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Franklin out as coordinator

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:04:25 -0400

Tony Franklin is interviewed after the 26-21 loss to LSU Sept. 20: Franklin was fired from his position as offensive coordinator Wednesday afternoon. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

Tony Franklin was fired as Auburn’s offensive coordinator Wednesday.

The first-year coordinator was let go by Coach Tommy Tuberville after a disappointing 4-2 start to the season.

“After evaluating where we are at this point of the season offensively, I felt it was in the best interest of the Auburn football program to make this change,” Tuberville said in a press release.

Tuberville also said he would take more control over the offense for the rest of the season.

“I’m not satisfied with where we are, and I am personally going to take a larger role in the offense,” Tuberville said. “We are going to work harder than ever to make sure we consistently improve as we move forward.”

Franklin took over as coordinator for Al Borges in December and coached Auburn to a 23-20 victory over Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, tallying 423 yards on offense.

Since that point, the offense has struggled with adjusting to the newly installed spread offense.

Over the last four games, the Auburn offense has stumbled, scoring 13 points against Vanderbilt Saturday and averaging 267 yards per game.

Following the loss to Vanderbilt, Tuberville said changes needed to be made, but was quick to stand behind Franklin.

AUMB named finalist in ESPN Battle of the Bands competition

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:00:17 -0400

Charles Darr, a freshman in music education and member of AUMB: plays the xylophone during the halftime show of last week’s game. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

For the Auburn University Marching Band, the tables have turned — students are motivating the band, not the other way around.

AUMB was one of only seven marching bands invited to participate in ESPN’s Battle of the Bands and the Quest for the Crystal contest.

“I believe AUMB was chosen because of the high reputation of excellence and class it has developed over the years,” said Karen Kirk, a drum major in the band. “I think AUMB’s biggest threats are the bands that have committed thousands of people to vote for them each day.”

Kirk has been an AUMB member for the past four years and began by playing the trumpet for three years.

Competitors for the contest include Clemson University Tiger Band, University of Southern California Marching Band, University of Texas

Long-awaited sparks fly between Obama, McCain during debate - 26 Days To Go

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:58:43 -0400

Sen. John McCain’s request for a town hall meeting was finally granted in the second presidential debate.

The debate was held Tuesday at Belmont University in Nashville.

This was the only presidential debate presented in town hall format.

Voters submitted thousands of questions for the debate, and moderator Tom Brokaw chose about 13 of these questions to read to McCain and Sen. Barack Obama.

While many of the questions were asked by audience members, Rene McEldowney, an associate professor of political science, said the debate was not conducted in real town hall format.

“In other town hall meetings there are usually more questions from the audience,” McEldowney said. “Brokaw asked a lot of questions.”
Stephen Hoar, a sophomore in English, liked the format.

“I thought the style was cool, because you got to see a lot of the opinions and concerns of the American public,” Hoar said.

Damon Lawrence, a freshman in business management, said Brokaw was a great choice for moderator.

CRIME REPORTS - October 1 - 7, 2008

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:56:58 -0400

Oct. 1, North College Street - Theft reported. Three political signs from yard reported stolen.

Oct. 1, Phillips Avenue - Burglary reported. One CD player/FM radio, four Tweeters, one gas cap, one rearview mirror and four seats reported stolen.

Oct. 1, Ridgewood Village - Theft reported. One black flight bag, one aviation headset, several aeronautical charts, one Auburn University plane checklist, one pilot’s license and one medical card reported stolen.

Oct. 2, Gentilly Trailer Park - Burglary reported. One red Northface backpack, one Browning Citori 12-gauge shotgun and two Birdshot cartridges reported stolen.

Oct. 3, 1717 S. College St. - Theft reported. Seventeen gallons of gas worth $68 reported stolen.

Oct. 3, Avalon Park - Burglary reported. One CD case, 33 miscellaneous CDs, one Tiger Trail novelty and two Auburn University flags reported stolen.

Oct. 4, Wynnsong 16 Cinema - Burglary reported. One purse, one wallet, one silver Sony Cybershot camera and various credit and debit cards reported stolen.

Annual Fall 5K Run amping up its recognition

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:55:51 -0400

Lace up your Nikes. Charge that iPod. Stretch out your muscles, and show up to SGA’s benefit for United Way’s Project Uplift featuring the Fall 5K.

At the starting line this year, which has moved to Cater Lawn, students can expect more of a production.

“We have done a lot to spread the word and get more people involved,” said Anna English, this year’s SGA director of the Fall 5K.

This year’s theme, “Now featuring,” includes different movie-themed tents.

“It’s an extraordinary event, and last year was quite impressive, so we’re really hoping to see another large crowd to participate,” said Chris Nunn, Project Uplift program coordinator.

Some of the new attractions include Tiger Communication’s sponsorship, which will include a DJ for entertainment and a remote setup at the race.

“We have been blessed with entertainment,” English said.

Seeking community involvement was crucial to the success of the run, but this year some big names are supporting SGA and Project Uplift’s event.

UPC gets artsy

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:48:24 -0400

Sarah Bishop, a UPC volunteer: collects votes for best artwork on display at UPC’s Student Art Exhibition. Five students entered the contest to be displayed in Starbucks. Brittney Williford / PHOTO STAFF

A collection of eight paintings and photographs by students fill the nook of the second floor of the Student Center next to the Foy Information Desk.

The exhibition, which began Monday and runs through tomorrow, is held by UPC.

“I decided to have this event because there aren’t a lot of places for art students to show their work in Auburn,” said UPC director of fine art Olivia Martin.

Submission was open to all students.

“We had about five people submit pieces, which is pretty good considering it is the first time we have done this,” Martin said.

Students were able submit any type of art, such as drawings, paintings and photography.

UPC volunteer Sarah Bishop, a freshman in business, is one of several UPC members helping with the exhibit.

Students can stop by the display and vote for their favorite.

‘Money Talks’ help students tighten wallets

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:45:59 -0400

Rachel Shapiro, a senior in human development and family studies: spends money at the Auburn University Bookstore. Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

Monster Inc. and Bank of America sponsored two seminars focusing on student finances at Lowder Business Building last Thursday.

Yvonne Williams from Monster Inc. led the seminar.

“We talk about being better stewards over their credit cards, if they have one,” Williams said. “Also, we teach them what to look for when choosing a credit card.”

One credit card parameter the group warned against was adjustable rates.

“We call it a teaser rate,” Williams said. “The first six months will be at a lower rate, then after that, it will go up, and there is no telling what it will go up to.”

