INSIDE:
On The Web: Construction Junction, C1
Campus videos including UPC Block Party, Woofstock, Video Game Tournament / Scavenger Hunt and Welcome Back.
The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
Vol. 116, Issue 1 28 Pages
www.theplainsman.com
Developer to build convenient parking deck By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor
The main complaint of students with the beginning of each school year continues to be parking on campus. As Auburn’s campus progresses with the new dorms and new coliseum, parking decreases. The University does provide some parking and operates on a successful transit system, but one group of investors wants to simplify it further.
The businessmen of Donald H. Allen Development Inc. have decided to provide another option for students and faculty to fix this growing problem. “We have begun construction on a parking deck at 712 W. Magnolia,” said Murray Neighbors, an owner of the project. “It is right across from campus, and it will be located between Edge West and the Champions Club across from the Sigma Nu house. The retaining walls have already been put in place.” The project will be completed in January 2010 at the start of spring semester. Students will be allowed access to
the parking deck along with faculty, staff and campus visitors. “Our construction will not interfere with campus or cause any traffic problems,” said Donald Allen, the general contractor and owner of the project. “We do not plan to close any portion of Magnolia, but for deliveries and only 10 to 15 minutes at any time.” It is privately owned with no costs added to tuition. Students can now leave their apartments knowing that a parking spot on campus will be waiting for them.
“We plan to have an hourly, daily and monthly rate with a 5-day and 7-day rate,” Allen said. “It will be a automated system that operates with a barcode on a card to swipe as you enter and exit the facility. Otherwise, you can pay with a credit or debit card if you are hourly or daily.” A Tiger Transit stop is located in front of the building. Bike racks are also being installed to make transportation easier for customers. The deck will have a ground floor with five additional vertical floors and two elevators. It will have approxi-
Village opens with problems By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor
The Village residence halls finally opened their doors to students as promised at the beginning of this semester Aug. 8. Many of the students were content with the new living arrangement and unaware that bigger problems loomed around the corner. Construction began on the eight-building residence community with space for 1,700 students. These are different from the other dorms on campus because they are arranged into a suite style. Students now have their own bedrooms and only two people to a bathroom, which is a plus to those who moved from The Hill or The Quad. “The landscaping starts at 8 a.m. and wakes me up,
but I have tried to learn to sleep through it,” said Michael Pfeifier, a freshman in professional flight management who lives in Talon Hall. “Other than that, it is a nice place to live, but it is easy to tell that they rushed through the job to get it done.” Spectators and other publications claimed The Village would not be completed in time, and some students believe that is still true. Rob McKinnell is the manager of the Housing Administrative Operations and explains the problem is that two buildings were originally scheduled to open later on in the semester. Instead of having students move twice, they made an agreement to have it open early and continue to work on the project > Turn to VILLAGE, A2
News A2
en days a week.” A Web site for the parking deck is still being developed within the next few weeks. Costs and rates for parking are being figured, but will be available for release along with the Web site’s debut. “We want the deck to be web-friendly and convenient for our customers,” Neighbors said. “All the information about reserving, renewing and payment will be available online.”
SGA implements transit program By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
Lauren Peytavin, a sophomore in biomedical sciences, and Sarah Eleam, a sophomore in aviation management, relax on the lawn of The Village. Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
INDEX
mately 920 parking places with 15 handicap spots once it’s completed. Several parking places will even have access to charge hybrid cars. The front of the building will be brick to attempt to mesh with the style of the rest of campus. “We want to portray the character and image to fit the University,” said Greg Darden, the development manager. “The main thing is the convenience of parking.” The location will be well lit and operate on a security camera system to provide safety for the customers. “We want to make it simple to come to campus,” Allen said. “It will be open 24 hours and sev-
Opinions A6
Campus B1
Intrigue C1
The “Toomer’s Ten” Late Night Lines of the Tiger Transit system have made a splash among the student body. The buses transport students to and from campus in roughly 30-minute intervals, starting at 10 p.m. and ending at 2:30 a.m. Unlike prior evening transits, these are more akin to their daily counterparts, traveling to apartment complexes and other areas off campus. “The night transit was really successful the first weekend,” said SGA President Jacob Watkins. “There were over 1,000 riders, and there will be even more as we continue to update PR.” The introduction of this new conveyance is in part an answer to concerns about safety issues for students on campus, both on and off the road. “The [previous] night shuttle existed to transport students from parking lots to on-campus locations, but there were so few buses and so many people that some would be waiting around in parking lots in the middle of the night,” Watkins said. “Off-campus students had no way to be transported to the library or downtown if they didn’t have a car, so this was an issue the SGA
Crossword C3
needed to address. Most other SEC schools like Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama, already had these systems in place, so Auburn was definitely behind the times.” The buses’ seven lines, each of which originate adjacent to SkyBar on Magnolia Avenue and extend off campus to such locations as Creekside, Copper Beech, The Exchange and Lem Morrison Drive. Although the schedules are posted on the AU Web site and in Tigermail updates, some think they could be clearer. “I haven’t used the night transit yet, partly because I didn’t know what nights it ran,” said Sarah Gibby, a first-year pharmacy student. “They need to be more clear on where and when it picks people up, maybe by putting up signs like they do for the day transits. I do think that it will keep people from drunk driving though, and that makes it worthwhile.” Not having to use one’s car is another major advantage of utilizing this new system. Corey Crow, a sophomore in international business, knows driving from his house off of Opelika Road can be a pain. “It’ll be great to be able to get to campus without worrying about parking,” Crow said. “I’ll save a lot of gas money on the weekends.
Arts & Entertainment C5
Sports D1
News, A2
The Auburn Plainsman A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID
The Auburn Plainsman is the student newspaper of Auburn University. It is produced entirely by students and is funded by its advertising revenue. The Auburn Plainsman is published every Thursday and averages 15 printings per semester. It is distributed free of charge to Auburn students and faculty. Please take only one copy. First copy free; additional copies are 25 cents. Anyone caught taking more than one copy will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Staff meetings are Wednesdays, 7 p.m. in Suite 1111 of the Student Center. For more information, call 844-4130, e-mail us at editor@theplainsman.com or view our Web site at www.theplainsman.com.
Editorial Staff
Business Staff
Lindsey Davidson Editor
Tom Hopf Business Manager
Natalie Wade Managing Editor
Erin Coffey Creative Director
Ben Bartley Copy Editor Michelle Wilder / Associate Editor Elizabeth Mahaney / Assistant Editor Ellison Langford News Editor Sam Solomon / Associate Editor Kendra Kelley / Assistant Editor Helen Northcutt Intrigue Editor Olivia Martin / Associate Editor Callie Garrett / Assistant Editor
Ed May Layout Coordinator Production Artists Brent Lang Geoffrey Pitts Kayla Shults Erika Bilbo Account Executives Vincent Aragon Elizabeth Cammon
Kevin Saucier Multimedia Editor Griffin Limerick / Associate Editor Julian Kersh / Assistant Editor Cliff McCollum Opinions Editor Andrew Sims Online Editor ADVERTISING POLICIES Campus Calendar is provided by The Auburn Plainsman to all Universitychartered organizations to announce activities. Announcements must be submitted on forms available in the office between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. no later than Monday prior to publication. Submissions must be no more than 30 words and are edited to retain only pertinent information. Classified ads cost $6 for the first 15 words, and 40 cents for each additional word. Forms are available in the office during business hours. Deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. Local advertising rate is $11/ column inch. National advertising rate is $16/ column inch. Deadline for all advertising space reservation is Friday at 3 p.m. The Auburn Plainsman (USPS 434740) is published by Auburn University, AL 36849 weekly during the school year. We do not publish during class breaks. Subscriptions are $40 a year, $20 a semester. Periodicals [postage [paid at Auburn, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Auburn Plainsman, Student Union Suite 1111, Auburn University, AL 36849.
with students living there. “We made a list of students with broken windows and cracked tile and we are continuing to work to fix those problems,” McKinnell said. “In terms of a timeline, I’m not sure when it will be finished, but the list is getting smaller each day. The feedback has been mostly postive from the students living there.” “X” marks the spot as spray paint lines cracked windows. Workers line the sidewalks as landscaping continues and detours block many entrances to the area. The Internet has been faulty for weeks. “I work here at The Village, and we have had a big Internet problem, but it is being fixed,” said Brad Garnett, an information technician. “But I believe we should see a lot of positive coming out of the Internet soon.” Technicians are working to get the Internet fixed and the many broken windows are being replaced, but it is
Jamieson Courtney Stinson of Opelika East Magnolia Avenue Aug. 21, 10:48 p.m. Stephen Kyle Hammon of Dekalb 552 W. Thach Ave. Aug. 22, 12:48 p.m.
not as fast as the students would like. “My friends and I have had internet problems and it just cuts in and out all the time,” said Maya Pressley, a freshman in communication. “It can be frustrating when you are trying to complete assignments for class.” Other students’ only complaints are about the lack of parking. Students who didn’t win the parking lottery have to walk from the auxiliary lot. “The location is terrible,” said Jon Wyble, an undeclared freshman living in Talon Hall. “It’s the longest walk I think anybody has on campus.” But even with all the kinks in the opening of The Village, some of the feedback continues to be positive. “I enjoy living here,” said William Wise, a freshman in aerospace engineering. “The Internet does cut in and out, but I think it is more of an overuse issue. I won the parking lottery and I get to park right in front of my dorm. It is an easy walk from campus and the pizza is awesome.”
Across the U.S. Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy died at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass. after a battle with brain cancer late Tuesday. A brush fire has burned about 750 acres in the Angeles National Forest. New home sales went up 9.6 percent in July.
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
CRIME REPORTS Aug. 20 - Aug. 24, 2009 Aug. 20, Duncan Drive- Larceny reported. One brown leather wallet with embroidered shotgun cap, $60, one Alabama driver’s license, one Visa debit card, one BP gas card and one Lifetime Alabama fishing license reported stolen. Aug. 20, South College Street- Possible forged instrument. One counterfeit $100 bill
Matthew Thomas Mckechnie of Madison Wire Road/ Roosevelt Drive Aug. 22, 2:45 a.m.
Aug. 21, Perry Street- Burglary reported. One 15.6” black Acer notebook computer and one gold chain reported stolen.
Daniel Christopher Monte of Jefferson 381 Mell St. Aug. 22, 2:21 a.m.
Aug. 22, South Gay Street- Larceny reported. One tan strap “Hobo” purse, one plaid wallet, one Alabama driver’s license, one Regions Bank debit card unknown card number, keys to dorm room and permanent residence, one Auburn University Tiger Card and one Regions Bank check book unknown check numbers reported stolen.
Dexter D. Rumph of Houston West Samford Avenue/ Mell Street Aug. 22, 1:35 a.m.
Joseph Young Waters of Coffee 1717 S. College St. Aug. 22, 3:01 a.m.
Rod Guajardo Photo Editor Morgan Thacker / Associate Editor Ashlea Draa / Assistant Editor Blakeley Sisk / Assistant Editor
>From A1
DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Aug. 20 - Aug. 24, 2009
Demetrius James Stanton of Madison West Magnolia Avenue/ South College Street Aug. 22, 5:32 a.m.
Abby Albright Sports Editor Nick Van Der Linden / Associate Editor Patrick Dever / Assistant Editor
VILLAGE
The Auburn Plainsman
Aug. 22, East University Drive- Larceny reported. One T-Mobile Blackberry Curve grey with pink cover reported stolen. Aug. 22, East Drake Avenue- Larceny reported. One Visa credit card, one Regions debit card, one Alabama driver’s license, one teal “Hobo” wallet, one brown pair of Aviator Rayban sunglasses, one white purse and one floral Vera Bradley glasses case reported stolen.
Christopher S. Sheffield 333 S. College St. Aug. 23, 1:49 a.m
Aug. 22, Thomas Street- Theft reported. One black Coach purse, one silver Cannon Powershot camera, various keys (including car keys), one pink Vera Bradley wallet, one black iPod Touch, $26 and one Tiger Card reported stolen.
Aubrey Kyle Stewart of Valdosta, Ga. 211 W. Longleaf Drive Aug. 23, 11:25 p.m.
Aug. 22, Opelika Road- Theft reported. One child size 18.5-22 pounds. Polo clothing set (tan pants and green button-up shirt) and one child size 18.5-22 pounds. Polo clothing set (green shirt and plaid pants) reported stolen.
William B. Taylor of Newton, Miss. Shug Jordan Parkway/ Wire Road Aug. 23, 2:19 a.m.
Aug. 22, East University Drive- Theft reported. One Icon travel charger and one Koss stereo earbud reported stolen.
Kacy Leigh Poff of Madison, Tenn. 351 E. Glenn Ave. Aug. 23, 12:01 p.m. Kendall Ralph Brown Jr. of Richmond, Ga. U.S. Hwy. 280 West / Lee Road 72 Aug. 24, 2:42 a.m.
Aug. 23, Lunsford Drive- Larceny reported. One Acer laptop and one white gold diamond wedding band reported stolen. Aug. 23, West Longleaf Drive- Larceny reported. One Acai 26” HDMI LCD TV, one Playstation 3 80 GB, Blueray DVDs, PS3 video games and one HP laptop computer reported stolen. - Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety
Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Zumba is a new workout class that is available to students at the Student Activities Center. It combines an aerobic workout and Latin moves.
Students groove to the Zumba workout By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor
Latin music and groups of sweaty coeds. Salsa? No. Something newer with a flashier name: Zumba. Room 207 of the Student Activities Center is set for a capacity of 50 people. At 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, it is straining at its limits as students crowd in for Zumba class. Zumba is part of the new series of fitness classes being offered by the Student Activities Center. Most of the classes sound familiar — yoga, step and kickboxing are standard fitness options that appear on the roster of classes. But then there’s Zumba. Zumba began as an accident in the mid ’90s. Columbian fitness trainer “Beto” Perez forgot the usual music
for his aerobics class. He improvised with the music he had in his car, traditional Latin salsa and meringue tapes. Perez designed choreography for the class as he conducted it, and Zumba was born. It has since been launched in America and is now taught in 75 countries at more than 40,000 locations. The program has also launched three DVD collections. Zumba combines an aerobic workout with Latin dance moves, but you don’t have to come from a dance background to enjoy the class. “I couldn’t do some of the dance moves, but it was a lot of fun,” said Hanna Pettus, a freshman in horticulture. She said she thinks she’ll return to the class again. Sydney Miller, a junior in secondary education,
Meghan Brooks, a senior in biomedical sciences, and Haley Trammel, a junior in human development and family studies, all participated in the class. Brooks was the only one of the trio who comes from a significant dance background. All the girls say they enjoyed the class and want to come back. The atmosphere in the room is definitely one of fun. As the class begins, some students seem unsure of themselves, looking around at neighboring friends and giggling at some of the dance moves. But by the end of the 45-minute class, all are drenched in sweat and seem to have forgotten any initial embarrassment or apprehension. Zumba is popular, that is certain. The room has near-
ly wall-to-wall mirrors, but many students are stranded on the sides, left to look at royal blue concrete blocks for three-quarters of an hour. Some may wonder why the Student Activities Center is adding so many fitness classes in lieu of the upcoming construction of the new Rec Center. If students become involved in and aware of these classes now, they are more likely to stay active in them and make the new Rec Center a popular place. Adding more classes now is also a good move because Auburn students will be using the current Student Activities Center for a few years to come. A complete schedule of all fitness classes offered during the fall semester can be found on the Student Activities Center’s Web site.
