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Buy one, donate one companies help those in need

By Rebecca Croomes / STAFF WRITER | September 24

With just the purchase of a pair of shoes or a bag of groceries students can help put these items in the hands of underprivileged children without leaving their local stores.This has been a conundrum for students to consider: to give or not to give?Usually students tend to buy things for themselves, like video games, music and numberless cups of coffee.

Drink prices rise while economy falls

By Charley Gaines/ Staff Writer | September 24

As college students make the difficult decision of how to spend their money, causing breakdowns in grocery aisles across the country, they reconsider old spending habits.The current economic climate and high inflation rates make the decision even more difficult and the rising drink prices aren't helping.In order to combat lower sale rates, many alcoholic beverage companies are raising their prices.According to the Consumer Price Index, beer, ale and malt beverages have risen 4.6 percent since July 2008.For Auburn students on a campus with abundant drinking opportunities this price raise could hit students' wallets hard."We try to do drink specials to help people out," said Tina Berringer, a bartender at SkyBar Cafe.

On the Sidelines: Jumbotron shouts it out loud

By Callie Garrett / Assistant Intrigue Editor | September 24

The goose bumps would not exist during the intro video and replays at each football game if it was not for the Auburn videoboard team.They make it all happen from creating highlight videos to changing camera shots."Intro videos are one of the most exciting parts about my job because Auburn fans are more passionate about intro videos than any other crowd in the country," said Bo Cordle, coordinating producer of Auburn University High Definition.

Entrance into grad school proves difficult

By Olivia Martin / Associate Intrigue Editor | September 24

It can be a scary world out there for college graduates.To delay the daunting, if inevitable entrance into the real world, many students are looking to attend graduate school after they matriculate from Auburn.Jack Walls, a career counselor at Auburn, dispels the myths of academic life after college."It is not a good idea just to go to graduate school just because you can't get a job.

How To: Write an 'A' Paper

By Olivia Martin / Associate Intrigue Editor | September 24

Tapping fingers, gnawing on a pen, sipping coffee: students may encounter some or all of these symptoms while working on a college paper.At times, it seems nothing is more daunting than a 12-page paper with a firm deadline attached.Here, two English professors reveal how to get a paper back with a nice, red "A" at the top.First and foremost, the paper has to be high quality.

Auburn Family site connects community

By Rod Guajardo / PHOTO EDITOR | September 24

Auburn Family is a new social networking site that allows perspective students, parents, alumni, current students and fans to stay connected with everything Auburn.Along with being able to add other friends from the Auburn Family site, family.auburn.edu members can comment on other profiles, update their statuses, upload photos and videos and create or read blogs from other members.Campus events are posted on the Auburn Events Calendar.

Students share top pet peeves, from common to unique

By Simpson Fletcher/ Staff Writer | September 24

Everyone has them, little annoyances that drive some people crazy while others barely notice. A pet peeve can be as unique as a thumbprint."What you might consider a pet peeve, I might not mind all that much," said William Buskist, a psychology professor.Buskist said one common reason people become annoyed is they are in a hurry to complete a task, or become easily distracted by pet peeves.In a recent NBC TODAY Show poll, participants were asked to choose between open-mouthed chewing, loud talking in public areas and transportation, inconsiderate cigarette smoking, grammar and language offenses, when people are chronically late, drivers talking on cell phones or lack of table manners as their No.

Studio 5 connects to art world

By Helen Northcutt / INTRIGUE EDITOR | September 24

Studio 5 provides a support group for students interested in pursuing a career in the field of visual arts or art history.Chloe Woolsey, a senior in art and the president of Studio 5, encourages students to get involved in the organization because it can create connections for future jobs."With not a lot of funding for the arts, it is difficult to find a job right now," Woolsey said.

Auburn Graduates Talk About the Graduate School Option

By Olivia Martin / Associate Intrigue Editor | September 21

It can be a scary world out there for college graduates.To delay the daunting, if inevitable entrance into the real world, many students are looking to attend graduate school after they matriculate from Auburn.Jack Walls, a career counselor at Auburn, dispels the myths of academic life after college."It is not a good idea just to go to graduate school just because you can't get a job," Walls said.

