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The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid
THURSDAY, September 3, 2009
Vol. 117, Issue 2 28 Pages
www.theplainsman.com
Gameday parking for students • C-Zone Lot (Coliseum) — All vehicles must be removed by 6 a.m. the day before a home football game. • West / RO, C-Zone Lot (west end of Thach Avenue) — All vehicles must be removed by 6 a.m. the day before a home football game. • The RW Zone Lot (Wire Road and Magnolia Avenue), C-Zone Lot (Magnolia Avenue and Donahue Drive) — All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. the day before a home football game. • Stadium Parking Deck — All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. the day before a home football game. • The C-Zone Lots (Across from the north side of the Coliseum and the Pool Lot) — All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. on the day before a home football game. Alternate R parking lots open at noon the Thursday before each home football game. All vehicles must be moved by noon the Sunday after each home football game. Service to the alternate R parking lots 1 and 2 begins Thursday at noon. Anyone needing service during 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday - Friday may take Central Campus route (Alt. R Lot No. 1) or Longleaf route (Alt. R Lot No. 2). Call Auburn Security Shuttle for services on gamedays and at other operating hours, 334844-7400.
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
SGA members painted the Auburn ‘AU’ symbol at the crossing of Magnolia Avenue and College Street in preparation for the 2009 football season Tuesday night.
Auburn celebrates College Colors Day By PATRICK DEVER Assistant Sports Editor
Gov. Bob Riley has declared tomorrow is College Colors Day in Alabama. College Colors Day is a national movement of students wearing their college or university’s school colors to help kick off the college football season. The movement encourages Au-
burn fans to wear orange and blue throughout the day. The University has announced that tomorrow will be an All Auburn, All Orange day. Kelley White, a sophomore, said she definitely thinks encouraging students to wear Auburn blue and orange before athletic events gets > Turn to COLORS, A2
Boarders seek equal rights By OLIVIA MARTIN
Richard Daniel, a junior in graphic design, agreed. “I mean, I am not opSection D.4 of Traffic and posed to restrictions, but Parking Regulations: Use of you can’t just say no skateskateboards, roller skates, boarding anywhere,” Daniel roller blades, etc. are pro- said. “That’s like telling a hibited on Auburn Univer- baseball player, no baseball sity property, (to include all anywhere. This is what we sidewalks, parking lots and do.” streets). Luckily, there seems to While it is unlikely that be a compromise emerging students are clamoring to from both the Auburn City roller skate on campus, Council and campus reguthere are skateboarders lations. and longboarders who “It has been brought to would like our attento see a revition that sion to this students rule. would like If we had just to use their Catherine Love, an an area or skatepark longboards engineer in to comthe facilities to go to, it wouldn’t mute to division, ex- be a problem.” class,” Love plains how said. “As far David Zima, as I underthis policy senior in architecture stand, longemerged. “It develboards can oped from be slowed problems we were having down and are not used for on campus,” Love said. “As tricks. Some students have you know, skateboards do wanted to bring the issue not have brakes and the up with the parking comriders have different levels mittee, and I would be hapof maturity.” py to help them with that.” The penalty for riding A longboard is an easy one’s skateboard on cam- adjustment for skaters who pus is the same as parking simply want the right to roll illegally, a $50 ticket, but it to class. is a risk some students are However, it could also willing to take. lead to an even more tense “I mean, I skate on cam- situation. pus, and I know it’s wrong, “I just feel like it could but that is because there is be consistent,” said Drew nowhere else to skate,” said Smith, a sophomore in enDavid Zima, a senior in ar- gineering. “They should eichitecture. “If we had just ther allow both or none.” an area or skatepark to go But, it is not just comto, it wouldn’t be a prob> Turn to SKATE, A2 lem.” Associate Intrigue Editor
“
INDEX
News A3
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
More bicycle routes are being created for the growing number of students that are riding their bikes to campus this year.
Where do all the bikes go? By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor
The benefits to biking on campus are numerous: it is good for the environment, it is cost efficient and it is great for the body. But, many students don’t realize their bikes can be confiscated if they don’t have the correct parking permits. All bikes, just like motorcycles and other vehicles on campus, need to have a permit or decal, which are free of charge. Students must know the make, color and serial number of the bicycle to obtain a parking permit. If they do not, their bike could be removed from the rack by Auburn parking services. “Bikes can be confiscated if they do not have the correct
Opinions A6
Campus B1
permit,” said David Vedder, manager of parking services. “We go around several times a year and do just that.” Bikes can be confiscated from any of the bike racks on campus, including the ones outside of the residence halls. Bikes are kept in the parking services office for 90 days. After the 90-day time period they become University property and are sold at auction. For students looking to buy or maintain their bikes, there is a bike shop in the Student Center and several bike pumps around campus for the students’ convenience. The campus bike committee has proposed several plans to help make biking on campus easier for students. “We are currently creating
Intrigue C1
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
All major buildings on campus have racks for six to 10 bikes outside of their entrances.
a growing network of bike routes,” said Emma Muleaney, communications outreach coordinator in the Office of Sustainability. “Riding a bicycle is quicker, students don’t have to worry about parking, buying gas or their exercise for the day.”
Crossword C3
According to the Auburn Sustainability Web site, the new design considerations include a complete bike loop around the core of campus, closer parking, space for six to 10 bikes at the entrance > Turn to BIKES, A2
Arts & Entertainment C6
Sports D1
The Auburn Plainsman
News, A2
The Auburn Plainsman
DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn Aug. 25 - Aug. 31, 2009
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 editor@theplainsman.com
Tom Hopf Business Manager
Natalie Wade Managing Editor managing.editor@theplainsman.com Ben Bartley Copy Editor Michelle Wilder / Associate Editor Elizabeth Mahaney / Assistant Editor copy@theplainsman.com Ellison Langford News Editor Sam Solomon / Associate Editor Kendra Kelley / Assistant Editor news@theplainsman.com
Erin Coffey Creative Director Ed May Layout Coordinator Production Artists Brent Lang Geoffrey Pitts Kayla Shults Erika Bilbo Account Executives Vincent Aragon Elizabeth Cammon
Helen Northcutt Intrigue Editor Olivia Martin / Associate Editor Callie Garrett / Assistant Editor intrigue@theplainsman.com Abby Albright Sports Editor Nick Van Der Linden / Associate Editor Patrick Dever / Assistant Editor sports@theplainsman.com
Brian V. Hodges of Biloxi, Miss. Martin Luther King Drive / Byrd Street Aug. 25, 3:55 a.m. Steve Wayne Naylor III of Douglasville, Ga. West Magnolia Avenue / Hemlock Drive Aug. 26, 1:36 a.m. Kevin Scott Warlick of Opelika Commerce Drive Aug. 27, 8:39 p.m. Christopher A. Toups of Houma, La. North College Street Aug. 27, 1:08 a.m. Steven Trevor Wetzel of Birmingham South College Street Aug. 27, 2:11 a.m. Derek Jay Murphy of Opelika North Gay Street Aug. 27, 2:56 a.m. Walter B. Poe Jr. of Opelika Tichenor Avenue / North College Street Aug. 28, 10:54 p.m.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
CRIME REPORTS Aug. 25 - Aug. 31, 2009 Aug. 27, Quad Drive – Theft reported. One automatic hand sanitizer dispenser reported stolen. Aug. 27, Lunsford Drive – Burglary reported. One Dell Inspiron 537 desktop computer, one dell computer monitor, one Hitachi 50-inch plasma television and $20 reported stolen. Aug. 28, South College Street – Larceny reported. One amp, one iPod Baby Nano, one iPod Nano, one Kenwood stereo and two Polk speakers reported stolen. Damage reported. One 1999 Jeep Wrangler soft top reported damaged. Aug. 29, South College Street – Larceny reported. One brown leather Auburn University wallet, $40, one Regions Bank debit card, one Regions bank check book, two 1st Commercial debit cards and one Alabama drivers license reported stolen. Damage reported. One driver side door reported damaged. Aug. 29, Bellwood Place – Larceny reported. One Dos Mundos textbook, One Women Images and Realities textbook, one 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser spare key, one LG cell phone charger and one Playstation II W/2 controller reported stolen.
Taylor Gerard Schmidt of Montgomery East Longleaf Drive Aug. 28, 2:58 a.m.
Rod Guajardo Photo Editor Morgan Thacker / Associate Editor Ashlea Draa / Assistant Editor Blakeley Sisk / Assistant Editor photo@theplainsman.com
Aug. 29, South Ross Street – Theft reported. One aftermarket touch screen DVD player, two 12”subwoofers in separate carpet box enclosures, assorted clothing, one black 80GB video iPod and one 2009 Ford F – 150 reported stolen.
Brian J. Doyle of Rochester, N.Y. South College Street / East Samford Avenue Aug. 29, 1:51 a.m.
Aug. 29, North Gay Street – Larceny reported. One Wachovia debit card, one Alabama driver license, one set of keys and one Louis Vuitton purse reported stolen.
Kevin Saucier Multimedia Editor Griffin Limerick / Associate Editor Julian Kersh / Assistant Editor multimedia@theplainsman.com
Brandon M. Bradford of Macon, Ga. South College Street / I-85 Aug. 29, 2:25 a.m.
Aug. 29, South College Street - Larceny reported. One pink Vera Bradley wallet, one black key ring containing six keys, $5, one Wachovia debit card and one Citibank debit card reported stolen.
Jamie Miranda Sturges of Valley South College Street. Aug. 29, 3:01 a.m.
Aug. 29, Insomnia Grill - Theft reported. One 2007 Yamaha V-Star classic 650 cc motorcycle reported stolen.
Cliff McCollum Opinions Editor opinion@theplainsman.com Andrew Sims Online Editor online@theplainsman.com 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.
Adventures in Art 2009 is being held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center located at 222 E. Drake Ave. through Friday, Sept. 4. The event is free and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Auburn Tree Commission will meet Friday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. in the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Conference Room located at 714 E. Glenn Ave. The Greenspace Advisory Board will meet Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the City of Auburn Meeting Room located at 122 Tichenor Ave. The Historic Preservation Commission will meet Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 4 p.m. at 144 Tichenor Ave. The Auburn Housing Authority will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. at 931 Booker St.
Thomas Graham Sutter of Montgomery South College Street / Devall Drive Aug. 29, 3:37 a.m.
SKATE >From A1
muting that has caused skateboards to be banned on campus. “Skateboards are very damaging,” Love said. “They chip limestone, bend benches and leave marks and scratches on campus property.” To remedy this, Zima and others have also been working with the City Council to build a skatepark in Auburn, as the closest parks are in Columbus, Ga., and Montgomery — nearly 50 miles away. “Some people are really against skateboarding so they don’t want us to build a skatepark, but it is actually the solution,” Zima said. “If you give us a place to go, we
BIKES >From A1
of every building and several large covered storage areas. “I think the improvements for the bike routes is great,” said Courtney Starr, a junior in graphic design. “I know a friend of mine was riding her bike and it wasn’t construction area was not clearly marked, and she hit a place in the asphalt with a 3-inch gap,” Starr said. “As
would not come to campus.” The plans are still in early formation, but the group has plans to meet with an architect later in the month. Building a skatepark would clear the campus of skateboards and the damage they can cause to the area. Both skateboarders and longboarders take issue with the idea that they are more of a liability to the campus than bikers. “I mean I’ve heard of more people getting hit by bikes and cars,” Zima said. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone getting hit by a skateboarder.” However, the students are clear that this is not a simple rebellion against the university, many just want to be able to do what they love. “We’re good kids, we just like to skate,” Zima said.
far as bike racks go, the busy building racks on campus are usually always full.” To download an image of Auburn University’s bike paths, visit the Sustainability Web site. Parking permits can be picked up in the parking services office. “I can get everywhere so much faster on my bike,” Starr said. “Auburn does a good job with the way they handle biking students.”
Have an event you want us to cover? Contact the Multimedia Team at multimedia@theplainsman.com or call 844-9109.
Aug. 30, Wal-Mart Supercenter - Theft reported. Three $20 bills, four $5 bills, three $1 bills and one purse and its contents reported stolen. Aug. 30, Martin Luther King Drive - LSOA reported. One front headlight, one front passenger’s side fender and front bumper reported damaged. Aug. 30, West Glenn Ave - LSOA reported. One rear bumper, one driver’s side taillight and one tailgate reported damaged. Aug. 30, South College Street - Larceny reported. One compact disk player, one iPod Nano with plug-in charger stand and one passenger side door handle reported stolen. Aug. 30, North Donahue Drive- Larceny reported. One Dell Desktop Computer, one Emerson CD Player, assorted clothing shoes and hats reported stolen. Aug. 30, South College Street - Larceny reported. One black book bag with red writing, one Macbook Pro laptop, one in-dash stereo and two Alpine Type E 12” sub-woofers reported stolen. Damage reported. One driver’s side door handle and one dash console reported damaged.
- Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety
COLORS >From A1
people pumped. White said she thinks it says good things about Auburn when people see the photos and everyone looks like they support the school. “I think it’s great, it gets everyone involved, everyone’s excited,” said Kenny Quinlan, a sophomore in finance, about organizations that are independent of universities getting involved in college athletics. “It’s another competitive aspect to campus.” All Auburn, All Orange Tshirts can be purchased at retailers around Auburn. Some of the proceeds earned by the sale of the All Auburn All Orange Tshirts go to support student scholarship programs and the SGA Big Event program.
“That’s amazing,” Quinlan said about the proceeds from the All Auburn, All Orange T-shirts going to scholarships. “I mean, not only do you get school spirit, you get more money for scholarships. It’s the best of both worlds.” All Auburn All Orange events include: Auburn football vs. Louisiana Tech, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.; Auburn soccer vs. Missouri, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.; Auburn volleyball vs. LSU, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.; Auburn swimming and diving vs. Alabama, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.; Auburn equestrian vs. Texas A&M, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.; Auburn football vs. Kentucky, Oct. 17; and Auburn football vs. Alabama, Nov. 27. The Big Event program is a day of service that the SGA sponsors in order to give back to the Auburn community.
The Auburn Plainsman
NEWS
THURSDAY, September 3, 2009
A3
Buds may blunt booze’s abuse of brain By MAX NEWFIELD Staff Writer
The results of a University of California San Diego study claim adolescents who use marijuana may be less susceptible to brain damage from binge drinking. “I was definitely surprised by the results,” said Susan Tapert, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, and one of the main researchers in the study. The study’s goal was to research the capacity of the adolescent brain to process information efficiently after exposure to drugs and alcohol. Between 2007 and 2009, researchers studied adolescents ages 16 to 19. The subjects were divided into three groups: binge drinkers, binge drinkers who also used marijuana and a control group who rarely or never used alcohol or drugs. Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks in one sitting for men and four or more drinks in one sitting for women. The researchers were surprised to find the results of the study deviated from what they had hypothesized, Tapert said. “We found that the damage to their white matter was right in the middle (of the results),” Tapert said, about the subjects who frequently used marijuana and alcohol. “Obviously, we expected them to have the highest level of damage (of all the test participants).” There are many possibili-
ties the adolescents who only used alcohol showed more brain damage than those who used alcohol and marijuana, Tapert said. “This was only one study done at one time,” Tapert said. “Maybe the kids who used marijuana were healthier than those who only used alcohol, or maybe one group was more candid than the other.” Tapert also said she would not rule out that marijuana could possibly have protective properties, but she said more evidence is needed. “It is possible that marijuana might have some neuroprotective matters,” Tapert said. “We will continue with our research before we pass any judgment.” However, while Tapert said she was surprised by the study’s results, others were not. Bruce Mirken, the director of communications for the Marijuana Policy Project, said he was not shocked by the results. The MPP is an organization working toward loosening marijuana-related restrictions. “(The MPP envision) a nation where marijuana is legally regulated similarly to alcohol, marijuana education is honest and realistic, and treatment for problem marijuana users is non-coercive and geared toward reducing harm,” says the mission statement on their Web site, “I’m interested, but not hugely surprised,” Mirken said. “There is a fair amount of data from lab and animal testing that says that canna-
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Although the study only tested adolescents ages 16 to 19, that does not mean that teenagers are the only people who smoke marijuana or drink alcohol. College-age adults have also been known to partake in the “wacky tobacy.”
binoids (the active chemicals in marijuana which also occur naturally in humans and animals) may be capable of protecting the brain from damage.” Other people see this study as a necessary step in educating the general public about marijuana. “Based on my observations, one of the main obstacles in marijuana policy debate is that many people don’t fully understand marijuana,” said Steve Fox, director of state campaigns for the MPP. “I feel
that by comparing marijuana to alcohol it gives the American public a point of understanding.” Fox said he did not want to get prematurely excited about the seemingly positive results of the study. “I’m not sure this one study will make a difference, as much as I’d like it to,” Fox said. “The government tends to downplay and ignore these types of studies, and that is disappointing.” Whether the government’s reception of this study is pos-
itive or not, this is another addition to the marijuana policy reform debate, Mirken said. “The sad and frustrating thing is that by-andlarge marijuana policy has never been driven by data,” Mirken said. “If mere fact were enough to change the laws, they would have been changed a very long time ago.” As for the scientific side of the marijuana-legalization debate, Tapert said she and her colleagues will continue
researching and performing their study. “We will continue to gather data from our test subjects,” Tapert said. “We want to study a wider variety of brain functions and see how they perform under a series of cognitive tests.” Although these findings are intriguing, they still show that substance-use negatively affects the brain. “The main result is that adolescents who don’t use substances have the healthiest brain matter,” Tapert said.
State money goes to films By LINDSEY GRUBBS Staff Writer
Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
The spaces in front of SkyBar Café and Moe’s Southwest Grill are no longer available after 9 p.m. because they now provide space for the Toomer’s Ten bus line to drop off and pick up passengers going downtown.
