News: 2012-02-09T17:54:44Z Copyright (c) 2012, Carla Nelson ExpressionEngine tag:thecornernews.com,2012:02:09 tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17487 2012-02-09T15:15:25Z 2012-02-09T16:20:26Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
“We were on a trip across Texas and had eaten at a lot of taco stands,” Helms recalled.

One night in San Antonio, the friends began discussing their love of tacos and food trucks over margaritas, when finally deciding on a way to combine their passions.

“Let’s do it, let’s start a food truck,” Helms said. “About seven months later we started the truck, and the rest is history.”

Tex’s Tacos serves ‘Nueva Texicana’ style food with fresh ingredients and friendly service. Their menu includes tacos and quesadillas with a choice of pork al pastor, Mexican lime chicken, citrus-splashed skirt steak, pulled pork barbecue and veggies. Sides include chips and fresh salsa, guacamole and one item that stands apart.

“Our claim to fame is our lime fries, which are French fries topped with our homemade lime seasoning that’s a little sweet, a little salty and made with fresh limes,” Helms said. “It’s very delicious.”

Tex’s Tacos has quickly made its mark on the Atlanta street food scene since opening. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Tex’s Tacos "Best Food Truck/Street Vendor" in Atlanta, and the duo’s truck was most recently featured in Atlanta Magazine’s "Best of Atlanta" issue. Tex’s Tacos will soon gain national attention, too.

“We’re going to be on an upcoming episode of Cooking Channel’s/Food Network’s 'Eat St.,'” Helms said. “We filmed it a couple of months ago, and it will air when the new season starts in March.”

Before the guys take over the nation, they decided to introduce Auburn University’s campus to their award-winning food truck this semester.

“We’ve always wanted to come to a college campus,” Helms admitted. “Auburn’s Tiger Dining called us and said they were looking for some food trucks to come to the university, so we jumped at the opportunity.”

Tex’s Tacos is enjoying its time on the Plains.

“I love being at Auburn,” Helms said. “We usually go to office buildings, which is fantastic, but it’s a nice, youthful crowd here. I love being around the students.”
The continuous line at Tex’s Tacos confirms that Auburn students enjoy the food truck as well.

Tex’s Tacos fresh food and unique menu can become quite addicting.

While the menu, food quality and service will remain the same, Tex’s Tacos’ campus location will change weekly.

“Check our website, www.texstacos.com, or check us out on Facebook or Twitter (@texstacos),” Helms advised.

For Helms and Jones, Tex’s Tacos is not only about sharing their love of great Texas food, but also about meeting good people.

“What I like most about being at Auburn’s campus are the people,” Helms said. “Everyone here is so friendly and we just really enjoy the interactions with students. We have a good time.”
]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17483 2012-02-08T15:17:43Z 2012-02-09T17:54:44Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com Get Valentine's coupons here!

Flowers and Balloons:

Auburn Flowers and Gifts
1655F S College St
334.502.4567
Auburnflowersandgifts.com

- Gourmet chocolate and pamper me baskets that include bath gel, lotions and more are $35.95 and up.
- 12 roses in a wrap for $34.95
- Tulip vase with balloon which includes 10 mixed color tulips of the designer’s choice, greenery and filter flowers for $49.95.
- Assorted color roses in a red heart vase with greenery, filler flowers and a small box of chocolates. Half dozen is $46.95. One dozen is $69.95.

Blooming Colors & Crepe Myrtle Café
1192 South Donahue Drive
334.821.7929
Bloomingcolors.net
- A dozen roses are $49.99. Free delivery in Auburn if ordered before Feb. 7.
- Chocolate covered strawberries starting at $1.75 and Valentine’s decorated cupcakes starting at $2.
- Personalized gift baskets starting at $15.
- Mixed cut flower arrangement starting at $19.99.
-Three rosebud vase starting at $12.99.

Check-it-Out
239 N Gay St
334.826.0308
Check-it-outballoons.com

Check-it-Out has several Valentine's Day flowers and balloon bouquets. Check out the website for more:
- Leopard Love Bouquet: This spotty bouquet is great for animal print fans. It has a leopard plush animal with three leopard spotted balloons, two solid balloons and an 18" Valentine foil balloon for $19.97.
- Valentine Half Dozen Roses: A half dozen roses arranged in a vase with a foil balloon with a choice of rose color for $35.97.

Village Floral
300 N Dean Rd # 9
334.887.9028
Villagefloralofauburn.com

- Single wrapped rose for $5, many colors to choose from.
- 10 tulips in a vase with a ribbon for $45.
- Half dozen roses arranged in a vase with greenery and a bow for $40. Several rose colors to choose from.
- One dozen roses arranged in a vase with greenery and a bow for $72. Several rose colors to choose from.
- Minimum $35 purchase for delivery. Delivery fee is $8. They cannot guarantee delivery times on Valentine's Day.