Williams said the purpose of the seminar was not to discourage people from getting credit cards.

Auburn Landscape Service beautifies campus one plant at a time

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:42:14 -0400

Auburn Landscape Service cultivates the greenery surrounding 150 buildings on campus.: Planting flowerbeds is just one way the service makes Auburn University’s campus colorful. Rod Guajardo / ASSISTANT PHOTO

Roses are red. Violets are blue. The campus looks beautiful thanks to whom?

From the brilliant red, shrub roses lining campus walkways to flower beds filled with purple and yellow tie-dyed pansies, Auburn Landscape Service plants, designs and maintains 440 acres around the campus and 150 buildings.

With Auburn becoming more concentrated to a walking campus, there is a fresh, new need for this luxury.

“It would be more attractive to walk if you increase the landscape,” said Melissa Newton, Auburn’s greenhouse coordinator in Landscape Services.

Auburn students are not the only ones benefiting from a well-colored campus.

“We get letters during football season from people all over and different states about our landscape. Everybody thinks this is a great landscape. As many trees as we have and as much green as we have, a lot of universities don’t have that. They might have a lot of concrete and buildings.”

Cater Hall goes pink for breast cancer month

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:39:52 -0400

Aubie and Jenny Swaim, executive support assistant in admission facilities division: kicked off the Cater Hall Illumination ceremony in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of Cater in pink lights and upbeat music. Ali McGuinn / PHOTO STAFF

The Cater Hall Illumination Ceremony kicked-off Breast Cancer Awareness Month last Wednesday on Cater Lawn.

This is the second year Cater has been illuminated to increase awareness on campus and the first year for the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to be illuminated to increase awareness within the community.

Jenny Swaim, executive support assistant in the admission facillities division, opened the event with a, “Let’s get the pink all over campus” exclamation.

Other guests included, Aubie, Zeta Tau Alpha members, Auburn gymnasts and basketball players, breast cancer survivors and those who have been diagnosed.

WEGL nominated for mtvU award

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:36:59 -0400

Student Hosted Sports Talk on WEGL: Kevin Spain, left, a senior in Spanish international trade, and Dylan Maehrlein, right, a senior in radio, television and film, host the sports program on WEGL 91.1. Rod Guajardo / ASSISTANT PHOTO

Students are being given the chance to rock the vote and unite behind one candidate this election year WEGL 91.1.

Auburn University’s radio station was nominated for an mtvU Woodie Award. The Radio Woodie Award is given to the best campus radio station as voted by its listeners.

Students can go to www.woodies.mtvU.com to vote until Oct. 13 to help WEGL make it to the finals.

Senior Vice President of Programming for mtvU Ross Martin said WEGL is competing against four other college radio stations this week for a spot in the finals of the competition.

“We were scowering the nation for radio stations that are connecting in a huge way with campuses and beyond and who are committed to championing new music,” Martin said.

Aubie tries again, needs votes to help him win

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:35:40 -0400

It’s the seventh year of the Capital One Bowl Mascot Challenge, and Aubie needs your help to make him No. 1 for the first time.

For the past six years, Aubie has made the top 12 mascot list four times and was a semi-finalist two years ago, said Kara Delvizis, director of Aubie Committee.

“The program awards each mascot $5,000 automatically for just being selected to participate,” Delvizis said. “But, we get $10,000 if he wins, which goes toward the Aubie program.”

Delvizis said the money helps pay for the props Aubie uses at the games and for his expenses at the UCA Mascot National Championship.

She said the challenge was not only a good way to raise money for the Aubie program, but also to get Auburn’s name out there.

Meghan Brinkley, a freshman in animal science, said she agrees with Delvizis.

“It’s also good for people at other colleges to see our mascot,” Brinkley said. “I’m from Virginia, and some people aren’t so familiar with Auburn and Aubie.”

Each person can vote once per day per computer.

Steve Martin’s ‘Picasso’ brings laughter, fun to campus

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:34:35 -0400

Auburn students, faculty and community shared laughs at Auburn University Theatre Department’s recent production of Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.”

“Set in 1904 at the Paris bistro Lapin Agile (or nimble rabbit, in English), ‘Picasso’ depicts a fantasy meeting between two of the 20th century’s greatest minds — Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso, a couple of poverty-stricken geniuses, laboring in obscurity, whose ideas and insights would eventually break the emerging century wide open,” according to AU Theater’s Web site.

In the play program, director Scott Phillips said Picasso was on the verge of painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” in 1907, one of the most influential works of art during the 20th century.

Similarly, Einstein was about to complete “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies,” a 1905 publication that overturned Newton’s theories regarding time and space.

“In the end, I turned away from stand-up with a tired swivel of my head and never looked back, until now,” Martin wrote in his 2007 book “Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life.”

Senate members survey campus with police to ensure safety

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:32:11 -0400

Each semester, members of SGA Senate devote a night to a “safety walk” in which they break into groups and survey the campus with city police officers. This semester’s walk was Monday.

Sarah Molony of the College of Engineering said the walk went well.

“Overall, there were less problems this fall than on our safety walk held last spring,” she said.

Molony said senators found several areas where improvement is needed.

In last semester’s safety walk, the main safety issue was emergency poles not functioning properly.

“Because of continued construction, there are lights out around those areas, but it seems that almost all of the issues we found in the spring had been addressed,” Molony said. “One of the major improvements we would like to see would be to have the color of the emergency tower light changed when the tower is activated.”

She said though sirens would make the towers safer, they are not possible because telephone operators would not be able to hear over the noise.

Kenyan speaker brings theories on climate change, extinction to Auburn

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:30:43 -0400

The earth may be facing a major extinction in the near future, said Kenyan paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey in his lecture Monday afternoon in the Science Center Auditorium.

The lecture, titled “The Sixth Extinction: Patterns of Life and the Future of Mankind,” was the second of this year’s Littleton-Franklin lecture series.

Leakey, who was named one of “TIME” magazine’s 100 greatest minds of the 20th century, spoke to the crowd Monday about how the climate change the earth is facing will affect the planet.

“I think this climate change will bring about the end of the lifestyles we’re accustomed to,” Leakey said. “There will be fundamental differences in how we use resources in the next 30 to 50 years.”

Leakey joked the earth would be lucky if humans were to become extinct, but said he does not think that will happen because of technology, education and other causes.

He said he thinks climate change is still something we, as humans, need to address.

