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(11/11/13 6:00pm)
This film is absolutely spectacular for many reasons and is a must-see in 3D. I'm not a proponent of seeing any motion picture in 3D, but this film wouldn't have been the same without the added effects.
The Oscar buzz for "Gravity" continues to progress as other Oscar contenders continue to premiere and fall short of this underestimated movie. Gravity is a shoe-in to be nominated for best picture this year.
I agree it deserves a spot, but it is too early to say whether it deserves one more than others. There are still many films yet to come out in theatres.
One thing is for certain; this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie, literally. The action starts four minutes into the movie, and it keeps you guessing until three minutes before the credits roll.
This movie will make you sweat, gasp, laugh, cry and feel the fight the characters are enduring as they cling to life in a zero-gravity setting.
One of the less deserving shoe-ins is George Clooney.
Clooney plays the role of Commander Matt Kowalski and is a vital part to the movement of the story line. The role is important, but Clooney is only in the film for approximately 15 minutes. That has not mattered in the past with actors and actresses such as Anthony Hopkins and Viola Davis, who were both nominated for Oscars and had less than 12 minutes in their respective films that year.
It is still too soon to know whether Clooney will be nominated in the supporting actor category, but I definitely say he is one to watch.
The role that has Oscar nomination written all over it is the role of Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Sandra Bullock. Bullock is absolutely astonishing in this film.
She is basically a one-woman show and is playing a much different character than I have ever seen her play. In most Sandra Bullock films, we see a woman who is strong and confident, but hides behind her work and buries her feelings.
In "Gravity," Bullock is much more vulnerable and has to face her own mortality over and over again. In each situation, more of her inner struggles are revealed and, until the primal instinct of survival kicks in, she is the strong woman we have seen before. Bullock carries this movie on her back the entire time and will carry this movie all the way down the red carpet to a seat in the front of the Kodak Theatre.
This movie is not simply Sandra Bullock floating around in space, crying out for help. I will not spoil the story for you, but know "Gravity" will win for best visual effects. With 3D glasses, it was as if I was actually floating above the Earth, or watching the sunrise on a spacewalk.
The engineers for this movie certainly deserve some kind of an award for the incredible effects they produced, and for the realness provided to the viewer. If you see "Gravity," you will appreciate the people behind-the-scenes that often get overlooked.
All in all, "Gravity" is an incredible action film with a great story line. The acting is impeccable with an amazing cast that outdid themselves in this film.
I highly recommend you see this movie; it's one anybody can enjoy.
(11/11/13 3:35am)
The cashier at Winn-Dixie stared at me as my roommate and I checked out. It was the first day of No Makeup November, and my pink embarrassment went unconcealed.
"You look exhausted," she said with concern.
It was close to 11 p.m., and I had been swapping apartments all day. The fact I was tired was obvious.
Throwing off her maternal worry for my well-being, I felt hot annoyance.
"So what if I look tired?" I thought. "Who is this stranger to point it out?"
I had earned the exhaustion with each boxful of books and clothes lifted into my Toyota Corolla and hauled to my new condo.
I'd felt strong and capable all day and was claiming the well-earned pizza-and-beer reward.
It is only now, some days later, that I can see I took her comment way too personally.
The bubbling retaliation was unwarranted because it was my own insecurity surfacing to fling mental stones at her.
In a split-second in my mind, I had translated, "You look exhausted" into the insult, "You look really unattractive."
My anger was fueled by continual stimuli promoting youth and beauty as goals to strive toward when women are, in all honesty, aging every second.
An airbrushed model printed on a page of Vogue will stay young and well-rested forever because she is just that -- static and glossed-over, not made of flesh and blood.
Even as the model herself ages, her flawless doppelganger will remain exactly the same.
The cosmetics industry has done a superb job of capitalizing on the insecurities women feel about their looks.
Leading cosmetics manufacturer L'Oreal has raked in $7.5 billion worldwide, so far, in 2013, according to The Wall Street Journal. Forbes listed Macy's and Sephora as the top grossing cosmetic retailers with $3.25 billion and $2 billion, respectively, in North American sales this year alone.
The pitch is easy.
Fill a woman's head with the idea she is inferior because she doesn't look a certain way, then sell her the products that will make her feel like she adds up.
Show her how she can become what she's been taught to view as beautiful and you have a customer for life.
Keep her on her toes though, and throw new trends at her monthly or, better yet, weekly.
And get her started young -- stunt a growing mind with images of perfect princesses who always, always end up happy.
Be sure to make the wicked witch as wrinkled and ugly as possible, and have her meet an awful fate.
The only way I see to combat this self-depricating mind-control is to step back and say "no."
We don't have to accept capitalism's version of beautiful.
It could even be as simple as not buying that tube of mascara or trying a day without lip gloss.
Or challenge yourself, and don't look at your reflection for 24 hours. See how you feel by the end of the day.
The strength I felt after lugging boxes and suitcases was real, and didn't require looking in a mirror.
It involved sweat, Gatorade and accomplishing a goal. And, it was a gorgeous feeling -- the kind of feeling you can't put a price tag on.
(11/06/13 2:33am)
The Auburn City Council recognized Tim Youngblood as November's employee of the month.
Catrina Cook from the environmental services department and Houston Manning from the parks and recreation department received 15-year service pins.
Edward Charles Howard of water resource management was recognized for his 29 years of service and was recognized as a retiring employee.
The city is not in a development agreement with WBB, LLC Hyundai of Auburn located at 823 Opelika Road.
The Council approved the purchase of 15 sets of turnout coats and pants for the fire department at a cost of $24,345.
The Council also approved a service agreement with Allcomm Wireless, Inc for the city's 911 management system. The company will provide technical assistance, site response, 24/7 remote equipment diagnostics, and software/firmware support for the city's 911 equipment at a cost of $23,125.50 for one year.
Additionally, the Council approved the purchase of one 2014 Ford F-150 Supercab pickup truck at a value of $21,930.
They also approved utility agreement with Southern Natural Gas Company for pipeline relocation costs for $19,720. The agreement costs include preliminary engineering, preparation of design drawings and environmental evaluation.