Spa packages and Tanning:

Create-a-Spa
119 N College St
334.826.4011
Createaspa.com
- Current promotions include a spa day package worth more than $235 for $49.99.
- Swedish massage is $55.
- Get $5 off all massages and facials.

One Eighty Wellness Spa
1100 S. College St Suite 204
334.887.1180
Oneeightywellnessspa.com
- Cupid’s Favorite: One hour massage, Antioxidant Quench Facial with mineral makeup application, Signature Pedicure and Spa Manicure for $200.
- Cloud Nine: One hour massage with an Antioxidant Quench Facial for $120.
- Champagne & Roses: Signature Pedicure with rose petals and champagne rose foot scrub with one hour massage with Essential Oil for $100.
- Treat for my Sweet: Essential Facial for $75.

The Beach Tanning
569 Lee Road 53
334.826.5553
- Customer Appreciation Day is Tuesday, Feb. 14. All customers will win free tanning or a free lotion. No contracts required.

Sweets:

Gigi’s Cupcakes
1888 Ogletree Road Suite 170
334.887.2253
gigiscupcakesusa.com

- Gigi’s is offering Valentine's cupcakes in the Lots of Love Box which includes six cupcakes for $15.99. And, the Love Box is also back and offers four cupcakes for $10.99.

Gourmet Tiger
2962 Highway 14 West
334.821.9222
Gourmettiger.com
- Heart shaped red velvet cheesecake $32.
- Sweetheart sugar cookies $3 each.
- Regular red velvet cakes available: 6 inch round - $25/8 inch round - $38

Venable’s Sweet Shoppe
108 South 9th St., Opelika
334.737.6565

- Chocolate covered strawberries - $1 each.
- Mini cakes (chocolate or red velvet) six inch and two layer - $8 each.

Dinner:

Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar Restaurant
241 South College Street
334.844.5140
Auhcc.com
- A Valentine’s menu will be offered at Ariccia from Feb. 10-14 from 5:30-10 p.m. The price of the three-course dinner is $45 per person, and reservations can be made by calling (334) 844-5140. After dinner, couples can head to Piccolo for live jazz, on Friday and Saturday nights only, and specialty cocktails. Guests who order piccolos of champagne will receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries for two.

Tiger Café
815 E. Glenn Ave.
334.787.1988
Tigercafeauburn.com
- On Valentine's Day, Tiger Cafe will have a candlelight dinner for two that includes an appetizer and dessert with an entree choice of Ribeye, Salmon or Roasted Chicken Breast for $29.95. There will be live music, dancing and flowers on each table that the couple can take home. Diners can bring their own wine to enjoy with the meal. Reservations are recommended.

Zazu
149 E. Magnolia Ave.
334.887.0206
Zazuauburn.com
- Four course dinner, which includes, Lobster Bisque with Truffle Poached Lobster, Seared Boneless Quail Breast and thick cut bacon glazed with Chipotle Honey, for $50 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Clothing and other Gifts:

Fringe
125 South 8th Street/3051 Frederick Road,Opelika/2436 East University, Auburn
334.705.6727
Fringeofopelika.com

- Use the coupon in the Corner Coupon section and receive 15 percent off all heart jewelry or anything pink or red in the store.

Monkee’s
403 East Magnolia Ave.
334.521.7147
Monkeesofauburn.com

- Monkee’s of Auburn will hold its grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 9. For two weeks the boutique will hold a trunk show of Elizabeth McKay Auburn gameday dresses and clothes that are offered in styles offered for students, alumni and everyone in between. The clothes are straight from an Atlanta showroom and prices range from $135 to $285.

Transformations
824 Avenue A
Courthouse Square, Opelika
334.705.0071

- 20 percent off coupons on regular priced items.
- Like Facebook page and receive 5 percent off.
- Inventory sale going on. Items 50-70 percent off.
- Free Tootsie Pop for customers on Valentine’s Day.



]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17480 2012-02-08T14:34:48Z 2012-02-08T17:23:49Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
The Tigers started hot, making their first five shots, but had trouble moving the ball once Alabama switched to a full-court press midway through the first half, leading to 20 Tiger turnovers.

“They kept the pressure up,” Auburn head coach Tony Barbee said. “We got a little fatigued, got tired and got sloppy with the ball.”

Alabama ended the first half on a 14-3 run in the final five minutes to put them up 35-24 and never looked back.

“We got off to a great start, and we had a lot of momentum on our side,” Barbee said. “Then it came to a stop. It came down to toughness, and that is why we lost our momentum.”