On campus AFTERdark

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:29:10 -0400

When thinking of a universal way to reach thousands of college students, Kanakuk ministries knew one way to bring in the multitudes. Free fun.

So after consideration, AFTERdark became the movement, which encompasses all the hopes of Joe White, president of Kanakuk Kamps, and the Kanakuk ministries team had.

It is centered around the idea of one night, one campus and one movement, according to the AFTERdark Web site, www.whatsafterdark.com/.

“This event relates to students from all pockets on campus,” said Austin Sailsbury, the AFTERdark event coordinator. “The concert is a blast, and Joe’s message is compassionate. It is fun and open.”

AFTERdark is now planning to make a visit to Auburn.

The AFTERdark Web site lists upcoming shows, and Sailsbury encourages Auburn students to keep checking the site for a concrete date for Auburn’s show.

The event itself is comprised of a concert and message from White.

“The message is one of love and hope,” Sailsbury said.

Hundreds shake, rattle and roll every Friday

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:26:43 -0400

The Auburn University Swing Dance Association: hosts about 200 dancers for free every Friday night at the Jan Dempsey Arts Center. CONTRIBUTED

The Auburn University Swing Dance Association (AUSDA) can pack a ballroom with roughly 200 people on a Friday night, giving students the opportunity to jump and jive with members of the community.

The event, held every Friday at the Jan Dempsey Arts Center from 7-9 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Mark VanHooser, president of the AUSDA, said they used to have events in Foy Ballroom, but they are no longer allowed to use it.

VanHooser, a graduate student, said though he has tried to ensure the Ballroom remains a venue for student use, he has basically been told it will be used as a lecture hall.

“Auburn doesn’t have a true ballroom,” said Chris Olds, AUSDA faculty adviser. “All they have is the new one, which is carpeted so you can’t dance on it.”

Olds said for the number of people they have, a portable dance floor is not practical for events on Friday nights.

Happy Birthday Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:23:28 -0400

Musical performances were part of the birthday celebration at the museum.: Photo by Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTOActivities and demonstrations were available for children and adults to help celebrate the day.: Photo by Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art celebrated its fifth anniversary Sunday, Oct. 5. The party featured local print artist and bookmaker Amos Kennedy, music by the Saugahatchee Ramblers, games and activities for children and free food.

“We have been planning for this event since this past June,” said Andrew Henley, education curator for the museum. “We have a lot of different activities for children of all age groups, but we also have a lot of things for the whole family.”

Some of the birthday celebration events included printmaking on recycled paper by Amos Kennedy, autographs from the Auburn University Swimming and Diving team, interactive projects with the museum’s different exhibitions and many more.

“There are a lot of hands-on activities,” Henley said. “We wanted children to learn while having fun. All of our activities tie into school curriculum, from math to English to art history.”

Peggy Ann Hall attended the event with her husband and young daughter.

“We have only been to the museum once or twice before this,” Hall said. “It’s a great afternoon activity for children. When my daughter gets a little bit older, we will bring her here more often to see the different artwork.”

Henley said the museum has come a long way in the past five years.

AU promotes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:22:07 -0400

Plans to educate students and faculty during the National Disability Employment Awareness Month are being put into action this month.

The Program for Students with Disabilities gears up as it prepares to celebrate the National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The NDEAM is held each October to help educate the public about issues related to disability and employment, according to www.dol.gov.

Although the month of October serves as a national disability awareness month, most students have no clue it exists.

Christopher Bevelle, a sophomore in mechanical engineering and the Student Government Association’s disabilities liaison, said they are basically going to use this month to tell others about and advertise students with disabilities.

Initially, Bevelle was supposed to be in another position for the SGA, but he said he was put in the disabilities liaison position because he wanted to help people.

“In the past, no one has used my position the way that it is supposed to be used,” he said.

Symphonic players bring pleasant sounds

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:11:42 -0400

The Auburn University Symphonic Band held its first concert of the fall on Thursday.

The concert, featuring the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensembles and Chamber Winds, was held at the Opelika Performing Arts Center.

The night began with the entire symphonic band performing “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” by James Curnow. It followed with Jaromir Weinberger’s “Polka and Fugue.”

After the first two pieces, the band tried a different approach as they split up into smaller sections for the next four pieces, featuring guest conductors for all four.

The groups were labeled the Tiger Wind Ensemble and Eagle Wind Ensemble.

Conductor and Director of Bands Rick Good said the groups were split right down the middle, adding no one student was better than another.

He said he feels the splitting of the groups helped the overall performance.

“The small groups put more pressure on the player, and when they do that, the big groups do better,” Good said.

The performances are what Good said he thought made the night a success, and he would like that to carry on into the spring.

Flu season nearing

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:04:23 -0400

Getting yearly influenza vaccinations can help prevent symptoms, sickness from October to March

Already under the weather, Kristen LaTulipe: a French major with minors in business and art history, hopes to avoid the flu this season by getting a flu shot. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

As temperatures slowly begin to drop, everyone is awaiting the much-anticipated break from the hot and humid Alabama summer. However, with falling temperatures comes the cold weather nemesis: the flu.

What time is it? It is time to get the annual flu shot.

Dr. Fred Kam, medical director for the Auburn University Medical Clinic, said getting the influenza shot is an increasingly popular choice among students.

“Every year, we give out somewhere around 700 or more flu shots,” Kam said. “That’s good, but it’s still not enough because we’ve got more than 24,000 students, and I don’t think more than 1,000 get the shot.”

Life spans of technology vary according to type

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:59:10 -0400

Consumers can expect to replace their technological gadgets in anywhere from two years to 15 years, depending on the type.: Most devices have mechanical problems first, rather than internal problems. Rod Guajardo / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Nick Johnson, a freshman in pre-med and biomedical sciences, said he has had good experiences with technology.

“I got a laptop for college, and it is pretty sweet,” Johnson said.

On the other hand, Stephanie Roberts, a sophomore in psychology, tells a different story.

“My brand new Dell laptop lasted me about four months before it completely crashed,” Roberts said. “So I lost all my information, all my pictures, all my music. I had to completely wipe out my computer and reload everything.”

Technology isn’t always dependable, but knowing what to expect from different kinds of devices can prevent frustration when things go wrong.

Richard Chapman, associate professor in computer science and software engineering, said most technological devices are fundamentally irreparable, which means repairing the device would amount to such a large fraction of the cost of replacing it that most people just buy a new one.

Laptop computers are an example of such a device.