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
Health care changes for students By KENDRA KELLEY Assistant News Editor
Some college students are likely to be impacted by President Barack Obama’s new health care plan. Full-time students who are 26 years old and younger will be covered under the new health care insurance policy. According to CNN’s Truth Squad, young adults in low-income families lose Medicaid when they turn 19. In the House and Senate proposals, people in their 20s could also receive Medicaid. The Affordable Health Choices Act, passed by the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee allows coverage for students under their parents’ private insurance policies up to age 26. The Obama administration’s health care overhaul, consists of proposals that would provide coverage for fulltime students who, under current laws, would be dropped from their parents’ insurance plans at 25. “A benefit of Obama’s proposed health care plan is that it provides regular checkups, up-to-date vaccinations and diabetes regulation,” said Dr. Frederick Kam, director of the Auburn University Medical Clinic. “I have been in business for a while,
and I sell health care insurance to may- ents insurance is the SGA-sponsored be four or five students a month,” said health plan, Kam said. Jerry Powell, an independent insurAny Auburn student is eligible for ance agent. “It will be good if the new the SGA-sponsored health plan. Stuhealth care proposal works, but I don’t dents that visit the AU Clinic will rebelieve it will. If students can’t afford ceive discounts for physicals and inhealth care injections. surance, they If the AU Clinic can can apply for no longer assist a stuMedicaid.” dent’s medical needs, Powell said an outside docIt will be good if the then students oftor is recommended. new health care proposal ten don’t realThe plan has a works, but I don’t believe $250,000 maximum ize they need health insurbenefit, and a $200 it will.” ance until deductible. Jerry Powell, they are sick If a student visits an independent insurance the clinic for a reguand that acagent lar checkup his or her quiring health co-pay is only $20. insurance If a student goes to takes time. the Health Center, the co-pay is $25, However, even without coverage, which covers lab exams. The annual students can still receive treatment at cost for the plan is about $1,248. hospitals because it is illegal to turn “We need to do something about away people seeking care. healthcare, but we have to keep the “As of right now, students who are United States competitive,” Kam said. 26-years-old are no longer covered by “If health care costs so much money, their parents’ health care insurance somebody in another country may policies,” Kam said. “It would cost anywhere from $120 to $350 a month for a have better prices, and we’re going to college student in their mid-20s to get price ourselves out of competing in the global market.” health care independently.” More information about the plan A good option for students who are can be found at uhcsr.com. no longer covered under their par-
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Myth v. Fact
Your Voice
Myth: A government-backed plan will raise everyone’s taxes. Fact: Less than 2 percent of all U.S. households would see an increase in taxes. Citizens with income levels of $280,000 or more would experience anywhere between a 1 and a 5.4 percent tax increase.
“I think it is true that, especially surgeons, are going to see a large decrease in pay, which I believe is not right. Also, the wait to get proper health care is going to increase dramatically like it is in Canada and other countries which have accepted this socialized health care plan.” Molly Finley, a junior in biomedical sciences
Myth: 5.6 Million illegal immigrants will receive coverage under the proposed plan. Fact: Illegal immigrants will be prohibited form receiving government-provided coverage, but they will receive care if they go to an emergency room, like everyone else. Myth: Under the proposed plan, taxpayer dollars will be used to fund abortions. Fact: There is nothing in any of the present bills that mandates coverage for any kind of medical procedures, including abortions. Myth: Millions of citizens will have to change their insurance plans. Fact: No one will have to change plans because the potential government-backed plan will be just another option to choose from.
“I think people think it’s going to turn out like in Canada to where it’ll take three weeks to see your doctor about a cold. I don’t know if it’ll be that bad, but it’s kind of iffy because there’s some people that need to see a doctor that can’t wait three weeks, especially with this outbreak of swine flu.” William Newton, sophomore in hotel and restaurant management “It’s going to take away a lot of the freedoms that you have already. You’re not going to be able to pick and choose what you want, if you want health care, or if you don’t. It’s a good intention, but the government shouldn’t be dealing with health care.” Patrick Petersen, senior in mechanical engineering
-www.healthcarereformmyths.org
New beers debut in Auburn restaurants By AUBRIE DAVIS Staff Writer
The Gourmet Beer Bill that passed in May 2009 raised the alcohol by volume restriction from 6 percent to 13.9 percent so high gravity beers can be sold in convenience stores, liquor stores and bars. However, Free the Hops, the organization that was so instrumental in getting the bill passed, is now looking to tackle Alabama’s restrictions on container size, brewery location and beer distribution. Free The Hops: Alabamians For Specialty Beer is a non-profit organization aimed at bringing quality beers to Alabama. FTH began in 2004 by Alabamians not involved in the alcohol industry. By 2007, the organization became non-profit and all members are strictly volunteers. FTH has chapters in Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Montgomery and Mobile. Currently, all beer bottles and cans distributed cannot be more than 16 ounces. However, this does not include draft and keg beer. Alabama is the only U.S. state with a restriction on container size, according to the Free the Hops Web site. Also, all Alabama breweries must be housed in a historic building and can only operate in counties where beer was previously brewed for the public. Breweries also cannot bottle beers for consumption off the brewery premises. Restrictions like these can decrease income for brewery owners, as well as increase operation expenses, according to the Free the Hops Web site. Caroline Roberts, a freshman in ra-
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
The Gourmet Beer Bill has allowed a variety of new beers to be served in restaurants like Mellow Mushroom in Auburn.
dio, television and film, supports FTH. “Having stronger beers could cause problems, but I’m not opposed to the change,” Roberts said. “Overall, I think that what they’re doing will be beneficial for Alabamians.” The Olde Auburn Ale House sponsors the FTH organization. Daryl Cargile, owner and president of The Olde Auburn Ale House, supports the efforts of the organization. “Free the Hops is an organization that has been very active and instrumental in getting the beer laws changed in Alabama,” Cargile said. “Because they were able to work with legislature, we can now serve beers that are 9 and 10 percent alcohol.” FTH made it possible for house-made beverages like Tiger Tail Ale and A.P.I. to
be brought back to the pub. These two signature drinks will be available sometime after the first home football game. Cargile said he would like to see the container size law changed. “I would like to see us sell what is called a ‘growler,’” Cargile said. “It is a gallon jug that people can buy and take home.” “I think the beer restrictions are ridiculous and too conservative,” said Chad Houston, a junior in biomedical sciences. “I would like to see 40s being sold. You get more for your money.” Houston said he plans on experimenting and trying the different beers that were once not allowed in the state. “Georgians for World Class Beer” and several other organizations have been successful at changing laws.
News, A3
The Auburn Plainsman
NEWS, A4
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
230 mpg: GM’s Volt shockingly fuel efficient By SAM SOLOMON Associate News editor
Two hundred thirty miles per gallon. No, that is not a typo. Hybrid technology may be coming out as a strong alternative to cars powered solely by gas, but some are looking in a new direction. General Motors has been working on a extended-range electric vehicle named ‘Volt,’ which will appear as part of the Chevrolet line. What makes the Volt unusual is its electric motor which directly propels the vehicle, and the secondary gas engine which serves as a generator to charge the bat-
tery. This allows the Volt to succeed where previous electric cars have failed, as the gas generator will allow the car to travel far beyond the battery’s range. According to the Volt’s Web site, under the Environmental Protection Agency’s current hybrid fuel efficiency ratings the Volt will get an estimated 230 miles per gallon. That is more than four times the mileage of the current model Toyota Prius. The Volt can travel approximately 40 miles on electricity alone, meaning nearly infinite mpg for between-charge trips under 40 miles. After 40 miles, it gets about 50 mpg.
The Volt’s battery can be charged in three hours via a 240v wall mounted charger. The vehicle’s portable charging system can charge the car in six-and-a-half hours and can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet. GM says the cost of electricity on a full charge will cost about 80 cents. The Chevy Volt is expected to cost about $40,000. But that is before a $7,500 government tax credit to the first 250,000 buyers. GM plans to start mass production of the Volt in November 2010. GM is not the only company fighting for market share when it comes to electric vehicles. The Nissan Leaf
has been scheduled to enter mass production in 2012, and may be as efficient as 367 mpg. Unlike the Chevy Volt, the Nissan Leaf will not feature a secondary gas engine, and will be limited to 100 miles of travel per charge. However, the Leaf will only accelerate up to 90 mph. Despite the speed limitation, Nissan promises that the Leaf does not suffer performance issues and that it handles and accelerates like a car with a V6 engine. Nissan has not disclosed any pricing information other than that it will be priced to match similar family sedans.
367 mpg
Vehicles like the Volt and the Leaf are drawing attention from environmental groups around campus. Matt Williams, program manager for the Auburn University Office of Sustainability, has taken note of the Chevy Volt’s possibilities. Williams said he thinks the problem with most electric vehicles is their limited range. The Volt will be the first electric vehicle to solve this issue with its secondary gas engine. While The Office of Sustainability will not be promoting the Chevrolet Volt specifically, they do push for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Students seem open to the idea of an electric car with a gasoline generator. However, many seem uncertain about whether they would actually purchase a car like the Volt. Lucy-Taylor Roberts, a junior in French and German, said she would consider looking at a vehicle such as the Volt if anything happened to her Jeep, but she was apprehensive about buying a Chevy . Some students say they think this is something that is progressive. However, many say they will wait to hear about other peoples’ experiences with the vehicle and to see if the technology gains momentum.
Life expectancy rises in U.S. By KATE DAVIS
of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. “Every environment has As life expectancy in the limited resources, if suddenly U.S. reaches an all-time there is more life than it can high, unexpected problems sustain, it exceeds holding associated with a healthy, capacity and it causes long-living nation are permanent damage,” Dickens said. starting to arise. Paul Herlich, a biology In the 2009 report by the professor at Stanford U.S. Centers for Disease University, said about Control and Prevention, a possible solution to data showed an increase in the potential threat of average life expectancy of overpopulation. almost 78 years. “(We need) the addition The death rate has dropped of temporary sterilants to to 760.3 deaths per 100,000 water supplies people, which or staple is an all-time food, Doses of low. the antidote The CDC be attributes It is difficult would c a r e f u l l y these numbers to say for sure why r a t i o n e d to factors like by the improvements this trend cong o v e r n m e nt in medical tinues. Th ere are to produce the care. desired family “If you look lots of factors that size,” Herlich at all the could be in play. ” said. demographic His ideas groups, we may seem are making Robert Anderson, r a d i c a l , improvements chief of the Mortality but many across the Statistics Branch b o a r d ,” at the CDC c o u n t r i e s are already said Robert e m p l o ying Anderson, s i m i l a r chief of the practices. Mortality Statistics Branch at The Chinese government the CDC, in a statement. “It has used several methods to is difficult to say for sure why control population growth. this trend continues. There In the 1980s, sterilization are lots of factors that could target goals were set, and be in play.” it became prohibited for A CDC newsroom couple’s to have more than spokesperson said claims that a higher life expectancy two children. India has been and lower death rate could implementing offi cial family lead to negative outcomes are based on speculation and planning programs to curb that many factors outside population growth since the human control could lead to ’50s. Problems caused by hypothetical problems like overpopulation affecting overpopulation. Overpopulation can lead the U.S. have already been to increasing poverty, food explored in fiction. One shortages and economic example is Harry Harrison’s turmoil. Overpopulation also 1966 novel “Make Room! upsets natural environments, Make Room!,” which explored said Dale Dickens, director of the theme of overpopulation student services of the School and social disorder. Staff Writer
230 mpg
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50 mpg 42 mpg
39 mpg 26mpg
2010 Toyota Prius (hybrid)
2009 Honda Civic (hybrid)
2010 Chevy Equinox 4WD (4-cylinder)
18 mpg
16 mpg
2010 Toyota Tacoma 4WD (6-cylinder)
2009 Chevy Tahoe 4WD (5.3 L)
2010 Ford Fusion (hybrid)
2010 Volt (electric)
2012 Leaf (electric)
Gas efficiency comparison of common gas and hybrid vehicles with the electric Volt and Leaf By ELLISON LANGFORD News Editor
SAM SOLOMON
Associate News Editor
The two electric cars made by GM and Nissan are estimated to be so gas efficient they will be between four and seven times as gas efficient as the popular, more environmentally concious Toyota Prius. The Prius is a gas-electric hybrid, but does not work
quite like the Volt and Leaf are projected to. The Prius uses gas and electricity to propel the vehicle, while the Volt will only use gas to charge the electric battery that will propel the car. The vehicles’ ability to get hundreds of miles of to each gallon of gas make them significantly more fuel efficient than more common vehicles powered solely by gasonline. The bars in the graph above demonstrate the
spread in fuel efficiency between the two electric vehicles that are projected to debut in the next couple years and some common vehicles that are on the road now. The fuel efficiency statistics were pulled from the Web site www.fueleconomy. gov and they represent the combined city and highway mileage these vehicles would have when driven. Considering that electricity is significantly cheaper than gasoline, GM and Nis-
san are projecting that drivers who purchase either of the electric cars will spend much less to “fuel” that car than they would on a gaspowered car. Not only will electric car drivers be spending less money on fuel, it also looks like they will be lowering their impact on the planet, as both vehicles are projected to emit less carbon dioxide than the average gaspowered vehicle. -www.fueleconomy.gov
More women being arrested for driving while drunk By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor
For years women have been criticized and stereotyped for their alleged poor driving skills. Now in response to a Labor Day law enforcement campaign, a new study shows the number of DUIs given to women have increased by 30 percent over the past decade. According to the campaign “Over the Limit, Under Arrest,” driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common, and deadliest, offenses. CNN reports that, even though men still out-number women 4-to-1 when it comes to arrests for driving while under the influence, the increase in women’s DUI arrests has skyrocketed over the past decade by 30 percent. The Alabama DUI laws consider someone
driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more as breaking the law. On average, more than 2 million drivers with numerous alcohol arrests are on the roads every day. Alcohol-related accidents kill people every 22 minutes, and 50 percent of those drivers are drunk, according to addiction.lovetoknow. com. Though the statistics are shocking, they do not offer any speculation as to why the number of women DUI arrests has increased. The National Institute of Health addresses women and drinking in their booklet “Alcohol: A Woman’s Health Issue.” The booklet points out that the amount of alcohol intake manageable for men and women is different. About one-third of American women consumes alcoholic beverages, and from that collection only one out of 10 drinks more than two drinks a day.
Some risks listed in “Alcohol: A Woman’s Health Issue” include drinking and driving. The National Institute of Health reports the chances of being killed by a woman increase because the blood alcohol level for a 140-pound woman who has consumed only one 8-ounce beverage without any food in her stomach is near the illegal limit. Ruth Crocker, professor of history and director of women’s studies, says she thinks the economic pressures women feel today could possibly be related to the increase. “To a greater extent than men, women have to juggle family, child care and employment responsibilities,” Crocker said. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research reports the ratio of women’s to men’s earnings is 20 percent less in Alabama. The percent of women above the poverty level was recorded at 45 percent.
Alabama received a grade of F on the Composite Employment and Earnings Index provided by research from the IWPR. “Drinking could be a way to cope from being overworked, having extra stresses at home and other responsibilities,” said Laura Obert, a graduate student in counseling psychology. Other experts point their fingers at the media. In a CNN report, a member of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving speculated that television has made drinking more socially acceptable among women. “Drunk driving is a serious matter,” said Elizabeth D’amico, a freshman in biomedical sciences. “To hear that the statistics for women’s DUIs have increased so much over the past decade is really upsetting. I know being in college, drinking is certainly more acceptable. I just hope people use their better judgement before they drive.”