Toomer’s Ten welcome downtown By SAMUEL SOLOMON Associate News Editor
Most people who have ventured downtown at night realize that parking spots are scarce. And many people have probably succumbed to the temptation of parking somewhere where they could be towed when they can’t find any other spot. However, with the institution of Toomer’s Ten, resort-
ing to parking in tow-away zones may be a thing of the past. “The amount of parking relieved from the downtown area has been dramatic,” said Thomas Stone, manager of SkyBar Cafe Toomer’s Ten was originally designed to provide students a safe way of getting to and from downtown Auburn at night. However, these ten buses may be helping more people
than just students. And despite the loss of several parking spaces in front of the bar, Stone said he thinks that the buses have created five to six times more parking spaces. He also said he thinks the service is a positive one. Stone said his only suggestion to the University would be to extend the service for another half-hour. “People still need to get home after 2:30 a.m. when
the buses stop,” Stone said. While it is too early to count financial gains, businesses dependent upon Auburn’s nightlife are optimistic Toomer’s Ten will bring a higher volume of people downtown. “I think it will help business,” said Patrick Walters, owner of Little Italy Pizzeria. “There is a limited parkigsituation downtown. > Turn to BUSES, A4
Alabama’s newest Film Incentive Bill, signed into office in March, will not only offer tax incentives for filmmakers, but increased opportunities for film students as well. Gov. Bob Riley announced Wednesday, Aug. 19, that “Lifted” will be the first movie to receive incentives as a means of attracting more film productions to Alabama. “Everyone will be very excited about the fact that we have a way to attract films from the outside and, more importantly, encourage filmmaking from Alabama filmmakers,” said Hugh Hunter, of Hunter Films, who is producing the film “Lifted” in Birmingham. “With more activity, it will give students more opportunities.” Sen. Del Marsh and Rep. Richard Lindsey worked on signing the Film Incentive Bill to boost Alabama economically by helping to increase tourism and education. “It’s not about a hard figure on jobs, but increasing investment in Alabama,” said Todd Stacey, press secretary for the governor’s office. Lindsey was unavailable for comment, but a spokesman from his office confirmed that Marsh and Lindsey are building a new curriculum to offer to univer-
sities for students majoring in film that will incorporate education through working with film crews. The curriculum is something that will have to be worked on for a while longer because it is too late to get passed in legislation for this academic year, said Eva Golson, director of the Mobile Film Office. However, it is something for students to look forward to, Golson said. “If there are students who are interested in the film industry they need to get a good taste of it,” Golson said. “You need to work on set and make sure this is what you want to do and gain insight on what part of industry you are really interested in.” Martin Morrow, a senior in radio, television and film, said he would like to see more opportunities for film students than what the University has to offer. Morrow, who is interested in film, theater and comedy, went to the open casting for the film “Lifted.” The movie “Lifted,” produced by Deborah Del Prete from Coronet Films, is about a singer who is trying to follow his dream and overcome difficulties in life. The 2003 American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard,
> Turn to FILMS, A4
The Auburn Plainsman
NEWS, A4
BUSES >From A3
Any time people can get here without bringing their car, I think they will be more inclined to do so.” Lots of students seem to be taking advantage of the new bus line. “I’ve seen buses in front of SkyBar dropping off 20 to 30 people at a time,” Stone said. This may be because the buses, which run every half hour from 10 p.m. until 2:30 a.m., Wednesday through
FILMS >From A3
is expected to be cast in a feature role. The movie will employ more than 160 Alabama residents and provide opportunities for students to gain experience by working on the film. “Learning is what makes the film business real,” Hunter said. “Gaining an overall view about the film business is what’s important.” Hunter’s company doesn’t just encourage students to work on film sets, they also
Saturday, shuttle students from residences as far from campus as Eagle’s Landing, Ashton Park and Donahue Crossing. Some say students who ride the buses are also helping Auburn’s environment. Matt Williams, program manager for the Auburn University Office of Sustainability, pointed out the myriad of benefits of running a shuttle system. The buses ease nighttime congestion, people are not spending money on gas, and
fewer cars mean fewer emissions, Williams said. Williams also said that Toomer’s Ten is helping reduce the use of “single occupancy vehicles,” which he says makes the University more environmentally friendly. The downtown businessowners who are open late at night seem to be positive about the new bus line. “If people haven’t been using it, I hope they will,” said Adam Nemeroff, owner of Mellow Mushroom.
give them opportunities by providing internships for roles in front of and behind the camera. Hunter said that by taking an internship it is more about learning than it is about making money by just taking a job and working from the ground up. “Connect yourself in a way that some people don’t always think about,” Hunter advises would-be filmmakers. “Getting involved with film festivals is a good way to network by volunteering and getting to know people. There is a camaraderie there.”
Martin McCaffery, director of the Capri Community Film Society, a non-profit organization whose theater runs alternative independent films located in Montgomery, also offers an organization for people interested in the Alabama film industry. McCaffery said people have been making films in Alabama for a while and that the state has a lot to offer to out-of-state film productions. “(Alabama) certainly has people who are willing to learn and willing to work,” McCaffery said.
THURSDAY, September 3, 2009
FEMA demands money from Baldwin County By SAMUEL SOLOMON Staff Writer
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has questioned whether funds allocated to Baldwin County were used properly for posthurricane cleanup. According to the December 2008 Office of Inspector general report, Baldwin County received a total of $41.3 million for 2004 Hurricane Ivan and 2005 hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. The money came in amounts of $36 million, $800,000 and $4.5 million for the three respective hurricanes. Government auditors recommend in the OIG report that FEMA reclaim $10.5 million because the auditors suspected the county claimed $7.7 million in tipping fees from landfill disposal, $1.64 million on stump removal labor, even though most stumps were
removed by homeowners, $1.06 million in interest earned from tipping fees, $28,569 in duplicate fees and $10,302 covered by insurance costs. Baldwin County claimed it gave money to contractors who were supposed to accomplish these tasks, but the report claims the money was eventually funneled back into the county’s pocket. However, financial data contained in the county’s audited financial statements for the 2005 fiscal year indicates that the county’s solid waste fund, which includes the costs of maintaining the county’s landfills, benefited from tipping fees related to the hurricanes. Federal regulations (44 CPR l3.22(a)(2)), prohibit the use of federal grant funds to accrue a profit. “(Revenues in the Baldwin County Solid Waste) fund increased 3.25 times, from
$4.7 million in 2004 to over $15.2 million in 2005, while expenses increased only 1.29 times, from $3.9 million to $5.0 million for the same period,” according to the OIG report. Baldwin County disagrees with the OIG’s allegation that it accrued interest on the money it received from FEMA, according to the OIG report. After reviewing claims by Baldwin County and the OIG, FEMA sided with the OIG on all issues except tipping fees and interest earned on the fees. FEMA will pursue a total of $5.8 million in reimbursements, $3.47 million from excessive tipping fees and $656,000 from interest, according to an Aug. 19 letter from FEMA to Baldwin County. At this time it is not known whether Baldwin County will accept or appeal FEMA’s decision.
Law firm donates Wii system to rehabilitation camp By DAVID CRAYTON Staff Writer
The greatest gift that can be given again and again is probably love. Of course, a Wii gaming system isn’t too bad, either. The Beasley Allen law firm in Montgomery donated a Wii to Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults, which is near Lake Martin, Aug. 19. ASSCA stands for Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Camp ASSCA has been open for 33 years since 1976. “ASCCA’s goal is to serve those who can derive maximum benefit from the resident camp experience and provide a healthier, happier, longer and more productive life for children and adults of all abilities,” says the camp’s Web site. This donation is a part of a nationwide joint charity
project known as Project Wiihab, which has 40 law firms participating in the project. “The idea was to help people in need,” Taylor said about the donation. The law firms choose either a rehabilitation center or a hospital in their area and then donate a Wii. The project is coordinated by James Cool. The project is supposed to help over 50 rehab centers, children’s hospitals and nursing homes. The project started as an effort by the Injury Board Foundation to help people who need rehabilitation, said Helen Taylor, public relations coordinator for Beasley Allen. The Wii system will be a fun addition to rehab patients’ everyday activities, Taylor said. “The Wii system game are very similar to what they do in rehabilitation and the exercises,” Taylor said.
“The difference is they’re interested in it.” Allison Wetherbee, public relations director of Camp ASCCA, said the ASCCA staff was happy to receive a Wii for the camp. “We were very excited for our campers and everybody who’s going to be visiting camp,” said Wetherbee. “It opens up a new activity for us to be able to do with our campers, and it’s something they will be looking forward to do.” The Wii activities will help campers improve on any personal skills they need to develop, Wetherbee said. “It will be a part of our sports and games activities,” Wetherbee said. “We will have a special game room that will incorporate the Wii.” The game system will be used on a daily basis by the campers, Wetherbee said. She said it helps with their motor skills because the
War ! Eagle
Contributed by Beasley Allen
Chad Halloway was at Camp ASCCA as a camper with an Alabama Head Injury Foundation camp. He took his turn at the Wii to do some bowling.
game is active. However, playing with the Wii won’t be the only thing the campers are doing. “We do lots of activities,” Wetherbee said. “We do horseback riding and
canoeing. We have a splash pad which is a water park area and we have a mini golf course.” Beasley Allen has 42 attorneys and 200 support staff. The firm has donated
over $1 million to charities in the past three years. Beasley Allen is scheduled to donate another Wii to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham today at 10:30 a.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman
Solar power comes to Opelika By KENDRA KELLEY Assistant News Editor
The Auburn University Space Research Institute has been working on developing ways to lower costs associated with using solar power. One of the institute’s projects involved installing solar panels on the roof of Opelika’s T.K. Davis Justice Center during the summer. The SRI’s solar project started collecting funding in the beginning of 2008. “Lee County officials approached us to partner on this project with them, and we wrote a proposal to send to the Alabama Department of Economic Affairs,” said Steve Best, a research engineer at SRI. “Lee County supplied $50,000 and the state supplied $200,000 for this project. Our role was to help with design, modeling, component selection and installation.” Caitie Coats, a junior in chemical engineering, who worked with the SRI doing research about solar cells, said she thinks both students and the environment could benefit from “green” solar power. The SRI’s goal is to raise awareness in Alabama about how solar power is a viable
energy source, Coats said. “Solar power reduces carbon emissions, and it’s a good way to really be proactive in counteracting negative impact we have on the environment,” Coats said. “It’s important because students need to be aware of how they can impact the environment. In Lee County we were able to reach that awareness, as well as throughout the state.” The SRI also monitors how the solar system is performing compared to how computer predictions say it should be performing, Best said. “The goal of the solar project is to verify the correct model for solar cell performance,” said Casey Still, a senior in mechanical engineering, who works with the SRI. The solar panel project was created with the idea of lowering costs in mind. “The solar array system we’re working on was created so that it would be less expensive,” said Director of the Space Research Institute, Henry Branhorst. “This project has sparked a lot of people’s interests and desires to know more about it.” Right now there are three students working on solar power-related projects,
Branhorst said, and more are expected to get involved. The students work on these projects with various University faculty and colleges. A positive benefit is high grade energy (electricity) that doesn’t give off much pollution, Branhorst said. He also said there’s some amount of carbon dioxide, but that it goes away with time and that the solar cell will never wear out. Branhorst said the costs associated with using solar panels are high right now, but that they will decrease in the future. “What’s important is that this is the first solar project sponsored by the Alabama Department of Economic Affairs,” Best said. “Solar power isn’t meant to replace coal plants, or other companies. It’s meant to be an additional resource.”
Best pointed out that finding energy sources is a big issue in the U.S. right now because the population uses so much energy. “Energy is one of the greatest issues right now, because the United States uses 21% of all the world’s energy,” Best said. “We’re energy hogs here in the U.S.” President Obama has instituted a legislation that says more renewable energy sources like wind, electric and biomass must be used, Branhorst said. Auburn University has been involved in biomass. “My goal is to keep expanding on the current solar project, because we’re trying to further the progression of the system at Lee County’s Justice Center,” Coats said. “This project motivates me to help the environment by using solar power even after I graduate.”
Contributed by Steve Best of the Space Research Institute
Auburn University students install solar panels at the T.K. Davis Justice Center in Opelika as part of a Space Research Institute project.
Ala. Advanced Placement testing rises By KENDRA KELLEY Assistant News Editor
The College Board, which administers Advanced Placement tests nationally, said the amount of students taking AP exams in Alabama has risen to 24.5 percent of all high school students. Alabama also leads the nation in increases of students who qualify for college credit with their scores with 21.1 percent of students. Gov. Bob Riley spoke at an event at Clay-Chalkville High School last week and said, “Alabama truly is leading the nation in education reform,” according to Todd Stacey, press secretary for the governor’s office. “If you want to see how far we have come, just look at our success in Advanced Placement. Every time we challenge our students and teachers they end up exceeding our expectations, and setting the pace for the nation. Our young people today
don’t want to just look for jobs. They want to train for careers.” A $13.2 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative was used to create a pilot program called Alabama’s A+ College Ready, which is targeted at improving AP participation and performance in 12 Alabama high schools, Stacey said. “The College Board reported a significant increase in minorities taking the exam and making better scores,” Stacey said. “Many of these changes are taking place in rural cities.” According to the College Board, the A+ College Ready program results show that minority scores have increased by 67 percent and that the majority of scores have increased by 81 percent. “This program has expanded to schools in the Huntsville City and Madison County systems starting this year and plans to expand into 80 Alabama schools total
during the five year grant,” Funds for equipment Stacey said. “More students and technology will also be are taking the AP exam to get provided, according to the college credit and, as a result, College Board. high test scores increase.” “It’s about time that we The Access Distance are more proactive with Learning program Riley education,” Stacey said. proposed three years ago “Anything that we can do to is another encourage r e a s o n students to try harder is there’s been an increase Alabama truly a good thing.” in AP testis leading the nation at S o mthee taking and performance, in education reform.” University Stacey said. say increases Bob Riley, T h i s in collegegovernor program placement started AP tests are a classes in schools that hadn’t good thing for Auburn. been offering them. “It’s wonderful that “We had to give students Alabama is leading the access to achieve more, and nation in AP participation they have succeeded ours and and performance, because the nation’s expectations,” that means that we have Stacey said. attracted top students to Stipends will be used to Auburn University,” said compensate teachers for Angela Waldon, University extra time, and financial Administrative Support incentives will be provided Associate. for academic success among Stacey said these increases students, teachers and show Alabama can compete administrators. with other states.
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INCREASES IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM PARTICIPATION Year Alabama U.S. The number of students taking the 2007 11.4% 24.9% AP exam in Alabama 2008 24.3% 8.6% increased from 20072009. 2009 24.5% 7.5%
NEWS, A5
The Auburn Plainsman
COMMENTARY
A6 Thursday, September 3, 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
Bikes, skateboards, longboards... oh my
With so much focus on campus construction and its effects on on-campus parking, we’re glad to see so many of our fellow students riding their bicycles, skateboards and longboards to campus. This a great thing and has many benefits: it’s better for the environment and encourages physical fitness. We would like to encourage more people to participate in such behaviors, but there are inherent, apparent problems that come along with increased traffic of the bicycle and skateboarding variety. With bicycles, the main problem seems to be that campus already has more bicycles than it has the capacity to deal with. The bicycle racks outside of Haley Center and along the Concourse are almost always full, and Haley Center has more bike racks than any other place on campus. With those racks full, students are forced to chain their bikes to whatever structures are available, as schlepping a bicycle to class is both odd and slightly insane. However, the Campus Bike Committee is already pursuing solutions to this issue, trying to make Auburn a more bike-friendly campus. The committee’s plans include the creation of more bike routes on campus and adding six to 10 spaces for bikes near every major building on campus. The committee also has designs to create large, covered structures to house bicycles, anticipating a growth in bike
traffic on campus. We applaud their efforts to help make our campus a more eco-friendly place. For our skateboarding and longboarding friends, the major concern is not so much parking as it is violating campus policies. While we’ve never seen anyone be punished for it, the current policies do not allow skateboards or rollerblades on campus, so students who choose to travel to campus using such means face incurring a $50 ticket to do so. We can somewhat understand the University’s reluctance to allow skateboarding in its recreational forms, but as a means of conveyance and transportation in a time of rising fuel prices, we think the policy deserves reconsideration. If skateboards and longboards are used responsibly, we see no problem as to why they could not be approved. As a possible sweetener and revenue enhancer, why not charge boarders for the privilege like bike and motorcycle owners? A permit seems to be the logical way to go here. Recreational skateboarders, let’s lobby for a skate park for you to practice your sport and leave the campus for transportation purposes only. If Auburn is willing to make the changes and amendments, we can forsee a future where more students are better able to take advantage of alternative means of transportation, and that can’t be a bad thing.
A new ‘Rape of the Lock’ A Web site that allows you to sell your “virgin” hair to the highest bidders. We hardly know where to begin. While HairTrader.com could be looked at as a triumph of capitalism, we choose to see it as something that, honestly, is thoroughly foolish and absurd and ripe for fodder and satire. How is hair “virginity” determined? Do we have to buy our hair a Promise Barrette to show to the world we’ve made a commitment to hair abstinence? If our hair has been with other hair, has it been devalued, cast out from the rest of the follicle world? Can you plead a case for your hair, pleading with some sort of cosmetological judge you only used your boyfriend’s hair brush that one time because it was a special occasion? It was his birthday! Does a curling iron constitute getting to second base with your hair? Where do hot rollers fall on the scale? We also see signs of discrimination here that should not be allowed. We thought we were finished with the “no colored” era here in Alabama and in the nation at large, but HairTrader.com still shows prejudice. We want to make some sort of pun out of blow drying, but we’re going to maintain a few shreds of dignity here...
for now. There’s just something about this Web site that makes us feel unclean, though. Honestly, it seems like you would be going to some sort of hair pimp to get a john to buy what you are trying to sell. You’re dealing with the Internet marketplace equivalent of A Pimp Named Slickback. If you want to get rid of your unwanted hair, seriously consider donating it to Locks for Love, a great charitable organization that will use your hair to make wigs for cancer patients. That sort of hair transaction makes you feel good because you’ve helped another human being in need. HairTrader.com would make you feel the need to take a shower, clutching your ill-gotten gains in one hand and stroking the remnants of your once-pure locks in the other. We would like to give one constructive suggestion to the folks at HairTrader. com amidst all of our vim and vitriol, since we feel this is matter of grave importance to the hair world. We implore you to not include mullets in the definition of “virginal” hair. As we all know full well, there’s nothing innocent or “virginal” about a mullet. This will never change.