After winning the opening tip, Auburn quickly jumped out to a 10-4 lead. Junior center Rob Chubb started four for four shooting, scoring eight of the Tigers’ first 10 points, but did not score the remainder of the game.

The Tigers were up 14-7 before a technical foul for hanging on the rim by senior forward Kenny Gabriel took the air out of Auburn Arena. Following the technical foul by Gabriel, Alabama went on a 28-10 run to close the half.

Auburn opened the second half on a 4-0 run, making it 35-29, but never got closer than six points. The Crimson Tide out-rebounded the Tigers 11 to 8 on the offensive glass and shot 50 percent to Auburn’s 37 percent in the second half.

The Tigers were more aggressive in the second half, but managed to hit on only nine of their 20 free throw attempts.

“It was disappointing how we competed,” Barbee said. “Things got tough, and we went away. That’s not the type of trait I want in my ball club.”

Junior guard Frankie Sullivan scored 17 of his game high 21 points in the second half.

Alabama forward JaMychal Green lead the Crimson Tide with 19 points, 12 in the first half, and seven rebounds. The senior also added four assists and a block to round out his statistics.

“Give Alabama a lot of credit,” Barbee said. “They played with a high level of confidence, and at the end of the day it came down to toughness. We got out toughed.”

The rematch with Alabama is Feb. 29 in Tuscaloosa.

Auburn falls to 13-11 on the season, 3-7 in the SEC and 12-2 at home. The Tigers will travel to Oxford, Miss. for their next game to face the Ole Miss Rebels on Feb. 11. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. with coverage on FSN.
]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17429 2012-02-07T15:21:37Z 2012-02-07T16:28:38Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
Malisa Harris, Auburn University 2006 graduate, began formally cooking five or six years ago where her passion for baking inspired her to attain ownership of this sweet shoppe.

“I’ve always loved to cook and make things,” said Harris. “I consider myself a pretty creative person and baking is just an extension of that.”

Housed in Opelika, at 108 S. 9th Street, customers can enjoy a budget-friendly miniature cupcake to placing a cake order for a wedding, birthday or shower event.

The fresh smell of baked cookies and the quaint setup of a home kitchen greets its customers at the door where the variety of Venable’s sweets are created.

“Customers can expect to come in and find a variety of cupcakes,” said Harris. “I try to do something different every week, but still keep some of the classics that people really enjoy and also like to experiment with new flavors.”

Along with bakery items in the store, Venable’s can customize customer’s baking needs to match themes for special events and holidays.

Venable’s can customize deserts by the design of a napkin, plate or invitation to match the overall theme of the event.

“Most often we do birthday parties,” said Harris. “It can be something simple or elaborate and we also do a lot of wedding cakes, baby showers, petifores and sugar cookies that can match your theme.”

With Valentines Day approaching, Venable’s will create a desert menu featuring Valentine’s Day themed deserts.

“We are going to have some beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries and cakes, enough for two people in red velvet and chocolate flavors,” said Harris. “We will also have cupcakes that are Valentine’s themed and cookies to be Valentine’s Day themed as well.”

A new addition to Harris’ baking creativity features cookies that a customer can create a message on for their special someone using stamped letters.
Venable’s is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I hope that we can cement ourselves in the community and be that go-to bakery for everyone and all their desert needs,” said Harris.


]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17400 2012-02-02T17:25:05Z 2012-02-02T18:33:06Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
Dance Marathon, a nationally recognized charity event for the Children’s Miracle Network, is an event that takes a year of fundraising to build up to the main event, a dance marathon, on Feb. 4, 2012.

In 2009, Miss Auburn made the Auburn University Dance Marathon the platform for her title. The event was originally a charity for Habitat for Humanity. The first event raised $12,000 and interested the Student Government Association to continue sponsoring the event for the next three years with Habitat for Humanity for Lee County. This is the first year that the SGA has been nationally partnered with The Children’s Miracle Network to raise funds to benefit children’s hospitals.

“Dance Marathon is a national event and the No. 1 fundraiser for The Children’s Miracle Network,” said Maddeline Bourgerie, public relations coordinator for the Auburn University Dance Marathon.

There are about 180 universities that host Dance Marathons to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. The event is entirely student funded and raises thousands of dollars to help its cause. The Auburn community is a new addition to the 180 participating universities.

The participating students spend a year learning leadership and social skills. The students raise money in a variety of ways, such as garage sales, and spend their time interacting with the children and families at the children’s hospitals.

The year is completed with a 12 hour long event. The students stay on their feet for 12 hours, rotating through dancing, games and entertainment stations in honor of the patients and the money raised that year. This year, the event will include a line dance. At the end of the event, there will be a grand reveal of the amount of money raised. The Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon’s mission statement is: “We dance for those who can’t.” The Auburn community is excited to join and follow that mission statement.

