http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village en ccm0001@auburn.edu Copyright 2010 2010-09-08T17:30:03+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/students-span-the-globe-to-spain/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/students-span-the-globe-to-spain/#When:16:30:03Z This article is about the Auburn Abroad summer trip to Salamanca, Spain. Many students took this trip and one student, Beth McDonald tells of her experience.This past summer, a group of Auburn students traveled across the globe to Salamanca, Spain for a very unique and cultural studying experience.Auburn University offers an intensive academic language program in Salamanca every summer for undergraduate and graduate students as well as teachers of Spanish. This year, the program started on June 29 and ended on July 26. Students had the opportunity to study in Salamanca, also known as the “heart and soul” of Spanish university life, mostly due in part to the fact that it is the proud home of the oldest university in Spain (it was founded in 1230). The expenses for the trip this past summer were $540 for the Auburn abroad fee and $5,250 for the program fee, which included health insurance, cultural activities, round trip airfare from Atlanta to and from Spain, room and full board and a group excursion to Madrid (two night stay) hotel and breakfast included, and a three night stay in Paris, hotel and breakfast included, prior to departure back to US. Students had the option of taking a variety of Spanish courses ranging from entry-level Spanish courses such as Elementary Spanish I to upper-level courses such as Spanish Civilization. Auburn student Beth McDonald said that she went on the trip this summer to take Spanish Elementary II and Intermediate I. “I thought that it would be easier for me to be in the culture and learn the language because I would be speaking it every day,” she said. Students also had the opportunity to travel to other destinations in Europe during the trip. As previously mentioned, students got to spend two nights in Madrid and three nights in Paris at the beginning and end of the trip. There were also optional excursions to the south of Spain and Portugal and students got a long weekend to either take one of these optional excursions or plan a trip of their own to their preferred destination. McDonald said that traveling not only to Spain, but to other European cities as well was her favorite part of the trip. “It was neat to see all the cultures how, you know, everyone thinks you’re so different but really everybody’s the same. We’re all people,” McDonald said. Overall, McDonald claimed she would readily recommend this trip to anyone interested in going. If you would like more information about trips in the past or about a trip for this upcoming summer contact Lourdes Betanzos at betanlo@auburn.edu, Pedro Cebollero at pzc0001@auburn.edu or Ted McVay, Jr. at mcvayte@auburn.edu. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Carra Monteverde 2010-09-08T16:30:03+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/tailgating-time/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/tailgating-time/#When:19:16:56Z Auburn is full of time-honored traditions on game day. The eagle flies around the stadium before kick-off while fans yell "Waaaaaaar EAGLE, HEY!" After a win, everyone walks to Toomer's Corner so they can roll the oak tree. The tradition a lot of people enjoy most, however, is tailgating before the game.Auburn is full of time-honored traditions on game day. The eagle flies around the stadium before kick-off while fans yell "Waaaaaaar EAGLE, HEY!" After a win, everyone walks to Toomer's Corner so they can roll the oak tree. The tradition a lot of people enjoy most, however, is tailgating before the game. Tailgating has been a popular activity for decades. People park their trucks in a sports stadium's parking lot before the game. They drink, eat and enjoy time with friends while hanging around their open tailgates. Tailgating has grown tremendously in recent years though. For one thing, trucks aren't the majority vehicles anymore. Cars without tailgates and people without cars joined the tailgate community. There's no need for a truck anymore. There are tents and tables that mark the tailgating spot. People bring speakers to blast music, also. Tailgating games are a favorite activity among tailgaters. Attendees play games like corn hole or ladder golf. The object of corn hole is to toss a beanbag and land it through a hole in the other team's wood platform. The point-award system changes depending on individual games, but usually there's a reward for how close the bag comes. Ladder golf involves throwing a tethered ball toward horizontal bars of different heights. Points are awarded based on which bar is hit. Some cater their tailgates with fancier food than the usual hot dogs and hamburgers. The purpose of all this is for groups to bond together and show their spirit before an event be it for a sports team or a musical group. Auburn University tailgating is no different. Freshman share a tent with 60-year-old alums, parents of students are decked out in orange and blue. Everyone is full of school spirit and ready for the game. Alpha Kappa Psi, the College of Business' professional fraternity, has a tailgate each year. Recent graduate and member of the fraternity Allison Martin says the club has a tailgate each year. Food is always provided for members, and Chick-Fil-A has catered in the past. Their tailgate is also used to fundraise for the fraternity. Funds are raised through bake sales or, when it's hot outside, popsicles. The Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Club (PTOTC) hosted a tailgate in past seasons. Jodi