•^K&i£^ •
Bush beckons Bransby
Auburn professor invited to
speak about E85 ethanol
I PAGE Bl
West Coast trend hits Auburn
Students take up longboards for recreation,
transportation around campus
PAGE CI
Qfyt
A Spirit That Is Not Afraid
uburn plainsman Vol. 113,
Issue 7,
36 Pages
Oct. 5,2006
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY I Lee County Fair
Pete Riley / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Paul Hansell shows his son, Reese, the Ferris wheel during the opening night of the annual Lee County Fair, which is held on Highway 431 in Opelika.
Lee County Fair Ughts up night
By TREY WOOD
Staff Writer
It's a child's dream come to life
— bumper cars and carousels, cotton
candy and funnel cakes, ball
throwing, water guns and endless
stuffed animals.
These are the mainstays of
county fairs across the nation.
The annual Lee County Fair,
funded for the past 57 years by the
Opelika Exchange Club, opened
Tuesday night to smiling faces.
"My favorite part is the smiles on
the kids' faces," said Melony
Sexton, an employee of James
Gang Amusement Inc., which
organizes the midway.
The Exchange Club became a
chartered organization in 1947.
Since then, it has become one of
the hardest working civic organizations
in the Lee Count)' area.
With the proceeds the organization
receives from the fair, the
group provides funds for the Fire
Fighter Awards Banquet, Dixie
Youth Baseball, the Law
Enforcement Awards Banquet and
a number of other events.
"There aren't any other sponsors.
The Exchange Club does
everything themselves," said
Clarence Cook, Exchange Club
member and director of the
Want to go?
What: Lee County Fair
When: Today through
Saturday. Gates open at 6
p.m.
Where: Highway 431 near
Opelika High School and
Southern Union Community
College.
Tickets: $2 for adults and SI
for children younger than 12.
Agricultural and Livestock
Committee.
The Lee County fairgrounds are
past Southern Union Community
College and Opelika High School
on North 431, which turns into
Lafayette Parkway.
Aside from the sign showing the
fairground's entrance, cars litter
the grassy walkway that leads to an
unpaved entryway into the fair.
On entering, it is easy to become
enamored by the multi-colored
lights and endless rides put up and
taken down by the employees of
the amusement group, nicknamed
"Momma Gang."
> Turn to FAIR, A9
Above: Will Aubrey shoots at a target
during the opening night of the
fair. The game is one of many midway
games set up by James Gang
Amusement Inc.
Left: Nolan Goodman rides the
bumper cars at the fair Tuesday
night. Admission to the fair is $2
for adults and $1 for children
younger than 12.
Photos by PETE RILEY
Associate Photo Editor
Basketball
facilities
to receive
upgrade
RY SARAH BROCK
Senior Reporter
The Auburn basketball team might see
more than just new recruits these next few
years as plans are underway to either build a
new basketball arena or renovate the Beard-
Eaves Memorial Coliseum.
President Ed Richardson, Athletic Director
Jay Jacobs and John Mouton, senior adviser to
the president, met last week to discuss
options to improve the basketball facilities.
"Beard-Eaves is pretty much used up,"
Mouton said. "It's not adequate for our basketball
teams' use. There's a need to do something."
Options being considered include renovating
the coliseum, building a new arena while
renovating the coliseum for other purposes
and building a new arena while tearing down
the coliseum.
Richardson will eventually choose an
option to present to the Board of Trustees,
which can authorize the construction of such
a project
"Our goal is a first-class basketball facility
that helps Auburn recruit top-notch student
athletes, compete for conference championships
and provide an enjoyable experience
for fans," Richardson said in a released statement.
"There are a number of options and fac-
> Turn to ARENA, A5
$15,000 laptop
swiped in S.C.
When the Auburn Tigers left Columbia,
S.C., last weekend, they left behind more than
just defeated Gamecocks. The team also left
a laptop valued at $15,000 that was taken
from the team hotel last Thursday.
The Richland County. Sheriffs Department
arrested suspect Michael D. Stockman, 53,
Tuesday in connection with the case.
Stockman, who was identified by surveillance
footage, was charged with grand larceny.
The laptop, which was stolen from a meeting
room with coaches and players nearby,
contained the South Carolina gameplan and
practice footage.
Tiger head coach Tommy Tuberville said
Sunday the stolen laptop had nothing to do
with the game.
"It had nothing to do, whatsoever, with
South Carolina," Tuberville said.
The laptop has been replaced.
— Staff reports
ON THE INSIDE
State & Local
Jane Random
On the Concourse
Crossword
Crime Reports
Campus Calendar
Horoscope
Auburn & Beyond
Commentary
Sudoku
Tree
Talkin' Smack
A3
C5
B5
C3
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D7
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NPHC searc
Greek organisations
hunt for location for
homecoming event
By SARAH BROCK
Senior Reporter
An annual tradition on the Plains is
in jeopardy of disappearing this year
as the National Pan-Hellenic Council
(NPHC) has not yet found a suitable
venue for its homecoming step show,
scheduled for Oct. 20.
"It is frustrating because it seems
like we're trying reajly hard, and it's
not going like it should," said Mary
Aboko-Cole, National Pan-Hellenic
Council president.
The show, which features step performances
from the council's member
organizations, has been a campus
event since at least 1999, and some
students said the event goes back even
further.
Last year's show was held in the
Student Activities Center, but the
council can't use the venue this year
because the volleyball team has a
game that evening.
The coliseum, another possible
location, was eliminated as well
because the floor was just remodeled.
Before events can be held on the new
floor, a protective covering must be
put down, and that covering has not
> Turn to NPHC, A5
MiehMl Clibom / PHOTO EDITOR
Alpha Phi Alpha members Olaniyi Akinsanya, Oz
Imaginodor, Pete Wright, Zollie Harris and Vincent
Harris prepare for the National Pan-Hellenic Council
step show, tentatively scheduled for Oct 20.
"r"r '.
A2 Ihr Auburn patnsftnan Thursday, Oct. 5.2006
Wbt Auburn $lains.man
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Senior Reporter
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Stepping out
BALL
ROOM
Michael Claborn / PHOTO EDITOR
Olaniyi Akinsanya, Oz Imaginodor, Pete Wright, Zollie Harris and Vincent Harris,
members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, prepare for the National Pan-hellenic
Council step show. The show is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 20.
Louisiana State University University of Alabama
The Daily Reveille —
On Sept. 9, Aaron Arnold, a junior in
pre-med, was shot and fatally wounded
while helping a co-worker refill her gas
tank in the Olive Garden parking lot on
Seigen Lane.
His co-worker, a female Louisiana
State University student whose identity
is being withheld for her protection, was
also shot at the scene and became a witness
to the murder.
The victim said this experience has
changed her perception of safety.
A local news station that released her
identity was reprimanded by police and
her family members. The victim said
this leak makes her feel unsafe.
"I'm scared; I really am," she said. "It's
hard for me to do regular things. Where
I used to go out at night to get cigarettes
or fill my gas, now I think twice. I was
with a guy when it happened. Normally
you think that's enough. There was
nothing I could have done or anyone
could have done. It was (the shooter's)
decision. I just don't want to live my life
in fear."
University of F l o r i da
Independent Florida Alligator —
It's easy to find a turtle in Florida. The
challenge is finding one that's two million
years old.
University of Florida students are taking
the challenge every day by volunteering
to help Florida Museum of
Natural History officials dig up fossils of
turtles, tapirs, alligators and sloths at a
limestone quarry in Newberry. Fla.
Richard Hulbert, vertebrate paleontology
collections manager for the
museum, said since the dig began in
May 2005 the crew has discovered more
than 100 fossil skeletons and a new
species of tapir.
The fossils were discovered after
work done by nearby limestone miners
shifted the site's top layer of clay and
exposed the bones and teeth below.
On their first day of exploring the site
last year, diggers from the museum discovered
the skeletons of two ground
sloths.
University of Mississippi
Daily Mississippian —
Almost every college student in
America has heard "The Real World"
opening sequence as it was spoken by
the season's cast members. In Season
19, one of those voices could belong to
an Ole Miss student.
MTV's longest-running show held an
open casting call last Thursday, from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Levee Bar & Grill
for people ages 18 to 24.
Damon Surberg, supervising casting
director of "The Real World," said
charismatic people with magnetic personalities
are perfect for a spot on the
show.
"In general, we're looking for outgoing
people who have big personalities
and something to say," Surberg said. "As
generic as that sounds, that's the one
kind of thing that never changes in
casting for reality TV.
"I always describe it as you walk into
a room with a big crowd and there's one
person that everyone is gathered
around," he said. "That's the kind of
person we're looking for."
Oxford residents who are interested
need to bring a proof of ID and a photo,
Surberg said.
The Crimson White —
Just a decade ago, 354 black students
graduated from the University
of Alabama. This number, however,
has seen a 31 percent increase in just
10 years as the 2005-2006 school year
saw 507 blacks earn a degree from
the University.
This 10-year increase in blacks
earning degrees from the Capstone is
coupled with a 6 percent increase in
black enrollment at the University
over the past two years, and more
than a 4 percent increase in the past
year. This lands black enrollment at
2,635, constituting just more than 11
percent of the student population.
"The recruitment and the retention
of African-American and other
minority students is a priority for our
campus, because we believe that students
who learn from the robust
exchange of ideas that occurs within
a diverse classroom environment
receive a quality education," said Judy
Bonner, UA provost and executive
vice president.
U n i v e r s i t y of Arkansas
Arkansas Traveler —
A Washington County, Ark., Sheriff's
deputy was injured at the
Kappa Sigma house when he and a
University of Arizona Police Department
officer attempted to disband a
party early Sunday morning.
Deputy Justin Guenther was
injured when a partygoer kicked a
door shut on his head, UAPD l.t.
Vance Rice said.
Guenther was trying to empty a
room of about 25 people when the
incident occurred, said Rice, who
serves on UAPD's criminal investigations
department.
Guenther sustained minor
injuries, Rice said.
The incident is under investigation.
No arrests have been made.
After Guenther sustained the
injury, officers were called in to help
him and a UAPD officer disperse the
crowd, Rice said.
University of Kentucky
The Kentucky Kernel —
Twenty-seven percent of women
who participated in a study at the
University of Kentucky reported
being stalked at some time after a
difficult separation from a partner.
A UK professor has written a book
to help those women cope with
what is known as partner stalking.
T.K. Logan, a professor of behavioral
science, is the author of "Partner
Stalking: How Women Respond,
Cope, and Survive."
She has also completed a variety
of studies on intimate-partner violence
and partner stalking.
According to a fact sheet distributed
by UK Women's Place, stalking
can be defined as the unwanted and
repeated course of conduct, directed
toward a specific individual,
which induces fear or concern for
safety in the individual being targeted
The book aims to give women
who experience partner stalking a
voice to create awareness and
increase information about the
dynamics of such stalking, according
to the book's preface.
Crime
Reports
Sept. 28 — Oct. 2
Sept. 28, Boulder Lane - Criminal trespassing
and harassing communications reported
between 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Sept. 28, Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum —
Burglary and miscellaneous larceny reported.
One Panasonic plasma 50-inch TV, valued at
$5,000, was stolen.
Sept. 28,1997 Sara St. — Burglary and larceny
from residence reported between noon and 3
p.m. One Kodak EasyShare point and shoot
camera, one Kodak EasyShare docking station
and printer and one 256 MB memory card were
stolen. The total value of the items was $450.
Sept. 28, Spa Auburn, 1100 College St. —
Harassing communications and harassment
reported between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sept. 28,2214 Riverwood Drive — Theft from
yards reported. One Husqvarna push mower,
one Lawnboy push mower, one Kawasaki
weedeater, one Echo edger, one Husqvarna gas-powered
hedge trimmer, one Husqvarna backpack
blower and one Steele chainsaw were
stolen. The total value of the items was $3,000.
Sept. 29, Kroger, Dean Road — Shoplifting
reported. Two bottles of Beringer white zinfadel
wine and one GE grounding adapter were stolen
and recovered. The value of the stolen items
was $13.
Sept. 29, Edgewood Terrace Apartments —
Aggravated assault reported between 4 p.m. and
4:30 p.m.
Sept. 29, Haley Center — Theft from public
building reported. One women's wallet containing
a debit card and $10 U.S. currency, one Verizon
cell phone arid one Vera Bradley handbag
were stolen. The combined value of the items
was $280.
Sept. 30, Drake Middle School — Miscellaneous
larceny and burglary of auto reported.
One Liz Claiborne purse containing a debit
card, a Victoria's Secret card, a social security
card and an Alabama driver's license, was
stolen. The value of the purse was S35.
Sept. 30, Winn Dixie, College Street -
Shoplifting reported. One container of Planter's
cashews and one container of Barnum's animal
crackers were stolen and recovered. The value
of t he items was $4.
Sept. 30, Wal-Mart Supercentcr, College
Street — Miscellaneous larceny reported. One
brown leather (alligator skin) purse. $220 in U.S.
currency, Alabama Exchange Bank personal
checks, one Visa debit card and one Visa credit
card were stolen. The total value of the items
was $270.