“I hope it becomes an Auburn tradition,” said Bourgerie.

This year’s event will be in the Auburn Student Center Ballroom from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. where hundreds of Auburn Students are expected to attend. There is a $25 sign up fee.

“This year our main goal is to get our name out there,” said Bourgerie. “We want to encourage everyone to join.”

Guest speakers include children and their families form Columbus Regional Hospital who will be telling their stories to the dedicated participants who have raised money for their cause.

The event has grown exponentially since beginning in 2009 and is The Children’s Miracle Networks most profitable fundraiser.

For more on the event, visit audancemarathon.com.


]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17360 2012-02-01T16:05:39Z 2012-02-08T16:43:40Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
Playing around 150 shows a year, this seasoned topical writer will be performing in Auburn at the War Eagle Supper Club on Feb. 19. This is an event that has been in the making for two years, when Standard Deluxe owner Scott Peek began talking to McMurtry’s manager about his tour dates.

“I had been in contact with his manager and when I heard James McMurtry was going to be in the Auburn area, I wanted to make sure we booked him when a date was available,” said Peek.

Peek first saw one of James McMurtry’s live shows four years ago in Austin, Texas.

“He played every Thursday at The Continental Club in Austin and started at midnight,” said Peek. “My buddy and I were in Austin and heard he was playing downtown, so we couldn’t miss it.”

McMurtry’s work has been influenced by other Texas legends such as Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, but his songs undeniably have their own distinct sound.

Besides giving a definition to Texas country and Texas rock, McMurtry's music is a blend of Americana and folk with a Texas twang.

“Style is based on limitation,” said McMurtry. “I do what I can do.”

Fortunately, ‘doing what he can do’ makes a power-house performance that mesmerizes his audiences.

“Our show begins as a trio: electric guitar, drums and bass,” said McMurtry. “Then about an hour into the show, our sound guy comes and plays guitar. We go from being a trio to a four piece band.”

The band performs mostly original songs, but performs a few covers such as Town Van Zandt's, “Reckless Blues.”

“‘Choctaw Bingo’ is a crowd favorite,” said McMurtry. “It’s a fun party song. There are no protests in that one.”

However, it’s McMurtry’s protest songs that have gained him nationwide attention from other artists.

In 2011, McMurtry’s song, "We Can't Make It Here" was cited among the nation's "Best Protest Songs Ever." The song won the Americana "Song of the Year" in 2006. Currently, Joan Baez wants to do a rendition of the song for the Occupy Wall Street campaign. “Hopefully we can get her vocals, and Steve Earl’s as well,” said McMurtry.

Robert Earl Keen, another Texas legend, covered McMurtry’s “Out Here in the Middle.”

As for songwriting, McMurtry’s skills go beyond most.

“He is a fairly well-known songwriter,” said Peek. “His songs have meaning. As for songwriting, I think he’s one of the best out there.”

McMurtry has written 10 albums worth of songs.

“I hear a couple of lines and a melody in my head,” said McMurtry. “If it keeps me up at night, I finish the song, but I usually don’t finish the ones I start.”

McMurtry changes up his travels by playing with his band on some shows, and playing others solo.

“His live shows are a lot better than the ones you usually see,” said Peek.

McMurtry began playing guitar when he was 7 years old, when he learned his first chord from this mother.

McMurtry has listened to his influences since he was a young age and was inspired to pursue music by his idols’ stage presence.

“I saw Johnny Cash play when I was young, and then Kris Kristoferson,” said McMurtry. “During those shows, everyone on stage seemed to be having a good time, and that’s what I wanted to do.”

It wasn’t until he attended boarding school and college (not caring for either one), was a bartender, and was in a few movies, that McMurtry decided to put his foot in the door of the music business.

McMurtry recalls his last visit to Auburn in 1989, when he opened for The Bodeanes at a fraternity party in 25 degree weather.

Since his days of playing for the fraternity circuit, McMurtry has made a big foot print on the music industry.

On his website, McMurtry boasts flattering quotes about his music from a range of notable sources such as John Mellencamp, USA Today and even Rolling Stone.

McMurtry’s first album, “Too Long in the Wasteland,” was produced by John Mellencamp in 1989. This album became the first of many for Columbia and Sugar Hill records.

In 1996, McMurtry received a Grammy nomination for his music video of “Where’d You Hide the Body.”

His album, "It Had to Happen” received the American Indie Award for “Best Americana Album” in 1997.

In 2009, McMurtry and his band took their music overseas for their first European tour. The band then released its first live DVD, “Live in Europe.” The DVD features performances from the band as they traveled to Germany, Amsterdam, Ireland and a spread of European countries.

