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Bush CD'sListen to The Tiger this Free For All Friday, 10/19, to win the new CD from Bush, "Golden State" before you can buy it. It's not in stores until Tuesday 10/23.Incubus CD's It's another Tiger Win It Before You Can Buy It. Listen all day Monday, 10/22, to win the new CD "Morning View" from Incubus. It's in stores on Tuesday 10/23.Cure's Greatest Hits Listen to The Tiger to win the new Greatest Hits CD from The Cure. It features a special disc of acoustic versions of all the songs. It's in stores on Tuesday November 13th. Listen to The Tiger to win it before you can buy it on Friday November 9th.Access Auburn Debuts The newest source for Auburn news and community information is online for testing. Many functions are available now and more will be coming online during the next few weeks.Rites of Spring, Boys of Summer The Auburn University 2002 baseball season is underway at newly expanded Plainsman Park. Check out the view from the cheap seats and take a look around the park in our photo essay on Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park.Auburn Honors Champs Auburn turned out to honor the 2002 NCAA Champion Women's Swimming and Diving team with a celebration at Toomer's Corner. After a few speeches the crowd and the team rolled the corner.A-Day on the Plains Saturday, April 6, marks the annual A-Day celebration on the Auburn campus. In addition to the spring football scrimmage in Jordan-Hare Stadium at 1 p.m., the baseball Tigers host LSU in a three-game series Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Tropical Alert Tropical Storm Hanna, packing winds of up to 50 mph and the potential for torrential rain is forecast to pass through Auburn, Alabama, sometime Saturday afternoon or evening.Spring is in the Air! Make Access Auburn your home this spring. Check on movies, keep an eye on the weather; or just chill, and listen to some tunes while you catch up on the latest. Access Auburn 24/7.It Starts with the Running Game By Steve RiserAuburn’s Anchors For the Auburn ground assault to live up to its billing this year and quarterback Jason Campbell to match his full potential through the air, it will take a solid performance from an offensive line which is considered to be one top squads in the SEC.Pass or Fail…That is the Question By Steve Riser
Defense is the Name of the Game Only 26 days until the USC Trojans invade Jordan Hare Stadium to take on the much hyped Auburn Tigers. One of the reasons Auburn is receiving so much of their hype is because of their solid defense. This could be Auburn's best defense since the 1997 Auburn Tigers which boasted the likes of Takeo Spikes, Jimmy Brumbaugh, Quinton Reese, Leonardo Carson, and Charles Dorsey. Auburn's defense finished with a bang in 2002. Larry Johnson entered the Capital One Bowl as the top running back in the country. He looked to make minced meat of the Tigers defense. Auburn had other plans holding Johnson to 80 yards on 13 carries and dominating the line of scrimmage. If Auburn is to live up to its preseason billing, much will be expected from a defensive line that returns four starters. Returning at left defensive end is junior Jay Ratliff who is locked in a battle with Bret Eddins for the starting nod. Ratliff is the more athletic of the two, but Eddins is provides solid run support and quietly had a solid year in 2002. Both will see significant playing time this year Returning at noseguard for his senior year is Demarco McNeil. The highly regarded lineman from Pritchard Alabama is listed at 6-2 300 and he is a beast. This is a make or break year for McNeil who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. When McNeil is healthy he is a force in the middle and can flat-out level opposing ball carriers who dare to enter his lair. When I saw McNeil play my freshman year, he brought to me visions of Tampa Bay pro bowler Warren Sapp. If he stays healthy look for this super senior to have a breakout year. Expect sophomores Wayne Dickens and T.J. Jackson to be solid contributors as well. I was impressed with Jackson's freshman campaign and he moves very well for a 300-pound noseguard. Starting alongside McNeil at defensive tackle is Spencer Johnson. At 6-3 289, Johnson takes up an enormous amount of space and is Auburn's most accomplished run stopper. Johnson has also battled injuries. When healthy, he is the heart of Auburn's defense and is as solid as any tackle in the conference. Senior Dexter Murphy who played in all 13 games last year will back up Johnson and will log significant playing time in 2003. Starting at the other defensive end is Reggie Torbor who hails from Baton Rouge, La. Torbor, a four year starter, finished with 3-1/2 sacks in 2002. Torbor is a tremendous speed rusher and did an incredible job of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks last year coming off the corner. He also led Auburn with 12 quarterback hurries and has improved every year to become a permanent fixture at the right end position. Auburn continues to bring in junior college lineman to add depth. Look for Junior college transfer Doug Lagenfield to be an impact player at defensive end. He totaled 16-1/2 sacks as a junior college All-America in 2002 Tony McClain, another junior college transfer, will also contribute immediately and will have 3 years of eligibility remaining. In the 2003 recruiting class Auburn helped themselves by signing eight defensive linemen. This lineman class was highlighted by Quentin Groves and Stanley McClover. The addition of the highly touted lineman McClover keeps the Dillard pipeline open. This recruiting class will solidify Auburn's defensive line for years to come. Expect teams to become quickly frustrated when they are unable to run against Auburn's iron curtain and go to air, especially in the second half. When this happens the defensive line's ability to get to the quarterback and will be crucial. It may be the difference between winning and losing. Remember offense puts people in the seats but defense wins championships.
Auburn's Dynamic Duo January 14, 2003, might just possibly be the most important day for this year's Auburn Tiger football team. In case you've forgotten what happened that day, allow me refresh your memory. That was the day when juniors Dontarrious Thomas and Karlos Dansby decided to return to the Plains for their senior campaigns. When I heard this news, I breathed a sigh of relief along with the rest of the Auburn faithful. It also brought a smile to my face as I knew this would be the year we would be able to make our national championship run. With the return of this dynamic duo, it's no wonder Dansby refers to himself and Thomas as Batman and Robin. Clearly Auburn's linebackers comprise the heart and soul of the Auburn defense. Other than running back, this is definitely Auburn's most talented position. Graduated and gone from 2002 is Mark Brown. He will be missed. Lemarcus Rowell was recently suspended and may never wear orange and blue again. Last July Rowell was charged with driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and carrying a pistol without a permit. Although the door is cracked for Rowell's return, the sophomore will attend junior college this year. Rowell arrived on the plains as the most highly touted linebacking prospect since Takeo Spikes. With sophomore Travis Williams winning the nod at strong side linebacker with a solid showing at spring practice, Rowell's contributions will not be missed as much. Williams who weighed in with a solid freshman campaign plays much bigger than his listed playing weight of 209 pounds. Backing up Travis Williams will be junior Mayo Sowell. Sowell provides depth to a very talented linebacking corp. Starting at middle linebacker is Dontarrious Thomas. Thomas was hampered by injuries a year ago, but looks to bounce back and have an All-SEC type year. He has that kind of ability. Thomas is extrememly athletic and multidimensional as a football player. He played quarterback, receiver, linebacker, and defensive back in high school. Starting at weakside linebacker will be Karlos Dansby. At 6-5 235 pounds Dansby is the most athletic player on the Auburn's defense. Dansby finished his junior campaign with 14 tackles for losses to go along with four sacks and three interceptions. Dansby will undoubtedly hear his name called in the first round of the NFL draft in April of 2004. Dansby possesses a rare combination of quickness, speed and agility. He is an instinctive defender who has a knack for always being around the ball. Dansby has long arms and covers as much ground as any linebacker in the country. Dansby is like a falcon who quietly stalks his prey before swooping down and devouring opposing quaterbacks and ball carriers. Several examples of Dansby's athletic feats come to mind but one in particular stands out. In the 2001 Peach Bowl against North Carolina he caught a pass while in the air and falling out of bounds. Dansby had the presence of mind to flip it in bounds to another defender who pulled in the football for an interception. This play baffled officials who had to confer with one another before finally deciding to award Auburn possession. Junior Derrick Graves 6-1 206 had an outstanding spring and will likely see back up duty on the outside. Sophomore Kevis Burnham was a partial qualifier last season but should available for duty in 2003. Burnham was ranked among the top linebackers in the Southeast out of high school. Last year Arkansas racked up 426 yards on the Tiger defense as Auburn suffered its worst loss of the year by the score of 38-17. Fred Talley totaled (or tallied) 245 yards on 21 carriers and made Auburn's defense look like swiss cheese. Don't worry Auburn fans he's graduated. With a solid defensive line and linebacking corps intact expect Auburn's run defense to be stingy this year. With Auburn's dynamic duo patrolling the heart of Auburn's defense it appears to be in good hands. Opposing teams will feel the force of Auburn's very own superheroes. Auburn's secondary better be geared