The Auburn Plainsman
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
Special Olympics pushes its campaign to end the “R-word” By MICHAEL HANSBERRY petition,” Hall said, “and that term that should be used Staff Writer includes sending a positive to refer to mentally handimessage and encouraging capped people has been de“That’s retarded.” them and not using negative bated all around the world for It’s such a commonly-used words such as the “R-word.” many years. phrase that most people don’t It’s been in our common lanShe said some of the ones even notice how often they guage for many years, and I most commonly used are use it. think that’s the reason the “special needs” or “mentally But, what some people may Special Olympics has cho- challenged,” but all the words not realize is those words can sen that word to target. It’s people use should be used in adversely affect others. also an easy word we can a positive way. This past March, the Spe- eliminate U n i cial Olympics began an inter- from our versity national “Spread the word to v o cabustudents We want to do end the word” campaign to lary.” h a v e raise awareness “of the imH a l l anything we can to better mixed pact of the thoughtless, hurt- said she their lives and better their opinions ful use of the word ‘retard,’” does not when it chances in competition, said the campaign’s Web site. b e l i e v e comes to “The campaign’s goal is to society is and that includes sending the “Rhelp change attitudes across b e c o m - a positive message and word.” the nation about special ing too “ Th e encouraging them and not word Olympians, and also those sensitive ‘rewith special needs,” said Al- and po- using negative words such t a r d e d ’ lison Hall, director of the Lee l i t i c a l ly as the ‘R-word.’ is deCounty Special Olympics pro- c o r r e c t grading Allison Hall, and not gram. “It’s also a way to high- on the director of the Lee a pleaslight Special Olympics and use of County Special Olympics ant word bring more people into the c e r t a i n program and let them know words. at all,” what we’re all about.” “Language is different for said Lacey Tomberlin, a juHall said she thinks the different people,” Hall said. nior in psychology. “I have word should be avoided out “Some people are more sen- used it in my younger days of respect for mentally chal- sitive to certain words than when I didn’t realize the lenged people, and because others, but any campaign we consequences of saying it to it’s courteous to be consider- can do to promote a posi- someone, but I don’t use it ate of how language can af- tive and healthy message is a at all anymore. When I hear fect others. good campaign, so I don’t re- that word, I think another “We want to do anything we ally think what we are doing word could have been used can to better their lives and could hurt anything.” instead.” better their chances in comHall said the appropriate On the other hand, Patrick
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Check out this week’s web videos
UPC Block Party
Bryant, a senior in health promotion, said, although he does not use the word disparagingly, he does use the word jokingly, with his friends. “I honestly don’t feel anything when I hear the word retarded,” Bryant said. “I’ve always used it in a joking manner and not to harm others. It’s only offensive if you make it offensive.” Bryant said he does not think the word should be eliminated from the language because if the “R-word” were removed, then a lot of other words would have to be removed from the language. He said society is becoming too sensitive on topics such as the use of certain words, but he said the “R-word” depends on the context. The campaign, which targets 18-31-year-olds, says that most people have negative connotations when it comes to mentally and physically disabled people. However, when it comes to the Special Olympics, the campaign says peoples’ attitudes change when they see the athletes competing. The campaign’s Web site, www.r-word.org, has a petition signed by almost 48,000 people pledging their support of the removal of the “Rword.”
First Day Back
NEWS, A5
The Auburn Plainsman
COMMENTARY
A6 Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman Editorial Board Cliff McCollum
Lindsey Davidson
Natalie Wade
Opinions Editor
Editor
Managing Editor
Ellison Langford
Rod Guajardo
Abby Albright
News Editor
Photo Editor
Sports Editor
Brittany Cosby
Ben Bartley
Helen Northcutt
Campus Editor
Copy Editor
Intrigue Editor
Kevin Saucier
Tom Hopf
Andrew Sims
Multimedia Editor
Business Manager
Online Editor
Our View
Indoor tailgating plans raise questions, prompt concerns
When we heard of the plans to have set, paid outdoor tailgating spots on Auburn’s newly minted Campus Green, we have to admit we were initially concerned. After researching the plans and finding out the outdoor tailgating spots only took up around 1 percent of the campus, our initial hesitance was somewhat calmed. Now, we find out that in addition to the 70 paid outdoor tailgating spots being brought to campus, the new Student Center will play host to nine different indoor tailgating suites: three balcony suites for $500 per game, the Panoramic View Room for $300, four patio suites for $300 each and the Student Center Ballroom for the price of $1200. We hardly know where to begin. As students, we certainly could not find the justification to pay rates that high for tailgating. In this economy, we wonder if anyone, student or otherwise, would be willing to scrape together the necessary funds to pay for the suites. Will students and Auburn fans have access to the Student Center on gamedays, or will they be asked to present some sort of ID or wristband to be allowed into a building that was constructed with their tuition and tax dollars? If they are barred from being admitted, is that legal? Legality aside, what does this say about Auburn?
By allowing a set paid tailgating zone, is the University creating a two-class system out of the Auburn family: the haves and the have-nots (or, more aptly, the will-pays and the will-nots)? If this venture does prove successful, will the paid tailgating zone balloon and begin to envelop other areas on campus, tailgating sites that have remained traditional mainstays for generations? Auburn is famously known for being a family of fans, but we cannot help but think the problems posed by paid tailgating may cause some family spats. We are not a family of exclusion. This University and the quality of fans it produces are known far and wide for their spirits of generosity and kindness. It has often been said you could walk up to almost any tailgate on campus and join in the celebration. After all, we’re all family, aren’t we? The dangerous future represented by paid tailgating paints an almost apocalyptic scenario where non-paying tailgaters are relegated to the nether regions of campus, if they are still allowed on campus at all. Of course, it goes without saying that walk-up tailgaters would certainly be discouraged in this future. We do not like this grim vision of what could come, and we pray it is simply the products of our hyped-up and overactive imaginations. We hope, but we also maintain a healthy sense of realism.
‘Come on and take a free ride’
“Toomer’s Ten.” There’s just a nice ring to it, isn’t there? Ten buses running along seven night transit lines, originating on Magnolia near SkyBar, wait to take students back home. This program has been a long time coming, and we applaud its arrival. We’re glad Auburn has caught up to our other fellow SEC schools, many of whom have had similar programs in place for some time. The new system is a vast improvement to the former night transit systems, a system of buses that took students from the various parking lots to set on-campus locations. Those buses’ schedules were sporadic and often led to students waiting in dimly lit parking lots for a ride on a bus that they began to believe might never appear. Needless to say, the idea of standing around a parking lot at night alone certainly doesn’t sound appealing, and certainly would be a safety concern and a possible liability for the University. With the new system in place, set routes and stops are a standard part of the system, and schedules are posted on Auburn’s Web site and have been sent out in e-mail updates through the Tigermail system.
We envision the system to be a great help during finals, as late-night visits to campus become not just the norm, but an absolute necessity. The Magnolia starting location is a stroke of genius, especially considering the foot traffic that end of Magnolia sees on any given night. We would strongly encourage those of you who, perhaps, enjoy the nightlife too much to fully take advantage of this new system as well, rather than try to drive home and risk a DUI or possibly injuring yourself or others. Contrary to popular belief, we get no joy from running the DUIs each week, we assure you. We love the fact the buses will be running on Saturday evenings, although we are a bit confused as to why they will not run on gameday Saturdays. Maybe we’re just victims of muddled thinking or convoluted logic, but, considering the volumes of people on campus those days, wouldn’t gamedays be the time when such services would be greatly needed? We are certain changes and modifications will be made as the “Toomer’s Ten” start to hit their stride. We are optimistic to see what a marvelous system it will one day become in the near and not-so-distant future. Job well done, Auburn, job well done.
Adam Cooner
Staff Column
Stop using the ‘R-word’ For too long, a certain word has plagued our society, a word that causes pain and hurt whenever it is spoken or heard. It is not unlike the “N-word” and the derogatory “F-word” aimed at homosexuals, and it is time that we as a nation, as a kind and compassionate people, come together to stop this hateful word, too. The word I speak of is the word “retard” and all of its varietals and offshoots. That word, like so many other taboo words, carries with it connotations and inferences that serve no purpose other than to demean or belittle other people. There is nothing positive about that word; no good comes from that word. Whether or not you choose to believe it, that word hurts people. I know because I’ve seen the look that enters the eyes of a person with a special needs family member when that word is used around them. It’s an odd mixture of anger and sadness that can seldom be replicated in other circumstances. These friends and family members often speak out when someone uses the “R-word” in front of them, making sure to let the offender know the power and hate that goes along with using that word. These people, these warriors, are on the frontline of this battle, being advocates and lobby-
Cliff McCollum opinion@theplainsman.com
ists on behalf of a group of people that so many times are not able to speak for themselves. More so than some other groups who have battles with hate speech, the special needs community largely depends on the voices of members from outside the group to send out their message. I freely admit to using this word in my not-so-distant past. I used it cavalierly, as most young men do, to provide what I thought was an amusing frameof-reference for how stupid or silly I or others were acting. I didn’t think twice about using the “R-word” or any of its offshoots because everyone used it. We didn’t know the power that word had. It was just slang, something we said because we learned it from our older siblings. Careful the things you say; children will listen. It wasn’t until I used the word in front of my high school theatre teacher, Revel Gholston, and his wife, Kate, that I learned what that word meant to someone with a loved one in the special needs community.
Kate’s sister Alyne is autistic, and the minute the “R-word” escaped my lips, both Revel and Kate immediately gave me a dressing-down that I will never forget. I’m glad they did that. After that, it became incredibly apparent that the “R-word” would no longer be a part of my lexicon. Today, it isn’t. I avoid that word like the plague. Or, at least I try to, as much as I can. It still has a hold in the vocabulary of some of my friends and co-workers, and I’m honestly surprised that none of them have noticed that I visibly flinch whenever they use the word around me. That ends now. From this day forward, if you choose to use that word around me, be prepared for a verbal deluge and a 30-minute rant about why you should never use that word ever again. The lifespan of the “R-word” is drawing to close. Our friends in the special needs community deserve to be treated better than this. That word does nothing but tear down and destroy, and we don’t need that. We’re better than that word. We must be. Cliff McCollum is the opinions editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 844-9109.
Send us your letters, rants, complaints and raves at
opinion@theplainsman.com. We are an open forum for you, our readers, and appreciate any views you would like to share with us.
Our Policy The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. These unsigned editorials are the majority opinion of the twelve-member editorial board and are the official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.
HOW TO CONTACT US Auburn Student Center Suite 1111H Auburn, Ala. 36849 844-4130 or editor@theplainsman.com
The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students as well as from faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University. Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on the Monday for publication. Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length.
COMMENTARY We’re embracing new media, you should too
A7
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Lindsey Davidson editor@theplainsman.com
Another year has started here at The Auburn Plainsman. That means new staff, hectic first week and adapting to the changes of what the paper has in store for us and you. The staff has a mix of newbies and the old souls returning for one last run. The blend will work in your favor as readers with the novel ideas anchored by a sober mission. You will see fresh features this coming year, but we will stay true to our brand. With all this talk about newspapers dying and print being the thing of the past, it seems to be the base of every news source’s conversation. But, I vow to you as a reader
that won’t cross your mind when you think of The Auburn Plainsman. We are embracing the changes. Hell, I would even say we are making the changes. We are a full service information center. Not just a newspaper. Check out the Web site to find daily updates, videos, slideshows, calendars, classifieds, blogs, forums, digital issues of the newspaper and user-generated content. I could keep going on, but it is something that needs to be checked out for yourself. You can read our tweets via Twitter @auburnplainsman. Find us on YouTube when you are featured in one of the online videos. If you have had the pleasure of meeting the multimedia team, then I rejoice with you. Check out Flickr to find all our photographs posted for your viewing. We have even reached Facebook both with a fanpage and group. You can join these pages to
find out about community involvement we will be participating in and random updates from our office and paper. Obviously, there will be headline updates as well. On the newly designed Web site, we are accepting user-generated content. We want your photographs, thoughts and articles on our Web site. You can also register on the Web site to receive e-mails with the updated content from our Web site from your selected topics. We are contributing our time to reach out to the Internet generation and get the news to you faster. Our priority as journalists at this paper is to get the most accurate news to you better than anyone else. We pride ourselves on our timeliness and now have the means to issue that information to our audience more promptly. We are working to reach you with every way we know how. That being said, we need your feedback, not only on our
performance but also on our accessibility. E-mail, tweet, facebook, call or just stop by and see me. Let me know how we are doing to reach you as your campus newspaper throughout this semester. Let me know how we are doing with our coverage of events, issues, topics and news that you care and want to read about. We want to know what you think. When you are bored, check out the Jane and Joe Random video. You can also read Jane Random this week in the paper to compare the two. Soon, you will be able to hear to audio clips as well. The point: we are embracing the changes for you. Enjoy what we have done and keep checking back to see what more we will be doing over the next year. Welcome back Plainsman readers. Lindsey Davidson is the editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9021.
“ Doses of the antidote would be carefully rationed by the government to produce the desired family size.” -Paul Herlich, biology professor at Stanford University referring to potential governmental means of population control in the future.
Last week’s question: “Are you pleased with the new campus additions?” >Yes : 68% >No: 32%
This week’s question: “What is your favorite new feature at www. theplainsman.com?” >Videos > Slideshows > Flipbook Go to www.theplainsman.com to vote.
Sometimes free pizza is not so free
Ellison Langford news@theplainsman.com
Like many students last fall I spent more than a few hours putting together scholarship applications hoping I might get a few thousand dollars back in exchange for my hard work. Some of them actually asked me about things I had done in high school. Because I am totally able to remember the handful of awards I earned three or four years ago. I do remember I joined the German club in 10th grade. It was for the free pizza they served at meetings. But long story short, I ended up writing two different essays and creating multiple outlines explaining what I did in high school and, after that, in college. I fulfilled all the requirements I was told were necessary. However, when I was awarded the scholarships I found out there were some additional requirements. Requirements I was not aware of when I embarked upon my money-seeking journey back in January. Turns out I was obligated to send thank-you notes to different people and organizations who were involved in setting up the scholarships before I would get any of the money. Now, I am not knocking gratitude or thank-you notes. I actually have a couple boxes of them I purchased at Hallmark specifically for the purpose of letting others know I’m appreciative of whatever they’ve done for me. And I was actually planning on sending thankyou cards to the people who had been generous enough to provide students, like myself, with
money for school long before I even found out about the requirement. What I’m not so crazy about is turning what should be an action that flows out of the heart voluntarily into a requirement that has to be fulfilled before a student can get his or her money. As another student who was irate about this obligation pointed out, it’s not like the donations staff asks potential donors whether their gifts stem from legitimate altruism. They don’t tell people, “No, we don’t want your money because you’re more interested in getting your name on a building than you are about helping students.” Heck no. They just make sure people fill out their respective forms correctly and then smile when they accept the check. I wouldn’t be surprised if the donor relations staff has a whole thankyou note writing staff. I just think that turning thank-you notes into an obligation to be fulfilled before a student can get their scholarship taints any natural gratitude that may have existed. And what about students who aren’t actually grateful, but write notes anyway? Should those students be faulted for deceiving their benefactors? Or should the administration be criticized for requiring students to “thank” people and organizations some award recipients may view as little more than names representing a requirement. Don’t get me wrong-I think expressions of gratitude should be encouraged in everyone. I just don’t know that it should be added as a final obstacle to be met with before a student can get the reward they thought they had already earned. Ellison Langford is the news editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9109.