On Feb. 1, 2011, two of James McMurtry's most popular albums, “Childish Things” and “Live in Aught-Three” were reissued by Lightning Rod Records and were re mastered since their debut and turned into a vinyl album.

Through all of his endeavors, McMurtry remains humble about his accomplishments.

“My greatest accomplishment in my career is staying in business for 20 years,” said McMurtry.

McMurtry is still writing and performing and isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon.

“We have a couple of new songs that we’re trying to scrape up for another record,” he said.

The Standard Deluxe in Waverly, Ala., is known for its outdoor concerts and events. However, with the weather being unpredictable and having the fear of a rained out show, the Standard Deluxe is hosting the concert at the War Eagle Supper Club.

The concert expects several hundred McMurtry fans.

“We couldn’t put on this event without Supper Club,” said Peek. “This will be a combo show, and it’ll be a good one.”

McMurtry is scheduled to perform at the War Eagle Supper Club on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.

For more on McMurtry, visit jamesmcmurtry.com. ]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17310 2012-01-31T17:11:37Z 2012-01-31T18:19:38Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
With only 15 committed prospects -- and with the Tigers in the running for a bunch of high-profile players -- Wednesday (or Tuesday night) will be a make or break day for Auburn's Class of 2012.

Here are 10 prospects Auburn has its eye on, listed in order of probability the Tigers will land them.

(Note: OL Jordan Diamond (Feb. 3) and WR Stefon Diggs (Feb. 10) are making their choices after Signing Day, so they're not included on this list. Decision time information gleaned from AuburnSports.com.)

WR Ricardo Louis, 6-2, 200, Miami Beach, Fla. (Miami Beach Senior High)
247Sports: 4-star, No. 29 WR
ESPN: 4-star, No. 5 ATH
Rivals: 4-star, No. 27 WR
Scout: 4-star, No. 29 WR
What's his deal?: Committed to AU in May before committing to FSU last week, then opening up his recruitment a couple days after. That's a good sign for the Tigers.
Decision Time: 12-1 p.m.

For the rest of this story, visit oanow.com. ]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17303 2012-01-25T19:18:29Z 2012-01-25T20:33:30Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
That call will be made after the trees' fate becomes more certain next season, Clardy said.

“All the decisions that have been made so far are contingent upon the fact that we have to wait until the spring to see if the trees are going to survive,” Clardy said beneath the iconic oaks Wednesday. “Our Toomer’s Oaks Task Force believes it will be some time around April before they know if the trees are going to put out new leaves.”

If the trees at Toomer’s Corner are replaced, they would be with larger trees, Clardy said.

“One of the things the committee had to decide was to replace the oaks with saplings or larger trees and based on the feedback we got from alumni, employees and students, they wanted larger trees,” Clardy said.

The Committee to Study the Future of Rolling Toomer’s Corner met last week and decided to recommend that one or more large oak trees be planted in that location, assuming the trees are not going to live, said Debbie Shaw, committee chair. The committee also decided on recommendations of how to address the continued rolling tradition should that take place.

The trees at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue were allegedly poisoned with a potent herbicide shortly after the 2010 Iron Bowl.

If the existing trees do not survive as expected, a group will be put together to decide what will be done with the wood from the trees.

At some point there will be a meeting between AU and City of Auburn officials to determine what a temporary rolling structure at Toomer’s Corner might be, Clardy said.

If the existing trees do not survive, a group will be put together to decide what will be done with the wood from the Toomer’s Oaks, Clardy said.

“Obviously we don’t want to be here having this conversation," Clardy said. "If we had everything to do over again, the trees wouldn’t have been poisoned and we would be celebrating every fall with these two trees. But we have to make some plans for the future. Fans and their kids want to come up here for generations and we want to do what we can to protect that tradition, and if that means two new trees, that’s what's going to happen.”

]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17269 2012-01-25T16:20:55Z 2012-02-08T16:43:56Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
One tool that can help those looking to eat healthier in the New Year is the USDA’s food tool MyPlate. In June of last year, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the MyPlate to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is an icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek more information to help them do that by going to ChooseMyPlate.gov. The MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.

“This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we’re eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country,” Obama said of the tool.

Vilsack added that with so many food options available to consumers that it is often difficult to determine the best foods to put on our plates when building a healthy meal.

“MyPlate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles,” he said. “This effort is about more than just giving information, it is a matter of making people understand there are options and practical ways to apply them to their daily lives.”