up and ready because USC is bringing its West coast version of the "fun and gun" into Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers' secondary will be tested early and often by a USC receiving corps which returns two of its top receivers from a year ago. Mike Williams and Keary Colbert were 1,000 yard receivers in 2002. Williams is clearly the better of the two and is arguably one of the best receivers in college football. If Auburn is to win, their secondary will have to come up big. Gone from Auburn's secondary a year ago is safety Travaris Robinson who was picked up as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons. Also departing was cornerback/return man Roderick Hood and cornerback Horace Willis. If there is any glaring weakness on Auburn's defensive unit it has to be their secondary. The only two locks for Auburn's secondary appear to be juniors Carlos Rogers and Junior Rosegreen. The Tigers' secondary is conducting its own version of musical chairs, moving Junior Rosegreen from strong safety to cornerback. I believe Rosegreen is Auburn's best all around player in the secondary. Hopefully this move to corner will only be temporary. Moving back to strong safety would allow Rosegreen to play closer to the line of scrimmage where he is most comfortable. Starting at the left cornerback position is junior Carlos Rogers. He started all 13 games at left corner last year and finished with four interceptions. At 6-1 Rogers has the ability to cover bigger and taller receivers. This size will come in handy early in the year. In Auburn's opener Rogers will likely be matched up with USC's star wideout Mike Williams who is listed at 6-5. Backing up Rosegreen and Rogers at cornerback will be junior Lamel Ages and redshirt freshman Montae Pitts. Pitts is a speed merchant who clocked a blistering 4.22 in the 40 yard dash. At free safety, look for Donnay Young to get the nod. Young played in all 13 games last year and brings real game experience to the free safety position. Look for senior Roshard Gilyard to be the starter at strong safety until Rosegreen returns back to his original position. Who can forget Gilyard's bone crushing hit against Wyoming in 2000. If you've forgotten permit me to refresh your memory. A Wyoming wide receiver was trying to pull in a pass from his quarterback. Coming full speed Gilyard stuck his helmet under the Wyoming player's chin knocking his helmet off of him and dislodging the ball. It was a sportscenter highlight and one Gilyard will never forget. Gilyard remembers it as his most memorable football moment. Gilyard was an All-SEC selection as a freshman in 2000 but has since been a disappointment and unable to crack the starting lineup. Most teams that come into Jordan-Hare will realize soon enough that running the ball will be next to impossible. Teams will then go to the air looking to exploit Auburn's secondary. For Auburn to have a successful season Auburn's ends will have to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks forcing them into making bad decisions. If this happens and Auburn can keep from giving up the big play look for Auburn's secondary to have a solid year. One thing is for sure. With Auburn facing daunting foe USC the first game of the year, the Tigers will know real soon if they are contenders or just another "paper tiger". Here are five questions that must be answered if Auburn is to fulfill its national championship aspirations: Last year Jason Campbell finished the season strong finishing 5-1 in Auburn's last six games. Campbell will not be asked to win games with his arm. He will be asked not to lose them. Legendary basketball Bob Knight sums up Campbell's role as Auburn's signal caller. He says, "Winning is not making great plays but eliminating mistakes." Campbell will have to keep mistakes to a minimum for Auburn to have a championship year. Prediction: At some point in the year Campbell will have to use his arm to win a game. Auburn's secondary has been the primary area of concern on an otherwise solid defense. The corners are solid with Junior Rosegreen and Carlos Rogers. Last Monday coaches announced that two redshirt freshman Karibi Dede and Will Herring were locked up in a battle for the free safety job. Dede has the edge and should start. With a solid front seven it will only be a matter of time before the secondary is tested. With brutal road games against LSU, Arkansas, and Georgia, Auburn will have to come into enemy territory and set the tempo early. To win all three of these games Auburn will likely need a break or two and some Tuberville trickery. Tommy Tuberville, aka the "river boat gambler", is not afraid to take chances. For Tuberville risk is not a four letter word. Although Auburn is deep at most positions such as running back and defensive line, it is a little thin in the secondary and on the offensive line. Last year key players such as Dontarrious Thomas and DeMarco McNeil suffered through nagging injuries. They were never at 100 percent. For Auburn to handle the rigors of an SEC schedule, it will have to stay relatively healthy. In 2001 Damon Duval won three games with his leg. In 2002 he missed a field goal in the closing minutes against Florida that would have sealed the Gators fate. With Duval graduating Auburn lost both its place kicker and punter. The place kicking job is Sophomore Phillip Yost's to lose. However, don't be surprised if true freshman John Vaughn comes in and steals the job. Michael Gibson is set to handle punting duties, but is being pushed by true freshman Cody Bliss. Remember special teams performance can make or break a game. For the Tigers it's put up or shut up. The cupboard is full. The guns are loaded and this is Auburn's best shot at a national championship since 1995. With national title hopes on the minds of all the Auburn faithful only time will provide answers to these crucial questions. My guess is that this will be a pretty defensive football game. In a close defensive battle Auburn hangs on to beat the Trojans 17-14. Are you ready for some football? I sure am.
Fall in Auburn Bookmark ACCESS AUBURN to keep up with what's happening on the plains. ACCESS AUBURN has the latest local weather, movie listings, schedules and more to keep you informed on what's going on and who's playing where in Auburn and beyond. What can we do this weekend? Check ACCESS AUBURN. At the December 11 Planning Commission meeting, developers abruptly withdrew a request to rezone 187.3 acres adjoining Auburn's Curtis and Charlotte Ward Bicycle Path and Shell Toomer Parkway for commercial development. The proposition would have zoned the land CDD (Comprehensive Development District) and allowed a wide variety of commercial development to build along the the bicycle path. The Pace family land extends nearly one mile along Shell Toomer Parkway from South College Street. The parkway is a mile-and-a-half long, 100-yard wide scenic entrance to Chewacla State Park. Near the midpoint of the parkway is an ancient creek that runs through a small canyon that drops more than 50 feet from surrounding terrain, and empties into a wetland teeming with life. A footbridge along the bike path crosses the wetland and provides an upclose view of the abundant plant and wildlife. Although no indication was given as to the developers' next moves, they are expected to submit a revised request at a future date. Related Links Email Gov. Bob Riley your opinion
Happy Holidays It's GREAT to be an AUBURN TIGER! We welcome your input to help us continue to improve Access Auburn. While many predicted Auburn to build upon last year’s Sweet 16 performance, Vanderbilt's early success may help them start conference play with the momentum that they hope will lead them into the big dance come this March. The Commodore's fast start has raised some eyebrows after they finished 11-18 (3-13 in SEC) last year. With quality wins over Michigan and Indiana in Nashville, their first road test came at TCU on Saturday. The Commodore left little doubt, hammering TCU, 95-60. Auburn (9-2) opens its 2004 SEC campaign when the Tigers face Vanderbilt in Nashville Wednesday night. Vanderbilt has been especially tough to beat at Memorial Gym. Playing only two road games in the young season, Auburn has a win over Grambling in Huntsville and a disappointing loss to UNLV. Tiger point guard Lewis Monroe's ankle is still not 100% and Auburn would prefer to open their conference schedule anywhere other than Nashville. Known by such names as Heartbreak Hotel and Hoops House of Horrors, Memorial Gym has typically been just that for Auburn. The Commodores hold 29-13 series advantage in games played there. Auburn has not won in Memorial Gym since an 86-80 win on February 16, 2000. Playing in front of a capacity crowd of 14,168, Auburn will have the task of stopping Vanderbilt's Matt Freije, who leads the team in scoring with 19 points per game. Auburn's forward Marco Killingsworth, who is averaging 14 points per game, hopes to have help from Brandon Robinson and Kyle Davis in containing Freije. Jefferson-Pilot will televise the game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7p.m. CST. Brown took the stage first, quietly made his announcement and answered reporters' questions. Rogers then followed while Williams waited. CMT (Country Music Television) is reporting on the network web site that laid-back country crooner Kenny Chesney will stage a mini-tour of college bars in the Southeast prior to kicking off an extended arena tour beginning March 17 in Houston, Tex. In addition to Auburn, the college tour is expected to have stops in Tuscaloosa, Athens, Gainesville and Oxford. The full text of the statement: Good management would suggest that the board would now quickly and publicly consult key alumni, faculty and administrators to develop a consensus candidate for the Interim President. One may ask, "What's the big deal? It's only an interim." History has shown that interim presidents frequently serve two years or more, and often have the "interim" removed by the Board without the benefit of a public search.