Students fish for healthy food

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:56:21 -0400

J.B. Kim, a sushi chef at Juliana Tokyo Sushi & Martini Bar, presents a type of sushi for a customer.: While fish is healthy meal option, this raw fish is more likely to contain parasites. Rod Guajardo / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Getting healthy and understanding the benefits of foods in the kitchen helps with the concerns of college eating habits.

Robert Keith, a professor in the University’s Dietetic Program, helps define the benefits of eating fish.

“The basic benefits of eating certain types of fish are the types of fatty acids in them,” Keith said.

Keith said the omega-3 fatty acids is the biggest nutritional benefit of eating certain types of fish. However, not all fish have a lot of that type of fatty acid.

“The omega-3 fatty acids is an essential series,” Keith said. “The neat thing about fish is they provide two of the fatty acids in the series that are harder to get. You can’t get large quantities of those particular ones in the series unless you eat fish. ”

Jane Random - Jessie Boykin

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:51:08 -0400

JESSIE BOYKIN / freshman, animal science

VANILLA LOVER: Jessie Boykin, a freshman in animal science, loves Christmas because it’s around her birthday.: Helen Northcutt / ASSISTANT INTRIGUE EDITOR
ABOUT JANE:

Hometown: Butler

Availability: Taken

Sign: Sagittarius

Greatest fear: Heights

Random fact: She tried out for a modeling job and made it.

What is your best friend’s name?
It’s Ciara.

What was the last meal you ate?
A wrap at Outtakes.

Are you planing on getting a flu shot this year?
Probably not, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten one.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla.

What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas because my birthday is around Christmas.

I say fish, you say...?
Dr. Seuss.

Week-long Thanksgiving holiday offers travel options

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:49:54 -0400

Thanksgiving break is a time when students usually return to their homes to indulge in gratuitous amounts of food and spend time with family.

Others, however, may see this time away from classes as a perfect opportunity for a vacation.

Auburn is one of few schools that have a week-long break for Thanksgiving. With this longer break, students have more leeway in planning a short vacation.

“A lot of people come in and ask us to help them with their travel plans,” said Katie Bodden, a travel agent at Travel Travel of Auburn. “For Thanksgiving, I think cruises would be the most popular because people go home. I really think more people take cruises just because they are short. Other short trips include Savannah and Charleston.”

Bodden said for those interested in a cruise, Carnival has a cruise that leaves out of Mobile and usually costs around $100 per day per person. But for those interested in staying closer to home, there are alternatives.

Google offers $10 million in innovative idea contest

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:48:24 -0400

The opportunity to win $10 million just by submitting an idea that would change the world is here.

Google is making it all possible with Project 10^100 (pronounced 10 to the 100th) in celebration of Google’s 10th anniversary. Google launched Project 10^100 to give people a chance to submit their ideas of ways to help others and to benefit the world.

According to the project’s Web site, Google is looking for ideas that can help as many people as possible in any way.

Google announced the launch of the project live on CNN.

“These ideas can be big or small, technology driven or brilliantly simple, but they have to have impact,” a Google representative said in a press release. “We know there are countless brilliant ideas that need funding and support to come to fruitation.”

According to the Project 10^100 Web site, participants should fill out a submission form giving the gist of the idea or supplement the proposal with a 30-second video by the Oct. 20 deadline.

If a contestant submits a video, the video must be uploaded to Youtube to be available for public viewing.

Reel Review: Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:44:34 -0400

Nick and Norah prove to be worthy duo

Our Rating:

Huey Lewis once wrote “it’s hip to be square.” If I believed in visions and prophecy, I’d say he foresaw the rise of Michael Cera. In the two years since the enraging cancellation of “Arrested Development,” he’s found himself in the two best high school comedies in recent years, and he’s going for a hat-trick with this latest film.

Once again, Cera plays a virginal nice guy who, even when he gets lucky, has little luck with ladies.

Reel Review: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:42:10 -0400

‘How to Lose Friends’ usual, clumsy comedy

Our Rating:

In the late ’90s, a snarky British gossip rag journalist named Toby Young found himself working at Vanity Fair, mainly because its editor-in-chief, Graydon Carter, saw a lot of himself in the young man.

What followed was a five-year tenure that could generously be described as disastrous, during which he wore inappropriate clothing, vomited on people, desperately tried to get any woman he could and sent a strippergram to work on Bring Your Daughter to Work Day.

Eventually Carter’s nostalgia gave way to the realization that he was paying someone who only typed 3,000 words over the course of years that managed to make it past the editors and censors, and sent Young back to England.

His foray is documented in the film adaptation of his memoir, “How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.”

New Facebook design receives mixed review

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:40:44 -0400

New Facebook changes prove easier to navigate, but some do not see need

Out with the old and in with the new.

The redesign of the social networking site Facebook is officially complete.

Facebook premiered its latest redesign, known as the “new Facebook,” in July.

However, the option that users initially had to switch back to the old version is now gone.

The main change is in the appearance of the profile.

Users’ profiles now display their wall and mini-feed information integrated chronologically.

There are also tabs at the top of the profile that allow users to switch among viewing the wall, detailed information, photos and boxes.

The profile picture, basic information and friends information stays in the left hand column as users navigate among the tabs.

John Foppe, a senior in marketing, said the new version has both its pros and cons, but he does prefer it to the old version.

Motion pictures stir emotions

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:39:27 -0400

Today’s movie selections have something for everyone — something to be offended about.

Mocking Southerners, Muslims, Tom Cruise, NASCAR fans, Eleanor Roosevelt, homosexuals, Oprah and all things French are just some of the myriads of politically-incorrect films that have been so successful at the box office in recent years.

But is it really something to laugh at?

Jacqueline Mitchelson, an assistant professor in psychology, thinks movies like these can lead people who know little about other cultures to automatically pre-judge people based on what they see on the screen, leading to discrimination.

Jovita Cook, a junior in international business, feels similarly.

“I think a lot of people make mockeries of things they don’t understand,” Cook said. “Like, a lot of people don’t study religion or cultures, etc., so therefore they create a stereotype viewpoint.”

Mitchelson also said, in light of psychodynamics, being entertained by stereotype-based comedy is a way of exercising the darker side of human nature.

Many students struggle to find time for sleep

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:37:06 -0400

Will Geeslin, a sophomore in accounting, sleeps the day away in his bedroom.: Many college students find it difficult to maintain a consistent and healthy sleep schedule and often depend on caffeinated beverages to stay awake throughout night and day. Photo Illustration by JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

ZZZZ...