Adam Cooner
Open mouth, promptly insert foot
Griffin limerick multimedia@theplainsman.com
As I sit on the well-worn couch in my room and touch finger to keyboard, I am staring at a foot-long, white cardboard box tucked inconspicuously behind my TV stand. Inside this box is a beer stein with the word “Prague” printed on it, along with paintings of various trees and bushes that poorly represent the Czech Republic’s landscape. When purchasing this stein in Prague last summer, I envisioned myself filling it with beer and toting it to parties, thus transforming myself into an instant party hit. My palm would be sore from high-fiving so many frat guys over my unique beverage holder. However, the stein has failed to budge since I placed it in my room at the end of that summer, its white box contorting to the shape of an elephant. So, this summer, when I traveled to Austria, I set different goals for myself. Outlawing basic souvenirs, I decided my collecting would consist only of experiences, as well as conversations with strangers. Despite the forewarning from your overprotective
parents, interacting with strangers is the easiest form of entertainment while traveling. Travelers who refuse to open their mouths are obtaining an experience that is indistinguishable from a National Geographic special on television. Open your mouth, and strangers will follow. You are the Simon. They are the Says. However, at the beginning of my 5-week trip to Austria, I might have jumped the gun on my Simon Says policy, blowing my linguistic load a little too early. Fighting for balance on the tram at the Atlanta airport, my hands were tightly closed around the horizontal fireman’s pole that ran between the upper sections of opposing walls on the tram car. My mouth remained closed as well, and, fearing my eyes would soon follow suit, I remedied the situation by opening my mouth, specifically in the direction of a U.S. soldier clothed in full camo garb and standing links (unnecessary and pretentious use of German word for “left”). “Where you headed?” blurted Simon, a safe question for anyone in the vicinity of an airport. “Baghdad, Iraq,” the soldier replied shortly, obviously not in the mood for conversation. However, being incapable of taking a hint, I pushed the conversation onward. The soldier was a good sport, and he humored me by informing me that he had already served in Iraq for a few months; he was return-
ing once more for a 5-month tour. Realizing the soldier and I had little in common to discuss (5-week stay in Austria, 5-month tour in Iraq, they both have the number), I noticed a conversation that began on a plateau was quickly rolling over the edge and preparing for a downhill tumble. A linguistic barricade was necessary. Summoning my undergraduate reporting skills, I conjured a pliable follow-up. Placed in a pressured situation, and therefore destined to fail, I hastily formed this question for a U.S. soldier, who would soon begin his second tour of duty in Iraq: “Sooo…..did you happen to catch Colbert’s show while you were over there?” *Brilliant question, Griffin! I’m sure the satirical, political variety show of a late-night (albeit hilarious) comedian is at the forefront of the mind of a soldier preparing to risk his life in battle, so you have the freedom to spend your Saturday nights watching Arrested Development re-runs. Great follow-up! I think Jon Bon Jovi is coordinating a peace tour in Iraq, too. Why don’t you ask the brave soldier if he can score you tickets?* My question made Iraq seem more like an entertainment venue than a battlefield, but the soldier was still polite in his response of “no.” He then exposed my geographic ignorance by informing me that the show was filmed in an entirely different area of Iraq.
At this point my linguistic barricade had been demolished, and the conversation rolled away. I quickly dug my hand into my right jeans pocket to retrieve my cell phone and check for missed calls. Nothing. The only purpose the cell phone served was to remind me, through its digital clock, that the period of silence between the soldier and me was surpassing two minutes, a train that passed the Awkward Pause Station long ago. I had a need to fill the emptiness with words, but for this particular interaction, I had no more. Hoping my friend, Cole, had a few for me, I dialed his number, trying to escape the painfully awkward silence that still grew. The phone rang once. Twice. Thrice. Cole’s voice then appeared on the opposite line, but in automated format. Leaving Android Cole a message would not fill my need to look busy. In the remaining minutes on the transit, I directed my anger toward Cole for not answering his phone, making a mental note not to buy him a Christmas present this year. I then plugged headphones into my ear sockets for the short wait before my plane ride, wanting to avoid human contact, but mainly just wanting to avoid failure. Griffin Limerick is the associate multimedia editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 844-9109.
NEWS, A8
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman NEWS STAFF
ELLISON LANGFORD Editor
SAM SOLOMON Associate Editor
KENDRA KELLEY Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9109.
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
Another Carmike movie theater is scheduled to be built across from Tiger Town at the intersection of I-85 and Highway 280 in fall 2010. The Carmike-Wynnsong 16 on E. University Drive will remain open.
The Auburn Plainsman
CAMPUS
Campus Calendar Classifieds
B
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Construction Junction Parking Deck on Magnolia Avenue: • Retaining walls placed ( finish in January 2010)
Parking Lot in North End Zone of JordanHare Stadium: • Parking spaces now available as the project was recently completed
Intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Donahue Drive • Roadways are clear • Sidewalks to be resurfaced and other small adjustments (No set timetable to finish)
Phase 2 of Shelby Center: • Mechanical Engineering Building and Research Lab being built (construction set to finish in the fall of 2011)
East Magnolia Avenue: • Recently resurfaced • Crosswalks to be placed • Resurfacing plans to continue through fall
The Village Dormitories: • Construction completed with start of fall 2009 term • Landscaping and minor adjustments underway New Transit Station: • Finished construction at start of fall 2009 semester • Landscaping adjustments still to be finished
Auburn Arena: • Construction on new coliseum began summer 2008 as the C-zone parking lot was sealed off to students and faculty • Arena scheduled to open prior to 20102011 basketball season • Construction could interfere with roads leading to campus
Map Key:
• Red boxes represent the construction still being done around campus • Yellow boxes represent projects that will be started in the near future • Green boxes are the sites that are now completed.
Off-Campus and city construction: • The bridge on Wire Road will be redone for the next six to eight months of 2009. • The bridge on North Donahue Drive will be replaced at the start of January 2010. The roads will be widened from that bridge
northward.
Tailgaters now rent spots this football season By DANIEL CHESSER Staff Writer
Ashlea Draa/ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Students played inflatable twister, took photos in the oversized inflatable chair, got cartoons drawn and snacked on cotton candy at the Block Party which moved from the Cater Lawn to the Student Center because of inclement weather.
UPC Block Party events move to Student Center By SIMPSON FLETCHER Staff Writer
Students filled the Student Center ballroom last Thursday night, Aug. 20, for the University Program Council’s Block Party. Free food, inflatable games and goody bags were among the attractions which brought students to the event. Holly Harrington, a senior in finance, and Julia Steinhilber, a freshman in graphic design, both said the free food got them to come out to the event this year. However, the main goal of the Block Party has been to show freshmen how to get involved with more than 200 various organizations on Auburn’s campus. “It’s important for freshmen to know what Auburn has to offer and how to get involved,” said Nolyn Hartley, UPC member and a junior in international trade. “It’s re-
ally just all about getting in- through her sorority, and she would like to get involved volved.” With so many organiza- with an organization if she tions to choose from on Au- found something that interburn’s campus, it can be dif- ested her. UPC puts on the Block ficult for new students to find Party every year during Weltheir niche. come Week helping students Tables and booths with to have some fun during representatives from many of the chaotic Auburn’s orfirst days of ganizations school. Hartsuch as StuIt is important ley said they dent Alumni for freshman to know have been Association preparing (SAA), Uni- what Auburn has to for the event versity Prooff er and how to get for about a gram Council (UPC), involved.” month. the Office Wel c om e of Diversity Week 2009 Nolyn Hartley, and Multook on the UPC Member ticultural title “Lights, Affairs, AuCamera, Auburn Ignited and the Fresh- burn!” It included an outman Year Experience Office door showing of the movie “I lined the ballroom helping Love You, Man,” Trivia Night, new students get oriented Popsicles with President Jay with the many opportunities Gogue and the Block Party. This year, looming thunthe campus has to offer. Steinhilber said she derclouds moved the Block heard about the Block Party Party from Cater Lawn into
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the Student Center Ballroom, even though Hartley said the staff prefers it to be outside because of all of the inflatable games. The different setting did not deter students from coming out to enjoy the inflatable Twister, hot dogs, chicken fingers, music from the Ryan Kinder Band and free samples from local restaurants such as Hibachi Express, Wing Zone and TCBY. UPC members enjoyed the event as well, filling goody bags with coupons, pens, notepads and information from many of the organizations who were represented at the event. “I would definitely recommend it to incoming freshmen next year,” Harrington said. “It seems like a great way to learn about getting involved with all of the organizations that are here because you can learn about getting involved in a new and exciting way.”
Printed on Recycled Paper
The Auburn University Student Center is offering football fans the option to tailgate in a new way this 2009 season. This year is the first time people will be able to rent luxury accommodations in the Student Center that include balconies, patio spaces and indoor suites for tailgating purposes during home football games Saturdays this fall. “Indoor tailgating at the Auburn University Student Center is such an exciting tailgating opportunity,” said Andrea Conti, supervisor of Reservations Department Division of Student Affairs. “Customers can share the tailgating experience with their friends and family without the burden of a setup or a cleanup. We are on the doorstep of JordanHare Stadium, making us a perfect choice for game days.” The idea is for people to take advantage of the service being offered by the Auburn University Student Center. People will be allowed to arrive three hours before kick-off and enjoy having all of their tailgating needs such as setting up, cooking and cleaning the aftermath handled for them by University staff. “There are still suites available, so call and reserve your spot today,” said
Rachel Hyink, reservations specialist of Student Center Operations. The suites have air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, catered food and clean restrooms. Each suite is also an alcohol-free atmosphere because it is being held inside an Auburn University building. “It is an alternative to a normal tailgating experience that offers a clean, secure and alcohol-free atmosphere,” said Darren S. Chamlee, manager of Facility Operations and Student Center Operations. There are nine different suite locations that consist of three balcony suites at $500 per game and four outdoor patio locations at $300 per game. The indoor suites include the Student Center Ballroom for $1200 per game and The Panoramic View Room for $300 per game. “We would be willing to work on a package price for the space if someone wanted it for the whole season,” Conti said. The balcony suites are catered. The third floor suite holds 40 people, has a stadium view and several seating arrangements. One balcony suite on the second floor holds 30 people and also has a stadium view with seating arrangement options also. The other balcony suite on the second floor holds 65 people with > Turn to TAILGATERS, B2
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permanent seating arrangements and an indoor lounge with a flat-screen television. The four outdoor patio locations are not catered. They are located on the first floor of the Student Center and offer covered patios and a stadium view with a fixed seating area. Both of the indoor suites are catered. The Student Center Ballroom has a large projection screen along with four 54-inch flat-panel
televisions and can hold 550 people seated or a reception of 1,500 people. The Panoramic View Room is smaller with the capacity for 20 people. It has a 360 degree view of campus and one large flat-panel television. The Student Center is a new building located at the center of campus on the east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game day suites are available to students, fans, professors and anyone else who is willing to pay to rent one. For more information, call 334-844-1300.
CAMPUS EVENTS What: BSU Back to School Luau/ Pool Party When: Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m to 9 p.m.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Games on the Plains hit for Welcome Week By JUSTIN WARD Staff Writer
The first week of school can be an exciting time for everyone. For new students, it’s a time to learn about Auburn traditions like getting lost in Haley Center, paying a ridiculous cover at SkyBar and, of course, the 200 percent humidity. To ease the transition from high school to college, the SGA created Welcome Week. Welcome Week offers students exciting events like the Block Party and Hey Day. According to the SGA, this was a successful Welcome Week and to close it out they offered students Games on the Plains. This year the SGA and the International Student Organization combined forces Saturday on the library lawn. The day began with a
quick game of wiffle ball when Lauren Boldt, a sophomore and SGA representative, arrived. Boldt also set up a convenient table full of free snacks and refreshments including pretzels, chili cheese Fritos and ice water. Soon after the games had begun, the ISO members tried to teach some of the attendees how to play cricket, but unfortunately the field conditions were not suitable for play. However, the sports enthusiasts were not deterred from playing other games, including a 2-on-2 soccer game. Using the two trees closest to College Street as goals, the players kicked and played an exhilarating game. The game-ending goal was scored after a sailing shot went past the goal and onto a bustling College Street—hitting a BMW. An
impromptu game of human Frogger ensued and the ball was retrieved. Jacob Bagwell, a freshman, said he had heard about the event online and had been looking for something to do. Bagwell could tell, after only one week, that college is a big change from high school. Davis Pierce, Bagwell’s freshman roommate, also came for the socialization. However, he was disappointed by the turnout and wondered why more people didn’t show up. This did not stop him from hitting a homerun, once again onto College Street, with a tennis ball during a pick-up baseball game. Keeping the freshman theme, Anh Duong took a break from his studies at the library to come and participate. Duong said he came
because he heard there were going to be water balloons, but unfortunately the only throwable things filled with water were water bottles. In the closing moments of the warm Saturday afternoon Bagwell showed off his juggling skills and attempted to teach those present. Most attendees had been to Welcome Week activities and seemed to have a good time. “The students had a lot of fun learning about sports played by cultures different from their own,” said Charlie Townsend, a junior on the Welcome Week leadership team. Townsend was surprised by the turnout and the length of the games, hoping that, though Games on the Plains is one of the newer events during Welcome Week, it will continue to grow.
Woofstock Video Online
Where: James E. Martin Aquatic Center
What: SWE and the City: Successfully Engineering in Manolos When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: 1124 Shelby Center
The Auburn Plainsman CAMPUS STAFF
BRITTANY COSBY Editor BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Editor
JORDAN Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9112.
Kevin Saucier/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Auburn citizens gathered in Kiesel Park with their canines for Lee County Human Society’s annual Woofstock event on Saturday, Aug. 25. About 1,000 people came out to witness K-9 demonstrations, live music, dog first-aid courses and LCHS adoptions. Pet merchandise booths and local vets participated.
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
AU Marching Band showcases new opener at Band-O-Rama By EMILY BECKETT Staff Writer
Sounds normally heard in Jordan-Hare Stadium fi lled Opelika High School’s football field Thursday. The Auburn University Marching Band, led by Rick Good, performed its show in the annual Band-O-Rama. The AUMB kicked off the night with its pregame show, followed by performances from nine area high school bands. The event ended with the AUMB’s official halftime show, an exciting segment for anyone in attendance familiar with Auburn Football. Randall Newsome, whose daughter, Bethany, is a clarinet player in Valley High School’s marching band, was experiencing Band-O-Rama for the third time. “I think they do it every year as a preview show for people to see what’s going to happen during football season,” Newsome said. As former high school band members themselves, Newsome and his wife support their two daughters’ interest in band. “(Bethany) learned respect and fellowship with people in the band,” Newsome said. “She influenced her younger sister, Audie, to be in the band.” Newsome said Bethany is considering attending Auburn University and being in the marching band. “We love to go to AU Marching Band programs and Auburn (football) games,” New-
“I liked R.A.T. because it some said. Brian Bullard, whose made freshmen feel includdaughter, Ashley, is a clari- ed,” Spurrier said. The AUMB also provides a net player in the AUMB and in the Auburn University variety of leadership opporSymphonic Band, has been to tunities for its members. Student leadership posiBand-O-Rama twice. “I try to see her (perform) tions include four R.A.T. as much as I can,” Bullard leaders, three drum majors, section said. “I leaders try to go and capto a lot of tains of the games.” We love to go dance line, B u l flag line lard said to AU Marching Band and majorA s h l e y ’ s programs and Auburn ettes. grandpar( football) games.” A l ents both went to t h ough Randall Newsome, Auburn, J o r danfather of marching and, alHare Staband member though he dium is did not, he essentially is a fan and a supporter of the home to the AUMB, perforband. mance at the Band-O-Rama “I’m looking forward to Au- event was beneficial for band burn’s symphonic band pro- members in preparing for the grams,” Bullard said. 2009 football season. Band-O-Rama was an op“I’m looking forward to preportunity for Rachel Spur- games, away games and runrier, a freshman in chemical ning out of the tunnel,” said engineering, and Sarah Ash- Morgan Warner, a sophomore ley, a freshman in political band member in elemenscience, to perform with the tary education. “It gets your band on the flag line before adrenaline going.” Carol Creel, a sophomore football season starts. “It was fun and good for band member in exercise scimy fi rst experience,” Spurrier ence, is also excited and ready for the thrill of the Jordansaid. The AUMB provides ways Hare performances Saturdays for incoming freshmen in the in the fall. band to get to know each oth“This is not even half the er and become acclimated crowd at football games,” with performing in different Creel said. “I can’t wait to run venues throughout the year. out of the tunnel; it’s always The R.A.T. Program, which really loud!” For more information, visit stands for Rookie Auburn Tigers, is held in Auburn every the Auburn University Marchsummer for freshmen in the ing Band Web site at www.auburn.edu/auband. AUMB.
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Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
Same old Foy, brand new options By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor
Justin Ward / CONTRIBUTOR
Freshman Jacob Bagwell shows off his juggling skills for the “Games on the Plains” activities on the library lawn.
Foy Student Union is set to reopen this fall, complete with renovations that will allow it to compete with the Student Center for culinary diversity. Largely unused after the opening of the new, yet-tobe-named facility last fall, speculation as to the fate of Foy has been widespread. The War Eagle Cafeteria, a fixture for decades, will debut halfway through the semester with several new venues, each of which will be applicable to student meal plans. “We are in the process of securing restaurants for the Foy Union,” said SGA President Jacob Watkins. “We’re going to have a lot of new venues like a Salsarita’s Mexican grill, a Mondo’s sandwich place, a salad bar and a soup place.”
