July 23,2009

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid

Vol. 115, Issue 38 12 Pages

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

www.theplainsman.com

University secures academic, ag funding Application approved, University to receive $14.4 million intended for research, building

Aderholt aids University in securing $2.8 million from Appropriations Bill for agriculture programs

By COURTNEY JOHNSON

By JORDAN BRANTLEY

Auburn University will be the recipient of a $14.4 million grant from the federal government that will go toward Auburn research and a 68,000 square foot building.

The building will house 21 research laboratories for five major multidisciplinary research groups, explained Brian Keeter, Director of Public Affairs, for the office of the president.

The grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Auburn participated in a competitive proposal against other universities, institutions and non-profit organizations, to be awarded the grant, Keeter said.

“The four entities that received funds were all universities,” he said. “Along with Auburn, Rice University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the University of Miami also had successful proposals and will be receiving federal grant funding.”

Auburn will be using the new research facility to conduct studies in five major areas including food safety, bio energy technology, aqua culture development and sustainability and water and environmental quality, Keeter said.

NIST’s press release on the grant winners specifically explained what type of labs the research building will employ.

“The 21 research laboratories in the new facility will include two simulation labs, three genomics labs, three labs for predictive biology and informatic forecasting, four labs for ecosystem health forecasting and marine aquaculture, two labs for water quality standards and detection, two labs for bio-fuels and quality standards, two labs for bio-products, two labs for detection and food quality and safety, and one lab for economic impact and forecasting,” NIST’s press release said.

“Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce at Auburn University is designed to provide facilities for five major multidisciplinary research groups working on standards, measurement and forecasting related to the environment, bio-fuels and water and food quality and safety,” according to NIST’s official Web site.

“The funding will go toward this research

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, announced Tuesday July 14th that he was able to secure more than $2.8 million in federal funding for Auburn University and the Alabama agriculture industry.

“Agriculture remains a staple of Alabama’s economy and serves as a major economic engine for our part of the state,” Aderholt said in a press release. “The research being conducted at Auburn University is critical to the continued advancement of agriculture sciences in North Alabama and across the entire nation.”

Aderholdt’s spokesman Darrell “D.J.” Jordan said Aderholt secured the money by requesting the funds in the annual House of Representatives Appropriations Bill that Congress passes every year.

“The fact that he is a senior member of one of the Appropriations subcommittees gives Aderholt a little influence when he requests funding for his district and state,” Jordan said.

Jordan said the Alabama agriculture industry accounts for more than $43 billion or 22 percent of the state’s direct economic output, which is more than any other industry.

According to the press release, the agriculture funding includes $419,000 for the Precision Agriculture and Forestry project, $1.09 million for the National Soil Dynamics Lab, and $1.3 million for the Improved Crop Production Practices project.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

> Turn to AG, A2

Austin Nelson / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

The money Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, secured from the Appropriations Bill will go toward the National Soil Dynamics Lab, the Precision Agriculture and Forestry project and other projects.

building because it is the plan that was proposed to NIST,” Keeter said. “When the federal government announces a grant, they include specific criteria and guidelines that proposals must meet, in order to be considered.”

Keeter explained that when the grant was announced by NIST they gave a window of available funding.

“We proposed an amount that was in that window,” he said. “This is a cost/share situation, where we will receive half of the funding necessary to make this research facility from the federal grant and we will identify matching funds from a variety of sources in addition > Turn to GRANT, A2

Staff Writer

Colleges across the country are losing or are in danger of losing sports teams because of financial cuts, but Auburn is in the clear.

Even though Auburn has had to cut the budget in some areas, no sport is in danger of being lost.

Terry Windle, senior associate athletic director, said Auburn is dealing with the tight financial situation.

“We have tried to be more efficient,” Windle said. “One of the things we did was meet with the department to discuss costcutting ideas. We came up with kind of a plan of priority order.

We have instituted some of those items, and some of those we hope we won’t have to.”

One of the items that has been instituted is cutting travel cost. Windle said they are asking sports teams to keep their schedules closer to home. If games are less than five hours away, the team will go by bus instead of by plane. And if a team does fly, the department requires flights be booked 21 days in advance.

The department has also reduced professional travel, limiting it only to when it is required.

“We had a goal of reducing budgets by 5 percent, and most of them did reduce their cost,” Windle said. “A lot of operating costs

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are increasing, so a sport may look like they aren’t decreasing their cost when they actually are.”

One place that Auburn is careful to cut costs is in recruiting.

“We are certainly trying to more efficient in recruiting travel cost, but recruiting is the lifeblood of the program, so we have to be very careful reducing that,” Windle said.

Despite all the cuts Auburn has made over the past two years, Auburn is not being affected as much as other schools in the U.S. “We have seen a small reduction in ticket sales and in donor contributions, but it is not as much as other schools,” Windle said. “Auburn alumni are very

Staff Writer

dedicated alumni.”

Anna Benson, a senior in elementary education, said she is not surprised that Auburn has managed to stay on top because its fans are so loyal.

“No other school in the nation has the kind of fans that we do here at Auburn,” Benson said.

“Our alumni love staying a part of the Auburn family after they graduate, and supporting the athletic department is one way they can do that.”

Windle said that Auburn has seen a slight decrease in revenue and in donations, but one reason revenue has not dropped signifi> Turn to ATHLETICS, A3

> Turn to INTELLIGENCE, A2

Index

Inside Sunday

By STEPHANIE ENGLAND

When it comes to hiring, employers are starting to look for something more than just a high IQ and a good resume.

Emotional intelligence is the capability to describe the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills necessary to be successful in any role, said Ginny Carroll, CEO of inGINuity, a consulting company.

If one is emotionally intelligent, he or she knows how to manage him or herself and relationships with others well.

This skill has become almost a requirement in the workplace.

“Employers will look for students coming out of college with strong interpersonal skills more so now than ever,” Carroll said.

“Most employers I work with are frustrated with recent college graduates’ inability to communicate well with others.”

Being an emotionally intelligent individual has many advantages compared to those who simply rely on IQ. “Emotional intelligence can create successful college, personal and professional

Athletic department shaves budget, saves sports

By HOLLY HERETH

Emotional intelligence factors into employment

Prisoners showcase their artistic talent

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Commentary A4

Classifieds B3 Intrigue

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The Auburn Plainsman

News, A2

The Auburn Plainsman

DUI Arrests in the City of Auburn July 15 - July 21, 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 mail@theplainsman.com or view our Web site at www.theplainsman.com.

David G. Davis of Birmingham South College Street at Garden Drive July 16, 2:41 a.m.

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

CRIME REPORTS July 15 - July 21, 2009 July 16, Dillard’s – Theft reported. One Ed Hardy tank top reported stolen.

- Reports provided by Auburn Department of Public Safety

Stephen M. Gulia 1131 S. College St. July 18, 1:00 a.m.

GRANT >From A1

Editorial Staff

Business Staff

Natalie Wade Editor

Tom Hopf Business Manager

Julian Kersh Managing Editor

Erin Coffey Creative Director

Kevin Saucier Copy Editor Sarah Craft / Associate Editor Allison Clark News Editor Sarah Hansen / Associate Editor Natalie Nettles Intrigue Editor Christian Becraft / Associate Editor

Ed May Layout Coordinator Production Artists Brent Lang Geoffrey Pitts Account Executives Andrew Moore Nathan Smith Vincent Aragon Elizabeth Cammon

Patrick Dever Sports Editor Anna Schierholz / Associate Editor Ashlea Draa Photo Editor Austin Nelson / Associate Editor

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INTELLIGENCE >From A1

Andrew Sims Online Editor ADVERTISING POLICIES

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>From A1

Dr. John Fulton, assistant professor in biosystems engineering, said Auburn’s programs focus on basic research and application.

“Auburn’s programs address short and long-term problems to help producers maximize their profits and make informed management decisions,” Fulton said.

Fulton said the agricultural industry can remain profitable and competitive in a global market through precision agriculture.

Fulton said precision agriculture technologies have increased producers’ profits from $2 to $8 more per acre, and some technologies save 5 to 10 percent on inputs like seeds and fertilizers.

“Farmers becoming better stewards of the land is one of the biggest impacts of precision agriculture,” Fulton said. “They improve

their environmental stewardship by reducing the risk of things like runoff and leaching and have become much more efficient.”

According to the press release, the National Soil Dynamics Lab funding will be used to develop and demonstrate integrated management practices for Alabama that will permit economical crop production without destructive tillage.

Corey Kichler, engineering technician for the USDA soil dynamics lab, said the lab is researching conservation tillage methods.

