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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.

Reel Review: "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell"

By Ben Bartley / COPY EDITOR | October 1

To start off on the fair and balanced foot, I will admit I was a Tucker Max fan going into the movie.Yeah, I liked the book.

To Fail is to Truly Live

By Ben Bartley / COPY EDITOR | September 24

Failure is an ugly word. To fail is to be a loser--something unclean and decidedly uncool.Most of us do everything in our power to avoid failure, because failure is synonymous with worthless.

Sloppy Field, Sloppy Tackles, Fun Game

By Patrick Dever / Assistant Sports Editor | September 24

Saturday was probably the most exciting game at Jordan-Hare Stadium since the 2007 Iron Bowl victory.That said, Auburn's tackling was as sloppy as Pat Dye Field looked during the 50-minute quagmire.West Virginia's Jarrett Brown and Noel Devine almost never got tackled on the first hit.This was made evident by WVU's 509 yards of total offense (207 rushing, 302 passing).Devine's three rushing touchdowns were also due to poor tackling.His 71-yard touchdown run was achieved after breaking three tackles.

Reel Review: 'Gamer could not have been lamer'

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | September 24

Some of you may be asking "What is Gamer?" Is that a movie? No, it's an attempt at a movie and they just so happened to put the amazing Gerard Butler in it.I swear there were at least four times where I was literally laughing out loud in the theater.

New Jay Leno show does not fulfill revolution hype

By Jacob Cole / STAFF WRITER | September 24

Horror Has a Chin: My Week with the Jay Leno Show.After a summer of promotion so staggeringly ubiquitous that even its host introduced it as "overhyped," "The Jay Leno Show" debuted last week.Did it live up to the network hype promising some sort of revolution by bringing comedy to the drama-heavy 10 p.m.

Humanity Gives Darwin, Theory of Evolution the Finger

By Kate Davis / GRAPHICS EDITOR | September 24

The human race has stopped evolving. Charles Darwin defined evolution in terms of natural selection, survival of the fittest.

Reel Review: Jennifer's Body is the only good thing in the movie

By Brittany Cosby / Campus Editor | September 24

For the boys who dream of taking Megan Fox to dinner, be careful what you wish for.In this scenario, you will wind up being the main course in Fox's meal plan."Megan's Body," or excuse me, "Jennifer's Body" is a horror movie about demonic possession in a high school girl, Megan Fox, with a couple of one-liners thrown in there from dialogue provided by the acclaimed Juno writer, Diablo Cody.This movie starts out with promise in flashback mode in the mental institution with a powerful kick to the face.It comes to an abrupt halt with a fire scene in a bar where Jennifer and Needy, Amanda Seyfried (the dumbest plastic from Mean Girls), go to watch a band play and the least expected happens.Somehow Jennifer ends up in a child-molester van in the middle of the woods with an up-and-coming band that offers her up to the devil for success while ironically singing Tommy Tutone's "867-5309."(On a side note, this may explain how bands like Nickleback and Hinder are famous.) But something goes wrong and she comes back a flesh-eating monster that preys on boys.I will say that the scene in the kitchen with Megan Fox smiling with blood covering her teeth was frightening enough, but when she goes exorcist and throws up black goo right after that the audience is laughing, and not from the jokes.So a few more lame murder scenes happen and more boys get eaten before it is explained why this is going on.Then out of nowhere starts a random up-close girl-kissing scene that drags on and on in which the males in the audience cheered to make up for the Fox topless scene being removed.Oh, and an awkward sex scene between Seyfried and the guy from Hotel for Dogs that keeps flashing during a killing scene to bring down the fear factor.I will say that Adam Brody did give a great performance as the quirky lead singer of "Low Shoulder" or the indie band that profits off these strange occurrences.But, he is not featured in the film enough to keep it from sucking less.

Don't Shell Out $9 to See 9

By Andrew Sims / ONLINE EDITOR | September 17

9, the movie, is unfortunately $9 I will never get back. Don't get me wrong, the previews were fantastic.