Creating life-long friendships is a priceless experience. Geneva Mann and Phyllis Ledbetter are the epitome of two women who have kept their friendship glowing since the first grade. The two women, who did not reveal their ages, are both celebrating anniversaries this year. Mann just celebrated her fiftieth anniversary, while her best friend Ledbetter will celebrate her fifty-second this spring. When asked how they keep the strength of their friendship alive, they said they have a little help from gourd art.

Mann has been creating gourd artwork since 1980, when she and Ledbetter both decided to try the craft together. This hobby gives them an added reason to meet and see each other on a weekly basis. They routinely meet for breakfast and enjoy conversation along with their gourd art craft of the week.

Mann lives on a farm in Chambers County and grows her own gourds. She said it is getting harder to grow gourds because of the dry weather. “ Gourds are 90 percent water,” Mann said. Mann pulled out her own gourd seeds from a plastic bag and awed over the fact that gourds grow from such a small black seed. She then described the preparation process before the gourds are even ready to use. Mann said, “You also must clean the gourds with scrubbing bubbles and let them sit for a while to get the black mildew off before using them.”

Mann said that although they have been making artwork out of gourds for many years, they just recently joined the Alabama Gourd Society. Three years ago, she and Ledbetter decided to join, and now they regret joining so late. They meet the first Sunday of each month and learn a new craft with gourds. Next month the society will be learning how to make a rabbit out of gourds. The women, and few men, in the society have all learned a lot from each other. They even took a class at Auburn, which taught them how to paint on gourds with watercolors, chalk and magic markers. The society is now made up of around 20-22 people, which is a lot more than when Mann first joined. “ After channel 12 came and interviewed us, the society became a lot more popular,” Mann said.

Mann said it usually takes her about 30 minutes to an hour to complete a gourd project. She has made everything from Santa Clauses, ornaments, Halloween pumpkins, birdhouses, jewelry, dolls, banks and masks all out of gourds. Mann likes to take her work to festivals and state competitions. Her wolf mask won first place in the competition held in Cullman, Ala.

Mann’s favorite things to make are her gourds where she wood burns the outside and then paints them. She showed off her wood-burning tool and demonstrated how she traces a pattern onto a gourd, and then burns it off carefully. Mann says she finds her work therapeutic, and carries her supplies with her all of the time. She works the night shift at an assisted living center, so she passes the time with her gourd art.

Although Mann could be making a lot of money by selling her gourd artwork, she prefers just to give them as gifts or keep them for herself. She likes going to festivals and selling her items at booths, but for the most part she just enjoys the process of making them and spending time with her best friend, Ledbetter. The women will be displaying their gourd art at the end of April at the Auburn festival at Kiesel Park. This could serve as an opportunity to be inspired by the gourd art, as well as an excuse to go out and spend time with your own friends.


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The economy is still suffering, but is there any perk to it? Las Vegas seems to be offering a great deal to travelers looking for a good time for a low price.

Genevieve Shaw Brown, the senior editor at Travelocity, said that Vegas is a “tremendous value right now.” Although people cannot splurge on vacations, they still need a break from the stress and work. Las Vegas is the place to go. This is certainly the best time of the year to go visit, if it is something you have always wanted to do.

Most people right now do not have the means to pay for lavish vacations and getaways, but Vegas is making travel very affordable. Airlines as well as hotels are slashing prices in Las Vegas and even giving away fee vouchers to shows, spas and restaurants.

Airline sales that usually extend through March are being offered through at least May, to account for the low airline passenger capacity. Airline deals are anywhere from $25 to $75 off a round trip ticket.

Additionally, hotels are experiencing low capacity, and are offering rooms for 30 percent less than what a room would cost this time last year. Even the luxury five star hotels are cutting room prices by 35 percent when compared to prices last year. For example high- end hotels like the Bellagio and the Venetian are offering rooms for $170 a night instead of the usual $300 a night. There are even some lower-end hotels that are offering rooms from $19-$35 a night.

Hotels are also throwing in bonus offers for discounts on restaurants, massages and other luxuries such as complimentary tickets to Circe de Soleil all to lure in customers and tourism.

Las Vegas is eager to have more tourism after its low numbers in 2008.APproximately $37.5 million people visited Vegas last year, which is 4.5 percent less than in 2007.

Some of the best deals are coming from Travelocity and Expedia, which are offering all-inclusive package deals, which include a flight and two nights at a hotel starting at as low as $270. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport saw a decline of 7.7 percent drop in passenger levels, which is the biggest decline since 1981.

Now it is back to the old Vegas, where customers can spend their own money when they get there, but the city is making it easy and affordable to take a trip to Sin City.

Jordan Simmons, a senior at Auburn University, said she and a group of girls went to Vegas for spring break.

“We saw the great deals they were offering on airfare and hotels, so we couldn’t turn it down.”