Adam Cooner
Guest Commentary
99 problems on Highway 280 We’ve all been there or heard the horror stories so it’s easier to clear the air from the very beginning – if you’ve ever had to drive down Highway 280 to get to or from Auburn, then you know it’s the most boring drive ever. In addition to it making you want to sock yourself in the face every five minutes in order to stay awake, the speed limit heavily decreases in several rinky-dink towns where there are more cows than people and more people than teeth. From there, you have the issue of whether to speed. I myself tend to be a grandma on the road. Even when I’m going fast it’s too slow for the people around me, and yet I have managed to get speeding tickets on 280. Either way, the cops are ridiculous on that road. Yes, I know, we as law abiding citizens must adhere to the laws of the road, but come on officer, I’m bumping to T.I. right now and I just can’t drive 40 miles through Alex City! I sometimes find myself in questioning the idea that these officers take their job of pulling poor college students over for going 15 miles above the speed limit while the state of Alabama remains the meth capitol of
Martin Morrow the U.S. I just think that as far as priorities go, stopping drugs in Sylacauga should be more important than stopping some pharmacy major from going 55 in a 45. They don’t seem to mind wearing the crystal meth problem as a badge of honor since the tickets of people passing through to get to Auburn seems to bring more money to their cities and towns. Now, from talking to police officers as well as people who have been pulled over, I’ve learned different techniques in avoiding a ticket which I wish I would have implemented when I got my ticket(s). For the ladies, crying only works half the time. Some officers just don’t have tolerance for you speeding on their road no matter how upset you are over it now, so save the tears. For the guys, a good tool is to
say, “I just had a fight with my girlfriend/fiancée/wife.” Hopefully the officer would have been there too and understands, or it’s possible that their pent up anger and reasoning for being a cop is because they never had a woman to hold them. I’ve also been told that if you can make them laugh they’ll let you off. I’ve always wanted an officer to ask if I knew why he was stopping me so I could respond “cause I’m young and I’m black and my hats real low, do I look like a mind reader sir, I don’t know,” but instead of Jay-Z’s awesomeness coming out, it’s replaced with sweating, stuttering and apologies. Also, if you feel getting a ticket is inevitable, you can attempt to do what I heard a brave soul did: Officer: Where are you headed off to so fast? Brave Soul: I’m on my way back to Auburn. I’m in school so I don’t have to get a job like being a cop. I guess the lesson learned from that transaction is, if you’re going to lose, lose as a winner. Martin Morrow is a guest commentary writer for The Plainsman and is a senior in radio, television and film
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 Semester looking up on campus, outside life
A7
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Lindsey Davidson editor@theplainsman.com
New year at Auburn, and I must say I am pleased with how this year is looking. This weekend is the first football game, and I am getting my new apartment ready for cooking out and a couple of brewskies before the game with all my close friends. I am going to say with Lousiana Tech, there is a W in the sack. Well, hopefully. There is at least a nice lineup of games starting Thursday for all the football fans. Auburn tailgating with the alumni and out-of-towners starts this weekend as well. 5 o’clock Wednesday and the RVs are rolling into town. Nothing beats Auburn tradi-
tions with the ‘Auburn family.’ There is something about the adrenaline rush I get when Spirit circles over the student section with the entire stadium cheering for one purpose. Against tradition, there are some changes that I’m not too sure about. I’m still iffy on the Tailgating Guys, but we will see how that plays out. But SGA has managed to snag some tents exclusively for groups of students on campus. Check that out. Applications are due Friday. With this year starting off nicely, I would like to say props to SGA for some positive acts for the semester thus far. I am a fan of the new Toomer’s Ten. I fully support it. Their numbers are showing positive feedback from student riders. I’m interested to see what else Mr. Watkins has in store for us as the semester continues. Dr. Carry has impressed me thus far as well, and I know we can expect notable actions from him.
Sometimes we just need a change and a step up from stagnant leadership. And Dr. Carry has already gone above and beyond my expectations with getting the student leaders to converse and listening to what we have to say. Communication seems to be the underlying theme for my year. My staff has been chanting the God awful cliché “Communication is the key to success.” It has been mainly for my entertainment, but there is some reason behind it as well. Talking about the success of the whole first two weeks wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the new staff and the progress of the paper so far. Working by the dim lights of the computer screen and the security light after midnight in the office has been the highlight of my time. And I say that genuinely. I look forward to what we can do for you. On that note: let me know if there is something you want to see changed or covered.
I’m looking forward to some entertainment this semester. Daniel Tosh coming to campus is something to be excited about. If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching his ‘Soup’-esque show, I highly suggest going to see him while he’s here. When I get to explore life outside of these walls, I will be attending several concerts in the Atlanta and Birmingham areas. I’m actually pleased with the lineup of bands coming through this fall and winter. Even though I have to spend my Halloween holiday in Austin, I think I’ll be able to look over that bump in the road. So, life on campus seems to be looking up for now. Auburn does have its ways of hiding its true colors at times, but for now, things seem to be meshing the way they should be. So I’m going to try to go to class, unlikely, and enjoy my last year at Auburn. After all, it is senior year. Lindsey Davidson is the editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9021.
“This is truly audiology commando style.” -Martha Miller, an Auburn alumna of the Department of Communication Disorders, speaking about the department’s recent trip to distribute hearing aides to underprivileged children in Guatemala.
Last week’s question: “What is your favorite new feature at www. theplainsman.com?” >Videos: 37 percent > Slideshows: 16 percent > Flipbook: 47 percent
This week’s question: “Should the campus ban on skateboards be overturned?” >Yes > No Go to www.theplainsman.com to vote.
A fear a day keeps the logic away
Andrew sims online@theplainsman.com
I think this time it’s noteworthy to talk about the most powerful force on this planet. One that from the beginning of recorded history, I think, we have seen the powers of fear. Fear of new religions, fear of old religions, fear of new people and new ideas, essentially what it narrows down to is a fear of change. We as a species have reacted the same. We work to snuff out, often to the extreme, that which makes us question the legitimacy of what we have accepted and are comfortable with as concrete. I’m talking about the Crusades, the Inquisition and even the Holocaust. All of these moments in history have to do with the isolation and slaughter of people who think differently than another group of people. Edmund Burke wrote some 20 years before the Revolutionary War, “No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers and acting and reasoning as fear.” Recently it’s this health insurance debate that has made the crazies scurry out of the woodwork. Claims of socialism, death committees and illegal immigrants getting free health care are what these “roadblocks to progress” are saying. I am not saying it is a fantastic idea; personally, I am still educating myself on the facts, comparing them to other countries who run this system. I’m not basing my judgments on the propaganda the very same people who will profit from a private system are feeding me. Let me get back on track. It is fear that these “town hall” meeting hecklers are spreading. There are thoughts that some of them are even profession-
als being paid to go from meeting to meeting discouraging discussion and yelling claims of “death panels” and “communism.” Because we are scared, we are foregoing our brilliant gift of reason. At what price is this self-induced handicap coming? Not only are we hurting ourselves in the physical sense, since we are talking about health insurance, but are we also prohibiting ourselves as a society from evolving? Time changes, it’s just what happens. I hear people all the time saying how, “Oh if we would just learn from history, we could avoid all of this.” All of what? Fixing a broken system? I am sorry, but there is nothing conservative about ignorance and a refusal to move. Oh wait, that is exactly what that word means. Liberal is not a political party, but a mindset that we all should adopt that allows us to remain open minded to anything. The only way we can be more confident in our own beliefs is to know everything about the other side of the argument. If you are scared and running away from it, you have already lost the debate and are useless to your cause. One of the things that made Hitler so successful at what he did was he controlled peoples’ minds by playing to their individual fears: money, immigrants and religion. These German people, many of them good people, were tricked into following this man because, I’m going to say it, their mind set was conservative, unwilling to accept change because they were afraid of the instability of questioning themselves and their leaders. Tell me I’m wrong. The result of their fear was the genocide of 6 million European Jews. Will it come to that here? So, to wrap it up, keep your mind to yourself. It’s all we really have anymore. Andrew Sims is the online editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 844-9109.
Adam Cooner
Discovering the ‘Auburn family’ Nick Van Der Linden multimedia@theplainsman.com
It is days like last Thursday that make me proud to be an Auburn Tiger. I was watching the Braves– Padres game and was about to turn it off when I heard one of the announcers start to talk about SEC football. He mentioned that the SEC should once again have a great football year and that there will be a lot of excitement surrounding the conference. He then continued to say he had never been to an SEC football game and that he should probably go to see the Gators, LSU, Georgia or possibly even Ole Miss. After a short silence the other announcer said, “One word for you: Auburn!” He went on to mention that Auburn football is unlike any other SEC football Saturday.
The people are friendly and you immediately feel at home, he said. Everyone respects the team and the work they do and, although winning is important, everyone has a good time either way. This was evident when even though Auburn went 5-7, we still sold out every game. Since a lot of fans already show up on Wednesdays for the game, I realized how much time people will spend in Auburn because they arrive on Wednesday, leave on Sunday and are back the next Wednesday. It is amazing that everywhere I go in the United States, when I tell people I go to Auburn, they always say how great of a school it is, how friendly the people are or how pretty the campus is, which could not be more true. There are times when I decide to walk home instead of take the bus because I never get enough of seeing the campus, hoping I have the chance to pass by Samford Hall and hear the fight song play at noon. I absolutely love seeing people just throw a frisbee
around, or seeing people just lay out on the grass enjoying a beautiful day. On days like those, you realize the love that people have for this team and this school is absolutely amazing. I am originally from the Netherlands and there is no place even close to an Auburn. People there are nowhere near as friendly and the atmosphere is more gloomy because the country is so densely populated. Most students in the Netherlands will continue to live at home during their college studies and the freedom is limited. If you want to get involved in something, it’s simple: get a job. There are no 87,000seat stadiums or student unions or even dorm rooms. So moving to the United States was a culture shock to say the least. Once in the U.S. I lived in Polk County, Fla., where I went to high school. For those of you who do not know Polk County, it is a county where you either achieve great heights or you don’t achieve much; there are few people in between.
Living in that environment opened my eyes and made me realize I had to work in order to get ahead in life. Being able to study here is a blessing, knowing that I enjoy things here I can’t anywhere else. Auburn is more than just a school; it’s more than just a town; it’s a family, and anyone who is here for more than just a few minutes will quickly realize this. Walking around on campus makes anyone feel great and happy to be here. The campus is beautiful, the people are great and so is the education. Many people underestimate how lucky they are to be at Auburn. I try to make a couple of road trips every year to other schools to see what other schools would have to offer, and every time the answer is simple. I get better friends, a better environment, better sports and a better education by going to Auburn.
Nick Van Der Linden is the assistant sports editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 844-9109.
The Auburn Plainsman
News, A8
Auburn City Council Meeting Summary Tuesday, Sept. 1 Alcoholic beverage licenses have been approved for the following establishments: - Ping Du Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine - Lounge Retail Liquor - Tiger Package on South College Street - Tiger Package on East Glenn Avenue - Tiger Lounge - The Lexington The following street closings have been approved for the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Thursday, Oct. 29: - College Street from Thach Avenue to Glenn Avenue - Magnolia Avenue from Wright Street to Gay Street Oak Park Nursing Home will receive $25,000 for improvement and expansion including: - Pavilion with a kitchen facility - Emergency telephone connections Approval for Auburn City Schools lease agreement for property at Duck Samford Park. Amendments made to the 2009-2010 Mid-Biennium Budget have been approved.
The next Auburn City Council meeting will be held Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Center on Ross Street. By Samuel Solomon
The Auburn Plainsman NEWS STAFF
ELLISON LANGFORD Editor
SAMUEL SOLOMON Associate Editor
KENDRA KELLEY Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9109.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman
CAMPUS
Campus Calendar Classifieds
B
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hide and seek a cache on campus By JORDAN DAILEY
One Geocache participant is Josh Dutcher. He is Assistant Campus Editor a senior at Huntsville High Geocaching turns random School who plans to come to items in tupperware contain- Auburn next fall and major ers into hidden treasure. in engineering. Using clues, participants “I usually go with a group search outdoor areas for of six or more people,” caches. These caches are Dutcher said. normally small containers The future Auburn student filled with an reported assortment of finding clues objects. in unexpectWe were This aced places, tivity is in- Geocaching ... and such as the expensive back of stop this guy chased us and doesn’t signs, Sonic, require so- while he was driving Chick-fil-A, p h i s t i c a t e d in reverse.” Target and equipment, beneath a Josh Dutcher, according to park bridge an incoming freshman the Geocachin St. Louis, ing site. Miss. All participants need are “We were Geocaching in a sturdy pair of shoes and a the middle of nowhere in GPS device. Huntsville and unknowingly There aren’t any hard and trespassed on someone’s fast rules for Geocaching. To property,” Dutcher said. find a Geocache, log on to “We were driving forward www.geocaching.com, cre- on a curvy road, and this guy ate a free membership, click chased us while he was driv“Hide & Seek a Cache,” enter ing in reverse. Needless to the area code you want to say, we never found that one.” search in and choose from Though not a familiar a list of caches in the sur- name to some Auburn sturounding region. dents, Geocaching has made Using the GPS, partici- its mark. pants then enter the coordiCaches are located in 100 nates given on the Web site sites worldwide and are on and begin the search. every continent, including Once someone has found Antarctica. the cache, they must sign As of Aug. 25, there are the logbook and return the more than 882,600 active cache to its original location caches. so someone else may find it. Geocaching advocates beGeocaching asks only a ing environmentally friendly few things of its participants: with its “Cache In Trash Out” to leave something of equal program. or greater value if you take This large weekend prosomething from the cache, to gram involves cleaning up write about your experience parks and other outdoor arin the logbook and to post eas. stories and photos of your It’s 7th Cache In Trash Out adventure online. event will be held on May 2
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Blakeley Sisk/ ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Courtney Brdlik (left) and Leigh Veillette (right/above) look in the bushes on Samford Lawn and at their Geocache iPhone application to find cache on Auburn’s campus as part of the Tiger Trails series.
and 3 this year. Punching in 36849, the zip code for Auburn’s campus, 180 results were displayed. Names of caches range from predictable, “Auburn Hall Cache,” to ones with which students may identify, “Parking Nazis Attack!” One cache on Auburn’s campus is called “Old Soldiers Never Die.” The first clue leads to Pine Hill cemetery on Armstrong Street, and then to a section dedicated to Civil War veterans: “This tour starts with a Confederate captain who bears the same name as the street upon which you entered. He served as the commander of Company F in an Alabama infantry regiment that fought at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862.” This particular cache gives detailed instructions and is much longer in description than other caches, some of which give sparse clues. Another cache in Auburn is called “Rotary ground.” Its only clue is the haltingly read, “Small camo container bring your own pen. Enjoy being a kid again no one is looking.” An additional hint must be decoded with a decryption key. The activity has a limited following; Geocaching is a bit of an undercover favorite. However, the movie Splinterheads, scheduled for theater release this November, spotlights Geocaching. With increasing publicity, positive reviews from site members and participants who continue to tell their friends about their adventures, Geocaching may become a popular activity among Auburn students.
Museum art club piques kids’ interest in activities By BRIAN DESARRO Staff Writer
Forget Van Gogh. Pass on Picasso. The next generation of great artists is right here in Auburn. Kids have been gathering to learn new techniques and activities at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts Saturday Art Club program. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this summer, the JCS Museum hosted community kids for a morning of free art projects that ranged from mosaics to metalwork. Children of all ages are invited to join with consent of a parent or guardian. “The Saturday Art Club is a K-12 program that’s like an open studio for kids in the community,” said Andrew Henley, education curator for K-12 at the museum. “We supply the materials and give them an idea. It is usually either focused on a technique or concept.” One of the goals of the program, Henley said, is to provide developmentally appropriate material for the younger kids as well as cool stuff for the older kids. When choosing what projects to do, Henley said
he likes to choose things that work well with whatever collections the museum has on display. “I like the flexibility of being able to change it if I have something that comes up that’s really cool,” Henley said. Jackie Weaver, JCS Museum docent, said her favorite project the kids did over the summer was based off of the Dale Kennington screens, which will be on display until Sept. 26. The folding screens are six panels each, with a different scene on each side and a poem locked in a cabinet describing the theme of the screen. “They had four-panel screens rather than sixpanel screens, and the kids really enjoyed being able to see the exhibit and then create their own,” Weaver said. Carrie Smith, a senior in art, has been volunteering with the Saturday Art Club since the beginning of summer. She started after a friend asked her to volunteer with him, but then “they kept asking me back until it became just a regular thing.” Smith said one of the most popular projects from
the summer was when the kids learned paper marbling using shaving cream. The funding for the Saturday Art Club comes from a generous grant from the city of Auburn to the museum specifically for programs like this. “Many, many thank-yous for making this possible,” Henley said. Henley was also happy that he has seen many University professors attending with their kids. He wants both professors and students to know that the museum is holding these free events for kids and to encourage them to come check it out. Attendance throughout the summer has varied, but every Saturday the museum has seen anywhere from 10 to 100 kids from all over the Auburn community. However, with the start of school, plans are to cut back to just holding the club every third Saturday. The next club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12. The project has yet to be determined. If interested, contact Andrew Henley at andrew. henley@auburn.edu or go to the JCS Museum Web site www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
CONTRIBUTED
Children make mosaics using cement and marbles at the JCS Musuem Art Club on Saturday.
Printed on Recycled Paper
The Auburn Plainsman
CAMPUS, B2
Thursday, September 3, 2009
CONTRIBUTED
The Society of Women Engineers officers and members, old and new alike, wore dresses and heels to the SWE and the City-themed interest meeting on Thursday Aug. 27, in 1124 Shelby Center.
SWE successfully engineering in Manolos By BRITTANY COSBY Campus Editor
The Society of Women Engineers came dressed in their finest cocktail attire and fabulous kitten heels for their first interest meeting on Aug. 27 in 1124 Shelby Center titled “SWE and the City: Successfully Engineering in Manolos.” SWE is an organization to support the women in engineering on campus and help them be successful in their classes. Engineering is hard work and it helps to have other students to relate to and provide a support group. “There is so much diversity within engineering,” said Katie Lushington, the publicity chair. “We all have our own style throughout the many facets of engineering.” SWE has played a role in breaking the stigmas and stereotypes many people associate with women in engineering. “The stereotype for us is that we are all masculine,” said Ellen Clark, the president. “Most girls think you
have to dress tomboyish to network and find future cafit in with the males and this reers and employers. is not the case. We want to “The Society Level Conshow that being in engineer- ference is one of the cooling can be fun and girly. We est things we do,” Clark said. love dresses and makeup too.” “This year it takes place in SWE meets once a month October in Long Beach, Calif. and meetings host new There are several workshops speakers and more exciting to attend and a career fair. We themes for get to meet the girls to people from delve into. programs all A Hallowover the naMost girls een social tion.” think you have with all the SWE is engineering to dress tomboyish providing c ommitt e e s to fit in with the even more is the next big ways for the event the girls males and this is not new girls to are working the case.” get plugged on. in this year “We want Ellen Clark, by dividing the girls to sevSWE President into come out eral smaller once a month, committees but it is not an obligation,” including the publicity comLushington said. “The course- mittee, service committee, work is hard and many of us philanthropy committee and are involved in other clubs. membership committee. We try to provide an opportu“We are starting to collect nity for fun meetings without old exam files to help the new loading the girls down.” girls study for engineering SWE also provides the So- courses,” said Kristin Haney, ciety Level Concerence as membership chair. “We will a means for its members to have office hours on Wednes-
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days for any girls who would like additional help.” Clark added that there is a point system for getting involved, but no demerits. SWE practices positive reinforcement techniques for the girls. The more points the more chances the girls get to receive funding for the conference or an SWE cord at graduation. One returning SWE member is happy with the new additions to her organization. “We had a bigger turn out than last year,” said Gaelle Rose Belinge, a graduate student in software engineering. “We used to meet in the auditorium which was darker and made it harder to pay attention. We are so grateful for the people that donated the new Shelby building and those that built it. The nicer offices and classrooms make a wonderful addition to our SWE organization and its members.” For more information, check out the SWE table at O-Days on the concourse or check out the site at http:// www.auburn.edu/swe/.
