putting a lot of time and effort into the recruitment of kids,” Thompson said. “They come to visit and you keep your fingers crossed that they love it as much as you do. That moment when they tell you yes is an amazing thing.” Habicht, who trains at Orlando Metro Gymnastics in Orlando, was named the 2009 National All-Around Champion at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championships. The Orangewood Christian High School senior is currently a member of the U.S. National Team. “We expect her to come in and make an immediate impact on all four events,” Thompson said of Habicht. Tsikhanovich is a fivetime Ohio State Champion, two-time regional champion and was named the national

Todd Van Emst / AUBURN MEDIA RELATIONS

Auburn 2009 graduate Lindsey Pucket scores a 9.90 on the beam during a meet last season against Florida in Gainesville.

champion on floor exercise in 2008 at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championships. The former U.S. National Team Member was born in Belarus and now trains at Integrity Gymnastics in Plain City, Ohio. “She (Tsikhanovich) is a super talented gymnast,” Thompson said. “She has been trained in the classic Russian gymnastics style since she was a young girl. She is a very gifted gymnast and one of the best floor workers in the country.” Seniors Krissy Voss and Carmen Nelms agreed the team is looking forward to competing

with Habicht and Tsikhanovich next fall. “They’re both amazing gymnastists,” Voss said. “Sometimes freshmen are considered the newbies and some think they don’t serve much importance, but really freshmen can completely change the dynamics of a team and can affect it just as much as a senior that has been there for four years. They have the potential to be a huge impact.” The team said it’s excited about its first home competition against Alabama in January. Alabama was the No. 2 team > Turn to GYMNASTICS, D2

Past 5 Years of Auburn Bowl Games Sugar Bowl When: Jan. 1, 2005 Where: New Orleans Score: - No. 3 Auburn - 16 - No. 9 Virginia Tech - 13 John Vaughn, K: Three made field goals. 23, 19, 24 yards.

Capital One Bowl When: Jan. 2, 2006 Where: Orlando, Fla. Score: - No. 21 Wisconsin - 24 - No. 7 Auburn - 10 Brandon Cox, QB: Completed 15 of 33 passes with one TD and one INT.

Cotton Bowl When: Jan. 2, 2007 Where: Dallas Score: - No. 10 Auburn - 17 - No. 22 Nebraska - 1 Carl Stewart, RB: One rush, one yard, one TD. One reception, nine yards, one TD.

Printed on Recycled Paper

Chick-fil-A Bowl When: Dec. 31, 2007 Where: Atlanta Score: - No. 22 Auburn - 23 - No. 15 Clemson - 20 (OT) Mario Fannin, RB: Five receptions, 53 yards, one TD.

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, D2

Tigers drop final match to Bulldogs By AUBRIE DAVIS Staff Writer

Last Wednesday the women’s volleyball team closed out its season with a match against Georgia. The Auburn Tigers fell to the Bulldogs 3-2. Both teams were battling for a fifth place finish in the SEC. Auburn won the first game 25-23 with kills from outside hitters Katherine Culwell and Morgan Johns. In the second game, Johns, Sarah Bullock and Alyssa Davis led the team in kills, but a final Georgia run solidified a 25-21 win for the Bulldogs. Auburn came close to winning the third game with a 22-17 advantage over Georgia, but the Bulldogs rallied to win the set 25-18. In the fourth set, kills by Culwell and Johns and a service ace from MacKenzy

GYMNASTICS >From D1

in the country last year, and Auburn has not defeated Alabama at home in more than 30 years. “We’re healthy right now,” Thompson said. “We haven’t had the depth in the past to have two full line ups, so that says a lot. We’re pleased with where we are, we are right on track with our training plan and we expect to be completely ready for our first home meet with Alabama.” Nelms said she is eager to face Alabama at home