Simmons said she could tell the extra push to lure in more tourism. She said they were offered complimentary vouchers, and were able to have an amazing time on a small budget.

These deals will continue until the economy makes a turnaround, which right now is looking bleak. So, if Vegas is somewhere you want to go, now is the time to do it!


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For many, particularly college students looking for fun, Saint Patrick’s Day is just another holiday; a time and excuse to go out with friends and celebrate an event. But most people do not even realize what they are celebrating.

This holiday, celebrated on March 17, is full of rich history, tradition and symbols. The Irish have celebrated this day for more than a thousand years. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and he is believed to have died on March 17 around 460 A.D. Patrick’s life has always been somewhat of a mystery, but he is undoubtedly a revered figure for the Irish and for the Christian people. Some myths even claim that it was Saint Patrick who first introduced Christianity to Ireland.

This holiday traditionally falls during the Christian season of Lent, so the Irish people would usually attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon and evening. At one point in history the pubs in Ireland were even closed down to show respect for the Christian holiday. Later and despite the Lenten rules, an exception was made on Saint Patrick’s Day and people would eat, the traditional Irish meal of bacon and cabbage, drink and dance.

The first parade to celebrate the holiday ironically took place in New York City in 1762, with Irish soldiers serving in the military marching through the streets. After the Irish potato famine in 1845, close to 1 million poor and uneducated Irish Catholics came to the United States. The holiday became a time to recognize the hardships that Irish immigrants had gone through and their accomplishments over the years. They endured stereotypes and political inequality, so the parades and celebrations embody a sense of accomplishment and success for many Irish. Irish patriotism flourished in the United States from this point on.

Today the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New York City is the world’s oldest civilian parade and has over 150,000 participants. Boston, Savannah, Philadelphia and Chicago also celebrate this holiday in style with parades including 10,000-20,000 participants. The city of Chicago even goes so far as to dye the Chicago River green!

Ireland does not overlook the tradition and history of Saint Patrick’s Day, but it does recognize the potential for increased tourism and revenue for Ireland. Last year over 1 million people participated in Dublin’s celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, which features parades, fireworks, concerts and outdoor theatre productions.

There are also many symbols associated with the holiday. The shamrock was a special plant to the Celts because it symbolized the re-birth of spring. It soon became a symbol of Irish nationalism. Music and food are also key elements to the celebration. Cabbage and corned beef are traditional dishes that everyone should try. The leprechaun, is a purely American innovation to the holiday, but nonetheless has also become a recognizable symbol for the mischief that goes on during the holiday.

Whatever your ancestry is, Saint Patrick’s Day can be a celebration that everyone can enjoy. Tee Patterson, a senior at Auburn University and of Irish descent, is excited about his Saint Patrick’s Day plans.

“ I am going to go out with my friends over the break to celebrate the holiday. I think it’s a fun time where a mixture of different cultures and people all come out to enjoy the same thing,” said Patterson.


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Auburn University is offering ROBO camp, and it is an opportunity to grab on to. This program, developed by Auburn’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, was established to reinforce computer literacy to children ages 10-18 and is designed for children in grades 5-12.

Every Saturday from Feb.7 until March 14, children can go to room 2205 in the Shelby Technology Center and learn valuable computer skills. Shelby Center is located at 345 W. Magnolia Street. The camp is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the cost for the classes is $150. Registration is still open for interested students.

The classes will be taught by graduates from the department, and textbooks, headphones and flash drives will be provided for students’ use in the labs. The professional quality headphones provided will also allow for students to focus better while taking the skill-based training modules.

Strengthening the children’s already established skills is one goal, along with introducing advanced concepts and hands-on applications of computer programming and robotics. Students will use cutting edge computer applications such as MyITLab to reinforce knowledge of PC hardware and software architecture, Windows Vista, Internet and the WWW.

There will be more opportunities to learn more advanced concepts, robotics and computer programming. Some of the applications used will be Carnegie Mellon University Alice Programming System, Lego Mindstorms & Robotics Invention System, NXT & Microsoft Robotics and CRS-A255 robot and Microsoft interactive applications. This year the students will use an additional program that will expose them to a series of curriculum modules for developing games using the XNA Framework and Zune.

Students will be assigned individual tasks as well as group projects that will allow them to work together in teams to complete assignments.

Providing children with computer skills at an early age increases their chances of being successful adults. They will gain the knowledge and confidence that will carry them into their professional careers.

Used appropriately, and according to the “National Association for the education of Young Children,” technology can enhance children’s cognitive and social abilities. Children will learn that computer technology can be used not just for games, but also rather as a tool of self-expression. Technology already plays a role in children’s lives, and it will only increase in the future. It is now the responsibility of parents and educators to recognize the benefits of technology and be prepared to use it in a way that will benefit children.