Reynolds, former president of PTOTC, organized other events but the tailgate was her favorite. "Sometimes it was just the officers that showed up," said Reynolds. "But it was a fun thing to do and it showed outsiders that we would be a good club to join." Reynolds knows it is something they are going to continue. The Office of Student Affairs, Career Development Services and Ralph Brown Draughton Library also host tailgates. They include the usual food, games and fun, but also offer attendees the opportunity to network or learn about other organizations. Tailgating is a tradition that most would not think of when considering all the traditions of importance at Auburn University. It is definitely a gameday staple that's not going anywhere, though. Anything with games, food, music and good times must be something great, just ask anyone hanging around Jordan-Hare on a football Saturday. 2010-09-07T19:16:56+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/upc-presents-battle-of-the-bands/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/upc-presents-battle-of-the-bands/#When:16:06:43Z The University Program Council will soon host one of their most competitive events, Battle of the Bands. On Sept. 17 at 7 p.m., hundreds of students and Auburn residents will gather on the AUSC Green Space to watch six bands compete.The University Program Council will soon host one of their most competitive events, Battle of the Bands. On Sept. 17 at 7 p.m., hundreds of students and Auburn residents will gather on the AUSC Green Space to watch six bands compete. Applications to compete are in the AUSC Suite 3130 and must be submitted by Sept. 10 along with a band demo. UPC council members will rank the applications and the top six student-led bands will perform. The prizes include $400 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place. The judges at the event will be VP of Student Affairs Dr. Carry, SGA President Kurt Sasser, and two other Auburn members. Free food and drinks will be provided. The event is open to anyone in the Auburn community. "This year we intend to have more than 600 people," said Matt Ciuros, director of special projects for UPC. "We're hoping everyone comes out, brings a blanket and has a great time." In case of rain, they will move the event to the AUSC Ballroom. "Rain or shine, we're going to have a great time," said Ciuros. Ashley Bowling 2010-09-07T16:06:43+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/upcoming-events-at-the-gnus-room/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/upcoming-events-at-the-gnus-room/#When:17:58:46Z The Gnu’s Room is a well established bookstore and coffee house in Auburn that holds many events throughout the year. Each year the events vary because customer requests are taken into consideration, and The Gnu’s Room enjoys bringing new artists and events to spice things up.The Gnu’s Room is a well established bookstore and coffee house in Auburn that holds many events throughout the year. Each year the events vary because customer requests are taken into consideration, and The Gnu’s Room enjoys bringing new artists and events to spice things up. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village One customer, an Auburn resident and alumnae, believes The Gnu’s Room is a wonderful place to go because it connects Auburn University with the community. The customer, Patsy Thomas, also said the events at The Gnu’s Room play the biggest role in creating a link between the two. She said by bringing people within the community and the university together in a small building and having them interact with each other during the events, builds a connection. “Even though it is a small space, they have always been able to make it (The Gnu’s Room) feel warm and not crowded,” Thomas said. Mary Belk, an Auburn resident and Gnu's Room customer, said she enjoys The Gnu's Room because it brings all age groups in the community together. "That’s the real punch - everyone feels welcome and a part of The Gnu’s Room regardless of their age difference,” Belk said. Some upcoming events at The Gnu’s Room include: · Expressions Café · The Write Time · Science Café Expressions Café creates the opportunity for “storytellers, writers, poets and musicians to share their passion and talents for an appreciative and enthusiastic audience,” said Tina Tatum, the manager of The Gnu’s Room. This event is held on the first Friday of every month, starts at 7 p.m. and generally last a couple of hours. The Write Time enables anyone in the community to join together and be a part of a support group for writers. A popular activity many members in the group take part in involves creating writing exercises and implementing them. The Gnu’s Room provides the venue for this group of writers in efforts to encourage literacy and knowledge from others in the group. It is an hour for inspiration and sharing of information among participants. This event is held on random Tuesdays throughout the year and will last approximately one hour. Science Café involves credible speakers with a different focus and background in science. Many customers call it the ‘Ask the Expert’ event. The speakers will inform the participants of their field of study and present a PowerPoint presentation. This event is held once a month and lasts a couple of hours. Music has become more in demand than ever at Gnu’s Room. The numbers of bands and musicians that request to perform have increased significantly. Local singers and songwriters as well as throughout the Southeast are interested in showing their talent to customers at The Gnu’s Room. Overall, The Gnu’s Room is not only a bookstore and a place to grab a French press cup of coffee, but a place to enjoy events. The events connect the