Catching these can be tricky for students who always have something else to do.

Nonetheless, getting the sleep they need each night is something that should be students’ top priority.

“This is just as important for health as food and exercise,” said Mona El Sheikh, an alumni professor in human development and family studies.

Students seem to be neglecting this aspect of their health.

“In general, a healthy pattern entails a consistent pattern,” said Chris Newland, an alumni professor in psychology. “The rule of thumb is that if it’s hard to get up in the morning, you’re sleep deprived.”

College years can complicate building relationships

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:30:04 -0400

Collin Varner, a junior in management of information systems: knocks on the door of his date, for whom he brought a colorful bouquet. Photo Illustration by Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO

Dating can either be the most simple or most difficult thing to master on college campuses.

College is known for being a typical place to meet people because students are surrounded by new faces everyday.

But the college atmosphere is piled with stress and can add complications to relationships.

Tori Votruba, a freshman in nursing, is in a long-distance relationship, but has noticed the general behaviors freshman guys have on dating and relationships.

“I have a boyfriend in Iowa, but my friends and I have noticed that guys our age are really busy right now,” Votruba said. “Boys seem preoccupied with everything going on to look for relationships.”

Despite the fact some students are absorbed in school, meeting people can be made easily accessible through different activities on campus.

Congress passes health care bill

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:23:43 -0400

Students able to take medical leave without penalty from insurance agencies

The U.S. Senate approved a bill that would allow students to continue to be covered by their parents’ health insurance in the case of emergency medical leave Sept. 25.

According to the press release on the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Web site, the bill would allow sick college students to take a medical leave of absence or drop below the full-time status required by insurance companies.

Students can now stay covered by their parents’ health insurance while taking a medical leave for up to 12 months.

The Senate approved H.R. 2851, also known as Michelle’s Law, unanimously Oct. 2.

“It was sent to the White House and (the President) has 10 days to sign it as of last Thursday, so he has a couple more days before he actually has to sign it,” said Keysha Brooks-Coley, the ACS CAN associate director of federal relations. “Our understanding is that it could be this week most likely.”

Michelle’s Law is named after Michelle Morse, a college student who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004.

VP debate marks changes in race

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:22:50 -0400

Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin never met each other before last Thursday night, but after briefly shaking hands, the two vice presidential candidates proceeded to debate political policy.

The candidates squared off for the first and only vice presidential debate, held at Washington University in St. Louis.

Gwen Ifill of PBS moderated the debate. Palin wanted not only to introduce herself to Biden, but also to the American public.

After stumbling in recent interviews, she hoped to redeem herself. Caleb Byrd, treasurer of the Auburn University College Republicans, said Palin used the debate to talk to the American people.

“I think her main goal was to prove she was capable and knowledgeable, and that she understands what is going on,” Byrd said. “I don’t think the interviews reflected her intelligence.”

Lerato Matlamela, a senior in chemical engineering, said Palin’s answers sounded “rehearsed”.

Alabama Power rates increased after meeting

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:21:29 -0400

Alabama Power plans to decrease its initial proposed rate increase from 14.6 percent to 8.24 percent. The rate hike change took place at the Alabama Public Service Commission hearing.

With the rate change, according to an article by Phillip Rawls of the Associated Press, an Alabama Power user would pay an extra $9.30 each month for 1,000 kilowatt hours instead of the $16.45 first proposed by Alabama Power.

For the many students who live in off-campus homes and apartments, this could pose a problem and affect monthly power-bill payments.

Jan Ellis, public relations representative for Alabama Power, said they were able to sit down and talk with customers to come up with an agreement about the proposal.

“We’re going to spread the increase out over a two year period,” Ellis said. “We were hoping to recover fuel costs in a one year period, but making it two years made the percentage increase decrease.”

Some Auburn students who live off campus will also be hit with the rate change, but are not as concerned since the rate change is expected to be expanded over a two-year period.

Breakdown of the economic effects, Part 1

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:16:26 -0400

University takes steps to keep staff, faculty jobs open. Students must lower standards, have less job variety.

This is the first in a four-week series examining the effects of the economy.

We will be looking at all areas, ranging from college students’ ability to find jobs to how Auburn University’s budget planning will change in the future.

Next week’s installment will focus on how student banking and scholarships will be affected.

Auburn is working to keep the lowering economy from impacting its students and employees. The University has not felt major effects of the changing economy and job market with its own current and future employees.

“The President (Gogue) already committed to not doing anything that would affect the academic quality,” said Deedie Dowdle, the executive director of the Office of Communications and Marketing. “Academic quality is priority one, and the faculty is a major part of that.”

Alabama is ranked 19th in the nation in unemployment rates as of August 2008.

Engineering department receives aid

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:14:48 -0400

Fuel cell research, funded through appropriations act, to be done at Auburn

Auburn’s engineering experts are leading the way in energy research and the development of new technology that could help decrease the U.S. Army’s reliance on foreign oil for military vehicles, said Brian Keeter, director of Public Affairs at the University.

U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers and Spencer Bachus announced Sept. 24, Auburn University should receive $2.8 million to aid in fuel cell research that will help the U.S. Army decrease reliance on foreign oil.

The appropriation was earmarked in H.R. 2638 — The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 and passed in the House 370-58.

The $2.8 million appropriation bill will support the research at Auburn in developing a hydrogen fuel cell to power military vehicles and goes hand in hand with other research going on at the University, said Mike Clardy, manager of news and Web services for the Office of Communication and Marketing.

Politicians make stop in Auburn

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:12:54 -0400

Hometown Connection bus tour: JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

The Hometown Connection bus tour came through Lee County Oct. 1 and stopped on Auburn University’s campus.

The tour is designed to allow five different statewide candidates, Alabama Supreme Court candidate Judge Greg Shaw, Court of Civil Appeals candidate Judge Bill Thompson, Court of Criminal Appeals candidates Beth Kellum and Mary Windom and candidate for the President of the Public Service Commission Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, talk with voters and share ideas, as well as get opinions.

The tour will run through Oct. 22 and will stop in every Alabama county, ending with a dinner in Mobile county.

Group repairs homes for Make a Difference Day

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:12:04 -0400

Alabama Rural Ministry will be celebrating the national Make a Difference Day Oct. 25, by repairing homes. The faith-based non-profit organization, located in Auburn, is also celebrating its 10th anniversary.

“We are going to be repairing about five homes in the Lee and Macon county communities,” said Lisa Pierce, founder and executive director of ARM.