Auburn’s camp will offer skills that will help children function in a computer-based world. They will be ahead of the game and gain confidence and knowledge that will prepare them for the future.

For more information or to register for the camp, visit http://eng.auburn.edu/outreach/k-12/robo-camp/index.htmlww.eng.auburn.edu/K-12.


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Even though Valentine’s Day has come and gone does not mean that you should miss out on this unique opportunity. Mix 96 and Bar 51 are offering a chance for the Auburn community to come out and meet new people.

On Feb.25 from 7-9 pm, Bar 51 will be hosting Date-a-Palooza. You can experience speed dating at its best! This is a time when you can come out and meet all different types of people. It is an opportunity to experience dating with no pressure or anxiety of a regular one- on-one date. If you are single, this is a comfortable and carefree way to date. If you are attached, then this is still a good opportunity to experience, and you can always meet interesting people and contacts.

You will have a speed date with other available bachelors and bachelorettes in the Auburn and Opelika areas. The matchmaking works by evaluating cards. Everyone who has checked yes for each other are informed, and it both individuals still want to go on with a full length date, then it is set up for them.

No information is distributed the evening of Feb. 25, and no pre-registration is necessary. There is no need to worry about personal information being given out, unless individuals decide to do so at their own desire and leisure.

Bar 51, located at 2328 South College Street, is a chic, cosmopolitan indoor and outdoor ultra lounge. Owner and architect, Mike Watson, shows a distinct combination of modern design and refined style. If you decide to attend this event, dress to impress. Bar 51 has a distinguished atmosphere, so you want to dress accordingly, leaving the jerseys, headgear and work boots at home. There is also a shuttle bus that will pick you up and take you home, so there is no need to fret over transportation.

Sean Sugrue, manager of Bar 51, explained more about the process of Date-a-Palooza. He said the first 30 guys and the first 30 girls to arrive will get a chance to participate in speed dating. They will sit down and meet and greet other participants and see how it goes. If you happen to like who you talked to, then you can exchange information. Sugrue made it clear that only the people you want to will receive your information.

“If Valentine’s Day didn’t go too well for you, then come out and see how it goes the second time around, and who knows true love might strike,” Sugrue said

There will also be live music that you can enjoy thanks to Bar 51’s state-of the art sound, plasma screens and visual stimulator equipment, which are designed for live music as well as digital audio and video.

The Mix 967 Date-a-Palooza is brought to you by Bar 51 and Copper Beech Town Homes. For more information, you can visit mix967online.com.


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Last week on Feb.2, 2009 Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow beside him, a predictor of six more weeks of winter. Groundhog Day marks a popular tradition in the United States, but the outcome of more bad weather does not sit well for most people.

Continuous months of cold and wet weather leave many with winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder. This is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience symptoms of depression during the winter months. Some people experience major mood changes with the changing of the seasons, based on the amount of sunlight that your body receives. This makes seasonal affective disorder, or commonly referred to as SAD, more prevalent in Americans living in the northern part of the Unites States. Although, just because we are in Alabama, does not mean that people are not affected. As many as half a million people in the United States may have winter-onset depression, and another 10-20 percent may experience mild symptoms of SAD.

SAD is more common in women and can affect children, teenagers, and adults, although most cases occur in people twenty years old and older. Francie McMath, an Auburn University nursing student, said that there are many symptoms that could be signs of SAD. McMath said, “ Many people may crave sweets or starches, feet tired a lot, and have a change in appetite.” Additional signs are weight gain, a drop in energy level, difficulty concentrating, irritability and anxiety, or increased sensitivity to social rejection. These symptoms may cause people to avoid social situations and lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy.

Sunlight plays a key role in the brain’s production of certain hormones, melatonin and serotonin. These hormones help regulate a person’s sleep-wake cycle, energy, and mood. The shorter days and longer hours during the winter may cause increased levels of melatonin and decreased levels of serotonin, creating conditions of depression. This is why during the spring, summer, and fall seasons people do not experience this abnormal depression. There is enough natural sunlight to stimulate the appropriate levels of hormones in the brain to keep us feeling healthy and happy.

McMath said that treatment is available for people experiencing SAD. Light therapy is the most common suggestion to improve the symptoms. This involves a specially made light box or light visor that you wear for 30 minutes each day. Continuation of this therapy would have to occur until springtime, when there is enough natural sunlight to improve conditions. Other treatments include anti-depression medication, ionized-air administration, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Auburn community needs to take advantage of the mild climate and pretty days we have here. It is important to get outside in the sunlight as much as possible. Exercising will release endorphins, which in turn will decrease symptoms of depression. Other remedies to people feeling a little blue this winter are to eat right and develop a sleep routine. A healthy diet and regular betimes can help maximize your health and in turn reap the benefits of daytime light. The good news is, spring is just around the corner!


