Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid
Logo of The Auburn Plainsman
Donate Submit a tip Subscribe

Search Results

Use the fields below to perform an advanced search of The Auburn Plainsman's archives. This will return articles, images, and multimedia relevant to your query.

941 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.

Google answers all

(03/08/13 4:13pm)

I’ve been occupying my time lately by doing a little field research with Google. That’s the official way for me to say that I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time entering random words into the Google search bar to see what suggestions it automatically fills in. I think if I word it right, I can put this activity on my resume. Here are the highlights of Google’s search suggestions for the word “why”:Third option that comes up after typing the word “why”:• Why is my poop green?Woah man. I don’t really think that’s a question you should be relying on Google to answer for you. If my poop were green, I’d be frantically dialing 911, or at least poison control.Fourth option that comes up for “why”:• Why is chitlin so tough?First off, what the hell is chitlin? Why are Google users in desperate need of finding out its substance? And why is it tough? I started browsing the results a little, but then I saw the word “skeleton” had something to do with it, so I threw up in my mouth a little and closed out of the page in a rush of panic. Some things are better left unknown.Second option from the bottom for “why”:• Why is Chief Keef in jail?Uh, excuse my ignorance, but who is Chief Keef? I’m still not exactly sure why he’s incarcerated. Google did tell me that he’s getting baptized the second he gets out though, so we’re happy for him.Seventh question for “Why is c”:• “Why is Caillou bald?”For those of you unaware, Caillou is a ballin’ ass 4-year-old cartoon boy that kids these days watch like we did Tommy on Rugrats. He’s inappropriately bald for his age, and I’m ashamed of myself for never thinking to question why a cartoon child should be afflicted with early onset baldness. I wish I could congratulate the massive population who did, and cared enough to ask Google why. Apparently there’s a cult following concerned with the growth of Caillou’s hair, because an entire list of questions about it appeared. Inquiries include, “Why is Caillou’s head so bald?” and “Why is Caillou bald he only four.”Results for “Why are Americans so”:• Stupid, fat, obese, obsessed with guns…in that order. Easy now, Google. I don’t know what kind of communist China man has been soiling your search history, but I think the words you’re looking for are “incredibly good looking, superior at Nascar racing, etc.” P.S. Fat and obese are synonyms, idiot. Second option for “Why is food”:• “Why is food so important?”What? Are you kidding me?! Food is important because it tastes good and we love it and we’re Americans and obese, you moron. Wait a minute…Llama related questions:• Why do llamas wear hats?• Why are llamas so awesome?I can only assume that llamas wear hats because they’re awesome and vice versa. These guys should communicate better. Third option for “Why are mu:”• Why are mustaches popular?If you have to ask, you’ll never know. Most philosophical question:• Why is bacon so good?Google can never answer this because the deliciousness of bacon will never be able to be put into words. It’s the holy grail of all meats combined. I do admire all with Internet connection who went in search of unraveling this mystery, but, like the contents of chitlins, some things are better left unknown.

https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2013/03/google-answers-all

Sweeten Valentine's Day with dark chocolate

(02/14/13 7:13am)

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and thankfulness for each other, but the fact that chocolate comes in little heart shaped boxes on Valentine's says something about another thing we can look forward to. Because it is loaded with antioxidants, "feel good" chemicals and some other important nutrients, chocolate is a "sweet" that you don't have to turn away the other 364 days of the year. This year, instead of picking up those delightful little heart shaped boxes, be glad to know that chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is something you don't have to feel guilty eating, at least in moderation.

https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2013/02/sweeten-valentines-day-with-dark-chocolate

Students selected as finalists for Gates Cambridge scholarship

(01/24/13 4:44am)

