http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village en ccm0001@auburn.edu Copyright 2010 2010-09-03T16:47:57+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 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/burn-calories-without-leaving-campus/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/burn-calories-without-leaving-campus/#When:15:13:36Z The Auburn University Campus Recreation Services are at an all time high this school year. Students are lining up to swipe their tiger card and get involved in the latest group fitness classes. Burn Calories Without Leaving Campus The Auburn University Campus Recreation Services are at an all time high this school year. The semester began in full swing jumping from 44 classes last spring to 70 classes this fall. Students are lining up to swipe their tiger card and get involved in the latest Zumba, core abs, yoga, kettle bell and personal training opportunities. Bill Jackson, the associate director of Campus Recreation at Auburn, said Zumba is the biggest draw at the Student Activity Center averaging 160 students for each class. "Students like to have fun while working out," said Jackson. "All of the group fitness classes provide students with a way to meet new people, have a good time and build a healthy lifestyle." In 2012 Auburn's fitness classes will relocate to its new facility. The new building will be one of the best fitness facilities in the nation said Jackson. The present Student Activity Center houses 90,000 square feet and the new facility will hold 24,0000. The goal for the upcoming years is to keep the group fitness classes free to students and give students an opportunity to become certified to teach the classes. Jackson said he wants to do everything he can to not limit people from exercising. All of the group classes offer students cardio, but some of the classes are aimed at building muscle, flexibility, dancing or aerobics. Auburn offers more than 20 different group fitness classes in order to accommodate every student's fitness level. Fitness assessments and personal training is another free service offered by campus recreation. Auburn students can schedule an appointment with a certified personal trainer and map out an exercise and meal plan to achieve their fitness goals. Personal training sessions are small groups ranging from two to four people insuring each person gets one on one time with the trainer. Another addition to the group fitness class schedule is kettle bell. Kettle bell is a power exercise class using hips, core and legs to drive weights and increase power. Students get their heart rate up, tone and build muscle during this 30 minute class. All of the group fitness classes range from 30 minutes to one hour. The classes run all week and start at 6 a.m. and go until 7 p.m. The fitness classes are scheduled so that every student can have an opportunity to try new ways to exercise without leaving campus. "Students should get involved in fitness because now is the best time for them to learn how to build a healthy lifestyle," said Jackson. "If young people begin early and learn how to train their body, hopefully they will continue after graduation." Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Whitney Hicks 2010-09-03T15:13:36+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/game-day-fashion-1011/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/game-day-fashion-1011/#When:14:23:32Z Let Ellie, Private Gallery, and Therapy help you pick a gameday outfit that's perfect for a Jordan Hare Saturday!It's finally that time of year again - football season. And while strolling the streets of downtown Auburn, it's hard not to notice the orange and blue clothing from every shop window. Local boutiques know that the demand for the school colors will be high as girls from all over town scramble to find that perfect gameday outfit.Taking this fall's hottest trends and transforming them into an Auburn game day outfit is easier than some may think. Denim is a huge trend this fall. Lucky for Auburn students, denim is also blue. Private Gallery, on North College Street in downtown Auburn, has a selection of denim dresses right now. Denim will also take you straight through to the cold days of November and December in the form of jeans. Pair an orange scarf or orange jewelry with your denim and you're ready to cheer on the tigers.Another hot trend right now is the one shouldered dress. Popular about 10 years ago, the one shoulder has made a comeback. Ellie, in downtown Auburn, has a one shouldered color block dress available. The navy blue top and orange polka dotted bottom screams "war eagle"! Ellie is also selling an orange messenger bag. The messenger bag is one of the trendiest purses on the market right now. The messenger bag is a sack-like purse that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that winds around the chest resting the bag on the lower back. Because it is worn resting on the back, you don't have the hassle of carrying a bag around campus during your various tailgate activities.Amanda (what is her last name?), the manager of Therapy, a boutique downtown, says that football season is one of the most exciting times of the year."We get so many great clothes in and we recently picked up the line, Leona, by Lauren Leonard," ?? said. Leonard attended the University of Alabama. Because of her knowledge of gameday fashion, her line was the perfect fit for Therapy.Therapy also has an array of gameday items in animal print, which is fashionable right now. Pairing a blue leopard