Audiology doctoral students take hearing aids to Guatamela Campus Events: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
By JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Campus Editor
In August, six audiology doctoral students were sent to Guatemala to fit children with hearing aids. They went in conjunction with Sandra Clark-Lewis, clinical professor of audiology in the Department of Communication Disorders, who was awarded $14,749 from Auburn University for her previous efforts with children needing hearing aids. Her project, which won the award, was called “Auburn Audiology Outreach in Guatemala” and provided auditory screening to 500 children at three inner-city schools in Guatemala. The College of Liberal Arts provided an additional $3,800 to fund the August trip. Martha Miller, Department of Communication Disorders alumna, accompanied the group to Guatemala, bringing with her 40 digital hearing aids. “This is phenomenal, humbling experience,” Miller said. On the first day of the group’s project, they tested 92 children for hearing loss and equipped three with hearing aids. Testing in Guatemala takes adaptation. “The school had put up two portable sound buffering walls which helped with the noise,” Miler said.
Free Water Aerobics Workshop hosted for Students Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Location: Aquatics Center
AU Rhythm Tryouts for Students Time: 6 - 7 p.m. Location: Student Center Ballroom
CONTRIBUTED
The children of Guatemala made signs to welcome the Auburn students and professors who provided auditory screenings for 500 children.
During the third day of audiology testing, the struggles of working in Guatemala became evident to Miller. “This is truly audiology, commando style,” Miller said. “Where is my sound proof booth? Maybe a simple speech threshold? I have learned they are entirely unnecessary to fitting a hearing aid. Learning to improvise without the use of sophisticated technology was a portion of the group’s experience in Guatemala.” The group received a visit from an Auburn alumna while in Gua-
temala. Georgiana Mariscal was the first audiologist in the country. In a letter to Patricia Azu, who facilitated the partnership with Guatemala schools, Jay Gouge, Auburn University president, expressed his esteem for the program. “It is my hope our audiology students will graduate with a greater appreciation of their place in the global community and will dedicate themselves to the sort of selfless service that your life has so clearly expressed,” Gouge said.
Comedy Show with Daniel Tosh Time: 7:30 - 9 p.m. Location: Student Activities Center
The Auburn Plainsman CAMPUS STAFF
BRITTANY COSBY Editor
BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Editor
JORDAN DAILEY Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9109.
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Rivalry Roadtrips coordinates package deal for away games By BLAKE HAMILTON Associate Campus Editor
Another season of Auburn Football is upon us, bringing with it plenty of opportunities to visit conference rivals on their home turf. A weekend following the Tigers out of state can prove costly, both financially and in terms of planning. However, companies exist to lighten that load. One such company is Rivalry Roadtrips, an organization that handles accommodations such as transportation, food and lodging for select road games through the schedules of 16 division-one football programs. Rivalry Roadtrips, LLC formed with one goal in mind– to help college students follow their beloved sports teams to the biggest road games, said the Rivalry Roadtrips Web site. “It is our mission to arrange and offer hassle-free trips that are easy on the wallet, but bring a first-class ex-
perience,” the company own- Wyndham Hotel Group and Jimmy John’s to create packers said. The company’s ambition ages for fans wishing to atseems to be to satisfy its cus- tend away football games. Originally encompassing tomers in every way. the Big Ten conference only, “By partnering with luxury the institution has spread to charter bus companies, hocater to tel groups, the Big 12 bars and and the restauAll you have to do SEC, sperants, we cifically are able to is sign up and we do the Alabama, make the rest of the work for you. ” Arkansas, most of your monKelly Camuso, A u b u r n , ey all while junior in public relations F l o r i d a , Georgia bringing and Tenyou a trip nessee. that you won’t forget,” said “Rivalry Roadtrips is a the Rivalry Roadtrips Web great way for anyone, whethsite. er they are alumni, an auburn The program has its roots student or a fan, to enjoy at the University of Iowa an aff ordable, hassle-free where, in 2001, a group of students organized a trip to see trip while cheering on the the Hawkeyes play the Wis- Auburn Tigers,” said Kellie consin Badgers. Camuso, a junior in public They took their experience relations, who serves as an and created the Rivalry Road- Auburn representative for trips, working with compa- Rivalry Roadtrips. “We also nies such as Windstar Lines have great discounts for large charter buses, the InterCon- groups. All you have to do is tinental Hotels Group, the sign up and we do the rest of
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the work for you.” Available Auburn trips this season include the Tennessee, LSU and Georgia football games. The Web page for each trip contains a short description of the state of the rival’s football program, a summary of the city’s restaurants and nightlife, as well as a list of what is specifically included in the trip. Registration is online, with the fee due at that time. Early bird specials are available the earlier one registers, and discounts come with large group orders. “Personally I don’t like going on organized tours,” said Niki Juhasz, a freshman in public relations. “I like to walk around and discover a place for myself. I can see how it could be convenient for some people though, because some people aren’t good with directions. If someone were trying to go to all the games in a particular season I can see how this would be a good program to latch on to.”
Tennessee
LSU
Georgia
Game day: Oct. 3 Sign up cut-off: Sept. 17 Depart: Oct. 2 Return: Oct. 4 Early pricing: $239
Game day: Oct. 24 Sign up cut-off: Oct. 1 Depart: Oct. 23 Return: Oct. 25 Early pricing: $259
Game day: Nov. 14 Sign up cut-off: Oct. 13 Depart: Nov. 13 Return: Nov. 15 Early pricing: $229
•Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation •In-transit lunch from Jimmy John’s •Two-night hotel accommodation •Restaurants, bar discounts and special access
•Rivalry Roadtrips T-shirt •Daily complimentary breakfast •Transportation to all weekend activities •In-transit program highlight video
Campus, B3
CHECK OUT OUR PHOTOS ON FLICKR
The Auburn Plainsman
Campus, B4
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wristbands spread school spirit, contribute to scholarships, charities By BLAKE HAMILTON
verines and the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs against one another in sales of wristbands. “Bands 4 life is focused on supThe Auburn/Alabama rivalry has porting 4 (hence the “4” in our name) meant many things to many people types of charities: helping children, over the years, from bar fights to fighting cancer, helping animals massive advertising campaigns to and helping veterans,” said the offimulticolored Jell-O in elementary cial Web site. “Standings are updatschool cafeterias across the South- ed weekly on Sunday. Whichever east. team is winning each matchup will However, the have the schools’ bickerleader ing may soon arrow lead to more pointed Bands 4 life is focused on worthy causes towards than bragging supporting 4 (hence the ‘4’ in our their rights, nameside of ly money for name) types of charities: helping the page s c h o l a r s h i p children, fighting cancer, helping for the funds and sevweek, animals and helping veterans.” eral charities. while Bands4life. their reBands4life.org, spective com is an orofficial Web site f i g h t ganization dedicated to s o n g serving chariwill play ties through the sale of pro- on the page. Tired of hearing the motional wristbands. other team’s fight song? Support The percentage of donation de- yours!” pends upon the cause that the The winner of each rivalry rebands endorse. ceives $1 for each band sold that Over the coming months, the supports that school, while the lossite will sponsor its “Rivalry Kick- er receives 50 cents per band sold in off Challenge,” which pits the Tigers its color. and Tide, the Texas Longhorns and What’s more, the rivalry that sells the Oklahoma Sooners, the Ohio the most bands will double its earnState Buckeyes and Michigan Wol- ings when the contest ends on Dec. Associate Campus Editor
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30. Winners will be announced on Jan. 1, 2010. “This is a great cause, both for Auburn to endorse and the Web site to create,” said Ashley Keiffer, a sophomore in elementary education. “If the students get behind it and spread the word we can raise some serious money for the charities and for underprivileged students who need help with scholarships.” Bracelets are bought in packages of two, each costing $6 and each in one of two of the school’s colors. Each wristband has a slogan corresponding to its school, such as “War Eagle,” “Chomp Chomp” and “Boomer Sooner” on one band, with “bands4life.org” on the other.” Meredith Bennett, a sophomore in communication disorders, believes using Bands 4 Life is always a mutually beneficial situation. “When people order these bracelets their team colors are on them, and that spreads spirit and support for their teams,” Bennett said. “[The bracelets] also have the Bands 4 Life name on them, which means something more. Where some people could use a cheap Web site to make rubber bracelets for around 50 cents, this helps so many people. It helps the school, it helps the team and it helps the charities.” For more information, or to order a team package, visit bands4life.org.
CONTRIBUTED BY BANDS4LIFE.ORG
The Bands 4 Life wristbands are orange and blue and say “War Eagle” (orange) and bands4life.org (blue). Packages containing the two can be purchased for $6 on the official Web site. The site’s banner represents the four categories of charitable organizations supported by Bands 4 life: animals, underprivileged children, cancer research and veteran support.
Workshop teaches healthy alternatives to Hot Pockets By DANIEL CHESSER
The idea stemmed from a previous workshop instructed by Duncan held in February that taught The University Program Council students how to prepare aphrohosted a vegetable cooking work- disiac foods that increase sexual shop in 238 Spidle Hall on Thurs- desire. day, Aug. 27 that was taught by a At the most recent workshop, professionhowe ver, al chef from penne pasta the Auburn with mariI look at this as an op- nara sauce area. The obthe portunity to share my pas- was jective of main dish sion for cooking with college with a side the workshop was to students who are interested of roasted provide the vegetables in saving a little money knowledge and a fontina by learning to prepare meals spinach salof cooking healthy in their apartments... instead ad with avom e a l s cado, d’anjou of paying high prices of din- pears and a with vegetables in lime-cilantro ing out in this economy.” the kitchen dressing. Carol Duncan, Spring rolls at home owner of Savory Solutions with hoisininstead of relying on peanut diprestaurants ping sauce or fast-food joints. for appetizers and Southern peach The class gave students the cobbler were prepared for dessert. chance to interact with food and Student were asked to bring other students. aprons, wear closed-toed shoes Each student was taught to pre- and pull back any long hair. pare all the items being provided. The students then were put into When the meal was complete it a rotation of groups that interwas eaten as dinner for the work- changed stations throughout the shop’s participants. workshop. “I look at this as an opportunity At each station students learned to share my passion for cooking how to prepare a different item of with college students who are in- the meal being taught. terested in saving a little money by The penne pasta was mixed and learning to prepare meals in their baked in an oven. The vegetables apartments or homes instead of were washed, chopped, smothered paying high prices of dining out in in olive oil and roasted in an oven. this economy,” said Carol Duncan, The spinach salad was tossed with chef and owner of Savory Solu- avocados and pears followed by a tions, a personal chef service. drenching of lime-cilantro dressStaff Writer
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ing. The spring rolls were pre-cut. “I am taking a cooking workshop for the second time because I love to impress women with my skills in the kitchen,” said John D’Angelo, a senior in criminology. This workshop was available for free to the first 25 Auburn University students with a valid student identification. The sign-up sheet was posted in the Auburn University Student Center in Room 3149 inside Suite 3130. The workshop was one of many offered by the UPC throughout the school year that gives students the opportunity to learn new skills. “This type of workshop has been a success in the past and is a cool way of learning techniques for cooking meals with vegetables,” said Stephanie Cox, a junior in marine biology. Duncan is the owner of Savory Solutions located in Auburn and is an Auburn native. She offers a home catering-themed culinary class and in-home multiple meal preparation. Her personal chef services range anywhere from $275 to more than $400. She offers private classes that start at $100 per day plus cost of groceries. Classes are also provided at Williams-Sonoma at East Chase in Montgomery. Duncan plans on teaching many more workshops including a holiday cooking workshop on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. For more information on upcoming workshops call 334-844-4788. Duncan can be reached at www.savorysolution.net or 334-444-2636.
PENNE PASTA WITH MARINARA, ROASTED VEGETABLES AND FONTINA (Serves Six)
INGREDIENTS: • 2 large red peppers, 1-inch pieces • 2 large zucchini, 1-inch cubes • 2 large yellow squash, 1-inch cubes • 4 large cremini mushrooms, halved • 1 large onion, peeled, halved, 1-inch strips • 1/4 cup olive oil • salt and pepper • 1 pound penne pasta • 3 cups marinara sauce • 1 cup fontina cheese, grated • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated for topping • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit • On baking sheet, toss peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms and onions with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over a high heat. Add pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Because pasta will be cooked in the oven as well, make sure the inside is still hard. • Drain in a colander. • In a large bowl, toss drained pasta with roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, cheeses, 1/2 teaSPINACH SALAD WITH AVOCADO, D’ANJOU PEARS, LIMEspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a CILANTRO DRESSING wooden spoon, gently mix until all ingredients (SERVES FOUR) are combined. INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS: • Pour pasta into a greased 9x13-inch pan. Top • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • Mix dressing ingredients (vegetable oil with remaining 1/3 cup of parmesan and but• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar, seasoned and cayenne). ter pieces. Bake until top is golden and cheese • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh • Chill in fridge until ready to toss. melts, about 25 minutes. • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • Mix vinegar, lime juice, garlic powder, • • • • • •
1 pinch cayenne pepper 6 ounces baby spinach, washed 1 large pear, cubed 1 large avocado, cubed 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese
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baby spinach, pear, avocado, onion and Gorgonzola in bowl and toss to mix. At time of serving, toss dressing with salad ingredients and serve chilled.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS • Heat in microwave at 70 percent till warm throughout
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman
Campus, B5
CAMPUS CALENDAR Campus calendar is provided to University-chartered organizations. Submit written events to The Plainsman office between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., no later than the Monday before 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: 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, Sept. 3 Art Exhibit in Biggin Hall Water: Three States (Phase I) Exhibition in Biggin Gallery from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. UPC Hosts Water Aerobics
Workshop 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Aquatics Center UPC Presents Daniel Tosh 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Student Activities Center AU Rhythm Tryouts 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom Friday, Sept. 4
Fisheries Seminar Guest Speaker: Chris Barnhart of Missouri State University. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Swingle Hall, Room 303 Football, Fans & Feathers Educational Birds-in-Flight Program, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Southeastern Raptor Center, Shug Jordan Parkway Soccer vs. Kennesaw State 7 p.m. at the Soccer Complex
Saturday, Sept. 5 Football vs. Louisiana Tech 6 p.m., Jordan-Hare Stadium
(Phase I) Exhibition in Biggin Gallery from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 7 Art Exhibit in Biggin Hall Water: Three States (Phase I) Exhibition in Biggin Gallery from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
UPC Indoor Movie: Adventureland 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Free food to first 150 Students Volleyball vs. Jacksonville State 7 p.m. in the Student Activities Center
Tuesday, Sept. 8 Art Exhibit in Biggin Hall Water: Three States
CLASSIFIEDS 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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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. .................................................... 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. .................................................... 4-Bedroom, 2 -bath luxury apartment condo at Auburn Crossings Apartments. Located close to the Auburn University campus on the Tiger Transit bus route. Has washer, dryer, refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, Non-smokers only. $ 350/ mo per room. Contact owner (571)221-0784, email: auburncondo228@yahoo.com .................................................... FEMALE Roommate Wanted @ Lake Wood Commons Apt. If interested please contact Pamela Banks: 251-422-9292
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Campus, B6
The Auburn Plainsman
Agronomy students debate By MARY-GLENN SMITH
epidemic sweeping the nation. Weaver argues against this account by stating that obeChrissy Weaver, a senior in sity should not be blamed agronomy and soils, won first on the agriculture industry place at the 2009 Agronomy or its products, but cultural Club Speech Contest. overindulgence. She points Weaver was one of four out overindulgence can be competitors in the contest, seen in areas other than food held in Funchess Hall on Tuesday night. The winner consumption such as the purchase was choof houses, sen by a panel of cars and four judgclothing. He was skewing es. T h e In her facts and using emotional rules for s p e e c h , arguments instead the con“The Oth- of straight facts.” test reer Side: quired that all A RebutChrissy Weaver, speeches tal to winner of speech contest be bethe Time tween fi ve Magazine and seven Article ‘Getting Real About the High minutes long. A penalty was Price of Cheap Food,’” Weaver given to the speech contesfired back at journalist Bryan tants if they did not meet Walsh’s article criticizing the established time requireAmerican agriculture and the ments. method used for food proContestants were given duction in the U.S. a list of nearly 100 topics to “He was skewing facts and choose from that had been using emotional arguments used in previous national instead of straight facts,” agronomy speech competiWeaver said. “Some of the in- tions. Contestants could also formation in the article was choose an original topic. incorrect or exaggerated. I “I found something I was told the agriculture side of interested in and ran with it,” the facts that he didn’t in- Weaver said about her choice clude.” of topic for her speech. “As I Weaver pulled statements was doing the research for she disagreed with from my speech, it helped me learn Walsh’s article and provided a lot more about my industry evidence to uphold her view and not just the agronomy from studies in the field of ag- side. This article that I was riculture. critiquing had a lot of animal Weaver discussed Walsh’s stuff in it that I did not know statements that direct read- that much about.” ers to believe that the low On Nov. 1, Weaver will cost and high availability of travel to Pittsburgh, Penn., to food has lead to the obesity represent Auburn University Staff Writer
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in the 49th National Student Speech Contest at the 2009 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting. “It was a great experience to compete in this contest,” Weaver said. “I am looking forward to going to Pittsburgh and representing Auburn at a national level.” Kim Pope, a senior in agronomy and soils, also competed in the speaking contest. “The convention is a good place for students to go and network with agronomy professionals,” Pope said. “It’s not just a student conference.” Brandon Smith, a senior in agronomy and soils and animal science, finished second in the contest. Smith spoke about using better management practices in fertilizer application to reduce the accumulation of phosphorus in the soil when applying manure as fertilizer in his speech, “Growing Feed that Reduces Manure Nutrient Levels.” “The use of tall fescue, sudan grass, alfalfa, rye grass, warm and cool season combinations were all shown to take off more phosphorus and potassium than what would accumulate normally in a regular crop system,” Smith said. “These forage crops have a high need for the nutrients.” Patrick Schultz, a freshman in agronomy and soils, finished third in the competition. “The club is an organization that promotes students in agronomy,” club PresidentWeaver said. “It is open to everyone.”