Oct. 1, Health Plus, 1171 Gatewood Drive —
Theft from public building reported between
2:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. $300 in U.S. currency was
stolen.
Oct. 1, 500 Dumas Drive — Miscellaneous larceny
reported. One scarecrow, valued at $50,
was stolen.
Oct. 1, Waffle House, Opelika Road — Harassment
reported between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
Oct. 1, Wright's Mill Road — Harassing communications
reported between 6:10 p.m. and
9:45 p.m.
Oct. 1, The Corner News, 117 N. College St. —
Theft from yards reported at 2:40 a.m. One
newspaper box, valued at $25, was stolen.
Oct. 2, Touchdowns, 675 Opelika Road —
Burglary and theft from public building reported.
One window unit air conditioner and one
liquor dispenser were damaged at a value of
$5,200. Six deposit bags with checks and currency,
containing $1,978, and $478 in U.S. currency
were stolen.
Oct. 2, Field Stone Lane — Harassing communications
by voice reported between 8 p.m. and
8:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, Lee Road 137 — Harassing communications
reported between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Oct. 2, Bent Creek Road/1-85 — Miscellaneous
larceny and criminal mischief reported. One
Makita generator, one Paslode framing hammer,
one Paslode trim gun, two DeWalt reciprocating
saws, three Makita skillsaws, one DeWalt skill-saw
and two Emglo air compressors were
stolen. The value of the items was more than
$4,120.
— Reports provided by the
Auburn Department of Public Safety
W^t Auburn $lamaman
STATE&LOCAL Editorials
Letters
Political Cartoons A3
October 5,2006
SAME STORY I New victim
Photo Illustration by Jon Culver / DESIGN EDITOR
Parking problem spreads to Sundays
By BETHANY KIRBY
Assistant State & Local Editor
On a typical Sunday morning,
Alan Long gets ready for church
with his family. He dresses up
like the regular churchgoer —
khakis, a nice polo and dress
shoes. But he can't forget the
most important part — a fluorescent
green vest.
Long, a network administrator
for Intercall and faithful
member of Auburn United
Methodist Church, volunteers to
help direct traffic on Sunday
mornings.
Auburn United Methodist on
Gay Street is one of many
churches downtown that faces a
shortage of parking on a weekly
basis.
On Sundays, Long directs
parking lot traffic for the 9:30
a.m. service and the 11 a.m.
service.
"You can spot us from anywhere,"
he said of the bright
green vests.
The combined services bring
approximately 1,500 people to
Auburn United Methodist on a
weekly basis.
"The 9:30 (service) is packed
every Sunday," Long said. "Every
week that parking lot's full."
The overflow parking usually
goes to Auburn Bank, Compass
Bank and Tiger Rags, Long said.
St. Michael's Catholic Church
is just around the corner from
Auburn United Methodist and
has similar problems, only with
fewer parking spaces.
"Parking is a problem for each
of the masses," said Patty
Abrahams, facilities coordinator
for St. Michael's. "We spill over
into the streets with just about
every mass."
Abrahams said the church has
five service times for mass:
Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at
8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m. and 9
p.m. Typically, the most crowded
is at 10:30 Sunday morning.
Abrahams said the ushers
have counted heads at the 10:30
a.m. mass before.
"They counted over 500, and
that doesn't leave a seat for a lot
of them, much less a parking
space," Abrahams said. "I'd say
(St. Michael's has) places for
about 80 cars. Maybe 80 to 100,
but that's a stretch."
Abrahams said some people
teach religious education classes
for the children and have to
be there early. Because of this, a
family of three might take two
cars, which only exacerbates the
parking problem.
"It's pretty hectic, and there's a
lot of congestion, pretty much
all through the morning on
Sunday," Abrahams said.
At Auburn First Presbyterian
Church on the corner of Thach
> Turn to SUNDAY, A4
Council closer to filling
city manager position
Duggan
By ASHLEY HUNGERFORD
Assistant State & Local Editor
The City of Auburn could be one step closer
to having a permanent city manager.
Charlie Duggan has served as acting city
manager for the past
eight months.
During council member
communication at
Tuesday's City Council
meeting, Councilman
Don Phelan proposed
Mayor Bill Ham form a
committee to start negotiations
with Duggan to
make his job permanent.
"Charlie's performance
has been truly exceptional," Phelan said.
He said Duggan has been "auditioning" for
eight months, and Duggan has shown he is a
straight-shooter, knowledgeable and fair.
Many council members agreed with
Phelan, jumping to compliment Duggan on
his performance.
"I agree with Dick that having the opportunity
to watch Charlie has been invaluable,"
Councilman Gene Dulaney said. "I think
Charlie's the right person for the job, and I'm
ready to move forward."
Even some new members on City Council
approved of moving forward with making
Duggan's position permanent.
Newly elected Councilman Arthur
Dowdell said he supports Duggan and his
"flavor" to move the city and the council forward.
"I think the search should be over and we
would have a good man in Charlie Duggan,"
Dowdell said.
Even Ham sang Duggan's praises. Ham
said he didn't anticipate how quickly
Duggan would be able to move forward as
acting city manager.
"We had a diamond, and I didn't realize it,"
he said.
Councilwoman Sheila Eckman expressed
concern about moving forward with Duggan
without hiring a consultant to assist with
the process.
"We're wanting to make a decision that
will last 20 years," she said.
She said the council should take the time
to hire a consultant and perform a thorough
search for a city manager.
"Nothing personal, Charlie," Eckman said
as she voted against the motion.
Despite Eckman's concern, the motion to
appoint a contract negotiation committee
carried.
After the meeting, Duggan said he wasn't
as surprised by the motion as he was by all
the great things council members had to say
about his performance.
"I certainly appreciate that they have confidence
in my capabilities," Duggan said.
Former City Manager David Watkins
resigned in February after two years in the
••• Turn to DUGGAN, A4
Local plant downsizes, new
opportunities to arrive soon
By SARAH PATTERSON
Staff Writer
The Briggs & Stratton
plant in Auburn downsized
with the layoff of 200
employees Friday.
"This is cyclical for
Briggs," said Phillip Dunlap,
Auburn director of economic
development. "They had projected
a higher turnover in
the engines' sales, and that
didn't happen, so this year
their sales were down a little
bit."
Those who lost their jobs
were the second-shift assembly
line workers and machinists.
Dave DaBaets, vice president
of Briggs & Stratton
and general manager of the
large engines division, said
inventory levels on portable
generators at retailers have
been replenished from last
season and no new major
weather events have
%--~%S ®"* _£'*
•-'.':•: 1. T •..,.'..:A^_
1 ?
^ M •••• SHr
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MichMl Cliborn I PHOTO EDITOR
Briggs & Stratton was forced to lay off 200 employees last
Friday because of market demand. Most of those fired were sec*
ond-shift assembly line workers and machinists.
occurred to drive additional
demand for their increased
workforce.
Although 200 workers
have lost their jobs from .
Briggs & Stratton, the job
market in Auburn should
make finding new jobs a little
easier.
"We've got 400 job openings
right now in Auburn,
and they're laying off 200,"
said Cary Cox, Auburn director
of work force develop-
> Turn to LAY OFFS, A4
Riley grant to aid statewide drug war, Auburn unaffected
By MATTHEW SHELLEY
Staff Writer
Gov. Bob Riley awarded a
grant to the Alabama Alcoholic
Beverage Control Board that
will help law enforcement agencies
in Alabama in the war on
drugs.
The grant, totaling $330,000,
will help the ABC Board maintain
its Statewide Drug Task
Force.
The task force aids law
enforcement agencies in conducting
drug investigations
when the agencies don't have
the manpower or resources to
carry them out
"Every county has its own
drug task force, and this one
helps out statewide," said Mike
Pressly, public information specialist
for Alabama.
Pressly said the ABC board
and the task force are required
by federal law to match the
amount of the grant, giving the
task force an additional
$330,000.
The grant funds came to
Alabama by the U.S.
Department of Justice and will
be administered by the
Alabama Department of
Economic and Community
Affairs.
Capt. Jerry Holder of the
Auburn Police Division said
Auburn hasn't had a problem
finding manpower or resources
to conduct drug investigations,
but the extra help should be
welcome for many departments
infhe state.
"We've had a narcotics unit
for as long as I can remember,"
Holder said. "A lot of smaller
departments don't have the
manpower, so it should help
them out."
Holder also said there hasn't
been a case they haven't been
able to handle yet, but if the
need arises, the task force could
be helpful.
"When we have a case that's
too large for us, we do reach out
to the ABC," Holder said,
Emory Folmar, administrator
of the ABC board, said the
ABC's primary focus is making
sure alcohol stays out of
minors' hands.
"Some of that (grant money)
is for making sure juveniles
aren't drinking whiskey,"
Folmar said.
"We make sure people aren't
selling whiskey to juveniles, but
it does, happen. We do our best
to make sure the laws in
Alabama are enforced," he
added.
He also said the ABC's first
job is to protect the ABC stores
and make sure minors aren't
drinking, but they also work
closely with law enforcement
agencies to crack down on drug
abuse.
"We have a tremendous relationship
with law enforcement
— state troopers, local police,"
Folmar said.
Capt. Phillip Calvert, assistant
director of the enforcement
division on the ABC
board, said since law enforcement
officers are already in
places that typically see drug
sales, such as liquor stores and
bars, helping with drug enforcement
comes with the territory.
"This drug task force allows
us to have officers to provide
drug enforcement capabilities
to smaller police departments,"
Calvert said.
Calvert also said most of the
time it is the individual police
departments' duty to contact
the ABC for assistance with a
case, but sometimes the ABC
will take the preemptive steps.
"If we identify a problem in
the area, we go to them to help
out," Calvert said.
"Our overall goal with this is
to have state law enforcement
available to go anywhere in the
state," he added.
Holder said it's that kind of
relationship that helps smaller
police departments, as well as
Auburn, in the war on drugs.
"If they have any extra funds
that can go to drug enforcement,
we'll be glad to help them
spend it," Holder said.
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State & Local
IN BRIEF
Child left on bus, driver resigns
A 4-year-old was left on an Opelika city school
bus Tuesday morning for two hours. The driver,
who has since resigned, didn't see the student
was still on the bus after his Pre-K schoolmates
were dropped off at school.
Robber hits Chick-Fil-A in TigerTown
Chick-Fil-A in Tiger Town was robbed Monday.
The armed suspect forced an employee to let
him in the back door after hours, and escaped
with an undisclosed amount of money.
Auto plants in Alabama boost sales
for international companies
Honda. Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz have all
posted record U.S. sales for September. Each of
the companies reported Tuesday that vehicles
built in Alabama plants contributed to these
records.
Alabama company prepares to ship
out for war in Iraq
Alabama National Guard 128th Military Police
Company members had a chance to return
home Tuesday before they ship out to Iraq. The
company has been granted eight davs at home
for time with family and friends.
Audit exposes Opelikas privatization
might not be saving much
Opelika city officials have claimed tremendous
sa\ings through privatization of the public
works force. However, an audit report by Brantley.
Boucher & Farr indicates that no
savings have been calculated.
STATE & LOCAL STAFF
MATT DISCHINGER
State & Local Editor
ASHLEY HUNGERFORD
Assistant Editor
BETHANY KIRBY
Assistant Editor
To reach the S&L staff, call (334) 844-9109.
Michael Claborn / PHOTO EDITOR
Since parking can be a problem in downtown Auburn on Sunday mornings, many
churchgoers walk. One solution that has been proposed is a shuttle system to allow
drivers to park in other lots that may not be as full.
SUNDAY
> From A3
Avenue and Gay Street, the parking
situation isn't much better.
"I think it's something that all the
churches here in the downtown area
struggle with what to do," said the
Rev. Lisa Stenner, acting senior pastor
at. First Presbyterian. "(There are) too
many cars and not enough places."
Stenner said members park anywhere
they can find a spot on Sunday
morning.
"For us, we are a little more fortunate,"
Stenner said. "We have a University
B-Zone lot behind us. It's
helpful that we can use that on Sunday
morning.
"And the City of Auburn is gracious
enough to let people park on the
street on Sunday morning as long as
you are out of the flow of traffic."
Stenner said she is sure that sometimes
the parking situation is bad
enough to deter people from coming
to church at all, specifically on rainy
or cold days.
Stenner said the parking has been
problematic for a while, but First
Presbyterian has found no solution.
"We have talked about finding lots
elsewhere and then shuttling people,"
Stenner said.
Even when it's tough to find a spot,
the regulars come week after week.
Abrahams said the key is to get to
church early.
Stenner said there have been some
good things coming from the situation.
"It's encouraged people to work
together," she said. "The businesses
and churches downtown just have to
do that."
Kathy Wells, a server at Buffalo's
American Grill, said people who are
driving might be deterred from going
there for lunch.