The Council approved drainage and utility easements at Mimms Trail Subdivision and the southeast corner of Moores Mill and Grove Hill Roads. Mimms Trail Subdivision was approved for a sewer easement.
Three people were appointed to the Tree Commission -- Chuck Furlow, Steve Eden and Ed Lowenstein.
(11/05/13 7:03pm)
The Auburn University Department of Theatre is embracing past decades to perform "Harvey" for their fall production.
Director Tom Aulino said "Harvey" is a production he has wanted to direct, so he suggested the play to the theatre department.
"I've loved it for many years and I think it has some wonderful things to say to modern audiences," Aulino said. "It's a deceptive play to do because it seems like it's just a simple, funny story about a rabbit, but it's really much deeper than that."
"Harvey" is about a middle-aged brother and sister who lived together in the 1940s. The brother, Elwood Dowd, has an unconventional companion for his best friend --- a 6-foot tall white rabbit named Harvey. Aulino said Elwood is the only one who can see the rabbit most of the time.
Elwood's sister's name is Veta.
"(Veta) has been thwarted at every attempt to fit in or re-engage herself with society because her brother sees a white rabbit and everybody would think he was completely crazy," Aulino said. "Her daughter is of age to think about getting married, and she's very concerned about getting a good match for her daughter."
The play unfolds in the timespan of one day, when Veta plans a social gathering at her house because she thinks that Elwood won't be home.
Elwood, played by Dan Larocque, comes home during Veta's party. Aulino said Larocque is the associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and a professional actor.
The cast consists of 12 actors who have all helped in the organization of the production.
Tracy Oleinick, costume designer, has production studio students help sew the costumes.
"We make everything, and buy everything," Oleinick said. "We've always got it. You don't teach (students) anything when you just rent a costume. You learn a lot when you make the costume."
The 1940s sets were designed by guest designer Matt Kizer.
Aulino said the set will be a realistic depiction of a grand library in a private home, and a realistic depiction of a sanitarium where Elwood is taken when they think there is no cure for his imaginary friend.
Michael Sanders, who plays Dr. Lyman Sanderson in "Harvey," said the play is meant to be a comedy that can be enjoyed by a wide range of age groups.
"The jokes are set to where everyone can get them," Sanders said.
Sander's character is a 27-year-old doctor whose confidence sometimes causes him to overlook things.
Sander's said he has never seen "Harvey" performed before, but he likes doing period pieces.
"It's just a lot of fun to kind of get out of the mentality of the 21st century and checking your cell phone every five minutes," Sanders said. "They all just spoke so much faster and they were off the cuff, and they threw so many comments in there so quickly."
The production will be held Nov. 14-15, 17, 19-22.
For ticket information, visit Auburn.edu/Theatre.
(11/01/13 7:10pm)
Tricks, treats and creativity were the themes of Skybar's 8th annual Halloween Bash Thursday, Oct. 31.
Skybar started the Halloween night off early when doors the opened at 5 p.m., with drink specials continuing until 9:30 p.m.
The most anticipated event of the night was not the drink specials, but the Costume Contest that began at midnight.
It was not a typical night at Skybar. Despite three separate entrances being open, the lines still twisted and curved around the bar in all directions.
"I've never seen anything like this," said Catherine Harrell, a junior from the University of Alabama. "There are so many people."
Once inside, it wasn't strange to see Wolverine hugging a "Despicable Me" minion or watch the Duck Dynasty cast at the bar trying to get the bartender's attention.
Angie Pan, senior in marketing, put on some cut-off jean suspenders and wore two little cups on her head as a minion.
"I'm just trying to get pictures with as many minions as I can," Pan said. "There's a minion with sirens on his head here and I really want to find him and get a picture."
To get from one place to the other, people had to weave through hundreds of costume-clad college students. Some of the most popular costumes of the night reflected current pop culture.
Many women, and even a man or two, were boasting a teddy bear-covered unitard and two tiny buns on top of their heads, trying desperately to capture the essence of Miley Cyrus.
Cats and Beanie Babies were also a popular costume choice for the night.
Approximately 150 people stood in line by the stage, waiting to be judged as part of the costume contest.
At midnight, Walter White from AMC's "Breaking Bad" entered the stage in a yellow meth-cooking suit and gas mask. He was followed by two of his own personal meth cookers, adorned in white bio hazard suits and masks.
After White danced around the stage, he took off his suit and transformed into White's alter ego, Heisenberg.
Assisted by his two, now bikini-clad meth-cooker girls, White threw fake bags of blue crystal meth and spit fire, inciting a rise from the crowd.
White hosted the event and introduced every contestant for their 30 second window.
With the dance floor packed, DJ Rainer playing hit songs, and a smoke machine on the fritz, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves made their way onstage. They were followed by two Spartans, Miley with her foam finger and Robin Thicke.
Jonathan Hester, senior in finance, strutted on stage as an unemployed, hobo Gene Chizik. The crowd responded with boos.
"What's wrong with it?" Hester said.
At approximately 1 a.m., the top 10 contestants were announced, including a couple posing as the famous World War II kiss picture, a man dressed as Honey Boo Boo, Lt. Dan and Forrest Gump, Anchorman, an Alabama fan in a cage, Deadmau5, the cast of Futurama and others.
At approximately, 2 a.m. the winners were finally announced.
Decked out in suits and wigs, the cast of Anchorman won fifth place and a prize of $50. Fourth place was Deadmau5, winning $100. Third place was awarded to Lt. Dan in his wheelchair and Forrest Gump, winning $200. Second place was given to the cast of Futurama, winning $300.
And finally, the World War II kiss couple stole the show, reproducing the iconic photography and winning first place and $500.
(10/31/13 5:00pm)
Ashley Ahner's 12-year French fry fast was finally broken when former pop star Aaron Carter shared a fry with her "Lady and the Tramp" style.
In seventh grade, Ashley Ahner made an oath she wouldn't touch a French fry until she met teenage obsession, Aaron Carter.