Harper gave the Tigers the lead. Several kills and blocks by Davis and Courtney McDonald guaranteed an Auburn win 25-18. After a long battle, Auburn fell to Georgia in the final set 15-12. “It was a good match and it was any team’s win to take,” said head coach Wade Benson in a press release. “I thought our team fought really hard, but couldn’t come out on top.” Bullock earned 12 match kills and 10 digs while sophomore Christina Solverson finished with 25 match assists and 12 digs. Both earned their eighth double-double of the season. Johns finished with 13 kills, junior Liz Crouch with 17 digs, and Davis had a team best of 5 blocks. Auburn finished its season with a 16-15 overall record

for their first meet of the season. “I’m really looking forward to that,” Nelms said. “We still have a month to go to keep preparing. I think we are moving in the right direction.” Voss said pre-season training has kept the team on track for where it needs to be at the start of the season, and this year the team is focusing on core values. “Basically it’s a lot of hard work, but we improve every single day,” Voss said. “This year we are kind of working on the whole package. We

and an 8-12 finish in the SEC. With the win over Auburn, Georgia will advance to playoffs which begin Dec. 3. The Bulldogs currently have an 18-13 record with a 9-11 finish in the SEC. Auburn concluded its season as the second ranked team in the SEC West, just behind LSU. Georgia finished its regular season fourth in the SEC East. Auburn fell to Georgia earlier this season, 3-2. “Our team has definitely improved greatly since the last time we played Georgia,” Crouch said. Although Auburn did not advance to playoffs, the team had its best season in 10 years. The 1999 season was Auburn’s best with a 19-11 overall record and an 8-7 record in the SEC. The Tigers are currently ranked No. 73 in the NCAA standings.

are obviously training our gymnastic skills, but also our character in addition. We are training ourselves on team chemistry and continuity; we are training all aspects of ourselves. We’ve been communicating a lot more.” The Tigers open their season Jan. 8, 2010, at 7 p.m. in Beard–Eaves Memorial Coliseum. “It is one of those seasons where we can do something that has never happened in the history of our team,” Thompson said. “We can really make some milestones this year at home.”

“Our finish was bittersweet,” said junior Lauren Mellor. “Having a season with eight SEC wins compared to how we ended last year is awesome. It was a little disheartening to know that we could have had even more wins, but when you step back and look at our entire season and at Auburn’s history, I’m really proud of what our team has done.” Monday Sarah Bullock was named to the All-SEC freshman team. Bullock closed out the season with a team high of 296 kills on 889 attempts. She carries the team best of 11 solo blocks and totaled 275 season digs. “I’m very proud of Sarah and the growth she has made this year,” Benson said. “She has many more awards ahead of her with continued focus in the future.”

Auburn XC places 25th By DAVID CRAYTON Staff Writer

The Auburn Cross Country team finished 25th overall at the NCAA Championship. The event was at Terre Haute, Indiana, Monday, Nov. 23, hosted by Indiana State University. Senior Felix Kiboiywo earned his second All-American honor while junior Ben Cheruiyot earned his first All-American honor of his career. Kiboiywo placed 13th with a time of 29:50.1, and Cheruiyot placed 15th with a time of 29:51.4. Other athletes who finished for Auburn were seniors Jean-Pierre Weerts and Scott Novack and sophomores Jeff Sanders and Charles Mitchell. Weerts placed 116th with a time of 31:22 while Novack placed 152nd with a time of 31:47. Sanders placed 207th with a time of 33:54 and Mitchell placed 212th with a time of 37:10. Auburn faced teams such as Oklahoma State, Oregon, Alabama and Northern Arizona. Oklahoma State captured the title followed by Oregon being placed second and Alabama third. Head coach Mark Carroll said the team trained well for the championship. “All season, we used the earlier meets as part of our training to get ready,” Carroll said. “We focused on the SECs, the regionals and the NCAA. We learn our best at the right time.” For the complete story, go to www.theplainsman.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