But since Buffalo's gets a lot of the
walking crowd from the churches, she
doesn't think the parking situation
hurts business.
"I don't think it's a problem at all,"
Wells said.
DUGGAN
- From A4
position. The Citv
Council asked
Watkins to resign.
The decision was
based on his job performance.
Duggan was assistant
city manager
under Watkins, and
has served as acting
city manager since
Watkins' resignation.
LAYOFFS
> From A3
ment. "You hate to say that there will
be no repercussions at all, but if there
are they will be very, very minimal."
The seven companies responsible for
the 400 job openings are Nikki America
Fuel Systems L.L.C., Legett & Piatt Aluminum
Group. Cumberland Plastics.
Aluminum Technology Schmid, Cylpro
Auburn Inc., GMB Automotive USA
LLC and Hoerbiger Automotive Comfort
Systems.
Dunlap said there is also a chance
that Briggs & Stratton will need to call
for some of those employees to come
back to work in the future.
"As they exhaust their inventory,
you'll see their need, probably, to add
these people back or add jobs back
within the next year," Dunlap said.
A job fair was held Tuesday with 11
companies attending to help those who
lost their jobs.
"Any of these people that want to go
to work, we can have them back in a
job very quickly," Cox said. "There is a
silver lining in this situation, so we're
very fortunate to be in Auburn at this
time."
Riley rewards local schools
By ISAAC TURNER
Assistant Sports Editor
This year, 313 schools will receive monetary
awards for making improvements
in student achievement, said Gov. Bob
Riley and other members of the State
Board of Education.
Local schools Loachapoka Elementary,
Cary Woods Elementary,
Drake Middle,
Opelika High and
West Forest Intermediate
all received
awards via the governor's
program.
Both Opelika High
and Drake Middle
received $5,000. West
Forest Intermediate
received $8,000, and
Loachapoka Elementary
received $8,500.
Cary Woods Elementary received the
most money of the five schools with
$16,600. '
The awards will be given to the schools
on Oct. 1.
The awards are based on eligible
schools improving in one or more of four
categories.
These categories are Advancing the
Challenge, Meeting the Challenge,
Exceeding the Challenge and Addressing
the Challenge.
The Advancing the Challenge award is
for schools with a percent of students
scoring advanced in reading and math
that exceeded state averages of students
scoring advanced.
The Meeting the Challenge award is for
schools that met Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years.
The Exceeding the Challenge award is
for schools with subgroups with a percent
of students scoring proficient in
reading and math that exceeded its state
counterpart.
The Addressing the Challenge award is
for schools with subgroups that closed
the achievement gap in percent of students
scoring proficient in reading and
math by at least 15 percent when compared
to state counterparts.
Opelika High School Principal Stan
Cox said he enjoys the reward system for
schools that are making „ _ _ _ _ ^
improvements.
"Well I like it, of
course, being a recipient,"
he said, "it allows us to help students. "
do some things that
would help us help students.
We're in the
process now of working
with our faculty to come
up with some ideas on how to best use
the money."
Cox said a final decision has not been
made among his faculty on how to use
the money, but they know which directions
they could possibly go with t he
funds.
"The only thing that we could agree on
right now was that we want to make sure
that this money went back for students
— to make sure that however we use the
money that it directly impacts students
and student achievement," Cox said.
James Davis, Loachapoka Elementary's
principal, also said he is grateful for the
reward his school has received.
"Well, we're thankful for the program.
"it allows us to do some
things that would help us
Stan Cox
principal, Opelika High School
However, at the time when we were modifying
instructional practices we didn't
realize what the Financial rewards would
be," Davis said. "So that reward was a
pleasant surprise to have rewards that
are just as severe as the sanctions."
Although Davis is proud to have his
school receive an award, he said the
reward is not the reason his school has
made efforts to improve.
"We didn't change because of rewards,
we changed more because of t he sanctions
or what would happen in case the
kids didn't achieve," Davis said. "We are
much appreciative of the financial assis-
_ _ _ _ ^ _ _ tance and the recognition
of our
achievements."
Davis said his school
has a variety of needs,
and the monetary
reward will be put to use
in different areas.
— — _ _ _ "The teachers have
done a school-wide
needs survey, and reading materials will
be purchased," Davis said.
"Possibly, technology is another area
that the money will be expended.
"There are other things that need to be
decided, but we know reading materials
and technology will be two of the areas
that the moneys will be expended," he
said.
Davis said he believes Loachapoka Elementary
has improved in many ways, and
credits the teachers for improving the
academic level of the students.
"I think that we've had more students
proficient today than we did just two
years ago." Davis said. "I think that the
teachers have always risen to t h e challenge."
y
Thursday, Oct 5,2006 Z\)t Auburn JMatnsfman A5
Casey Smith /PHOTO STAFF
Gulmeena Khan, a junior in microbiology, works on a henna tattoo for Larry Ma, a senior in mechanical engineering. The Auburn Asian
Association gave henna tattoos during its Henna and Game Night last week. See page B7 for the complete story.
3VPHC
• From A1
yet been delivered.
"It's not so much as they (the
University) are not willing to give
us a facility as the fact that (the
facilities) don't have the capacity
or their hands are tied with athletics,"
Aboko-Cole said.
In 2003, the show was held in
the Foy Ballroom, and crowd
control became an issue. A fight
broke out in the ballroom, and,
since that time, administrators
have been reluctant to use the
ballroom for the event.
Furthermore, the ballroom
only holds 500 people, and last
year's show drew approximately
1,200 people, including approximately
500 alumni. —_——
"We've exceeded
the capacity for
Foy," Aboko-Cole
said. "Not even all
the organizations
can fit in there."
Several students
are upset that a
campus venue wasn't
available for the
show.
"It's disappointing
that a lot of
accommodations _____
are made for other
groups, but not for NPHC when
they need it," said Vincent Harm's
disappointing
that a lot of
accommodations
are made for other
groups, but not for
NPHC when they
need it."
Vincent Harris
parliamentarian/or
Alpha Phi Alpha
ris, parliamentarian for Alpha
Phi Alpha Giles Hill,
treasurer for the Black Student
Union, said the venue problem is
part of a larger social issue on
campus.
"It seems very underlying, but
it becomes very obvious that
there have to be some elements
who are against the African-
American agenda," Hill said. "We
can't even get a venue for a step
show."
Dr. Johnny Green, dean of students,
said the problem is simply
a lack of venues.
"If we could build a place
overnight in the heart of campus,
we'd do it in a heartbeat,"
Green said. "The only thing we
have available is inadequate for
their needs."
_ _ _ _ _ _ Green also said
the venue problem
is "beyond all our
control."
"Does the University
want them to
have space for the
step show?
Absolutely," Green
said. "The problem
with the coliseum
and the Student
ACT is the SEC or
NCAA (regula-
_______ tions)."
If a venue isn't
found, cancelation of the show
won't be the only problem the
council faces.
Ticket sales comprise the
majority of its operating budget
for the year, and last year the
event raised $6,000. Without the
show, the council will be forced
to find another way to raise
funds.
"You take away $6,000, and
you can't plan a budge," said
Matt Kelly, NPHC secretary.
Kelly said the council wants to
be more active this year on campus,
a task that will be difficult
without this key event.
"It's bad because you try to get
more involved, and then you
don't have your main fundraiser
to help you get involved," Kelly
said.
The council is now looking for
a venue off campus, but most
off-campus venues have been
eliminated because they are
either not available or too small.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
is pursuing Opelika High School
as a potential place for the event.
If the school can't be used,
Aboko-Cole said the event will
most likely be canceled.
Even if a venue is secured, the
performers will have little time
to practice on the stage.
"If you can't get in there and
have a walk-through, there's no
point in doing it," Kelly said.
The venue problem first arose
in the spring, and Aboko-Cole
worked all summer trying to
Michael Claborn / PHOTO EDITOR
Ryan Smith of Alpha Phi Alpha
practices his step routine.
secure a suitable venue.
"It's not like we've come back
in the fall and said, 'What are we
going to do?'" said Paul Kittle,
director of Greek Life.
NPHC also looked at other
dates, but to maximize profits,
the show needs to be during a
big home game with strong
alumni presence, and the campus
venues were not available
during those times.
Now, NPHC, its organizations
and alumni can only wait and
hope for a suitable venue.
"Opelika High School isn't too
far," Aboko-Cole said. "If we
spend energy publicizing and
selling tickets, it'll go well."
ARENA
> From Al
tors that must be carefully considered, but
we'll reach a decision no later than the end of
this year and probably sooner."
The coliseum was dedicated in 1969 and
has only had one significant renovation since
its construction.
Jacobs said it's time to improve the facilities
for the teams.
"The old saying is your money is where
your heart is," Jacobs said. "We have to show
a commitment to men's and women's basketball."
A newer facility can also improve recruiting,
which in turn affects the quality of the
program.
"In order for us to compete at the highest
level, we have to start doing things strategically
like we have for our other sports," Jacobs
said. "Our competitors are doing things, and
we have to continue to do those things to
stay ahead of them."
Most of the SEC schools have recently
done renovations or constructed new basketball
facilities.
LSU, Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee are
finishing major renovations to their facilities,
including adding a practice facility.
In 2001, the University of Florida finished a
$10 million project that added a new practice
facility and other amenities. Earlier this year,
the Florida men's team won the NCAA
Championship.
Jacobs has seen first-hand the effect facilities
can have on a program. He said the
Auburn softball program improved after the
completion of Jane B. Moore Field.
The new field was built in 1998, and the
final phase was completed in 2003. Then, in
2004, the team made an appearance at the
NCAA Regional and finished the season
ranked in the top 25 nationally.
Jacobs also noted that Auburn's other athletic
programs have received upgraded facilities
in recent years, or will soon be receiving
upgrades.
"Now, not doing something stands out
even more because we're doing something
for all the other sports," Jacobs said.
The only major renovation to Beard-Eaves
was in 1998, and it included new coaches'
offices, telescopic seating, new scoreboards
and video boards, an elevator and directional
signage.
The $3.5 million project also included renovations
to team rooms, lockers, athletic
department offices, classrooms and athletic
booster spaces.
Since the 1998 renovation, onfy minor
changes have been made, including air conditioning
in 1986 and a new hardwood floor
added last year.
"The basketball team definitely needs
more than Beard-Eaves can offer," Mouton
said.
A new arena would include practice courts
and other facilities for the student athletes.
Currently, the teams practice in the coliseum
and the "hot box," an auxiliary gym with
only one court located next to the Coliseum.
A new arena would also change the fans'
experience as it would seat between 8,000 to
10,000 people, which would be a downsize
from the coliseum, which seats 13,000 people.
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Sophomore Quantez Robertson dribbles past
an opponent in the coliseum, which could be
replaced by a basketball arena in the future.
A smaller arena would make the environment
more intimate, and fans would sound
louder.
"In football, we can really get a home-field
advantage," Mouton said. "That's something
the basketball team hasn't had."
Offices, classrooms and other teams that
use the coliseum now would be accommodated
somewhere.
Construction costs for a new arena would
be at least $60 million, a tab that would be
picked up by the athletic department and
private donors.
"We've tried (the coliseum) for 40 years,"
Jacobs said. "Now it's time for us to do something
different so we can compete year in
and year out for an SEC Championship."
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A6 tTIii- auburn ^lamsnian Thursday, Oct. 5,2006
City council welcomes new faces, annexations cause discussion
By ASHLEY HUNGERFORD
Assistant State & Local Editor
Auburn City Council had four new
faces at Tuesday night's meeting.
The newly elected members are
Arthur Dowdell for Ward 1, Tom Wor-den
for Ward 3, Robin Kelley for Ward
5 and Bob Norman for Ward 8.
Dowdell is a former city councilman.
He said this term, he's returned
more experienced and more focused.
"I'm older and wiser," he said. "1
want to do what is right for all of
Auburn."
Worden was happy with all the city
employee recognitions handed out at
his first meeting. He also said he loved
the discussions and openness of the
council.
Kelley is making the transition to
city council after serving on the planning
commission.
"It's totally different," he said. "I
thought it went well."
Norman said he was excited after
his first meeting. He said City Council
meetings are government at its best.
He was also happy with the atmosphere
of the first meeting.
"It was sort of calm tonight compared
to some I've been to lately." Norman
said. "The first meeting needed to
be calm."
Overall, acting city manager Charlie
Duggan said the meeting went well.
"I think we have a great council,"
Duggan said. "They all have a lot of
experience in Auburn. They have the
best interest of Auburn at heart."
Duggan said his role is to be chief
policy adviser to the council as a
whole.
"I gather the information so the
council can make a decision," Duggan
said.
Duggan said the council members
can professionally disagree, but he
foresees the new council as working to
benefit the city as a whole.
During the council meeting, annexation
ordinances caused some commotion
among several council
members.
Dowdell made some strong statements
when the five annexation ordinances
came up for council approval.
He denied the unanimous consent
necessary for 7.53 acres on 382 Lee
Road 8 to be annexed into the city.