Pierce said volunteers will meet at ARM’s office in the Wesley Foundation on South Gay Street at 7:30 a.m. to eat breakfast, provided by ARM.

Volunteers will then be separated into teams and will go to assigned houses to complete repairs.

Pierce, who attended Auburn from 1989 to 1995, worked with the Wesley Foundation, a faith-based outreach organization, during her time in college and saw a need for more local efforts. Pierce then founded ARM in 1998 after moving to Livingston, in an effort to provide home repair for those that could not afford, it and eventually returned to Auburn.

Although ARM’s office is located in the Wesley Foundation, there is no direct link between the two.

News From Beyond Auburn

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:04:21 -0400

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Former child actor Skylar Deleon is standing trial for the murder of three people.
Deleon is accused of killing Tom and Jackie Hawks in 2004 after pretending to be interested in buying their yacht.
Deleon allegedly forced the couple to sign over ownership of the yacht and then tied the couple to an anchor and tossed them overboard.
Deleon is also accused of killing John Jarviin Mexico.

HONG KONG — High levels of melamine, an industrial chemical, have been found in two Cadbury products.
The products have since been recalled.
The products contained Chinese-made milk products.
Recent reports said products made with milk from China have sickened nearly 53,000 children and killed four.

—Information gathered from cnn.com.

Cartoon - De-Deregulation

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:33:00 -0400

Cartoon - De-Deregulation

Our View: Reflections on the vice presidential debate from people ‘just like you’

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:31:00 -0400

Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden went toe to toe last Thursday for the one vice presidential debate we are going to get, and as we figured would happen, many considered Joe “Home Depot” Biden the winner.

The poll questions asking if a candidate did as well as a viewer expected them to were odd, though.

The question, “Did Candidate X perform as well as or better than you expected?” question does not take into account how well or poorly a viewer expected a candidate to do.

Where exactly is the bar?

Statements like, “I thought Candidate X was going to destroy Candidate Y, but X only made Y look a little dumb” or “I thought Candidate Y was going to be horrible, but Y was only mildly terrible” are not accurately read through these types of polling questions.

But we cannot really brag for calling it, because did anyone really expect the catch-phrase factory of Palin to beat out the actual substance of Joe Biden?

Our View: Insurance companies should take into consideration summer hours

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:29:00 -0400

Those of us on our parents’ health and car insurance are probably used to the calls.

The calls badger and annoy, but they come from a place of love, we hope.

“Are you sure you’re taking 12 hours? If you’re not taking 12 hours and get kicked off of our insurance, I’m going to disown you.”

But the situation is the same for all of us, regardless of whether we have our own policy or are on our parents’.

The requirement to be a full-time student to be covered by health and car insurance is an understandable one. Many college students do not work, so going to school to prepare themselves for when they will work is the closest thing to being a productive citizen an insurance company can expect from college students.

While some policies account for students taking classes in the summer and will cut them some slack in the fall, many others do not.

Currently, the number of hours required to be a full-time student, as both Auburn and insurance companies recognize, is 12. Two semesters of 12 hours is 24 hours a year.

Editorial: Just take a right from Wall Street to Main Street

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:26:00 -0400

Oh, the joys of absorbing two debates within one week’s span.

Where would I even begin to start?

This week, there will be no analysis from me about what any of the candidates said, or didn’t say, in their televised opportunities to reach out further to the public.

But, speaking of the public, I’ve noticed how the focus of the campaigns have really honed in on us, the commoners.

We seem to have indirectly and probably unintentionally reshaped both campaigns’ modus operandi for these final remaining weeks before Election Day.

At some point during this eternal election cycle, both the Democratic and Republican campaigns have taken on a noble struggle to obtain the coveted “main street” vote.

Television commentators and reporters immediately caught on, making “main street” and “Wall Street” the hot potato buzz words we’ll never be able to forget.

It seems like every political analyst is breaking down how Obama needs to act less like an elitist and how Palin is the key for McCain to hold on to the “main street” voters he’s already accumulated.

Your View: Cross Country Teams, 'Fireproof' review, Student Center Naming, Living in "New America"

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:19:00 -0400

Why no stories about the track and cross country teams?

Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:

My name is Charles Mitchell, and I am a member of the Auburn cross country and track and field programs. I am an avid reader of The Plainsman, but can’t help but get somewhat agitated when I come to the sports section. I understand that there are main sports that produce revenue for the school and have the opportunity to be shown on TV.

I understand that we are at Auburn University which in located in the South where football is king, and I also understand that the majority of the student body knows very little about the majority of sports here at Auburn.

What I do not understand is why there is no mention of any cross country headlines in the paper at all. I believe it was two weeks ago when there was a short piece about the opening of our season, but since that publication, there has been nothing. We started the season ranked 25th in the country, which is the highest ranking Auburn has ever started a season, not to mention the first time we have been nationally ranked in the past 21 years.

Staff Opinion: Cheerleading is definitely a sport

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:12:00 -0400

While the season kicked off in the past couple weeks, I find myself jumping around the Internet for the nearest venues.

No, not football season, my season.

Competitive Cheerleading season.

I know, I know. You think cheerleading is not a sport. Let’s get the explanation, that it is, over with.

A sport is “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc,” according to Dictionary.com.

First, please notice that yes, cheerleading is not listed in the definition, but neither is football, and apparently most Americans think football is the ultimate sport, especially around this time of the year.

Also, as something that has been my life for the past 14 years, with my fair share of broken bones, physical therapy, two-a-days and of course, T-shirts and trophies, I consider myself an athlete and cheerleading my sport.

Tigers upset in Nashville

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:04:00 -0400

Auburn can’t hold on to early lead; loses 14-13 to Vanderbilt

Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville addresses the media following the 14-13 loss to Vanderbilt Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.: Tuberville said changes were in store for the Tigers’ offense after failing to score in the second half. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

Extra points are often taken for granted, but in tight games they can carry a lot more weight than usual.

Wes Byrum’s missed extra point in the first quarter proved to be costly as Auburn continued to struggle offensively in Saturday’s upset loss to Vanderbilt.

The Commodores rallied from a 13-point deficit to hand Auburn its second loss of the season, 14-13, in front of 38,773 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville.

“I apologize to the players for not giving them a chance in the second half ,” head coach Tommy Tuberville said after the game. “We didn’t make very good adjustments. But you can’t take anything away from Vanderbilt. I’m not going to make a bunch of excuses. There’s not a lot to say, but this one’s my fault.”