SGA Sponsored Blood Drive Saves 1,443 Lives

By Callie Garrett / Assistant Intrigue Editor | September 21

Auburn's Student Government Association held a blood drive Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16 and 17, with a total of 481 pints of blood donated, saving 1,443 lives."A donation of whole blood saves one life and a donation of Alyx (only red blood cells) saves two lives,"\0x9D said Rachel Eigen, SGA assistant director of blood drives.

Barefooted Students Take to the Concourse

By Jillian Clair/ Staff Writer | September 18

Several Auburn students are shedding their shoes and braving campus with bare feet.Why do they do it? Some students just want to try something different."It's a new way of experiencing the world around you," said Jonathan Blanchard, a sophomore in business. "It's fun to feel what you're walking on."

Gnu's Room Holds Open Mic Night for Local Artists

By David Crayton/ Staff Writer | September 17

In Auburn, there are plenty of places people can go to have fun and be care free.For those who just want to relax, there's the Gnu's Room.The Gnu's Room on South Gay Street hosted its monthly Expressions Cafe, which featured special guest Doc Waller, Friday, Sept.

Phones Buzz With Mosquito Ringtone

By Max Davis/ Staff Writer | September 17

A new ringtone comes with an odd caution. Warning: not to be used by those over the age of 25 or hard of hearing.The mosquito ringtone plays at such a high frequency that only a younger age group can hear the ringing.Andrew Golden, a junior in zoology, said he used the mosquito ringtone when he was in high school.He said it actually worked.

Bell's Book Signing Brings Fans

By Alison McFerrin / STAFF WRITER | September 17

Kevin Bell does what he can. His autobiography, "I Do What I Can," is a story meant to inspire and encourage.Bell was diagnosed with Friedrich's Ataxia, a severely physically debilitating neurological condition, when he was seven years old.Bell has been able to persevere in spite of his limitations.He attended Auburn University and graduated at 19 with a degree in psychology.He went back to school and two years later graduated in Spanish.

Band Blasts Students into School Spirit

By Theadoris Morris/ Staff Writer | September 17

Hearing the harmonious sounds of the band at a football game, basketball game or pep rally not only heightens the spirits of the athletes and fans, but keeps the adrenaline of the band members high as well."That's what I'm talking about, some gameday enthusiasm," said Band Director Corey Spurlin.For the 2009-2010 season the Auburn University Marching Band consists of 380 band members, the most band members in Auburn history."Stepping out onto the field is absolutely amazing," said Elizabeth Foster, a senior in pre-physical therapy and a third year band member.

Local Pet Stars in Auburn Store

By Mary-Glenn Smith/ Staff Writer | September 17

It's football season. Auburn fans from all over scurry to bookstores on and around campus to pick up their favorite orange and blue gear for the game.

Bottled Water: It's All the Same, or is It?

By Adam Smith / STAFF WRITER | September 17

Whoever said water is free was a liar.Although it may cost only a fraction of a penny to pour a glass of water from the kitchen sink, the expense is much greater to purchase a bottle of water from the grocery store or the Student Center.The tap vs.

Philosophy Club Ponders Its Own Existence

By Olivia Martin / Associate Intrigue Editor | September 17

Kant, Nietzche and Locke may sound familiar to students, but how about Wittgenstein? No idea?Just ask the philosophy club, whose members not only expound on famous philosophers, but offer opinions on topics such as analytical philosophy, emotions and the concept of beauty."It's the one place where ways of studying philosophy and thinking about the world actually get to interact with the things we are concerned about in ordinary life," said Ben Pierce, a senior in philosophy and treasurer of the organization.The club works with the Auburn chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, a philosophy honors society, and meets to discuss philosophy topics guided by speakers or students.They also sponsor an ongoing film and philosophy series, where club members and their guests watch provoking films and discuss them."Recently, we just began philosophy club at the Gnu's Room.