Now an Auburn alumna, Ahner kept her oath and remained French fry-free until she personally met Carter at his concert at Bourbon Street Bar, Oct. 19.
Ahner said she has attended at least seven concerts with her friends.
Ahner said in February 2001, in her mother's minivan decorated with "Aaron Carter or Bust," she came up with an idea on their way to a Carter concert in Peoria, Ill.
"I told my three friends that I was going to stop eating French fries until I met Aaron Carter," Ahner said. "At the same time, we were die-hard fans and knew it was a challenge, but that eventually in the near future I would meet my crush."
Twelve years later, she was still fryless. Soon after the oath was made, Carter fizzled out of the music scene, but Ahner was still bent on keeping her oath to the end.
"Living French-fry free is mind-blowing in itself, and then once I tell people the reason why, they usually are speechless and confused." Ahner said.
Maggie Bird is a friend of Ahner's and was with her when she finally met Carter.
"I thought she was crazy," Bird said. "Who would want to give up eating French fries?"
In January 2013, Ahner learned Carter was back for his comeback tour and he would be in Decatur, Ga., close to her new home in Atlanta.
She said she couldn't believe he would be so close and hurriedly bought a table for four at the Eddie's Attic Venue where Carter would perform March 13, 2013.
A few days before the concert, she discovered a VIP ticket option, which included a meet-and-greet with Carter after the show. Unfortunately for Ahner, they were sold out.
"I may or may not have driven to work that morning with a few tears in my eyes when I saw my 12-year-old goal become attainable and then quickly get snatched away from my grasp," Ahner said. "I was deflated but knew there had to be a way."
Ahner said her only hope was the rumor that the best poster at the concert would be brought on stage. She made a simple poster with crossed out French fries advertising her 12-year fry fast.
After arriving, a teeny-bopper miracle occurred. She was stopped in line and given the chance to buy VIP wristbands for her and her two friends. When she got to her table, VIP wristbands in tow, she texted her roommates to bring some fries.
Her sign did the trick and got her noticed among the crowd of screaming fans. She was brought on stage with another girl and was serenaded by Carter's song "I'm All About You." When she met him after the concert, she told him all about her story and snapped a few photos.
"The story was too crazy not to be shared," Carter said.
After telling the whole room of VIPs about her 12-year journey, she decided it was only right Carter should be the one to feed her the first fry in 12 years.
Carter obliged, enjoying the fry and a brief kiss with Ahner.
A 12-year oath finally ended, and Ahner is no longer French-fry free.
(11/02/13 6:34pm)
With colder weather approaching, it is easy to slip into the mindset that working out is no longer necessary because with colder weather comes bulky clothing.
Without bathing suit weather looming anywhere in the near future, it can be tempting to substitute your daily workout for a slice of pumpkin pie or those delicious cut-out Halloween sugar cookies.
Instead of falling into that rut, which will most likely end in regret come spring semester, use Runtastic Six Pack to stay motivated through the winter months.
This app is great for the days you don't feel like venturing out into the cold to go to the gym. The company describes themselves as "a personal six pack trainer in your pocket."
The app gives you a choice between two avatar trainers, Daniel and Angie. It comes with more than 50 workout demonstrations, motivational music, training plans, tips of the day and the option to share your accomplishments on social media.
After you pick which trainer you want to use, you can choose what level you want to progress at. Level one is called "commence your journey." It lasts 10 days and includes 35 exercises.
Level two is labeled "kick it up a notch," and lasts 15 days with 60 exercise options.
Level three is "experience incredible results," and spans over 25 days with 115 exercise options.
For each day on whichever plan you choose, there will be a certain amount of exercises for you to do.
You can pick the music the app comes with, or pay an additional $0.99 for a different genre of music.
The trainer talks and counts you through the exercise, so you get an example of a good workout pace.
The avatar trainer will tell you how many sets and repetitions are necessary, and they will give you a 30-second break in-between each set if you need it.
After you have finished the sets for the day, the app shows you how many repetitions you completed and how many calories you burned.
You can take a picture and add notes to the work out so you can remember if you liked it or not for the future.
After a workout, you will receive the tip of the day, for example, "workouts need fixed dates. A little pressure will promote your discipline." The duration of the exercises increase by level, and by day.
It starts with an 8 minute and 45 second exercise on level 1, day 1, and ends with a 41 minute and 33 second exercise on level 3, day 25.
Under the section "all exercise videos," there are 50 animated videos that show you how to properly execute different exercises, along with their names.
You can change the voice coach to speak in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, or Japanese.
Under the section titled, "my workouts," the app gives you options for extra workouts that range from less than 10 minutes to more than 30 minutes.
If you're looking for an extra push of motivation to stay fit this winter, check out Runtastic.
(11/04/13 5:00pm)
Auburn alumnus Bryan Wilson and his wife, Sara Farber, created Schmovie, a board game that can be played at a family function or a college party.
In 2010, Wilson and Farber started the company, Galactic Sneeze, on the third anniversary of their first date.
"Galactic Sneeze is a Brooklyn-based fun-stuff think tank," Wilson said. "We invent toys and games and intellectual properties, then work to partner with other companies to help bring those to life."
Farber said they pitch their ideas to larger companies, or simply make the inventions themselves.
Wilson graduated from Auburn in 1998, and Farber graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1996. In February 2011, Wilson and Farber began developing Schmovie.
"We ran the Facebook play-along version of the game for about a year and a half before launching the physical game," Farber said. "It was a great way to build buzz and test out some aspects of the game with a broad audience."
Farber said they received more than 30,000 Schmovie titles from fans. Schmovie is designed for ages 13 and up, and can include three or more players.
"Every round, one person is the Schmovie producer and they roll a genre die and figure out what the movie's going to be about," Wilson said.
The die has six different sides: sci-fi, horror, rom-com, drama, action and producer's choice. For producer's choice, the ruling producer at the time gets to pick the genre.
The next step is picking two premise cards. One deck of cards will tell the players who the movie is about, and the other deck tells the players what the movie is about.