community and Auburn University. Betsy Rogers 2010-09-03T17:58:46+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/maestro-plans-upcoming-events/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/maestro-plans-upcoming-events/#When:17:38:25Z Maestro 2300 is offering a different kind of Saturday experience this football season. Every evening home game of the season, Maestro will host a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be an extensive buffet, including salads, cured meats imported from Spain and Italy, an assortment of cheeses, seafood piaya and pork and shrimp piaya, as well as a variety of desserts. Maestro 2300 is offering a different kind of Saturday experience this football season. Every evening home game of the season, Maestro will host a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be an extensive buffet, including salads, cured meats imported from Spain and Italy, an assortment of cheeses, seafood piaya and pork and shrimp piaya, as well as a variety of desserts. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village “You don’t have to worry about what you’re going to take to the tailgate, or who is bringing what to get everything organized, said Chef Proprietor John Hamme. “You can stop in, have brunch and then head downtown with a full stomach.” Adults price is $20, which includes the buffet and endless champagne is $10. The price for children under 12 years is $10. Along with the champagne brunches, Maestro 2300 is also hosting a wine tasting Sept. 27. The cost of the tasting will be around $20. “This is geared toward people who want to experience wine, without paying $75 a head to go to a wine dinner,” said Hamme. The 20 or so wines will be paired with appropriate foods in a reception setting to enhance attendee’s exposure to and knowledge of wines. This dine-around experience is an opportunity for wine lovers and wine novices alike to mingle and enjoy the best wines at the same time. Hamme said he wants to provide an affordable, casual wine-tasting experience. Maestro 2300 is also taking reservations for its Oct. 15 Caymus Wine Dinner. “Come enjoy a masterfully designed five course, six wine experience prepared by Chef Hamme with special guest, Adriana Chinsky from Caymus Winery,” Hamme said. The dinner will be held in Maestro’s catering space at the Opus Room located directly behind the main dining area. Call for reservations today, as space is limited. Friday night live music will continue throughout the fall, featuring local bands. For a look at who is playing this Friday or just to see what the specials for the week are, check out Maestro’s Facebook http://bit.ly/Maestro2300 and follow them on twitter http://twitter.com/Maestro2300. Also, for nightly specials and updates text Maestro2300 to 90210 to join its VIP Text Club. Maestro 2300 is located at 2300 Moore’s Mill road close to the new Publix. Sarah Funderburk 2010-09-03T17:38:25+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/kaplan-on-the-plains/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/kaplan-on-the-plains/#When:17:25:48Z For many Auburn students, school doesn't stop after they complete their undergrad. More students are applying to graduate school than ever before even though it's extremely competitive and difficult to get in to. However, there are actually ways to prepare for graduate school entry exams. And a lot of them are free.For many Auburn students, school doesn't stop after they complete their undergrad. More students are applying to graduate school than ever before even though it's extremely competitive and difficult to get in to. However, there are actually ways to prepare for graduate school entry exams. And a lot of them are free. Kaplan is a company that is devoted to helping students raise their test scores and get accepted into the graduate school of their choice. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Whether you need to prepare for the LSAT or the PCAT, Kaplan offers the tools to succeed. Kaplan offers free practice tests and courses to help better test scores. "Many students get overwhelmed when they first take their graduate school admission test and taking a practice test definitely helps prepare them for when they take the real thing," says Jessica Simpson, the associate relationship manager. Kaplan has currently been on the Plains the past few weeks informing students of all the services that they provide. They have free practice tests held on campus every semester to give students the opportunity to experience exactly what taking the real test is like. Practice tests on campus this semester will be held on Oct. 17. "We're really hoping for a big turn out of students for the practice test in October," says Simpson. Taking a practice test also has financial benefits. With the MCAT costing around $230 and the GRE costing around $280, they're not tests you want to take twice. Taking a practice test before is definitely a financially wise decision. Many students stress out about getting into graduate school and Kaplan is a definite way to ensure that you are doing everything possible to get accepted into the school of your choice. While most students wait until senior year to worry about graduate school, it's never too early to start. "There have been freshman and sophomores who take our courses and dramatically change their practice tests scores," Simpson says. "It's never too early to start thinking about graduate school." Ashley House 2010-09-03T17:25:48+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/the-villager-relocates-downtown/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/the-villager-relocates-downtown/#When:17:25:09Z The Villager, a gallery of American craft, is moving locations after 39 years from Glenn Avenue to downtown College Street. The store is planning on opening the weekend of Sept. 18 in their new location next to Auburn Art. They are hoping this new location will bring in more customers, especially during the football season.The Villager, a gallery of American craft, is moving locations after 39 years from Glenn Avenue to downtown College Street. The store is planning on opening the weekend of Sept. 18 in their new location next to Auburn Art. They are hoping this new location will bring in more customers, especially during the football season. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village As a 40-year-old family business, The Villager began as a custom framing shop. Now the store has an assortment of handmade gifts, jewelry, candles and art. Their collection of merchandise changes weekly as they receive diverse items from various artists.“Sometimes in our old location on East Glenn, we can be tucked away, and this is going to give us the exposure that we’re looking for. Also, we will be right next door to our sister store, Auburn Art. Hopefully customers are going to love to shop both stores at the same time,” said Jessie King, director of marketing for The Villager.King and other employees created an advisory board of their top customers. The group held meetings this summer. The individuals on this advisory board gave their opinions on what they love about the gallery and also things they believe the store should improve on.“We’ve been taking their suggestions and then communicating those to the other customers of The Villager so we hope to not only meet the needs of our old customers, but also gain so many new customers,” said Jessie King, director of marketing.Gail Brown, a frequent shopper of The Villager, said that she's excited that The Villager is moving downtown. “I am excited that The Villager is moving downtown to a more central location," Brown said. "I love the merchandise they have in the store, but I usually shop on College Street so I forget to stop by The Villager on Glenn."Not only is The Villager looking forward to the local traffic of College Street, but also the football fans. Out of town guests love to shop up and down College Street on game days, and The Villager anticipates the exposure they will receive for their store and also their website, www.ShopVillager.com. Kelsey Brown 2010-09-03T17:25:09+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/dont-buy-food-from-strangers/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/dont-buy-food-from-strangers/#When:17:20:20Z Fresh cherry tomatoes. Baby zucchini. Creamy goat cheese with fresh local blueberries and butter pecan honey granola. These and more are found every Thursday at The Market at Ag Heritage Park, which extends until the end of September. Fresh cherry tomatoes. Baby zucchini. Creamy goat cheese with fresh local blueberries and butter pecan honey granola. These and more are found every Thursday at The Market at Ag Heritage Park, which extends until the end of September. Those same ingredients also find their way on the farm-to-table menu every Thursday night at Ariccia's "Veni Vidi Vino" in The Auburn Hotel and Conference Center. Miguel Figueroa, restaurant chef at Ariccia, picks produce each Thursday at 3 p.m. and returns to create a 3-course menu to be ready by 5:30 p.m. "Veni Vidi Vino" includes the farm-to-table menu as well as half price wines by the glass that have been paired with the evening's course. "I love it because its a challenge," said Figueroa, who has been at Ariccia for two years and worked previously in Key Largo and the Porto Fino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Figueroa said he has formed direct connections with some local farmers because of the Market. Most of the produce and even meat for Ariccia and its sister Piccolo, is purchased as close to home as possible. "It's hard, and for some ingredients, it's impossible," said Figueroa. But, Figueroa strives for supporting local foods. Even the farm-to-table menu quotes, "Don't buy food from strangers." "Why buy something from thousands of miles away, when you can get it five minutes down the road?" said Figueroa. Katie Jackson, first manager of the Market, said the market began with some women at the College of Agriculture reminiscing about old Auburn days. In those days, farmers pulled into the campus parking lot and sold produce straight from the truck bed. Apparently parking was not an issue back then. Eventually, Jackson managed to bring a few farmers together in 2005 for what became The Market at Ag Heritage Park. Even with such humble beginnings, the Market now includes bakers, students, homemakers and many farmers. Customers can find local shrimp, beautiful bouquets, whole wheat bread and fine goat cheese. All local. They can even roll their own bag of oats. Rod Haven and Mike Kosolapoff represent a unique part of the Market. They sell blueberries and donate half of their profit to build Habitat homes. "We have doubled our profit every year so far," said Kosolapoff. Students in the Horticulture Forum club on Auburn's campus use the Market to sell homemade jellies and ice cream to raise funds for educational excursions. Last Thursday samples of honey lavender ice cream where available for market-goers. For more information about The Market at Ag Heritage Park visit http://ag.auburn.edu/themarket, which includes links to websites of the vendors to learn more about Alabama produce. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Amanda Younce 2010-09-03T17:20:20+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/auburn-university-theatre-takes-to-the-stage/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/auburn-university-theatre-takes-to-the-stage/#When:16:54:18Z The Auburn University Theatre is bringing three productions to life on the Telfair Peet Stage this fall.The Auburn University Theatre is bringing three productions to life on the Telfair Peet Stage this fall. Its lineup includes “The Birthday Party” (Sept. 23 – Oct. 1), “The Fantasticks” (Oct. 13 – 22) and “Machinal” (Nov. 11 – 19). Taking the stage first, Harold Pinter’s “The Birthday Party,” under the direction of Chase Bringardner, assistant professor of theatre, mixes comedy and drama. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village “This play is both funny and scary, which is exciting because it is something we don’t often do [at Auburn],” said Bringardner. "It is also a play that really speaks to our contemporary moment. We’ve got a lot of things happening around us today that make us feel like we have a constant outside threat that may or may not attack us. This play really deals with how people live in an environment or society where there is that lingering feeling that you may always be under potential threat of violence.” “The Birthday Party” premiered in England in 1958 and is Harold Pinter’s first full-length play. The play ran on Broadway in 1968 and was revived at its 50th anniversary at London’s Lyric Theatre. Pinter’s play is considered one of the classics of modern theatre. Stage Manager Fred T. Paul, senior in theatre production, said, “I hope the audience can get an appreciation for theatre [after seeing ‘The Birthday Party’].” “The play talks about the importance of being able to know one’s self and trust in the creative spirit and knowing who you are even when you face these outside threats, so hopefully the audience comes away with some of that,” Bringardner said. “The Birthday Party” runs Sept. 23-24, 28-30 and Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. The second production to take the stage is Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s “The Fantasticks,” under the direction of Dan LaRocque, chair of Auburn University Theatre. “The Fantasticks” is the world’s longest-running musical having ran off-Broadway for 42 years with 17,162 performances. The production reopened in 2006 and is still running on Broadway. The Auburn’s “Fantasticks” production runs Oct. 13-15, 17 and 19-22. Sophie Treadwell’s “Machinal,” under the direction of Heather May, runs Nov. 11, 12, 14 and 16 – 19. It premiered on Broadway in 1928. The play was revived in 1993 by the Royal National Theatre. Treadwell based the play on the true life of Ruth Snyder, a convicted and executed murderess. Tickets for all productions are free to Auburn University students and $10 for the general public. For more information, visit http://www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org or call (334) 844-4748. Rebecca Lakin 2010-09-03T16:54:18+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/two-doses-of-ruf/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/two-doses-of-ruf/#When:15:47:57Z Merely two weeks ago, Auburn University's Reformed University Fellowship, or more commonly known as RUF, held its first weekly meeting of the fall semester. But what was different about this semester than in semesters past, was that RUF offered two meetings instead of one during the first two weeks of school. One was at 7:30 p.m. and one at 9 p.m..Merely two weeks ago, Auburn University's Reformed University Fellowship, or more commonly known as RUF, held its first weekly meeting of the fall semester. But what was different about this semester than in semesters past, was that RUF offered two meetings instead of one during the first two weeks of school. One was at 7:30 p.m. and one at 9 p.m.. Upon talking to RUF worship leader, Kyle Wherry, we found out that both services were packed with people sitting and standing in the aisles and that there was no way everyone could fit into one service. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village So what is causing this sudden boom which has prompted holding two separate meeting times? Well for one, Wherry claims that every year the meetings start off crowded. "Every year it starts off really crowded, a little bit overcrowded," he said. "We have people sitting in the aisles and just a lot of people come the first few weeks." Usually, the trend for students at the beginning of each semester is to check out different campus ministries before finding one in which they want to regularly attend. Because that has been the trend the past few years, RUF figured it would try this new approach for the first few weeks of school in order to accommodate every student that wants to come. Usually this crowd dwindles some as the year goes on. Due to this general assumption, RUF will go back to just one weekly meeting this Monday due to the projected smaller crowd due to it being Labor Day Monday. Another reason for the overcrowding in these meetings is that this year at Camp War Eagle, more freshman than ever checked PCA interest on their religious preference cards that they fill out. "PCA sponsors RUF" and is the part of the Presbyterian Church that RUF aligns with, Wherry says. RUF wanted to be able to readily cater to these preferences of this new freshman class. Overall, hosting two meetings times turned out to be quite the smart decision. "If we had had one meeting, there's literally no way we would've been able to fit everybody in there," Wherry said. But for now, keeping two meetings times is simply "not the plan" but depending on how Labor Day plans and schoolwork kicking in full gear affects the next few meetings, those plans could change. So for now, if interested, check out Reformed University Fellowship this upcoming Monday at Dudley Hall on Auburn's campus. Carra Monteverde 2010-09-03T15:47:57+00:00