“The conservation method saves on time as well as fuel costs because you make less passes and less operations,” Kichler said. “From a farmer’s standpoint, they spend less money in the field, get better benefits from the system and increase soil fertility. The farmer saves money as well as getting more use out of their land.”

experiences,” said Maria Witte, a professor in adult education. “A lack of emotional intelligence can result in ineffective and unsuccessful experiences as well. Emotions are usually not warranted in most settings and can be unproductive when there is conflict, miscommunication, and dismissal of feelings.”

Especially in the workplace, emotional intelligence is becoming an increasingly popular characteristic for employees and many are trying to learn the basics of it.

“The beauty of emotional intelligence is that it can be learned, unlike ‘academic’ intelligence,” Carroll said.

“When one chooses to engage outside the classroom, they will be building skills that will be imperative in the workplace.”

According to Six Seconds: The Emotional Intelligence Network’s Web site, young adults with high emotional intelligence receive better grades and stay in school for longer periods of time.

Adults with high emotional intelligence are more effective leaders and salespeople and have better personal and professional relationships.

Certain companies are now incorporating emotional intelligence into the training for their employees.

This training has proven to reduce costs associated with turnovers, absenteeism and

low performances, according to the Six Seconds Web site. It shows that at PepsiCo, employees with high emotional intelligence generated 10 percent more productivity, and sales representatives for L’Oreal with high emotional intelligence brought in $2.5 million more in sales.

“Sometimes it really isn’t all just about brains,” said Marykate Richards, a senior in kinesiology. “You have to know how to emotionally interact with people around you in order to advance yourself in the workplace.”

A recent study indicates that employers are more interested in demonstrated leadership ability than they are with GPA, Carroll said.

“Even though we may have a degree, an employer will want to know what we can actually do,” Witte said.

“What skills, knowledge, and abilities do we bring to the workforce? Emotional intelligence can help you keep a job.”

But this does not mean that academics are not important. A healthy balance of IQ and emotional intelligence is necessary, Witte said.

“Acquiring knowledge and training specific to the field you choose is still very important,” Carroll said. “But also ensuring that you build your emotional intelligence is just as, if not more, important. It is rare to find a job in which you won’t have to communicate well and work successfully on a team with other human beings.”

to that federal grant funding. We’re in the process of working to identify those funds.”

NIST’s official Web site said that Auburn’s total cost for the research building is expected to be around $28,854,000, and the facility is expected to be complete

by Spring 2012.

“Auburn being a recipient of this grant is notable for many reasons, “ Keeter said.

“Most importantly, it recognizes the expertise and accomplishments of Auburn researchers and scientists.”

According to the NIST Web site, Auburn’s proposal for the research center di-

rectly relates to their overarching goals.

“The innovations coming out of the new center will advance national priorities that benefit key sectors of the economy and the public in Alabama and beyond,” said Auburn President Jay Gogue, in a press release.

The research facility is going to bring research clusters, from across campus, together to foster discoveries on a much larger scale and transfer to marketplace at a much faster pace, as explained in the press release, Keeter said.

“This center is going to improve economic opportunities and quality of life in Alabama and beyond,” Keeter said.

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

ATHLETICS >From A1

cantly is because of Auburn’s ticketing priority program.

“Auburn fans and Auburn donors are very dedicated and we have strong base of ticket holders and donors,” Windle said.

Harrison Bain, a senior in

Building Science, wants to continue to support Auburn athletics post graduation.

“I plan on being a season ticket holder in my years after graduation,” Bain said. “I want to support Auburn in any way I can, even if it means doing something as small as buying a season’s worth of football tickets.”

The Auburn Plainsman

News, A3

The Auburn Plainsman

COMMENTARY The Auburn Plainsman Founded in 1893 As The Orange & Blue Vol. 116, No. 38

Natalie Wade Editor

Patrick Dever Sports Editor

News Editor

Andrew Sims

Julian Kersh

Ashlea Draa

Online Editor

Managing Editor

Photo Editor

Kevin Saucier

Natalie Nettles

Copy Editor

Intrigue Editor

NATALIE WADE editor@theplainsman.com

OUR VIEW

Could you defend yourself in court?

With the tough economic times breathing down peoples’ necks, we are all having to make sacrifices. We save in different ways.

Sacrifices seem normal for this situation, but this week we talked about another way in which people are saving money, in the court room.

Pro se, a Latin phrase meaning “for oneself,” refers to when a person represents himself or herself without a lawyer in court, whether as a defendant or a plaintiff and whether the matter is civil or criminal.

In the United States federal court system for the year 2007, the latest statistics available on the U.S. Courts Web site, approximately 27% of actions filed, 92% of prisoner petitions and 10% of non-prisoner petitions were filed by pro se litigants.

As the recession brings in an increase in bankruptcy filings, the courts are dealing not only with larger case loads, but also more timeconsuming case filings. Because of the economic situation people are not able to afford costly attorney rates and people are taking this burden on themselves. To some this may seem like a very thrifty, logical option,

but as we all learned in economics, “there is no such thing as free lunch.”

What costs are we bringing upon our legal system and courts?

One story about this whole concept talked about a veteran attorney losing to a self represented litigant.

The attorney was forced to object as he said, “some 85 times,” to many of the things the defendant said. He said it was unfair for the jury to try and distinguish between legal protocol and what he could only describe as “this.” The case ended up being drug out for much longer than anyone had expected, with court costs being placed on the back of the state.

Even if you do not think about the disadvantages of the courts, we must at least think about the citizens choosing this option. Our constitutional rights guarantee us the right to a fair and quick trial. Many of your average citizens are unable to competently represent themselves during a trial.

With this in mind how can we expect people to be guaranteed their right to a fair trial? It seems almost impossible to guarantee that right anymore.

OUR VIEW

Staff not convinced with Army increase

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced Monday that the U.S. Army will temporarily increase its size by 22,000 soldiers to aid in global efforts, specifically in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The bolstering would push the Army to 569,000 troops, but apparently the increase would only last for three years.

Our editorial board is just not sure the addition of 20,000 soldiers is necessary to propel and facilitate the campaigns in the Middle East.

One aim of the increase is to prevent an increasing number of stop-losses, when troops are forced to stay on tour beyond their enlistment dates.

We certainly support and appreciate the efforts of our troops, so we back this idea in hopes soldiers can serve shorter tours and spend more time with their families; however, we remain unsold on the surplus of soldiers.

Recently the Iraqis were vocal about their wish to have no U.S. Army presence in the country, and Pres. Obama has voiced his intentions to exit several times.

Afghanistan aside, this increase doesn’t necessarily mean a higher number of troops will be deployed in Iraq, but it is a move to bolster the campaign there, which, in light of the two aforementioned facts, leaves us puzzled.

We question whether we need to commit extra troops, and ultimately

time and money, to the operations in Iraq.

Zooming out from Iraq, the campaign in Afghanistan has recently seen more conflict and violence, which Gates points out when explaining the push to add to our military’s size.

Why not pull from other units across the globe?

The U.S. Army has units positioned in Bosnia, Korea, Japan, Germany — all over the world.

Could we not simply shift soldiers from bases or units in less-active parts of the world to aid in the increasingly-difficult operation in Afghanistan?

Not to say those soldiers aren’t doing anything, but surely the 16 Army bases we have in Germany could spare some soldiers, rather than enlisting an extra 22,000.

It seems like moving units from several bases in different countries could supply the extra troops, yet maintain a presence in the places where cycling units is not as pressing of a matter as it is the Middle East.

As details about the movement develop, we could see the intention becoming more clear, but with the given information, we believe there are more efficient means to boost those operations in need.

We would like to see a timeline detailing our goals and projected exit dates of these campaigns, as well as details on how exactly the new units will be implemented.

Our Policy The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. These unsigned editorials are the majority opinion of the eight-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 Auburn University students, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

Where will Green remain?

The Editorial Board Allison Clark

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or nine days Auburn University students have been misled.

What they were told was a willing resignation was really a resign or be fired situation.

“Why?” is the question most people are asking, and there are some unsettling rumors circulating.

I won’t indulge such rumors, because I have seen no proof of their accuracy. However, I will ask

again this week for the University to be forthcoming in this situation.

Sometimes with a lack of information and truth, rumors take hold and make a mountain out of what could be just a molehill.

The lack of information in this case is concerning why the University would want to retain an employee that has resigned; that is if the University wants to maintain the surprise resignation story.

If the University will admit Green was forced to resign and explain to the reasoning, that will be enough to calm the rumors.

Green promised to let The Auburn Plainsman know first what his new position would be with the University, but it’s been a week since that promise was made.

We have heard nothing, and it

has been a most uncomfortable silence.