"Then, all the other players have wipe-off boards and they write down titles for what they would call that Schmovie," Wilson said. "The Schmovie producer collects all of the cards, all the titles, shuffles them up so it's anonymous, reads them aloud and hilarity ensues."
The producer picks their favorite Schmovie title and gives that player a Schquid trophy. Wilson said the first person to collect four Schquids wins the game.
"In the movie business, you do something good, you get a gold trophy," Bryan Wilson said. "In the Schmovie business you get a gold trophy with wings and tentacles and maybe a top hat."
"Schmovie is unusual in that it just relies on the creativity of the players," said Bob, Bryan Wilson's father. "Every game is a little different."
Schmovie is available on Amazon, and select stores around the country. Bryan said that they are trying to get Schmovie to come to Auburn. Bryan said Schmovie works for different target audiences because it's great for kids and adults.
"If you ask an 8-year-old to give you the name of a movie about a smelly ninja, they've got a dozen names for movies." Bryan said. "If you're playing it with your college friends and you've had a few drinks, it can get as creative and as X-rated as the players want it to be."
Bob Wilson said his favorite part of the game is the ideas that people come up with, especially the kids.
Farber and Wilson run Galactic Sneeze out of their home in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they live with their 2-year-old daughter, Sadie.
For more information about Galactic Sneeze and Schmovie, go to GalacticSneeze.com.
(11/01/13 1:00pm)
After dressing for class in my disheveled room, guzzling coffee and then brushing my teeth, the pause provided by the care it takes to apply lipstick felt like a sigh.
Leaning over my bathroom sink and focusing on my reflection behind small splatters of toothpaste, I saw imperfection -- the blemishes I had tried to conceal, the stubborn dry spots and the bite I left on my bottom lip after wrestling for the right words to finish an article overnight.
It bothered me.
But as my lips rouged to "Rum Raisin" by Maybelline, the anxiety eased.
The effect was akin to Clark Kent changing in a phone booth. I squinted my eyes and there she was: this sharp, confident woman who's able to walk up to anyone and start a conversation, aiming at her goals with sharpshooter precision.
I wore lipstick like an emblem of fearlessness and sophistication.
Something uneasy brushed me as I gazed at my proud reflection. I realized the lipstick wasn't magic -- the confidence lived inside me all the time, but I could only, for some strange reason, draw it out when I felt I looked attractive.
As a Southern woman in my 20s, I have become an expert illusionist.
I know which heels I should wear to elongate my 5-foot-1 frame, I know how to cinch my dresses with a belt to create a waistline and I know how to contour my cheeks with blush to create "instant cheekbones!"-- as is written on the back of my CoverGirl blush compact.
A deep-red lipstick makes me feel like Wonder Woman, and changes the way I carry myself.
Pride sizzles through me with each application of this stuff -- this tasteless stick of chemicals.
But what is wrong with me if the poise vanishes when the makeup comes off?
Do I value other people's opinions of me so much it dictates how I feel about myself and approach others?
And why can't I feel kick-ass without makeup? The feeling obviously exists somewhere inside me.
What I do know is this: Wonder Woman is beautiful. She was painted by a man to be an ideal. She has an ageless face, small shorts and huge breasts.
And I can't relate to her at all.
To me, she is not a feminist icon because not a single woman I know looks or acts like her.
She is just art.
She's a doodle on a page acting out masculine stories.
What I want is more than that. I want to discover who I am without hiding behind a mask our culture has drawn for me.
No Makeup November is an experiment in confidence. It is a search for answers.
I pledge, here and now, to not apply makeup (or society's definition of beauty) to my face for the entire month.
I predict it won't be easy, but the goal in this is to learn about myself and ideas of beauty.
So, if you are reading this and you want to give it a shot with me -- even for a week, or a day -- email me sheehrk@Auburn.edu.
We can get coffee and talk about our journey together. Solidarity, sister!
(10/24/13 2:00am)
The Auburn University Student Center Ballroom was transformed into a sanctum of screens and teams competing for prizes at the Computer Gaming Club's TigerLAN party Saturday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 20.
Gamers from across campus came to join the 36 hours of computer gaming.
Among the attendees was Jason McDonald, 2006 alumnus and former Gaming Club member and founder of TigerLAN.
"We started (TigerLAN) in 2001," McDonald said. "The club participation had gotten pretty low, and we were trying to figure out a way to drum up more people. In about two weeks we put together the first TigerLAN. It drew a lot of new people in and helped raise some funds for the club."
Jonathan McGuckin, junior in software engineering and president of the Gaming Club, said he was pleased with the attendance.
"This year's turnout was a little more than usual," McGuckin said. "It seems we are getting a few more people each year, so we're growing."
Tournaments are one of the main attractions at TigerLAN.
"The League of Legends tournament is usually the biggest attraction," McGuckin said. "The cash prize for (the winning team) is (approximately) $200."
Six teams competed in the "League of Legends" tournament. Unlike other teams, Team Mid or Feed was formed right before the tournament and had no time to practice.
Members Isaac Roby, senior in computer science; Aaron Fregeau, sophomore in software engineering; and Drew McDonald, senior in aerospace engineering, were all acquainted, but Laura Hammonds, freshman in graphic design; and Chris Dye, sophomore in software engineering, had not met or played with any of their teammates before.
"I didn't know anyone on our team, so I was aware this could go really bad or really good," Hammonds said. "But I was like... YOLO!"
Hammonds was one of few women competing in the tournament.
"People tend to assume I don't do well because I am a girl," Hammonds said. "They say my team carried me through the match. That is why I play solo. I don't like being stereotyped like that."
Despite negative stigma, Mid or Feed members said they remained confident about their team's ability.
"It's so rare to see a female in this kind of environment," Fregeau said. "I think they see her as less of threat than she actually is."
Mid or Feed faced off against Team P-Steven in the quarterfinals.
After connectivity issues led to the in-game deaths of two teammates on Mid or Feed, officials halted the game and allowed for Mid or Feed to relocate.
"It just really threw off our game," Drew said. "We came back from our deficit and won. They had some moments where they just threw the game, so we saw their mistakes and capitalized on them."