print scarf with any white or orange shirt adds the perfect touch to your gameday attire.Whether you prefer to wear a dress or shorts (or maybe even jeans if you're brave enough to sport them in this weather), the boutiques of downtown Auburn have come to the rescue to have you looking fabulous this Saturday. Rebecca Simon 2010-09-03T14:23:32+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/game-day-fashion-101/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/game-day-fashion-101/#When:23:39:57Z When gameday fashion can be an issue, the boutiques of downtown Auburn will come to your rescue. Read on to see what advice Ellie, Private Gallery, and Therapy can give you to look your best on every Saturday.It's finally that time of year again - football season. And while strolling the streets of downtown Auburn, it's hard not to notice the orange and blue clothing from every shop window. Local boutiques know that the demand for the school colors will be high as girls from all over town scramble to find that perfect gameday outfit. Taking this fall's hottest trends and transforming them into an Auburn game day outfit is easier than some may think. Denim is a huge trend this fall. Lucky for Auburn students, denim is also blue. Private Gallery, on North College Street in downtown Auburn, has a selection of denim dresses right now. Denim will also take you straight through to the cold days of November and December in the form of jeans. Pair an orange scarf or orange jewelry with your denim and you're ready to cheer on the tigers. Another hot trend right now is the one shouldered dress. Popular about 10 years ago, the one shoulder has made a comeback. Ellie, in downtown Auburn, has a one shouldered color block dress available. The navy blue top and orange polka dotted bottom screams "war eagle"! Ellie is also selling an orange messenger bag. The messenger bag is one of the trendiest purses on the market right now. The messenger bag is a sack-like purse that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that winds around the chest resting the bag on the lower back. Because it is worn resting on the back, you don't have the hassle of carrying a bag around campus during your various tailgate activities. Amanda (what is her last name?), the manager of Therapy, a boutique downtown, says that football season is one of the most exciting times of the year. "We get so many great clothes in and we recently picked up the line, Leona, by Lauren Leonard," ?? said. Leonard attended the University of Alabama. Because of her knowledge of gameday fashion, her line was the perfect fit for Therapy. Therapy also has an array of gameday items in animal print, which is fashionable right now. Pairing a blue leopard print scarf with any white or orange shirt adds the perfect touch to your gameday attire. Whether you prefer to wear a dress or shorts (or maybe even jeans if you're brave enough to sport them in this weather), the boutiques of downtown Auburn have come to the rescue to have you looking fabulous this Saturday. 2010-09-02T23:39:57+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/crawl-for-the-coast/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/crawl-for-the-coast/#When:21:38:52Z "Crawl for the Coast" will kick off at 5 p.m. and go until 2 a.m. and will include seven bars and 11 band. There will also be discounts offered at Little Italy, Mellow Mushroom, Pita Pit, Calypso's and Big Blue Bagel.Tickets are on sale now for $25 at Da Gallery, Little Italy and Bourbon Street. With nine hours of musical entertainment, Auburn locals Walter Ager and Albert Fernandez are bringing coastal cleanup efforts to Auburn with a bar crawl this Thursday, Sept. 2. "Crawl for the Coast" will kick off at 5 p.m. and go until 2 a.m. and will include seven bars and 11 bands. There will also be discounts offered at Little Italy, Mellow Mushroom, Pita Pit, Calypso's and Big Blue Bagel.Tickets are on sale now for $25 at Da Gallery, Little Italy and Bourbon Street. Participating bars include SkyBar, 17-16, The Vault, Big Blue Bagel, Speakeasy, Ale House and Bourbon Street. Bands that will be participating and playing for free are Ernest goes to Jazz, Mr. Jr, Katie Martin, The Vegabonds, Miles Yarbrough, Jason McMillan, Chronic Blues, Senate Horse, The Good Doctor, Noise Organization and Big Gigantic. Fernandez, a New Orleans and Mobile native, came up with the idea of "Crawl for the Coast" over the summer. He and Ager started planning the event back in June. "I am from the coast, and that fact alone is the main reason of my involvement with the event," Fernandez said. "I have very strong feelings towards the devastation the oil spill has caused right in my backyard. It's affecting everyone, and this is a fun and easy way for college students to get involved in helping out with the relief." Community Foundation of South Alabama, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Greater Escambia Community Foundation are four organizations that have been involved with relief funds for the Gulf Coast. Money raised from the bar crawl will be given to these organizations. "The proceeds from 'Crawl for the Coast' will provide food, shelter and mental health services to the thousands of distressed individuals and families," Ager said. The original idea that Ager and Fernandez came up with was to have a bar crawl in all of the SEC school's towns to generate friendly competition among students and a way for them to become involved with the relief fund. "I've never done anything like this before. It's been a learning experience