Not only will the eateries building for its round, foodalleviate those in the new court-like structure. Student Center, Watkins said “It’s much easier to see it will provide more choices how long the lines are at Foy for what is than it is at usually a the Student prerequisite. Center,” said Alex Bradley, “There There are so a sophomore are so many many students who double mastudents, have required meal joring in inespecially f r e s h m e n , plans so they deserve ternational who have business and r e q u i r e d some variety.” political scimeal plans Jacob Watkins, ence. so they deBradley SGA President serve some goes on to variety, placsay that es close to the dorms where none of the restaurants at they won’t have to wait in the Student Center face each long lines,” Watkins said. other, so you have to get out “These new restaurants will of line to see how long the all be available at Foy Union wait is somewhere else. “Foy has much more seatin late October or early Noing, and it’s closer to downvember.” The advantages of the War town and a lot of apartment Eagle Cafeteria don’t stop complexes,” Bradley said. with the bistros themselves. “It’ll be nice to not have to Many students favor the walk across campus from
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Lowder to eat.” Not only would Foy’s location mean two new, convenient, large-scale dining hubs on campus, it would also allow for the use of the many conference rooms and classrooms scattered throughout the building. Offices formerly belonging to such institutions as the Office of Student Affairs, WEGL, Glomerata and this publication remain vacant. “Perhaps some other older buildings on campus could be torn down, mainly for Auburn’s biggest problem: lack of parking,” said Megan Douglas, a senior in education. “Most of the departmental buildings on campus have random classes to fit where there are empty rooms. There’s no reason why some random classes couldn’t be moved into Foy and maybe another Chinese place would be a great addition.”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009
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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., no later than the Monday prior to publication. Limit 30 words. May be edited for pertinent content.
Announcements Cooperative Education Program Registration: Meetings for students who plan to co-op will be held in Lowder Business Building. Times of Meetings: Aug. 27 - 2 p.m. in room 127 Aug. 28 - 3 p.m. in room 005 Sept. 1 - 6 p.m. in room 019 Sept. 2 - 3 p.m. in room 005 Sept. 3 - 6 p.m. in room 110 Sept. 4 - 1 p.m. in room 129 Sept. 8 - 4 p.m. in Room 112 For further information on campus events, check out auburn.edu/calendar
Campus Events Thursday, Aug. 27 Art Exhibit in Biggin HallWater: Three States (Phase I) Exhibition in Biggin Gallery from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Multicultural Centerhost Open House at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 1330 Student Center UPC hosts Veggie Cooking Workshop at 5:30 p.m. in Suite 3130 and Room 3149 of Student Center Black Student Union hosts
Back To School Luau and Pool Party at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center “SWE and the City:” Successfully Engineering in Manolos wll meet for women in engineering information session in 1124 Shelby Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Auburn University PanHellenic Council Presents “Meet the Greeks” information session at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center, rooms 2222 and 2223. Business attire is required to attend.
Friday, Aug. 28 Athletics will host soccer season opener: Soccer vs. Dayton at 7 p.m. in the Soccer Complex Saturday, Aug. 29 Julie Collins Smith Museum Saturday Art Club from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the JCS Museum of Fine Art Sunday, Aug. 30 War Eagle Invite hosts Women’s Volleyball at 4 p.m. in the Student Activities Center
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All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, ,limitation or discrimination based on 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. .................................................... INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: Walker’s Point Condos. 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo, leased through 7/31/10. www.WalkersPoint-11.info Christina Soler, RE/MAX Professional Partners, (334)826-7111.
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Mobile Home For Rent-14x64 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 acre lot, covered front and back decks. Washer and Dryer. $400.00 monthly. Phone 334-559-6970
1 BR and 2 BR apartments available. Close to campus, quiet neighborhoods, plenty of parking. Rent starting at $350.00/month. Call Watson Properties at 334-887-9865. .................................................... 3 BD/ 2 BA duplex near WalMart on S. College. Washer/ Dryer, all kitchen appliances. $750/mon. Call (334)559-9629. .................................................... Quiet 3 BR/2BA House, 2 BR duplex, 2 BR T House on 5 acre lake with fishing privileges, Loachapoka.1 to 2 adults preferred 887-9573. .................................................... 2 rooms for rent, prvt bath, (256) 496-4688
4-Bedroom, 2 -bath luxury apartment condo at Auurn Crossings Apartments. Located close to the Auburn University campus on the Tiger Transit bus route. Has washer, dryer, refridgerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, Non-smokers only. $ 350/ mo per room. Contact owner (571)221-0784, email: auburncondo228@yahoo.com
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CONTRIBUTED
Kappa Alpha Theta’s new members receive their bids on the rugby field for the first time Aug. 15.
New Theta kites fly high By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor
Kappa Alpha Theta’s numbers soared as the new kites went through their first formal recruitment since the sorority returned to Auburn’s campus last spring. “We worked on recruitment all summer to prepare,” President Catherine Araszkiewicz said. Without the established traditions, Theta girls still impressed district and national chapters. They pledged 15 above quota. “We expected our numbers to be lower, and I think we impressed a lot of people with the amount of interest Theta accumulated,” Araszkiewicz said. “But we could not have done it without the support from the other sororities. It was a great time for us to be on campus with the move to the Village and all
the sororities were in a transition period together.” The move to the Village also provided Theta its first chapter room without which the sorority would not have been able to do recruitment, Araszkiewicz said. “We have a great chapter room with all new stuff,” Araszkiewicz said. “We had alumni come down and things came together perfectly.” “The other sororities were rooting for us and it helped a lot,” said Lauren Reaves, the recruitment chair. “They went as far to hold mock runthroughs so we could practice interacting with the new girls.” The girls had to form bonds fast to become a sisterhood as they all started out as strangers last February. “Theta has been fun, but planning recruitment was a
lot of work,” Reaves said. “We are new and a lot of people had their eyes on us to get it right. Our girls understood what we had to accomplish, and they stepped it up to go the extra mile. The work did pay off with a successful new pledge class coming in.” Recruitment was a long and stressful process, but in the end it was worth it, claimed one Theta member. “None of us could have done it without the work of our president and the recruitment board who practically slept in the chapter room every night of recruitment,” said Theta member Megan LeCraw. The Theta chapter plans to expand through continuous open bidding. “It is an exciting time for Theta, and I can’t wait to see what else we can accomplish as a sisterhood,” Araszkiewicz said.
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman
Crossword Jane Random Arts & Entertainment
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
A closer look at pyramids, pom-poms By Callie Garrett Assistant Intrigue Editor
Put your hands up for the Auburn cheerleaders as they prepare for the upcoming football season. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes of an entire football program, and the cheerleading squad is ready to lead the team to victory this fall. “I think my favorite thing about football season is getting to run the team onto the field before the game,” said Mallory Sigle, a senior in exercise science. “It's an incredible feeling when the whole stadium is screaming and the pumpup video is on the jumbo-tron.” Many cheerleaders agree the excitement of the intro video while the team is running into Jordan – Hare Stadium is priceless. “I'm looking forward to this football season when they play the intro video just before the run-out from the tunnel,” said Drew Petrey, a senior in accounting. “I think it sends chills down everyone's spines.” Everyone’s nerves differ when entering a packed-out stadium. “I've never been particularly nervous in front of a packed stadium, but mostly because it all seems so surreal,” Petrey said. “I think all Auburn fans get goose bumps before the game, whether they're on the field or not.” Brooke Erickson, a senior in early childhood education, said she was nervous the first home game she ever cheered, but now it is all excitement for her. “It almost feels like a dream,” Erickson said. She said being that close to the players is an amazing feeling, and you are able to feed off their excitement and adrenaline. “I get nervous every time I am in my uniform, but especially when you are surrounded by more than 87,000 people in Jordan-Hare Stadium,” Sigle said. “It is definitely a good nervous, though. You realize how big and great the Auburn family is. I'm sure this year I'll still be just as nervous, and I hope that feeling never goes away.” The Auburn family has a large impact on many people in various ways as well as building true Auburn relationships. “Being on the field with the athletes is a fun experience, especially if you get to know some of them,” Petrey said. “It is a lot more fun to cheer for people you know.” Erickson said she is looking forward to the game day atmosphere because it is neat how the entire student body, community and others come together to support Auburn and the coaching staff. There are many hours and dedication put into the squad by each individual cheerleader. > Turn to FOOTBALL, C2
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
The Farmer’s Market plans to provide high quality, local produce all yearround. The market also grows a variety of its own fruits and vegetables.
Marketplace starts fresh, sells produce By Olivia Martin Associate Intrigue Editor
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
The Braswells hope the affordable prices and local flair will allow The Farmer’s Market to compete with corporate grocery stores.
Auburn students may travel 10 miles on any given weekday, but how far will their food go? According to PBS, the average distance that food travels before it reaches a plate is 1,500 miles, contributing to global warming and depleting oil resources. However, with the opening of The Market at Blooming Colors, a produce and specialty foods market that sources its products from local farmers and co-ops, students can conveniently reduce their carbon footprints. Started by brothers John and King Braswell, The Market will provide high quality, local produce yearround from their location on South College Street. “My brother and I started Blooming Colors about 15 years ago and this is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said John Braswell, co-owner of The Market. “We just felt the time was right—there is no other place like this in Auburn.”
The store is stocked with products such as Bulger Creek Farm goat cheese from Notasulga, Wickles from Dadeville, Braswell’s (no relation) marinades and dressings and homemade peach ice cream, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. “Most of the produce is grown on our 40 acres in Auburn and is picked fresh every morning before being sold in the store,” Braswell said. “Right now we have about 16 acres of pumpkins for October.” Ginger Purvis, store manager, believes this fresh produce retains more vitamins than shipped produce because it is straight from the ground and does not need to be treated with chemicals postproduction. “We also grow different varieties of fruit and vegetables from the grocery stores,” Purvis said. “I think they are tastier than commercial varieties, so people who may have not liked something in the past, may like our particular variety.” > Turn to MARKET, C2
New bead studio opens, offers jewelry making classes By Helen Northcutt Intrigue Editor
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Caitlin Myles, a junior in journalism, makes a necklace at the new bead studio, Perch, located at 416 S. Gay Street down from Amsterdam Café.
The art and specialized skill of jewelry making has been taken out of the hands of craftsmen and bestowed upon anyone willing to use their imagination to create something unique and gratifying. Perch Bead Studio has recently opened its doors to jewelry lovers and creative spirits alike. It offers classes, advice and expertise on essentials of creating one-of-a-kind treasures. “The whole goal for the store is to be a place where you can just walk in off the street, come in and create jewelry whenever you feel like making a new piece,” said Barbara Birdsong, owner of Perch Bead Studio. The bead studio, located at 416 S. Gay St., has a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere which is perfect for one in the mood to create. The walls of the studio are lined with strands of handpicked beads in every color and shape imaginable.
Birdsong, a traveler and jewelry enthusiast, has been working in jewelry design business for nine years, said her travels have benefited her jewelry creations and techniques. “I have always loved teaching people how to create jewelry,” Birdsong said. “I am fascinated by the stones, colors and textures of the stones. I am more drawn to nice quality beads.” A former resident of Anchorage, Alaska, Birdsong and family decided to plant their roots in Auburn. “We really didn’t intend on opening a bead business,” Birdsong said. “I happened to be going to dinner with my husband, and we saw this place and thought it was the perfect location to start something I’ve wanted to do my whole life.” Perch Bead Studio offers classes that teach the basics of jewelry design. These classes offer patrons an inside look on how jewelry is constructed and at the same time allows new designers an independence in composing their pieces.
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“I love to make the jewelry,” said Christen Youngblood, an employee at Perch. “I did not know how to do anything like this before I started working here.” Even though some may find the idea of creating their own jewelry intimidating, Birdsong assures it is not hard once a newcomer learns the basics. Classes intended to teach the basics of design are offered on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. Along with classes, Perch extends an invitation for parties. The studio can accommodate up to 12 people in a party, perfect for book clubs, bunko groups or birthdays. “One of the coolest parts is seeing people come up with such interesting ideas, stuff that we have never even thought of,” said Corey Robertson, an employee at Perch. The Studio has only been open for
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“We practice three days a week for about two hours a practice,” Erickson said. “Practices consist of the entire squad practicing cheers, band songs, pyramids and partner stunts.” Sigle said they are expected to work out and run
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two weeks, but has already drawn excitement and anticipation from the community. “I have been really blown away because I did not anticipate it being as well received as it is,” Birdsong said. “We’ve got a party of
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The Braswells are expanding the store to include a cafe, florist and an organic specific section. “The cafe should be open by mid-September and will have baked goods, ice cream, specialty meats and cheeses,” Braswell said. “Crepes will be made using fresh produce from the store while you wait, and we will have Wifi for students.” Students are beginning to discover The Market without the draw of the cafe. Sarah Hulls, a junior in Spanish, noticed the new store from the street. “It’s really cute,” Hulls said. “This is my first time here. I like to support local businesses and to buy local products.” But Hulls wonders if The Market will be as popular with other students. “It depends on the prices, students look for a bargain,” Hulls said. “Also, I don’t know how many will come here just to buy produce— me and my friends will—
Thursday, August 27, 2009 outside of practice at least two times a week, although most people do it more. They also spend time with their stunt partner to do any work they need to do. The cheerleaders prefer to watch the football game from the field and do not seem to be missing out from the student body atmosphere.
nine this week.” Perch Bead Studio will also be hosting a block party on Saturday, Aug. 29, along with Gnu’s Room, Yoga Ananda, Shennanigans, Re-Invent and Amsterdam Café. For more information visit perchbeadstudio. com or join their Facebook group .
but a lot of people want convenience.” The Market is keeping their prices competitive, aware that they are up against corporate grocery stores. “Actually our prices are usually cheaper or comparable to Wal-Mart or Kroger,” Braswell said. “Only a few things, like peaches, tend to be a little more expensive because they are fresh off the tree every morning.” For example, cucumbers were priced at two for $1, and watermelons at $3 a piece. Student interested in seasonal cooking can request a product on the store’s wish list. Right now, Braswell lists peaches, tomatoes, squash, okra and corn as produce in the prime of their season. The produce is of the purest quality. The market is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., student cooking should get a whole lot fresher.
Wildlife Society promotes, develops environmental values By Olivia Martin Associate Intrigue Editor
Many students do not think of wildlife as anything more than the annoying mosquito, errant raccoon or occasional deer hunt. Ryan Mitchell, a junior in wildlife sciences as well as president of The Wildlife Society, believes The Wildlife Society offers a more complex relationship with those furry critters. “Our purpose is to develop and promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and of the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend; to undertake an active role in preventing human-induced environmental degradation; to increase awareness and appreciation of wildlife values; and to seek the highest standards in all activities of the wildlife profession,” Mitchell said. In addition to educating fellow students about wildlife professions and offering connections to the career field, The Wildlife Society interacts with the community to help humans coexist with wildlife, explained John Goode, a sophomore in wildlife sciences as well as Toomer’s Oaks Coordinator. The organization sponsors events such as Youth Dove Hunts, Critter Cook and Wildlife Youth Day and participates in the Southeastern Wildlife Conclave, which they will be hosting in 2011. “Youth Dove hunts let parents and children come and experience a fun, safe hunt,” said Lindsey Phillips, a sophomore in wildlife sciences and forestry as well
as The Wildlife Society treasurer. “Wildlife Youth Day is where children from the area can come out and join us for a day filled with tons of fun, hands-on experience with different aspects of wildlife.” Mitchell names these opportunities to educate children and young adults on safe and ethical hunting and conservation as his favorite aspect of being a part of the organization. However, The Wildlife Society extends beyond animal preservation, they also run the Toomer’s Oaks program. “My goal for this year is to be successful with our Toomer’s Oaks program which provides funding for the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences by selling the seedlings of our legendary oaks,” Goode said. But being successful with this program is not the only goal for this organization in the upcoming year. “We want to establish a Hunter Education Class at Auburn,” Mitchell said. Phillips adds she would like to do more community outreach and to have more students involved with the Wildlife Society. “We already do this, but it is so moving and touching to see the way wildlife can affect people,” Phillips said. With a rising awareness of the environment on campus, The Wildlife Society should have no trouble achieving their goals. Meetings are held every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. in 2217 in the Forestry and Wildlife Building. Find information go to sfws.auburn. edu/wildsoc/index.php.