Conspiracy Theory? Fred wrote: My wife says that it's not a conspiracy theory if the conspiracy is a proven fact. It's an admitted fact there are conspirators on Auburn's Board of Trustees. Walker did not fly solo into that good night last November. And, he did not fly on a university plane. As for the "conspiracy" currently afoot, I only know what I read in the paper... It has been widely reported that AU Trustee Dr. Ed Richardson has been selected as Auburn's Interim President. He has reportedly informed each of the members of the Alabama Board of Education of his planned resignation to accept the Auburn job. There has been no public meeting of the Auburn Board of Trustees--as is required by law when Board decisions are made. One can only conclude that the Board has made this decision by private ex parte communications. This is not the Board's job. The Board of Trustees is a deliberative body that should make informed decisions based upon the input of their appointed administrators and representing their constituencies. They are not a Justice League of America squad that leaps into action the moment there is a crisis, with one of their own (the smart one) leaping into the breach to pick up the mantle of their fallen tragic hero, Walker. This is what SACS meant by micro-management. Later Fred wrote: While it may be apt at times to compare Auburn to a looney bin, Auburn is neither an insane asylum, a commercial enterprise, nor a military organization; Auburn is a research university and a damn fine research university. Businesses fail, armies fall to defeat, but universities are perpetuities. The life expectancy of a university is statistically much greater than that of any corporation or military empire. Part of the reason why the university is second only to the church in longevity is that the inmates do indeed run this asylum. Except these inmates are the best and brightest: inventors and poets, teachers and coaches, student and grads, all brought together to make excellence. Universities live long and prosper because of their odd form of governance, where most decisions of this type are made by committee and by consensus of the governed. It may seem strange, but history shows that it works. Universities are productive and efficient in educating students and generating innovation. If you are worried about the SACS problems hurting recruiting, you should be. But don't just worry about what the big kid from Dalton thinks, be concerned about what the astrophysicist from Georgia Tech, or the biomedical engineer from Palo Alto thinks. The greatness of Auburn comes not only from the athletes who wear the orange and blue for four short years. It comes from the long line of students of years gone by and those of years yet to come. It comes from the dedicated faculty imparting knowledge in the classroom, making exciting discoveries in the laboratory, improving crops in the field, helping businesses be more productive, and making the world a better place to live. There is a cancer on the University. Shutting out the messenger will not make the news any better. There are legally binding rules that set standards for how a university is to be run. Auburn has been accused of not complying with those rules. Auburn has a date next autumn to show a SACS committee that it has moved into compliance with the law of the land. Auburn will have to answer later for the actions taken today. Related Link: Richardson, state school superintendent, succeeds William F. Let us know what features & Auburn info you'd like us to add. Your feedback is important to us. Super Sunday is a time of hype and high earnings, more money is wagered on the Super Bowl than on any other sporting event. With nearly 140 million viewers in the United States, and advertisers paying as much as $2.3 million for a 30-second spot, the Super Bowl is likely to be the most-watched television program in 2004. It will also be a busy day for gamblers. "Super Bowl Sunday to the compulsive gambler is like New Year's Eve to the alcoholic," says gambling counselor Arnie Wexler. "There are 5 million compulsive gamblers and (another) 15 million at risk in the U.S. Forty-eight percent of them bet on sports." Gamblers will risk an estimated $20 billion on the game pitting the Carolina Panthers against the New England Patriots; that's more than McDonald's earns in a year at its restaurants. "The Super Bowl is sometimes as much a blessing as it is a curse for compulsive gamblers, because there is no other sporting event in this nation which seems to cause people to finally call us for help," said Ed Looney, current executive director of the council, which runs the nation's busiest help hot line, at 1-800-GAMBLER. The sports gambling industry pulls in about $200 billion a year, most of it through illegal bets, experts believe. Some U.S. lawmakers contend that online gambling has links to organized crime and lets youngsters bet with their parents' credit cards. Congress is turning to credit card and electronic payment firms. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit the use of electronic payments for online gambling.
Lottery Hot Topic Again Georgia and Florida have lotteries, and Mississippi has casinos. Tennessee began selling lottery tickets a week ago and the Tennessee Lottery reported that nine of the top 10 sales outlets for lottery tickets were either on the Alabama line or a short drive north of it. It was estimated that more than $41 million in lottery tickets were sold throughout Tennessee during the lottery's first week of operation. Many supporters of a lottery see the money that went to Tennessee could go towards education and balancing the General Fund budget. State Senator Lowell Barron is one of those who support a lottery. He thinks that voters are in a wickedly anti-tax mood, and a lottery seems a pretty simple way to generate money because we are more willing to hand over our hard-earned money if there is a chance, however remote, to get rich beyond our wildest dreams. A recent SurveyUSA poll of 500 adults conducted by telephone, found that the majority are in favor of a lottery. 71% said they would support a state lottery, while 23% would oppose it. 66% say they would be more likely to support a state lottery if they knew all the money raised would be spent only on education. Governor Bob Riley and other opponents say a lottery simply will not generate enough revenue to solve Alabama's funding problems. And if Alabama adopted a lottery, it almost certainly would see the same spending pattern that other states have seen -- a year or two of high revenues while it is new and interesting, and then flat revenues or even declines when it becomes old hat. But as public policy, a lottery has several down sides. There is the problem of addiction, and there is also the regressivity of a lottery -- the fact that it extracts money largely from those least able to pay it. In other words, it is a tax on the poor. It also has been described as a tax on the mathematically illiterate who don't understand the huge odds of ever winning. Alabama faces a $300 million General Fund shortfall as lawmakers prepare to return to regular session February 3. Mahal's three decade recording career has produced works of humor, passion, pathos, and surprise. His recent albums, Hanapepe Dream (Taj Mahal & the Hula Blues) (2003) and Martin Scorcese Presents Taj Majal (2003), contain some of the many high points of his career. Hanapepe Dream (Taj Mahal & the Hula Blues) has an All-Acoustic String Band Sound and features Taj's signature Slack-Key Blend of the Blues and Pacific-Caribbean-Island music. McCain's debut album came in 1995 with Honor Among Thieves. Two years later came the breakthrough album Misguided Roses, featuring the Top 10 smash "I'll Be." In 1999, the Messenger was released. The Top 40 hit "I Could Not Ask for More," which was also featured in the film "Message in a Bottle," drove Messenger to Gold Certification. The fifth album, The Austin Sessions (2003), McCain is joined by his longtime band mates Larry Chaney (guitar) and Craig Shields (saxophone), presents a selection of new compositions, a few old favorites, and some choice covers in an acoustic format that lets the material speak for itself. Tickets for both shows are now on sale at The Supper Club, Snapper O'Malleys, The Guitar Shop and UnWired. The Lovelace Museum opened in 1996 and has 80,000 visitors every year. Upon entering the museum, you are greeted with the sights and sounds of Auburn Athletics from 1892 to the present. You then follow the path through the Historical Time Line of Auburn's athletic and university history. Visitors can experience great Auburn traditions as they join in the celebration at Toomer's Corner and get a taste of what Auburn football players see, hear and feel as they go through Tiger Walk. On the tour visitors enter Jordan-Hare Stadium and get a view of a typical game day in Auburn, from tailgating, to the action on the field and the excitement of the radio call, "Touchdown Auburn!" They become interactive by leaving a message for future visitors on the "What Auburn Means To Me" video display. In the Sports Lockers visitors see and hear the history of each intercollegiate sport ever played at Auburn. Touch screens on the "What Made Them Great" computer display let Auburn fans view favorite athlete's historical record at Auburn. Upon completing the visit, fans can have their pictures made with a life size figure of Tommy Tuberville. The museum, named after Johnathan Bell Lovelace, symbolizes the Auburn spirit, and is dedicated to honor Auburn's athletic past, define its present, and inspire future generations. Lovelace used his education, lessons he learned from athletics, and the principles from the Auburn Creed, to become one of the most successful graduates of Auburn. The Lovelace Museum is located inside the Auburn Athletic Complex. The museum's hours are