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Photo of the Week
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
The Alabama Motel in Bessemer. Shooting specifics: Nikon D80, F 3.5, 1/250, 18mm.
If you would like to submit your photos for the photo of the week, e-mail them to
photo@theplainsman.com. If you have an event you want us to cover, either in the paper or online, contact the multimedia team at multimedia@theplainsman.com or call 334-844-9109.
The Auburn Plainsman
Recipe Jane Random Arts & Entertainment
INTRIGUE
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009
Local historic house added to ’09 peril list By EMILY BECKETT Staff Writer
Ashlea Draa/ ASSITANT PHOTO EDITOR
Alumni often refer to it as “the loveliest village on The Plains,” but would Auburn retain its status as “lovely” if its historic landmarks disappeared? Auburn was in danger of losing a part of its heritage until the Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House was nominated for the 2009 Alabama Historical Commission’s “Places in Peril” list. Nestled among aging trees near the heart of downtown, the Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House embodies tradition and architectural distinction. Melanie Betz of the Alabama Historic Commission said the house is one of the few surviving Greek Revival-style structures in Auburn and the
The Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House has been put on the Top 10 Places in Peril list in Alabama. The house needs to be renovated and efforts to preserve this house extend beyond Auburn.
> Turn to PERIL, C2
Piccolo jazz lounge premiers By HELEN NORTHCUTT Intrigue Editor
Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Turf Manager Eric Kleypas paints the lines on the field before afternoon practice.
Crew spends hours, paints football field By AUBRIE DAVIS Staff Writer
If it wasn’t for Eric Kleypas and his crew, Auburn Football wouldn’t exist. These men make it possible for the football team to practice, play games and for fans to enjoy the games. Countless hours of hard work go into keeping up the fields and these men do not get the credit they deserve. Field maintenance is an everyday job that takes a special patience. Kleypas, manager of turf and grounds, said during football season his crew works a 50- to 70-hour week. It takes him, six full-time employees and five to six students to keep the fields in good shape for the team and fans. Kleypas said he is used to all the work because he has been working on the fields since he was a student here at Auburn. Kleypas helped out between classes and became a full-time employee in 2002. Each day, the crew starts out by riding the fields looking for problems. “We look for insects, diseases, wear and tear, anything that catches the eye,” Kleypas said. “Then we’re mowing the fields and painting > Turn to TURF, C2
Low lights, a crackling fire and the smooth steady rhythm of a jazz band transport the customers of Auburn’s newest late-night drinking lounge back to the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. The Hotel and Conference Center at Auburn University’s restaurant Piccolo officially opened its doors last Saturday to an excited and eager Auburn community. The name Piccolo stems from a number of definitions which are the inspiration for the restaurant. A group of interior design students at the University chose the name Piccolo because it means “little cousin” in Italian; it is the smallest wind instrument and also the smallest bottle of champagne. Each interpretation offers a glimpse into the heart of the intimate jazz lounge. “We thought this was an amazing opportunity for students in one of the top-ranked programs in the country to get some real world experience,” said Hans Van Der Reijden, managing director, Hotel Operations and Educational Initiatives at the Hotel and Conference Center at Auburn
University. In the spring semester, five groups of interior design students were given free rein to come up with a concept, a design and a name for a fresh new take on Ariccia’s lounge. At the end of the semester, the students presented their ideas to the hotel, a construction management company, contractors, interior design firms and a marketing company. “We were blown away,” Van Der Reijden said. “What you see is 90 percent of what the students came up with.” The concept of a jazz bar with an exceptional atmosphere, a creative small plate menu and reasonable prices is completely unique to the city of Auburn. There is not a dish on the small plate menu over $4. “This is nothing like Auburn has ever seen before,” said Jennifer Sharp, a Piccolo customer. “It has a big city feel.” Piccolo’s stylish and cozy atmosphere has been compared to restaurants in New York City, N.Y., Chicago, Ill., Dallas, Texas, and South Beach, Fla. “This restaurant fills a void in Auburn and there has never been a lounge where you can sit down in a very comfortable, > Turn to PICCOLO, C2
Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Tomato and mozzarella is one of the fresh new small bites on Piccolo’s new menu.
Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
The slow roasted Kobe beef short rib sandwiches on house baked rolls is made entirely from scratch, along with every item on the menu.
Outdoor Adventure Club ropes in members By JILLIAN CLAIR Staff Writer
Canoeing, rock climbing, caving, camping, ropes courses and hiking are just a few of the exciting scenes displayed in the 104 pictures posted on the Outdoor Adventure Club’s Facebook page. It is obvious after looking through these pictures that Auburn’s OAC is not your grandma’s campus organization. As written on the club’s Web site, www.auburn.edu/ oac, “The primary purpose of the Outdoor Adventure Club is to provide regular outdoor
activities, promote interest in the outdoor activities and encourage the practice of limited impact outdoor ethics for Auburn University students.” Members of OAC participate in activities that would make Bear Grylls of Discovery’s “Man vs. Wild” grin. “I've always tried to plan backpacking or climbing trips for me and my friends, but they always back out on me at the last minute,” said OAC President Kristi McCorvey, a junior in marketing and sustainability. “Now, with OAC, I have a whole group of people who love these activities as much as I do.”
Auburn student Drew Nelson organized OAC a few years ago, and it has since become a popular organization on campus. It boasts 130 members and has a high attendance rate for its outdoor trips as well as other club activities. “This past February, Outdoor Adventure Club went on a trip to Little River Canyon in Northeastern Alabama,” said Secretary Rob Coleman, a junior in political science and French. “We went spelunking, hiking, camping and rock climbing, which made for a great time.” OAC is open to any Auburn University student, faculty or
staff member with any level of outdoor experience. “You don't have to know anything about the outdoors to join,” said Treasurer Derrick Stone, a sophomore in mechanical engineering. “Our organization works diligently to plan trips that cater to hardcore survivalists as well as beginners.” Dues are $30 per year, and the benefits of membership include a 32-ounce wide-mouth Nalgene bottle, reduced cost on outdoor trips and discounts at local outdoor stores, including Alabama Outdoors, Southern Trails, The Bike Shop and Adventure Sports Scuba.
Printed on Recycled Paper
A complete list of these discounts can be found on OAC’s Web site or Facebook page. Going on trips with OAC is affordable. “Depending on the type and length of the trip, the cost usually varies from $20 to $60,” McCorvey said. “Nonmembers are welcome on our trips for a greater cost if there are enough spots open.” OAC’s first meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. in Haley 3195. Following the first meeting, OAC will meet on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in Haley Center room 1203. “With only one meeting
a month and the ability to choose which trips you want to go on, there is no better club than OAC when it comes to finding a fun organization that will fit into your schedule,” Stone said. Outdoor adventures are no longer only available to hardcore professionals or daredevils. OAC provides a way for Auburn students to embark on affordable excursions, regardless of their level of experience or skill. “I've been in the club for two years now and have loved every minute of it,” Coleman said. “We've got some enticing plans for this fall and spring.”
INTRIGUE, C2
Thursday, September 3, 2009
TURF >From C1
the lines, getting it ready for practice.” Wednesdays mark the initial setup for home football games. That’s when Mick Cronin and Brad Kirkland begin painting the SEC logos and the Auburn symbol (AU) on the 50 yard line.
PICCOLO >From C1
cozy, intimate environment,” Van Der Reijden said. The menu consists of 15 small bite items and every ingredient is made from scratch. Piccolo is also the only restaurant in town selling small bottles of champagne patrons can sip on through custom-made straws. They also carry the new high- gravity beer. It is available in both the bottle and on tap. “We have a few more small bite recipes in our back pocket,” Van Der Reijden said. “We are planning on adding them to the menu once we are up and running.” A jazz band trio will ac-
Kleypas said it takes three days and over 200 gallons of orange, blue and white paint to complete the logos. Cronin began work on Auburn’s turf eight-and-a-half years ago after leaving work at Central Florida. Kirkland came to Auburn in 2006 once he finished interning with the Boston Red Sox and the Denver Broncos. Kleypas said he will never forget when one of his crew
company the delicious small bites menus every Friday and Saturday night. The fun and sophisticated atmosphere presents a perfect place for the gathering of friends or a one-of-a-kind date. “Piccolo is a very classy and elegant lounge,” said Ryan Whitehead, a guest at Piccolo. “It’s a place for intelligent conversations.” Piccolo will be open seven days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday and Monday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. “We want to provide something different where once in a while students can dress up, drink a cool cocktail and be served food that is affordable,” Van Der Reijden said.
members was painting the Auburn symbol on the 50yard line while the eagle was practicing its flight around the Jordan-Hare Stadium. The eagle flew right over the staff member’s head and nearly took his hat off. The incident scared him so badly he vowed to never paint the AU again. On a typical game day, the turf management crew arrives six hours before kickoff.
That’s four hours before the football team arrives at the stadium for the Tiger Walk. The crew sets up the sidelines, puts out the sideline tarps, trashcans, flags and goalpost pads. Kleypas, Cronin, Kirkland and the rest of the crew don’t do much during the game, but as soon as the game ends, it’s back to work. “We mow immediately af-
PERIL >From C1
surrounding area. “It does retain many of its original features,” Betz said, “but the house needs to be renovated. It is not being maintained the way it should be.” Ralph Draughon Jr., a member of the Alabama Historical Commission, nominated the Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House for this year’s “Places in Peril.” “Inclusion on the list calls attention to the house on a statewide level,” Draughon said. “It doesn’t guarantee preservation, but it publicizes the problem.” Betz said in addition to being nominated for the “Places of Peril” list, the Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House was one of 11 endangered properties featured in the Alabama Heritage magazine last year. “On behalf of the Alabama Heritage Association, this program highlights
ter the game, clean up the clippings and roll the divots back down,” Kleypas said. “As soon as TV gets out, we’ll turn on the water.” Cleaning up after games, like the Auburn vs. University of Florida game in 1997, is not fun for the turf management crew. “Fans took the field, ran through the hedges and took the south goalpost all the way to the top and were going
significantly endangered properties throughout Alabama,” Betz said. “Our hope is that it will lead to a preservation solution.” Efforts to preserve historic buildings like the Ogletree-Wright-Ivey House extend beyond Auburn residents like Draughon. “(Places in Peril) is another tool in the tool shed to try to save some of these buildings,” Betz said. “We reviewed the nomination and decided (the house) was a good candidate for the list.” Built in the late 1840s by James B. Ogletree, the house was originally one story with four bedrooms and a large hallway. “It has been in Auburn’s historic district for a while, and it has seen some changes,” said Carl Morgan, Assitant Planning Director of Auburn. Morgan said the house is included in both the local North College Street Historic District and the national Old Main and Church Street Historic Dis-
to throw it over the bleachers,” Kleypas said. “That was pretty wild. We did a lot of cleanup to damaged hedges and the turf after the game.” With all the time and effort put into maintaining the grounds, students can only hope that everything goes smoothly this weekend, as the Auburn football season officially kicks off this Saturday at 6 p.m. against Lousinana Tech.
trict. “It shows what kind of architecture was typical in that area,” Morgan said. The house’s second inhabitant was a grist mill owner named William Wilmot Wright, who bought the house from Ogletree in 1887. Morgan said Wright added a second story to accommodate his large family, but a tornado destroyed it in 1953. A zoology professor named William Ivey bought and restored the house in the ’50s. After remaining in a state of neglect for so long, the Auburn chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity is residing there. “It was good to hear that someone is going to be taking care of the home and providing routine maintenance,” Morgan said. “It’s nice that it won’t be sitting there vacant now.” The house is surrounded by student housing, the preservation commission recently revised its design review standards for all Auburn historic districts.
Celtic dance studio finds permanent home in Auburn By BRIAN DESARRO Staff Writer
Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Carl Drake, owner of Celtic Traditions, teaches students in all levels from beginners to advanced. This new studio is bringing Irish dance and traditions to Auburn.
Hop to your knee. Spring onto your right foot. Then, lead with your right foot and follow with your left foot to the right side of the floor for seven steps. Lift your right foot and then spring onto your right foot. Step in place on the ball of your left foot. Now you have done the beginning of an Irish Reel. Celtic Traditions, 2705 Frederick Road #3, is the new, permanent home of Irish dance in the Auburn-Opelika area. With classes ranging from beginner level to advanced, as well as an adult class, this new studio is bringing Irish dance for all ages into the spotlight. Associated with the Drake School of Irish Dance in Atlanta, Ga., Celtic Traditions has been teaching classes for years, just without the stability of a permanent studio. Debra Armstrong-Wright, co-owner of the studio, said they started with just one class at the Auburn Ballet School and continued to sub-lease studio space wherever and whenever they could find it. "We are just three moms whose daughters love Irish dance," Wright said, talking about herself and the two other owners, Lisa Weisbrod and Allison Busby. Along with their new space, Celtic Tra-
ditions also has three permanent teachers. Caroline Cassidy, who has taught on and off since she graduated high school and danced since she was little, teaches half the classes while Amanda Tucker, five-time world championship qualifier, teaches the other half. Karl Drake, owner of Drake School of Irish Dance, comes once a month to teach workshops. "These workshops are very popular," Wright said. "We have people come from all over: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi. It's a pretty big deal." What drives these students to participate in Irish dance is its rich history and competitive spirit. Irish dance originated in Ireland and consists of two styles of solo dance: hardshoe and softshoe. Hardshoe dances, similar to what is seen in the 1994 show Riverdance, is then broken down into the hornpipe and the treble jig. Softshoe dances consist of the reel, the jig and the slipjig. Each of these dances has its own timing and set number of beats. All of these solo dances are entirely footwork; arms remain stationery and upper body straight throughout the entire dance. The history of Irish dance, according to Tucker, is shrouded in myth. One of the main stories is that Protestant women weren’t allowed to dance, so they came up with elaborate footwork so, if
Campus Rants Sept. 3 - Water Aerobics workshop at 3:30 p.m., sign up in AUCS 3 Water: Three states (phase 1) exhibition. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sept. 4 - Tailgate at the Library 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adventures in Art in The Jan Dempsey Community Arts center at 7 a.m. Sept. 5 - Tim Tyler at SkyBar Football game: Auburn vs. La. Tech Sept. 7 - Karaoke at SkyBar Sept. 8 - Free Movie-“Adventureland” AUSC ballroom at 7 p.m.
● One day I woke up feeling very sick and I took some cold p.m. medicine because I was that miserable. Then my roommate woke me up to drive her to class. After I dropped her off my car broke down with no shoes, and extremely sick and drowsy. ● Today, I was at the extremely crowded Gold’s Gym when someone came up behind me and shouted in my ear scaring the living crap out of me. I jump into a karate pose in front of everyone. No one was behind me. It was a new song starting on my headphones. A trainer asked me if I needed an ambulance. ● Last night I tried using the new Toomer's Ten transit after the bar, and I was not sure which one was my route so I thought I would just get on the first one to ride around, and probably five minutes after being on the transit I passed out and later was woken up when the transit was shutting down for the night, I still was not home.
seen through their windows, it would just look like they were hopping around. The competition in Irish dance is high. Throughout the summer and fall, students from different schools prepare to compete at the Oireachtas Prep, a regional dance competition where the winners go on to compete at the national level. During the competition, the dancers are judged individually, all dancing to the same music, but doing different steps. Each school has certain steps they do to certain dances, while some dances have steps that have been done for centuries, Wright said. One of the favorite parts of competition is the costumes worn. “The costumes are all long sleeved with a skirt 6 inches above the knee,” Tucker said. “They all have bright colors and are pretty elaborate. Anything to catch the judges’ attention.” Celtic Traditions currently doesn’t have any upcoming performances this fall because they are concentrating on competition, but in the spring they will be traveling to perform in Nashville, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Ga., and Dallas, Texas. If interested in taking classes, contact Celtic Traditions through e-mail at celtic.traditions@gmail.com, their Web site at drakedancersauburn.wetpaint.com or at 334-705-0303. Dancers of any age, male and female, are welcome.
The Auburn Plainsman INTRIGUE STAFF HELEN NORTHCUTT Editor OLIVIA MARTIN Associate Editor
CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9109.
The Plainsman updates daily online, so please check for the latest campus happenings, news updates and sports stories at
The Plainsman.com. You can also check out The Plainsman on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.
To submit your anonymous campus rants e-mail them to intrigue@theplainsman.com
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Intrigue, C3
Students battle against major issue, freshman 15 By SCOTT FENTON Staff Writer
Freshmen entering college have many fears. Some, such as not making friends, not being able to handle the workload in classes or getting a parking ticket, are on every student’s mind. But somewhere not far behind is the thought of waking up one morning to find that his or her favorite pair of jeans is fitting more snugly. The dreaded “freshman 15” is something with which all students can relate. It is the stuff of legends and the subject of horror stories shared by both upper and lower classmen. No sane student would choose to pack on extra pounds, so most freshmen need to know what causes the “freshman 15” and what can be done to prevent it. Several factors can lead to excessive weight gain over the course of one semester. According to www.freshman15.com,
major causes include irregular exercising or a lack of exercising altogether, eating unhealthy snack foods late at night and consuming unhealthy foods at mealtime; the change in lifestyle college freshmen experience is at the root of each of these causes. A quick walkthrough of the Student Activities Center provided some insight into the horror that is the “freshman 15.” Lauren Reynolds, a sophomore in human development and family studies working at the Student Act, said a major issue for many freshmen is they may not have the time to cook or buy groceries. “It’s easier to buy fast food,” Reynolds said. Reynolds also admitted to gaining the famed 15 pounds, although she gained the weight in the spring rather than in the fall. She advises freshmen to walk rather than ride the transit system for cross-campus desti-
nations in order to avoid a similar fate. “The $1,000 on the TigerCard is a problem,” Reynolds said, referring to the University's policy requiring on-campus students to load their TigerCards with approximately $1,000 in "dining dollars." Reynolds feels that the system encourages students to dine at restaurants on campus that serve greasier foods. However, healthier foods are also available; the cafeteria at the Village offers a salad bar with many options for customization. Jeremy Ferguson, a senior in criminology and an employee at the Student Act, had slightly different opinions about the causes of the “freshman 15.” “They don’t come to the Student Act,” Ferguson said. Ferguson had a simple response to the question as to the cause of the infamous weight gain: “Booze.” Ferguson also said many
freshmen only exercise in the Act once in an attempt to lose weight, choosing not to return for various reasons. Some freshmen experience a drastic weight change. Clayton Harris, a freshman in nutrition, reports losing eight pounds since she began classes. Harris, who lives off campus, advises other freshmen to eat less junk food and to choose to walk rather than drive or rely on public transportation. Perhaps the most important advice freshmen can take is to avoid paranoia about weight gain. Becoming stressed over the weight gain alone is actually more harmful, as it can result in worse problems such as sickness and eating disorders. Keeping this weight off is definitely an achievable goal if students truly commit. Scale back and start taking small steps (everywhere on campus) to avoid first-year weight gain.