One thousand applicants, 90 finalists and two Auburn students selected among finalists to interview for the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. Paul Bergen, May 2012 graduate and Fulbright Scholar at the Technical University of Munich, and James "Jimmy" Kaczmarek, senior in chemical engineering, have been selected to interview to become Gates Cambridge Scholars. "It was winter break and I was sitting there watching TV and an email popped up and it said congratulations on being short listed for the Gates Cambridge finalist." Kaczmarek said. "And I was just like, YES." The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive and is a full-cost scholarship awarded to outstanding students outside of the United Kingdom to pursue a post-graduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. "I definitely feel honored that I was selected as a finalist," Bergen said. At Auburn, both Bergen and Kaczmarek have been heavily involved while maintaining 3.97 GPAs. Bergan, of Cooper City,Fla, was president of the Microbiology Club, part of the Mock Trial Team and was a re-chartering member of the German Honor Society. Kaczmarek, of Tampa ,Fla, is the trumpet section leader in the Auburn University Marching Band , a part of the national music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha and a founding member of AU Cappella. While at Auburn, Bergen was an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Mark Liles. Begren's work in Liles' lab focused on metagenomics, which according to Liles "you are cloning and analyzing DNA from a community of bacteria and our focus here is on antibiotic discovery." "The last year he was here, Paul and I were colleagues," said Liles. "He was definitely functioning at a higher level than most students do." Liles said Bergen will be a co-author on a manuscript on the science he did and that is one of the best forms recognition; that your science is being published. Bergen received his undergraduate degree in both German and microbiology. Kaczmarek works as an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Mark Byrne. "His work ethic is second to none," Byrne said." I have yet to meet another student who has a work ethic like Jimmy." Byrne described Jimmy as an excellent student, passionate, has high scholarship and isn't afraid to ask questions. "In the classes that I have had him, he has been near the top, if not the top student in the class in terms of grades that he has received," Byrne said. Bergen wants to work under Professors Vassilis Koronakis and Gillian Fraser, because their work is essentially what he wants to do with his career. "The short explanation, I’m looking for microbial enzymes useful to a wide range of industries to make our lives cleaner, healthier, and more efficient," Bergen said. Kaczmarek wants to focus on the control release of drugs through contact lenses. "Instead of having to do eye drops four, six or eight times a day and having to wake up in the middle of the night to take them," Kaczmarek said "you can just pop a contact lens in and then you just keep it like that for a couple of days." Kaczmarek said this will help with patient compliance and people can get the treatment for the eye they need." According to gatescambridge.com, the selection criteria are; outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, commitment to improving the lives of others and a good fit between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations of the postgraduate program at Cambridge University for which they are applying. "I want to live my life to really make a difference for other people," Kaczmarek said. There have been two previous Auburn graduates awarded the scholarship: David Harris (2011) and Cynthia Carver ( 2002). Bergen's interview is set for Feb. 1 and Kaczmarek's interview is Feb 2; both conducted in Washington D.C. "It's the interview that is going to set you apart. And I think that what makes it more extreme and more intense," Bergen said. "You have to be on top of your game and give the greatest interview you've given at that point."

https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2013/01/students-selected-as-finalists-for-gates-cambridge-scholarship

Auburn 2012: A Year in Review

(01/12/13 3:02am)

The year 2012 proved to be full of tumult, change, sadness, victory and loss for the University and its students. To sum it all up, here is a list of the top ten happenings around campus during the past year.1. New Smoking PolicyThe year began with an announcement from Auburn President Jay Gouge that the campus would be smoke-and cigarette-free by fall 2013. Gradual adjustments were made in fall 2012, begin- ning with the restriction of on-campus smoking stating that smokers must be at least 25 feet away from buildings to smoke. Those not in compliance with this rule would be verbally reprimanded, although not punished.Support for students and faculty who want to quit smoking altogether has been offered by campus pharmacists, who will analyze the patient’s situation and provide necessary support and medication through a three to six month program. The university will issue a full-fledged smoking ban beginning in fall 2013, in hopes that the offered cessation program with pharmacists will help alleviate such a large change.2. Harvey Updyke TrialsThe notorious tree-poisoning Harvey Updyke continued to frequent the news with various activities surrounding his highly publicized trial. Updyke confessed to Plainsman reporter Andrew Yawn, outside of trial and under no obligation to speak, that he was guilty of poisoning Toomer’s Oaks. A day later, his primary defense attorney denied that Updyke made the statement.One of Updyke’s defense attorneys, Lois J. Willie II, requested to leave the case due to other professional and personal obligations. Willie was Updyke’s fifth attorney to leave the case.He claimed he has lost 62 pounds since the beginning of his arrest, is taking 18 different medications for various health issues and pleaded not guilty due to mental illness.Updyke made headlines once again when he was arrested on September 18 in Hammond, La. on terrorizing charges at a home improvement store.3. Summer Shootings at University HeightsAn impossibly tragic event of the summer was the triple- homicide shooting at University Heights apartments on West Longleaf Drive. Montgomery resident Desmonte Leonard was arrested and charged with shooting and killing former Auburn football players Ed Christian and Ladarious Phillips and Auburn resident Demario Pitts on June 9. Leonard was additionally charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.4. Auburn in the OlympicsAs a bright spot on a bleak summer, 24 former and current Tigers and four coaches traveled to London to compete or coach the 2012 Olympics, representing thirteen different countries. These included Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Bahamas, Jamaica, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, South Africa, United States, American Samoa, Mexico and Ireland.The athletes participated in swimming or track and field events, and won two gold medals, one silver and three bronze. Additionally, Auburn student Marisa Grimes was chosen to carry an Olympic Torch in London.5. New Parking RulesIn hopes of easing the ever-present parking problems at Auburn, Parking Services implemented a number of changes to policies and lots around campus.A new parking zone, called Proximity-C, was created in hopes of guaranteeing spots for students who had a pass for PC. These new zones are located at the Coliseum, Auburn Arena, the lot across from Momma Goldberg’s on Magnolia and a small space behind the public safety office.Parking Services said plans for the new parking policies had been in the works for a year before implementation.6. SGA RestructuringThe Student Government Association went under a huge restructuring that was imple- mented in fall 2012. Because they felt they were taking on too many tasks and didn’t feel they had enough manpower or funding for these tasks, many programs were delegated to other organizations that could better tackle them. SGA wanted to deal primarily with governance tasks and become more initiative-based.7. Food Truck ExpansionIn part influenced by the food truck craze spreading around the nation and in part to diversify Auburn dining experience, many new food trucks cropped up around campus during the past year to build on the popularity of the Tex’s Tacos and Momma Goldberg’s trucks.Additions to the fleet included Honeysuckle Gelato, Kona Ice, Mighty Meatballs and Mac the Cheese.8. Presidential ElectionsFor many Auburn students, the 2012 elections presented the first opportunity to vote in a presidential race. Topics such as abortion, tax increase, health care and immigration influenced students to rock the vote as citizens who will be part of the work force in the next number of years.The campus was alight with participation with much activity from political groups handing out stickers and campaigning on the concourse.At the announcement of President Obama’s re-election on November 6, many students flocked to Toomer’s Oaks to roll the trees in celebration.9. Losing Football SeasonWith the new semester came a new football season and a new wave of football fan woes. The Tigers went 3-9 overall and were completely winless in the SEC for the first time ever. The less than satisfying season was termed by many as a “rebuilding year” for the football program, coming down from the high of the 2010 National Championship title. However, fans and players alike were not expecting the homecoming loss to Ole Miss and no bowl game appearance.10. Gus Malzahn HiredThe Auburn Athletic Department dismissed head football coach Gene Chizik in hopes of a more favorable football season in 2013. His contract was terminated early and he will receive his $7.2 million buyout over the next four years.Chizik was replaced by former Auburn offensive coach, Gus Malzahn, who will be returning to the Plains from Arkansas State. Malzahn has already hired a number of new staff and coordinators for a fresh start in 2013.