The win marks the first for Vanderbilt against Auburn (4-2, 2-2 SEC) in 14 tries. The last time the Tigers fell to Vandy was in the Gator Bowl in 1955.

The Commodores are now 3-0 in SEC play for the first time since 1950 and 5-0 for the first time since 1943.

The Auburn offense had a strong first quarter, in which the Tigers compiled 129 yards and two passing touchdowns on its first three drives.

Auburn running back Ben Tate, No. 44, lunges for the goal line in the first half of Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt in Nash: The Commodores held Tate and the Auburn offense out of the end zone on fourth and short. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

Running back Ben Tate, who got the start over Brad Lester, started the game with 40 rushing yards on his first three attempts.

The Tigers turned the ball over after going for the touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line later in the drive.

However, the next two drives ended in touchdown passes. The first was a 7-yard catch from quarterback Chris Todd to receiver Rod Smith and the second a 28-yard pass from Todd to Mario Fannin. The second score was set up following a diving interception by Jerraud Powers.

Just as the game was beginning to look like a blowout, Auburn ran out of gas.

Following the Fannin touchdown, the Tigers failed to put together a successful offensive drive and managed only 56 yards on offense for the rest of the game and only four rushing yards in the second half. They were forced to punt for nine consecutive drives, and the last drive of the game ended in an interception.

Just Auburn being Auburn

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:01:00 -0400

Another year, another missed opportunity.

The schedule set up perfectly with arguably our toughest SEC games at home, and we had a new offense coming in that would improve upon the points (or lackthereof) put up by Al Borges’ offense.

With John Parker Wilson being the only really experienced QB in the SEC West, I felt like changing offensive schemes and quarterbacks wouldn’t hinder our run for the SEC championship.

A returning championship caliber defense would give our offense time to come into its own and develop a starting quarterback.

Well, at least I was right about the defense.

From the start of the season we looked lost on offense.

Wide receivers and tight ends running the wrong routes and unable to get off jams, indecisive quarterbacks holding on to the ball too long in a quick-release offense and seemingly limitless penalties and missed assignments by the offensive line.

But even with an offense that crashed harder than the economy, we still managed to stay in the hunt, even with a loss to LSU.

And then Vandy happened.

Making a racket in the Student Act

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:58:00 -0400

Caleb Allen, a sophomore in sports broadcasting, returns the ball in the Student Act.: Morgan Thacker / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR

The faint pitter patter of ping pong balls can be heard echoing through the Student Activity Center every Monday and Wednesday night.

No, it’s not an underground beer pong tournament. It’s the Auburn table tennis club.

Group leader Clark Kennedy, a sophomore in civil engineering, hopes to get more people involved in table tennis this year. Kennedy said this semester’s turn-out has not been as big as last year.

“Last year, we had 10 or 12 people every night,” Kennedy said. “This year, only about six to eight of us have been showing up regularly.”

Kennedy said the group plays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday, and the playing structure is flexible.

“You can just come and go as you want to,” Kennedy said. “And as of now, there aren’t even any club dues.”

AP & USA Today Polls - Week 6

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:53:00 -0400

Associated Press Top 25

Oklahoma (51) 5-0 / 1,608
Alabama (13) 6-0 / 1,537
Missouri (1) 5-0 / 1,487
LSU 4-0 / 1,444
Texas 5-0 / 1,374
Penn State 6-0 / 1,287
Texas Tech 5-0 / 1,163
USC 3-1 / 1,137
BYU 5-0 / 1,103
Georgia 4-1 / 1,014
Florida 4-1 / 977
Ohio State 5-1 / 931
Vanderbilt 5-0 / 833
Utah 6-0 / 815
Boise State 4-0 / 677
Kansas 4-1 / 623
Oklahoma State 5-0 / 565
Virginia Tech 5-1 / 485
South Florida 5-1 / 392
Auburn 4-2 / 236
Wake Forest 3-1 / 205
North Carolina 4-1 / 196
Michigan State 5-1 / 161
Pittsburgh 4-1 / 121
Ball State 6-0 / 97

USA Today Top 25

Oklahoma (60) 5-0 / 1,524
Missouri 5-0 / 1,404
LSU (1) 4-0 / 1,398
Alabama 6-0 / 1,339
Texas 5-0 / 1,305
Penn State 6-0 / 1,203
Texas Tech 5-0 / 1,101
BYU 5-0 / 1,086
USC 3-1 / 1,055
Georgia 4-1 / 937
Ohio State 5-1 / 893
Florida 4-1 / 883
Utah 6-0 / 793
Vanderbilt 5-0 / 704
Kansas 4-1 / 667
Boise State 4-0 / 624
Oklahoma State 5-0 / 523
Virginia Tech 5-1 / 393
Michigan State 5-1 / 273
South Florida 5-1 / 267
Wake Forest 4-1 / 247
Northwestern 5-0 / 231
Auburn 4-2 / 121
Wisconsin 3-2 / 105
California 4-1 / 98

Former Auburn stars succeeding at next level

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:50:00 -0400

Carnell “Cadillac” Williams carries the ball against Arkansas.: Williams was drated in the first round by Tampa Bay, just behind fellow running back Ronnie Brown, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Brown tied an NFL record with five touchdowns against New England Sept. 21. ARCHIVED

In wake of last weekend’s depressing loss to the team that will remain unnamed, I’ve decided to focus on the more positive side of Auburn football — well, sort of.

I started thinking about the Auburn teams of the past, and I really began to miss certain players. Players that were seemingly unstoppable in their prime on the Plains.

So here’s an update on how Auburn alumni are doing in the NFL through the first five weeks of the season:

We want answers, but are there any?

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:48:00 -0400

News came out of Sunday’s scheduled press conference — Tony Franklin is still the offensive coordinator.

Who would have thought two months ago that Tuberville would have to say that? Nonetheless it was news. The Plainsman isn’t the only one reporting this. Check Rivals or the O-A News.

The offense is struggling. There is little doubt about that.

Is it Franklin’s fault?

Well that’s where it gets sticky.

People want heads on pikes.

Auburn hadn’t lost to Vanderbilt in 13 consecutive tries. The Tigers came out well on offense; funny thing was, it wasn’t Franklin’s offense.

Earlier in the week, Tommy Tuberville said the Tigers weren’t running the “spread offense” but instead the “Auburn offense.”

What exactly does that mean?

