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Reel Review: ''Pandorum Monsters are monstrosity'

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | October 22

When I think of awful movies, I start at the top and work my way down. From now on, however, I will start and end with Pandorum.This movie, if I had any control, would be renamed and marketed as PanBorum.I am ashamed to admit it, but I still lay awake at night wondering what exactly happened in that movie.Granted I missed the first 20 minutes because I was in the lobby attempting to accurately figure out the best popcorn-to-seasoning salt ratio. In the end it honest to god did not even matter.

Premature Prize for the President

By Samuel Solomon/ Associate News Editor | October 15

President Barack Obama, winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace prize, was awarded for the things he might one day accomplish.He might find a peaceful solution in Afghanistan; he might successfully halt Iran's uranium enrichment program; he might reverse global climate change (since apparently that is criteria as Al Gore was co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize).I am sickened the committee would give the award in anticipation of what he might accomplish.

Small Investments a Key to Bigger Successes

By Michelle Wilder / ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR | October 15

The small things in life are the most rewarding.When someone smiles on campus as I pass by, when a cashier at Chik-fil-A says "My pleasure" or when a teacher puts "Good job" at the top of an assignment, these gestures make my day.It may not seem like it, but small things can make a big difference.I hope the small things I do will make a difference later in life when I am searching for a career.Two years ago, I saw an advertisement for Teen Vogue Fashion University in New York City.The weekend-long conference would be open to anyone interested in fashion, meeting designers and learning from the magazine editors how to get a foot in the door of the fashion/magazine world.Boy, was I interested.Of course, I applied.But my first thoughts were, "Why would a magazine in New York City accept someone from Podunk, Ala., (actually Holly Pond, but just as bad) who will probably never have a chance in the fashion world?""Will the proper, up-scale designers and editors laugh my Southern accent back home?"These doubts made me try even harder.Much to my surprise, I was accepted, Southern accent and all.The next month I boarded a plane for the first time in my life and was on my way to arguably the greatest city in the world.I would soon stand in the presence of figures in fashion that I have only been able to see on the glossy pages of the magazine, much less ask questions and be in the same room with.While in New York, I attended seminars by Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Tim Gunn, Redken hairstylists, Maybelline New York make-up artists and all of the editors at Teen Vogue, and then saw all the sights and shopped till I dropped.It was jaw dropping being surrounded by so many people at one time and looking up and not being able to see the tops of buildings.Where I live, I can drive to the top of the tallest building (a parking deck).Standing on top of the Empire State Building, overlooking the buildings probably four times taller than the lowly parking deck I am used to, was life changing.In two weeks I get to go back to the Big Apple for the fourth annual Fashion University.

Sharps and Flats: Pete Yorn Album Sticks

By Griffin Limerick / Associate Multimedia Editor | October 15

After spending a career opening for more well-known acts (this summer it was Coldplay), Pete Yorn doesn't enjoy much commercial popularity.His case is only further hampered by the Swedish band with a similar namesake -- Peter, Bjorn and John -- who struck melodic gold with their whistlin' hit, "Young Folks" in 2006.However, the New Jersey-born singer-songwriter is also talented in his ability to create whistle-worthy melodies.What prevents Yorn from joining the ranks of other great American singer-songwriters, like Jeff Tweedy, Conor Oberst and Ben Gibbard, is his inability to pen life-altering lyrics.While Yorn's verses are an improvement from the teenage angst drivel that personifies high school radio stations, they are only a minor improvement that could perhaps be safely dubbed a liquor-induced college whine."Back & Fourth" is Yorn's fourth studio LP and follows the melodic traditions of his other albums.

Reel Review: 'Rule #1: Cardio, Rule #2: Double tap'

By Julian Kersh / Assistant Multimedia Editor | October 15

If you're purchasing a ticket for a movie with a title like "Zombieland," you can expect a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, provides some good laughs and sprinkles in the appropriate amount of zombie violence.Well, with director Ruben Fleischer's outrageous, post-apocalyptic comedy, what you expect is what you get.For a mix of comedy and horror, it certainly isn't Shaun of the Dead (to be honest, what is?), but "Zombieland" provides laughs through subtle, witty remarks as well as physical, energetic comedy.It probably won't have you burying your head in your chest like the twins in "The Shining" will do to you, but there are enough surprise scares and buck shot exploding zombies to warrant the horror sub-genre.The flick begins following loner college kid Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) on his trek through a desolate, zombie-infested country to Columbus, Ohio.The quiet, methodical character credits surviving this long to not ever being tied down to close friends or family, but more importantly, his 31-point list of survival rules.Columbus' humorous, yet effective list includes items like "3.