Auburn’s Top Workout Playlists Girl’s workout tunes courtesy of “Marie Claire” ● “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” Luther Allison ● “Big Girl (You are Beautiful),” Mika ● “Dirty Little Secret,” All American Rejects ● “Wait a Minute,” Pussycat Dolls ● “Seven Nation Army,” The White Stripes ● “Where the Streets Have No Name,” U2 ● “LDN,” Lily Allen Photo Courtesy of Clipart
● “Vibrant Thing,” Q-Tip
Guy's workout jams courtesy of “Men's Health"
● “DOA,” Foo Fighters
● “Bombs Over Baghdad,” OutKast
● “All These Things That I’ve Done,” The Killers
● “Welcome to the Jungle,” Guns ‘N’ Roses ● "New Workout Plan," Kanye West ● "Hell's Bells," AC/DC ● “Enter Sandman,” Metallica ● “Eye of the Tiger,” Survivor ● “Killing in the Name,” Rage Against the Machine ● “London’s Burning,” The Clash ● “Back in Black,” AC/DC ● “Float On,” Modest Mouse
Photo Courtesy of Clipart
Exercise Tips Frank Newell, a graduate student in nutrition science and a personal trainer for the Lifetime Wellness and Fitness Center, offers these tips to help students stay healthy for freshman year and beyond. 1) Eating frequently, but smaller meals, helps prevent overeating and regulates appetite. 2) Regulate alcohol consumption: no more than one drink for females and two drinks for males per day. (No, you can’t save up and drink 14 beers on game day.) 3) Don’t feel pressured to exercise. Try to find fun activities such as intramural sports or dance classes. 4)Consistency is key. Being able to cope with stress - whether it’s by relaxing or working outis the most important thing. Life happens, take the day off and pick up again tomorrow. 5) Pay attention to what you are eating. Limit refined sugars because they almost always accompany unhealthy ingredients such as salts and fats.
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C4
w o H To
Find a date in 10 days By MAX DAVIS Staff Writer
Ashlea Draa/ ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Rachel Brown, a junior in exercise science, and Drew Eden, a senior in biomedical science, spend the afternoon at the park with their dog, Lily.
J Preston Pritchett freshman, business What was your last vivid dream? I was running down the street and someone was chasing me with a knife. What is the largest age difference between you and a girl you have dated? Three years What is your favorite Auburn memory? Making the football team this year. What is your worst memory? I asked a girl to be my girlfriend and she said no. Have you ever been on a blind date? Yes, it did not turn out too great. What is the last thing you have cooked? Spaghetti
If you could be any animal, what would it be? An Ostrich
What do you notice first about a girl? Hair color
Where is your favorite place to hang out? SkyBar
Do you have a super power? Playing football
Who is your favorite athlete? Joe Montana
What is your favorite pair of shoes? Wallabees
Who is your celebrity crush? Sandra Bullock
Thursday, September 3, 2009
ry. The season is date? Don’t wor a nd fi to ng yi tr e ere are many Having a hard tim the cold alone. Th in t ou ht ug ca be so don’t rapidly changing rn. pull out your finnd a date in Aubu fi to y heels and guys opportunities pp ra st of ir pa to soar to new ur best ting life is about Ladies put on yo da ur yo e us ca be -down est crisped button of person ys. da 10 in k about what type in heights with th , te da l ia nt qualities are r a pote aracteristics and When looking fo ch t en er iff D u. st fit for yo would be the be e. e fun, but with looking for a mat n he tic. Challenges ar is imperative w al re be to ve , you ha To get a date fast e. le for the first tim es m n’t mean you sett es challenges co do at th t bu , in mind, make league a suitable person Date within your ve ha u yo e nc O you out. person that asks for able. has been dating ch oa ations disorder, yourself appr ic un m m co in nior Katie Batson, a se r guy in class. ectable individu he et m e aces to meet resp pl a year and sh od go lly ua us ch are “Class and chur g and being soon said. ts Ba ” , sperate. By flirtin de als in Auburn t , no t bu e, bl . A date is a date f availa She made hersel snag a study date to le ad ab le as to w e nd te terest, sh te. Study dates cial to her love in s only a study da it’ if d ge ra ou sc so don’t get di on when you’re out nner. or to remember, to a romantic di ct fa y ke r he ot an Being yourself is the prowl. id. goofy,” Batson sa “If you’re goofy, be ntly dumped by let love follow. science, was rece Be yourself and al ic lit po in or cause they were y, a seni Chris Longhenr They broke up be s. as cl in et m riend he .” It usually takes d “Relationships his long-time girlf le tit ok bo e th pages in on a date. on two different t ask a female out to o tw or take the time ou k ee w tionship, please Longhenry a la re e e iv th t ns te Le . ex es at ng an new potential m If you’re just endi s before pursuing nd ou . w ol t po ar g he tin to heal your p back in the da e is inss, and then jum in the world; if sh rl gi ul tif au storm clouds pa be t os soon m e as th te ve to be t on a da “A girl doesn’t ha likely ask her ou an th e or m ld lite, I wou telligent and po s, try speed dathenry said. ng Lo at the bars or club te as possible,” da a nd fi to trying If you are tired of h, just that. Voynic ity professor, did ing. rs ve ni U e rn tim bu ean Au year, went to a on Melissa Voynich, be married next to d ge ga en tly in Auburn. who is curren o, ffalo Connection Bu at t ay a few years ag en ev g on Valentine’s D speed datin ce an d nt an ai le qu op ac ith an e dates with 20 pe Voynich went w to go on 5-minut ce an ch. Unfortunate ch a d ha were a good mat ey at which they th t n’ if e as in w rm ho te w y a gu rson to de to get a date with then rate the pe le ab as w t bu , a match ly, she didn’t find e event. th in g ich said. participatin . experience,” Voyn ng ni ai rt te ting techniques en ry “It was a ve ed to try new da en ht ster ig fa fr te be da t a n’ d do have e yourself, you’ ll Be polite, flirty an ar u yo If r. fa u yo ill get Being yourself w AR EAGLE!” “W y sa n than you ca
E & J R A N D O M
NE Spenser Reese senior, public administration What was your last vivid dream? I lost my passport and could not get back to the U.S. What is the largest age difference between you and a guy you have dated? One year What is your favorite Auburn memory? The year we beat Florida in football
Where do you tailgate for football games? The Quad
Have you ever been on a blind date? Yes, I went to homecoming with someone I did not know.
What is the first thing you notice in a guy? His smile Do you have a super power? Photographic memory What was the last thing you have cooked? Spaghetti
What is your favorite pair of shoes? Red high heels
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Intrigue, C5
Virgin Hair earns top dollar on HairTrader.com By EMILY BECKETT
will probably sell before something that does the Web site no matter your location,” Elise not,” Elise said. said. “It is an international service.” Elise said the majority of buyers on TheTheHairTrader.com provides details about HairTrader.com are sales representatives for hair that buyers want to know such as length, custom wig and extension-making compacolor, texture and whether it is “virgin” hair. nies. “Virgin hair, or hair untouched by electric Sellers, on the other hand, span the specstyling appliances and chemical treatments, trum and include college students. is preferred,” Elise said. “College students are great candidates for Elise said processed hair has been sold on selling hair, ” Elise said. “They sometimes TheHairTrader.com before, but not for as need extra money for high a price expenses and might as virgin not have full-time jobs hair. Virgin hair or hair untouched to pay for everything.” “Natu“It’s relatively harmral hair by electric styling appliances and less because it’s your that has chemical treatments is preferred. ” hair, but I’m on the not been fence about it for ethiwashed Jacalyn Elise, founder of Hairtrader.com cal reasons, ” said Auevery day is dra Creech, a sophobest,” Elise more in psychology. said. “Over“I’m not going to begrudge anyone who washing strips hair of its natural oils.” needs to sell their hair—we are college Other factors that contribute to higher sale students, ” Creech said, “but I also believe prices for hair include whether it has been there are better ways to do it.”Elise said she cut, its volume and its overall appearance in quality. advocates donating hair if someone feels Hair must be a minimum length of 10 they should give rather than sell. inches, but Elise said 12 inches and above is “We’re just educating people that you have more appealing to buyers. something of monetary value,” Elise said. “Uncut hair usually sells for higher prices “(TheHairTrader.com) gives you another because there are more options for length,” option.” Elise said. Ashley Terry, a sophomore in animal sciHair has been sold on TheHairTrader.com ence, said she would like for background for as much as $3,000. screenings to occur between buyers and sell“Something that catches someone’s eye ers before hair is sold.
Staff Writer
Cars, clothes, textbooks … and hair? A newer item in the cyber marketplace, hair has quickly become a hot commodity in making prosthetic wigs and extensions. Until the launch of TheHairTrader.com in November 2006, finding a Web site specializing in hair sales would have been difficult. “I figured I had a niche market going,” said Jacalyn Elise, founder of TheHairTrader.com. “Here I’m providing a platform for buyers and sellers to connect.” Elise said she first thought of creating the Web site when she suggested to her close friend that she sell her long hair to earn money. “She was a single mom going through some financial difficulties, and she was supporting herself and her children,” Elise said. Elise’s friend agreed to her posting an advertisement online for her hair. “She was surprised when I showed her the initial ad,” Elise said, “but she said, ‘OK, we’ll see!’” Weeks later her friend’s hair sold, and TheHairTrader.com began receiving national attention for its services. We ran with it, and it just kind of evolved,” Elise said. News of TheHairTrader.com spread through word of mouth and a spot on a local radio station. “The great thing about it is you can access
“
How many calories are you drinking? Extras 1 tbsp Whipped Cream 8 calories 1 ounce Caramel Syrup 70 calories Starbucks Coffee Calories All drinks are grande size with 2% milk Tazo Tea 0 calories Caffe Americano 15 calories
1 ounce Chocolate Syrup 109 calories 1 ounce Strawberry Syrup 100 calories
Caffe Latte 190 calories
1 Sweet’N Low packet 4 calories
Chai Tea Latte 200 calories Caffe Mocha 330 calories
1 Splenda packet 5 calories
Hot Chocolate 370 calories Caramel Frappucino 380 calories Caffe Vanilla Frappucino 430 calories
1 Equal packet 5 calories 1 Sugar packet 15 calories
Cook an Easy Dinner Recipe contributed by Allison Barter, a junior in accounting:
Chili Mac Cook Time: 30 Minutes Level: Easy Yield: 6 Servings Directions
Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
In big, deep pot, brown beef in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Drain if necessary. Add onions, peppers and garlic.
4 cloves garlic, chopped 3 tablespoons dark chili powder
Season meat with dry seasonings.
2 tablespoons cumin
Cook 5 minutes.
2 tablespoons hot sauce, Franks Red Hot sauce
Stir in beef broth and reduce liquid by halfabout 2 minutes.
Coarse salt, to taste 1 cup beer or 1 can beef broth
Stir in tomatoes and simmer.
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
Add up to 1 cup water, if desired.
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
Serve over pasta or mix pasta in.
1 pound corkscrew pasta, cooked al dente and drained
Garnish with chopped green onion.
chopped scallions for garnish
“Since it’s online, you’re not sure exactly who or where the product (hair) is coming from,” Terry said. Katie Willoughby, a sophomore in equine science, agreed. “That’s a part of you that you’re giving to someone else,” Willoughby said. “I think the process should be regulated.” Elise said TheHairTrader.com is one of the first Web sites that has appeared on Google searches for selling hair. TheHairTrader.com is also on Twitter and Facebook.
Requirements to sell hair on HairTrader.com 1. Hair (cut or uncut) must be a minimum of 10 inches 2. “Virgin” hair is preferred over “processed hair” 3. Uncut hair usually sells for higher prices 4. Hair that has not been washed everyday is healthier/more likely to sell 5. A good picture of the hair/product goes a long way
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C6
Thursday, September 3, 2009
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
C O N C E R T Week’s Band Lineup Thursday REVIEW Bourbon St.- No cover $3 32-ounce draft Supper Club- The low down throwdown 1716- $2 tall boys
A majority of the student body can say they’ve lived through two decades. Freshmen and sophomores are just on that cusp of two decades. This was the last summer of this decade. The 2000s. Some refer to it as “the naughts”, though many more will give clueless looks when hearing this name. Ten years ago we had dueling boy bands and pop princesses and Latin singers, Total Request Live with Carson Daly, Ja Rule, Woodstock ’99: Free Love (aka Free Rape), Fred Durst at number one on the Billboard charts and Creed to take it away from him. Yikes. And to make the year even worse, Pavement broke up! Yet we also had Jay-Z maturing into a hip-hop icon. Napster went online in June 1999. Coachella Festival went through with its first year. Radiohead was busy in the studio concocting ‘Kid A’. Not to mention Outkast and Daft Punk were all busy making masterpeices of their own. The White Stripes also released their first studio album. Awesome. Ten years really make a difference. And in this small amount of space, I want to mention some musical highlights of the past summer, the summer of 2009. Those Darlins: Rock ‘n’ roll, you can give Nashville the finger to punk rock, and the summer of 2009 can best be exemplified by three young women from Tennessee who go by the name of Those Darlins. Kelley, Jessi and Nikki, who all share the surname Darlin, write fantastic pop songs. Those Darlins write pop songs that aren’t gentle soothings, but honky tonk Appalachian melodies by way of New York City punk rock fueled by three, four or maybe five drinks. And all three can play a wicked solo at any given minute. Not at all gimmicky or willing to play into microtrends, they provided the best show I saw all summer. www.myspace.com/darlins Dan Deacon: New Cause for Celebration The feeling that something “new” is happening at this moment is a phenomenon each generation seems to have. And yet, that feeling could wind up to be just lightning in a bottle. I’m not sure if there will ever be another Dan Deacon or if anyone would want one. Dan Deacon is an electronic composer from Baltimore, Md. He can also be a marching band director, dance competition judge, trippy light show engineer and when performing live, simply celebratory. In the concert setting, he has no use for stadium seating, arm folding, mild head-bopping or stages. If you like music, but haven’t been satisfied with anything lately and disappointed at the current state of affairs, I suggest you go see this man in action. www.myspace.com/dandeacon
Old Auburn Ale House- Emory Quinn Bourbon St.- Hightide Blues Supper Club- The Zigtones with Wa. Co. Allstars
Saturday
Bourbon St.- Momma’s love Supper Club- Splendid chaos with Zig and Joe
Monday
1716- Drink special with Burgers and Beer
Tuesday
1716- $2 tall boys
Friday
Hilarious Time-Wasting Web Sites Students usually spend most of their time wasting away on senseless Web sites. These Web sites provide hours of entertainment. Here are the top 5 time-wasting Web sites courtesy of collegenews.com:
St. Vincent: Patron Saint of Restless Females Everywhere It’s still kind of funny how mesmerized a crowd can become when a woman abandons the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar and rocks eyeballs out of sockets with an electric solo. Hasn’t anyone heard of Wanda Jackson?! St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, is an instrument virtuoso whose helped musicians like Sufjan Stevens bring the power to their otherwise timid sound. St. Vincent released her second album entitled ‘Actor’ in May and automatically won praise, festival slots and late show appearances. All well deserved and applauded. What’s so amazing about her to me isn’t that she can play a guitar, it’s how she plays it. On the song, ‘Actor Out of Work’, the melody races and pounds, at times it sounds like noise rock with grinding string arrangements. In the video for the song, she stares wide eyed, singing with a gentle poise on what looks like a single breath. She’s not only a treasure for the female side of rock n roll, but a treasure for what indie rock sounds like going into the next decade. Not content with timid sounds, but restless and ready to make some noise. www.myspace.com/stvincent Reviews by Patrick Schultz
1. textsfromlastnight.com 2. ruminations.com 3. fmylife.com 4. stuffhipstershate.tumblr.com 5. thisiswhyyourefat.com
REEL REVIEW ‘The Final Destination’ Rating R 0 STARS HOW WE RATE:
★ - Dismal ★★ - Bearable ★★★ - Average ★★★★ - Good ★★★★★- Excellent
‘The Final Destination failure’ Calling “The Final Destination” the worst film I have ever seen would certainly be hyperbole. It would also be false since I’ve seen 1987’s “Ishtar” and Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 from Outer Space.” However, calling “The Final Destination” the worst movie I have ever seen while writing reviews for this paper would be perfectly adequate. I wrote this review for three years during my undergrad career, so this movie beat out several other horrible movies to win this title, most of which had Hilary Swank or Diane Keaton flailing about the screen aimlessly. Normally, I’d begin a plot synopsis here, but since “The Final Destination” is the fourth film in this never-ending saga, I don’t feel the need to delve too deeply into something that is the storyline equivalent of a kiddie pool. Sufficed to say, an initial group of characters escape an almost certain deathly situation and spend the rest of the movie trying to escape other equally ghastly deaths, mostly to no avail. Yes, just like the three other movies. Exciting, isn’t it? I will say this new movie did have an added
interesting 3D effect its predecessors did not have. What did this add to the movie-going experience? Not much, save a splitting headache after I left the theater that all the Aspirin in the Western hemisphere could not cure. Perhaps I’m too much of an old man to appreciate 3D effects, but body parts and gore flying at me just isn’t my cup of tea. I don’t truly understand what this new fascination is with 3D, and it seems like each generation of movie-goers has its love affair with 3D. Now is just our time, I suppose. Some of the deaths the writers were able to come up with were far-fetched at best, and one in particular, the escalator death scene, conjured up my childhood fears of those dreaded machines. To this day, I avoid escalators at all costs, as, even at my age, I’m still not entirely sure I won’t be sucked up into the machinery to die a horribly painful death. Is this logical? No. Do I care? No. Save that death, the film’s other snuff-out moments were largely uneventful, and I tried to spend the rest of my time in the theater
making a list of things I needed to do once I left. That only ate up about five minutes of time, so, inspired by the movie, I began to create a list of random ways I could be killed in the movie theater. Gems like “23. Be bludgeoned to death with an armrest by a crazed movie-goer high on PCP” and “37. Consume popcorn laced with arsenic-based fake butter” quickly came to mind, so I was disappointed when the credits began to roll, bringing an end to my frenzied note-taking. It’s always like that, though; just when you get going at a good pace, it comes to an end. Do not go and see this film. By paying money to see this wreck, you encourage producers to continue to create crap-tastic remakes like this, and I don’t think we should let that sort of happen. Go play putt-putt golf. Wash your car. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Go do anything but see this movie. Trust me, you’ll be better off. I now have 82 minutes of my life I can never get back, and that makes me livid. Review by Cliff McCollum
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Auburn Plainsman
Intrigue, C7
Contributed by Encore Sports Agency
Contributed by David Baskin
Matt Boni placed fourth in the X -Games supercross event and signed with Hart and Huntington’s team owned by Carey Hart.
