Articles written by Bridgette Bonner

Roommates in political rumble

wpolley — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:58:00 -0500

Rachel Stricklin, a senior in art, and her roommate Kristen LaTulipe, a senior in French: express their political differences as they hold up signs for the presidential candidate they supported during last week’s election. JD Schein / PHOTO EDITOR

Political tension can be cut with a knife when the people disagreeing share the same address.

Roommates and first cousins Stewart Jackson, a junior in rehabilitation services, and John Delaney, a junior in political science, butted heads for the last few months on political issues.

Jackson fits into the 66 percent of young voters who supported Barack Obama

Delaney agrees with the 31 percent that supported John McCain.

Political surveys show that abortion, the economy and immigration were the most important issues in the election.

Jackson said his main concern in choosing his presidential candidate was offshore oil drilling.

“McCain has big ties to oil companies, and it would have been a ‘if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’ situation,” Jackson said. “I think Obama will be harsher on oil companies because he does not have the same ties McCain does.”

But Delaney is for offshore drilling.

Charging tuition has own benefits

wpolley — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:58:25 -0400

Is it a good idea to pay tuition with a credit card? Many people do not know there are benefits to paying with a credit card, as opposed to paying from a checking or savings account.

The cost of in-state tuition, which includes courses and student activity fees, is $5,250 and $15,750 for non-resident students. Charging large amounts like these builds up points that can be used with airlines, hotels and a range of other places.

“My dad pays with a credit card, and he gains a lot of points from it,” said Shelley Stewart, a senior in education. “It has worked out really well for him.”

Some universities have a convenience fee up to 4 percent when tuition is paid with a credit card. Auburn, however, does not have a convenience charge.

“I have never had anyone call and say they wished they had not paid tuition with a credit card,” said Linda Ledbetter, coordinator of Student Financial Services.

Auburn offers a program called Webcheck, which can be accessed through tiger i. Here, students or parents can pay directly out of their checking or savings account.

Students in age group most likely to modify vehicles

wpolley — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Pimped Ride: This Auburn student’s car has been modified, or as Xzibit would say, “pimped.” College students are a part of the demographic of 18-34 year olds, who are most likely to modify their vehicles. Modifications can include changes to tires, sound systems and b

A 2006 Consumer Reports survey found Americans spend more than $700 on average on vehicle accessories. Of vehicle-owning Americans, 73 percent have modified their vehicle in some way.

Vehicle accessories include anything from floor mats, alarm systems and fuzzy dice on the mirror.

Those falling in the age group 18-34 are the most likely to enhance their vehicle in some way, with 78 percent participating.

Madison Whittemore, a junior in finance, said he has added a Valentine 1 radar detector, new front lights, W7 subs, new front speakers and amplifiers, Dynamat soundproofing, window tint, an Auburn University decal, a fraternity decal and new side mirrors to his vehicle.

“Looking tacky is not necessarily about how much people put into their car or how much money they put into it,” Whittemore said. “It’s more about what they actually do to it.”