Dowdell asked Forrest Cotten, planning
director, why owners wanted to
be annexed into the city.
Cotten suggested a reason could be
they wanted to have access to city
schools.
"They didn't want to go to
Loachapoka High School basically,"
Dowdell said. "If everyone does that,
then we're going to have congested
schools."
Annexation ordinances also faced
opposition from Councilwoman Sheila
Eckman. Either Eckman or Dowdell or
both voted against all the annexation
ordinances. Unanimous consent was
denied for two parcels of land, the 7.53
acres at 382 Lee Road 8 and 248 acres
at the intersection of Lee Road 10 and
U.S. Highway 29 South.
The 248 acres concerned Eckman
and Dowdell because of the size of the
property.
Dowdell said annexing that amount
of land is similar to annexing a small
city into Auburn.
Dowdell said he has constituents in
his ward who say they are not getting
the fire and police services they need,
and now the council could annex this
large piece of land.
Dowdell said residents are concerned
their land is being served by a
volunteer fire department because the
city is too large for the fire department
to cover.
Duggan asked Dowdell for contact
information for residents who feel they
are not receiving proper services so
the problem could be fixed.
"Nowhere in the city limits is there
land covered solely by the volunteer
fire department," Duggan said.
Eckman also had problems with the
land, wondering what benefits the
large parcel could bring to the city.
A complete development plan was
not included with the annexation ordinance,
causing Eckman to question
the purpose of the land.
Michael Claborn / PHOTO EDITOR
The new City Council meeting had its first meeting Tuesday night. The council
members are from left to right, Arthur Dowdell, Sheila Eckman, Thomas Worden,
Brent Beard, Mayor Bill Ham, Robin Kelley, Dick Phelan, Gene Dulaney and Bob
Norman. Acting City Manger Charlie Duggan, lower right corner, looks on during
the council meeting.
"I see the potential for it, but I'm
gong to deny unanimous consent," she
said.
Cotten said the council members
brought up valid concerns that his
office needs to address before the next
council meeting.
Many council members took their
time to bring up new items during
council communications at the end of
the meeting.
Dowdell presented an agenda for
Ward 1 of things his constituents
would like to see accomplished.
He said Ward 1 residents want a task
force working with the developers on
the Moton Public Housing community
redevelopment project.
Ham agreed with Dowdell that the
Moton apartments need to be redeveloped,
but the city does not have ownership
of the housing project. He asked
Duggan to prepare a presentation for a
future meeting to bring all members
up-to-date on the project.
Dowdell also said residents want
stores in Ward 1, better lighting, older
houses torn down, more blacks in the
fire department and more police
patrolling the city.
"I pray this council will honor the
needs and cries of Ward 1," he said.
"These are the things they want to see
done. We ought to be able to meet the
needs of every citizen in Auburn."
Also, Worden extended an invitation
to the entire council, Duggan and Ham
on behalf of the many retirement
homes in his ward to have a open
house for the residents to meet the
council.
To make sure the new council members
were all on the same page, Eckman
proposed the council adopt a
code of ethics she had found.
Despite the many conversations
that occurred at Tuesday's meeting,
citizens in the audience had trouble
hearing them.
During citizens' communications,
the observation was made that council
members need to move their microphones
closer or speak more into the
mics.
Eckman agreed that citizens should
be able to hear what is said in the
meetings. She suggested finding a
solution to the ongoing problem.
City Council
Contact Info
Mayor:
Bill Ham Jr.
501-7260
bham@auburnalabama.org
Acting City Manager:
Charlie Duggan
501-7262
cduggan@auburnalabama.org
Ward 1:
Arthur L. Dowdell Sr.
334-477-9768
bishopdowdellministries@yahoo.com
Ward 2:
Sheila H. Eckman
821-9666
750-9666
sheilaeckman@bellsouth.net
Ward 3:
Thomas H. Worden
740-1783
tworden@charter.net
Ward 4:
Brent Beard
821-4302
brent@alabamacontractsales.com
Ward 5:
Robin Kelley
501-7947
887-0884
rkelley@akridgebalch.com
Ward 6:
Dick Phelan
887-2071
dickphelan@yahoo.com
Ward 7:
Gene Dulaney
887-7908
887-2721
gdulaney@auburnbank.com
Ward 8:
Bob Norman
821-1901
bnorman@charter.net
r
cQ/bmerata
v~^Yearbook Photos
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
OCT • : ER 10,11,12
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your
face
here
i
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i
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9am - 2:30pm in Haley Center Lobby
Tluirsckiv, Oct. 5,2006 Clje Auburn $latnsfman A7
Kiesel Park hosts 'Bark, Walk and Talk' for local dogs
ByKIMCALABRO
StaffWriter
Caleb the Great Dane, Jazmine the
dachshund, Nicholas the schnauzer and
Atlas the German shepherd all attended
the kick off of Auburn Parks and Recreation's
Bark, Walk and Talk at Kiesel Park
Sunday.
The Bark, Walk and Talk is a free event
dedicated to dog lovers.
Auburn Parks and Recreation hopes to
turn this event into a regular gathering.
"This is for people who spend a lot of
time at Kiesel with their dogs," said Melissa
Weldon, youth enrichment manager for
Auburn Parks and Recreation. "We organized
this dog club to meet the people and
meet the pets."
The purpose of the first meeting was to
assemble a group of people who were
interested in starting a "dog club," and to
pitch ideas for upcoming projects.
Weldon, who . „ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^_
owns 11 dogs and
is a self proclaimed
"dog-lover extraordinaire,"
anticipates
future
meetings to discuss
pet health,
responsibilities of
owning a pet and
behavior courses.
"There are so
"This is for people who spend a lot
of time at Kiesel with their dogs.
We organized this dog club to meet
the people and meet the pets."
Melissa Weldon
Manager, Auburn Parks and Recreation
many talented people in this town with
the vet school and the Humane Society.
We could really make good things happen,"
Weldon said.
Sunday's meeting included a dog walking
demonstration.
Atlas, a German shepherd who epitomizes
his titan namesake, served as the
model for the example walk.
An attendant from the Humane Society
taught pet owners techniques to control
dogs on a leash. The owner walked Atlas
around the pavilion and used food and
toys as incentives.
Auburn Parks and Recreation supplied
treats for dogs and their owners.
Vanilla ice cream provided by Bruster's
was topped with a doggie treat to cool
down the canines after the dog walk.
As the dogs enjoyed their treats, the
owners snacked on homemade chocolate
chip cookies.
Dogs of all breeds came to the party at
the park. Most of the owners' reasons for
attending were to socialize their pets and
meet a few dog-lovers like themselves.
"I brought him out here because he likes
to get out and play with other dogs," said
Haden Smith, owner of Caleb the Great
Dane.
Caleb tugged Smith into a sprint as he
chased a group of dachshunds. He nuzzled
and licked the puppies as he wagged his
long tail excitedly.
"He would rather play with the puppies,"
Smith said. "He thinks he's a lap dog."
The event was a success with at least 20
dogs in attendance.
"I'm really pleased with the amount of
people here today," said Sandy Eastman,
owner of Jazmine, a 6-month-old dachshund.
—^ _ _ _ „ ^ ^ _ ^ _ _ Edna and David
Stadtlander, a retired
couple who recently
moved to Auburn
from California, said
they were excited
when they heard
about the Bark,
Walk and Talk.
"Every community
in California has a
dog park," Edna
so when we heard about
Soldier the beagle attended
the Bark, Walk and Talk,
which allowed local dogs
and their owners to meet at
Kiesel Park Sunday afternoon.
The event was organized
by Auburn Parks and
Recreation to allow dog
owners in the Auburn-Opeli-ka
area to plan future projects.
Approximately 20 dogs
took part in the meet and
greet as well as the dog-walking
session, which
showed owners how to
properly walk their dogs on
a leash. Auburn Parks and
Recreation will be planning
more dog events because of
the success of the Sunday
get together.
Kim Calabro / PHOTO STAFF
Stadtlander said,'
this in the Opelika-Auburn News we had
to come."
The Stadtlanders brought their
"spoiled" schnauzer, Nicholas, to the event.
"Nicholas hasn't had anyone to play
with since we moved to Auburn," Edna
Stadtlander said.
Auburn Parks and Recreation is planning
another pet event for the near future
and are encouraging owners to contact
them with their interests and ideas for
upcoming meetings.
"We want to know what your interests
are and see what we can do to make them
happen," Weldon said.
For more information, contact the
Auburn Parks and Recreation Department
at 501-2930.
Kim Calabro/PHOTO STAFF
Caleb the Great Dane and Jazmine the dachsund meet for
the first time with caution at Kiesel Park. The pets were
two of about 20 dogs to attend the event.
Kim Calabro/PHOTO STAFF
Atlas the German shepherd was used in a dog-walking
demonstration put on by the Humane Society. The
attendant used toys and treats as incentives.
Auburn University Medical Clinic
Uniquely A uburn, serving the A U family and the community
Keeping you healthy and keeping you informed!
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Practicing these behaviors will not only
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also contribute to your overall level of
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To schedule an appointment call 334-844-4416
Hours of Operation are subject to change
After-Hours Nurses Hotline: 866-389-6770
A8 COMMENTARY Thursday, Oct. 5,2006
Wt)t gluburn <patn£man
rounded In 1893 As The Orange & Blue
WJ].113,NO.7
JESSICA OTWELL
Managing Editor
SARAH BROCK
Senior Reporter
CHASE MITCHELL
Campus Editor
Editorial Board
NIKI DOYLE
Editor
CHRISTINA COCHERELL
Copy Editor
STEPHANIE H1GHTOWER
Sports Editor
MATT D1SCHINGER
State & Local Editor
CHRIS WEST
Business Manager
AMY GORDON
Intrigue Editor
Our View
University needs to step up
The problem: NPHC can't find a place to perform its annual step
show, which raises the majority of the organizations operating budget.
As homecoming approaches and
alumni return to campus, many might
be disappointed if the annual National
Pan-Hellenic Council's (NPHC) step
show isn't on the weekend's agenda.
And since a venue for the event hasn't
yet been found, there's a good
chance the event will be canceled
entirely.
We realize the two most viable
options can't be used for legitimate
reasons, and we certainly don't fault
University officials or administrators
for the lack of campus venues.
However, it seems that NPHC has
now been left hanging. Without money
to produce an outdoor show, the council
began looking for off-campus venues.
The search hasn't gone well as most
places can't hold the large crowd or
didn't fit the needs of NPHC The
search might have gone better, however,
if the University had helped.
While it certainly isn't the responsibility
of administrators to hold the
hands of organizations as they plan
their events, a little help in this case
would've been nice.
A University official would have
more weight and credibility with citv
officials, and if someone within the
University had made some phone calls,
maybe a venue would have been found.
It's not too late, though. Opelika is
still deciding whether NPHC can use
the high school.
We encourage anyone who has the
ear of an Opelika official to give them a
ring. Let them know this is an important
event, and one the Opelika community
would find enjoyable as well.
The step show is significant for
NPHC as it funds the majority of the
council's operating budget. Without
this event, the organization's entire
year will suffer.
We have to wonder if this had been
another campus organization, such as
SGA or UPC. would the problem have
been fixed sooner? Would there have
been more help?
If Auburn is going to be a diverse
student body, we have to be ready, willing
and able to assist every student
organization with the needs they have,
regardless of the organization.
We hope it's not too late for NPHC to
find a venue.
More important, we hope that in the
future the University will fall into step
with organizations' needs.
Our Policy
I'lie opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages. The unsigned
editorials are the majority opinion of the nine-member editorial board and are the
official opinion of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in columns and letters
represent the views and opinions of their individual authors and do not necessarily refect
the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Hoard of Trustees.
My View
'Millenials' have lessons to learn
NIKI DOYLE
editor@theplainsman.com
Me, me, me.
To some, those three little words are
simply an exercise to warm up a singing
voice.
Unfortunately, it has become the chorus
that's sung by millions of 20-some-things
who are finally venturing out
into the real world.
Yep. that's us — the "millenials," or
the generation after baby boomers and
Generation Xers.
Also known as the F.ntitlement Generation.
Our parents petted us and pampered
us until we're so self-absorbed that it's
hard to see past our shiny new iPods.
We spend hours updating our Face-book
and MySpace profiles. Of course,
in the end, we're mostly doing it to satisfy
our own egos, not to keep in touch
with others.
The generation gap seems to have
turned into a canyon, and I don't think
my analysis is the result of my sleep-deprived,
hallucinating brain.
A study by a University of Georgia
professor demonstrates the gap
between our generation and our predecessors.
According to the study, 12 percent of
teenagers in the 1950s agreed with the
statement. "I am an important person."
In 1980, more than 80 percent of
teenagers agreed with the same statement.
The study also revealed an alarming
trend toward narcissism, which is
extreme egocentrism or excessive self-love.
Self-confidence is necessary for success
in both professional and personal
situations. We just have to remember
that others around us struggle too, and
there's a fine line between narcissism
and a healthy amount of self-confidence.