After their victory against P-Steven, Mid or Feed moved on to the next stage of the competition and competed against Team Parangaticutirimicua.
Parangaticutirimicua defeated Mid or Feed in a landslide victory.
"We had an advantage, but they slowly snowballed back ahead," Fregeau said. "They picked us off one by one. We just didn't get a good fight in after the first couple. I don't think we were very coordinated."
When asked on the team's plan for the next match, Fregeau said, "winning."
Mid or Feed was then matched up to play a grudge match against P-Steven.
Tensions were high as Mid or Feed said they felt as though they had something to prove after losing against Parangaticutirimicua.
"I was ready to win that game to show them it wasn't a fluke," Fregeau said.
Mid or Feed once again pulled out a victory against P-Steven. After reviewing their mistakes, Mid or Feed competed against Parangaticutirimicua.
After a back-and-forth final round, Parangaticutirimicua pulled out victory from beneath Mid or Feed one last time.
"They had strong objective control and they had a good team-fight composition," Roby said.
Despite coming in second place, the team said they remained proud of their accomplishment.
"I thought we did pretty well considering the other team had been put together prior to the event and had the opportunity to practice as a team," Drew said.
(10/26/13 4:00am)
I'm a list-maker.
I have lists for my school assignments, Plainsman tasks, chores to do around my apartment, groceries and I even have my Christmas wish list already written.
By making lists, I see progress as I achieve my goals, and I feel satisfied when I accomplish something, even if it's a mundane task.
Everest is the app for people who also like to keep track of the small steps to maintain motivation for a dream or goal.
Everest starts by asking the user to enter any large-scale dream they have, such as running a marathon or learning to cook.
You can choose one dream to be your "Everest," or the dream you're currently focusing on the most.
Everest knows how to combat the intimidation factor of large-scale goals by breaking down goals into everyday steps that are accomplishable.
For example, if you set a goal to "lose 10 pounds," underneath that goal's page you can create steps that can be repeated every day, such as "do cardio for 30 minutes" or "drink a glass of water."
The app displays how many steps you've completed in total during your entire attempt to reach your ultimate goal.
You can set reminders if you need the extra push to complete the smaller steps to a goal. Pictures can also be added to document your success.
The default setting for dreams is public, so other members of Everest can comment and encourage you in your progress.
The community involvement in the Everest app is what helps make achieving goals more attainable.
If you are unsure what the next steps are on the road to your "Everest," the app offers the option to check out what other people with similar goals are doing or ask for a suggestion for your own goals.
Who knows, maybe there is a daily task you could be doing to reach your Everest you never considered.
If your friends are members of Everest, you can compile a "dream team" of three people to help keep you on track. Updates on your progress can also be shared on Facebook and Twitter if you really want to be held accountable.
The app also offers a search function that shows you all the other people on Everest who are working toward a similar goal so you can bounce encouragement and questions off of one another.
If you're looking for a way to finally set out to run your first 5K, finish the book you've been trying to read for a year or start saving for a new car, Everest is a great catalyst for movement.
As the developers of this app insist: Everyone's got their Everest. Climb yours.
(10/23/13 4:41pm)
Saxophonist Khari Allen Lee returned to his alma mater, Auburn, to perform a concert with members of the jazz group the New Creative Collection.
Coming from New Orleans, Lee performed Friday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Goodwin Recital Hall. Along with Lee, pianist Meghan Swartz and artist Marcus Akinlana provided their talents to coincide with the jazz music.
Lee, originally from Tuskegee, was raised in Auburn and attended Auburn High School. He studied at Auburn University in 1998 where he majored in music.
"To pursue music, there has to be natural tendency and talent," Lee said. "Instances come up in your life, and it demonstrates the need for music, that's how it was in my case."
Lee joined the New Creative Collective, and they released their first CD, "Conscious Evolution," in 2012.
David Pulphus, a member of the Collective, is a Grammy award-winning bassist and accompanied Lee.
Lee said coming home to Auburn was a beautiful gift.
"It is a great celebration," Lee said. "It has been 11 years, almost to the day, since I have been here last. It means a lot to me."
After graduation, Lee moved to Boston and attended Berklee College of Music and earned an artist diploma. He moved to New Orleans and earned a masters degree at University of New Orleans in 2006, just before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city.
He has taught at Tulane, a school in Tanzania and now teaches at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. He continues to play with the Collective on regular shows.
New Orleans artist Marcus Arkinlana displayed some of his art in corroboration with Lee.
"Marcus Akinlana has more than 20 public art monuments installed throughout the country," said Patrick McCurry, local music blogger and jazz musician. "He co-founded Ile Eko Asa Yoruba Ni New Orleans, a study institute for traditional African Culture and spirituality."
"I am a mentalist, public artist, sculptor and my art is cultural activism in different styles," Akinlana said. "I'm here to spread the joy."
Akinlana's focus for the concert was a spiritual revolution, drawing from his African-American heritage and world mythologies.
"I am showing 30 years of being an artist and cultural activist in the U.S. and all over the world," Akinlana said.
One of his most famous pieces, "Mile High and Rising," is displayed in the Denver International Airport. Lee also presented a master class, which was open and free for everyone Friday, Oct. 18, in Goodwin Hall.
"We opened things up with a little performance with some great music," Lee said. "Then, we opened the floor for some discussion, questions and observations."
Akinlana's work was on display and was available for purchase, and Lee performed music from his first CD.
"Words and forms are proxies for something deeper that needs to be communicated," Lee said. "We are bringing about the healing of the world through music."
(10/19/13 4:00am)
The Computer Gaming Club will be holding a LAN party in the Student Center Ballroom starting Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m. and ending Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.
The Student Center will remain unlocked for the duration of the event to accommodate the needs of the Computer Gaming Club and allow participants to come and go as they please.
The club will be holding tournaments during the hours of the LAN party. The tournament schedule includes: "Counter-Strike" Saturday at noon, "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War" Saturday at 3 p.m., "League of Legends" on Saturday at 7 p.m. and "Minecraft" Sunday at 3 p.m.