for me, kind of stressful, but it's been really fun," Ager said. "We challenge all the SEC schools to do their own bar crawl and show these families we care." All bars downtown will still be open for regular business Thursday night. Those with a $25 bracelet will have access to all bars participating in the "crawl," food discounts and the grand finale, Big Gigantic, at Bourbon Street from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. Christie Bradley 2010-09-02T21:38:52+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/auburns-newest-tigers-freshmen-transition/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/auburns-newest-tigers-freshmen-transition/#When:21:38:03Z Fun times, new friends, football games and maybe a little studying on the side is usually what comes to mind when students think about college. It is undoubtedly an exciting time in one’s life that is filled with new experiences that will never be forgotten. However, the transition from high school to college can be challenging, and this is a common struggle that many freshmen are dealing with.Fun times, new friends, football games and maybe a little studying on the side is usually what comes to mind when students think about college. It is undoubtedly an exciting time in one’s life that is filled with new experiences that will never be forgotten. However, the transition from high school to college can be challenging, and this is a common struggle that many freshmen are facing. Every Auburn University freshman has certainly put in a lot of hard work before arriving on campus. They have completed the prep work, scored well on the infamous standardized tests and received good grades in high school.Amanda Medlock, Auburn University freshman, said, “I worked extremely hard in high school, but I have already realized that it will take twice as much hard work and determination here at college.”However, as many upperclassmen have learned, high school success does not necessarily apply to one’s college career.With college comes a new found independence that many students have not yet experienced. Freshmen must quickly learn to balance school, activities, sports and their social life, a task that is difficult for many. Without having mom or dad’s constant guidance, students commonly fall into the routine of making school their second priority. Think how easy it is to sleep in and not go to that 8 a.m. class. Although there may be mornings that this sounds enticing, avoid the temptation. Students will quickly learn that going to class is a vital step to receiving good grades. Good grades may have come naturally in high school, but that does not mean they will in college. If students can realize early on that good grades must be earned, their transition will be that much easier.College undoubtedly differs from high school in many ways and feeling stressed or overwhelmed is only natural.Lydia Sooter, Auburn University freshman, said, “Like many students, I did have responsibilities in high school, but the amount of responsibility in college is on a whole new level.”Dealing with the challenges that come with college is difficult at times, especially when students are away from their parents for the first time. A common problem amongst college freshmen is feeling homesick. Auburn University is home to students from all around the world, and it is difficult for many to feel as though they belong. Even if one’s parents are only a few hours away, this too can take getting used to. Making college feel like home is an important step in the transition from high school to college. The sooner students allow themselves to get involved around campus, the sooner they will meet new friends and make Auburn their new home.College is a time that should be full of joy and excitement, but many students find the transition from high school to college too challenging and leave before completing their sophomore year. The transition from high school to college is not always easy, but it is also a learning process that helps students take their first step into adulthood. The obstacles and challenges students face and overcome freshmen year will not only help them succeed in college, but will also help them successfully conquer their dreams in the future. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Ashley Gilder 2010-09-02T21:38:03+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/gigis-brings-unique-cupcake-choices-to-area1/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/gigis-brings-unique-cupcake-choices-to-area1/#When:21:33:07Z Gigi's Cupcakes has only been open for a short time and already attracted a large customer base through their eclectic cupcakes.Gigi's Cupcakes, located at 1888 Ogletree Road, has only been open for a short time and already attracted a large customer base through their eclectic cupcakes. Gigi's Cupcakes is a franchise that originated in Nashville, Tenn., and now has stores all over the country. The Gigi's in Auburn was opened by Patrick and Jennifer Cooper, both Auburn University alumni. The Coopers were introduced to Gigi's in Nashville and later learned it was a franchise when visiting another location in Chattanooga, Tenn. "We had always wanted to come back to Auburn and thought this was a great way to get back here," said Jennifer Cooper, co-owner of Gigi's. Cooper said that she loves that customers are excited about their product. "I think the best thing about owning a Gigi's is the look of excitement when customers come in for the first time and see what we have to offer," she said. Gigi's is