Valentine's Day Means Money Many restaurants around town have been booked with reservations for weeks. A survery found that taking a loved one out to dinner is the big favorite for this Valentine's Day, with more than one in four (27 percent) respondents putting it at the top of their plans. Last year, by contrast, less than 17 percent of those surveyed were heading to the restaurants. Flowers are high on the list of this year's Valentine's presents, although roses no longer dominate the plans of floral romantics. Fifteen percent of respondents expect to send their loved ones roses this year, but 22 percent will give other blooms instead (up from 13 percent last year). It's estimated that the average consumer will spend $99.24 on Valentine's Day, up from $80.44 last year. In all, Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $12.79 billion this year. Much of that money comes from greeting cards, as Valentine's Day is the second most-popular card-sending holiday, according to the Greeting Card Association. The top five gifts men tend to give are jewelry, flowers, candy/chocolate, dinner and a trip/vacation -- a direct correlation to what women desire. Women on the other hand, seem to think that men want jewelry, candy, dinner, trip/vacation or clothes, which is far off from the men's actual desire of time together or a card/note. The Student-Athlete Development Center will be housed in two floors on top of the Tatum Strength and Conditioning Center. The 32,434 square foot facility will include administrative offices, counselor offices, a 50-seat multifunction classroom, a 50-seat tiered classroom, an academic excellence recognition area, 40 four-person study rooms, four eight-person study rooms, a 25-station computer laboratory, a study lounge and a library resources lounge. The project started on December 1, 2003, with completion slated by August 1, 2004. Jordan-Hare Stadium will undergo expansion and renovation in two separate phases. During phase 1A, expansion to the East side of the stadium on the North and South ends will add three new suites on the third and fourth levels for a total of 12 new suites. Expansion of the club level and renovation of the existing suites and the addition of an elevator on the East side will also be completed in phase 1A. During phase 1B, the main concourse will be completely renovated which will include new restrooms and concession areas. New flooring, gating and lighting will be installed, and signs will be upgraded to reflect the deep heritage of Auburn Football. The Auburn track and field teams will have a new home on a site behind the Soccer Complex. Grading for the facility is currently underway and plans call for a new track with jumping and throwing areas, grandstand seating, a meet control booth, field lighting and storage areas. Several projects that have been recently completed include the 13,274 square foot Strength and Rehabilitation Center at Plainsman Park, which houses a weight room on the first floor and a rehabilitation and research center on the second floor. A complete new field with subsurface drainage and irrigation systems at Hitchcock Field was completed last September. Projects that are currently in the planning stages include a golf teaching facility, an outdoor pool, a swim team room and a tennis complex which will include four covered indoor tennis courts and new varsity tennis courts and stadium. The film opens with newsreel footage from the late 1970s that provides a necessary historical backdrop. People younger than 30 have little familiarity with the America of that era. Miracle captures a time and place where differences could be settled by games and a cold war could be put on ice. In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, took a squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games. The Olympic gold victory provided the single greatest sports moment of the 20th century, as voted by Sports Illustrated. This moment provided a distraction from world events. Americans were still stinging over Watergate, the economy was headed south, gas prices were outrageous and gas lines even more so, and of course there were American hostages in Iran. America needed something to celebrate and the Team USA's victory over the Soviets gave them just that. The Team USA's victory remains a pivotal moment in the country's cultural history, one of those moments where every sports fan remembers where he or she was when it occurred. Throughout grand opening week, customers can register for great prizes, including a new home theater package, a 32-inch plasma TV and a desktop PC. In addition, four lucky shoppers will win $500 gift cards to be used toward any JCPenney purchase. Other activities include product demonstrations and special discounts for the entire family. The JCPenney store will cover 57,000 square feet, and is designed for shopping convenience with wider aisles, and improved lighting. Better graphics will make it easy for customers to locate major brands like Worthington, Crazy Horse, Nike, Stafford, Arizona Jean Co., KitchenAid, and more. The store's layout will focus attention on JCPenney's offerings in key areas such as jeans, shoes, bedding and bath accessories, children's apparel, women's and men's sportswear. Reflecting the company's "It's All Inside" message, the store's full service salon offers professional hair styling services, private rooms for waxing and pedicures, manicures, and salon-quality products. In addition, customers can place orders or pick up catalog and Internet purchases at the store's catalog desk. JCPenney has been part of the Auburn/Opelika community since 1966. The company contributes about 70 jobs to the local economy. The Athletics Department can no longer rely on season ticket and television revenue to supplement each of its 20 sports. Major gift contributions from members of the Auburn Family have helped to provide funding for projects such as: Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park, The Athletic Museum and Hall of Honor, the new Jordan-Hare Stadium Dressing Room Complex, The Indoor Practice Facility, The Athletic Complex, The Women's Athletic Complex, The Endowment By Position Program, and many academic support programs. The endowment program represents a long term resource which can offset the financial strains of escalating scholarship costs, rising operational expenses, and the need for facility enhancements. There is no better way to have your name, or that of a loved one, permanently associated with Auburn University Athletics. Endowments share a common goal, ensuring the future of excellence in athletics at Auburn University for generations to come. Endowed gifts are held in perpetuity. The Auburn University Foundation invests your initial gift, which must be a minimum of $25,000 given over a maximum five year period, and Auburn Athletics spends only a portion of the annual investment return. The remaining investment return is added back to the principle as protection against inflation. A Tigers Unlimited member who makes an endowment gift can be proud that his or her gift will grow and continue to provide support far into the future. All major gift donors receive on campus recognition, a tax deduction, potential improvement in season ticket priority seating, and are included in the Tigers Unlimited All-American Society. Important dates to remember: December 8 - March 1: Tigers Unlimited football ticket priority contributions are accepted. April: Season ticket order forms are mailed to Tigers Unlimited donors from the AU ticket office. May 1: Deadline for submitting ticket order blanks to the AU ticket office. After May 1, unclaimed seats will be reassigned and made available to new TUF members and Auburn alumni and friends.