Don't expect to be rewarded for nothing.
Everything in life comes at a cost.
Find a passion — something more
important to you than, well, yourself —
and,immerse yourself in it.
We've forgotten the value of working
toward something greater than ourselves.
Or maybe we just never learned that
value in the first place.
Niki Doyle is editor of
The Auburn Plainsman.
You can reach her at 844-9021.
Letters! We want stacks and stacks of letters!
Send your letters to otweljd@auburn.edu, or mail them to
B-100 Foy Student Union. Whichever you prefer.
Ar foUR I OCA l R?cftutT<fR's oFPIce..
Chase Mitchell
Staff Opinions
It's nothing personal; it's a safety issue
SCOTT MARTIN
smartin@theplainsman.com
We were making our respective
ways vertically in the Haley stairwell,
I down, her up. The clicking of her
clogs drowned the flitting of my flip-flops
such that 1 knew she was coming
three flights away. My descent
remained unintentionally stealthy.
Hugging the inside rail is the best
way to save time. It's also the best way
to get a sudden and startling face-to-face
surprise encounter between
flights in an empty stairwell. That we
were both only half paying attention
didn't help; her assumed solitude didn't
either.
When the inevitable meeting took
place, 1 was still one step above her,
looming like a giant over the 5-foot
(liberally) scarecrow of a woman.
It startled her terribly. She yelped
once and flinched, which in turn
made me flinch, drop my notebook
and almost trip down the stairs on
top of her.
When the second-long period of
awkwardness had passed, the necessary
cordialities ensued. I apologized
profusely, she giggled nervously, I
reciprocated automatically, and we
continued down and up, respectively.
I never consider too much how
women must always think of safety
when they are alone.
I go running at midnight. I occasionally
walk miles home alone from
working at The Plainsman in the early
a.m. hours. The thought that I could
be in an unsafe situation honestly
never crosses my mind.
A while ago, I did one of my late-night
work walk-backs. While I was
on campus, there was a group of
three girls on the sidewalk heading
toward me.
When they were still a few hundred
feet away, they crossed the street so
that there would be a road separating
me from them when we eventually
passed.
When I was a few hundred feet past
them, they crossed the street again to
be on the original side, the side I was
on. I was gone, and to them the threat
had passed.
I had a conversation with a friend
on this subject. She said whenever
she is at a party, she is at all times
extremely conscious of where her
drink is. This is another thing I don't
have to think of, and my midnight
runs would be right out.
I recounted my anecdotes to her,
and she said she would probably have
been as startled as the girl in the
stairwell and acted the same way the
trio of girls on the sidewalk did.
When I realized the only reason
those girls on the sidewalk crossed
the street was to get away from me, I
initially felt they thought I was a Jack .
the Ripper, a prowler or a monster
out to hurt them or worse. For a sec- •»
ond, it made me feel a little sad know- -
ing the only perception they would ~*
have of me as a person was that.
But the feeling soon passed, and I ~,Z
realized it was nothing personal.
They had to regard me as a monster • '.. '."
so they could be safe. They have to be^«
careful. ^
They didn't cross the street to get " -
away from me, they crossed the street ~
because some shady-looking guy
walking at them could be a monster . '~
because there are monsters out ther£'~
Distinguishing the monsters from -Til
the gentlemen must be a difficult ^
task, certainly one that never crosses
my mind, and one'I'm sure most guys
don't think about.
Ladies, you have my respect, and
gentlemen, don't be offended when
you get the Jack the Ripper treatment
It's nothing personal.
Scott Martin is associate copy editor of
'Die Auburn Plainsman. You can reach
him at 844-9108.
Random acts of kindness take root all over
JON CULVER
jculver@theplainsman.com
A month ago at the
MTV Video Music Awards,
former Vice President Al
Gore made an appearance
to speak about his big
issue: global warming
(much to the tune of "An
Inconvenient Truth").
Gore's speech lasted only
two and a half minutes,
but his message about this
very real threat struck a
frightening cord with the
crowd — he left the stage
to overwhelming applause.
It struck a cord with me,
too, but for a different reason.
I was impressed that
MTV would devote their
highly coveted VMA air-time
to something so selfless.
On their biggest night of
the year, they felt compelled
to detour from the
awards and talk about
something important to
them. It was very much
the responsible, cool thing
to do, and I applaud them
for that.
MTV has taken other
such initiatives for a slew
of other causes, but they're
not the only ones jumping
on this trend.
Last Saturday was the
Worldwide Day of Play, a
day designed to get youngsters
out of the house and
away from their TVs to,
well, play and be active.
Sponsored by the American
Heart Association, it is
part of the growing effort
to save our youth from
succumbing to being lazy
and fat when they grow up.
Nickelodeon, certainly a
culprit in the degeneration
of our youth, embraced the
Day of Play and suspended
its normal programming
last Saturday for the Day
of Play.
For three straight hours,
it displayed only a message
telling kids to go outside
and play.
Or how about Bill Gates
and Warren Buffett, the
two richest men in the
universe. Both have
pledged most of their billions
not to their families,
but to _______
benevolent
global causes
like
poverty and
AIDS prevention.
Even
something
as small as _______
Kraft's
advice to low-carb dieters,
"count calories, too,"
appears on some of their
food labels.
I call this to your attention
because it is rare that
we get to celebrate the
noble acts of big business.
It is really, really, really
refreshing to see priorities
shifting away from the
"profit is everything" mentality
that ran especially
rampant the past decade
<
or so (Enron, anybody?).
It shows responsibility, '
corporate character and
perhaps a glimmer of hope
that the better times are
still ahead of us.
But this is also a call to
action. Now that the big,
bad corporations have
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ actually
stepped up
and done
the good
thing, you
really have
no excuse.'
Do
something
—————— small —
give blood
or go play basketball with
the kids at the Boykin
Center.
Me? I'm heading downtown
looking for grandmas
who need help
crossing the street. And all
1 wanna know is, who's
coming with me?
Jon Culver is design editor of
The Auburn Plainsman. You
can reach him at 844-9105.
"It shows responsibility,
corporate character
and perhaps a
glimmer of hope that
the better times are
still ahead of us."
(
Thursday. Oct.. 5,2006 Che Hubuin plainsman A9
Republicans decline debate invite
Libertarians,
Democrats to
debate alone
By SARAH BROCK
Senior Reporter
'. The College Republicans
declined an invitation from the
Auburn University Libertarians to
attend a three-party debate Oct.
26.
; In announcing the decision,
College Republicans offered a
February date for a two-party
debate between the Republicans
and Libertarians.
"1 didn't feel there's any need to
debate them (Democrats and
Libertarians) twice," said Kristy
Cottrell, chairwoman of College
Republicans. "Hopefully, students
can already form their opinion
without us attending a third
debate."
The decision, which was
announced last Friday, ensures
that the campus will not see a
three-party debate before the
November election.
"I think that they don't want us
to debate them before the election
because they're afraid we'll
steal voters from them," said
Grace Toles, president of Auburn
University Libertarians.
Cottrell said Republicans want
to debate the _________
Libertarians, and
they are willing to
find a suitable date
next semester for a
debate.
Cottrell also said
because the
Libertarians are economically
conservative
and socially liberal,
the Democrats
and Republicans
would want to „^^__^_
debate different
issues with them, which makes
separate debates better.
"I think if the other parties
"I think that they
don't want us to
debate them before
the election because
they're afraid we'll
steal voters from
them."
Grace Toles
A U Libertarian president
stepped back and removed their
emotions, they'd see that (separate
debates) is what's best not
just for the Republicans, but for
all three parties and Auburn
University," Cottrell said.
Jeffrey Ioimo, College
Democrats president, said he is
disappointed the Republicans
decided not to join the debate.
"I thought this was a great way
__________ to do what the
College Republicans
wanted and at the
same time do what's
best for the campus,"
Ioimo said. "I think
that would have satisfied
all sides."
The Auburn
Libertarians have
invited Rep. Mike
Hubbard to attend
the debate to get
____^mmm some Republican
, representation, but
the group has not received a
response from him yet.
The Libertarians are also con-
Upcomlng Debates
Oct. 17:
Who: College Republicans
and College Democrats
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lowder 113A
Oct. 26:
Who: College Libertarians
and College Democrats
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Haley 3195
sidering protesting the two-party
debate Oct. 17 between the
Republicans and Democrats.
"It's disappointing that the
College Republicans refuse to
participate in an open forum that
would help students," Toles said.
"Having a closed debate is not
what's best for voters."
Pete Riley / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Jalen Reese rides the bumper cars at the Lee County Fair on Tuesday night. The fair includes a carousel, a Ferris wheel, other rides, midway games and
shows. The fairgrounds are located on Highway 431 near Opelika High School and Southern Union Community College.
FAIR
> From A1
"It's all about teamwork," Sexton said "It's all
about working well with others."
Sexton said the teamwork helps prevent accidents.
"We don't have very many accidents, but
when people don't work together, they happen,"
he said.
The fair isn't all fun and games, ironically.
There are livestock shows, which feature goats
today, and the Opelika Exchange Club
Exhibition Hall, which showcases educational,
community, family and science exhibits.
"We hope the turnout will be better than last
year," Cook said.
"On one of the main days, it started raining.
Rain always turns people away."
There's also a beauty pageant, the Beauty and
Talent contest, for young ladies ages 2 to 18.
The pageant is a qualifying event for the Miss
Alabama competition. _ _ _ _ _ _ - ——
This is the reason 12-
year-old James David
Miracle and his family, all
of Auburn, attended the
fair. The young boy has a
crush on Morgan
Woodall, one of the beauty
pageant's contestants.
"We've come to the fair
for the past seven years or
so, but we came this year _______________
because my son likes a little
girl over there and he wanted to see her," said
Bobby Miracle, the father of James David.
The Exchange Club livens the typical fairground
arena with live music ranging from
bluegrass to Southern gospel.
.There's a number of games of skill on the midway
brought by "Momma Gang," her son
Dewayne Gang and its crew.
"We've come to the fair for the
past seven years or so, but we
came this year because my son
likes a little girl over there and he
wanted to see her."
their hand at the Beer Bottle Bust and many
fishing attractions, which promise a prize with
every game.
The James Gang Amusement Inc. group travels
all across the Southeast. An organization
asks them to come, and they arrive, literally,
with bells and whistles.
"The hardest part is the jumps, the moves,
but my favorite part is the tear-down and
setup," Sexton said. "I love the work."
The crew lives in the amusement park. White
trailers line the outside of the fairgrounds and,
later, will be filled with the fairground workers.
Living away from home, except for those individuals
who come to help from the surrounding
communities, for months on end is worth the
benefits provided by the amusement company.
Besides providing living arrangements, the
group pays a lump sum and lets the employees
take certain items, such as toiletries and cigarettes,
out of their pay rather than having to get
them themselves, Sexton said.
The Exchange Club has used the James Gang
_________________ group for many years.
"We know they're good
people. We've checked
them out," Cook said.
"Back in the days when
all the counties had one
(a fair), they had them in
the county seat," said
Wayne Swindall, an
Exchange Club member
and associate professor at
__________________ Auburn.
"Most counties don't anymore.
Nobody cares about them, but we hang
on."
Although fairs are dwindling, the Exchange
Club will continue to sponsor the event as long
as its funds hold steady.
"We talked about doing an East Alabama fair
here, inviting Walker. Chamber, Tallapoosa,
whoever touches Lee County," Swindall said.
Bobby Miracle
father of 12-year-old James Miracle
IMJLoad
' neth T. Jackson''
Adults and children alike are welcome to try Fairs are fun for all ages, and Lee County s is
Pete Riley / ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR
Jaycie Saint throws a ball at one of the many
booths at the Lee County Fair on Tuesday night.
The fair continues through Saturday and opens
each day at 6 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults.
no exception. It's a harmless look into one of
America's oldest traditions.
The fair opens at 6 p.m. daily until Saturday.
Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children
younger than 12.
If nothing else, young ladies and gentlemen
are welcome to use the fair as a "cheap date,"
Swindall said.
Spencer SUntii I ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Columbia University professor Kenneth T. Jackson
begins the Littleton-Franklin lecture series with his
speech, "The Road to Hell."
Lecture series
begins with
discussion on
suburb sprawl
By TORI ALLEN
Staff Writer
Last Thursday in the Science Center
Auditorium, Columbia University professor
Kenneth T.Jackson told a packed audience about
the dangers of a relatively new phenomenon
known as suburban sprawl.
Jackson's speech, "The Road to Hell:
Transportation Policy and the Decline of the
United States," was this semester's first installment
of the University's Littleton-Franklin
Lectures, a four-part series that aims to "address
the pervasive problem of retaining our humanity
and ideals in a rapidly developing technological
society."
Though many attendees were staff members at
Auburn University, several students were also in
attendance.
"It's something that I'm really fascinated with,"
said Daniel Burson, a senior in building science.
"It was not required for class."
