http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village en JOHNS45@auburn.edu Copyright 2012 2012-02-09T00:11:59+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/montgomery-rapper-to-release-new-mix-tape/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/montgomery-rapper-to-release-new-mix-tape/#When:23:11:59Z Montgomery rapper Lil Petey will soon release a new mix tape, “Round 2,” hosted by DJ Frank White with less than a month left before the release, people are wondering what to expect. Montgomery rapper Lil Petey will soon release a new mix tape, “Round 2,” hosted by DJ Frank White with less than a month left before the release, people are wondering what to expect. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village "You can expect more original tracks, hot features and the same thrill experienced from hearing ‘Graduation Exam’," said Lil Petey. The first single off the mix tape will be “Living in the Moment.” The song explains and describes situations that occur in daily life from a teenager’s point of view. Some of the artists that will be featured on “Round 2” are 2Lane Ent., Chize Money, Tabius Tate, Big Yoshi, White Boii and Classic. Lil Petey started rapping at the age of 8 and released his first mix tape, “Graduation Exam,” when he was 13 years old. The ability to create good music while maintaining good grades in school make him a positive role model for children and adults. "I believe that my education is just as important as my music," said Lil Petey. Lil Petey was discovered by owner and CEO of Road Runner Management, Mac, who also manages Track Rock Productions and Cle. He performed at Mac's Gump Day, which set the standard and revealed the potential superstar that was inside of him. Lil Petey credits artist such as Tupac, Lil Wayne, Drake, T.I, Gucci Mane and Lil Boosie for his inspiration. His lyrical style and genius delivery of bars has made some people say that he reminds them of a Lil Wayne or a Drake. "They say I sound like Drake. They say I sound like Wayne, but to me I got that Tupac flowing in my veins," said Lil Petey. Lil Petey is currently a sophomore at Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Ala., with intentions of coming to Auburn University. “Round 2,” is set to be released on March 1, 2012. It will be available on livemixtapes.com and hard copies can be found at select locations. Jeremy Johnson 2012-02-08T23:11:59+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/eric-church-gets-lassoed-for-the-2012-alpha-psi-rodeo/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/eric-church-gets-lassoed-for-the-2012-alpha-psi-rodeo/#When:14:32:59Z For one select Saturday in the spring, a cluster of 15,000 students will be found dressed in camouflage, cutoffs and cowboy boots. And that can only mean one thing: Alpha Psi Rodeo. Yes, it is back, and ticket sales are now in full swing.For one select Saturday in the spring, a cluster of 15,000 students will be found dressed in camouflage, cutoffs and cowboy boots. And that can only mean one thing: Alpha Psi Rodeo. Yes, it is back, and ticket sales are now in full swing. Find more videos like this on Auburn Family Set for April 14, the brothers of Alpha Psi veterinary fraternity will be hosting Eric Church and Easton Corbin as this year’s headlining act and opening performance, respectively. Dating back to 1965, the rodeo has evolved into Auburn’s largest student organized fundraising event. Its popularity encompasses not only the student body, but also the Auburn community and universities across the Southeast. A major contributor for its success comes from the fraternity’s ability to attract big names for performances. Rodeo chair Tim Twehues attributes landing top artists, such as last year’s headliner Blake Shelton, to good fortune. “With a lot of luck we were able to sign Shelton prior to his first single hitting the top of the country charts and before he was on NBC’s reality show 'The Voice,'" Twehues said. “We are just as fortunate this year in signing Eric Church as “A Drink in my Hand” hit number one on the country singles chart three weeks ago.” With the excitement of Church and Corbin, a repeat of last year’s sellout is expected. Ticket sales are a few weeks in, and half of the ticket allotment has been sold. Though the day is packed with tailgating, a plethora of rodeo action and a concert, it is not without cause. Proceeds from the event, which amounted to $140,000 in 2011, go to support local charities. “We have been the largest contributor for Storybook Farm, which provides therapeutic riding for children experiencing physical, mental, social and emotional challenges,” Twehues said. “In addition, we will continue to support the Alabama Special Olympics through the local 'Cops on Top' program.” Last year’s addition of the “Responsible Ride” shuttle system continues to be emphasized by the fraternity as the optimum choice of travel to and from the event. The shuttle will run from main campus and will provide a hassle-free entrance and exit, bypassing lengthy lines. If guests choose to not use the shuttle system, a parking pass must be purchased. Rodeo tickets and parking passes can be purchased at www.alphapsirodeo.com. Also, application forms for bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding can be found via this website. For further information on trailer sales, VIP ticket offerings and contestant entries, Twehues urges attendees to “Like” them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter (@AlphaPsiRodeo). The rodeo will be located in the field adjacent to Good Ol’ Boys Restaurant off Sandhill Road in Auburn. Gates will open at 8 a.m. Weapons and glass are prohibited. “Our organization is very proud of the success of our annual philanthropic