The Routine of Parental Visits

By Lindsey Davidson / Editor | October 15

When the parents come to visit their young, aspiring offspring during the grueling years at college, there are always three things that happen.One: you clean.Laundry gets done for the first time in weeks.The floors are swept and vacuumed.

A Quiz a Day Keeps the Idiots Away

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | October 8

AIDS is still a problem. Cancer is increasing at a jogging pace. Not my jogging pace, but someone in shape, which is probably really fast.

Book Review: 'South of Broad'

By Elizabeth Mahaney / ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR | October 8

What I thought was going to be a lovely (assumed romance) novel about Charleston, soon turned into an unexpected adventure of characters' lives and experiences.Pat Conroy, author of "The Prince of Tides," surpassed any expectations I had for "South of Broad."The story involves Leopold Bloom King, named after a character in the infamous "Ulysses" by James Joyce.

Bonnaroo: 'What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been'

By Blakeley Sisk / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR | October 8

Four days, 25 shows, 16 hours of sleep, zero showers and more drugs than I have even heard of.That, my friends, is a quick snap shot of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.Bonnaroo is a four-day and three-night music and arts festival in Coffee County, Tenn.There were 98 musical shows and an assortment of comedy, movies and art.We arrived in Tennessee on Wednesday night and slept in a parking lot so that we could get up early and get in line.After waking up at 6:30 a.m., we drove to the line and waited.Waited for four hours.Once we arrived, we drove to our spot and set up our tents.This was a little difficult in 100 degree weather so humid it felt like it was already raining.Since it was only 10 a.m., we just sat in the car, napped, met our neighbors and waited for the music to start.We packed up all our stuff in our backpacks and purses and at 5 p.m.

Sharps and Flats: 'It's not right, but it's OK'

By Cliff McCollum / Opinions Editor | October 8

The nicest thing I can say about Whitney Houston's comeback album "I Look To You" is that it's good, but it isn't Whitney good.I'm used to a Whitney Houston that can wail out high notes as if they came naturally to her.

We Have it Good at Auburn

By Lindsey Davidson / Editor | October 8

Just last night, I went for a walk to Samford Hall with some friends later at night.As we were taking pictures of one of my friends leaping over a sign and another one of my friends, I realized how nice I have it at this point in my life.I feel lucky to be a student on this campus.How many times in my life am I going to get free cotton candy and funnel cakes while playing on giant inflatables on a random Wednesday afternoon?How many campuses have a tradition where you just walk around with the sole mission to greet people with a simple 'hey'?Pointless?Probably.But, I promise you I will remember it and will be telling some colleague at some point at a later time in my life.The surplus of traditions this school sets on us is overwhelming at first, but truly is an outlining feature keeping us united as the Auburn 'family.'I had the pleasure of having lunch with the energetic Trooper Taylor earlier this week.His life revolves around the idea and implication of family.His only demand he had when looking for a house here was that it had to have a room big enough for his defensive line to come hang out.And he has been instilling respect on and off the field with the team.Notice how the guys hand the football to the refs now instead of tossing it?I like knowing I support a football team that receives that kind of guidance.I forget a lot about the comforting features of this school.Just being able to lay on blankets all over campus to enjoy the outdoors gives us a step ahead than a lot of other college campuses.I wouldn't really want to lay around in Tuscaloosa and 'enjoy' the atmosphere.Getting on top of different buildings around campus at night to see the stars at night and do all that romantic crap.But it's still cool even if you aren't going for gazing reasons.Being able to walk around on campus late at night is something we take for granted here.It definitely has to do with because the University is the town.But it is refreshing to know that I can walk from the Student Center to my apartment after midnight without feeling like I need to look over my shoulder.The pedestrian system around campus is more helpful than you would think.The Tiger Transit also plays into this.If you have ever been to UGA's campus, you would know what I am talking about.You do have to look out for the bikers every now and then, but being able to walk to just about any class within 10 minutes is a positive aspect to Auburn.Auburn has a lot of hidden treasures.The trees beside the library are always good for a climb at any hour of the day.The beach is one of the best places to hang out in the spring time with your friends.Being able to park in that sketchy alley behind Moe's all day is always helpful on those 'running late' days.Of course, the safety walks started by SGA across campus to anywhere you want to go is a nice way to spend your day.It hits you at the most random times, but you will realize how great we have it here.