One last question deals with hiring policies at Auburn.

My understanding is at the very least a position must be posted for two weeks and three candidates chosen.

If Green will stay on at the University, will he have to go through this process or will a position be created for him? And how is that in compliance with University policy?

Often after the initial shock of a situation, things die down and are left to work themselves out.

This should not be one of those situations.

Tell the rest of this “family” why one of its members “resigned.”

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

Health care scheme begs questions

CHRISTIAN BECRAFT christian.becraft@theplainsman.com

I’ve always been skeptical about health care. Most of my skepticism stems from family members who have been in and out of doctor’s offices since before I can remember, with each visit leaving a string of medical bills. With this I do understand the need for reforming this country’s health care system.

With the slumping economy more people are finding themselves jobless and without health insurance. The question is how willing we are in a capitalist society to surrender our fixed premiums, to lose the ability to choose our own health care providers and to find policies that fit

the needs of our families.

I’m not as worried about the process of getting to the change, but am more concerned about the aftermath of how quickly reform will arrive. What will be the new application process with Obama’s health care proposal?

And what exactly will be the changes as far as quality, immediacy and coverage?

With our national budget spiraling downward with each passing debate, who is for and who is against national coverage, another concern is what our tab will be after we implement several new plans that may or may not work. And who is left with the bill? I understand modifying old systems takes several applications of trial and error.

But my skepticism still peaks.

Who will profit most from the new system? And who will suffer?

Problems with our health care began with other issues.

The concern grows as more and more Americans are uninsured. But wouldn’t targeting the unemployment rates and creating more jobs so that people could afford better plans reap

faster benefits?

Or even giving the money that would likely be lost in those experimental years to free clinics that serve those who don’t qualify for plans prove to show faster results, making a visible difference?

Before I take a side, I just want more questions answered.

Both dividing sides are trying to persuade Americans to be in favor or oppose the issue, but few have outlined what living with the plan would be like and under what conditions.

Would certain patients be required to go to certain doctors?

Would the “second opinion” option for patients still be open?

As far as having national and equal coverage for everyone, the concept sounds ideal. I have seen too many go without health care and it’s disheartening.

But utopian concepts often have shadows. I don’t want to wait to see what’s in those shadows once national coverage reaches full light.

Christian Becraft is the assistant intrigue editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach her at 844-9109.

Farewell, thank you Plainsman

NATALIE NETTLES natalie.nettles@theplainsman.com

I first stepped foot in The Plainsman office one year ago.

At the time, I was majoring in English and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

I remember the fear I felt as I was pushed to the Intrigue section after asking what I needed to do in order to volunteer.

I was a senior, and could have graduated that December with a major in English.

Instead, I fell in love with journalism and changed my major, extending my stay at Auburn another year.

I had changed my major several times before, but had never found anything that felt like the right fit.

Journalism, on the other hand, was a different story.

Getting an assignment, interviewing the sources, putting the story together, perfecting it minutes before deadline and then seeing it in print gave me a rush like no other.

Being hired on staff in January only intensified that excitement as I began editing and paginating as well.

The Plainsman has taught me a lot about both journalism and life in general.

I’ve learned boldly standing up for something you care about, even if it receives backlash in the beginning, is worth it if you know it is what’s best in the long run.

I’ve learned to not take “no” for an answer, and sometimes you have to work your tail off to track a source down and get that big interview.

I’ve learned breaking news always occurs at the most inopportune times, but it must be covered.

I’ve learned not to attempt to keep a secret from other journalists. We’re nosy by nature.

I’ve even learned not everyone

has been to Whataburger.

I’ll be gone from The Plainsman after this issue in order to intern with the Office of Communication and Marketing and graduate, finally, in December.

As I sit in The Plainsman office for my last real day as a staff member, the feeling is bittersweet.

I’m so glad I made the decision to show up at that first Plainsman meeting last August.

It may have added a year to my college career, but it was worth it in ways I cannot possibly express in words.

Journalism has given me a passion for a career I actually care about.

The Plainsman has given me the experience I need in order to (hopefully) help make that career happen.

Staffers, thank you for welcoming me into the Plainsman family.

I’ll be back to the office during lunch breaks in the fall, and better be invited to any and every “Plainsman party.”

Natalie Nettles is the intrigue editor of The Auburn Plainsman.

You can reach her at 844-9109.

The Auburn Plainsman’s print edition will be back August 27, but look for updates at

www.ThePlainsman.com

The Auburn Plainsman

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

A5

Overdraft expenses weigh on students Local bank employees explain why most students usually overdraft and how these students can prevent it.

By JENNIFER BECKETT Staff Writer

Austin Nelson / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Left: Self-portraits done by M. Weis and Jeff Anglin hang in Biggin Hall as part of an art exhibit, Art on the Inside, that displays prisoner’s artwork. Above: “Class Collaboration” is a piece also created by inmates.

Prisoners get artistic

By SARAH PHILLIPS Staff Writer

When it comes to creativity, Auburn University has found a new outlet for a group of people society forgets and often ignores: prisoners.

The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project was created in 2004, using grants from various foundations, including the Alabama Humanities Foundation, and began as an outreach with only one poet teaching in one prison.

Today, this project has grown into more than 35 instructors teaching in 12 correctional facilities in Alabama with courses ranging from drawing to Southern literature.

“Education is good for everybody,” said Kyes Stevens, director of the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project. “Creativity feeds people. It does something on a soul level.”

Although the prisoners are the main focus of the outreach, many Auburn University faculty members and students take part in creating this opportunity for them.

“We have graduate students, people with Ph.D.s and professionals who come in to teach,” Stevens said.

“We also have undergraduates who are teaching assistants.”

These programs can affect each participant differently, but the results seem positive for students and teachers, Stevens said.

“It’s an invigorating teaching environment,” said Barry Fleming, interim chair of the department of art.

“They are the best students because (here) no one wants anything from them. They all want to be there.”

Each class consists of 15-20 students with about 12 sessions of teaching on a college freshman level.

After creating their original piece of artwork, the inmates are able to find a sense of satisfaction which many are never able to experience.

“Some may have never used a pencil,” Fleming said. “You get to see them gaining confidence and have an accomplishment.”

Most of the prisoners have also never experienced creating or learning about art and absorb any and all

information the teachers give them.

“It’s an honest and open environment,” Fleming said. “They ask questions about the art world and connect to what art is about.”

Throughout last week, this growing program hosted its first-ever display in Biggin Hall titled “Art on the Inside,” which allowed students, teachers and the public to come in and view a selection of astonishing pieces prisoners have created.

Many of the pieces included revealing self-portraits as well as interpretations of their time spent incarcerated which had dramatic affects on many who viewed them.

“It was kind of disturbing,” said Brooke Whitlock, a senior in elementary education. “It was sad to see the sadness in the eyes of the self-portraits.”

Most of the artwork seemed to be on a professional level, but Stevens said this wasn’t necessarily because of talent, but because of their sheer perseverance. > Turn to ART, A6

Everyone with a bank account dreads those two words that pop up because of a forgotten or miscalculated transaction: non-sufficient funds.

As a result of the hectic lives many people lead, some lose track of their spending habits or make a deposit after depleting an account instead of making the deposit before.

“People must realize that checks written do not appear immediately on their telephone banking or Web banking transaction logs,” said an executive of RBC Bank. “At RBC if a check is returned, a $35 fee is incurred, and the customer is notified to make (him or her) aware of insufficient funds.”

The number of overdrafts incurred per day depends on the area in which the bank is located and the number of transactions that are processed on a given day, said Georgia Hendricks, marketing officer at Region’s Bank.

Most overdrafts in college towns, like Auburn, occur with students’ accounts, Hendricks said.

“One of the main ways to avoid overdrawing – especially for students – is to have some type of overdraft protection that connects the primary checking account to a savings account, secondary checking account or credit card with a small line of credit,” she said.

Regions has a tiered system based on non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. The first occurrence on a new account is free. The second and third occurrences incur a fee of $33, and four or more

occurrences over a 12-month period incur a $35 fee, Hendricks said.

“Overdrafts can add up quickly, so the $10 transfer fee for overdraft protection can end up costing less than the accumulation of the overdraft fees without protection,” she said.

According to the Wachovia Web site, linking a credit card to a checking account will result in a fee of $5 if overdraft occurs, and the transferred amount will be treated as a cash advance.

RBC will pay an overdrawn item in some cases as long as the customer has a history of few-tono overdrafts, the RBC executive said.

“Repeated overdraft customers don’t get that benefit,” he said.