All tournaments will have a $5 entry fee. The "League of Legends" tournament will have a $10 entry fee. Players will need to bring their own equipment for the event.
Those wishing to compete in the "League of Legends" tournament must sign up at the LAN party. Signup ends Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Those without a team will be able to sign up to be matched with random players.
Players will be matched together or are free to pick each other.
A cash prize will be awarded to the winner of the "League of Legends" tournament. The cash prize will be scaled based on how many people compete in the tournament. The more who compete, the larger the prize.
The "Minecraft" tournament will be played out "Hunger Games" style. Players will be thrown into a world, left to their own devices, and pitted against each other.
The last player standing will be declared the winner and will be awarded a homemade prize.
According to Daniel Justice, junior in exercise science and head of public relations for the Computer Gaming Club, the prize will be memorable but would not reveal any details.
While the majority of the event is meant for computer gaming, a portion of the room will be sectioned off for console gaming.
Party games such as "Mario Party" will be made available to play.
Attendees are encouraged to bring and play whatever games they want.
"There's going to be a lot of pickup games," Justice said. "I remember last year we had 'Civilization 5' pickup games."
Alex Lewis, sophomore in computer science and member of the Computer Gaming Club, said he attended LAN parties in the past.
"I am definitely excited," Lewis said. "It's (the Computer Gaming Club's) biggest event of the year. We play whatever we feel like playing and get to see everyone's desktop rigs and everything. Really, if you feel like playing anything, you can go in the middle of the room and yell out, 'anyone want to play this?' and nine times out of 10 you will get at least one person."
Jonathan McGuckin, junior in software engineering and president of the Computer Gaming Club, said anyone is welcome to come.
"This is a place for people who love games to network with gamers while gaming." McGuckin said. "Don't be shy, we don't judge. Show up and have the time of your life."
(10/19/13 7:00pm)
Love it or hate it, Lilly Pulitzer is invading college campuses. With bold prints and bright colors, the designs are hard to miss.
The Auburn University Bookstore, located in Haley Center, has started carrying more Lilly Pulitzer products.
"We've been carrying the planners for a couple of semesters now," said Lauren Jones, technology manager for the bookstore.
Jones also said they started carrying technology cases last spring, including phone cases, iPad sleeves and iPad folio cases.
Jones said the planners have been popular among the students, and they have had to reorder them several times.
According to Jones, the technology cases sold out completely, especially when the new line of patterns came in.
"Most of the time, the Lilly thing sells better," Jones said of the line in comparison to other products sold at the bookstore. "(Lilly is) a little bit more expensive in relation to some of the other planners, but they offer a lot more."
The planners the Bookstore carries include months at a glance, a place to document dates to celebrate and a place for party planner notes, among other quick shortcuts.
"(It's) just a lot more to offer so the value is really good because you're getting more, plus you're getting a Lilly print," Jones said.
Jones said she tries to mark down the prices to a dollar or two less than the suggested price because she knows students are going to purchase them.
CeCe Sherman, junior in political science, said recently there has been more of a variety of people buying Lilly at Pink Bee in Greenville, S.C. Pink Bee is a Lilly Pulitzer retail store owned by CeCe's mother, Joanna.
"They're marketing it to different types of people, and they're making a lot of changes with different price ranges," CeCe said.
Kelsey Tucker, freshman in public relations, worked at a Lilly Pulitzer store in Huntsville, her hometown.
Tucker said she has adored Lilly Pulitzer for a long time, including her clothing .
"It's so unique," Tucker said. "They say some people can wear Lilly and some people can't. I don't agree with that because I think anyone can wear it if they want to, I just think it takes the right fashion mind to be able to you know how to piece it together because the prints are so bold."
Tucker said she thinks a reason Lilly is making a comeback is because the prints are becoming much more modernized.
Tucker said her personal favorite print is called "First Impressions." It is light and dark pink roses on a bright blue background, contrasted with lime green leaves.
"A few years ago they were kind of simple (prints)," Tucker said. "The fashion culture is changing so much, Lilly is now keeping up with what people are wanting I think and choosing colors that are popular."
CeCe said the customers at her mother's store range from elderly people to children who are buying clothes.
Her personal favorite Lilly design is the shift dress.
(10/20/13 1:00pm)
Gentlemen, we have a problem. You need to read this in order to arm yourselves.
I know virtually nothing about engagement rings. All I know is I will have to shell out big bucks for one if I want to get married. How better to express a love that is priceless and intangible by putting a giant, expensive ring on her finger?
This does not qualify me to write an objective review of Tiffany & Co.'s Engagement Ring Finder app. However, I am a man who fears the unfathomably complex mind of the average woman.
Figuring out how women think is about as easy as a colorblind man solving a Rubix Cube. But, if there is one thing I do know, it's identifying the signs that a woman is expecting more out of a relationship than you are.
That is not to say this app does not serve a purpose. For couples who are expecting to tie the knot, this app is wonderful.
It provides users with the resources to find a ring they will love equally as long as they will love their partner, and maybe even afterward.
This app's easy-to-use interface allows couples to effortlessly browse through Tiffany & Co.'s many ring options.
With 10 different diamond shapes, five different stone settings, an option of platinum or gold bands and many of Tiffany's premade designs, this app provides users with a plethora of way to design an engagement ring that couples will surely love forever.
Now, I don't know this for a fact, but isn't there something special about going to the jewelry store and trying on rings? Or did all those chick flicks I've been forced to sit though lie? I really don't know.
If this is true, the ability to Photoshop rings onto your hand takes away from that experience. This removes some of the luster that rings are intended to provide to the engagement process.
The ability to share the rings you have made through social media also dampens the mystique of engagement.
Gentlemen, if you see this app on a woman's phone and she is not in a relationship, run away.
Let me explicitly show the steps that must be taken to make this app acceptable: Dating, love, Tiffany & Co.'s Engagement Ring Finder app download, engagement, marriage.
If a woman is dating and has this app, then that probably means she is expecting you to propose. That is fine, unless that is not what you are aiming for.