event,” Twehues said. “Our goal is for everyone to have an enjoyable and responsible Saturday on the Plains. We hope that our contributions and philanthropy will continue to make the Auburn family proud.” Lauren Beason 2012-02-08T14:32:59+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/kalyn-ballard-win-a-treat-for-your-valentine/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/kalyn-ballard-win-a-treat-for-your-valentine/#When:23:37:32Z Are you looking for something sweet to give your Valentine this year? Is your pocket running a little low on cash? Well look no further. V3 Media Group in downtown Opelika, Ala. is giving away three Valentine’s Day treats for free that you could potentially win to give to your sweetheart.Are you looking for something sweet to give your Valentine this year? Is your pocket running a little low on cash? Well look no further. V3 Media Group in downtown Opelika, Ala. is giving away three Valentine’s Day treats for free that you could potentially win to give to your sweetheart. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village   By liking the V3 Media Group’s Facebook page and leaving your sweetest love story, you’ve easily entered into the Valentine’s Day contest. The story can be anything; tell how you met the love of your life, the sweetest thing your first true love ever did for you, the best date you ever went on or why you want to win a sweet treat for your valentine this year. The top three stories with the most likes will receive a delicious Edible Arrangement. “The contest is a super easy way for students to give a valentine gift for their special someone,” said Mallory Deason, an intern at V3 Media Group. “The contest is especially easy for those on a budget. Edible Arrangements are good gifts for a girl or a guy. Everyone loves fruit and chocolate.” The rules for the contest are simple. To enter, you must like V3 Media Group on Facebook and leave a comment with your story. The submitted story must be your own and the top three stories with the most “likes” will win. Any ties will be broken by V3 employees. Stories submitted must be rated PG and tasteful. Participants may only enter one story. No V3 employees, interns or family members are eligible to win. “We’ve heard some pretty awesome stories so far,” said Chris Call, another intern. “My fiancé entered the contest telling about a time I left her clues all around town with her friends and family. The clues led her back to me when I arrived home from a weekend away.” Winners of the contest will be selected on Friday, February 10, 2012. The winners will be contacted via Facebook and will be asked to provide an address so that the Edible Arrangement can be sent on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012. Students and young adults in the area are encouraged to participate. Even if you do not have the courage to submit your own story, go online and read some of the stories posted by your peers. You might be surprised how much romance has been happening in Auburn. There is no better way to support young couples who want a chance to spread the love this Valentine’s Day and win an awesome gift for their sweetheart. Kalyn Ballard 2012-02-06T23:37:32+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/twitter-scavenger-hunt-turns-students-to-social-media/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/twitter-scavenger-hunt-turns-students-to-social-media/#When:23:26:08Z When it comes to social media, Auburn University students are all in. The world around us is changing and technology is sculpting the way we communicate. Michael Fuhlhage, a journalism professor at Auburn, is pushing his students to interact in new ways and become more familiar with the shift in culture by having his students participate in a multi-university Twitter scavenger hunt.When it comes to social media, Auburn University students are all in. The world around us is changing and technology is sculpting the way we communicate. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Michael Fuhlhage, a journalism professor at Auburn, is pushing his students to interact in new ways and become more familiar with the shift in culture by having his students participate in a multi-university Twitter scavenger hunt. Carrie Brown Smith, a professor at the University of Memphis, first came up with the idea of a scavenger hunt and shared it with other universities. The results spread like wildfire and the students began tweeting several times a day about their lives and campuses. Auburn University quickly caught on and is taking part in the scavenger hunt this semester. Auburn uses #j2310 as a class hash tag, and #JRLWeb is used as the overall hash tag by all of the universities. The other schools participating this semester include, San Jorge University, #PW2, Bradley University, #BU330 and Valencia College, #VCJ. The students participate in the hunt and tweet discoveries to a website called Storify. Each student is responsible for being aware of what is interesting, important, relevant, unique and immediate. They are learning to double check facts, think like a storyteller and interact with other schools through social media. Christin Colquitt, a senior at Auburn University says the scavenger hunt is pushing her to use social media outlets to not only think like a reporter but learn from other universities how the cultures can vary from one campus to another. Fuhlhage stresses to his students that even though a tweet only includes 140 characters, you can say a lot in a few words or by using and image. It is a way for Auburn students to get involved with the social media culture and use it to further their education and interaction with other college students. As his class participates in the hunt, they