BASS

>From D1

and Dennis Parker finished second in the regional tournament, falling just behind the winning team of Jake Gipson and Matthew Wercinski of the University of Florida. “I was proud of all my teammates, and my partner in particular,” Baker said. “The lake was really tough, and it took a lot of mental focus to get the job done.” Baker and Parker reeled in 18 bass, weighing 27-11, which won them $25,000. Peek and Rodgers pulled in 14 bass, weighing 20-2 and winning them a total of $11,000. Partners JT Murphy and Sam Rochell competed in the regional competition as well, but after three tough days of fishing, the team came up short and did not place. “JT and I definitely struggled, but it was a learning experience, and we still had a blast,” Rochell said. Despite having trouble adapting to Florida fishing, Murphy and Rochell said they felt great about how Auburn performed and supported each other as partners. “Even though we did not do as well as we hoped, I could not have asked for a better partner than Sam,” Murphy said. “He is a great fisherman, and one day we will be watching him fish on television.” The other two teams agreed having a partner on the boat is essential for a successful tournament. “Having the support and someone to bounce ideas off is crucial,” Baker said. In collegiate fishing, anglers fish in teams of two. Schools can send two-person teams to each of the four qualifying events in their region. Each team has the chance to win $10,000 for first and $2,000 through fifth place, with the prize money being split evenly between the winning team’s club and the university it represents. At the national championship, Baker and Parker and Peek and Rodgers will be competing for $25,000 cash, a $25,000 Ranger bass boat and $50,000 for the University. With stakes this high, the anglers said that they have already begun preparing for the tournament, even though it’s five months away. “I have been studying lake maps and plan on visiting the lake within a couple of weeks,” Peek said. “There is just too much riding on winning nationals to not put every free weekend I have into fishing.” Parker agreed and said that it will be difficult to learn the Telico lakes. “It will be hard because the lake will be constantly changing,” Parker said. “The more time we spend on the lake, the more prepared we will be if weather, lake levels or season tries to throw us a curve.” With two teams competing there in April, Auburn Bass Fishing has put itself on the collegiate fishing map. “Talking to some of the guys from other schools in Florida really opened my eyes as to how respected our club is within the college fishing world,” Rochell said. The Southeast regional tournament will air on Versus, Dec. 27. The Auburn Bass Fishing Club meets bimonthly and welcomes new members. The next tournament is Saturday on Lake Martin in Alexander City.

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, December 3, 2009 Oregon Florida Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Central Michigan Rod Guajardo Houston Photo Editor West Virginia 87-33 FAU

Oregon Alabama Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Ohio Brittany Cosby Houston Campus Editor West Virginia 82-38 FIU

Oregon Florida Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Central Michigan Abby Albright Houston Sports Editor West Virginia FIU 85-35

Oregon Florida Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Ohio Lindsey Davidson Houston West Virginia Editor 80-40 FIU

Oregon Alabama Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Ohio Natalie Wade East Carolina Managing Editor West Virginia 77-43 FIU

Andrew Sims Online Editor 51-69

Oregon Florida Pittsburgh Nebraska Clemson Southern Cal Ohio Houston West Virginia FIU

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Oregon Florida Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Central Michigan Ellison Langford Houston West Virginia News Editor 83-37 FAU

Oregon Florida Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Ohio Kevin Saucier Houston Online Editor West Virginia 79-41 FIU

Oregon Florida Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Ohio Cliff McCollum Houston Opinions Editor West Virginia 71-49 FIU

OUT ON A L I M B

Oregon Alabama Cincinnati Texas Georgia Tech Southern Cal Central Michigan Helen Northcutt Houston Intrigue Editor West Virginia 83-37 FIU

Ben Bartley Copy Editor 79-41

Oregon Florida Cincinnati Nebraska Clemson Arizona Central Michigan Houston West Virginia FIU

A Plainsman Tradition Plainsman staff members make picks each week about which college football teams will win. The staff members will move up or down on the tree, depending on how many games they pick correctly.

Week 12 Oregon vs. Oregon State Florida vs. Alabama Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati Texas vs. Nebraska

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson Southern Cal vs. Arizona Ohio vs. Central Michigan East Carolina vs. Houston Rutgers vs. West Virginia FIU vs. FAU

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The Auburn Plainsman

Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR

The Auburn defensive line swarms Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy Friday. The Tigers racked up three sacks against the Tide. From left to right the Tigers are Antonio Coleman, Jake Ricks, Nick Fairley and Antoine Carter.

Auburn comes up short Tigers lose Iron Bowl to No. 2 Alabama in 20th Anniversary of game at Jordan-Hare By NICK VAN DER LINDEN