Wal-Mart Monopoly? The Wal-Mart supercenter, the principal vehicle of the company's expansion, is a nonunion dagger aimed at the heart of the traditional American supermarket, nearly 13,000 of which have closed since 1992. This year alone, Wal-Mart hopes to open as many as 335 new stores in the U.S.: 55 discount stores, 210 supercenters, 45 Sam's Clubs, and 25 Neighborhood markets. Retail Forward predicts that for every new supercenter that Wal-Mart opens, two supermarkets will close, or 2,000 in all. As the number of supermarkets shrinks, more shoppers will have to travel farther from home and will find their buying increasingly restricted to merchandise that Wal-Mart chooses to sell, a growing percentage of which may be the retailer's private-label goods, which now account for nearly 20% of sales. Meanwhile, the failure of hundreds of stores will cost their owners dearly and put thousands out of work, only some of whom will find jobs at Wal-Mart, most likely at lower pay. On average, Wal-Mart sales clerks pulled in $8.23 an hour, or $13,861 a year, in 2001, according to documents filed in a lawsuit pending against the company. At the time, the federal poverty line for a family of three was $14,630. The lower pay has caused a revolt of sorts in the form of nearly 40 lawsuits charging the company with forcing employees to work overtime without pay and a sex-discrimination case that could rank as the largest civil rights class action ever. On Sept. 24, 2003, a federal judge in California began considering a plaintiff's petition to include all women who have worked at Wal-Mart since late 1998, 1.6 million in all, in a suit alleging that Wal-Mart systematically denies women equal pay and opportunities for promotion. Critics also argue that Wal-Mart's intensifying global pursuit of low-cost goods is partly to blame for the accelerating loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to China and other low-wage nations. It's no wonder that economists refer to a broad "Wal-Mart effect" that has suppressed inflation and rippled productivity gains through the economy year after year. Growth will only add to the power that the Wal-Mart giant now holds. There might come a time, though, when Wal-Mart's size poses as much of a threat to the company itself as it does to outsiders. Clear Channel, which owns 1,200 stations, has come under fire for its own charges of indecency. Facing a proposed $755,000 fine from the FCC, Clear Channel decided to cleanup the airwaves on some of its Florida stations. The cleanup initiative was announced two days after it fired Bubba the Love Sponge, morning talk show host for WXTB-FM 97.9 in Tampa, when the company was heavily fined by the FCC over alleged violations of indecency rules. Bubba attracted high ratings to "98 Rock" and his program was heard over other Clear Channel stations in Florida. The San Antonio, Texas-based broadcaster said the initiative is intended to make sure material aired by its radio stations conforms to the standards and sensibilities of the communities they serve. Clear Channel has instituted a zero tolerance policy for indecent content. Disc jockeys will be taken off the air immediately for alleged indecent material. The policy will include companywide training, possible fines against DJs, and automatic suspensions for anyone accused by the FCC of violating indecency rules on the air, company officials said. Howard Stern's show was suspended by Clear Channel on six stations indefinitely for breaking the new rules of indecency. Even with Clear Channel pulling the plug on the show, Stern can be heard on 35 other stations. Clear Channel said Stern won't be allowed back on the air until it feels assured the show will conform to broadcast standards. In a recent survey of 403 adults conducted in February, 51 percent said students take too many tests. 82 percent of those polled said students should continue to have to pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam before they receive diplomas. To graduate, high school students must pass all five portions of the graduation exam: math, language, reading, science and social studies. Students can take six to eight standardized tests yearly. Joining the lineup this year is the new Alabama Reading and Math Test, which will be given to third-, fifth- and seventh-graders. Depending on their grade level, elementary and middle school students must take some or all of the following tests: Stanford Achievement Test, Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) test. Over half of the respondents in the poll said extensive testing is necessary to hold teachers and schools accountable for the quality of education they provide. When asked if the number of tests should be reduced to save money, 65 percent said the number should be reduced, while 73 percent said they believe the state spends too little on K-12 education. Having their own style of basketball with half court shots, dribbling displays, tricks with fans and impromptu dance routines, the Harlem Globetrotters will entertain people of all ages with their signature comedy routines in Columbus and Montgomery. After World War II, the Globetrotters became real "globetrotters," traveling the world and entertaining thousands. They have even performed for popes, presidents, kings and queens. With players such as Geese Ausbie, Goose Tatum, 1998 Hall of Famer Marques Haynes, Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon, the Globetrotters quickly became ambassadors of bringing their showmanship to millions. The team has played over 20,000 games in more than 100 countries around the world. The Globetrotters have become the world's most popular sports organization and basketball’s winningest team, having performed for more than 120 million people. For over seven decades, the Harlem Globetrotters have used their unique brand of basketball and Ambassadorial good work to aid in breaking down barriers to bring people closer together while popularizing sport as entertainment and ushering in a style that today has become the standard that in the early days, was uniquely African-American. In addition to giving fans a chance to see some exciting and unusual basketball, the Globetrotters also gave African Americans an opportunity to play in the National Basketball Association. The original Globetrotters were once the only option for African Americans to play. In 1950, Globetrotter Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton became the first to appear in the NBA. In 1993, Mannie Jackson, a former player, became the first African-American to own a major sports team when he purchased the Harlem Globetrotters. His goal was to make the Harlem Globetrotters the first choice for family entertainment. One of the ways to accomplish this was to put people everywhere in touch with the rich history of this great American institution. Recently, this became most evident with the 77th season theme of “Reclaiming the game…old school fun with new flavor.” The theme alluded to returning to the Globetrotters roots as a competitive “take on all challengers” barnstorming team, while reclaiming the recognized leadership as role models and ambassadors of goodwill. Since Mannie Jackson bought the Harlem Globetrotters he has turned a near bankrupt organization into the most admired and one of the most publicized teams in the world while increasing revenue four-fold and rebuilding the fan base to record levels. Tickets for both events are available at ticketmaster.com. The DVR or Digital Video Recorder has been around for nearly six years since the ReplayTV debuted in 1998. If you have never heard of it, you are not alone. Less than 2% of Americans have one of these boxes atop their TV set today, and the majority of those bear rival's TiVo brand. Inventor Anthony Wood missed the Christmas season in 1998 and was unable to deliver enough units in 1999 to prevent the late-arriving TiVo from gaining market traction. Wood eventually cashed out and the new owners added a feature that allowed viewers to watch network television without the commercials. The broadcasters literally sued them out of business. Denon bought the rights and, although they dropped the controversial commercial skip feature, they have beefed up the home networking capabilities, added high-definition (HD) features and dropped the price to a remarkable $149! The required program service is $12.95 per month or $299 one-time. But what is a ReplayTV? I call it the "magic box." It's a very smart VCR that does not eat tapes and changes the way we watch TV. If the network moves your favorite show to Friday night, it will find it. If that cult classic that you want to see comes on in the middle of the night, it will catch it. If sports is your bag, be prepared to be blown away by your own instant replay, pause, and slo-mo for every game you watch live. When the phone rings, pause live TV. It works by connecting via the internet to download program schedules, editors' choices and categories. It matches that up with your "channels" that you have created to select shows to record. Trust me, it's so easy to use and so addictive, that the ReplayTV folks offer a full 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied for any reason. Check out the closeouts! They still have some of the old models with the commercial skip feature available. Order now to receive FREE SHIPPING and ReplayTV will contribute a portion of the sales price to Access Auburn. The previous record, $1.629, was set March 18, 2003. AAA bases its average on a statewide survey of self-serve stations. Among Alabama's biggest cities, the price was up to $1.66 in Huntsville. In the Birmingham area, it was $1.64 -- three cents below the city's record last Labor Day. Mobile's average price of $1.63 was equal to the city's previous high set March 20, 2003. One Alabama House member hopes his idea will lower the price a bit. Speaker Pro Tem Demetrious Newton wants to repeal a 20-year-old state law, which requires stations to sell gasoline for no lower than dealer's cost. Petroleum marketers and convenience store owners oppose Newton's idea. They say the current law protects owners from smaller stations as they compete with large retailers such as Wal-Mart. The Opelika-Auburn Wal-Mart SuperCenter sells gasoline, and tends to have some of the lowest prices in those cities. The price of gas in Alabama tends to average 5 to 10 cents below the national price, said Greg Womble, a spokesman for AAA of Alabama. Womble said the statewide average price surpassed the previous high of $1.62, established May 18, 2003, but was still the 10th lowest in the nation this week. Tight global supplies of crude oil is one of the reasons for the price increase, Industry officials said. The national average of $1.73 per gallon on Tuesday was a penny below the previous all-time high, established August 25, 2003. The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday predicted that prices will rise by a least another 10 cents this spring, then decline a little in the summer driving months. Festivities will begin at the Auburn Junior High School on Samford Avenue promptly at 9 a.m. Depending on age, choose between three routes with distances ranging from 3 - 17 miles. A 3-mile route is intended for the younger and inexperienced riders. The other two routes are 10 miles and 17 miles for the more experienced riders. Maps of all three routes will be distributed before the ride. All routes are developed so participants can modify the routes for a more challenging ride. The theme of this year’s Bike Bash will encourage bicycling in the Auburn community and will have a variety of activities for the entire family. Activities will include bicycle safety tips, informational sessions and demonstrations, health benefit tips, a delicious breakfast before and/or after the ride, and dancing to live musical entertainment performed by KOOSTICO. Door prizes will also be given away to Bike Bash participants after the race. Registration forms are currently available online at www.auburnalabama.org/cycle. The registration fee for children 12 years and younger is $7.50. The registration fee for children (13 years and older) and adults is $10. The family registration fee is only $20. Registration forms can also be picked up at Dean Road Recreation Center. Participants who register early will receive an official Bike Bash 2004 t-shirt. For additional information about the 5th Annual Bike Bash, please call Auburn Parks & Recreation at 887-4930.