Guest Commentary: 'Sober, Unnaturally Crazy'

By Martin Morrow / OPINIONS STAFF | October 8

There are a few things that are excused when you're sober.You may become temperamental and get into a physical altercation, it's OK, we all have our boiling points.You may have a moment in the car dancing and singing out loud or picking your nose, if it's in there then it's gotta come out some how.There are a few moments though that, if you are in public or social situations, seem to be unacceptable.We all have our crazy moments, but typically there is some reason.We may not admit it as humans, but we are all weird in one way or another so it's difficult to decipher what odd is until something truly off the wall is viewed.

The Theatre of Comedy: Spotlight on ETC

By Martin Morrow/ Staff Writer | October 1

I enjoy a hearty laugh from time to time. This laughter has the ability to come from all directions but when someone else is able to pull it from my body and soul like a real life Shang Tsung of Mortal Kombat fame it makes it all the more special. I also enjoy a good cry sometimes. If this crying be from something that I find to be heart-wrenching AND on stage then we're in business. Now imagine if the comedy Mortal Kombat laughter and the heart-wrenching theatre stuff met in Birmingham, Alabama, went on a few dates, got jiggy with it one night and had a baby that powerful emotional seed would grow to be the Extemporaneous Theatre Company.

Is Feminism Killing Old Southern chivalry?

By Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR | October 1

From where I sit I think women today, particularly in the South, have it pretty darn good.We are enjoying the steady spread of women's equality in the workplace, home and school system while still being treated like damsels in distress when it comes to our lifestyle.Are we confused?

Television Review: The Scoop on 'In the Loop'

By Christian Becraft / Staff Writer | October 1

Director Armando Iannucci described "In the Loop", a spinoff of his BBC series "The Thick of It", as an "anti-West Wing" in that it presents political bustle without the glamour of idealism.I, however, think it shares a closer analogue with another television series, The Office.It's hard not to think of Ricky Gervais' landmark series as hand-held cameras zip through the offices of staffers and low-ranking members of both the British and American governments.The film's protagonist, Minister of International Development Simon Foster (Tom Hollander), suffers from the same foot-in-mouth disease that perennially hampered David Brent.Of course, when Brent fouled up, he didn't aid the start of the Iraq War.Foster set off a media storm when he said in an interview that the possibility of an upcoming war in Iraq is "unforeseeable."He immediately reports to Director of Communications Malcolm Turner (Peter Capaldi), a blisteringly profane Scot who informs Foster of his error.So Foster should have said war was foreseeable, then?Well, no.

Let's All Blame Canada, eh?

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | October 1

OK look, I know America is No. 1, awesome and the best in the world, but recently America's copycats and people who want to be us have gotten to be a little ridiculous.I'm calling you out Canada.Normally I realize Canada is a remarkably sound thinking place, our much calmer neighbor to the north.Like an older brother, we will say, who watches over his slightly younger brother America and all his crazy adventures, and then completely ignores his step-brother Mexico further south because nobody likes to talk about the things Mexico does.Canada is like that nerdy, dweeb of a friend who stands behind you when you are about to throw that rock at the hornet's nest saying, "Now come on America, I don't think that is such a good idea.

Ball State Game, Warm Up for UT

By Patrick Dever / Assistant Sports Editor | October 1

Once again, Auburn took a 10-minute break during the game.Luckily, it was the first 10 minutes this week.Auburn was fortunate Ball State didn't take more advantage of the weekly break.With the exception of that hiccup, Auburn played a fundamentally sound football game.Junior wide receiver Terrell Zachary continued to impress and improve with five receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns.Zachary's break away speed and ability to elude defenders make him an important commodity on the offense.His best ability might be his ability to create YAC, or yards after catch.His two touchdown receptions against Ball State measured 46 and 65 yards, respectively, and neither of them were caught in the endzone.The offensive line continued its domination of opposing defenses by not allowing a sack for the third time this season.Two sacks in four games is a feat of which NFL teams dream.Senior offensive tackle Andrew McCain said the offensive line has worked hard to get to where they are right now."Giving up only two sacks in four games is good, but it's also two sacks too many," McCain said.Senior quarterback Chris Todd entered the record books Saturday, becoming the first quarterback in Auburn history to throw for four or more touchdowns in consecutive games.Todd also tied the Auburn single game record for touchdown passes with five.Auburn's defense had a good showing, holding Ball State to 260 yards of total offense.Tackling was better Saturday than it had been the past few weeks, but the Tigers' turnover margin wasn't where it was from the first three games.An area of defense that still needs improvement is stopping opponents on third downs.Currently Auburn ranks last in the SEC in opponent third down conversions.

Halo ODST is Simply 'Oh so Delightful'

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | October 1

Now, I can come at this review in two different ways.I can start by telling you what was wrong with this game, and then I can tell you what's good about it.Or, I can just ease you into my description.