considered an upscale gourmet boutique. "These cupcakes are nothing like you would find at the grocery store. All of the ingredients are fresh and each cupcake is made that morning," Cooper said. Gigi's sells cupcakes individually or by the dozen and also offers custom catering services for weddings or any other special event. Cupcakes are $3 individually and $2.75 each when buying by a dozen. Gigi's is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. Gigi's has a wide variety of unique flavors. "Some of the best selling flavors here in Auburn is the Red Velvet, Carrot Cake and Peanut Butter Cup, which tastes just like a Reese's Cup," said Cooper. Gigi's menu will be changing to a fall menu soon. "Some of the flavors we are excited about getting this fall include Rocky Road, Grasshopper and Sweet Potato," said Cooper. To learn more about Gigi's Cupcakes visit gigiscupcakesusa.com. 2010-09-02T21:33:07+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/comedian-loni-love-takes-the-plains/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/comedian-loni-love-takes-the-plains/#When:16:46:45Z Loni Love has been a regular panelist on the late night talk show Chelsea Lately, Auburn's University Program Council is bringing her here to perform at the end of the month. Comedian Darren Carter will also perform.Loni Love has been a regular panelist on the late night talk show Chelsea Lately, Auburn's University Program Council is bringing her here to perform at the end of the month. Comedian Darren Carter will also perform.Love has earned numerous awards for her stand-up performances. She has been named top 10 comics to watch by Variety and Comedy Central. Campus Activity Magazine named her "Hot Comic" for 2009. Love's most famous stand-up performances include "Brown Liquor," her take on Kanye West taking the microphone from Taylor Swift at the Grammy Awards this year.Another topic is "Skinny people need to leave fat people alone." Love shares some of the ironic questions skinny people ask fat people. Finally, her performance of Barak Obama dancing like a white boy at the inauguration has over 7,000 views on YouTube.Carter is most famous for his performance "Snoop Dogg" that appeared on Showtime. He shares some impressions in this particular performance, and referred to himself as "Snoop Dogg's x-ray" claiming he is very similar to Snoop Dogg, but white."Darren Carter is very funny and I think the show I going to be hilarious,” said UPC Treasurer Laurel Kostakis. "A lot of planning goes into a comedy event and its always great when you see the finished product and how much the students enjoy the event."The comedy show will be held on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom."The title of the show is 'Comedy Showcase' and I think that it really is going to showcase to great comedians, people can expect a lot of fun and a lot of laughs," said Kostakis. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Katelyn Snyder 2010-09-02T16:46:45+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/a-new-school-year-brings-new-opportunities/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/a-new-school-year-brings-new-opportunities/#When:15:50:56Z Each year of college offers something fresh: different challenges, unexpected opportunities and new perspectives. Every university student has heard the phrase, “These are the best years of your life. They will fly by, so don’t take them for granted.” Each year of college offers something fresh: different challenges, unexpected opportunities and new perspectives. Every university student has heard the phrase, “These are the best years of your life. They will fly by, so don’t take them for granted.” As a freshman, this saying doesn’t really mean anything to you – you have four years of fun ahead of you. As a senior, these words couldn’t ring more true – you’re about to enter the real world, and you wonder how your college years disappeared so fast. Every stage of college life is different, and at the start of yet another school year, students are excited and anticipating what this year will bring. Freshmen have the task of creating an identity for themselves at Auburn. Whatever honor societies, student government association or sports team students were involved with in high school are unknown among their new peers. Students have two choices: start fresh to create a new identity by joining new groups or getting involved in different ways, or work to re-establish the same reputation they had in high school. Students either relish the clean slate and fresh start, or experience anxiety about having to start over and meet new people. “I’m excited to join a fraternity, meet new people and be on my own,” said Auburn University freshman Brandon Howell. “It’s like I get to start over.” Sophomores experience an awkward phase: they are no longer the freshmen who are naive about college, but they are still creating an identity and finding their niche. This is the time to start thinking a bit more seriously about what one’s major will be and getting more involved in Greek life, clubs or other organizations. Classes are more challenging as professors are no longer babying students. Juniors experience being somewhat of a “big kid” on campus. The students exchange core classes for major classes that actually pertain to what they want to do upon graduation. They have established a core group of friends, and have learned where they fit in on Auburn’s campus. This is the last year to really enjoy before settling down senior year and working toward a job. Senior