https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2013/01/auburn-2012-a-year-in-review

Auburn man in blue graduates from FBI's best

(01/10/13 7:26pm)

Founded in 1935, the FBI National Academy is considered the top law enforcement professional school in the country. People wanting to attend the prestigious school have to be invited. Prospective FBI National Academy students go through a nomination process and rigorous background check before receiving an invitation. One of Auburn's own police officers made it through the selection process and received an invite to the school. Assistant Chief Paul Register was invited to attend the school last year and graduated the 10-week program Dec. 18, 2012. "It's an executive training for upper management in law enforcement," Register said. Register said after hearing about the course he told Chief Tommy Dawson that it was something he was interested in attending, and Dawson nominated him. "I heard about the course several years ago, and we have had some other people go through it as well," Register said. "So through talking with them and reading about it and hearing about it, I thought it would be something I would enjoy." Living in dormitories on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Register took a total of six courses, had daily PT activities and met a diverse group of people while at the school. "Monday through Friday, we were in class from 8 a.m. to 5:30, four classes everyday," Register said. "Usually there was PT everyday so there was a lot of running and a lot of cardiovascular exercise. I took two graduate level classes when I was there that I'm going to use towards my masters that I've been working on." Register is working on a masters in homeland security emergency management at Auburn University Montgomery. Able to take both undergraduate and graduate courses at the school, the 250 students who attend the sessions are made up of law enforcement officers from around the United States and 150 countries around the world. "The friendships and the relationships that you make with the other people at the academy should be something you can use throughout the rest of your career," Register said. "That was one of the biggest things I took from it was the networking and getting to know people from all over the country and even other nations. That was the best thing I got from it." Although Register said he learned a lot from the course, he said the 10 weeks away from his family in Auburn was difficult for him. "The classes were great, the training was great, but it was a challenge," Register said. "I came home about four times. I flew home a couple of times and drove home a couple of times, but it was tough. My wife gets more credit then I do for that because she was able to take care of everything at home and the kids. She deserves the credit for that." Register and his family live in Auburn, but his wife and four kids were able to travel to Quantico, Va. to see his graduation from the FBI National Academy. "We stayed in Washington D.C. for a few days after that to see the things around D.C.," Register said. Register has been working at the Auburn Police Department for 25 years in a variety of jobs in patrol, investigation, administration and was Captain of Patrol. "I've enjoyed every job I've done here," Register said. "Every few years I have done a new job within the division and so it's kept it very interesting to me. I've always enjoyed it. I work with great people and they make it fun."

https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2013/01/auburn-man-in-blue-graduates-from-fbis-best