to end the half with the score tied at 14. Associate Sports Editor Auburn scored on its first drive of the second The Auburn Tigers Foot- half when Todd pump ball team (7-5, 3-5 SEC) faked and hit sophomore was one catch away from wide receiver Darvin Adspoiling it all for the No. ams for a 72-yard touch2 Alabama Crimson Tide down pass to go up 21-14. (12-0, 8-0 SEC). “We knew the corner The Tigers looked to blitz was coming and spoil a potential perfect Coach Malzahn called season and any aspira- the right play at the right tions for a national title time,” Adams said. for the Tide, but came up The 72-yard pass play short, 21-26, in the 74th was the second longest in annual Iron Bowl. Auburn history against AlThe Crimson Tide de- abama and Adams’ longest fense broke up a pass from reception of his career. senior quarterback Chris Adams finished with Todd in the end zone to se- a career-high 138 yards, cure the win. which marked his third “We played with a lot 100-yard receiving game of of heart and we fought all the season. the way down to the end,” Alabama would not said Auburn head coach go away and closed the Gene Chizik during Fri- scoring gap to one with day’s press conference. two field goals from se“We have nior kicker built a great Leigh Tiffoundation fin. Check for what we The Tionline for gers held a are going to do in the 21-20 lead more photos. future, and late into I am just the fourth very proud quar t er, of our kids.” but were unable to stop The Tigers got off to junior quarterback Greg a quick 14-0 start after McElroy, who led the Tide sophomore running back down the field, throwing a Eric Smith caught a 1-yard 4-yard touchdown pass to pass from Todd on a drive senior running back Roy that started after Auburn Upchurch to go up 26-21. recovered an onside kick. Alabama went for a The Tide answered, two-point conversion and scoring 14 straight points failed, but the touchdown

alone proved to be enough for the win. Chizik addressed the team after the loss and said the future is bright and to not walk away with heads down. The Tigers out rushed the Tide 151-73 and held Heisman hopeful sophomore running back Mark Ingram to just 30 yards on 16 carries. Ingram was out for most of the game-winning drive due to a hip pointer. “They played eight-man fronts,” said Alabama head coach Nick Saban in the press conference after Friday’s game. “They were in a lot of double-sync. I think when people play in that, they anticipate. We probably weren’t as prepared for it as we should have been.” The 151 rushing yards were the most given up by the Crimson Tide all season. Auburn had 119 rushing yards in the first quarter, which was more than six of Alabama’s previous seven SEC opponents had for an entire game. Senior running back Ben Tate rushed for 45 yards, making his season total 1,254 yards, moving past Bo Jackson for the eighth-best single-season total in school history. Todd completed 15 of 25 passes for 181 yards, two touchdowns and one

interception. “We tried to cause confusion for the offense and we did that a few times and were able to hit the quarterback,” said Alabama senior linebacker Eryk Anders. True freshman Jonathan Evans earned his first career start at linebacker in place of injured sophomore linebacker Eltoro Freeman. “I couldn’t be prouder of Jonathan Evans,” Chizik said. “Let me tell you something. There weren’t any backups after that.” Evans became the fifth true freshman to start for Auburn this season, joining defensive back Daren Bates, wide receiver Emory Blake, running back Onterio McCalebb and offensive lineman John Sullen. The Tiger defense held Alabama scoreless in the first quarter, only three yards rushing and did not allow a first down until 2:23 was left in the quarter. “We don’t know who we’re playing or in what bowl we’re playing, but we’ll continue to work hard with coach Kevin Yoxall and all the other coaches,” said senior defensive end Antonio Coleman. Auburn accepted a bid Tuesday to play in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, 2010 against an opponent from the Big Ten.

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The Auburn Plainsman

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The Auburn Plainsman

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Hawke reflects on first year as head coach Swimming, Diving coach took over for friend, Richard Quick, in 2008 By EMILY BECKETT Staff Writer

Sydney, Australia, may have kangaroos, boomerangs and a world-famous opera house, but it is missing one important person – Brett Hawke. Hawke left his native city, Sydney, in 2006 and returned to Auburn, his alma mater, to pursue a career in coaching for arguably one of the strongest collegiate swimming and diving programs in the U.S. “I think I just wanted to hand back some of the knowledge and information that I have built up over the years as a professional athlete,” Hawke said. “I wanted to give back to the sport.” Hawke is halfway through his first season as head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, making this his fourth season as a member of the coaching staff at Auburn. Hawke spent his first two sea-