Campus Rants ● My underwear was riding up on me during my walk to class, so I tried to fix it under my backpack. Then a guy in my class came up behind me and said, “Don’t you hate it when that happens, especially when someone is right behind you.”
Aug. 27 BSU Back to School Luau/ Pool Party 6 - 9 p.m. Located at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center. BSU will be providing free food from Fred’s Barbeque House for all Auburn students
● I was walking home from class one morning, still extremely hungover from the night before, as I was walking by an Orientation group on campus I threw up all over the bushes right in front of the prospective students and their parents.
Burger ‘n’ Beer Mondays at 1716. Free Burgers every Mondays from 6 - 9 p.m. Aug. 27 The Market at Ag Heritage Park is offering fresh strawberries, eggs, vegetables and herb plans, shrubs, frozen shrimp and much more. Located off Samford Avenue on Campus from 3 - 6 p.m.
● I went on a first date to ColdStone downtown in Auburn. Before our date even really started I completely fell going up the stairs and just laid there because it really hurt. He thought I was such a klutz.
Aug. 29 Saturday Art Club at the Southside Village Block Party
● I lost my purse and cell phone on a long journey home from downtown. I was notified by a Camp War Eagle counselor that my phone was found in the bushes on Cater Lawn. A yard worker turned in my phone to the Auburn police. It was found on Samford lawn.
Carmike Cinemas offer $1 Concessions every Tuesday night Aug. 30 Ultimate Bridal Show- The areas largest wedding expo is offering free gift bags to the first 500 people, free samples and more.
● My roommate peed in the bed on my cousin. My cousin was not aware and marinated in it all night.
To submit your anonymous campus rants e-mail them to intrigue@theplainsman.com
The Auburn Plainsman INTRIGUE STAFF
HELEN NORTHCUTT Editor OLIVIA MARTIN Associate Editor
CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9109.
A SpiritThat PaysThe Bills
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Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman ACROSS 1 Giggle (hyph.) 6 Thunder 10 Ristorante Order 14 In the least (2 wds.) 15 Movie looniness 16 Type of mitt 17 Cinnamon Treat (2 wds.) 19 Tire supports 20 Rubble-maker 21 Blunders 22 Thin pancake 23 Helsinki citizen 24 Storage place 25 Campaign topics 28 Dragon’s breath 30 Galoshes 31 Systematized 35 Sushi-bar soup 36 Pulsate 37 Smear 39 Far into the future (2 wds.) 41 Swiss capital 42 Benchmark 43 Granted a mortgage 44 E,merge 48 It has flippers
Intrigue, C3 49 Locket shape 50 Wedding site 52 Payable now 55 Ms. Ferber 56 Foundation 58 Bonsai and ikebana 59 Fritz’ turndown 60 Aerie builder 61 Nurse’s portion 62 Shoulder enhancers 63 Maxi or mini DOWN 1 Diplomat’s asset 2 Collar or jacket 3 Axe handle 4 Brownie 5 Melancholy poems 6 Spy missions 7 Norwegian monarch 8 Say please 9 “Norma -” 10 Man in a mask 11 Dorm climbers 12 Phoenix suburb 13 Map within a map 18 Vast ages 22 Music notation
23 Japanese mattress 24 Corn bin 25 “Big Blue” 26 Erosion loss 27 Just OK (hyph.) 28 Symposium 29 Statue 31 Grill steaks 32 Flawless 33 Make a salary 34 Sand deposit 36 Odin’s son 38 Motel offering 40 Tiny insect 41 Hopped on 43 Skinny 44 Winning 45 Peter, in Lima 46 Suit piece 47 Destroy data 48 Stupefies 50 Field of study 51 Burglar’s key 52 Old ruler of Venice 53 WWW addresses 54 Is very thrifty 56 Economic ind. 57 Kids’ card game
REEL REVIEW “And cousin, business is a boomin’.” ‘Inglorious Basterds’ Rating R
★★★★★ HOW WE RATE:
★ - Dismal ★★ - Bearable ★★★ - Average ★★★★ - Good ★★★★★- Excellent
It occurred to me right before I walked into the theater to see Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” that the reason for his bizarrely misspelled title was to ensure that newspapers could print it without fear of censorship. I don’t know if that’s true, but the film certainly deserves as much press as it can get. Described by its director as “a spaghetti western but with World War II iconography,” it combines the maturity of his “Jackie Brown” with the cartoonish joy of “Kill Bill” and the audacity of “Pulp Fiction.” If it is not his greatest film, it is certainly his most daring. The timeline jumps immediately after the character introductions to a rather camp Hitler panicking over the Basterds’ successes, as the insurgents – Tarantino casually drops equations of the soldiers to terrorists a few times – have picked up nicknames that only enhance their mystery: the scalp-loving Raine becomes “Aldo the Apache,” the bat-wielding Donny (Eli Roth) “the Bear Jew.” But this, to the undoubted dismay of some, is not simply an exercise in video game
Nazi killing. Far more integral to the story is Shosanna (Mélanie Laurent), a Jew in hiding from the Nazis who runs a cinema. When a young war hero (Daniel Brühl) falls for her, he arranges for the premiere of Goebbels’ propaganda film to be held at her theater, thus allowing her chance for revenge on the entire Nazi high command. The two stories never fully converge, at least not beyond a final setting, but they each promote a similar, thoroughly Tarantinoesque look at history: the story of Raine’s men presents us with a revisionist war movie, one that piles on the director’s seemingly limitless depths of film knowledge into a referential melting point that doesn’t become the sum of its quotations like some of his past efforts. Shosanna’s, on the other hand, concerns film itself. Her plan to use film literally as a weapon reflects the spirit of the nouvelle vague and contrasts brilliantly with the propaganda film to be shown in her cinema; what is propaganda if not psychological warfare?
Though a few characters aren’t tied up very well (or at all), I can’t find much to fault with “Inglorious Basterds.” Its perfect cast knows exactly what Tarantino is shooting for here, and they play up the dark humor brilliantly. Brad Pitt, always at his most interesting in comedic roles, commits so thoroughly to Raine’s slack-lipped redneck that you can’t help but laugh whenever he’s on-screen. But veteran Austrian television actor Christoph Waltz steals the show as the amoral, terrifying SS Colonel Hans Landa, “the Jew Hunter.” Waltz captures Landa’s polite charm and vicious madness in equal measure. He alone is worth the price of admission, and a second viewing. While Raine’s final line might not reflect the film itself, “Inglorious Basterds” is an audacious movie you can’t afford to miss. It proves that the director is at his best when he pays tributes not to genres but cinema as a whole. — Review by Jake Cole Opinions Staff
TOP 3 MOVIES IN THEATERS 1. Inglorious Basterds
2. District 9 Infomation provided by InternetMovieDatabase.com
3. G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C4
Diners open for night owls By BRIAN DESARRO Staff Writer
After a long day of class and an even longer night of drinking, most students have one thing on their mind: food. With the start of the new semester, many downtown restaurants are tapping into this market of late-night munchers by extending their hours of operation into the early morning. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Jimmy John's, The Pita Pit, Little Italy and Taylor's Bakery and Coffee Shop have begun catering to the latenight bar crowd. "A lot of people wouldn't make it down here were it not for our late hours," said Dave Hard, general manager of Five Guys. "It's funny how it just takes a bar to get people in."
While it may not take much more than the promise of a juicy hamburger to draw a crowd in, some restaurants are finding creative ways to lure in students. Taylor's Bakery and Coffee Shop has begun serving a gourmet breakfast from midnight to dawn on Wednesday through Saturday. "We have a chef-driven menu that is cooked-to-order, and the chef has a different special every night," said Jan Taylor, owner of Taylor's. "The biscuits and gravy are to die for." Taylor said the goal was to offer an inexpensive, fresh breakfast option for students in the downtown area. Around the corner from Taylor's, Little Italy serves up slices of pizza until 2 and 3 a.m. Mark Mccaurg, general
3G arrival helps AT&T network college students By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor
This weekend was a big deal for Auburn’s iPhone users. AT&T’s 3G network has finally arrived on the Plains. “The 3G expansion at Auburn is part of AT&T’s plan to add roughly 40 new cell sites throughout Alabama in 2009,” said Sue Sperry, Spokesperson for AT&T Alabama. “In 2006 to 2008, AT&T invested more than $1.2 billion in its wired and wireless network. The investment in its 3G wireless broadband network is part of AT&T's ongoing effort to build the broadband networks - both wireless and wired - that will create jobs, fuel economic growth and enable customers to access the content, applications and services that matter most to them.” But 3G is not a new development and took some time to reach Auburn. When asked if the absence of the 3G network was an inconvenience, Brad Hughes, a junior in international business, said all it takes is a little perspective. “While we sometimes get frustrated with technology taking extra time, we simply need to remind ourselves that it’s going to space,” Hughes said. “Give it a minute.” Sperry said 3G is the fastest mobile broadband network in the nation. “The demand has grown in the Auburn-Opelika area, and AT&T is responding to that,” Sperry said. “Our goal was to build and deploy 3G at Auburn in time for the new school year.” 3G presents advantages for college students. “College students are increasingly mobile and are using data communication both on and off campus,” Sperry said. “The increased use of ‘smartphones’ and other mobile broadband devices are very popular with students.” Earley also said she is not dismayed at 3G’s late arrival in Auburn. “Considering that my hometown doesn’t even have cell service, I am certainly not disappointed,” Earley said. Both Earley and Hughes noticed the 3G network was available on Friday afternoon, Aug. 21. “Having 3G in larger cities such as Mobile, Montgomery and Birmingham, one can get used to only waiting seconds to get needed information,” Hughes said. “Sometimes
it took minutes on the old EDGE network.” When asked if the presence of 3G might persuade more Auburn students to purchase iPhones, both students agreed it is a positive marketing tool. “I think you should get an iPhone anyway,” Earley said. “If you see how easy it is for people to communicate on iPhones, added in with how affordable they are becoming, I think 3G becomes just another selling point for an already great product.” Hughes, who spent a summer working for AT&T as an iPhone specialist, points out that, without the capability of the 3G network in Auburn, students with 3G iPhones couldn’t use the advantages of the newer model. Now they can. Sperry points out some useful features available for use now that 3G is in Auburn. Videosharing is a service that allows users to share live video over wireless phones while carrying on a voice call. What is new about these features is that they use simultaneous voice and data capabilities, made possible by HSPA/UMTS (High Speed Packet Access/Universal Mobile Telephone System) technology that AT&T’s 3G network is based upon. Even listening to music on the go, an activity that Apple helped pioneer with the release of the iPod years ago, is more advanced with 3G. AT&T Mobile Music allows one-click access to musicrelated content. Sperry calls it “the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind in the U.S.” To use 3G, all iPhone 3G and 3GS users need to do is upgrade to the new operating system that was released this summer. “Demand for broadband continues to grow as new applications emerge and customers embrace them, leading to data traffic on our network growing more than 50 percent year over year on average,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer. Now that 3G is available in nearly 350 U.S. metropolitan areas, AT&T is focusing on more plans for 2009. These include making existing coverage more reliable and adding more than 2,100 new cell sites across the country. The company also plans to expand 3G service to 20 new markets in 2009.
manager of Little Italy, said they stay open late because he finds it has worked at other locations, such as Athens, Ga. However, he also has seen some disadvantages to staying open late. "There are occasionally fights in here,” Mccaurg said. “Obviously people in here are a little inebriated and cause a little bit of trouble from time to time, but it's nothing that would outweigh staying open that late.” Taylor Peacock, shift manager at The Pita Pit, agrees that intoxicated students can get unruly at times, saying they have had a couple of people arrested before. "Most of the late-night crowd are pretty cool though," Peacock said. Downtown restaurants are open late for those late night craving.
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
ThePlainsman.com
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Bring originality back to Auburn’s dying music scene By Patrick Schultz Staff Writer
The hopes of Auburn’s original music scene are summed up in the offices of the college radio station. “[Auburn’s music scene] can only get better in the next year,” said Casey Morton, student director of Auburn’s own WEGL 91.1 FM. These hopes are not far from most students on campus who desire a more versatile music scene. While bands all over the nation make college towns like Athens, Ga., Oxford, Miss., and Chapel Hill, N.C., a prime destination to perform, Auburn seems to be left out of the minds of most musicians on tour. And despite its proximity to Atlanta and Birmingham, most touring acts passing through those cities don’t realize how close they are to Auburn. Yet Auburn is not all that different from those other college towns in the Southeast. There’s a large student population and plenty of people looking for things to do and to see. So why is Auburn such a stranger to traveling musicians? The answer, it seems, is that a traveler needs a place to stay. Enter Heath Truitt, owner of The Independent, a bar/restaurant/music venue occupying the space formerly known as Roosters. “Our objective is pretty much stated in our name, we want to be home to Auburn’s independent scene in any way we can,” Truitt said. In business since March 2009, The Independent is on the tongue of anyone who has seen an excellent “left of the dial” band in Auburn. Modeled after The Bottletree in Birmingham, it’s a prime destination for touring indie rock bands. Truitt and his staff are working hard to rope in rising musicians from all over the
nation. Live shows are scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. An event from their calendar at myspace. com/theindependentauburn that stuck out is the show Saturday, Aug. 29, which will feature Daikaju, a band from Huntsville who were described by Truitt as “Japanese surf rock with dancing robots” and The Pinx, an indie rock band from Atlanta. Also, on Friday, Sept. 4, The Independent is home to TKO!, a dance music coalition who looks to bring electronic hedonistic noise to Auburn. Though their name suggests otherwise, The Independent is not completely alone in helping get Auburn on the cultural radar. Heath explains that back in the ‘90s, Auburn was right up there with places like Athens, Ga., and Oxford, Miss., in being a destination for touring bands looking to play something a little more eccentric for an eager crowd. Conversations around town mention there are a few brave souls hosting and presenting new music to the Auburn population. A crowd of older Auburn-ites mentioned the whole (DIY music scene) has been part of the Auburn culture since the ’90s, suggesting the music scene business is cyclical and Auburn is just making the rounds in a stock market like pattern. Optimism can be found in those conversations where big ideas like having bands and musicians like No Age, Dan Deacon and Black Lips come and play a basement show for a crowd of maybe 25 to 30 sweaty kids are hatched. It’s nothing like Lollapalooza, but that’s the best thing. All it takes is a little legwork. Where else can you dance to any music you choose? “In the basement, down in the basement Oh, you got the comforts of home, a nightclub, too.” --Etta James
Auburn’s Music Scene ● The Big Nekkid plays at Sky Bar Thursday night ● Senate Horse plays at Bourbon St. Friday night ● Honkeytonk Amnesia plays at Strutting Duck Friday night ● Thomas and Kevin playing at Pockets Friday night ● DJ Moody playing at Fat Daddy's Friday night ● Ryan Kinder and Wes Loper Band at Sky Bar Saturday night ● Bubba Hall at Pockets Saturday night
The day the music died: the death of MTV, the beginning By Martin Morrow Staff Writer
We’re in a day and age where we tend to be content with entertainment. We allow mediocrity to fly through the skies and pierce our ears like a tone-deaf banshee. I’m talking about music, people. We’ve gotten so used to allowing high school girls to dictate what is popular that even MTV has decided to sell out into a world of everything revolving around the age 16. Sixteen and Pregnant. My Super Sweet 16. Paris Hilton’s Super Sweet 16 and Pregnant. You know what I’m talking about, these shows fill hours of precious air space! To pinpoint an exact time as to when MTV started hating us is difficult as it would take a process of first desensitizing oneself to the current MTV product then cycling through their library of terrible reality and dating shows that have been produced within the past five years. I will venture to say that it started sometime around the first airing of Laguna Beach. Back then, we thought nothing of it. A show
about some beach bum high school kids. “Silly MTV,” we said. “There you go again airing another show that won’t work. How about you bring back Sifl and Olly and we’ll call it even.” Much to my dismay, Laguna Beach not only stayed on for three years, but also spawned the likes of The Hills. From then on, it became a parasite. All of the music videos, the original content, the somewhat meaningful discoveries that MTV once offered a generation, were gone and replaced with an alien woman by the name of Tila Tequila. As we all turned a blind eye to what was going on, a great new program like The Human Giant, a sketch comedy show, was replaced with something called It’s On with Alexa Chung. I digress. While the death of a dynasty has fallen before us, we should take this time to reflect. We can’t forgive MTV of its sins, but instead do what our dear friends in N’Sync once did and say “bye, bye, bye” to a once great entity. Music TV, you and your once great programming will be missed. Now change your name.