Jackson's speech focused on how transportation
in metropolitan areas has changed the landscape
completely, driving a high percentage of
city-dwellers into the surrounding suburbs.
He began the speech by showing pictures of
abandoned buildings in downtown Detroit that
were once train stations and other prominent
sites. He expressed disdain about the number of
people moving away from the once-thriving
Motor City.
"Detroit in 1950 was two million people,"
Jackson said. "Now it's less than one million, so
half of the people are gone."
Other cities that are shrinking in population
include Buffalo, N.Y.; Cleveland; Philadelphia:
Baltimore; and St. Louis, Mo. Jackson said St.
Louis had a population of 858,000 in 1950 but
only 348,000 in 2000, a loss of approximately 60
percent.
One reason Jackson gave for this mass exodus
is the rapid development of highways and public
transportation.
"The general rule in the United States is if you
like to buy expensive things, expensive clothes,
drive an expensive car, it's a free country, and
you're allowed to do that," Jackson said.
Another of Jackson's main concerns was the
amount of energy consumed by the United
States.
Statistically, he said families spend 10 percent
of their income on transportation, including public
transportation. If including gasoline, the average
family spends 18 to 20 percent of their
income on transportation.
America also uses 11 million barrels of oil
every two days, which is more oil than Japan used
during a year in World War II, according to.
Jackson. Though the United States accounts for
only 5 percent of the world's population, it creates
25 percent of the planet's pollution.
"We are the world's biggest polluter by far,"
Jackson said.
Jackson ended his speech by contrasting New
Haven, Conn., and Newark, N.J., as two cities that
have developed in different directions.
New Haven is one of the most affluent cities in
the United States, and Newark is one of the poorest.
Jackson is a Jacques Barzun professor of history
and the social sciences at Columbia University.
He was most known for his course on the history
of New York City and sponsors an annual nighttime
bike ride from Morningside Heights in
Manhattan to the Promenade in Brooklyn.
This year, there will be three more speakers in
the Littleton-Franklin Lectures series, including
Roald Hoffman on Oct 24, Alondra Oubre on Feb.
27, and L. Hunter Lovins on April 17. All speeches
are in the Science Center Auditorium and
begin at 4 p.m.
>
A10 (Djr aubmn pamsinan Thursday, Oct. 5,2006
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
• •
Open Night Tonight!
7:00pm in Foy 217
Composed a song, written a poem, or
have a great stand-up routine?
We want to hear it!
Free refreshments! Sign up at the door!
B lb*" %** j l» ^St^ of the Bands
Tuesday, October 10
6:00pm at the Student Act Pavilion
Come watch students
compete for cash!
FREE FOOD!
or Movie
Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest
Wednesday, October 11
Cater Lawn at 7:00pm
Free popcorn and coke!
For more Information:
www.auburn.edu/upc
upc@auburn.edu
844-5292 AUBURN UNIVERSITY
A10 <D)c Auburn plainsman Thursday, Oct 5,2006
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Open Night Tonight!
7:00pm in Foy 217
Composed a song, written a poem, or
have a great stand-up routine?
We want to hear it!
Free refreshments! Sign up at the door!
Battle of the Bands
Tuesday, October 10
6:00pm at the Student Act Pavilion
Come watch students
compete for cash!
FREE FOOD!
Outdoor Movie
Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest
Wednesday, October 11
Cater Lawn at 7:00pm
Free popcorn and coke!
For more Information:
www.auburn .edu/upc
upc@auburn.edu
844-5292
UPC
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
I
Wl)t Auburn ipiatnsfman CAMPUS Live to Ride
Auburn Riders
motorcycle club rides
into its first fall
PAGE B6
Classifieds
Campus Calendar
Back in History B
October 5,2006
TigerCard troubles
keep students at gate
By SARAH DAY OWEN
Assistant Campus Editor
Students who got the red
light at the last home football
game will be able to scan their
TigerCards this week to make
sure they have the green light
to go in the normal student
gates.
David Robinson, manager of
TigerCard, said problems were
experienced with the reader
during the last home game.
Branan Mercer, a senior in
fine arts, was one of the students
who had a problem with
his TigerCard.
He said his card didn't work
for the LSU or Buffalo games,
and after the card scanned red,
he received a ticket stub to go
to the problem ticket line.
He wasn't sure how many
students had problems at the
LSU game because he went in
early, he said.
"There was a line at the
Buffalo game," he said.
He said he thought there
might be a number of students
with the same problem.
Stephen Naughton, director
of athletic ticket sales, said students
can scan their cards at
the ticket booth between Gates
6 and 7 which will let students
know if there is a problem with
their card.
The scanner was available
starting Tuesday and will be
open until 4 p.m. Friday,
Naughton said.
He said if students are still
getting a red light, they can go
to the Web site from which they
ordered tickets to view their
order.
> Turn to TIGERCARD, B2
University of Alabama set to
pass Auburn in enrollment
Bush consults AU expert on ethanol
By ASHLEY KILCREASE
StaffWriter
Many things contribute to
Auburn's reputation, but after
this fall, being Alabama's largest
educational institution may not
be one of them.
Auburn has had the highest
student enrollment in the state
for 57 years, but the University of
Alabama may take the lead this
year.
Alabama reported 23.878 students
enrolled this semester,
indicating a 10 percent jump in
enrollment from last year.
The freshman class has
increased 17 percent since last
fall, with 4,378 new students.
Auburn University has recorded
a total enrollment of 23,544
students, the largest student
body in Auburn history.
'Auburn University is at our
all-time high (enrollment), and
that number reflects a long
standing goal that the Board of
Trustees set of 25.000," said John
Fletcher, assistant vice president
of enrollment services. "And
we're close to our goal."
Indeed, Auburn is not far off.
The University is aiming for
20,000 undergraduate students
and 5,000 graduate students.
This semester there are 19,367
undergraduates, 3,245 graduate
students and 935 professional
students.
Even though the University of
Alabama has more students this
fall, Auburn is pushing for quality
over quantity.
Auburn's fall 2006 freshman
class had an average ACT score
of 24.3 and an average high
school GPA of 3.56, the highest in
Auburn history.
Auburn University automatically
admitted students who met
the standard of an ACT score of
22 and a high school GPA of 3.0.
The faculty-to-student ratio at
Auburn is 1:16, while at the
University of Alabama it's 1:18.
Fletcher also said Auburn students
are only regularly admitted.
There are no conditional
admissions to Auburn.
Frugal students may be choosing
the University of Alabama
over Auburn because the tuition
is less expensive.
>• Turn to KAMA. B2
Paul Mone / WHITE HOUSE
President George W. Bush speaks about alternative fuel and its importance at a new alternative fueling station to provide E85 in Hoover
Thursday. In Bush's statement to the press he made reference to Auburn University as a leader in alternative fuel research.
President meets
with professor on
alternative fuel use
By MARY HOOD
Assistant Campus Editor
David Bransby represented
Auburn University in a briefing
to President Bush about alternative
fuel in Hoover last
Thursday.
The fuel, called E85, can be
used to replace oil, helping
both the
e c o n o t n y
and t he-e
n v i r o n ment.
Bransby,
p r o f e s s o r
of agronomy
and
soil, was
invited by
the White
House to attend the briefing.
"What I was told was that
the White House contacted
(Auburn University President
Ed Richardson's) office in
Samford Hall and requested
Bransby
that I'd be involved," Bransby
said. "I was asked to talk on
ethanol produced from fibrous
type of material."
Bransby is an expert in
switchgrass and bioenergy,
which he has been studying for
20 years.
He said there were five people
included in the briefing —
Gov. Riley, Hoover Mayor Tony
Petelos, Phillip Weidmeyer
from Central Alabama Clean
Cities, Hoover Fleet Manager
David Lindon and himself.
The day before the briefing,
a rehearsal was held, and the
participants went through a
dry run of the presentation,
Bransby said.
"At least we knew where we
were going to be and there
weren't any major surprises,"
he said.
One of Bransby's main
objectives in his brief, he
added, was to inform Bush
that the University is a leader
in alternative fuel research.
In a report he sent to
Auburn University, Bransby
said he told Bush that Auburn
plans to be active in his
Advanced Energy Initiative.
Richardson has committed
$3 million to the expansion.
Bransby said he hopes the
money will go toward projects
like genetic improvement of
switchgrass, development of
forest resources for energy,
conversion of pulp and paper
mills to biorefineries and' a
strong emphasis on commercializing
cellulosic ethanol.
"I wanted to let him know
that up front," Bransby said.
He said he also talked to
Bush about what was needed
at the national level.
Bransby made reference to
Bush's State of the Union
address in which the president
said he would like to replace
75 percent of the oil imported
from the Middle East with cellulosic
oil.
Bush focused on turning
corn into ethanol, but realizes
the need for more ways of producing
it.
Bransby also told Bush of a
small company in Mississippi
that he had just visited.
This company has begun to
build a commercial plant for
alternative fuel. It is only
halfway finished, but if the
funding comes through, the
plant can be functional in a
year.
After explaining this,
Bransby told Bush cellulosic
oil may become commercial,
with his help, before Bush
leaves office.
Bransby said if Bush would
like to meet this goal of switching
from oil to ethanol by his
target date, 2025, the switch
needs to be a quick one.
"I told him about stuff that
he wasn't really aware of,"
Bransby said.
In his report, Bransby mentioned
that he told Bush there
were two technologies for producing
ethanol from biomass
and what the difference is.
"He was encouraged by what
I had to tell him," Bransby said,
adding that he was honored to
be part of the briefing.
"I felt it was a privilege and
an incredible opportunity, personally
rewarding and professionally
rewarding," he said.
V Turn to BRANSBY, B2
Ross Hall renovations complete, building reopens doors to students
Spencer Stands / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
For a year and a half, Ross Hall was under construction. The dedication
ceremony for the building took place Sept. 23. The exterior
facade is all that remains from the original building, which was built
in the 1920s.
By MIRANDA MATTHEIS
Associate Campus Editor
For approximately a year and a half, Ross
Hall has undergone renovations. Ross Hall
houses the chemical and mechanical engineering
departments at Auburn, and has
done so for the past few decades.
Christopher Roberts, chemical engineering
department chair, described the complete
renovation as an extensive remodeling
of the structure. ^ ^ ^ _ ^ ^ » «.
"It's hard to put
into words how much
this means to the program,"
Roberts said.
The exterior facade
is all that is left of the
original building.
The windows and . « ^ _ i ^ _ ^ ^ ^^
utilities were
replaced, a new atrium area was built inside
and a major addition was constructed onto
the building.
Other renovations include modern teaching
and research labs and new conference
facilities.
"There are a lot of areas to allow student
and faculty interaction," Roberts said.
The building has faculty and staff offices.
and one auditorium-style classroom.
Many of the classes for chemical engineering
will be held in the classroom, but
other classes for the department are held in
the aerospace engineering building or in
Haley Center.
The building also has computer labs and
upgraded audio and video equipment.
"We're trying to teach our students about
working in teams," said David Dyer,
mechanical engineering department chair.
> ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ — _ _ _ He said the new
video technology will
help with this.
Dyer, who has been
at Auburn for 41
years, said he came
here when there
when the building
_ _ _ _ _ _ „ _ _ didn't even have air
conditioning.
"I was just absolutely thrilled with it," he
said.
Roberts said the renovations turned a
historical landmark on campus into a modern
teaching facility.
Ross Hall, which was built in the 1920s,
was originally home to the chemistry
department At that time, chemical engineering
was part of chemistry.
"it's hard to put into words how
much this means to the program.
Christopher Roberts
department chair, mechanical engineering
Chemical engineering began at Auburn in
1913, and Auburn's program is one of the
oldest in the country.
The building has housed the College of
Engineering for many years.
The dedication ceremony for the new
building was held Sept. 23. This ceremony
served as the grand opening for the building.
Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the
College of Engineering were invited to
attend the ceremony, which included sever1
al speakers and a short presentation, which
was followed by tours of the building.
"We've got some of the best facilities for
chemical engineering," Roberts said.
Dyer said he thinks students and faculty
are "absolutely amazed" at the renovations.
Roberts echoed these remarks.
"I think they're astonished at how different
the building is," Roberts said.
Along with the renovations, Roberts said
he expects positive changes for the chemical
and mechanical engineering programs
as a whole.
"It'll change the way we present material,"
Roberts said.
Dyer said he thinks the renovations will
> Turn to ROSS, B2
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Camp
IN BRIEF
Lunch-time lectures to be
held on Friday
A lecture on the ramifications of contaminated
groundwater in India, given by Mohammad
Shamsudduha from 1 he department of geology
and geography will be held at Pet lie I (all Room ,
118 at noon. Attendees are asked to bring a
lunch. This will begin a series of lectures
hosted by Sigma Xi. scientific research society.
Free directories available for
faculty and students
Campus telephone
directories for 2006-2007
are now available in Foy
near the informal ion
desk. The directories also
contain discount coupons.