Alabamians Against Gay Marriage More than half of the 424 poll respondents opposed allowing gays and lesbians to enter into civil unions, which are not marriages but provide many of the same legal and financial rights as married couples. The poll has a 5-percentage-point margin of error. Forty-seven percent of poll respondents thought that sexual relations between two people of the same sex should be against the law. Forty percent said that such relations should not be illegal. Two poll questions touched upon the issue of states' rights when it comes to same-sex marriage. While a plurality preferred that the decision be up to states, 65 percent favored a federal constitutional amendment to stop state or local governments from allowing same-sex marriages. Twenty-seven percent said they would oppose such a measure. Last week, Alabama Governor Bob Riley pressed state lawmakers to pass a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman and to outlaw same-sex marriages. Riley said he wants voters to be able to decide the amendment in a Nov. 2 referendum that would coincide with the presidential election. Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a civil rights and advocacy organization, called the Alabama poll results "out of sync" with national surveys and polls in other states. Elsewhere, Foreman said, poll respondents have fallen into three groups: one-third strongly opposing gay marriages, one-third strongly favoring them and one-third in the middle. John Giles, president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, said that polls have shown Alabama voters to be among the most conservative in the nation on economic, moral and social issues. The new model, manufactured by athletic apparel company Riddell, was developed based on recent findings in head trauma research funded by the NFL. The scientists have theorized that shots to the side of the head have more significance in causing concussions and head trauma than shots taken on the top. "According to the scientists' research funded by the NFL, the current helmets underprotected the side of the head," said Jets team doctor Elliott Pellman, who heads up the NFL's committee on head trauma. "The standard drop tests really didn't do any tests to the side of the head, so the (current) helmets were never really protected there. Riddell went to the scientists who did this research and integrated it into their own findings." According to those who have seen the new head protection, it's a slightly more futuristic version of the current model with some similarities to a racing helmet; it looks like something that could be described as Rollerball meets the NFL. While it's not a complete change from the current model, there are noticeable differences in size, areas of protection and a slightly more streamlined look. The major difference is the side, which drops down closer to the chin to provide better protection to the side of the head and the jaw. In addition, the holes on the top are shaped like tear drops and appear to add to the aerodynamic look, and the back protrudes to offer better padding. The helmet looks bigger than the current model but might not be any heavier. "This helmet also gives you better peripheral vision," Upshaw said. "Plus, it has an added piece to provide better protection for your jaw. They added more padding that can inflate to adjust better to your face. The current model has a piece that snaps in there, but it doesn't come in too many sizes. I think it's a little lighter than the old model. They can probably make it lighter, too, by changing the facemask." Head trauma became a larger issue when the careers of quarterbacks Steve Young and Troy Aikman were cut short because of multiple concussions. At the time, the NFLPA was at odds with the league over the availability of the results of their studies. But both sides appear to be on the same page with the new look. The fire alert, which restricts outdoor burning, is being enforced because 1,164 fires have burned 17,609 acres statewide this month and that number is more than the previous five months combined. More than 50 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Those numbers have state officials taking extra caution to avoid a catastrophe. Although fires have been spotted all over Alabama, the most extreme blazes have affected the southwestern and northeastern corners of the state, said commission spokeswoman Coleen VanSant, who has tracked Alabama fires for 18 years. The two leading causes of the fires in Alabama are arson and debris burning. The lack of rain combined with high winds and low humidity has increased the risk of spreading fires. The Forestry Commission says it will not issue any burn permits to residents or allow any private burning. The Forestry Commission has set up a hotline for people to report arsonists. Information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a $5,000 reward. The number is (800) 222-2927. The "Stars Fell on Alabama" license plate which was issued on January 1, 2002 was meant to be a traditional five-year tag. Riley's spokesman, John Matson, said those license plates would last for another two years because they were made well and wouldn't rust. Riley's administration is making every effort to eliminate unnecessary spending. The delay will push costs back to a time when the governor hopes the state's financial picture will be brighter. This year's state General Fund budget will cut most agencies 17 percent from the year before, and Riley is proposing additional 7 percent cuts for next year. Motorists will continue to buy annual stickers to put on their tags between 2007 and 2009. The two-year delay applies to standard license plates, tags for trucks under 12,000 pounds, tags for utility and travel trailers, and tags for motor homes under 12,000 pounds, and distinctive license plates. The proclamation does not apply to tags for governments, public utilities, volunteer fire departments, National Guard, Purple Heart, prisoner of war, Medal of Honor, standard motorcycles, ambulances, commercial buses, taxies, rental trailers, apportioned vehicles, and motor homes exceeding 12,000 pounds. The legislation won Senate approval last week and could be considered by a House committee when legislators return from their spring break next week. Those on both sides of the issue have predicted a close vote in the House, which has not wrestled over a high-profile gambling bill since the current legislative roster assumed office following the 2002 elections. Before the legislation can be implemented, it must be approved by the full House and voted on by Alabamians in a statewide referendum. Each county or municipality -- Mobile County among them -- now home to a dog track would also have to approve the amendment for it to go into effect in that location. The Senate bill, which would generate an estimated $50 million to $70 million annually from taxes on electronic bingo at the state's four dog tracks, originated in the Legislature's upper chamber. Governor Riley has no veto power over a proposed constitutional amendment, but he has promised to fight any expansion of gambling in Alabama. Other opponents have argued that the proposal is not primarily a tax bill. Rather, it is a regulatory bill that would change the existing gambling law, and the side effect of which would be to produce revenue. "We are missing a lot of conventions and a lot of dollars," said state Sen. Charles Steele, D-Tuscaloosa, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate. Tuscaloosa officials have failed in the past to get bills approved that would allow Sunday sales in the college town. State Rep. Bryant Melton Jr., D-Tuscaloosa, the other co-sponsor of the bill in the House, said it was primarily an economic development issue. Melton said some colleagues he's talked with are concerned the bill would let city councils OK Sunday liquor sales without a referendum. He said he expects an amendment to allow the change to occur only by a vote of the people. If the bill passes, it would allow governing bodies in 10 mid-sized cities to regulate, by ordinance or by referendum, the hours on Sundays when alcoholic beverages can be sold at retail or on-premise locations. If the bill becomes law, a city council could vote to add Sunday sales or call for a referendum on the issue. The bill could face opposition from legislators including Senator Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals. He opposes the bill because he doesn't agree with Sunday sales. But he said he might go along if it allowed for sales only inside hotels or at conventions, and if it includes provisions that would allow the other smaller cities in the Shoals the same opportunity. "I'm certainly not going to go along with Sunday sales as far as package stores or outside carryouts," Denton said. "I just feel like we ought to respect the Lord's day and at least not sell it for off-premise consumption." Tourism officials in a couple of the cities that fall under the proposed Sunday sales bill, say if it becomes law it would be an important step for their cities. "If we are going to attract conventions, I think we would have to have Sunday liquor sales," said Peggy Atkins, executive director of the Gadsden-Etowah County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The