To the ladies who have this app and are not dating: Please delete this app and hold off until a man is fortunate enough to propose to you. Having this app is counterproductive to becoming engaged and the engagement process.
(10/20/13 10:00pm)
Downtown Auburn was abuzz Wednesday night, Oct. 9, much more than the usual, all because Aaron Carter was in town.
Walking downtown past Bourbon Street Bar at 8 p.m., girls were lined up way past Quixote's, and excitement was the theme of the night. In the line, posters of Carter and his old CDs were waved around and chants of "Aaron, Aaron" rang through the air.
Names were asked at the door and the line continued inside, toward the dance floor downstairs, where all concerts at Bourbon are held.
Throughout the day and night, Carter tweeted from his personal account, retweeting and following as many fans as possible. Support poured in from fans, and pictures of fans holding signs wished Carter good luck with his comeback tour.
Before going on, he tweeted, "I hope I can make you all proud of me."
At Bourbon, the dance floor quickly became crowded. It was already full well before the first opening act, Brie Goldsobel.
She started off the night singing songs that were barely distinguishable over the cheers of impatient fans. Rapper Jayceon also performed, passing out free CDs.
Before Carter took the stage, Bourbon was so packed that people could hardly move.
Girls were shoving, some fell and were trampled and it was almost chaos. Carter came onstage a little after 11:45 p.m. and the crowd went wild.
He jumped on stage wearing camouflage cargo pants and a short-sleeved black tee that showed off the multiple tattoos decorating his arms.
He started off the show with a crowd favorite, "I Want Candy." He continued the show with other classics such as "That's How I Beat Shaq," in which he wore a Lakers jersey, and "Aaron's Party."
He also ventured into performing covers of popular songs such as "Blurred Lines," "Treasure," and "Get Lucky."
Leah Beard, junior in public relations and concert attendee, said she has been a fan of Aaron ever since she was a child.
"He's better than ever," Beard said. "He truly has made a comeback."
Carter put on an energetic act, infusing new and old songs to give the crowd a taste of the Aaron they used to know, and of the new Aaron his comeback is bringing.
Carter returned to his tour bus right after the concert where fans sat and waited, banging on the doors, waiting for him to come out.
When he did emerge, he took a few photos, snagged a kiss from a fan and ran through the back doors of Bourbon Street Bar for a meet-and-greet.
Outside the front doors of Bourbon Street Bar, his sister B.J. was loading tour gear onto the bus and stopped to talk to a few fans standing outside.
"Aaron is the thoughtful one," B.J. said. "No matter what he is doing, he's always going to look back and be like 'You ok? You still there?' He's a sweet kid."
It was $50 for the meet-and-greet with Carter, which lasted approximately 10-15 minutes. Blakesley Wilcox, junior in chemical engineering, boasted a picture of Carter kissing her on the cheek.
"He was so nice and super flirty," Wilcox said. "He gave me a kiss, then kissed me on the cheek just for a picture. It was great."
Carter left the bar at approximately 3:15 a.m. and met with some fans still waiting by his tour bus.
"It was a really fun concert," Carter said. "I hope my fans had as much fun as I did."
(10/17/13 6:26pm)
Keeping up with fashion can be such a drag, but drag queen Cornelius Benson had a few tips for students on how to dress, specifically this fall.
Benson has been a drag queen since 2008, but has loved fashion ever since he was a kid.
"In the first grade, my mom got me a black bear fur coat and some cowboy boots," Benson said.
He said he has also modeled, and was a photographer, which helped him learn how to be a stylist.
Benson listed his top five fashion tips, starting first with being confident in whatever you wear. Second, Benson advised knowing your body type and dressing accordingly.
He recommended having a go-to color, and a standard shoe.
And last, Benson said to shop smart.
"You don't have to spend your last dollar to look good," Benson said. "You can find different items you can wear with a lot of different things."
Benson's said his favorite season to dress for is late fall and into winter, because he said he likes being able to layer clothing and feels it is easy to express yourself in regards to fashion.
Benson said in Auburn, typically everyone dresses the same, so he is predicting blouses, oversized scarfs, skinny jeans and boots from the ladies this fall.
Benson said one fashion trend he's shying away from this season is chevron.
"I'm so over it," Benson said. "It used to be plaid, everyone did the plaid shirts."
Benson said he doesn't have one particular clothing line he prefers, because he likes to mix and match from different stores.
"You can find a really cute blazer from Banana Republic, and you could find some cute jeans from Express and a nice scarf from Piggly Wiggly," Benson said. "You can just mix and match and accessorize."
Benson said his favorite fashion trend for men is a nice pair of jeans that fit well, or a low v-neck T-shirt. For the ladies, he recommends showing your shape and following fashion by belting items.
He said he likes a nice blazer with a belt over it, or a shirt with a belt on it and a blazer.
As midterm approaches, it's more tempting to roll out of bed and go to class in the T-shirt slept in, skipping makeup altogether and throwing hair into a pony tail or a hat so people won't realize you lost your hair brush weeks ago.
However, Benson would probably not approve.
"Fashion is not just clothing," Benson said. "It is hair, it is makeup, it is skin, it is the apparel, it is the shoes, it is the accessories, it is the whole package. If you have on a nice outfit and your face is ratchet, no one's going to think you're cute."
For quick, relatively low maintenance outfits to wear to class, Benson said men could wear a nice T-shirt with a blazer, jeans and a boot.
For girls he would swap in a tank top with a cardigan or scarf, and skinny jeans.
"A nice colored v-neck shirt can go a long way," Benson said.
Benson created his own brand of 100 percent natural makeup, and is planning to open a boutique.
His store will have just one item of each clothing piece, so no one will ever have the same clothes.
"People should definitely look into what works for them, and just identify with who they are in regards to fashion," Benson said. "Everyone's body is so different and no one has a perfect body, so you need to find something that works for you and makes you look your best."
(10/17/13 6:22pm)
Alicia Roden said her procrastination was just the catalyst needed to kick-start the Equality Alabama renaissance.