Opening a free checking account and keeping extra money for the sole purpose of overdraft protection can be a good way to avoid overdrawing, said the RBC executive.

“Also, don’t use your debit card unless you have made your deposit first,” he said. “If the deposit takes longer than the transaction to go through in the account, you will probably incur fees for insufficient funds.”

If people can discipline themselves to look at their accounts once a day, they will be much less likely to overdraw, said the RBC executive.

Writing down all check and debit card transactions as soon as possible can also help, he said.

“The number one way to avoid overdrawing is to keep a register and log every item that you buy and all deposits you make,” he said. “Don’t keep track in your head because you might forget something.”

Dance group displays ‘Man’

By JENNIFER BECKETT Staff Writer

Austin Nelson / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Dean Road Elementary schools elementary children of all races. In a recent study, the space between black and white student’s test grades is decreasing.

Gap between black, white scores shrinks

By ANDREW SIMS Online Editor

The South is narrowing, but not closing, the gap between black and white students’ performances on tests, a new federal study released July 14 shows.

In the study by the U.S. Department of Education, nearly every Southern state saw gains in test scores by black fourth and eighthgrade students from the early ’90s until 2007, based on national assessments.

The improvements are especially noticeable in fourth-grade math scores, where six Southern states had black students ahead of white students in the rate of improvement.

These findings were the first major U.S. Department of Education report since President Barack Obama took office.

The report uses the National Assessment of Education Progress exam given to students under the federal No Child Left Behind law. > Turn to SCORES, A6

Jule Collins-Smith Museum / ATTRIBUTED

Doc Waller portrays Man at the Jule Collins-Smith Museum during a one night performance. Waller founded the Layman Group, a non-profit performance arts organization.

Auburn’s new performance dance group called the Layman Group performed its first exhibition, “Man,” Thursday night at the Jule Collins-Smith Museum.

Through a correlation of music, dialogue, audience response and improvisational dance, the one-night performance “Man” addressed the stereotypes and ideals of the meaning of manhood at home and within the larger society, according to the JCSM Web site.

“The purpose of ‘Man’ is not to make statements about masculinity, but to let people watch and listen and form their own opinions,” said Doc Waller, executive artistic director of the Layman Group.

“We provide the vehicle, and you (the audience) provide the destination.”

Sam Phillips, art student at Oberlin College in Ohio, performed an integral role in the exhibition.

“Eli Jolley and I represented the insecurities of the man character represented by Doc Waller,” Phillips said. “We served a myriad of roles for Waller, but ultimately embodied the insecurities of mankind as a whole.”

The performance concluded with a dance featuring a man and a woman.

The female represents the juxtaposition of the man’s insecurities and the truth, Waller said.

“Men have insecurities they don’t even know

> Turn to MAN, A6

The Auburn Plainsman

NEWS, A6

The Auburn Plainsman NEWS STAFF

ALLISON CLARK Editor SARAH HANSEN Associate Editor

To reach the staff, call (334) 844-9109.

SCORES >From A5

The study still shows problems persist in every state, despite some gains in other subjects, but many educators say the results are encouraging in the South.

“We are trying to equip teachers with teaching strategies to get students more excited about learning and encouraging students to engage in their own learning,” said Marilyn Strutchens, education professor. “I feel Alabama is starting to make advances, but needs to still think about equity issues.”

Strutchens works with the TEAM-Math program, Transforming East Alabama Mathematics, which is a partnership of fourteen school districts, Auburn University, Tuskegee University and other business partners.

“We provide each district with professional development training using technology, physical models and different pedagogical styles to better enhance learning,” Strutchens said.

Kendall Griffin, a recent secondary education mathematics graduate, said she did not

ART

>From A5

“My philosophy is that you can teach anybody to draw,” Stevens said. “What someone does with (instruction) is the difference.”

In fact, Whitlock said she was informed that one piece of art which was displayed was actually printed and sold, making one prisoner money for his family in need.

The newest development with the Ala-

see any differences between the students where she was teaching.

“In the school I interned at there really was not a notable difference,” Griffin said.

“I taught one of the highest math classes offered at the school and also one of the lowest remediation classes, and there was the same ratio of black and white students in each.”

Still, many Southern states who exceeded the national average for black students remained behind the nation’s test scores for both races.

Strutchens said Alabama is working to add its name to the list of improved states.

“We are making initiatives that will help our students,” Strutchens said. “I think bringing equity into it is important.”

Some feel that the task lies on the teachers of Alabama to handle this problem.

“In order to get good teachers, schools have to think of creative ways to attract good teachers,” said Lisa Kasmer, professor in elementary education. “Ultimately this has to be overall of the entire system.

We can’t keep putting on Band-Aids on the problem.”

bama Prison Arts + Education Project is an outreach scholarship created by Barb Bondy, the assistant professor of art/exhibitions and lectures coordinator at the University.

It creates collaboration with students and inmates to benefit in their advances on life, Stevens said.

“Most (prisoners) have a terrible experience with education,” Stevens said. “With the (APAEP) program they get a second chance.”

MAN

>From A5

they have,” he said. “For me, man is more of a person in totality if he sees more of him (self).”

Waller said he has been a recreational dancer for most of his life, he said, but he became professional when he joined a West African dance company called Ayoluwa in Pensacola, Fla., in 2004.

After his one-year participation in Ayoluwa, Waller returned to Auburn to launch his nonprofit performance arts organization, the Layman Group.

“I’ve always known that when I started an arts organization I’d include a dance company.”

To gain better perspective, Waller moved to Atlanta for a year and began to get back to acting and performing in theaters and improvisational dance companies.

“While I was there, I took time to talk to all the artistic leaders and directors I could,” he said. “I literally took a year to study non-profit organizations before coming back to Auburn to start (the Layman Group).”

Much like Waller, Phillips said he has been performing in artistic venues since childhood.

“I think my first role was as a tree in ‘Briar Rabbit,’” Phillips said. “I’m clumsy with bad balance, so I kept falling off the balance beam I had to stand on. I’ve come a long way since then.”

Phillips said he saw Waller’s group on facebook and sent him a message inquiring about how to get involved.

“We met at Starbucks and started shooting ideas around,” Phillips said.

The organization is young, so it doesn’t have the funding to support performances or performers, Waller said.

Everyone on staff volunteers his or her time to the organization.

“This was a short presentation put together on a whim with zero dollars,” Waller said.

Phillips said he agreed.

“It was a grassroots effort, but (the audience) turned out much better than we expected,” Phillips said.

One goal of the Layman Group is to change people’s view of the arts and stereotypes associated with the arts.

“I think certain cities, like New York City,

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

are places where the arts and creative lifestyles are seen as a necessity that makes the cities run rather than merely entertainment,” Waller said. “NYC seems like a place where the arts have become the blood of the city. I want to bring that same type of blood back to Alabama.”

While driving past a farm with large bales of hay scattered in the fields, he said he decided to organize a meeting in different locations every day during March to choreograph and perform dances.

“This shows that art can be anywhere,” Waller said.

Another endeavor on the group’s agenda, The Rainer Project, aims to connect young adults in the area who do not have the resources and ability to participate in arts education to popular, well-received artists in bigger cities, Waller said.

Over a six-month span, the children and artists will send each other personal videos – a mixture of modern art and technology – to get to know each other on a personal level.

At the end of the six-month span, the program will send the children to the city to meet the artist with whom they have been communicating, he said.

The Layman Group also plans to host a 24hour film festival in which Auburn actors, playwrights and directors will converge in Lee County.

“They will have 24 hours to meet, learn about each other, write, cast, stage and direct a play,” Waller said. “I have had to do that before, and it’s the hardest, most creative thing I’ve ever done.”

Furthermore, the group has a youth branch called The Loud Crowd, a performance art group that produces, writes and stages artistic performances, he said.

“The kids perform as themselves dealing with real issues,” Waller said.

He said he also hopes to make the arts more accessible to a larger number of people in Auburn and surrounding areas though the efforts of the Layman Group.

“Many people don’t know the arts have designated projects,” Waller said, “so we want to take the arts out of traditional places and put them somewhere in the community where people can see them – where they will be impossible to ignore.”

The Auburn Plainsman

INTRIGUE

Reel Review

B C

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

AU plates made over

By JORDAN BRANTLEY Staff Writer

Ashlea Draa / PHOTO EDITOR

Quinley Allred, an Auburn graduate who works at Ellie, shows off fashionable fall looks for students.

Fashion fixes for fall

By STEPHANIE ENGLAND Staff Writer

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be difficult, especially for the busy college student.

Knowing what to wear to class, to interviews, or out on the town is a decision students face every day in the continually changing world of fashion.