discuss their discoveries of what they have found and how to best tell a story in a limited space. “Most of the students I have in the class have been using twitter in one way or another, but they haven’t thought about it as a reporter would use it,” Fuhlhage said. “This requires the students to do what reporters do and become comfortable with interviewing complete strangers.” Auburn students are expanding their education with the help of social media. The Twitter scavenger hunt is simply one of the ways students are using new social media outlets for education and experience. Chelsea Coulter 2012-02-06T23:26:08+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/future-birds-first-time-to-play-in-auburn/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/future-birds-first-time-to-play-in-auburn/#When:23:25:36Z “It is exciting that the Futurebirds are coming to play in Auburn. I have seen them play several times in Athens, Ga. at the Georgia Theater, so it is exciting that they are finally coming to play in our college town,” said Auburn University student Francie O’Hea.“It is exciting that the Futurebirds are coming to play in Auburn. I have seen them play several times in Athens, Ga. at the Georgia Theater, so it is exciting that they are finally coming to play in our college town,” said Auburn University student Francie O’Hea. Futurebirds, an indie rock band from Athens, Ga., will be playing this Friday night, Feb. 10, at Bourbon Street bar in Auburn. The band will begin playing at 10 p.m. and tickets are only $8 each. They are available for purchase in advance at www.ticketbiscuit .com/bourbonstreet or will be available for purchase at the door. The band is made up of six members, who all met while attending college at the University of Georgia in 2008, and decided to form the band Futurebirds. The past year was quite a success for the band. They opened and played with bands such as Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Whigs, Johnny Corndog and Dead Confederate. “Their genre of music really appeals to me,” said O’Hea. “I like the fact that they are a band from Athens, because I go there often and am familiar with the area so it’s neat that they began the band there.” O’Hea, who has had the opportunity of meeting a member of the band, says that the band is down to earth and always put on a fun, lively show for their audience. Auburn University student, Shelby Thorpe, was amazed when she discovered that Futurebirds were scheduled to play in Auburn. “On Jan. 30, 2011, I saw the Futurebirds in Atlanta, Ga. at The Buckhead Theatre. They were incredible and I loved the show, but it was $30 upon entry, so it is a bargain that they are playing here in Auburn for only $8 a ticket,” said Thorpe. After playing in Auburn this Friday, Futurebirds will begin their Black Diamond Tour starting on Feb. 17 in Denver, Co. The tour will visit various places in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Georgia, Arizona and Tennessee. It will end on June 6 in Chattanooga, Tenn. “I hope that students in Auburn realize that this is an opportunity to see a wonderful band at a low price that will soon be touring around the country,” said O’Hea. Maury Johnson 2012-02-06T23:25:36+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/auburn-boutique-offers-a-little-something-for-everyone/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/auburn-boutique-offers-a-little-something-for-everyone/#When:23:25:23Z Melissa Cunningham-Campbell, a former critical care nurse specialist, is opening Monkee’s, a ladies boutique located at 403 E. Magnolia Ave. in Auburn. The shop is set to have its grand opening on Feb. 9.Melissa Cunningham-Campbell, a former critical care nurse specialist, is opening Monkee’s, a ladies boutique located at 403 E. Magnolia Ave. in Auburn. The shop is set to have its grand opening on Feb. 9. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village “Being your own boss is a great opportunity to grow personally and I am so excited to meet the people of Auburn through this store,” Campbell said. Monkee’s is a ladies boutique that offers apparel, shoes and accessories. It is a franchise that Campbell and her daughters fell in love with while visiting Greenville, N.C. “We lived in a small town and did a lot of ordering online and we were so impressed with how many designers were carried at this one store.” Campbell said. “Shopping at Monkee’s was like going to a really good friend’s house and trying on clothes.” The price range at Monkee’s is medium to high-end merchandise. Some of the brands include: Alice & Trixie, Elizabeth McKay, Kate Spade, Lily Pulitzer, Hunter, Sam Edelman, Frye, Max and Cleo and many more. “You can walk in the door and need a complete outfit and we can dress you from head to toe,” Campbell said. Monkee’s caters to the fashion needs of women of all ages with hopes that everyone can find something they like. “I have shopped with the college-age student in mind, myself in mind and my mother in mind, “ Campbell said. “I like to have a little bit of an offering for every age.” Monkee’s is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit monkeesofauburn.com. Lyndsey Lewis 2012-02-06T23:25:23+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/a-night-of-fun-food-and-film/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/a-night-of-fun-food-and-film/#When:23:25:14Z Join the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art for a night of fun, food and film as it hosts the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.Join the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art for a night of fun, food and film as it hosts the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.   