Cater Center for Academic
Career Excellence opens
Programs offered include Study Partners, Study
Smart, Supplemental Instruction, Tutoring Services,
UNIV Courses and Auburn's
Living/Learning Communities. Sec next week's
edition of The. Plainsman for the full story.
Faculty lecture series to begin Friday
with First Amendment talk
Auburn professor Steve Brown will speak on
"Legal Right or Gospel Tool;1 The first Amendment
and Religious Expression in the21st Century"
at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
at 3 p.m. tomorrow.
CAMPUS STAFF
ROSS
• From Bl
help with recruiting students and
faculty to the departments.
"I think it'll allow us to recruit more
and better students," he said.
He said the renovations upgrade the
image of the chemical and mechanical
engineering departments at Auburn,
and will make them well respected.
Roberts said the excitement level
about the new building is high.
"It's spectacular," he said.
Spencer Stantis / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
For a year and a half, Ross Hall was
under construction. The building's interior
is completely renovated.
CHASE MITCHELL
Campus Editor
MARY HOOD
Assistant Editor
MIRANDA MATTHEIS
Associate Editor
SARAH DAY OWEN
Assistant Editor
To reach the campus staff, call (334) 844-9118.
they've taken off.
For example, Bransby is seeing
things that he never thought he would
see in his lifetime, like oil companies
such as BP, Shell, Chevron and Conoco
Phillips investing in renewable energy.
"They need to be energy companies
— not oil companies," he said.
Jeff Emerson, communications
director for Riley, said the governor
has proposed to legislation tax incentives
to help gas stations be converted
to offer biofuels.
"We don't have that in Alabama
right now," Emerson said.
Emerson said Riley has also pro-
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ posed tax credit for
individuals to purchase
hybrid vehicles.
"Gov. Riley certainly
wants to promote
alternative
fuels," Emerson said.
Bransby will now
be traveling to
_ _ _ _ _ _ Washington, D.C.,
where he has been
invited to what he calls "a very high
level meeting" Friday with Sir Richard
Branson, owner of Virgin Records and
Virgin Atlantic Airlines,
such place where good research is Branson wants to commit $3 billion
going on is right here in the state of to renewable energy in the next 10
BRANSBY
> I'mm 1(1
Bransby also said he was pleased
with the briefing, and with Bush's
responses.
"He and I understood each other
very well. (He was) very sensitive to
the issues 1 raised with him," Bransby
said.
Bransby said he felt he was effective
in his brief and made Auburn stand
out.
"(It was a) great opportunity for me
to promote Auburn University," Bransby
said. "(It is) evi- _ _ ^ _ ^ _ .
dent I was successful
given that he
referred to Auburn
to the press."
President Bush's
statement in which
he mentions Auburn
and Bransby can be
found at www.white-house.
gov. ____,_____
"And so the federal
government has committed to spending
a fair amount of your money to
research other ways to make ethanol,"
Bush said in the statement. "And one
"ifelt it was a privilege and
an incredible opportunity,
personally rewarding and
professionally rewarding.
David Bransby
professor, agronomy and soil
BAMA
>• From 111
In fall 2006, a full-time, in-state undergraduate's
tuition for a semester at Alabama was $2,639, compared
to $2,724 at Auburn. But Auburn is taking
steps to better help high-achieving students with
tuition costs.
In a meeting last week, the Board of Trustees
agreed to allocate more than $2 million to the
scholarship fund. The money isn't intended to
increase enrollment, but more scholarship monev
is hoped to "attract even more outstanding students,"
Fletcher said.
The Board of Trustees also agreed to improve
recruiting strategies to enroll successful students.
"(Auburn is) perhaps not the largest, but we certainly
want to be the best in the state," Fletcher
said.
Alabama at Auburn University."
The meeting left Bransby feeling
"very optimistic" about the future of
alternative fuel.
"In fact, 1 told (Bush), I think there's
a landmark in the history of renewable
energy in this country." Bransby
said.
Bransby said before, things were
moving at "a snail's pace," but now
years, Bransby said.
This amount of money, Branson
said, is "way more than our government
has ever thought about."
Bransby said he's excited to meet
with him and talk about renewable
energy and to see "what an incredible
person he is."
"He's about to do certain things very
quickly," Bransby said.
TIGERCARD
From HI
If a student's card is not working, it
can be because of three problems: the
student either does not have tickets, is
not enrolled at Auburn or the card
used is not the most recent card,
Naughton said.
He said there are "nice big f
down by the scanner with information
for students having problems with
their cards.
He said he encouraged students to
go by and scan their cards to make
sure the card is working correctly.
"They've got it organized," Naughton
said.
This weekend there will be an engineer
on site, he said.
The Arkansas game is included on
mini-season ticket packages, so a good
turnout is expected, Naughton said.
He doesn't foresee any problems.
"They will even replace a card on
gameday," he said.
Robinson said there is a list of times
the TigerCard office will be open to
replace cards on each gameday on the
TigerCard Web site. This Saturday's
hours will be from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.
The office is adjacent to the food
court in Foy.
Oct. 2,2006
Bill / Resolution: Presented By:
PSSB 06-1002-01: Program
Expansion Fund
PSSB 06-1002-02: Probationary
Charter, Auburn Students
for Life
PSSB 06-0417-03: Permanent
Charter, Club Italiano
PSSB 06-0417-04: O-Fund
Request, Turkish Student Organization
PSSB 06-0417-05: Probation
ary Charter, Association of
Black Journalists
This bill came from Matt Jenkins,
Budget and Finance chair
This bill came from Kristy Cot-trell,
co-chair Organizations
Board; Trip Brown, senator at-large
This bill came from Kelly
Roper, Organizations Board
chair
This bill came from Kelly
Roper, Organizations Board
chair
This bill came from Kelly-
Roper, Organizations Board
chair
Vote:
34-0, passes in favor of the
bill.
34-0, passes in favor of the
bill.
34-0, passes in favor of the
bill.
34-0, passes in favor of the
bill.
34-0, passes in favor of the
bill.
Extra Comments:
This bill gave the Black Student
Union $7,000 for the
BSU Comedy Show.
This bill gave a probationary
charter to a new organization
that allows students to
voice their opposition to
abortion and to promote the
pro-life cause.
This bill granted a permanent
charter to an organization
whose purpose is to
increase knowledge of Italian
culture and language.
This bill granted $601.15 to
the Turkish Student Organization
for a Turkish National
Holiday dinner food and supplies.
This bill granted a probationary
charter to the AUABJ,
which unites students for the
interests of black journalism
and communication students.
Thursday, Pel. 5,2006 Cl)f auburn ^lainsnnin B3
Organization raises money as
students abstain from eating
Muslim Student
Association asks
students to fast
for Ramadan
By SARAH DAY OWEN
Assistant Campus Editor
For some Auburn students,
going hungry today means
giving others in the state who
are hungry every day something
to eat.
The Muslim Students Association's
Fast-A-Thon, benefiting
the East Alabama Food
Bank, is taking ^ ^ _
place today.
Non-Muslim
students participating
in
the Fast-A-Thon
will also
understand
the hunger ^ _ _ ^ _ ^_
Muslim students
experience each day
during Ramadan, a tradition
of the Islamic faith that followers
are participating in
this month.
Asim Ali, junior adviser for
the Muslim Students Association,
said the Fast-A-Thon
asks for students to sign up
and pledge to fast from sunrise
to sunset.
Local businesses have
agreed to donate $5 for each
person signed up, he said.
He said Auburn students do
"Fasting is one of the
pillars of Islam."
Mohammad Biswas
president of Muslim Student
. . Association
many things to help the East
Alabama Food Bank, but the
Fast-A-Thon is different
because it's more personalized.
"You feel what they're going
through," Ali said.
He said there are many people
in the state, and even in
Auburn, who don't eat
because they can't.
Mohammad Biswas, a junior
in chemical engineering
and president of the association,
said he encourages all
Auburn students and faculty
members to fast today.
"Fasting is one of the pillars
of Islam," Biswas said.
_ ^ _ ^ _ _ He said it
shows followers'
submission
to Allah.
Ramadan
lasts 29 to 30
days, depending
on the
1 > - 1^^^_-— lunar calendar.
During the
custom, believers fast from
sunrise to sunset each day,
refraining from all food or
drink and negative thoughts
and actions, Biswas said.
"Traditionally, it's a big
thing," he said.
Muslims participate in
Ramadan in accordance with
the teachings of Muhammed,
the prophet of the Islamic
faith.
There are special foods just
for Ramadan, he said.
The Fast-A-Thon will celebrate
the end of the fast with a
big meal for participants.
The fast began at 5:30 a.m.
and will end at 6:30 p.m.
During the week, the association
has had tables on the
Concourse, and sign-up sheets
were also available in Foy Student
Union.
While the last time to sign
up for the Fast-A-Thon was
last night at 5 p.m., Biswas
said anyone is welcome to join
at any time to experience
something they haven't experienced
before by participating
in the fast.
This year's Fast-A-Thon is
the fifth annual event at
Auburn.
Ali said it was founded at
the University of Tennessee in
Knoxville, and was then
brought to Auburn because of
a student who was friends
with a student at UT.
The Fast-A-Thon has
become a national event, with
more than 230 schools participating,
Ali said.
They usually raise approximately
$1,000 to donate to the
East Alabama Food Bank.
Every year it's gotten better,
Ali said.
Biswas said one of the key
things to realize about the
Fast-A-Thon is that it is helping
the problem of hunger.
He said students should
realize we are all people and
should reach out to help one
another in other countries as
well as right here in Alabama.
Back// History
What made headlines on the Plains...
5 years ago.
October 2001 — Following
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks,
the FBI requests student
records from Auburn University students
on temporary visas.
While records were requested from
many universities across the nation,
Auburn was chosen because of the
flight training and aviation management
programs.
The Board of Trustees gave approval
for expansion to Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The addition of 25 luxury suites and
3,500 club-level seats will bring in an
additional $5.8 million each season.
The $45 million project has an expected
completion date of 2004.
For the first time in seven years, the
Tigers defeated the No. 1 Florida
Gators.
15 years ago.
October 1991 —
Because of a 6 percent proration
in the state education
budget,
Auburn's state funding will be cut $8.8
million. Auburn's money was reduced
from $146.5 million to $137.8 million.
The proration in the state education
budget could cause a possible 8 to 10 percent
increase in tuition the next year.
Parking services issued 13,190 C- Zone
hang tags this year, but there are only
3,840 C-Zone parking spaces.
The Alabama Department of Environmental
Management in suing Willow
Run Farms, a local dairy, because of
problems with cow waste in Chewacla
Creek
Auburn indirectly draws water from
the creek.
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Casey Smith / PHOTO STAFF
YES participants work with hands-on activities to learn more about science and math. The YES program
is offered on Saturdays in the fall.
Program teaches kids science
"it's the perfect age to show kids
new things about science they've
probably never seen before."
By SARAH DAY OWEN
Assistant Campus Editor
During the weekend, while students took a
break from classes, Auburn was the site for
other classes — "Finding Hidden Treasure,"
"Games, Puzzles and Geometry" and "Heroic
Plants," to name a few.
The fall YES outreach program for the College
of Sciences and Mathematics had a day of
hands-on experiments for seventh to ninth
grade students Saturday on Auburn's campus.
"It is the perfect age to ^ —
show kids new things
about science they've
probably never seen
before," said Mary Lou
Ewald, director of outreach.
She said the program
helps keep the participants
interested in sci- _ « _ — _ ^ _ _
ence.
Kristy Farmer, YES camp director, said it
refreshes faculty members who volunteer for
the camp.
The 150 participants who attended Saturday's
camp came from across the state, from
Birmingham to rural areas.
Farmer said the program is free for participants,
so people who may not have been able
to come otherwise can attend.
The fundraising for the program came from
a grant from Stewart Schneller, the dean of the
College of Sciences and Mathematics, she
said.
Ewald said Schneller supports a lot of grade
school outreach.
"He's supportive of basic science literacy,"
Ewald said.
The camp will be wider reaching than just
the kids, Ewald said.
The students will be able to go home and
share with their parents what they learned.
The camp teaches students things as
advanced as using global positioning systems
and separating proteins, Farmer said.
"How many kids, how many people know
how to use a GPS?" Farmer said.
Toni Alexander, assistant professor of geography,
taught the "Fjnding Hidden Treasure"
course.
This program taught participants how to
locate boxes of "treasures" in hidden spots on
campus by using GPS technology.
Jennifer Trusty, a post-doctorate researcher
Mary Lou Ewald
director of outreach
for Auburn, and her husband Tug Kessler, a
graduate student in biology, taught the "Heroic
Plants" course in the Science Center Laboratories,
leading students in experiments with
plants.
Trusty said volunteering with the YES camp
helps her get in touch with what students are
doing and catch some of their excitement.
"(It) feels like you reach some of the kids,"
Kessler said.
He said they try to make science fun.
Most college volunteers are from the
^ ^ ^ _ ^ _ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ _ Auburn area, Ewald said,
some coming from Alpha
Epsilon Delta, an honorary
fraternity for pre-med
students, or from
the Association for
Women In Science.