David Baskin left Auburn and traveled to Australia for a surf trip with his friends. He said he knows several Auburn students involved in the action sports industry.
College students branch out to extreme sports industry By CALLIE GARRETT Assistant Intrigue Editor
College students branch out from every day backyard sports to more over-the-top extreme sports such as motocross, surfing and skating. Other than college football, basketball and baseball, many action sports seem to be overlooked. Although many enjoy watching or participating in these events, there is just as much, if not more, practice and training that goes into some of the risk–taking extreme sports. “I normally ride about four times a week, which consists of race simulations and building a stronger cardio base,” said Matt Boni, a professional motocross rider. “I also lift weights two times a week to maintain my muscle and prevent injuries.”
It is not always fun and games; there is a tremendous amount of dirty work that goes on behind the scenes. Boni said, with three knee surgeries and two major wrist injuries, there have been times when he felt like quitting, but he just can’t. “I have come too far and love it too much,” Boni said. He said he has had to sacrifice his social life with many other things from being homeschooled at the age of 11, which was a sacrifice in its transition. Along with any other professional athlete, the hard work and sacrifices do pay off. Boni said his most rewarding moment in his career so far is winning top privateer this past year in supercross. He also just raced in the X–Games supercross event and placed fourth. As a result of all of Boni’s hard work, he is in the process
of signing with Hart and Huntington’s team, owned by Carey Hart, a professional freestyle motocross rider. There are two local motocross tracks, Monster Mountain and Big Cedar, which are both within 30 minutes of Auburn. “I have rode at both tracks,” said Carson Saville, a senior in business. “My favorite part of Big Cedar is the kicker at the end of the track, and Monster Mountain literally has a jump that looks like a mountain.” Saville said he and his friends from Auburn will go a couple of times each month to these tracks to either practice or race. “It’s pretty easy with a track 10 minutes down the highway, so it is no big deal to all of a sudden pack up and go to the track for the day,” Saville said. Saville said for those looking at getting into motocross in the Auburn area to go watch a
race and see how they like the people and atmosphere, because it is addicting and a good time. Not only is the motocross world exploding, there is also a boom in other action sports such as skateboarding and surfing. David Baskin, a junior in industrial design, is involved in both surfing and skateboarding from growing up in Florida. “As far as surfing and skating go, they are purely individual sports,” Baskin said. “You never have to count on the performance of others to affect your own. Sure, you can go surf with your buddies, or you can go by yourself. Sometimes it's nice to just get away from everything.” Baskin said he knows many Auburn students involved in the action sports industry, but he sees more and more every year around campus.
The Auburn Plainsman
INTRIGUE, C8
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009
Infomercial products become more popular By REBECCA CROOMES Staff Writer
Ask any student on campus to name some of the products they have seen advertised on TV and he or she will more than likely be able to name at least 10. This task is not difficult considering how many items are advertised, but especially considering who advertised them. For instance, the only reason people can remember Oxi Clean, The Hercules Hook or Kaboom is because of the late Billy Mays. Other students can barely contain giggles when they do impressions of Vince Shlomi (better known as “The ShamWow and Slap Chop guy”). “I love the commercials and always want to buy the stuff,” said Jessica Tollison, a sophomore in communication. “But, I don’t because I know deep down that they don’t work.” What is it about made-for-TV products make people treat them like punch lines of hilarious jokes? On the other hand, what is it that makes curious consumers want to try them? One aspect of made-for-TV stuff is the
pure absurdity of the products themselves. An excellent example would be the Snuggie. Even though the calm-voiced woman spouts a charming rhyme about how the Snuggie keeps the wearer warmer than if he or she were wearing just a regular coat or relaxing under a blanket, the Snuggie’s ridiculous name and appearance have become the material for many a spin–off commercial on YouTube. “The WTF Blanket” is one such hit. More people are impressed with the advertiser than the advertised. “Pitchmen,” like the before mentioned Mays and Shlomi, have become iconic. Their style of yelling straight at the camera about how wonderful and useful the products are tend to intrigue audiences. The pitchmen would rarely take a breath as they worked their magic over spills and set-in stains so the viewer was constantly busy trying to either keep up with what the pitchman was saying or doing. Eventually the spill would be cleaned and the stain would be gone and the viewer was left to wonder how this had occurred.
That is when the advertiser holds out his wares and offers the viewer “the deal of a lifetime.” “Does it actually work?” appears to be the main question people have. Some students do own a product or two with mixed results. “I actually own some Oxi Clean,” said Becky Reed, a senior in theater. “I don’t notice a difference between it and regular detergent though.” Bryan Andress, a senior in hotel and restaurant management, owns several Hercules Hooks and said they work, but can get messed up if not handled properly. Some products bought have a debatable performance among consumers, such as the Bump It hairpiece. The recurring theme, however, is what draws people to made-for-TV products is their entertainment value. Infomercials and those who “star” in them somehow make bored television viewers interested in things, in retrospect, they never needed in the first place. The infomercial has become a fun “living in the moment” kind of experience which never gets old, but students should be careful on how they spend their hard earned money.
Rebecca Croomes/ PHOTO STAFF
Informercial items are either loved or loathed by students. Some students own informercial products and debate their performance.
Professors communicate through Facebook, Twitter By KELLY NICASTRO Staff Writer
With progressive technology on the rise, millions of people are turning to new blogging and social networks to contact friends and meet new people. Facebook has become one of the biggest and fastest growing social networks today. With just the click of a finger students can contact friends and family, upload pictures, create groups and update their latest statuses. Another up and coming advancement towards social networking is Twitter, a micro-blogging service that enables people to send updated messages called “tweets” to
whomever joins their page. These new technological networks have connected millions of people to old friends, fellow students and co-workers worldwide. The real question is where to draw the line between who can access your page and who cannot. Recently, professors across the country have considered and begun contacting students through the Facebook and Twitter network. With Facebook’s booming popularity and Twitter’s growing advancements it would certainly appear to be an efficient way to contact their students. On Auburn’s campus the students and professors appear to have
mixed reactions to the idea of conjoining their academics and social networking. “If I were to use Facebook with students I’d have to make two separate profiles; it’d make it more professional,” said Katherine Brewer, a world literature professor. Privacy is the main factor that has made professors shy away from using Facebook as a source of contacting students. In fact, professors have to be aware of what the school’s policy is when it comes to contacting students via Facebook or other social network. "There's a policy against students and teachers becoming friends on Facebook during the semester that
they have class together,” said Theo Arapis, a political economy teaching assistant. The way students are contacted by the professors through Facebook would have to be the deciding factor of whether it’s deemed “creepy” or unprofessional. Some options may include creating a group for the students so that both the student and teacher didn’t have access to one another’s profile. “ I would definitely find it a little creepy for my professor to be able to see my pictures and conversations with my friends,” said Kendall Hartman, a sophomore in building science. Based on the reactions
from the students and professors on Auburn’s campus, if any social networking were to be included in a means of contacting one another, many find that Twitter would be the best option. “Twittering, I think, would be a better alternative to contact students instead of turning to Facebook,” said Stella Key, a sophomore in nutrition. “It would allow for the professor to notify students quickly about the course without them having access to any of the student’s personal information.” Twitter’s network would allow a teacher to send out a mass message to his or her students without seeing any type of profile that the stu-
dents had and vice versa with the students seeing any of the professor’s information. Although Twittering seems like a professional and innovative way of sharing information with students, many of the professors on Auburn’s campus are hesitant about making the switch “If I had to choose the best way to contact my students it would still be through Blackboard” Brewer said. There’s definitely a variety of mixed feelings around campus about professors joining Facebook. For now, Blackboard will continue to be the main method of student and teacher contact until an even greater networking fad arises.
The Auburn Plainsman Coach’s Corner AU Club Wrestling Editor’s Picks
SPORTS
D
Thursday, September 3, 2009
SEC Freshman of the Week: Amy Howard By CHARLEY GAINES
Patrick Dever sports@theplainsman.com
Welcome to the show
“Ladies and gentlemen, please, would you bring your attention to me.” Everyone on The Plains for the past two years knows that the opening line to the Saliva’s “Ladies and Gentlemen” means football is here. By the time you pick this paper up, the RVs will have already started to file into their usual positions out at the beaches and the west parking lot. The regular season officially starts tonight with games like South Carolina at North Carolina State and Boise State vs. Oregon. We don’t start until Saturday evening, but, when we do, it should be spectacular. The band will be ready to lead the fans in all of the traditional Auburn songs, and the drum majors will once again get to throw their staffs into the turf of the south endzone. Nova and Spirit will be prepared to make the flight around the stadium and land at midfield to the resounding “War Eagle” throughout the stands. The cheerleaders and Tiger Paws have been working hard this off-season too to make sure they can be the best at leading the student section in all the chants. It has been quite the offseason for the football team with it undergoing a full coaching staff makeover. Last year’s 5-7 season was a disgrace, and I believe the coaching changes were much needed. Our new staff is extremely talented and energetic. Their energy on the sideline is something we had lost when former defensive coordinator Will Muschamp left for Texas. We would all go nuts when former head coach Tommy Tuberville would blow a gasket, but that only happened two or three times in a season. I’m hoping fans have that same fire when current head coach Gene Chizik gets riled up. I’m ready for Auburn to get > Turn to DEVER, D2
Staff Writer
The goalkeeper for the Auburn Women’s Soccer team gave the team a confidence boost the first week of the season by nabbing the honor of SEC Freshman of the Week. Amy Howard received the honor after posting a shutout in the first game of her collegiate career. The two saves against Samford got recognition from more than just the fans. “It was kind of a surprise, I played one game and I got the honor,” Howard said. “I know there’s so many good freshmen on our team alone and in the conference. It’s incredible.” Howard is the only goalkeeper at Auburn since Megan Rivera, in 2001, to post a shutout in her first college match. “I’m very happy for her,” said senior defender Lizzie Hamersly. “It should be a huge confidence boost, and that’s what we need from her.” The team recruited Howard to replace Allison Whitworth, goalkeeper for the Tigers from 2005 to 2008. “Everybody knows there was a big hole left in goal
when Allison Whitworth graduated and got drafted into the pro league,” said Head Coach Karen Hoppa. “Amy’s done a fantastic job of stepping in and filling those shoes and really playing like a veteran right from the first game.” T h e loss of Whitw o r t h left the team reeling, but after three games, their minds are at ease knowing Howard’s defending the goal. “We were all a little nervous because we had Whit last year,” Hamersly said, “but Amy has stepped in and you can’t even tell she’s a freshman.” Over the last 10 years, Howard played goalkeeper for the Mandeville Soccer Club Lakers, her high school team, and the Louisiana State Olympic Development Program team. “When I was little, I didn’t want to run, so I just stayed in the back,” Howard said. Her dislike of running as a kid started her as goalie and she stayed there. Howard’s previous years
of play prepared her for the transition to college soccer. “It was really different,” Howard said. “The first week was really tough training and learning how everything worked and getting used to the speed of play, but I think I’ve transitioned decently.” Hamersly and Hoppa both agreed. “She’s done a great job from the first day,” Hoppa said. “Any time you have a freshman in goal, you’re going to have some inexperience there. Every single day Amy has worked hard. Every play she tries to get better and better.” The honor Howard earned not only recognizes her, but also the entire women’s soccer program. “It gives us exposure,” Hamersly said. “It’s a way to say we’re here and we’re ready to play. Just because we have a freshman as a goalkeeper doesn’t mean they c a n beat us.” With every dive, jump and save, Howard proves herself to the fans, the coaches and her team. “I hope to get better every year and every Photos: Rod Guajardo pracPHOTO t i c e ,” EDITOR
Soccer shuts out South Alabama, 3-0 By MOLLY WICKSTROM Staff Writer
The Auburn Women’s Soccer team defeated the University of South Alabama on Sunday for its first win of the season. The teams battled it out in the pouring rain at Auburn’s soccer complex. The Tigers were determined to win after a tie Friday night against Dayton. “Friday night’s game was frustrating, but a tie is always better than a loss,” said senior midfielder Jenni Prescott. “We redeemed ourselves today. We knew we needed to work hard and work together. We knew we had to win today and we did.” The first goal of the game was scored by sophomore midfielder Katy Frierson with
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
Senior forward Caitlin King sets up for a shot against South Alabama, during Sunday’s game.
assistance from junior midfielder Monica Afanador. “The first goal was a huge relief personally. I didn’t expect it at all,” Frierson said. “Our coaches have been en-
Illustration: Abby Albright SPORTS EDITOR
couraging the midfielders to take more shots from a distance to open up defenses and be more of a threat in that regard. Monica Afanador did a great job all game winning the headers off punts and goal kicks for us. She played me a great ball. All I had to do was take the opportunity, put it on frame and hope for the best.” Freshman goalkeeper, and SEC Freshman of the Week, Amy Howard caught more raindrops than soccer balls in the first half. “The rain makes the ball skip much more on the grass which is harder to handle for myself and the field players,” Howard said. “Our defense has played awesome all year and hasn’t given up many op-
PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES
Senior quarterback Chris Todd throws a pass during last season’s home game against LSU.
Football week 1: AU vs. La. Tech By NICK VAN DER LINDEN
Associate Sports Editor
The Tiger’s off-season has seen more changes than Joe Paterno’s years of coaching, with Head Coach Tommy Tuberville resigning after 10 seasons and new Head Coach Gene Chizik trying to instill a throwback, no-nonsense style of football. Chizik has talked a lot this off-season about what it means to be an “Auburn man” and is big on enforcing team rules and what he expects of his players, hoping it will create a disciplined squad. This will be Chizik’s second coaching job at Au-
burn. He previously served as a defensive coordinator from 2002-04, helping the Tigers to a perfect 13-0 record in 2004 and a 30-9 record overall. Along with Chizik, the Auburn faithful will be focusing their eyes on new Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn, the Tigers’ fourth offensive coordinator in the last three years. Malzahn brings with him a strong record, but one big difference between Malzahn and former coordinator Tony Franklin is that Malzahn will have a unified coaching staff supporting his system and a head coach who vowed
> Turn to FOOTBALL, D2
2008 QB Stats Chris Todd
Ross Jenkins
Games Played: 6 Pass Attempts: 156 Completions: 86 Interceptions: 6 Rush Attempts: 33 Rush Yards: -63
Games Played: 11 Pass Attempts: 174 Completions: 92 Interceptions: 3 Rush Attempts: 61 Rush Yards: 56
> Turn to SOCCER, D2
Auburn wins War Eagle Invitational By JENNA MORAN Staff Writer
Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Outside hitter Katherine Culwell blocks the ball during last Saturday’s match against Alabama A&M. Culwell was named SEC Freshman of the Week this week.
Auburn’s Head Coach Wade Benson and the Tigers’ Volleyball Team began the 2009 season with a successful performance in the War Eagle Invitational. The Lady Tigers started off their season with high intensity and a win against Alabama A&M Friday. The team then went on to defeat the University
of Alabama at Birmingham and Alabama A&M again Saturday. “I thought it was a great start for this team,” Benson said. “Our upperclassmen played solid and our freshmen were pretty sound. We played a great tournament, but the team needs to keep it all in perspective and continue to improve.” This crucial threematch winning streak brought Auburn’s overall record to 3-0, giving the
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Lady Tigers tremendous momentum going into their season. Auburn’s volleyball team played its fourth consecutive home match Wednesday against Troy. The Tigers will travel to Minneapolis, Minn., Friday and Saturday to face off against Minnesota, Iowa State and George Washington University. Auburn will return to The Plains again on Tuesday to face the Jacksonville State University
Lady Gamecocks in the Student Activities Center. Jacksonville State’s volleyball team began its season with a threegame winning streak at the Decon Invitational in Winston-Salem, N.C. The team defeated Furman 3-1, Wake Forest 3-1 and Charlotte 3-2. With both Auburn and Jacksonville State having such impressive begin> Turn to VOLLEY, D2
The Auburn Plainsman
Sports, D2
DEVER
ter idea of where our team stands. Louisiana Tech is no pushover >From D1 this year. They finished in second place in back to what it does best, suffocating defense and smash-mouth of- the Western Athletic Conference last year and beat Northern Illinois fense. The offensive line has beefed up, University in the 2008 Indepenand left tackle Lee Ziemba has had dence Bowl. There is no reason why we knee surgery to help him get off the ball quicker and on time this sea- shouldn’t beat Mississippi State, West Virginia and Ball State and son. Senior Chris Todd has been start the season 4-0. Going to play Tennessee at Neynamed the starting quarterback land Stadium and junior will be a test. Kodi Burns The Volunhas been I’m ready for Auburn teers will be moved to wide receiver. to get back to what it does out to avenge I think ofloss at best, suffocating defense and their fensive coAuburn last o r d i n a t o r smash-mouth offense.” year. Gus Malzahn Their fans Patrick Dever, will be rowdy made the Assistant Sports Editor and singing right decision to have Todd that awful start. “Rocky Top” song throughout the Todd is coming off of shoulder entire game. surgery and is much more effective I’m sure UT Head Coach Lane this year than he was last year. Kiffin will have some negative reThe defense is still mostly intact marks against Auburn the week from last season having only lost before the game. Jerraud Powers and Sen’Derrick A trip to Arkansas will be anothMarks to the NFL draft, Tray Black- er test of playing against a hostile mon to the Canadian Football crowd. Arkansas’ running game League and Tez Dolittle to gradu- will be just as good this year as it ation. has been the past few years, even Senior defensive end Antonio without Darren McFadden. Coleman and senior cornerback The Tigers return home to host Walter McFadden will be the driv- Kentucky on Oct. 17. ing force behind the defense. We should win that game, but Our schedule is tough this year, you can never predict the outcome but that should only give us a bett- of an SEC game.