MyPlate has replaced the MyPyramid image as the government’s primary food group symbol as an easy-to-understand visual cue to help consumers adopt healthy eating habits consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The site also has an online tool that consumers can use to personalize and manage their dietary and physical activity choices. SuperTracker can help you plan, analyze and track your diet and physical activity. The SuperTracker can help assist individuals as they make changes in their life to reduce their risk of chronic disease and maintain a healthy weight. SuperTracker offers consumers the ability to personalize recommendations for what and how much to eat and amount of physical activity; Track foods and physical activity from an expanded database of foods and physical activities; Customize features such as goal setting, virtual coaching, weight tracking and journaling; Measure progress with comprehensive reports ranging from a simple meal summary to in-depth analysis of food groups and nutrient intake over time; and Support family and friends by adding their individual profiles.

The site also offers tools on how to eat better on a budget, nutrition tips and more.

The federal government also offers a list of simple dietary guidelines for Americans that include:
• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
• Make at least half your grains whole grains
• Compare sodium (salt) in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals, and choose foods with lower
numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

The state of Alabama hosts a yearly program to encourage Alabamians to lose weight and exercise more. Scale Back Alabama is a 10-week program in which teams of four people, including a team captain, compete to see if all team members can lose at least 10 pounds or about one pound per week. Teams must maintain all four original members and each member must lose 10 pounds during the 10-week contest. Registration began Jan. 21 and runs through Jan. 27.

Participants can register as private or public and must be 18 years of age or older, live or work in Alabama, cannot have had surgery for weight-loss within the past year and must weigh in and out during the specified weeks. The program ends on April 30 and three eligible team names will be drawn to win prizes. The first team will win $1,000 per team member, the second team will win $500 per team member and the third team will win $250 per team member.

Sisters Olivia Ward and Hannah Curlee from the TV show "The Biggest Loser," will be the spokeswomen and role models for the 10-week contest. Each week all participants will receive a health tip through email with additional encouragement from the sisters.

For more information on the contest, visit scalebackalabama.com.

Complete Nutrition, a local nutritional supplement retail store, offered five tips to ensure your fitness objectives are met successfully and safely this year.
1. Set realistic goals: Be honest about your timeframe: The most important thing in any fitness plan is to do it in a healthy way. Plan for weight loss or gain to happen slowly and steadily.
2. Choose a date: Just like in horseshoes and hand grenades, timing is crucial when it comes to fitness regimens. Consider what's going on in your life before you set your start date. But once you do, make it definitive. If you have work, school or relational issues that may make your goals difficult to reach, try to resolve them before you begin.
3. Progress is key: Focus on meeting your goals, not the after picture, and you'll achieve them. Make daily plans to meet them.
4. Track your progress: Before you begin, establish how you're going to measure your progress. Is it on a notebook, an iPad? Be consistent, and you'll find satisfaction watching those daily accomplishments add up.
5. Reassess and amend: Frequently evaluate where you stand compared to your larger goals. Are you on pace to reach them? If not, consider whether they were realistic in the first place. Rather than continue to over- or under-perform in relation to your expectations, it may be time to revisit tip No. 1.

Find a place to get fit that works for you

If you're looking to join a local gym to meet your fitness goals, check out some pricing information on a few.

Fitness for Women
720 East Glenn Ave., Auburn
$40 sign up fee and $9.95 per month
Buy one year for $199 and get one free

Fitness Together
2021 S. College St., Suite D, Auburn
Promotion through Feb. 14 - small group personal training gift cards for new clients that include a rate of $149 per couple for two weeks of small group personal training (includes three times per week sessions), and a $50 dinner gift certificate.

Healthplus Fitness Center
1171 Gatewood Dr # 101, Auburn
Offering free sign up fee for the month of January
All inclusive monthly fee is $53 a month

Max Fitness
189 East University, Auburn
Promotion on Monday, Jan. 30 - one day sign up fee of $5
Monthly fee is $19.95 a month

World Gym
1655 South College Street, Auburn
Promotional rate through Jan. 31 - $59 sign up fee and $9.95 per month
Usual rate - $19.95 per month
3-day no commitment trial

]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17267 2012-01-24T20:57:19Z 2012-01-24T22:03:20Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
Chipotle’s chain has reached four cities in Alabama; two locations in Birmingham, one in Tuscalosa and its newest location in Auburn. Chipotle expanded its chain into Auburn, at 346 W Magnolia Ave., with hopes that it would attract the Auburn campus with its healthy meal options and convenient near-campus location. The lunch line has been out the door since Chipotle’s grand opening on Jan. 17.

Chipotle’s burritos are a generous serving size at a reasonable price, and have already been a big hit on campus.

“The favorite menu item so far is the chicken burrito,” said general manager, Isa Reinmiller.