The graphic designer from Montevallo said she was working on another project when she felt inspired to draft the clever, pro-equality slogans, "War Equal" and "Roll Pride."
The graphics uploaded to Equality Alabama's Facebook page went viral and T-shirt designs were soon in demand.
Timing was ideal for the volunteer-run organization, which had just begun ramping up fundraising.
The organization, based in Birmingham, declared its mission to further the rights of LGBT Alabamians where they live, work and play.
Equality Alabama has seen a huge response to Roden's shirts, with more than 300 pre-ordered in the first 10 days of their availability, earning a total of more than $5,000.
Sales go directly to funding Equality Alabama's town hall meetings, satellite offices, advocacy campaigns, school visits and bully prevention education.
The purpose of the T-shirts, however, is not strictly monetary. The shirts spread a visual message supporting equal rights for LGBT populations in Alabama.
Michael Hansen, communications chair for Equality Alabama said the shirts are "a safe way to show that they support equality and at the same time open a dialogue on their campus."
The navy and orange "War Equal" shirts make an obvious connection between fans of Auburn football and supporters of gay rights, though Hansen and Roden said they were careful not to infringe on any copyright issues with the University.
"I think it's really cool that there's something I can wear that combines two things I'm passionate about," said Anna Lee, Auburn alumna and gay rights supporter.
Hansen said bringing up the issue of gay rights to two of the largest SEC schools has brought anticipated backlash from opponents of the message.
"That's to be expected -- that comes with any news story about anything," Hansen said.
In general, Hansen and Roden said their products have received a gracious reception.
Lee pointed out the generational differences of Auburn students today as a reason for more tolerance.
"I think it could get a pretty good reaction from other students," Lee said. "In the South, you would think people would be more homophobic, but actually young people are more supportive."
Hansen encouraged students to take an active role in spreading the message of Equality Alabama.
"The more young people who can share their story, be involved, be active and show their support, the further the movement will go," Hansen said.
According to Hansen, the movement toward acceptance begins on an individual level.
"Telling your story and being open is probably the most important step in advancing equality in Alabama," Hansen said.
Equality Alabama has committees in major Alabama cities, including an Auburn/Opelika chapter. To get involved, contact Michael Hansen at Info@EqualityAlabama.org.
Shirts are available online for $22 and come in both crew neck and V-neck styles.
To purchase a "War Equal" T-shirt, visit EqualityAlabama.org.
(10/17/13 6:17pm)
Homecoming weekend was given a dose of chic courtesy of Her Campus, the leading online publication for college women.
Auburn students mounted the catwalk for College Fashion Week Friday, Oct. 11, in the Dixon Conference Center at The Hotel at Auburn University.
Auburn was one of four cities chosen to hold the event along with San Diego at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Orlando, Fla. at the University of Central Florida, and Boston, Her Campus' hometown.
Cities were chosen based on the strength of their Her Campus chapter, and Auburn earned recognition as one of the most successful, hardest-working branches.
The fashion show came to Auburn through the efforts of juniors Kerry Coppinger and Alexis Brost, president and editor-in-chief, respectively, of the Auburn chapter of Her Campus.
They and their team of writers beat out more than 250 national and international chapters for the honor of playing host to the event.
Windsor Western, president and publisher of Her Campus, said she was eager to feature a southern school for College Fashion Week.
"College life in the South is so unique, and there's so much passion and school spirit," Western said.
As the auditorium filled, the first 100 guests received VIP passes and "swag bags" stuffed with Luna Bars, Neuro Sonic drinks and Poppin' desk essentials.
Music provided by Auburn's DJ Ego pulsed through the room and models took the stage in affordable, trendy styles for "college cuties" and "collegiettes," Weston's terms for "girls that are smart, girls that are career-driven, but girls that are also fashion savvy and want to know the latest trends."
Four scenes gave spectators ideas of ready-to-wear outfits for loungewear, class attire, game day dresses and night-out ensembles.
Pieces were provided by Lilly Pulitzer, Adidas, Henri Girl, Rampage and Bongo.
Independent fashion designers for UsTrendy.com were also highlighted for being fashion-forward while remaining budget-friendly.
Samsonite provided accessories and the models wore Cover Girl makeup.
Western directed models to smile and enjoy themselves -- a departure from the pouting models on Paris or New York runways.
The young men and women modeling were Auburn students and mostly first-time models, which explained the minor timing glitches during the show.
Margo Kaestner, sophomore in public relations, walked in the "You Snooze, You Lose" and "Go to Class? I am Class" scenes.
She said she got on board after receiving an invite on Facebook.
"I've always had people be like, 'Oh, you're really tall! You should do it,'" Kaestner said. "And I thought, why not?"
The biggest surprise of the night was a musical performance by Navy ROTC students Jake Shurts and Tanner Roach.
The duo entertained with mellow covers of songs by Lorde and Bruno Mars while the crew set up between scenes.
"We want to make sure that we are highlighting some of the other student talent that we have at each campus," Western said.
According to Kerry Coppinger, president of Her Campus at Auburn, the final product went exactly according to plan.
"So much planning went into this event, so I'm so happy with how it turned out," Coopinger said.
(10/17/13 4:10pm)
At the Oct. 15 Auburn City Council meeting tax referendums, construction plans and board vacancies were discussed.
In Auburn University Communications, the SGA liaison reported the Homecoming parade was a success and voiced students' concerns over the current government shutdown.
In Citizens' Communications, an Auburn High School band member questioned the effects and status of the failed tax referendum.
"I think I can speak for the Council and say they too are concerned about the direction we are going and how we are going handle the ongoing growth in the schools," said Mayor Bill Ham. "This Council certainly believes in public education in this community and invests in it with this community's tax dollars heavily and we are equally as concerned going forward as each of you are."
The Frank Brown Recreation Center will receive $334,211 in renovations as part of the racquetball court renovations project. As part of the project, the existing racquetball courts will be reconfigured into fitness areas.
City Manager Charlie Duggan said the money is not able to be transferred to the school budget to help build a new high school.