“
We travel to Baton Rouge to take on LSU the next week. Death Valley is always a tough place to get a victory. We return home for the next two weeks to face Ole Miss and Furman. Ole Miss seems to be the team on the rise in the West with Jevan Snead and Dexter McCluster powering Houston Nutt’s potent offense. Nov. 14 marks the first part of our “Amen Corner” as we travel to Athens, Ga. to play UGA. Sanford Stadium is another place where a victory is hard to come by. But, the Bulldogs lost some key weapons on offense this year and it will be interesting how they play without the likes of Matthew Stafford, Knowshon Moreno and Mohamed Massaquoi. After a bye week, the University of Alabama comes to the Plains for the Iron Bowl. Alabama put a beat down on us last year, and I don’t want to ever see something like that again. I don’t want to say much about the game because it is so far away, and injuries do happen. I will say that I think we have the talent and coaching to win and bring the Iron Bowl trophy back to Auburn. I’m excited to see how this season plays out. If we can stay healthy and play up to our potential, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
SOCCER >From D1
portunities at goal.” With Auburn strong on defense, South Alabama had zero goal attempts in the first half, whereas, Auburn attempted 18. The score at the end of the first half: Auburn 1-0. The second goal was scored at the beginning of the second half by senior defender Lizzie Hamersly and assisted by sophomore forward Heather Havron. “Anytime our team scores a goal it is very exciting and ups the teams spirit,” Havron said. “Anytime the ball goes in the back of the net it motivates all of us to keep working hard to put another in.” The third and final goal was scored by freshman forward Mary Coffed. “The team’s performance today was great all around the board. Our defensive unit has been playing very well,” Frierson said. “We just needed
Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR
Junior midfielder Addie Ragsdale goes up for a header in front of South Alabama’s goal during Sunday’s game.
to play with more confidence going forward, so scoring three quality goals was huge for us. We have a lot of talent and a great team, we just really have to compete in every game and have that confidence in ourselves and in one another.” The final score was 3-0 Auburn, with 36 attempted shots for Auburn and seven for South Alabama. “Knowing how hard
we’ve worked so far this pre-season and season motivates us all to work for each other every practice and every game,” Howard said. “I thought we played a great game. Scoring three good goals was a boost we really needed.” Havron said she was pleased with the team’s performance this weekend. “Not just because we
won, which is always great, but because we had the result we have been working so hard to achieve every time we step out on the field,” she said. “It was great to see everyone doing their best to contribute to help us achieve the end result and put three goals in.” As a team, the Tigers would like to win the SEC Tournament and remain undefeated at home, Prescott said. In addition to those goals, Prescott said the team is working toward its long term goal of making it to the Sweet Sixteen at the NCAA Tournament. “These are two things no Auburn team has ever done before, but we have a great senior class with a lot of drive,” Frierson said. “We will all do everything we can to make these goals happen.” The Tigers return to action again on Friday against Kennesaw State at 7 p.m. at the Soccer Complex.
VOLLEY
Culwell was named this week’s SEC Freshman of the Week for her >From D1 performance. nings to the season, volleyball fans She said she has quickly picked are in for a showdown between up on the key points necessary to these two teams Tuesday night. defeat Jacksonville State on TuesBenson is now in his second sea- day. son as Auburn “Coach Benson volleyball head continually talks coach, and he is about us playIf we go out optimistic about ing our game,” there and play the way Culwell said, “So the 2009 season. “We played we always do, we can I think if we go a great tournaout there and take them out of their ment (at the War play the way we Eagle Invitation- comfort zones and always do, we can al),” Benson said. control the match.” take them out “But the team of their comfort needs to keep it Katherine Culwell, zones and conall in perspective freshman outside hitter trol the match.” and continue to Junior defenimprove. We’re sive specialist not looking for wins and losses, Liz Crouch believes a key factor but for execution. Wins will come for the match against Jacksonville with execution.” State is having a strong defense. The players as well are optimis“If you can’t dig the ball up then tic about this upcoming season. the offense never gets a chance “We have worked so hard in to make the attack,” Crouch said. team training camp for the past “However, volleyball is really a few weeks, and winning all those team sport and neither aspect games in three was rewarding,” of the game would be successful freshman outside hitter Kather- without the other.” ine Culwell said. “Going into this Almost half of Auburn’s team is week’s games, we are continually comprised of freshmen or transtrying to increase our level of play fers. little by little so we will peak at the Making these girls feel a part of right time during conference.” the team has been important to
Thursday, September 3, 2009
FOOTBALL >From D1
PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES
Senior offensive tackle Andrew McCain takes on two Mississippi State Bulldog’s in last season’s 3-2 victory.
not to interfere with his system, Franklin did not. The Tiger offense will be led by senior Chris Todd who signed with Auburn out of junior college and was troubled by his passing shoulder last year. He won three of the five games he started and finished the year with 86 of 156 completions for 903 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. Although Todd did not throw in the spring game due to surgery in December, he was learning Malzahn’s offense and worked hard in the fall practices, winning the job over Kodi Burns, Neil Caudle and Tyrik Rollison. Todd will be accompanied by a great backfield as Auburn’s top two rusher, and four of the top five return in 2009. Senior Ben Tate led the team for the second year in a row with 664 yards rushing in 2008 and enters his season ranked 14th in school history with 1,959 rushing yards. He needs just 227 yards to move into the top 10 in rushing in school history and 852 to be in the top five. On the defensive side, Auburn will return seven starters from last year’s team which ranked 14th nationally in scoring defense (18.0) and 29th in total defense (317.8). The Tigers will need to replace two players on two interior linemen as tackle Sen’Derrick Marks left for the NFL and Tez Doolittle completed his final year of eligibility. The secondary should be strong as they just had one departure, Jerraud Powers, who also departed for the NFL. The returning defensive backs include junior safeties Zac Etheridge and Mike McNeil who led the team with 75 and 65 tackles last season. Other returning starters on the defensive side include junior end Michael Goggans and senior cor-
nerback Walter McFadden, while DT Mike Blanc, DL Zach Clayton, DB D’Antoine Hood and DB Neiko Thorpe all started at least one game last season. The Tigers will be put to the test this Saturday when they face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and second-year head coach Derek Dooley. Expectations for the Bulldogs are high this year after going 8-5 with a 17-10 win against Northern Illinois in the Independence Bowl, their first bowl win since 1977. Head Coach Derek Dooley mentioned what a challenge it is for his team to not only play, but also prepare to play, Auburn. “The atmosphere is a big issue,” Dooley said at a press conference Monday. “We have traditionally not played well against these types of opponents on the road.” Along with trying to prepare the players for a rowdy crowd, preparing them for what to expect play wise was even tougher, Dooley said. “They have a new head coach and new coordinators on all fronts and we had to try and get film from all over the country to try and get an idea of what we are up against,” Dooley said. Louisiana Tech returns 17 starters including four first team AllWestern Athletic Conference players. The Bulldogs come into Saturday’s game with quarterback Ross Jenkins looking to improve on last year’s success. He’ll play behind an experienced offensive line with first team AllWAC running back Daniel Porter and receiver Phillip Livas. When it comes to preparation, Dooley said he just wants his team to go into the game sound on all phases, play their best and execute. Tech was picked to finish third by the coaches and fourth by the media in the WAC preseason polls.
9/4 vs. Kennesaw State at 7 p.m.
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9/5 vs. Louisiana Tech at 6 p.m. 9/8 vs. Jacksonville State at 7 p.m. Ashlea Draa / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Junior middle blocker Lauren Mellor jumps to block a ball against Alabama A&M on Saturday.
The Auburn Plainsman
the returning players and is part of having a successful season. “The team has already become very close, and everyone was able to rely on each other and gain respect and trust in every player on the court,” Culwell said. “Without that, we would never have a shot at being a successful team this season.”
ABBY ALBRIGHT
SPORTS STAFF Editor
NICK VAN DER LINDEN Associate Editor
PATRICK DEVER Assistant Editor
To reach the staff, call 334-844-9112.
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sports, D3
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Carroll named to cross country coaching staff By EMILY CLEVER
team, which has had success in the NCAA in recent years. He said his own athletic caAuburn track and field reer was winding down, and Head Coach Ralph Spry an- Auburn seemed like a good nounced the addition of Mark package. Carroll said the loCarroll as cross country head cation, the existing squad coach Aug. 7. and the trainCarroll came ing grounds at to the U.S. from Auburn were all Cork, Ireland, factors that he in 1991 as a stuconsidered when dent at Provichoosing Audence College in burn. Providence, R.I. Carroll said he He competed will be working in cross counclosely with try and distance Spry. Carroll CARROLL running in NCAA said Spry has Division I. already created He said he has been run- a solid foundation for cross ning since he was 12 years country runners at Auburn, old. He specializes in the which he hopes to build 5000- and 3000-meter. upon. After graduating from Previously an international Providence College in 1995, coach for the Athletic Ashe became a professional sociation of Ireland, Carroll athlete until 2007. During has coached approxiamtely those years, he competed in six Irish international cross the Sydney Olympics in 2000 country athletes. and the Athens Olympics in His wife, Amy Rudolph, is 2004 for his home country, a successful distance runIreland. ner who ran the 5000-meter Carroll said he chose Au- for the U.S. in the Atlanta burn because he saw strong Olympics in 1996 and Sydney potential with the existing Olympics in 2000. Staff Writer
Carroll’s Professional Achievements Year
Tournament
1995
World Championships
Result-Race (Meters) 12th - 5K
1998
European Championships
3rd - 5K
1999
World Championships
14th - 5K
2000
European Indoor Championships
1st - 3K
2001
World Indoor Championships
7th - 3K
2002
European Championships
6th - 5K
2005
European Indoor Championships
9th - 3K
Ten Questions with Coach Carroll What is your... Favorite movie? “Gladiator” Favorite music? Depeche Mode, U2 Favorite color? Green, because I’m Irish Favorite vacation spot? Barcelona, Spain Favorite food? Spicy food, like Mexican or curry Do you have a favorite place to eat in Auburn? I haven’t gotten to eat out much in Auburn, so I don’t have one yet. Favorite hobbies? Spending time with my wife and the dog; family time Favorite spot on campus? Starbucks. I’m a coffee drinker. Favorite campus tradition? Don’t have one yet What do you do in your free time? I’m still running.
The Auburn Plainsman
Sports, D4
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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CONTRIBUTED
The team gathering in the Wrestling Circle where they say their slogan, “I won’t be broken, I can’t be broken” at every practice and game.
Wrestling prepares for season By EMILY CLEVER Staff Writer
The Auburn University Club Wrestling Team is getting ready for the 2009-2010 season with practice just around the corner. The club is part of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association with the season beginning in November and carrying through until spring. The team was a Division I sport at Auburn before it was cut by Title IX, which states that no one shall be denied to partake in any activity receiving Federal financial assistance based purely on sex. Audra Creech, a senior in psychology who joined the team last year, said there aren’t many female wrestlers in her weight class. “It’s uncommon but not unheard of,” Creech said. “They started Title IX to help women, but it actually ended up hurting me. I can’t wrestle guys.” Although there is no set schedule as of yet, team President Will Griffin, a junior in chemical engineering, said the team was trying to arrange a dual match with the University of Alabama sometime in November. Aaron Plitt, a senior in psychology, said he is most looking forward to the match against Tennessee Temple because of an illegal head-butt which caused controversy last year. “He did an illegal move, and then he head-butted me in the back of the head,” Plitt said. “That’s two illegal moves and that almost started a brawl.” The team placed 13th last year at National Duals and was excited to even be invited. “Every year only 16 teams get invited to go to National Duals and the fact that
CONTRIBUTED
William Griffin pinning FAMU’s Freud Meltinford in a 174-pound wrestling match at the NCWA Nationals 2009 tournament this past March in Hampton, Va.
we as a small team made it, is an honor,” Griffin said. On top of that, six members qualified to wrestle at individual nationals. “I want to see the club continue to grow,” Griffin said. “We’ve been doing well for the past couple of years and I wanted to keep it going.” It is harder for a team such as Auburn to qualify because of the size of the squad. The Wrestling Club is able to bring only one full squad to tournaments where as bigger schools often manage to bring three. “Before tournaments, everyone cuts weight, which means we lose a lot of weight very quick,” Plitt said. This is done to try and get into the right weight class which is the maximum weight a wrestler can weigh of the day of the match. After each team wrestles, points are awarded to or deducted from the team
as a whole based on maneuvers or infractions performed along with victory conditions. The team with the most points after all of the weight classes have competed wins the dual match. The Mat Cats, a University organization which acts as hostess for the wrestling team, offers support for the team since they are not funded by the University. “We tape them and do fundraisers,” said Michelle Gropper, a senior in accounting and finance and Mat Cat president. The Tigers will start practice Sept. 8 in the Student Activities Center Room 207. Practices include games for warmups, stretching, drills, technique and “wrestling live,” in which two team members wrestle in full. Practices are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and are open to the public.
Genreal Rules for the scoring of wrestling Takedown - 2 points Escape - 1 point Reversal - 2 points Near fall - 2 or 3 points
Penalty or technical violation - 1 or 2 points Pin - 6 points Technical fall - 6 points Superior decision - 5 points
The Auburn Plainsman
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009
SPORTS, D5
Hostess Spotlight: Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts By SIMPSON FLETCHER Staff Writer
The Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts have served as the public relation representatives for the Auburn University Athletic Department since the fall of 1978, and they continue each year as an honored legacy and tradition of Auburn. “As the official hosts of the athletic department I would say that having the opportunity to meet many different people and being able to form lasting relationships is one of the many things I cherish about being a part of this organization,” said Dominique Neville, president of Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts.
Auburn Boise State UGA Oklahoma Alabama Maryland LSU Ole Miss FSU Notre Dame
The group of 87 members works with the athletic department by assisting the Athletic Director, Tigers Unlimited, the Alumni Association and at community functions. They also work with the Office of University Recruitment, serving as a part of the athletic division of Students of Auburn Recruitment recruiting prospective student-athletes alongside Student Recruiters, operating in the academic division. “We need as many people in the recruiting process as possible,” said Doug Taylor, a sophomore in business. “When they see that closeness of people who are involved, they realize Auburn is a better place.” Audra Brawley, a sophomore
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Brawley said. “I’ve loved getting to be a part of something that affects so many people.” Neville’s duties as president of the group include serving primarily as the liaison between Auburn University Athletic Department administrators and the organization, daily hostings of prospective students and prospective student-athletes, providing clerical and administrative support for the athletic department, and serving at various athletic department functions. “I am fortunate to have a host of amazing advisors and nine fellow officers who help in the operations and tasks of the organization,” Neville said.
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pact Auburn football too.” Neville said Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts are groups for those students who believe in Auburn and everything it has to offer. “I would be willing to say that we have the best game day experience next to the actual players, from being on the front lines of Tiger Walk, to standing on the side lines throughout pre-game festivities, to being the first to congratulate our players once they head off the field,” Neville said. “Who can beat that?” Brawley said her favorite part of being a Tigerette has been getting to know the new coaching staff. “They care for even us so much and stress ‘family’ in their daily life,”
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Tigerette in biomedical sciences, said the main duties of Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts are recruiting the best young men to become Auburn football players, aiding the coaches, helping the secretaries in the office with mail outs to prospective players and working with the athletic department in recruiting students. “I absolutely love Auburn football because I grew up watching it every Saturday in the fall with my dad,” Brawley said. “He has three daughters and turned me into his makeshift son. We would come to games and see the girls with recruits, and I knew how much impact they had on the future of Auburn football. I wanted to be them so I could im-
Auburn Boise State Oklahoma State Oklahoma Va. Tech California LSU Ole Miss FSU Nevada
A Plainsman Tradition Plainsman staff members make picks each week about which college football teams will win. The staff members will move up or down on the tree, depending on how many games they pick correctly.
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Week 1 Auburn vs. La Tech Boise State vs. Oregon Oklahoma State vs. UGA Oklahoma vs. BYU Va Tech vs. Alabama
California vs. Maryland Washington vs. LSU Memphis vs. Ole Miss FSU vs. Miami (Fla.) Notre Dame vs. Nevada
The Auburn Plainsman
Sports, D6
Last basketball home opener for Beard-Eaves By ABBY ALBRIGHT Sports Editor
The Auburn Men’s Basketball team announced its competitive 2009-10 schedule Monday. The season opener, which will be the final season opener played in Beard-Eaves Coliseum, is Nov. 13 against Niagara University. Niagara won 26 games last season and only graduated one player. Throughout the season, the Tigers will compete against 11 postseason tournament teams, including SEC Champion LSU twice, Jan. 20 and Feb. 27. In addition to tournament teams LSU and Niagara, Auburn will play Kentucky, Mississippi State (twice), South Carolina, Niagara and Alabama State at home.
“We have a very demanding schedule this year with three ACC teams on it and a couple of good road games,” said Head Coach Jeff Lebo in a statement. “We have a return game at Missouri State, and we will play in Huntsville. A couple of years ago, we wanted to play in different parts of the state so we have been to Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile and now we are going to be up in Huntsville. That will be great for our Auburn fans in that area and in northern Alabama.” With play in both the SEC and NIT Tournaments last season, the Tigers’ record was 24-12, tied for second with the most wins in a season in Auburn history. Auburn could struggle with the loss of four seniors. Forward Korvotney Barber,
2009-10 Men’s Basketball Schedule Nov. 6 vs. Miles College (exh.), 7 p.m. Nov. 13 vs. Niagara, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Missouri State, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 20 vs. Central Florida, 5 p.m. Nov. 21 vs. IUPUI, 5 p.m. Nov. 22 vs. N. C. State, 7:15 p.m. Nov. 25 vs. High Point, 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Alabama A&M, TBA Dec. 4 vs. Troy, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 vs. Virginia, 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Florida State, TBA Dec. 20 vs. Sam Houston State, 1 p.m. Dec. 22 vs. Alabama State, 7 p.m. Dec. 29 vs. Charleston Southern, 7p.m. Jan. 2 vs. Georgia Southern, 1 p.m. Jan. 5 vs. West Georgia, 7 p.m. Jan. 9 vs. South Carolina, 12:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Tennessee, 6 p.m. Jan. 16 vs. Kentucky, 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at LSU, 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Vanderbilt, 12:30 p.m. Jan. 28 vs. Ole Miss, 6 p.m. Jan. 30 vs. Alabama, 3 p.m. Feb. 6 at Arkansas, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 10 vs. Georgia, 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Mississippi State, 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at Florida, 6 p.m. Feb. 20 vs. Arkansas, 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at Ole Miss, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 vs. LSU, 6 p.m. Mar. 3 vs. Mississippi State, 7 p.m. Mar. 6 at Alabama, 12:30 p.m. Mar. 11-14 SEC Tournament, TBA
guards Drew Smith, Rasheem Barrett and Quantez Robertson, were all valuable players and often starters. Barber was named SEC Player of the Week, Coaches All-SEC Second Team, AP All-SEC Second Team and team MVP. Barber finished his senior year with 1,150 career points, number 22 on Auburn’s alltime scoring list. He holds the school record for single season rebounds with 347. The Tigers return three starters from last season, senior forward Lucas Hargrove and senior guards DeWayne Reed and Tay Waller. After the frustration of almost making it to the NIT Final Four, these seniors have a tough schedule ahead of them before they can make it back to tournament play.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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