“When I meet someone I don’t know, I form a first impression of that person based largely on how he or she looks, because that’s all the information I have readily available to me,” said Sandra Forsythe, Auburn University’s coordinator of apparel merchandising. “Most Auburn students dress very well.”

Early morning classes are no exception.

“I don’t think anyone should wear their pajamas to class, even if it is at 8 a.m.,” said Cayley Mullen, a senior in apparel merchandising.

When spending a day outside of home and class, Forsythe said students should try to look presentable.

“When shopping, it is important not to look like you have just finished

weeding the garden or participating in a triathlon,” Forsythe said.

Making a decision on what to wear is all about personal preference.

“I like to wear nicer clothes when I’m out running errands and shopping because it makes me feel better,” Mullen said. “You don’t want to look grungy when you’re trying on clothes and looking in mirrors all day.”

Many students are unaware of how to dress appropriately for professional meetings like interviews or guest speakers.

“Dress professional whenever you want others to see you as professional,” Forsythe said. “A suit or the equivalent of a suit is always a good thing because jackets convey power and competency.”

While knowing what to wear and when to wear it is difficult enough, being able to predict upcoming fashion trends is just as tough.

“The frugal look is in right now due to the failing economy because consumers are less comfortable sporting expensive > Turn to FASHION, B2

Ashlea Draa / PHOTO EDITOR

Fall fashions are displayed in the Ellie front window.

Auburn pride will soon have a new face on the road.

Beginning in August, Auburn license plates will be sporting a new style.

Every five years, the state of Alabama requires license plates in the state to change their appearance. Until now, Auburn’s tag has had only minimal changes.

“This is the first year the design is different, yet we still are focusing on the interlocking AU which we believe is our most recognized symbol of Auburn,” said Debbie Shaw, vice president of Alumni Affairs.

Shaw said Auburn’s Office of Communication and Marketing designed the tag.

“There were several tags prepared by their staff,” Shaw said. “We did a survey with the Auburn Alumni Club and asked them to pick their favorite design. The winner was outstanding by far from the other tags.”

Shaw said proceeds from the tags go to the “License to Learn” Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Shaw said last school year $1.2 million in scholarships was awarded from the fund.

“The fund is really important to Auburn,” Shaw said. “We are not only promoting Auburn on the highways, we are raising significant dollars for student scholarships.”

In Alabama, tags cost $50 plus the standard registration fee of $24.25.

Shaw said the $50 must be paid each time the license is renewed.

Shaw said there is no fee to personalize the tag and she hopes buyers will use them to express themselves.

“Some of our favorite five character tags include: LVS AU, BT BMA, TGRB8 and WDEAG,” Shaw said.

For students and alumni outside Alabama, Shaw said some states have Auburn Clubs that design their own Auburn tags.

Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia offer Auburn tags and Mississippi recently submitted the re> Turn to LICENSE, B2

When in doubt, toss leftovers out

By CHRISTIAN BECRAFT Associate Intrigue Editor

Though momma always said to clear your plate before dessert, sometimes saving dinner could make for a cheaper lunch tomorrow.

This thrifty reheated meal might sound appetizing, but certain precautions should be taken when re-preparing last night’s dinner.

Shaye Smith, a senior in political science, said she cooks most of her meals and makes enough to have leftovers the next day.

Organization Highlight Every week this semester, The Plainsman highlighted a campus organization.

This is the final installment for the summer.

“If it’s meat, I’ll keep it in there for up to three days, but if it’s anything else like a veggie I’ll keep it in there for a week,” Smith said. “The next day I’ll reheat it in the microwave, but if it’s a steak, I heat it in the oven.”

Jean Weese, professor in nutrition and food sciences and also extension specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), explained that preparing and re-cooking food is all about science and consumers should take extra care in preventing food from bacterial contamination.

If the food is prepared and stored

correctly, Weese said meat and poultry leftovers, soups and stews will keep for two to three days, after which is should be thrown away.

However, other foods have different limits on how long they can be kept.

While eggs fresh in the shell can be kept for three weeks, milk should only be kept for one week.

To ensure safe and tasty leftovers, conservation begins when the food is first prepared.

Weese said with ground meats and Emma Robertshaw / PHOTO STAFF

> Turn to LEFTOVERS, B2

Students should take precautions when re-heating leftovers.

Kadettes aid Auburn’s Army ROTC program

By JUSTIN DORMAN Staff Writer

Patriotism has been revered in this country since the first settlers emigrated from Europe so many years ago.

Today, that same sense of loyalty to country survives in the U.S. Army and ROTC program.

What people may not realize, however, is that there is a group that acts as a lifeline or backbone for the Army ROTC patriots: the Auburn Kadettes.

The Kadettes are the official hostesses of the Army ROTC program.

Sara Abeln, president of the Kadettes said that it is their job to support the Army ROTC and even show up to their PT tests to offer

support and hand out catering.

“We show up and support them at their PT, or physical fitness tests,” Abeln said. “We bring them stuff like waters and Gatorades.”

In addition to hydrating the ROTC cadets, the Kadettes also take pride in setting up and decorating for the ROTC’s formal, Rachel Jernigan, Vice President of the Kadettes said.

“The biggest event we contribute to is the Military Ball for the ROTC guys,” Jernigan said. “We’re actually kind of in the process of rebuilding. We’re looking to do more fundraisers this coming year.”

The Military Ball is put on by the ROTC every year in February. This past year it took place on Valentine’s Day weekend, Jernigan said. The event is designed to help the ROTC

Printed on Recycled Paper

men and women, many of whom are going to be going into service in the military, learn a few social aspects and hopefully some etiquette.

“We also host fundraisers throughout the year at different restaurants, much like a sorority does” Jernigan said. “We host events to help raise money for (the ROTC) and their activities.”

The members of the Kadettes join for a number of different reasons, Jernigan said.

For her it was the feeling of patriotism that drove her to join.

“My father, way before my time was in the military,” Jernigan said. “He always instilled > Turn to KADETTES, B2

Intrigue, B2

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

Family dinners not magic fix

By JUSTIN DORMAN Staff Writer

Television shows and the American media have been showing images of the perfect family and family dinners for years.

In years past, it was shows like The Brady Bunch that showed America what it was like to sit at a table with six well-behaved kids. The Wonder Years depicted a middle class family that sat around a crowded kitchen table to enjoy dinner.

These days, even Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan have programs that show how they spend their meals with their families, however dysfunctional they may be.

Ellen Abell, professor of human development and family studies, said spending time with family is important as long as the time is spent productively.

“It’s not just that you all eat together,” Abell said. “The idea is that when you are together every one gets to share parts of their day and be together and remember that you are a family.”

Abell said simply having dinner with a group of people does not necessarily bring that group closer together.

FASHION >From B1

designer brands,” Forsythe said. “Luxury stores are having major problems because more people are now shopping at discount stores.

Used clothing stores are also doing brisk business these days.”

While the frugality trend this season may benefit the penny-pinching college scene, students are trying their best to keep up with

“We were at each other’s throats a “If you have a completely dysfunclot growing up,” Haley said. “I think the tional family and you come together for times we got along best were when we dinner time, that may or may not fix the just sat there in silence, eating.” dysfunction,” Abell said. “Often times, it As people grow older they have a does not.” certain nostalgia for a time when they Logan Plew, a senior in supply chain could sit down with there family over management, said it was not necessardinner, Plew ily important said. for him to eat “ B ein g dinner with away from his family evTh e idea is that when you are home makes ery night. me really “What retogether every one gets to share cherish the ally mattered parts of their day and be together time I spend was who you and remember that you are a family.” with my ate with,” mom, ” Plew Plew said. “I Ellen Abell, had a buddy professor, HDFS said. “I spend who was over every meal I at my house can with her more than I was. Often times it would when I’m home just to make up for lost just be the two of us and my mom.” time.”

Not every family in America is the Abell said what is important is that same cookie cutter family with two par- families make the effort to improve ents and two children who live and co- their relationships when sit down together for dinner. exist in perfect harmony, Plew said.

“When you do get together, you’re Bryant Haley, a junior in Wireless Engineering, said that both of his parents making a commitment to be togethworked and often times he and his older er and presumably you are interactbrother would end up spending dinner ing with one another in a positive way around dinner time,” Abell said. together, just the two of them.

“

shifting fashion tendencies.

“I think animal and floral prints will be something to look for,” said Kelsey Karcher, a junior in apparel merchandising. “While some of that has already been in style for this spring and summer, I think you will continue to see it in the fall.”

Mullen said she thinks neon colors will also be a staple this fall.

“If you look at any fashion magazine you will get a good idea of the latest fashion trends,” Forsythe said.