Chipotle takes pride that its menu includes a large variety of healthy choices. The beef, pork and chicken contain no synthetic rBGH horomones, the veggies are seasonally organic and the beans are 45 percent organic. Burritos, salads, tacos and burrito bowls are a few of the menu options available. At the service counter, the customer can observe as their meal is made in front of them and can add their favorite ingredients.

“We are a fast food restaurant, but we care about the freshness of our food, and our service,” said Reinmiller. “The quality of our product is important and it’s important to make sure our employees provide great customer service.”

Chipotle also offers a beer selection, and house margaritas.

“The philosophy of Chipotle is to ‘share the story’,” said Reinmiller. By sharing the story, Chipotle hopes to spread their establishment’s good name from customer to customer and to keep the line out the door.

For more, visit chipotle.com. ]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17240 2012-01-23T15:36:46Z 2012-01-23T16:52:47Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
Scot Loeffler, who served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Temple this past season, is Auburn’s new offensive coorindator.

Loeffler replaces Gus Malzahn, who was announced as Arkansas State's new head coach on Dec. 14, three days before the Owls ended a 9-4 campaign with a 37-15 win over Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl.

Loeffler's Owls offense finished seventh in the nation in rush yards per game (256.4), 39th in scoring offense (30.6 points per game), 63rd in yards per game (383.2) and 116th in pass yards per game (126.8).

Temple ran 76.3 percent of the time in 2011, as it built its offense around running back Bernard Pierce, who ran for 1,481 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The Owls were 33rd nationally in passer efficiency (142.79) and tied for third nationally in turnovers, giving the ball up 12 times and trailing only LSU and Wisconsin.

Loeffler was the quarterbacks coach at Florida in 2009-10 and coached Tim Tebow in Tebow's last season with the Gators.

Tebow passed for 2,895 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2009, finishing his senior year with a passer efficiency of 164.17.

“Scot is a rising star who has worked with some very good quarterbacks, and has achieved a tremendous amount of success,” Chizik said. “He is a tireless worker, is an outstanding recruiter and knows the rigors of competing in this conference.”

Loeffler coached quarterbacks for the Detroit Lions in 2008 and held the same position at Michigan, his alma mater, from 2002-07, helping guide Chad Henne to four all-time Wolverines passing records.

The Tigers' new offensive coordinator has worked with six quarterbacks at the college level that went on to play in the NFL: Tebow, Henne, Tom Brady, Brian Griese, Drew Henson and John Navarre.

"Auburn is one of the special jobs and special places in college athletics with a tremendous amount of history and tradition," Loeffler said. "It’s an honor to be joining Coach Chizik’s staff and I’m very appreciative of this opportunity.”

Loeffler, 37, was a quarterback at Michigan from 1993-96, then served as a student assistant on the Wolverines' national championship squad in 1997.

"Scot is a team guy, one of those coaches who will call a game with the mindset of doing whatever it takes to win," said Lloyd Carr, Michigan's head coach from 1995 to 2007. "Some days it may be to protect the defense and some days to light it up. He will call his offense that will give the team its best chance to win.

"His strength is that he is honest and up front with players and they will respect him because he has a wonderful knowledge of the game.”

The Barberton, Ohio, native was also Central Michigan's quarterbacks coach in 2000-01, serving on the same staff as new Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder in 2000.

Chizik hired VanGorder on Jan. 9, nearly five weeks after former defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the same position at UCF, only to be named defensive coordinator at Penn State about a month later.

Auburn’s offense, which set records in its first two years under Malzahn, sputtered last season, finishing 100th nationally in yards per game (337.8), 105th in pass yards per game (155.5), 31st in rush yards per game (182.3) and 70th in points per game (25.7).

Loeffler will be announced as the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator at a press conference Monday morning.


]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17194 2012-01-19T16:04:07Z 2012-01-19T17:10:08Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
“We’re not a salon, that’s too girly. We like to call ourselves an upscale barbershop,” said Trim owner Justin Koenn.

Trim is anything but girly, the man cave atmosphere of Trim makes it an enjoyable place for any guy to get a haircut.

“It’s a fun environment,” Koenn said. “If you have to wait, it isn’t boring. You won’t be just staring into space.”

It would be nearly impossible to get bored in this barbershop. From the ping-pong table to the dart board hanging on the wall, Trim offers more than just your ordinary hair cut.

The $18 package includes a wash, shampoo, hot towel facial wrap, massage, style and your choice of beer, soda or water.

Military, firefighter, policeman, fraternity brothers and father/son discounts are available for $15. Also, a one time Facebook friend discount is available.

Aside from cutting hair, Trim offers face shaves, bald head shaves, beard trims, quick cleanups and waxing services are coming.

“We don’t charge a premium for a guy’s haircut; it’s a man’s haircut after all,” said Koenn.