The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a group of filmmakers, either from the south or producing films about the south, that travels on a regional tour to promote its independent films. This provides an opportunity for the filmmaker to discuss the major themes of the film with an audience. This event is free and open to the public. Not only is this a great opportunity for the filmmakers, but the Auburn community can benefit from it as well. “It’s a chance for the audience to get away from their DVDs, their televisions and their computers and come experience the film as a group,” said Sarah Whitley, intern at the museum. “It’s a way for the audience to connect with the filmmaker.” The film being featured on Feb. 7 is “The Toe Tactic” by Emily Hubley. It follows the mission of a woman who travels to an alternate universe after her father’s death. It explores the interaction between humans and magical realms, while focusing on themes such as truth, memory and time. This particular film has a slightly complex plot and has been shown at film festivals, including Sundance and South by Southwest. It was also the first-time recipient of the Brendan P. Kelly Award at the Newport International Film Festival. Following the film, coffee and dessert will be served, and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions concerning the film. The museum has hosted this tour before and will feature more independent films in the next couple of months. On March 6, the museum will show “A Good Man” by Bob Hercules and Gordan Quinn, and on April 10, “My Perestroika” by Robin Hessman will be featured. Since independent films are produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system, they don’t always receive a lot of attention. However, the museum seeks to highlight the independent filmmakers’ efforts and feature their talent. “The museum, being a non-profit organization, likes to support all different types of art whether it’s paintings, drawings, from dance to music to poetry,” said Whitley. “We like to give the Auburn arts community a diverse range of different types of art.” Leighton Lindstrom 2012-02-06T23:25:14+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/unique-twist-on-veterinary-care/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/unique-twist-on-veterinary-care/#When:23:25:12Z A different kind of veterinary clinic has recently opened in Opelika.A different kind of veterinary clinic has recently opened in Opelika. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Ask any pet owner how they feel about their four-legged companions and a story will likely ensue. Pets are an important part of life for a number of people. That is why the slogan of Fur Buds After Hours Clinic is “love them like family; treat them like family.” Marisel San Miguel, a local veterinarian, came up with the idea of Fur Buds After Hours Veterinary Clinic. She graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in May 2009. “I just saw a need in the community,” said San Miguel. “Fur Buds is an alternative for pet owners who have needs of a veterinary clinic without needing the expertise that [Auburn’s] vet school would provide with specialty care.” The name of the clinic is a nod to one of San Miguel’s friends. “My neighbor’s husband travels a lot. Whenever he calls home to check in, he asks about their fur buds,” said San Miguel. “I thought it was cute and decided to use it.” She further noted that Fur Buds is an urgent care facility, much like an emergency room at a hospital. “Routine and preventative care occur at a regular vet clinic,” said San Miguel. “We are for urgent needs like lacerations or sickness during the night.” There are four veterinarians, including San Miguel, on staff. Ten other staff members include receptionists and veterinary technicians. The veterinarians work in 12-hour shifts during the week and two 12-hour shifts on the weekends. The typical business day begins at 6 p.m., when the shift veterinarian arrives, and ends at 8 a.m. Emily Dent 2012-02-06T23:25:12+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/love-your-heart-run-and-crank-your-heart-ride-2012/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/love-your-heart-run-and-crank-your-heart-ride-2012/#When:23:24:42Z The 23rd Annual Love Your Heart Run and 5th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride is an amazing way to stay healthy and support the therapeutic programs in Lee County. This event is sponsored by the Exceptional Outreach Organization (EOO) and the Auburn Parks and Recreation.The 23rd Annual Love Your Heart Run and 5thAnnual Crank Your Heart Ride is a way to stay healthy and support the therapeutic programs in Lee County. This event is sponsored by the Exceptional Outreach Organization (EOO) and the Auburn Parks and Recreation. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village   The run was started by the cardiac unit of the hospital to raise funds, but in 2005 it was turned over to the local running club, Auburn-Opelika Running and Track Association (AORTA). They then offered it to the EOO to use as a fundraiser and to keep the event going.   The funds made from this event go to support the therapeutic programs in Lee County, such as the Summer Therapeutic Camp, the Auburn University Chapter of Best Buddies and the Lee County Special Olympics Program.   The bike ride portion began in 2008. This was a big change for the event, but a huge addition at the least. Alison Hall, community and special programs director for Auburn Parks and Recreation, explains the importance of the bike ride addition.   “We were able to bring in more participants to the overall event by adding the bike rides and also adding the option for dual and tri-athletes in the area, therefore turning it into an event they could use for training and practice,” Hall said.   