state of Alabama has cut funding for the camp from last year's budget of $480,000, to $291,000 for the 2003-2004 year. The camp has already had to cut staff. Easter Seals is uncertain what the 2004-2005 year will bring but they say if there's any further reduction, services will start to suffer. Camp ASCCA is the world's largest year-round, barrier-free camp for people with disabilities. The camp is on 230 acres with 1.5 miles of Lake Martin shoreline and has centrally heated and air conditioned buildings that accommodate up to 284 people. Program areas include the demonstration farm, adventure area, nature trail, ballfield, horseback riding ring and trails, rifle range, developed lakefront, modern filtered swimming pool, all-weather pavilion, and a wildlife farm. With more than 10,000 people attending Camp ASCCA last year, the cost is about $600 a week for each camper. To better serve the many children and adults with disabilities who visit every year, the camp has a list of items that need to be donated. They are also asking for companies, groups or individuals to help with the cost. The camp's Endowment Fund provides camperships to campers who may not be able to afford all or some of the cost to attend camp. If you would like to make a donation to Camp ASCCA, you can contact them by calling 1-256-825-9226. As part of the Enhanced 911 initiative, your cell phone will be able to do what your home phone does, call 911 and your location pops up. The new technology will help cut costs at many emergency centers nationwide by giving emergency dispatchers a better idea of knowing if 911 calls from cell phone users are real emergencies or accidental. Emergency dispatchers will now know exactly where a cell phone user's location is and it will help them better determine whether to make a contact, or send out a resource, which costs taxpayers millions. Many cell phones will dial 911 if the owner pushes and holds down a number, usually nine. The phone's user can set off the speed-dial function sometimes just by leaning up against the phone. A national survey of 6,100 emergency call centers found between one-third and one-half of all wireless 911 calls were made by accident. In January of last year, most cell phone manufacturers stopped producing phones with the hot button feature, which many users programmed for 911. However, some 40 million of those phones with the speed dial feature are still being used. The Global Positioning System chip will be on most new phones, with the technology in full swing by this time next year.
Auburn's Second Annual Earth Week The week's activities will kickoff on April 14 with an Earth Week puppet show theme which will be held at the Auburn Public Library. And, throughout the month of April, storytelling sessions will continue at the library. Second graders from Auburn City schools will hold Earth Week demonstrations and display art projects at Kiesel Park on April 15 and April 16. On the night of April 15, everyone is invited to pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a free musical performance by Muse. The performance will begin at 5:30 and will conclude at 8. Earth Week festivities will end on April 17 when local boy scout troops participate in the creek clean up activity. Also on April 17, the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day event encourages Auburn residents to bring hazardous products from their house and dispose of them in a safe way. The rain or shine event takes place at Environmental Services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the City of Auburn’s Earth Week, call Auburn Parks & Recreation at (334) 887-4930. Since the Southeast has been windy with very little rainfall, many areas are seeing very high pollen counts. The pretty flowering trees aren't causing the problem, it's the plain ones, the oaks, the pine trees, and the maples. Many people who suffer from allergies start having problems in late March when tree pollen is first produced. Grass pollen appears in late April and lasts until mid-June, ragweed pollen comes along from August to early October, and high humidity creates mold problems from mid-Summer to Fall. The problem particles cause about 50 million Americans to suffer from allergies. While there is no cure for allergies, people who have mild symptoms are usually helped by oral antihistamines, available both over-the-counter or by prescription. Claritin is the only non-sedating antihistamine that is available over-the-counter. The competing drugs, Allegra and Zyrtec, still require prescriptions. More severe symptoms of allergies are linked to causing those who suffer from asthma to have an increase in attacks. Asthma patient's airways are supersensitive, drastically narrowing in response to minor irritants that wouldn't affect normal lungs. Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites or cockroach debris, put these people at risk year-round. But outdoor-allergy season brings an increase in asthma attacks. People with allergic asthma are tested to learn just which allergens trigger their airway attacks so they can avoid them, or try allergy shots to reduce their sensitivity. The antihistamines that clear allergy-driven stuffy noses won't help asthma. Xoliar is a new option available for the estimated half a million people with severe allergic asthma not controlled by today's medicines. It can cut asthma attacks by about a third by blocking the inflammation chain reaction. Xoliar is expensive, ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 a year. However, specialists say insurance companies are covering it without complaint for those who qualify, partly because of evidence that Xolair reduces hospitalizations and cuts patients' use of other medicines. It requires shots administered in a doctor's office every two to four weeks. So far it's just for those older than age 12, although a study aiming to enroll 6 to 11 year olds around the country has begun. While it's not a cure, Xolair provides the first opportunity to block the root cause of a breathing attack, instead of battling inflammation far downstream. The Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car will be on display at The Depot, located at the West end of South Railroad Avenue and will be open to the public free of charge from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Since 1971, the Exhibit Car has been viewed by an estimated 1.5 million people in more than 350 cities. The rolling museum features interactive displays depicting the history and modern operation of the Norfolk Southern transportation system. A locomotive simulator lets you be the engineer. The simulator allows you to sit in the engineer's seat inside a mock-up of a Norfolk Southern locomotive and operate throttle, brake and horn. Computer animation simulates successful delivery of a customer's freight, with an important safety message built in. Another display depicts a train-dispatching center, the nerve center of the railroad. It shows how Norfolk Southern keeps track of nearly 2,000 trains each day. Together with presentations about corporate history and service, plus three interactive Web stations, the Exhibit Car portrays Norfolk Southern as a modern, safe and customer-focused transportation network. Other exhibits featured at the festival will include Railroad, Church and Choirs, African American, and Textile. The celebration will also have an Arts Festival, Antique Cars, Carriage Rides, and a Farmer's Market. The second annual event at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center will begin at 9 a.m., and end at 2 p.m. In addition to Quinn, several other speakers will also provide expert advice on topics related to women's leadership. As a distinguished columnist, Quinn writes regularly for Newsweek and Good Housekeeping on issues affecting personal finance. She recently ended a 27-year run of providing insights on personal finance issues in a column for The New York Daily News that was syndicated to over 250 newspapers. Quinn has written several books including, Jane Bryant Quinn's Money Book, which was a bestseller and also a Book of the Month Club Selection. Another recent book, A Hole in the Market, tracks the effect that Generation X has on the economy. As a television personality, Quinn's business news reports were first seen on the CBS Morning News and then on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. She also appears as a guest on Nightline, Good Morning America, and many other TV programs. Quicken Financial Planner is a top-selling software program that Quinn appears on and helped develop. The program is a personal guide to saving and investing for college and retirement. She received a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College where she graduated magna cum laude. She serves on the Dean’s Council of the Harvard School of Public Health and the Board of Advisors for The Jerome Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. Married to lawyer David Quinn, Jane is the mother of two children and has three stepchildren. The free music and art festival has something for the entire family. Downtown will be blocked off to allow everyone to safely enjoy fine music, art, an antique car show, horseshoes, mule buggy rides, volleyball and plenty