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C6
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
Rod Guajardo/ PHOTO EDITOR
Rod Guajardo/ PHOTO EDITOR
Bernard Breitung and John Ross, of the band Old Soul, performed live at Flip Flops grand opening, Wednesday, Aug. 19.
A bartender at Flip Flops servers drinks from their wall of frozen drinks. This wall contains seven different flavors of iced mixed drinks and is sure to become a popular attraction.
Flip Flops celebrates successful grand opening By CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Intrigue Editor
Flip Flops bar had their grand opening Wednesday, Aug. 19. The bar is located on South College Street in the building that used to be Bogey’s. “We had a great turn out,” said Jonathon Maedor, general manager of Flip Flops. “I don’t even know how many people we had in here, but definitely more sales than Bogey’s ever did. It was really impressive seeing as it was a Wednesday night with the other bars downtown.” Mitch White, bar manager of Flip Flops, said he was impressed as well with the turn out for the grand opening. “It is a very beachy atmosphere, and kind of like a Wet Willy’s knock - off with a daiquiri lounge,” White said. Flip Flops is connected with the same bars Ace Amerson, of The Real World fame, had previously opened in different locations, Maedor said. Flip Flops offers a variety of live music three nights out of the week. They are looking for any kind of jam band, southern rock or classic rock bands to play, including music
like O.A.R., Dave Matthews and ’70s or ’80s and $1 pink panty pull down shots. Fridays and Saturdays are live Jam Bands. themed bands. “We aren’t going to charge cover the first “We are targeting anybody and everybody that wants to come in,” Maedor said. “We couple of weeks,” Maedor said. “We just want have a full restaurant menu from 11 a.m. un- Auburn to come out and experience us and til 10 p.m., and after that we have a late night have a good time.” Flip Flops is looking at offering a unique menu for people who may want some fried style and atfood after they mosphere have been drinkthat they hope ing.” He said Flip Flip Flops is the perfect addition will set them from Flops offers to Auburn...it is the perfect atmosphere to apart other restaua daily happy rants and bars hour from 11 spend any night out!” in the sura.m. until 8 p.m. Brittany Godwin, senior public administration rounding AuThey are known burn-Opelika for their $4 daiarea. quiris as well as “We are looking at bringing in about 10 a full liquor bar and offer discounts on all tons of sand in the parking lot to have some drinks during happy hour. As far as drink specials go, White said they beach parties along with beach volleyball,” offer specials for each day. Maedor said. “The first Auburn football away Mondays they offer 22 ounces of draft beer game we are going to set up a big projector for $3. for people to watch the game on the porch. Tuesdays are $4 pitchers of their wide vari- This will be a neat draw for people to come ety of draft beer. out to Flip Flops to watch the game and orWednesdays are $6 daiquiris all night. der some drinks.” Flip Flops is open Sunday through Friday Thursdays is ladies night with $3 mimosas
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from 11 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Old Sole Band played at the grand opening of Flip Flops Wednesdays night, Aug. 19. “It was a lot of fun and a pretty good amount of people there,” said Patrick Wall, the bass player of Old Sole Band. “I think the bar has a good shot at doing well, if people will just go out there and give it a good shot. They have really good drink specials as well.” So far, both the daiquiri lounge and the food have gotten positive reactions. And Auburn students seem smitten with the atmosphere as well. “Flip Flops is the perfect addition to Auburn’s restaurant establishments,” said Brittany Godwin, a senior in public administration. “Not only is the food and drinks great, but it is the perfect atmosphere to spend any night out.” Flip Flops restaurant and bar is a unique get-a-way to bring a new look to Auburn with their beach themed patio and eight flavored daiquiri wall. Come out to Flip Flops any night of the week to enjoy a discounted daiquiri, liquor drink or beer. As well as Ladies night on Thursdays.
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
Jane Random Haley Hollis junior, elementary education
Intrigue, C7
Create desserts using ingredients from the Farmer’s Market:
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
What was the last song stuck in your head? “Love Game” by Lady GaGa
Cook Time: 45 Minutes Level: Easy Yield: 10 Servings
Which are you more annoyed with: parking on campus or registering for class? Parking
Ingredients 2 (16-ounce) cans sliced peaches in heavy or light syrup, or in fruit juice, your choice
Who is your favorite Backstreet Boy? Nick
Are you more sick of hearing about Jon and Kate or Spencer and Heidi? Both, it is a tie because I do not like any of them.
Do you prefer to shop at a boutique or online? Boutique
Bath or Shower? Shower
Have you recently had an embarassing moment? Yes, I ran into a wall at Haley Center trying to fix my Facebook.
Who is your favorite Kardashian? Kim, because she dated Reggie Bush.
Do you have a celebrity crush? Alexander Skarsgard, from True Blood
What is your favorite late night TV show? Chelsea Lately
Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise? Tom Cruise
1 pint fresh blueberries, optional
Callie Garrett / ASSISTANT INTRIGUE EDITOR
Haley Hollis, a junior in elementary education, wants to meat the president one day.
1/2 cup baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
ABOUT JANE: Age: 20 Hometown: Dothan Availability: In a relationship Sign: Aquarius Greatest fear: Tornadoes Hobbies: Reading Random fact: She will only use Irish Springs soap.
1/3 cup sugar Ground cinnamon Topping: 2 1/4 cups baking mix (recommended: Bisquick) 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
What is your favorite memory at Auburn? The 2007 Iron Bowl Have you ever done a Do It Yourself project to decorate your room? Yes, I made a picture board. What was the last meal you ate? A peanut butter sandwich Have you had any recent late night cravings? Yes, last night I had to get some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Interviewed by: Callie Garrett
1/2 cup milk
Photo obtained from photobucket.com
Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar combined with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; store in an empty spice shaker)
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a Dutch oven with vegetable oil cooking spray Drain 1 can of the peaches. Combine both cans of peaches, including the juice from the undrained can, the blueberries (if using), the baking mix, sugar and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Place this mixture into the Dutch oven. To make the topping: Combine the biscuit mix, sugar, butter and milk in a resealable plastic bag. Drop bits of dough, using your fingers, on top of the peaches. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Place the peach cobbler oven into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and flaky. Contributed by foodnetwork.com
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C8
w o H To
Do-ItYourse lf Decora ting
By MAX DAVIS Staff Writer
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
today, who wants being the way it is With the economy e correct answer is for home décor? Th sh ca e th t ou sh di to u no one. common items yo ush pad by using sh lli be Em . Get that perfect pl ng shoppi ing some bargain nalready own and do College students ge e. ey an the blink of in e tac in sp pa g ns in ea liv m ur yo e, which s or in a rented spac . rm lls do wa in y ite sta wh ly al er r those basic fo e ttl se n’t Do d. ing is prohibite is rule. It’s simple. es to get around th tiv na er ur faalt e ar e er Th as and pick out yo nv ca en lin or r pe ice Purchase a pa A typical canvas pr t and get creative. in pa 3. of $ r slo nt co e ce rit 99 vo t only $99.99, and the pain y ranges from $2.59sed at Hobby Lobb ha rc pu lies can be be n’t do d an All these art supp o Picass don’t have to be a t in Tiger Town. You fun, creative projec a is th e ak M . es ak ist m to afraid to make ds. Just remember l project with frien cia so a it e ak m or have fun. school friends or members, old high space Pictures of family used to make your be n ca t tis ar ic us es your favorite m k and white, pictur From color to blac a timeless abode. ace feel like home. id make any living sp merchandising, sa junior in apparel pe ro Eu to p Katie Williams, a tri r on he ures she captured she printed off pict . ed m rged and fra r pictures, and had them enla pricey home déco e os th g sin ha rc ures and Instead of pu using her own pict by ey on m ve sa she was able to ly $20. from Target for on purchasing frames boratory in RBD Li La ce ur so Re al git Di d an poster The Media pictures enlarged to ve ha to e ac pl od go brary is also a away old size. ays willing to give alw e ar ds en fri d out the Relatives an their offer think ab ne cli de u yo re fo be furniture, but s. that her endless possibilitie interior design, said in or ni ju a d, an kl inted and Ashley Stric air which she repa ch d ol an r he ve ga grandparents s while doreupholstered. I saved a few buck d an , do to sy ea “It was very id. the chair ing it,” Strickland sa the cushion from w re sc Un e. pl sim . A gallon This task is color of your choice e th th wi r ai ch e we’s Home and paint th m $15- $26.50 at Lo fro es ng ra t in pa of semi-gloss shion with Improvement. reupholster the cu g, yin dr is t in pa Lobby for While the available at Hobby is ich wh ic br fa d g it to the a nice printe e fabric by staplin th re cu Se . rd ya r shion back $2.99-8.99 pe finally screw the cu d an n gu e pl sta a cushion with air. chair, visit to the repainted ch money on a $300 at th l al ng di en sp it your own. So before t a chair and make ou ck pi , re sto t rif ideas and your local th nsive home décor pe ex in e es th th wi ilities are Have fun the box. The possib de tsi ou k in th to id don’t be afra Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR corating. endless. Happy De
Bailey Woods, a senior in human development and family studies, builds shelves for television.
The Auburn Plainsman AU Club Cricket Coach’s Corner Cross Country
SPORTS
D
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Coleman makes 4 award watch lists By NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Sports Editor
Auburn’s senior defensive end Antonio Coleman was put on his fourth “watch list” Tuesday. He was one of 52 players named to the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Award pre-season Watch List by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The Nagurski Award is given every year to the nation’s outstanding defensive player and has been given since 1993 in memory of legendary Bronko Nagurski, an All-American lineman at Minnesota from 19271929 and a professional with the Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Once a player is on the list he may still be removed if he performs poorly either on or off the field. After the first four games of the season, the FWAA will revise the list and look for new submitted names from any schools. After one final revision of the list, the award will be given Dec. 7 at the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. Coleman’s other watch lists include the Lombardi award, for best lineman or linebacker; the Hendricks Award, for best
defensive end; and the Bednar- quarterback hurries, as well ick Award, which is again for as a forced fumble and a pass the nation’s best defender. break-up. The only Tiger to win the He was named SEC Defensive Lombardi trophy is College Lineman of the Week following F o o t A u b u r n’s ball Hall 14-12 vicof Fame tory over m e m University I didn’t even know ber Tracy of TennesI was nominated for half of Rocker, in see Sept. them. I’m just worried about 27. 1988. Although becoming a better leader When the Alaa s k e d bama na- and staying healthy.” about the tive realupcoming Antonio Coleman, izes these season, senior defensive end awards are he said a high honthe team’s or to remain focus ceive, he said it is the last thing was to get better every day and on his mind. do their best to be ready for the “I didn’t even know I was Sept. 5 kick-off against Louisinominated for half of them.” ana Tech. Coleman said, “I’m just worried “You learn a lot from one about becoming a better leader loss, but you learn even more and staying healthy,” from seven.” Coleman said. “We The Tigers caught a big break didn’t go to a bowl game and with Coleman’s return as he coaches have been hammering chose to forego the draft and that into our heads every day” come back for his senior year. Coleman would be the first Coleman was voted first team Auburn player to ever win the All-SEC by the league’s media Nugarski, Hendrick or Bednarand coaches in 2008 after reg- ick awards. istering 46 tackles, including Coleman will enter his senior team highs with six quarter- season with 30 career tackles back sacks and 10.5 tackles for for loss and 14.5 career sacks, loss. needing one more sack to crack He also had a team-high 13 Auburn’s all-time top 10 list.
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PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES
Antonio Coleman avoids a block during the 2008 University of Southern Mississippi game.
Freshman keeper posts shutout By PATRICK DEVER Assistant Sports Editor
Zac Schrieber / SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
Junior defender Sammy Towne works to keep the ball away from Samford during Sunday’s scoreless game.
Another summer has come and gone on the Plains. The first fall sport to begin competition is women’s soccer. The defending SEC West champions started their 2009 campaign against instate opponent Samford University last Sunday, Aug. 23. The game went into double overtime and ended in a 0-0 tie, but the field was slanted in Auburn’s favor all night. Coach Karen Hoppa said she was happy with the quality of soccer the team played. “We dominated the game,” Hoppa said. “Obviously we would’ve like to have scored, but it’s tough being on the road to start out the season.” Senior forward Caitlin King said the double overtime tested the team’s fitness. King attributed the team’s fitness to how well they played. “We were the fitter team out there,” King said.
Auburn was led by its six seniors. “Our two captains, Lizzie Hamersley and Chelsea Yauch, played the entire 110 minutes and kept the rest of the team calm and collected the whole time,” Hoppa said. The Tigers outshot the Bulldogs 18–5. Auburn also earned five corners to Samford’s zero. Sunday marked the first game of freshman keeper Amy Howard’s collegiate career. “It’s different to not have Witt (Allison Whitworth) in the goal, but we have a lot of confidence in Amy and she played great,” King said Howard said she was nervous at the beginning of the game, but quickly got over it. “I was nervous at first, but as the game went on, I got more confident.” Howard said. Hoppa said she received compliments on Howard’s play when the game was over. “People told me that she looked more
like a veteran out there than a freshman,” Hoppa said, “She played a great game and did everything right.” The SEC took notice to Howard’s play in the net, announcing on Monday that she was named SEC Freshman of the Week. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized like that after our first game,” Howard said. Howard gave a lot of credit to the defense for helping her earn the shutout. “My back line played great, they didn’t let anything through and made it easier for me to play well,” Howard said. The team still has some things they need to work on before SEC play starts. Both Hoppa and King agreed that the team needs some work on the offensive side of the ball. “We need to play better in the final third and attack the goal better,” Hoppa said. The Tigers play at home tomorrow against the University of Dayton Flyers at 7 p.m. at the soccer complex.
Auburn Ignited Cards give reward opportunities to fans By THEADORIS MORRIS Staff Writer
Athletic tickets will no longer be available on the Auburn TigerCard. The Auburn University Athletics Department has released the new Auburn Ignited card to students for security purposes and to promote spirit points. The Auburn Ignited Program has been on the Plains for three years and is used as a motivator to get students to attend as many sporting events as possible and to provide support for Auburn athletics. Students gain spirit points to earn prizes. Beginning this 2009 school year, the athletic department initiated a program transfering the student athletic tickets to the Auburn Ignited card. “The main reason for the card is for the security of the student,” said Eli Wilkerson, athletic department administrator.