A huge plus that will happen this year is a hot breakfast. This will allow the runners to enjoy a nice meal after they conquer the mountain, and allow the riders to eat some carbohydrates before they hit the pavement.   For Hall, the most important part of the event is the part that brings her the most joy. This specific part is when people realize where their funds are going.   “It is a lot of fun and excitement to be a part of this group that puts on a fun event for running, biking and fitness enthusiasts. However, it’s also a lot of fun to see families participating in the event to show support for our local Special Olympics athletes or our summer camp campers,” Hall said.     One Auburn citizen, Jarrett Jones, will participate in the run for the fourth time this year. Jones has two running partners this year and has to train for two months on average for the run each year.   “I am running the 10K this year and my goal is to run it in under an hour,” Jones said.   A lot of the participants walk, run or bike to show their love and support for a family member or friend. That is what makes this event so special. Last year 650 people participated and Hall hopes the number of participants will exceed the 650 from last year.   The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18,2012 at Chewacla State Park. The run consists of a 10K or a one mile fun run or walk. The bike ride choices are 3.5, 11 or 22 miles. Even though the bike paths are paved, helmets are required for the event. If you are adventurous, you can choose to do both events.   Day-of registration starts at 6:15 a.m. The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m. and one mile starts at 8 a.m. The day-of registration for the bike ride starts at 8:30 a.m. The 11 and 22 mile rides start at 9:30 a.m. and the 3.5 mile ride starts at 9:45 a.m.   Anyone may register by visiting www.loveyourheartrun.com and clicking on the How To Register tab.  There you can either download the registration form and mail it in, or it will take you to www.active.com where you can register with ease online. The last way you can register is by going by the Dean Road Recreation Center and picking up a form.   Any further questions can be directed to the Auburn Parks and Recreation at (334) 501-2930.   Jenna Malphrus 2012-02-06T23:24:42+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/ariccia-hosts-valentines-day-dinner/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/ariccia-hosts-valentines-day-dinner/#When:23:24:38Z The Hotel at Auburn University will be hosting a Valentine-themed cooking class, dinner and an overnight stay to celebrate the February holiday. The Hotel at Auburn University will be hosting a Valentine-themed cooking class, dinner and an overnight stay to celebrate the February holiday. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Chef de Cuisine Miguel Figueroa will be teaching cooking classes for couples to attend.  The class, which will be held Feb. 15, will be themed for Valentine’s Day.  Couples attending will learn how to prepare foods from the city of Verona, where “Romeo and Juliet” took place.  The menu will have ingredients commonly known as aphrodisiacs.  Each guest will receive gift baskets that include pesto from the garden, Ariccia’s tomato sauce, pasta and asiago cheese.  The class costs $100 per person. “The cooking class is offered every month, it’s just for February they are offering it for Valentine’s Day, so it’s themed around that, but there’s a cooking class that’s offered every month throughout the rest of the year,” said Kayla Preston, an employee of The Hotel. The Hotel at Auburn University is also offering an overnight hotel package including deluxe accommodations, two piccolos of champagne and six chocolate-covered strawberries for $149.  This package is available on Feb. 10-12, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Ariccia will be hosting a special Valentine’s menu Feb. 10-14 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.  The dinner will include Medjool dates, smoked bacon, arugula, local honey and rocchetta cheese as an appetizer.  Guests may choose from slow-roasted beef short ribs, cipollini onions, home fries, quail eggs and heirloom tomato salad or risotto with mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, grouper, scallops and San Marzano tomatoes for their entree.  For dessert, guests will be served a chocolate sponge cake with mascarpone cream, Nutella and vanilla.  The three-course dinner is $45 a person.  Friday and Saturday nights only, guests will be able to go to Piccolo for live jazz and specialty cocktails.  Guests who order piccolos of champagne will receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries for two. “The most popular [event] is probably the dinner because most people are going out for dinner anyway, so why not come to the fabulous Ariccia,” said Preston. Ariccia will host a Valentine’s Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 12.  Eggs Benedict and Norwegian smoked salmon will be served along with other chef-prepared items, desserts and live music.  The brunch is $21.95 per person and will be served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ”[My favorite part is] probably seeing all the people that are just so excited about Valentine’s Day getting to go out and do something special,” said Preston.  “Ariccia is always filled, but it gets even more exciting when it’s a holiday.” Reservations for the dinner and brunch can be made by calling 334-844-5140.  Reservations for the overnight package can be made by calling 334-821-8200, and reservations for the cooking class can be made by calling 334-321-3181. Katie Simms 2012-02-06T23:24:38+00:00