Well apparently it goes something like this — do everything that has worked for Auburn over the last decade to jump out to a 13-0 lead and then stop, slam on the clutch, shift gears and go with the spread.

It’s as if Tuberville said “I’ve got the first quarter and then the rest is yours Tony.”

Cross country in brief

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:46:00 -0400

The No. 21 Auburn Tigers cross country team continued its season’s success with individual and team victories in the Tiger Invitational at the Indian Pines golf course last weekend.

Elkanah Kibet, a junior in accounting and finance, won an individual title for the men.

The No. 21 ranked Auburn men’s team won a title of its own, putting up 31 points in the Mel Rosen Orange Race.

Road tripping with the Auburn Marching Band

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:42:00 -0400

The Auburn Marching Band performs the “Irish Show” at halftime during the Tigers’ game against Vanderbilt Saturday: The marching band is currently in the “Battle of the Bands,” a voting competition for a $25,000 donation from Paramount and Lucasfilm, Ltd. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

The Auburn Marching Band carried the Auburn spirit to Nashville, Tenn. for Saturday’s football game against Vanderbilt University.

The total number band members in attendance for the Vanderbilt game was 361, which included 355 musicians plus instructional staff and graduate students.

“The biggest challenge [when traveling] is the sheer number of people that we are dealing with,” said Corey Spurlin, director of the marching band. “Everything is magnified. Our traveling party is close to 400.”

Several things must be considered when traveling with a group of this size.

“When we order meals, you can imagine the number of meals that takes, rooms for hotels, number of buses, trucks for all of our equipment,” Spurlin said. “Everything is large scale.”

ESPN’s Maisel reflects on sportswriting career

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:40:00 -0400

What am I really good at? Will I make enough money? Will my job choice live up to my family’s expectations?

For ESPN.com senior sportswriter Ivan Maisel, choosing a career path was simply a matter of combining one passion with another.

“I loved to write, and I loved sports, in that order,” Maisel said. “It’s important to remember that a love of sports is not the primary motivation for becoming a sportswriter. The stands are full of people who love sports. It’s the writing part that has to fill your tank.”

Maisel’s journey that has since led him to ESPN began in Mobile, where he graduated and decided to attend Stanford University for a degree in American Studies.

Maisel said he chose his major based on advice given to him after deciding to become a sportswriter.

“Someone once told me that if I wanted to be a sportswriter, I should get a broad education — learn as much as I could about as many different subjects as I could,” Maisel said. “American Studies is pretty broad.”

Women’s tennis sends three stars to California

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:39:00 -0400

Auburn tennis players Fani Chifchieva, Alex Haney and Melissa Koning finished competing in the Riviera/ITA All-American Championship in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Sunday. Chifchieva made it to the singles championship, but lost in the finals.

Chifchieva made a run-in singles play, making it all the way to the finals, but dropped the match 6-3, 6-4, to No. 20 Kelcy McKenna of Arizona State.

“I had a great time here,” Chifchieva said. “I did much better than last year. I did a pretty good job and thought I improved in every match and played good tennis.”

Chifchieva, ranked ninth in the country, opened the tournament with a 1-6, 7-6(3), 6-3, win over No. 16 Anastasia Petukhova of Fresno State.

Chifchieva went on to beat No. 72 Laura Gioia of Furman 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(2), in the second round.

She went on to topple a pair of Top-10 players in the quarters and semifinals and defeated No. 2 Ana Mijackika of Clemson, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(3), in the quarterfinals and No. 7 Marina Cossou of California, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, in the semifinals.

What are your thoughts on the 14-13 upset at Vanderbilt?

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:36:00 -0400

Mary Cam Carlson / freshman, nursing
“I was really disappointed. I think Auburn needs to work on the offense more, but the defense did great. Hopefully we can come out this weekend and have a good game.”

Ben Morris / freshman,communications
“We tried to do too many things on offense. We should have stuck to running the ball with Ben Tate. I think we were switching out the quarterbacks too much.”

Taylor Power / freshman, undeclared
“I lost $50, and I’m still in shock. I think the Auburn offense really needs to step it up.”

Mark Baker / freshman, business
“I think that our defense let up way too much when Vanderbilt put in its backup quarterback. After the first quarter, everything just went downhill.”

Izzy Hortman / freshman, public relations
“I think our offense, especially our offensive line, needs to step up. It was a huge letdown that the kicker missed the extra point, but I think the team needs more passion.”

Team turns focus to Arkansas

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:33:00 -0400

Receiver Rod Smith hauls in a pass from Brandon Cox: in last year’s 9-7 victory over the Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Ark. ARCHIVED

After stumbling in Nashville with an upset loss to Vanderbilt, No. 23 Auburn (4-2, 2-2 SEC) will look to bounce back with a win versus SEC opponent Arkansas (2-3, 0-2 SEC) Saturday.

The Razorbacks have struggled in Bobby Petrino’s first year as head coach, giving up a total of 139 points while only scoring 31 in their last three games.

Arkansas’ two wins came against D-II opponent Western Illinois and Louisiana Monroe. The Hogs are looking to pick up their first win over an SEC opponent since November of last year when they upset LSU.

At the quarterback position, the Hogs are led by Casey Dick, who just like Auburn quarterback Chris Todd, has thrown five interceptions to go with five touchdowns.

Arguably the bright spot of the Arkansas offense has been the running back position, particularly junior Michael Smith, who is third in the SEC in average yards per game at 105.8.

Around the SEC - Sports / Oct 9, 2008

wpolley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:32:00 -0400

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama moved to 6-0 after struggling to beat the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday. After allowing just 35 rushing yards, the Crimson Tide tops the SEC in rushing defense and ranks second in the nation. Glen Coffee rushed 25 times for 218 yards and one touchdown in the win.
LAST WEEK: beat Kentucky, 17-14
UP NEXT: at Ole Miss (Oct. 18)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators, following their upset to Ole Miss two weeks ago, beat up on Arkansas Saturday, dropping the Razorbacks to 2-3.
Tim Tebow went 17-for-26 with two touchdowns and one interception, while running back Chris Rainey ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. The Gators rank third in the nation in turnover margin (+1.6 per game.)
LAST WEEK: beat Arkansas, 38-7
UP NEXT: vs. LSU

ATHENS, Ga. — The Bulldogs were off this week to prepare for a visit from the Tennessee Volunteers, who upset Georgia 35-14 in 2007.
LAST WEEK: off
UP NEXT: vs. Tennessee, 2:30 p.m.