sons as an assistant coach, and accolades during the chamlast year, he served as co-head pionship meet, including 54 coach when former head coach All-American honors, one indiRichard Quick stepped down af- vidual title and four relay titles, according to the ter being diagnosed Auburn Swimming with an inoperable and Diving Web site. cancerous brain tuHawke said his mor in December greatest career ac2008. complishment was Quick passed away coaching Auburn from the disease June sprinter Cesar Cielo 10, 2009. to a gold medal at Hawke said coping the Olympic Games with Quick’s death in 2008 in the has been one of the HAWKE 50-meter freestyle. biggest challenges he Hawke served as has faced. “I took a lot of what he told me an assistant coach with the Brain the short time that I had with zilian national team during the him and applied it to what I’m 2009 World Championships and, doing now,” Hawke said. along with Cielo, trained Fred The men’s team seems to have Bousquet and Matt Targett. flourished since Hawke took With Hawke’s guidance, Cielo over, winning its eighth national won two gold medals, and Boustitle in the 2009 Men’s Swimming quet and Targett each won a siland Diving NCAA Champion- ver and bronze medal. ship. As a collegiate swimmer, The Tigers received other Hawke was a 17-time All-Amer-

ican swimmer for Auburn from 1997 to 1999, earning a total of nine NCAA titles and seven SEC titles. Hawke came home from the 1997 NCAA meet with four titles, and his performance in the 200-meter medley relay helped the team set a new NCAA and U.S. Open record. In addition, Hawke earned the second 50-meter freestyle title in Auburn history. He was a member of three SEC championship teams and the 1999 NCAA championship team, which captured Auburn’s second NCAA title. “I was on the first national championship team, and then I swam professionally for Australia for seven years and went to two Olympics,” Hawke said. Hawke placed sixth in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He earned three medals at the

2002 Commonwealth Games, a bronze medal at the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships and was a World Championship finalist in 2001 and 2003. Before dedicating his life to coaching, Hawke became a five-time Australian champion and former record holder in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 22.07, which he set in the semifinal round in Athens at the 2004 Olympic Games. This husband and father of four said one of his favorite things about coaching is the variety it brings each day. “It’s always something new, something fresh,” Hawke said. “It keeps me out of the office and on a pool deck, and that’s where I feel comfortable.” Hawke’s favorite advice for his athletes seems to have worked well for him, too. “Don’t cut corners and just work real hard,” Hawke said. “I think it will pay off in the end.”

Poolside with Brett Hawke 1. Have you ever broken any bones? No. I tried, but I haven’t.

6. Do you prefer reading books or newspapers? Newspapers, because they change every day.

2. What is one of your fondest childhood memories? Leaving home at 18. That was pretty good.

7. Who is one of your role models? Richard Quick

3. What is one of your favorite stress relievers? Going to the movies. I like watching movies.

8. What is your favorite food? Italian

9. If you were recommending a restaurant to some4. If you had the chance to be on any TV show, one who was not from Auburn, where would you which one would you choose? send him or her? Survivor. Amsterdam’s 5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Coaching at Auburn.

10. Who is your favorite professional athlete? “It’s not Michael Phelps.” (laughs) “I’d say, Chad Ochocinco. I like him.”

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Auburn shows resiliency in 2009 Seminole Classic By NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Sports Editor

Todd Van Emst / MEDIA RELATIONS

Auburn’s Morgan Toles brings the ball up court in the second half during the Georgia Southern game Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. Auburn won 62-56.

The Auburn Women’s Basketball team (4-3) ended the 2009 Seminole Classic with a win. The tournament was hosted by No. 12 Florida State (5-0) and included Missouri University (4-2), Florida A&M University (3-2) and Auburn. The Tigers’ first game was Friday, Nov. 27 against the Florida State Seminoles. Freshman guard Nicolle Thomas scored 27 points, the most by any Auburn player this season and of any Auburn freshman in the last 10 years, but it was not enough to prevent an 82-67 loss. “It was a very physical, fast-paced game,” said head coach Nell Fortner. “We competed very well with them for about 30 minutes and then it got away from us, but I am proud of how hard we fought. We’re a work in progress and we’ll get better.” The Tigers stayed close throughout the first half.