Farmer said
approximately 30 college
_ _ , _ , _ _ _ _ _ students volunteered.
Another volunteer,
Dannena Bowman, a graduate student in geology,
said the camp keeps students hooked into '
science.
Other volunteers at the program were from
the Leadership Institute for Females Exceptional
in Science, Alexander said.
The high school girls in the program benefited
from a previous program.
To give back, they mentored younger students,
Bowman said.
Alexander said girls lose interest in science
between middle school and high school, but
the institute program helps "stop the leak" and
keep girls interested in the subject.
The YES program is held two to three times
a year.
In the spring, the program will also have a
day for elementary school students, Ewald
said.
Many students look forward to it each year
and some students came during the summer
to a camp YES session held then, she said.
"We see a lot of repeat students," Ewald said.
She said the event started eight years ago as
a pre-football game science camp.
Once they realized many students were"
coming just for the camps and not staying for
the football games, they changed the camps to-non-
football weekends.
Ewald said the program gets these young
students to college and helps make it a reality.
"It makes them want to come to college,"
Farmer said.
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B4 QTbc Subtu n plainsman Thursday, Oct, 5,2(K)6
Online service helps
students find tickets
known as
By A.K. DAVIS
Staff Writer
Auburn's football team has had an
undefeated season so far, but many
students are unable to enjoy the
team's success because they don't
have student tickets. The University-accepted
a record number of freshmen
this year, many of whom couldn't
manage to get season — or even
mini-season — football tickets.
Fortunately, they now have help in
Ti.xology (www.tixOlogy.com), a new
Web site that uses Facebook to allow
students to trade or sell football tickets.
The site, formerly
Facetix, was created
by Nathan Jones and
Dave Gentzel
because, as Jones
said, "Tickets are in
short supply — that's
just the way the system
works."
Jones and Gentzel
graduated from Virginia
Tech last year, and after Face-book
released its application
programming interface to the public,
they worked together to launch their
project
The interface is basically the information
on the Facebook Web site. It's
not the code that makes up Facebook
but the actual student information,
such as a user's friend list.
Anyone with a Facebook account
can use Tixology. The login information
is the same, and no registration
is required.
Tixology even uses the Facebook
layout for its login screen. Once
logged in. a user's friend list appears
with tickets for sale. A list of non-friend
tickets can also be generated.
Jones said he hopes students will
use Tixology to swap tickets in person
and not have to mail them, though he
said he understands that young
"Tickets are in short
supply— that's just the
way the system works."
alumni will probably use it as well.
However, older alumni and most
high school students without access
to Facebook will have trouble using
Tixology.
As far as the Facebook interface
goes, Gentzel said, "Facebook doesn't
even know about us."
He emphasized that Facebook's
interface is open to the public and
free, which makes his service legal.
"We openly discourage scalping
tickets," Jones said about ticket pricing.
Students are allowed to arrange the
trade or sale of their tickets on their
own — Tixology only alerts the user
when the tickets they need are avail-
_ ^ _ _ _ _ _ _ able and allows a user
to post their tickets.
It's then up to the
ticket holder to
decide whether to
trade or sell.
You can even trade
with students at other
_ — _ ^ _ — schools, though it
would be harder for
them to get the tickets themselves.
Gentzel said charging
for tickets is usually illegal and
students need to know the laws in
their area before they openly sell their
tickets.
The listings do not mention a price.
Jones said they did this to discourage
the idea of bidding and upping prices.
Jones and Gentzel wanted to get
away from the methods employed by
eBay, where students have sold tickets
in the past.
Because Tixology is not promoted
by Facebook, it is almost blank. It
may be a helpful tool, hut unless students
start using it. it won't be able to
provide students with tickets.
"We're still new in town. The more
people you tell about us, the more
likely you are to get tickets now, next
week and next year," the Web site
said.
Nathan Jones
nxology co-creator
Students pursue alternative Greek life
By SARAH DAY OWEN
Assistant Campus Editor
For some fraternities on campus,
the bond that brings them together
may be different than the traditional
social fraternity.
Organizations such as Alpha Eta
Rho, Auburn's professional aviation
fraternity, Omega Phi Alpha, a national
service sorority, and Kappa Psi, a
pharmacy fraternity, strengthen their
bonds through specific common
goals.
"The group has become most of my
best friends," said Sean Keeley, a senior
in aviation management professional
flight and pledge master for
Alpha Eta Rho.
Keeley said Alpha Eta Rho tries to
bring together people with similar
interests. Most members fly at
Auburn, he said.
Leigh Priester, secretary of Kappa
Psi, said the fraternity is like a traditional
Greek fraternity specifically for
members of the pharmacy school.
For service sorority Omega Phi
Alpha, the common bond is service.
Mary Beth Hogan, a senior in English,
said Omega Phi Alpha, or O Phi
A, is a national service sorority whose
purpose is to serve the City of
Auburn, the University and nations of
the world.
Like Panhellenic sororities and IFC
fraternities, these fraternities also
hold rush and have official pledging
periods.
Hogan said O Phi A has fall and
spring rush in which potential members
come for a four-night rush period,
which includes a get-to-know-you
type night, working on a service project,
an interview night and Bid Night.
If a person receives a bid, they go
through a 10-week pledging period,
during which they complete seven
service projects and fellowship events
with "actives," or sisters.
"It's kind of a compressed case of
exactly what you'll do as an active,"
Hogan said.
For pharmacy fraternity Kappa Psi,
"P-ones," or first-year pharmacy stu-
Michael Claborn / PHOTO EDITOR
Officers Andrea Becker, Quinn McGill, Andrea Mann and Martha Antrobus lead
members of Omega Phi Alpha in voting. This service sorority meets every Monday
night in Foy Student Union to discuss service projects and social event's.
dents, can attend informal and formal
rush, Priester said.
She said informal rush is usually a
barbecue at Kiesel Park, and formal
rush is a nice dinner at Greystone.
P-ones who decide to join fill out
bid cards and attend pledge meetings
until initiation into Kappa Psi during
the fall semester, she said.
For Alpha Eta Rho aviation fraternity,
there is one semester of pledge-ship,
Keeley said.
Members of the fraternities may
not have a house, but for some Alpha
Eta Rho members, their fraternity
house is the sky, as many members fly
together.
When they're not Hying, members
give airport tours for 2- to 5-year-old
children, help with visiting alumni, go
on a retreat and have a formal in the
spring, Keeley said.
"We do tailgates for the football
games," he said.
Some members also have steak
nights at their houses, he said.
Hogan says O Phi A service sororitv
also does fun things like formals and
fellowship events.
"We still really employ the social
aspect," she said.
Priester said members of Kappa Psi
participate in the national philanthropy
for diabetes and have socials
and formals.
Keeley said Alpha Eta Rho is unlike
traditional fraternities because it
doesn't have a high level of commitment.
Members only pay dues and
attend weekly meetings.
For O Phi A, Hogan said commitment
is high. Chapter meetings, participation
in seven service projects,
and attendance at three fellowship
events per semester are required.
O Phi A focuses on service, leadership
and friendship, Hogan said.
"I feel like our main focus is the
service," she said.
She said she hopes members will
take away an instilled spirit of service
that goes beyond college after they
graduate.
Being a member of Alpha Eta Rho,
which only has 40 chapters in the
nation, can help members make contacts
in the field, Keeley said.
Priester said Kappa Psi is a diverse
group that all comes together.
"Everyone has a common goal, and
that is to be a pharmacist," Priester
said.
DON'T
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W n a t I S C l U b 1 1 5 ? It's the ultimate interactive challenge event where you can show off your
racing skills, check out the tightest tailgating vehicles, get your picture taken against cool backdrops and walk
away with some great prizes.
club115 will be at Auburn University near Jordan-Hare Stadium supporting our Tigers Oct. 5th - 7th. So, don't
forget to stop by and check it out. For all the details, just log on to www.club-115.com.
And while you're there, register for your chance to win one of these awesome prizes: a custom tricked-out
Ford F-150 truck, big-screen plasma TV or a $2,500 debit card. Plus, 115 weekly prize giveaways.
•
BOLDMOVES L I N C O L N
Rest h Higher MERCURY
» I
Thursday. Oct. 5,2006 W$t gfaburn -paingman B5
CAMPUS CALENDAR
Campus Calendar is provided to University-chartered organizations. Submit written events to The Plainsman office between 7:30 a.m. and
4:30 p.m., no later than the Monday prior to publication. Limit 30 words. May be edited for pertinent content.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Oct. 9, Priority II students on Oct. 13,
juniors on Oct. 18, sophomores on Oct.
Vote for Aubie in the Capital One 23 and freshmen on Oct. 30.
Bowl: 2006 Mascot Challenge. Vote
online at www.capitalonebowl.com. MEETINGS
Battle of the Bands applications are
due Oct. 5 in Foy Student Union Room
316.
For more information, go to
www.auburn.edu/upc.
Auburn University class rings can
be purchased from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
today and tomorrow in the Haley Center
Lobby.
Students of junior status who have at
least 75 credit hours are invited to purchase
a ring.
For more information, go to
www.auburn.edu/sga.
Listen to "Worldwide Praiz" 9 a.m.
to 11 a.m. Saturdays on WEGL 91.1 FM.
International Gospel Show, live
music, comedy and interviews from
Trinidad, England, Spain and Africa.
Win CDs and T-shirts. Host is "DJ
Madame-Boo"/Eddra Crook.
Listen to "Nu Wine" 6:30 a.m. to 8:30
a.m. Sundays.
Tune in to hear a mix of Christian
underground-hip hop, jazz, reggae,
rock, poetry, garage; local artists, comedians
and interviews.
Win CDs and T-shirts. Host is "DJ
Madame-Boo"/Eddra Crook.
Registration begins today for Priority
I students. Seniors begin registration on
Study Abroad info sessions will be
held at 3 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m.
Fridays in the International Student
Organization Office, located in Foy Student
Union.
Auburn Latino Association of Students
will hold and immigration forum
with speakers at 7 p.m. today in Haley
Center Room 3195.
The forum is in honor of Hispanic Heritage
Month.
For information, contact Jennifer
Smith at smitjmi@auburn.edu.
Miss Auburn University Pageant
informational meetings will be held at 8
p.m. on Oct. 9 and at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30
p.m. on Oct. 12 in the SGA Office.
Phil Boyer, president of Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association, will be at
Lowder Room 125 on Oct. 19.
Boyer will be the Aviation Management
Advisory Board distinguished visitor.
This is an open session, and the public
is invited.
EVENTS
An exhibition of ceramics, prints
and drawings will be open from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. today at Biggin Gallery in Biggin
Hall.
The exhibition will feature work from
artists Susan O'Brien and Jon Swindler
and will be on display Monday through
Friday until Oct. 6.
Theatre's Godspell performance
will be at 7:30 p.m. today through Oct. 6
at the Telfair Peet Theatre.
The last performance will be at 2:30
p.m. Oct. 8.
For ticket information, go to
www.auburn.edu/upc.
McCraney-Cottle Arts Council presents
The Recreators at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at
Tallassee High School Auditorium. Tickets
are $10 foT adults and $5 for students.
Tickets may be purchased at Tallassee
City Hall or at the door.
The Recreators have performed for
more than 25 years. They feature big
band music of the '40s, '50s, '60s and
'70s.
Open Mic Night will be at 7 p.m. Oct.
5 in Foy Room 217.
For more information, go to
www.auburn.edu/upc.
Football, Fans and Feathers will be
at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Oct. 6 at the
Southeastern Raptor Center.
The event is an educational bird-inflight
program. Tickets are available at
the Auburn University Bookstore in
Haley Center.
Indian Dancing Workshop will be at
7 p.m. Oct. 8 in Foy Ballroom.
For more information, go to
www.auburn.edu/upc.
www.theplainsman.com
OH THE CONCOURSE
Does it matter that the
University of Alabama will
soon pass Auburn in size?
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"It doesn't bother
me. As long as our
football program is
better."
senior,
electrical engineering
"Well we have
better programs, so
I don't know why
people would want
to go there."
Emily Sanders
senior,
human development and
family sciences
"Not really. Just
because they have
more students doesn't
automatically make
them a better
university."
radio, television and film
• interviews by Mary Hood,
assistant Campus editor
stuff that could be used more wisely
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134 (The Auburn # la in SUM it Thursday, Oct. 5,2006
Auburn Riders find fun, freedom through motorcycles
= By MORGAN JOHNSTON
g StaffWriter
MR
JJVith fall semester in full swing and the stress
oCclasses, work and outside obligations ever-inSreasing,
a little release once in a while can
rnSke all the difference.
•One group of Auburn-dwellers has found a
remedy to the doldrums of ___________
ilmly life, and they're taking
itjg the streets.
JJhe Auburn Riders are
tnJJJorcycling enthusiasts
wJtJ) celebrate life with the
wEd at their backs — or in
thair faces. ,
Sbrmally found