year. The time a student realizes that their time in college is indeed limited. “As a freshman, I never thought this day would come,” said Grace Seymour, senior at Auburn University. “But now I look back and wonder where in the world the past three years have gone.” Seniors must start thinking about a career or more education following graduation. They must bid farewell to friends that may have already left, endure the feeling of being the oldest people at the bars and realize that their time in college is coming to a close. This is the year students realize that college truly is the best time of one’s life, and start wishing that they had never taken a single moment for granted. Each year at Auburn offers something different for students. Each year holds a new experience for each student. Students need to relish every moment, because every year goes by a little faster than the year before. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Kaitlyn Parsons 2010-09-02T15:50:56+00:00 http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/local-businesses-prepare-for-football-game-days/ http://www.thecornernews.com/index.php/loveliest_village/local-businesses-prepare-for-football-game-days/#When:15:46:38Z The Auburn University football team has eight home games scheduled for the 2010 season, but the athletes in uniform aren’t the only ones working hard to make the game days a success. Businesses all around Auburn spend countless hours preparing to accommodate the students, alumni, fans and visitors who journey en masse to the Plains for each football game.The Auburn University football team has eight home games scheduled for the 2010 season, but the athletes in uniform aren’t the only ones working hard to make the game days a success. Businesses all around Auburn spend countless hours preparing to accommodate the students, alumni, fans and visitors who journey en masse to the Plains for each football game. SkyBar Café, J&M Bookstores, Amsterdam Café and Ariccia each spent weeks preparing for Auburn’s first home game on Sept 4, against Arkansas State University. The Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center is a popular choice for many Auburn fans. AUHCC offers a package deal to its gameday patrons with a minimum two-night stay for all eight home games, says Arif Kor, executive assistant manager of food and beverage for AUHCC. According to Kor, Ariccia is expecting more than 400 customers for the first home game. “Everything we usually do, we just multiply by five,” says Kor. “We even have to stock up on the smaller supplies like disposable coffee cups.” AUHCC will have more than 150 employees on staff during home game weekends, and in order to prepare the staff for the onslaught of hotel and restaurant customers, the employees go through training sessions and role play different scenarios that could occur on home game weekends. “We started preparing for this during the summer, so by now we’re all just excited for the season to start,” says Kor. SkyBar Café owner Dan Grider also believes that a successful gameday weekend comes from staff preparedness. “We double our inventory and our staff is all hands on deck for Friday and Saturday night,” Grider says. SkyBar will also be cooking and serving personal pizzas for its gameday patrons, a menu item that is only available during football season. “We want to keep our customers happy and a lot of them don’t want to have to leave to go eat dinner, especially while the game is on, so we’ll serve pizza all day during game days,” says Grider. Trey Johnston, owner of J&M Bookstores in Auburn, also believes that gameday readiness starts off with training the employees well. “I tell all my people to get plenty of rest the week before and make sure our rookies are aware of what the day will really be like,” says Johnston. Johnston expects about 8,000 customers to visit the two locations on game day, but he will be letting his employees leave to watch the game, and if Auburn wins, they’ll come back and open up the store again that night. Local Auburn restaurant, Amsterdam Café, spends the entire off-season preparing for football season, according to manager Paul Willis. Willis is expecting about 600 customers on Friday night, but only around 250 on Saturday. “The first game is always a little different, everyone wants to be outside tailgating with the other fans,” says Willis. “But we always expect a full house for the Friday night before the game and the Sunday morning after.” Willis cross-trains his employees, so that each staff member knows what the other positions entail, which he believes adds to the restaurant’s good service and efficient turn over rates. This weekend, the Auburn University Marching Band will make its way to AUHCC to provide a special performance for hotel and restaurant guests. The chocolate bar will also be available during each home game. Amsterdam Café will be featuring its Bloody Mary bar on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at noon. SkyBar’s performers for the weekend will be Michael Stacy Band and Blanton Reed on Friday and MoJiles and Tim Tyler on Saturday. Getting ready for a home game weekend is no simple task. From scheduling staff, stocking up on inventory and preparing for rowdy customers, each business has dozens of factors to work into the gameday equation. However, each business does all it can to make the weekend go off without a hitch. “We’re all ready to play ball, too,” says Johnston. Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village Leslie Lake 2010-09-02T15:46:38+00:00