LEFTOVERS

>From B1

ground turkey, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it is first cooked and when it is reheated. Weese also said the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends any type of leftover be reheated to 165 F, such as a casserole or soup.

In order for food to be acceptable the next day, Weese recommends food be packed away and in the fridge (at 41 degrees or below) no longer than two hours after it was initially prepared. For food that has been sitting out for hours, Weese said it is best to be thrown out.

How the food is contained is up to the consumer. The purpose of tuber ware or

KADETTES

>From B1

that sense of patriotism. I’m a patriot at heart.”

Other girls join because sororities encourage them to get involved, or because they are dating one of the ROTC cadets, Jernigan said.

Being a member of the Kadettes may have other perks as well.

LICENSE >From B1

quired number of applicants.

“They have different requirements to get plates approved,” Shaw said. “They design their own tags, but they work with our offices to make sure the tags are approved by Auburn.”

Kristen Nelson, a senior in business administration, said she likes the Auburn tags but doesn’t plan on purchasing one.

“I had a vanity tag with my name on it that my dad got for my first car,” Nelson said. “I think they are a great way to show Auburn’s name on the road but I probably wouldn’t get another one.”

Joe Harmon, a recent graduate in civil engineering, said he thinks the tags are a good way to show Auburn pride.

“I think it’s a great way to promote the school, especially now that I am an alumnus,” Harmon said. “It’s a great way to give back and it shows that you’re an Auburn fan.”

aluminum foil and wrapping up the food is to lock in the moisture and to prevent the food from tasting dry, Weese said.

For some students re-cooking and reheating meals can get boring, but leftovers that can last for days don’t always have to be bland.

“I’ll cook pastas and veggies and keep it for a week,” Smith said. “I try new stuff with the pasta like put it in different sauces and use different seasonings for several meals.”

Jenny Stegall, an Auburn alum who worked as a personal chef and owned a catering company in San Francisco, shared some tips on how to spice up and preserve tastes of leftover food.

“Cold foods and room temperature foods make better leftovers,” Stegall said. “Reheating breaks the flavors down

and gives that ‘leftover’ taste. If reheating meat, like pork tenderloin, it will be better if reheated in a sauce as opposed to dry. It will retain its moisture and also get fresh flavors from the sauce.”

Some foods like pizza or pasta taste good cold. Weese said eating leftovers cold is OK, but by the second day the food should be reheated.

Refrigerating food can make grandma’s beef stew keep for a couple of days, but freezing foods can save delectable treats for months.

“If it’s a homemade soup it will keep for three to six months,” Weese said.

“But the flavor is going to go away, because the product deteriorates after a certain time. The longer you keep it in the freezer the less quality you are going to get.”

“We got to go to Fort Benning with the cadets,” Jernigan said. “ We went through a virtual training and even got to shoot an M-16.”

The Kadettes is now a group made up entirely of females. That is not by design, however, and the organization would embrace anyone who wanted to join, male or female, Jernigan said. Missed meetings are not a huge problem, as the organization is relatively lenient, Jernigan said.

Those interested in joining need only to attend the regular two meetings a month and pay the small organizational dues.

Scott Bolch, an undeclared sophomore and former ROTC cadet, said he appreciates the support of the Kadettes.

“Most of the training and PT tests can be pretty brutal,” Bolch said. “It really helps to have not just one person, but a whole organization out there to support you. It’s amazing.”

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue B3

ThePlainsman.com

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent: 3 BR/ 2 B close to campus. $1,065 a month all appliances included. Call 334-524-6807 or 887-1822.

1 Trailer for rent, avail. 2 br, 2 ba avail. August $450. Big lots down Wire Rd. Call 334-559-4030 for info.

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.

For Rent: 4 BR/ 2 B home approx. 10 min. from campus. All appliances included, lg. yard, pets ok. $800 a month. 334524-6807 or 887-1822. ....................................................

Two Roommates Needed, Non-smokers, 3 bedroom, 3 bath stand alone house Harmon Estates. $300.00/month, plus utilities. Call 262-331-4569. ....................................................

For Rent: 3 BR/ 2 B in Opelika, close to Auburn & Tigertown. All appliances included. $690 a month. Call 334-524-6807 or 887-1822.

For Rent: 1 BR/ 1 B apt. $295 month, all appliances included, pets ok. Call 334-524-6807 or 887-1822. ....................................................

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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. ....................................................

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Pets welcome - Avail. 8/1 - $825. 334-381-3284 - 1 yr. lease. ....................................................

Roommates wanted - Three rooms with private bath available in 4 bedroom condo on Tiger Transit. Furnished area includes LR, DR, and kitchen: range, refrigerator, microwave, washer, dryer, internet, cable. $400/mo., inc. utilities. The Edge on College Street, Bldg.

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3 BD/ 3 BA Duplex (Yeager Ln.) Large Den, fenced backyard, internet included. W/D, Price Negotiable.

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Male student looking for person to share two bedroom/ two bath apartment. Full kitchen/ sitting room & washer/ dryer.

Carparking. Excellent location: Courtyard Apartments on College St. Straight across from campus- Unique townhouse style unit. Available August 2009. Only $375 per month inclusive. Call: 404-429-0615. Email: ellismw@auburn.edu AUBURN CROSSING 2 bedrms, available in nicely furnished/ decorated private condo. Pool, tennis, volleyball, club house & parking. Female, non-smoking students only! $375 per room plus utilities.

Call Kathy at 423-424-8693. ....................................................

One B.R. Duplex, Central A/C, New Electric Stove, on shady Residential Lot, $335 Monthly.

502-8313.

Male roommates needed, large 3 BR/ 3 BA duplex, non-smoker, 1/8 mile to campus. $350.00 includes utilities & internet. keschneider@bellsouth.net 770-346-9141. ....................................................

Urgent Sublease! Male or Female Auburn Trails Apartments, 1st Months Rent Free!! Please contact 334-354-7361. ....................................................

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Missing Your Pet? Check Lee County Humane Society on Shug Jordan PKWY in Auburn.

The Auburn Plainsman

Intrigue, B4

REEL REVIEW 6th Potter film not half bad

‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ Rating: PG

★★★

HOW WE RATE:

★ - Dismal

★★ - Bearable

★★★ - Average

★★★★ - Good

★★★★★-Excellent

For a series set in a magical alternate world tucked away from our weary doldrums, the Harry Potter films have never conveyed any sense of the wonder of J.K. Rowling's mad creation. Even as the series grew darker with each sequel, half the fun of reading them was exploring new places and oddball characters, which gave them an unassailable joyousness no matter how bleak the outcome looked for our heroes.

Not that Harry is feeling particularly cheery at the start of “Half-Blood Prince.” Now redeemed in the court of public opinion following proof of Voldemort's return, Harry must endure press junkets mere minutes after watching his godfather Sirius die. This devastating moment rarely has any impact on the story at all, perhaps because the last film failed to wring much emotion out of it.

Soon afterward, Dumbledore interrupts Harry’s summer break to begin the hunt for their nemesis.

Michael Gambon has been a treat ever since he took over for the late, great Richard Harris in the third film, but he brings his A-game this time, mixing regret, quiet strength and subtle humor effortlessly. He holds the entire film together as he takes Harry on strolls through a magical Memory Lane to trace Voldemort's history.

The first act of the film, the best stretch of the film series captures the darkness of the novel, and David Yates' direction is sturdy and evocative. Harry's trips with Dumbledore and the flashback of young Tom Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, nephew of Ralph Fiennes, Voldemort himself) are deeply and wonderfully unsettling.

Then we start following our beloved trio through the school year, and the film loses its

way. Yates and writer Steve Kloves suddenly drop the dark air of the first act in favor of a protracted inspection of the romantic woes of all three.

Ron and Hermione's attempts to woo the other only drive them further apart, while Harry apparently has to queue up for a crack at Ron's little sis’ Ginny (Bonnie Wright).

These slightly comical interactions greatly distract from the mission at hand. Why Yates decided to give these subplots so much time is beyond me.

On the positive side, the acting is up to the usual standards. Poor Rupert Grint has always made the best of a bad situation with the under-written Ron, but he gets some big laughs with his dopey grin and his constant bemusement. Both Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane (who play the teen Riddle) are pitchperfect in their roles, and Dillane in particular makes me wish far more of the film had been devoted to him working his icy charm on unsuspecting adults.

However, it's Tom Felton, the best of the child actors since the first film, who steals the show as the hardened yet tortured Draco. He's always had that haughty sneer down pat, but we see another side of him in this film, and he outperforms even the adults.