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While we are all suffering the affects of the struggling economy, there is one business that seems to resist it all. The movie industry successfully booms, while the rest of businesses barely manage to get by in this recession. This industry will be remembered as prospering even as the economy collapsed.

The City of Auburn is no exception to the rule, as the Carmike Wynnsong 16 has been packed by people of all ages throughout the past months. Auburn University student, Julia McNeel, said she has seen several films in the past few weeks.

“ The last time I went to the movies, the line was backed up all the way into the parking lot," McNeel said. "A ticket guy even had to come out and read a list to the crowd of people of which movies were sold out.”

McNeel also said that movies ticket prices are still a good value when compared to concerts or major sporting events.

This realization did not come as a huge surprise because history has shown that during times of trouble, the movie industry does not suffer. "The Great Depression" was one classic example. Americans managed to gather the few nickels that they could, so they could enjoy a Marx brothers comedy or a monster film.

According to Time Magazine, "When times are bad, our business seems to buck the trend," says Dan Glickman, president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). "The movies are great therapy. It's a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist.” I think most would agree and say that movies can be an outlet for your feelings, especially when times are hard. It is nice to escape the real world even for a couple of hours. The article also said that movie grosses have risen in five of the last seven economic downturns.

The Auburn community is typically more conservative, so when it comes to seeing movies a recognition factor is beneficial to the industry. Producing movies with well-known actors and actresses is reassuring to students and the community so that they know they are putting their money into something familiar. Forrest Champion, whose dad is an attorney for Carmike Wynnsong, says he hopes people in the community will continue to go and see movies as an effort to take their minds off of the suffering economy.

Ticket sales for the year Jan.2, 2008 through Jan.1, 2009 made $9.63 billion, which was more than the year before. The six major studios all matched or bettered their 2007 box office results. With movies such as “The Dark Knight,” “Sex and the City,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” the industry was successful in producing something for all tastes. “ The Dark Knight” was the second top grosser of all time after “Titanic.”

The upcoming Oscars on Feb.22, 2009, might also have an affect on movie sales.

“I like to go and see the movies that have been nominated for Oscars," McNeel said. "It is more fun that way.”

Watching movies is a pastime that can unite people of all backgrounds. They create a common ground and provoke conversations and thoughts.


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Aubie the Tiger is not only the mascot for Auburn University athletics, but he also represents something bigger. He unites the university as well as the community, as a symbol of hope and unity. He acts not only as a spirit leader, but also as a goodwill ambassador to the city of Auburn.

Aubie is in his 30th year as Auburn’s mascot, with his debut being in 1979. The Auburn cheerleaders presented Aubie to the fans in a giant box, and seconds later Aubie jumped out. From that point on Auburn tradition was born, with Aubie leading the crowd to cheer on its team. Aubie originated as a cartoon character who first appeared on the Auburn/Hardin-Simmons football cover in 1959. He quickly turned into one of the most recognizable and animated mascots.

Aubie’s appearance has changed over the past 30 years, but his spirit and good luck aura have not. Aubie now wears clothes and partakes in skits on the sideline to encourage and entertain the spectators. This has turned into a tradition that many Auburn fans believe brings good luck and hope to the team.

The fans might be right, because Aubie has been witness to several winning seasons in football and basketball. Even if the teams are not playing well, Aubie does his very best to keep spirits high. In the 2006-2007 season Aubie was one of the first three mascots inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, he got second place in the National UCA ranking, he won first place in the UCA College Spirit Camp and lastly Auburn was named the Capital One All-American Mascot Team.

In the 2007-2008 season, Aubie won third place in the National UCA ranking, and first place in the UCA College Spirit Camp. The 2009 UCA Mascot National Championship was last week where Aubie won second in the nation. Chip from the University of Colorado won first.

Laura Ferguson, an Auburn cheerleader, said, “I got to see the skit before he performed, and it was really great.”

She said you could tell by watching how much time and energy Aubie put into the skit, and that she was proud of Aubie’s success. The competition was judged by a panel where half the points go toward the skit and the other half go toward a ninety second video entry. Each mascot was allowed to use ten props, and they were judged based on crowd appeal, creativity, animation and prop usage.

Aubie has won a record of six mascot national championships, which is more than any other mascot in the United States. This year Aubie has once again set the standard high when it comes to making a good impression across the nation. He is expected to go on to competitions and represent Auburn well.

The requirements to try out for Aubie reflect the importance of his job. Keeping up with the current dance moves, impromptu skits, use of props and choreography are all essential aspects to Aubie. The 2009 Aubie tryout will be no different, and although they are open to the public, the position requires commitment and dedication. There will be four different orientation sessions in February and March followed by an Aubie clinic, and then finally tryouts which will be held April 6th and 7th.


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