They led by nine with 6:50 left to play, but were unable to stop the Seminole offense. “It was pretty tough,” said junior guard Alli Smalley. “They made some big buckets and we were unable to do the same.” The Seminoles went up by 17, taking a 59-42 lead with 10:35 left to play and Auburn never recovered. “We fought hard and we know we can keep up with the best,” Smalley said. Auburn made 11-of-22 shots in the first, but only shot 28 percent in the second, making only 9-of-32. Auburn put together its best free throw shooting of the season. The Tigers connected on 21-of-28 attempts, or 75 percent. Senior center Keke Carrier said Fortner was excited the team didn’t give up and fought throughout the entire game. “Coach said we fought hard,” Carrier said. “We can’t give up, stay encouraged and pick up a win the next day.” That is exactly what the Tigers did. Auburn defeated the Florida A&M Rattlers

69-45. “We were all tired from the game against FSU, but we knew we had to go and take care of business,” Smalley said. The Rattlers were able to keep it close and were only down by four going into the half. With 8:41 left in the game, the Tigers went on a 15-0 run that started with a layup from freshman guard Morgan Toles. All nine players scored for Auburn, led by Carrier and Smalley who had 17 points each, while Nicolle Thomas scored 10 and had three steals. “I try to lead by example and show my teammates what we need to accomplish,” Carrier said. Auburn shot 36.1 from the field in the game, making only 22-of-61 shots. The Tigers had more luck from the free throw line where they connected on 19-of-35 attempts. Senior Guard Deidra Jones led the Rattlers in scoring with 16 points, while sophomore guards Antonia Bennett and Christian Rateree scored seven each.

The Auburn Plainsman

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Tide square in the jaw. It wasn’t the seniors who had the best game either. Senior Chris Todd played great, but the big plays on offense came from the likes of junior Mario Fannin, sophomore Darvin Adams and junior Terrell Zachery.

CONTRIBUTED

Senior Felix Kiboiywo races during a meet this season.

AU runner earns national honors By MICHAEL HANSBERRY Staff Writer

Senior Felix Kiboiywo has come a long way from his humble beginnings on a farm in rural Eldoret, Kenya. Kiboiywo said his parents worked hard to raise him along with his four sisters and two brothers. Last week at a meet in Terre Haute, Ind., Kiboiywo was named an AllAmerican for the second time and placed 13th at the 2009 NCAA Cross Country Championship. He finished the trek with a time of 29:50.1. “It was great,” Kiboiywo said. “We’ve been training all year, so it was a time to go there and compete with all the other schools it was a great competition. We were expecting a tough competition and we did great as a team and individually.” He has also been named the NCAA South Regional Champion for the third consecutive time. “He is just such a good 10k runner,” said head coach Mark Carroll. “Having won that race on three occasions in his career, he proved yet again that race is something that he just excels at. He seems to peak at the right point every year. He had a tough time fighting back from his injuries at the beginning of the season, and only really scratched the surface with his solid finish at pre-nationals. He went on to improve the rest of the year from there.” Carroll said getting Kiboiywo back was a big help to the team. He said Kiboiywo gave a solid punch at the top

of the lineup and that it is going to be exciting to see him build up for track season in hopes of continuing to improve. Kiboiywo has been running since he was 7 years old and said that’s all he’s ever wanted to do. He left Kenya to advance his running career in the U.S. “It was just my pleasure to come here,” Kiboiywo said. “Me and coach Watson had a close relationship and he wanted me to come run for his team and it worked out great.” His plans after Auburn are to continue running and to go to graduate school. Kiboiywo is majoring in lab technology. Kiboiywo has been named NCAA South Region Athlete of the Year three times. Kiboiywo said since this is his last year as an undergraduate, he wants to give it all he has. “It’s been a good year for me, so I said I wanted to try and win this for the third time,” Kiboiywo said. “I had great support from friends, teammates and coaches. I tried my best and I won and I was pretty excited.” Kiboiywo practices at least four days a week and said that with running, one has to practice and be motivated in order to succeed. “We have a good program,” Kiboiywo said. “We have a new coach and he’s working hard with us. It’s great to have him around and we’re looking forward to the next season.” Kiboiywo said the desire to achieve great things is what inspires him to continue running and training every day.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Zachery’s end around touchdown in the first quarter was tense to watch I was sure there would have been a flag on the play, but there was no laundry on the field and the touchdown stood. Young defenders played a big part in the Tigers’ heartbreaking loss too. Freshmen Daren Bates and Jonathan Evans and sophomore Neiko

Thorpe combined for 23 tackles against the Tide, including one for a loss. All that’s left to do this season is keep getting better with the bowl game. With the coaching staff recruiting like madmen and the slew of commitments Auburn has already received, the Tigers are in for a great 2010.