of good country cooking. Emcee for the day will be Wildman Steve. This year will feature more music than in previous years. Performances will be held on the lawn next to High Corner Co-Op and they begin on the hour, every hour, starting at 11 a.m. Scheduled performers include: The Brantly's, Adam Hood, Mace Glasscock, Saugahatchee String Band, Pine Hill Aints, Plantation Heirs, Peter Spivak & Friends, Mark & Les Lyden, and Mr. Resistor. Delicious food from Oskar's Cafe and the Oak Bowery Fire Department will be served under the big awning of the old Peyton Place Restaurant building right in the heart of uptown Waverly. If it rains, the awning will also serve as the rain venue. Waverly is approximately 14 miles from Auburn/Opelika. Take Highway 280 West towards Birmingham/Dadeville, turn Right at the Waverly Business District sign. If you are traveling from the Birmingham/Dadeville area, take Highway 280 East towards Auburn/Opelika, turn left at the Waverly Business District sign. For More Information call Scott Peek (334) 826-6423 or Demarious Jackson (334) 821-7182. There will be many interactive activities for kids to enjoy. The Children's Imagination Station will have more than 10 inflatables, including the gigantic 5 story high Titanic Slide. It will also have the Gamma Phi Beta Carnival, the StoryMaker, the ArtFest, Auburn Public Library Tents and the Auburn University inflatables. Kids will want to take a stroll around Kiesel Park with Smokey the Bear, some of the Cartoon Network character's, and Auburn University's famous mascot, Aubie. The character's will be glad to pose for exciting and memorable pictures. Other children's activities in the park include Karate demonstrations, a Children's Arts Exhibition, the Raptor Center Shows, the City of Auburn Smoke House and a dunking booth. Various Auburn University Sports Teams will make appearances for everyone to meet and greet them and even get their autographs. Below is the schedule of when and what teams will make an appearance during Auburn CityFest. The Auburn University Women's Golf Team: 10 a.m. The Auburn University Women's Tennis Team: 10:30 a.m. The Auburn University Swim & Dive Team: 11 a.m. The Auburn University Women's Volleyball Team: 11:30 a.m. The Auburn University Football Team: Noon The Auburn University Football Team: 12:30 p.m. The Auburn University Men's Golf Team: 1:30 p.m. The Auburn University Cheerleaders: TBA Vendors from all over the United States will share their hobbies and crafts in the Artist Marketplace, and in the Arts & Crafts Vendor Showcase. Artwork on display will include everything from handmade birdhouses, jewelry, furniture, lamps and unique paintings. CityFest 2004 will feature food and beverages to satisfy any appetite. Food vendors will be located directly adjacent to the WTVM Channel 9 Entertainment Pavilion. At the Entertainment Pavilion, performances will be featured throughout the day and will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Highway 280 Bluegrass. Other performances include The Kazoobie Kazoo Show with Rick Hubbard, The Alabama Blues Brothers Tribute Show, Trotline, The Auburn Unicycle Club and The CaterPillars of the Community. Volunteers are needed for a few hours or for the entire day, and are needed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Volunteers will receive an official Auburn CityFest 2004 volunteer shirt. To volunteer or for additional information about Auburn CityFest 2004, call Auburn Parks & Recreation at 887-4930, or visit their website at www.auburnalabama.org/cityfest. The cataract surgery was scheduled for the same time that King performs his annual concert in his hometown of Indianola, MS on June, 11. The homecoming concert in Indianola has been described by King, as "the highlight of my year." King performs each year, free of charge, as a way to give back to Indianola and the Mississippi Delta. Proceeds from the concert go to Indianola's Parks and Recreation Department. He'll also be able to make a June 6 appearance at Eric Clapton's all-star Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas. The Indianola and Dallas shows will be followed by another European tour. Finally, he'll be able to undergo the cataract surgery upon the completion of his annual North American B.B. King Blues Festival tour, which is due to kick off at the end of July, according to his management. As King approaches his 80th birthday in 2005, he continues to maintain a rigorous performance and travel schedule. The winner of 13 Grammy awards, King is being honored with a world-class museum, which will be housed in a renovated cotton gin where King worked as a teenager in Indianola. The museum campus also will contain new buildings for artifacts from King's career, interactive exhibits and arts and music education programs. The proposed amendment was sparked by an April 1 search of students at Ramsay Alternative High School by Birmingham City Schools employees. System officials confiscated 223 cellular phones. The search angered several Ramsay parents who questioned the purpose for it. School system officials said they were adhering to the 1989 law. The 1989 law prohibits students from carrying an electronic communication device in school except for health or extraordinary reasons. The law was designed primarily to ban pagers, which then were seen as a tool for dealing drugs at school. Robinson and the parents stressed how they did not want the cell phones or other electronic devices to be disruptive at school. But, parents also say cell phones are needed to call home, to arrange rides, to tell parents the night's itinerary, and to call work. Students find other people's phone calls grating and don't want to hear them ringing during class. Students suggest to avoid problems they should be required to switch the ringers to vibrate mode, as well as keep phones out of sight and out of use during class time. The plan is part of an effort to increase students safety as they walk between buildings to class. It will also re-establish a collegiate atmosphere within the core of campus and add beauty with more lawn areas. Thach will be closed from the West side of Ross Square at Foy Student Union to the West side of Haley Center at Duncan Drive. The area between those points will be converted into a landscaped, pedestrian plaza on which motorized vehicles will be banned. In the future, Duncan Drive on the North End will be permanently closed as the university begins preparation of the new Transportation Technology Center. The first step in that project began with the demolition of Noble Hall at the Duncan Drive-Magnolia Avenue intersection. Roosevelt Drive, which is currently closed for construction of the new Science Center, will reopen as a pedestrian corridor in 2005. Also in 2005, Samford Avenue will be closed to most vehicles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on class days. Booths will be placed on Samford and other streets entering the core of campus to divert traffic to perimeter streets during daytime class hours. Samford will be open for through traffic at other times, but raised crosswalks will force vehicles to proceed slowly. The pedestrian campus plan is tied closely to ongoing expansion of parking areas on the perimeter of campus and it will also encourage students to ride Tiger Transit buses. At its March 19 meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to extend the contract with Groome Transportation from seven to 10 years through Summer 2010. This will enable the transit company to recoup the cost of adding new buses to its campus routes. The plan is part of an effort to increase safety for students as they walk between buildings to class. It will also re-establish a collegiate atmosphere within the core of campus and add beauty with more lawn areas. Thach will be closed from the West side of Ross Square at Foy Student Union to the West side of Haley Center at Duncan Drive. The area between those points will be converted into a landscaped, pedestrian plaza on which motorized vehicles will be banned. In the future, Duncan Drive on the North End will be permanently closed as the university begins preparation of the new Transportation Technology Center. The first step in that project began with the demolition of Noble Hall at the Duncan Drive-Magnolia Avenue intersection. Roosevelt Drive, which is currently closed for construction of the new Science Center, will reopen as a pedestrian corridor in 2005. Also in 2005, Samford Avenue will be closed to most vehicles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on class days. Booths will be placed on Samford and other streets entering the core of campus to divert traffic to perimeter streets during daytime class hours. Samford will be open for through traffic at other times, but raised crosswalks will force vehicles to proceed slowly. The pedestrian campus plan is tied closely to ongoing expansion of parking areas on the perimeter of campus and it will also encourage students to ride Tiger Transit buses. At its March 19 meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to extend the contract with Groome Transportation from seven to 10 years through Summer 2010. This will enable the transit company to recoup the cost of adding new buses to its campus routes. |