"Half-Blood Prince," like all of its predecessors save "Prisoner of Azkaban," has excellent moments, but fails to add up into a cohesive whole. Its omissions and alterations result in an enjoyable movie, but one that builds to an emotional climax that never comes. And for the love of God, will they give Alan Rickman something to do before this series ends?

— Review by Jake Cole Opinions Staff

T-shirt store gets stamp of approval

By JUSTIN DORMAN Staff Writer

It’s used on the corner of an envelope to be sent in the mail. It’s what Auburn students do to their feet when cheering their team down the field. It also happens to be the name of one of the most popular shirt depots in Auburn.

Named after it’s owner, Eric Stamp, the business was started years ago in 1993 with Stamp and a few of his buddies making and selling Tshirts out of their house.

“We got a business license and started doing things for businesses and groups on campus,” Stamp said. “Then in 1997 or ’98 we got licensed to start doing things for the University.”

Stamp bought an alreadyexisting print shop in 2001.

Stamp then inherited many

of the built-in customers and contracts and also some contacts with the University that were previously used by the old print shop.

Stamp sells all sorts of Tshirts made from a wide variety of designs, including Auburn apparel. The ideas for the designs either come from designs created in the past or from current or previous employees, Stamp said.

The shop also does a lot of custom work for businesses, though those designs tend to stay the same from year to year. Stamp said he has used around 30 designers since the conception of his store.

Students who have purchased a shirt from Stamp or are anxious about new items coming out in the fall can rest assured that their will be an influx of new designs.

“We probably have about 20 designs that we would like

to do; hopefully, we’ll do half of them,” Stamp said. “Especially with four home ( football) games in a row, it’s really hard for us to keep up with the designs.”

While Stamp is probably most well-known for their shirts, they do sell many other items, Stamp said. Among these things are non-Auburn related items, notebooks made from recycled cardboard, earrings made from recycled bottle caps, postcards, sunglasses and mouse pads with original designs on them.

Stamp’s Web site, Stamplify.com, displays a number of different shirt designs with purchasing instructions. If a customer wants something other than a shirt, however, they must visit the store located on North College Street, across the street from Toomer’s Drugs.

The Auburn Plainsman INTRIGUE STAFF

NATALIE NETTLES Editor CHRISTIAN BECRAFT Associate Editor

To reach the staff, call (334) 844-9112.

Joey Hollerer, an undeclared sophomore and Stamp customer, said he thought Stamp was only a T-shirt store.

“I’ve bought shirts off that Web site a countless number of times, and I never knew that they sold other things, especially things made of recycled material,” Hollerer said.

For some students, the Internet is the only vehicle of advertising they’ll see in a day. Stamp utilizes this theory with its Myspace page.

And they do it successfully, said Chris Mareina, a senior in veterinary medicine.

“If I hadn’t visited Stamp’s Myspace page, I probably would have never seen some of the great Auburn apparel they sell,” Mareina said. “I saw the page and said to myself ‘It’s time for some new shirts.’”

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

The Auburn Plainsman

SPORTS

B5 Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

AU Equestrian looks for 3rd title

By HOLLY HERETH Staff Writer

When an Auburn fan thinks of sports, football comes to mind, though it has been 52 years since the team has won a national title.

After football, fans think of basketball and baseball, two teams who have never won a national championship.

What most fans don’t realize is aside from the swim team, the Auburn Equestrian team is arguably the most successful team in recent years, with two National Championships in the past three seasons.

With an overall National Championship in 2006 and a Hunt Seat National Championship in 2008, the equestrian team is preparing for the fall, with hopes for its third national title, said Chelsea Anheuser, senior hunt seat rider majoring in marketing.

“I think the main goal is always to strive to be National Champions again,” Anheuser said. “But, when it comes down to it, win or lose, at the end of the day we are proud to be wearing Auburn orange and blue.”

Head coach Greg Williams said he is excited for the coming season and what his team can do.

“We have one of the toughest teams in the country coming on right off the bat,” Williams said. “Just seeing if our team has what it takes to pull off a win is one of the scariest things, but I think that if our girls will believe in the win, we will be one of the toughest contenders for the national championship.”

Paige Monfore a junior western rider majoring in biomedical sciences, said Georgia is among their toughest competitors.

“They always come and bring their a game just because we are Auburn,” Monfore said.

“They have been very successful, so it always feels good to win against them.”

Anheuser agrees that Georgia will be a tough rival and said she loves to beat the Bulldogs.

“Since I have been a member of the Auburn Equestrian team, we have always had very large rivals in the SEC,” Anheuser said. “South Carolina and Georgia always have very strong teams and we all put each other to the test.”

Last year, Auburn’s Hunt Seat placed second in the Varsity Equestrian National Championships after losing in the final round to the University of Georgia. This year, the team is hoping to bring home national titles for the Hunt Seat team and the Western team, as well as the overall title.

Williams said he is confident in the Western team’s ability to be a strong competitive force this year.

“We’ve been very behind the other schools in scholarships. We started early on with scholarships going only to the Hunt Seat side,” Williams said. “The Western girls have had to develop a lot in college, but we were able to put some scholarships toward the Western side this year, so we have some girls coming in that will be able to help right off the bat.”

Williams said he knows the senior leaders will perform well for the team this season.

“The level of riding that our seniors are capable of makes them able to beat any team in the country,” he said.

For the 2009-2010 season, Auburn equestrian is welcoming 14 freshmen and two college transfers, including several well-renowned riders who have won individual championships prior to college competition. > Turn to EQUESTRIAN, B6

Anthony Hall / MEDIA RELATIONS

Senior Chelsea Anheuser rides against Georgia in a 2008 regular season meet held at Auburn.

Free throws with Fortner Women’s basketball assistant coaches discuss head coach Nell Fortner’s success, energy.

By GRACE HENDERSON

Fortner was chosen as the SEC Coach of the Year, the Russell Athletic/WBCA Region III Coach of the Although Auburn women’s bas- Year in 2009 and was a finalist for ketball head coach Nell Fortner has the Naismith and WBCA Coach of a list of accomplishments longer the Year awards. On top of this, she than a three-point shot, she still led the Tigers to a runner-up finish looks to those around her to im- in the SEC Tournament and took prove the game, welcoming opin- the team to the second round of the ions and seeking adNCAA Tournament. vice from staff and Ayesha Whitfield, who players, alike. just finished her first sea“She shows great son as assistant coach, respect for her staff said she has already learned a lot from Fortner. and team,” said assistant coach Kerry Cre“On and off the court means. “She gives so she exudes positive enmuch responsibility ergy,” Whitfield said. “She’s to the staff and trusts so knowledgeable of the FORTNER us with it. She also game, but she’s not afraid gives great ownership to the players, to let somebody else step in. She’s values their opinions and listens to always open to our opinions and their thoughts and concerns. Nell our thoughts, and if you have a great has an open-door policy with her idea, she’s going to take that in with staff and team, so you can talk to open arms. It makes us feel valuher about anything.” able.”

Fortner began coaching at AuNot only are there mutual feelings burn in 2004, and since then, she of trust and respect between the has more than 100 victories with the coaches, but the players also have University. a strong relationship with Fortner, By bringing the Tigers back into Whitfield said. the national eye, she has brought “The players are extremely reattention and respect to both the spectful toward her,” Whitfield said. school and program.

“They would run through a brick “The thing that sets her apart from wall for her, and they are very recepother people is the fact that her en- tive to what she says.” ergy level is unbelievable,” said asFortner’s positive attitude and ensistant coach Mark Simons. “From couraging personality is something the moment she gets up she’s non- that cannot go unnoticed, Crestop, like the Energizer Bunny, and means said, adding that her love for I think she tries to surround herself the game is evident by the way she with the same kind of people. She treats the staff and players. also has this innate ability to read “She is full of life every day, always people, and that’s what makes her seeing the positive in every situaan excellent motivator. She knows > Turn to FORTNER, B6 which buttons to push.”

Staff Writer

PLAINSMAN ARCHIVES

Jenni Prescott (20), a senior midfielder, looks to move the ball downfield in a regular season game against Arkansas.

Women’s soccer expects to succeed in upcoming season

By COURTNEY JOHNSON Staff Writer

The Auburn women’s soccer team is gearing up for the upcoming season. They said they have a strong, experienced group of seniors, specific goals and highly anticipated recruits.

“I’m excited to think that this could possibly be our best season ever,” said Jenni Prescott, a senior in early elementary education.

“Our team has been preparing all spring and summer, and I really think it is going to pay off.”

There will be 10 new additions to the team, and the returning players are excited to see what the freshmen will bring.