The TigerCard contains the meal plan, access to dorms and libraries, and would would cause security issues if stolen. But if the Ignited card is lost, the only thing that the student would lose is tickets, Wilkerson said. “I think it is a good idea, especially when you are selling it to some random person,” said Melanie Hailey, a junior in biomedical sciences. “I personally wouldn’t benefit from the spirit points that much, but it is a good motivator.” Spirit points are gained by attending regular season home athletic events and exhibition games immediately before the competitive schedule. Points will not be available for football, golf, track and cross country events, according to the Auburn Ignited Web site. “I think the Ignited card is pretty cool and having tickets on one card is convenient,” said Elizabeth Howerton, a freshman in animal sciences. “It will also make it easier earn-
Abby Albright / SPORTS EDITOR
Senior Joanna Hartin picks up her Auburn Ignited Card from Beard-Eaves Coliseum ticket office.
ing points with my sorority.” This year the points students earn by attending a participating sporting event will count toward priority seating for the 2010 football season. The more events a student attends and the more points earned, the better the chances are of secur-
ing a seat in the Ignited Block Section at home football games for the 2010 season. “With priority seating you will have a seat next to the band on the first four rows,” Wilkerson said. “But you have to have football tickets.” Students must be present to pick
Printed on Recycled Paper
up their Ignited card with a valid Auburn student ID. It will be valid for the duration of the student’s enrollment. “Freshmen and transfer students do not need to pick up a new card if they attended Camp War Eagle or orientation, but re-entries have to get the new card,” Wilkerson said. Distribution of the Ignited cards is on the second floor at the ticket office of Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or it can be obtained four hours prior to kickoff on game days. The cost is $50 for a replacement card lost during football season and $100 for each additional card. In a non-football season the replacement cost is $25. To obtain a replacement card, visit the coliseum ticket office located on the second floor during business hours. For more information or questions regarding Auburn Ignited, please contact the Auburn Athletics Ticket Office.
The Auburn Plainsman
Sports, D2
Thursday, August 27, 2009 The Auburn Club Cricket team poses with the Mississippi State BullDawgs after winning the fourth annual BullDawg Championship Tournament in July. The Tigers lost to Mississippi State at the Vanderbilt University Cricket Trophy Sunday. The Auburn team consists of: captain Naveenan Thiagarajan, vice captain Prasanna Venkatesh, Shyam Chattanathan, Rahul Potghan, Prashant Dubey, Saktivel Kandasaamy, Ahmed Faraz, Karunakaran Haridass, Sameer Shah, Kautalya Mishra and Harideepan Ravindran. Much of the team is comprised of members of the Indian Student Association. CONTRIBUTED
Club Cricket competes for unofficial SEC title By EMILY CLEVER Staff Writer
The Auburn University Club Cricket team competed in the Vanderbilt University Cricket Trophy Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23. The Tigers lost in the semi-finals of the tournament, 81-80, to Mississippi State University. The Vanderbilt University Cricket Trophy is the unofficial SEC conference tournament, said team captain Naveenan Thiagarajan, a graduate student in mechanical engineering. “It doesn’t matter what teams are going to be there, we’re going to win,” Thiagarajan said. Auburn’s team won the fourth annual BullDawg Championship Tournament July 26 at Mississippi State University, one of the biggest collegiate cricket tournaments. Other teams that competed in the BullDawg Championship were Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, University of Alabama at Huntsville, University of Tennessee at Memphis and Alabama A&M.
The team practices multiple times a week at the Martin Luther King Park at 190 Byrd St. and at the University’s intramural fields. Despite their success, the team is not yet authorized by the University. “We are getting our new equipment next week,” said Rahul Potghan, a right-handed batswing and a graduate student in computer science. “We are making a Web site, but it’s not up yet.” Cricket originated in England, but is now played in many countries. “The big teams are India, Australia, England and South Africa,” said vice captain Prasanna Venkatesh, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer sciences. “We have been playing since childhood.” “It’s a lot like baseball,” said Shyam Chattanathan, a graduate student in civil engineering and the opener for the team. A batter or batswing stands in front of a wicket, which consists of three poles nailed into the ground.
The bowler for the other team pitches a ball and attempts to hit the wicket. The batswing must protect his wicket and hit the ball. If the ball hits the wicket, the batswing is out. If the batswing hits the ball, he runs to the other side of the field to score as many “runs” as possible before the other team destroys his wicket. If he hits the ball outside of the ring without bouncing first, that counts as six runs. If the ball bounces outside the ring, that counts as four runs. Cricket can be a high scoring game, with some scores reaching above 200. Scores are reported on a runs to wickets ratio. If a team scores 80 runs, and the other team hits five wickets, the score is reported as 80/5. “The team has been around for a long time, people just come and play and go,” Thiagarajan said. Thiagarajan said they hope to be an official University team by the end of the month.
Illustration By: Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
The Cricket field is a grassy area that consists of an outfield, infield, close-infield and pitch. The pitch is where the most action takes place.
Cross Country looks to new head coach, Mark Carroll, for guidance By CHARLEY GAINES
ing to take a lot of time to get used to it, but it’s a huge improvement.” Carroll has a long list of qualificaA new year for Auburn students tions for the head coach position. brings new beginnings for many peo“Two-time Irish national record ple around campus, including those on holder, two-time Olympian, multiple the men’s and women’s cross country championships,” Novack said. “He teams. ran professionally for 14 years after With the addition of a new coach and being an NCAA champion in college. three fresh faces on He knows the ins and the women’s team, outs of running.” the runners hope to Many of the playHe knows the keep building on the ers agree that Carroll last few seasons’ re- ins and outs of running.” is a good addition to cords. the team. Scott Novack, “We were fifth in “You know he has cross country a plan, and it works,” the NCAA last year, and we’re looking to Smith said. “There’s do the same type of damage this year,” a reason for everything.” said Scott Novack, a redshirt senior on The addition of Carroll and three fethe men’s team. male runners enhances their chances of The team prepares all year for their scoring big this season. season in the fall. “I don’t think the dimensions of the “Three hundred sixty days of the girls’ team is going to change very year, basically,” said junior Allison much,” Smith said, “but I think we’re Smith. “The summer is just putting in a all more solid runners this year and lot of miles, and then when the season we’re going to perform a lot better, but, starts it’s just picking up speed and do- personality and friendship wise, it’s ing speed work outs.” about the same.” Laurel Pritchard, a senior, agreed Each runner is important to the team. with her teammate. Even though cross country is a solitary “Yep. It’s just building everything sport, they feed off of each other and up,” Pritchard said. depend on each other. The women’s goal this season is to “It’s very team oriented and we try to take the momentum they have gained build the team up as much as possible,” over the past few years and obtain a na- Novack said. tional title for Auburn. Although each team is small, with To help both teams achieve their eight runners on the women’s team and goals, Auburn welcomes two-time nine on the men’s, they plan to make Irish Olympian Mark Carroll to coach their presence known. the teams. “It’s the determination to prove our “It’s a whole new world of coach- distance program down here can be just ing,” Smith said, “And I think it’s go- as good as any program in the country,” Staff Writer
8/28 vs. Alabama A&M @ 12 p.m. vs. UAB @ 7 p.m.
8/28 vs. Dayton @ 7 p.m.
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8/29 vs. Alabama A&M @ 1 p.m.
8/30 vs. South Alabama @ 2 p.m.
9/2 vs. Troy @ 7 p.m. PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES Junior Holly Knight races to the finish line during one of last year’s meets.
Novack said about the team. “It’s not just a fluke that we got fifth place for the guys last year and the girls have been improving quite well over the last two years.” Both teams begin their season Sept. 5 at Troy. Each team is hard at work to make Auburn’s distance program known. “We make Auburn proud, that’s for sure,” Novack said. “Even in the middle of nowhere USA.”
The Auburn Plainsman SPORTS STAFF
ABBY ALBRIGHT Editor NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Editor
PATRICK DEVER Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9104.
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
Coach’s Corner A look at Women’s Soccer Head Coach Karen Hoppa on and off the field By MARY-GLENN SMITH
and softball while growing up. Hoppa ventured south for When Coach Karen Hoppa college to play soccer at the was 8 years old, her mom University of Central Florida. signed her up to play soccer She received numerous in her homeawards during her town of Napercollege career, inville, Ill. cluding All-Amer“I didn’t even ican goalkeeper know what socand an academic cer was at the All-America. time,” Hoppa After college, said. “I thought Hoppa spent the it was a dumb first six seasons sport because of her 16-year you couldn’t use coaching career HOPPA at her alma mayour hands.” ter, UCF. While at UCF, she The thought of soccer bewas named Trans-America ing “dumb” didn’t stick with Hoppa for long; she con- Athletic Conference Coach of tinued playing soccer and the Year in 1998. She coached the team to five TAAC, now quickly grew to love it. In high school, Hoppa was called the Atlantic Sun Cona stand-out athlete at Naper- ference, titles from 1993ville Central. She received 1998. In 2000, Hoppa was inAll-American soccer hon- ducted into the University of ors while competing in high Central Florida Athletic Hall school. Along with soccer, of Fame for her accomplishshe also played basketball ments as a player and coach. Staff Writer
After a successful sixseason span with the Golden Knights and a record of 64-44-9, Hoppa moved on to coach at Auburn University. She has spent the past 10 years coaching the Tiger women’s soccer team. In 10 seasons, Hoppa has led Auburn to a record of 11576-16. Since arriving at Auburn, Hoppa has led the Tigers to eight NCAA tournament appearances (1998, 2001-04, 2006-08), six SEC West titles (2001-04, 2006, 2008) and one SEC Championship in 2002. Hoppa was named the Southeastern Conference’s Coach of the Year in 2002. Coach Hoppa is looking forward to coaching her 11th season with the Tigers. “We are excited for the upcoming season,” Hoppa said. “We have six terrific seniors that are focused on leading Auburn soccer to new heights.”
10 questions with Coach Hoppa: •What do you do in your free time? Hoppa: I love to spend time with my husband, Scott, and our two dogs and cat. I also spend a lot of my free time working with the Olympic Development Program. •Favorite movie? H: “The Shawshank Redemption” •Favorite music? H: Country and Jimmy Buffett •Favorite color? H: All shades of blue •Favorite vacation spot? H: Key West, Fla.
•Favorite food? H: Mexican •Favorite place to eat? H: The Amsterdam Café and Laredo’s •What are your favorite hobbies? H: I don’t really have any hobbies because soccer keeps me busy. • Favorite spot on campus? H: The soccer stadium on Friday nights in the fall. •Favorite campus tradition? H: The eagle flying before the football games.
Sports, D3
ThePlainsman.com
The Auburn Plainsman
Sports, D4
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
2009-2010 AUBURN EQUESTRIAN SCHEDULE Date
Opponent / Event
09/18/09
vs. SMU vs. TCU vs. South Carolina at Tennessee-Martin vs. Texas A&M at Sacred Heart at Delaware at Georgia vs. Oklahoma State at South Carolina vs. New Mexico State vs. Baylor vs. Georgia at Fresno State at Kansas State Southern Equestrian Championships Southern Equestrian Championships
10/02/09 10/09/09 10/16/09 11/07/09 11/08/09 11/13/09 01/31/10 02/06/10 02/20/10 02/27/10 03/06/10 03/13/10 03/14/10 03/26/10 03/27/10
Location Auburn Auburn Auburn at Tennessee-Martin Auburn at Sacred Heart at Delaware at Georgia Auburn at South Carolina Auburn Auburn Auburn at Fresno State at Kansas State Auburn Auburn
EQUESTRIAN
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Auburn fans can really be excited about their National Champion Caliber Equestrians and Friday evening meets against a very strong home schedule.” Greg Williams, Equestrian Head Coach
FALL SPORTS 2009 2009 AUBURN VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent / Event
Location
“
Auburn fans should be most excited about the depth of the team and that out of 10 new players many are good enough to compete for playing time. Junior transfer Morgan Johns and freshman Katherine Culwell and Sarah Bullock to name a few.” Wade Benson, Volleyball Head Coach
War Eagle Invitational 08/28/09 vs. Alabama A&M 08/29/09 vs. UAB vs. Alabama A&M 09/02/09 vs. Troy
Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn
Minnesota Tournament 09/04/09 at Minnesota 09/05/09 vs. Iowa State vs. George Washington 09/08/09 vs. Jacksonville State
Minneapolis, Minn. Minneapolis, Minn. Minneapolis, Minn. Auburn
Georgia Southern Tournament 09/11/09 vs. Coastal Carolina 09/12/09 vs. Wake Forest at Georgia Southern 09/18/09 at Mississippi State 09/20/09 at Alabama 09/25/09 vs. Louisiana State 10/02/09 vs. Mississippi 10/04/09 vs. Arkansas 10/09/09 at Kentucky 10/11/09 at Tennessee 10/16/09 vs. Florida 10/18/09 vs. South Carolina 10/23/09 vs. Alabama 10/25/09 vs. Mississippi State 10/28/09 at Georgia 11/01/09 at Louisiana State 11/06/09 at South Carolina 11/08/09 at Florida 11/13/09 vs. Tennessee 11/15/09 vs. Kentucky 11/20/09 at Arkansas 11/22/09 at Mississippi 11/25/09 vs. Georgia
Statesboro, Ga. Statesboro, Ga. Statesboro, Ga. Starkville, Miss. Tuscaloosa Auburn Auburn Auburn Lexington, Ky. Knoxville, Tenn. Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Athens, Ga. Baton Rouge, La. Columbia, S.C. Gainesville, Fla. Auburn Auburn Fayetteville, Ark. Oxford, Miss. Auburn
Volleyball
All photos from Todd Van Emst, photographer, Media Relations
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009
“
Fans should be excited about our senior class, who is driving us to play at a high level and our very competitive schedule.”
Sports, D5
SOCCER
Karen Hoppa, Soccer Head Coach
2009-2010 AUBURN SOCCER SCHEDULE Date Opponent / Event
Location
Time / Result
08/23/09 08/28/09 08/30/09 09/04/09 09/11/09 09/13/09 09/18/09 09/20/09 09/25/09 09/27/09 10/02/09 10/04/09 10/09/09 10/11/09 10/16/09 10/18/09 10/22/09 10/25/09 10/30/09 11/04/09 11/06/09 11/08/09
Birmingham Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Durham, N.C. Durham, N.C. Starkville, Miss. Oxford, Miss. Auburn Auburn Columbia, S.C. Gainesville, Fla. Auburn Auburn Knoxville, Tenn. Auburn Tuscaloosa Orange Beach Orange Beach Orange Beach
T, 0-0 (2OT) 7 p.m. CT 2 p.m. CT 7 p.m. CT 7 p.m. CT 2:30 p.m. CT 7:30 p.m. ET 12 p.m. ET 7 p.m. CT 2 p.m. CT 7:30 p.m. CT TBA 7 p.m. ET 2 p.m. ET 7:30 p.m. CT 1 p.m. CT 7 p.m. ET 2:30 p.m. CT 7 p.m. CT TBA TBA TBA
at Samford vs. Dayton vs. South Alabama vs. Kennesaw State vs. Missouri vs. Texas Tech at Duke vs. North Carolina at Mississippi State at Mississippi vs. Arkansas vs. LSU at South Carolina at Florida vs. Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky at Tennessee (W) vs. Georgia at Alabama SEC Tournament SEC Tournament SEC Tournament
FOOTBALL Football schedule 2009-2010 season Date 09/05/09 09/12/09 09/19/09 09/26/09 10/03/09 10/10/09 10/17/09 10/24/09 10/31/09 11/07/09 11/14/09 11/27/09
“
Auburn fans have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season. Former head coach Peter Watson did a great job taking the men to a No. 5 ranking in the nation a year ago. With several All-Americans returning this year on the men’s side, along with Hollie Knight on the women’s side, we should be poised for another great season.” Mark Carroll, Cross Country Head Coach
CROSS COUNTRY 2009-2010 AUBURN CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE Date
Opponent / Event
Location
09/05/09 09/18/09 10/03/09 10/17/09 10/31/09 11/14/09 11/23/09
Troy Trojan Invitational Crimson Classic Wisconsin Badger Invite Pre-Nationals SEC Championships NCAA Regional NCAA Championships
Troy Tuscaloosa Madison, Wisc. Terra Haute, Ind. Oxford, Miss. Tuscaloosa Terre Haute, Ind.
Opponent vs. Louisiana Tech vs. Mississippi State vs. West Virginia vs. Ball State at Tennessee at Arkansas vs. Kentucky at LSU vs. Mississippi vs. Furman (HC) at Georgia vs. Alabama
Sports, D6
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, AUGUST 27, 2009