“We have a good group of girls coming in, and I can’t wait to see what skills and personalities they bring to our team,” said Monica Afanador, a red-shirt junior in public relations.

One of the new recruits is a freshman goalkeeper who will be taking the place of Allison Whit-

worth, who made her first career start for the FC Gold Pride in May. “This season we will have a freshman goalie where as last season we had an experienced fifth year in goal,” Afanador said. “It will be an adjustment for our team.”

Prescott said she thinks the experience of the returning players will be advantageous in the upcoming season.

“I would say the age of our team is a big difference within last season and this season,” Prescott said.

“Although we have 10 freshmen coming in, more then half of our team is made up of upper classmen. I think our age will be a huge benefit on the field. We have a lot of experience and that will help us out in big games.”

Head coach Karen Hoppa said that having last year’s experience to draw from will be beneficial to the team.

“I am most excited about this senior class,” Hoppa said. “They are a talented, special group and I’m excited for them to lead our team.”

Prescott, one of the seniors ready to lead the team this season, said her goals are to play every game to the best of her ability.

“I don’t want to walk away from a game knowing I could have done more,” Prescott said.

Afanador, also an upperclassman that will be a leader on the team, said she is looking to come in physically fit and make an impact in the center midfield.

“As a red-shirt junior, I feel I can be a leader on the team,” Afanador said. “I plan to use what I’ve learned so far to help our team grow on and off the field.”

Afanador said she is excited about playing the University of North Carolina because they won the 2008 National Championship.

“We have never played a No. 1 team, so I’m excited to see how we compete against them,” she said.

For this season the team has set high, but reachable goals, Prescott said. > Turn to SOCCER, B6

The Auburn Plainsman

Sports, B6

Thursday, JULY 23, 2009

EQUESTRIAN

>From B5

“I am excited about the new group of freshmen that are joining our team this coming year,” Anheuser said.

“It is always exciting to have a new class come in.”

With freshmen added to the team and the hope for the Western team to improve their competitive level, Monfore hopes the team unites.

“Something that we are going to work on is hopefully coming together as one team,” Monfore said. “The hardest thing about our sport is that we are separated be-

tween Hunt Seat and Western. People lose track of the fact that we are one team.

I think something that we want to work on is competing as one unit.”

Williams agrees that a united team is important.

“My goal is to practice with intent and run with a tough united front,” Williams said.

The Auburn Equestrian team is behind their coach, hoping to bring home a national championship.

“I cannot wait to begin my senior year with my team, doing what we love and fighting for what we want – success,” Anheuser said.

2009-2010 EQUESTRIAN SCHEDULE

Todd Van Emst / MEDIA RELATIONS

Quarterbacks Kodi Burns (left) and Neil Caudle (right) are the frontrunners for starting quarterback this season.

Auburn QBs compete for job

By HOLLY HERETH Staff Writer

As the Auburn Football team prepares for the upcoming season with a new coaching staff, the starting quarterback position is still up for grabs.

Neil Caudle and Kodi Burns are focusing on practice and working hard this summer, not who the starter will be.

“I’m not really worried about it,” said Burns, a junior majoring in exercise science,. “I just go to practice everyday and work hard. I’m not beating myself up over it, I just go out. It’s all about Auburn, so I’m not worried about it.”

Caudle, a junior majoring in building science, is expecting new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to make the decision of which quarterback will start during two-a-days.

“I think one of us just has to start making big plays and really standing out as far as consistency goes,” Caudle said. “I think we are both trying to get a lot better this summer, and it will really be clear during two-a-days.”

Until then, Caudle said the team is working out five days a week, and the offense is meeting three nights a week.

“We want to make sure we are all on the same page for two-a-days,” Caudle said. “We have also been throwing on our own – trying to get our arms stronger.”

Burns is working toward perfection in practice as he prepares for the season.

“My biggest challenge has been making sure everything is perfect,” Burns said. “You don’t want to just throw a pass that can be caught, you want it to be perfect. You can’t just complete a pass, you have complete it with perfection. I don’t settle for mediocrity. I strive for perfection in everything I do.”

Burns said his SEC playing experience has also prepared him for the task of being Auburn’s starting quarterback.

Both potential starting quarterbacks, Burns and Caudle agree that working under Malzahn this summer has been beneficial to the team as a whole and not just their position.

“He is somebody I have wanted to play for,” Burns said. “He is a great coach and a great person as well – like a mentor. As far as coaching, you see how successful his quarterbacks have been, and you want to be a part of that. He is really going to help the team.”

Caudle agrees that playing under Malzahn has been good for the team.

“It’s been great,” Caudle said. “The transition has been really smooth. He is a good teacher, and it has been good for me. I’ve gotten a lot more reps than before. The change will be great for the team.”

Bobby James Haisten, a senior in building science, is optimistic about the upcoming football season and the quarterbacks that will be leading the team.

“I think that we have enough brains and brawn behind the wheel to get the ball down the field no matter who’s in the cockpit,” Haisten said. “I’d love to see some diversity there, if they can make it work. It provides the offense the opportunity be a little more enigmatic.”

Haisten said that even with such a promising and optimistic group of players, what the team needs most is optimistic fans.

“Fans have an impact on the morale of a team especially during game time,” Haisten said. “Our fans have to be behind our team. The program needs good fans now more than ever. Stand behind your Tigers.”

2009 Auburn Football Schedule Sept. 5 Louisiana Tech

Oct. 3 at Tennessee

Oct. 31 Ole Miss

Sept. 12 Mississippi State

Oct. 10 at Arkansas

Nov. 7 Furman (HC)

Sept. 19 West Virginia

Oct. 17 Kentucky

Nov. 14 at UGA

Sept. 26 Ball State

Oct. 24 at LSU

Nov. 27 Alabama

Fall Meets Sept. 19. vs. TCU and SMU Oct. 2 vs. South Carolina (SEC) Oct. 9 at Tennessee-Martin Oct. 16 vs. Texas A&M Nov. 7 at Sacred Heart Nov. 8 at Delaware State Nov. 13 at Georgia (SEC) Spring Meets Jan. 31 vs. Oklahoma State Feb. 6 at South Carolina (SEC) Feb. 20 vs. New Mexico State Feb. 27 vs. Baylor March 6 vs. Georgia (SEC) March 13 at Fresno State March 14 vs. Kansas State (at Fresno) March 26, 27 SEC Championships Home meets in bold Meets are held at the Auburn University Horse Center on Wire Road across from the Vet School.

What is equestrian?

Collegiate equestrian is an NCAA sport pending official sanctioning. The sport is divided into two disciplines, Western and Hunt Seat, and 4 subdivisions. There is Western Reining, Western Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences and Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat.

Reining: the rider must follow a pattern of large fast circles, small slow circles, spins, lead changes and sliding stops, while demonstrating the horse’s ability.

Horsemanship: the rider must follow a pattern of precise movements while demonstrating poise and correct posture and position.

Equitation Over Fences: the rider must follow a course of jumps while demonstrating correct posture and grace.

Equitation on the Flat: the rider must follow a complicated pattern of maneuvers while demonstrating correct posture, poise and grace.

The Auburn Plainsman SPORTS STAFF

PATRICK DEVER

FORTNER >From B5

tion,” Cremeans said. “She has a way about her that makes you feel like you are the best and always is so complimentary of her staff and takes great care of us. She is a winner and pushes us to be our best not only for ourselves, but for Auburn.”

With respect and positive energy coming from every direction, the team feels com-

SOCCER >From B5

“As usual, we want to win the Iron Bowl again,” Prescott said. “We want to not only make it to the SEC tournament, but we plan on taking home the trophy.”

Prescott explained that she is looking forward to getting into SEC play because she knows the team is going to do well, and the SEC is always hard competition.

“This past year we made it to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament, this year we

fortable and has fun at practice and during games, Cremeans said.

“The environment is also one of loyalty and trust,” she said. “It starts at the top, and that loyalty and trust filters down to her team.

That’s what creates really good team chemistry.”

Simons, who joined the coaching staff in May 2008, said Auburn couldn’t have picked a better head coach. “She’s a wonderful person, and obviously an excellent coach,” Simons said. “It’s been real joy to work with her.”

have set our goal to make it to the Sweet 16,” Prescott said.

Hoppa said she shares the same goals as the team.

“We want to get to compete for an SEC championship and get to the Sweet 16,” Hoppa said.

Afanador said the team keeps all of these goals in mind, but the main goal is to face the season one game at a time.

“In order to accomplish all these we must come in ready to work, but I believe this is the year Auburn history is going to be made,” Prescott said.

Editor ANNA SCHIERHOLZ Associate Editor

To reach the staff, call (334) 844-9112.