Clients are warmly greeted by five female licensed cosmetologists. Each one of their six cutting stations is equipped with a television, providing entertainment even when getting one of their many services.

“We’re selling our atmosphere most of all,” said Koenn.

Koenn encourages clients to contribute to the shop's walls by bringing in their own deer heads, or other mounted animals to decorate. He also encourages clients to bring in pictures to be put on the shop's “brag board.”

“The goal is to make the place more macho,” said Koenn.

Trim also has a Kids Corner that provides toys, a DVD player and a white picket fence in case costumers want to play some pool.

Trim is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call Trim at 821-6774.



]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17193 2012-01-19T15:55:12Z 2012-01-19T17:02:13Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
Owner Casey Waid graduated from Auburn University and was working locally in his families’ business. When the family sold the company, Waid began looking for another career path. His friends gave him the idea to open a Play It Again Sports in the area.

“Some friends of mine started a lacrosse league last year and there wasn’t anywhere to get lacrosse equipment,” Waid said. “Some of the people were familiar with Play it Again Sports. Everybody knew I was looking for something new too. They said, ‘Hey, you ought to open a Play it Again Sports. We need one of those here.’”

Waid liked the idea.

“I got to thinking about it,” he said. “I’ve always loved sports. I’ve got three boys and, you know, coach basketball, coach the travel team, rec teams. I coach about everything. I got to thinking about it thought it would be fun to do. I went on the website and made contact and it went from there.”

Waid opened the store on Dec. 1.

Play It Again Sports is a retail store that also buys, sells and trades used equipment.

“It’s about 50/50 new and used,” Waid said. “In the used you get a pretty good value. Our general rule of thumb is we try to price it about half of what you’d buy new.”

Waid said most customers think the store is just consignment, but most of the equipment is bought up front with cash.

“That or we do trade credit,” he said. “We give a little more for trade credit. We will do consignment on some items, if it’s a big ticket item, but for the most part I don’t want to be consigning a $10 baseball glove.”

Waid said the store looks for quality sporting goods. They will sometimes take an item in a little worse condition if it’s something they really need.

A donation program is also available at the store. If the customer donates an item, the store takes what they would have given the customer in store credit and donates it to the Chizik families’ YouTurn foundation, whose mission is to partner with non-profit organizations in Alabama that focus on equipping youth with effective tools to make positive choices, allowing them to become successful citizens..

The store sells sports equipment that ranges from football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, golf and more. They also sell home fitness equipment, bicycles, and have just started offering performance apparel such as Nike and Adidas clothing.

Prices range greatly at Play It Again Sports. Customers can buy a bicycle from $20 to $600 and a treadmill from $50 to $1,000.

Play It Again Sports is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
For more, visit playitagainsports.com.
]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17182 2012-01-18T18:05:59Z 2012-02-08T16:45:00Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
TheKube2

The miniscule theKube2 MP3 player has been sold through 7-Eleven stores in Singapore and has now made its way to the U.S. Manufacturer Bluetree Electronics calls it the "smallest touch MP3 player in the world."
It is made of aluminum, has changeable skins and comes with a 4GB microSD card, which can be upgraded to hold more songs.
TheKube 2 will retail for around $60.

Sportiiiis

Sportiiiis is a virtual personal trainer that can attach to any pair of sunglasses to give the user visual and audio cues about their workout performance. The user stores their workout goals and the boom communicates with an ANT+ device, such as heart rate monitors, foot pods and bike sensors to see if the user is meeting their targets. If the user is taking it too easy or going too hard, it will alert them with a blinking red light. If they are on target, it lights up green, and if they are somewhere in the middle, it blinks yellow. The Sportiiiis also delivers audio prompts to update performance, and can cycle through heart rate, cadence and pace stats when the user double-tapps the side of the device.
The Sportiiiis is available from 4iiii.com for preorder now and costs $199.

Kinect for Windows

Microsoft's announced it would release its motion sensing input device Kinect for PC in February of this year. Microsoft claims it updated the multi-core exemplar, making the device 20 percent faster than it was in the last release. Users must run the Windows 7 operating system and Windows 8 developer preview.
Retail price will be around $250.

Splash 100

The Splash 100, from the German pro-audio company Behringer, is a spherical Bluetooth waterproof speaker that floats in your pool. The speaker will have a 230-foot range and deliver 3.5 hours of sound from its rechargeable battery. It will be released later this year and will retail for around $99.

Project Fiona Gaming Tablet

The company Razor recently introduced Project Fiona, a gaming PC that takes the tablet form and adds controls on either side of the screen. The tablet has a 10 inch multitouch screen with a dual analog stick design on the sides. The tablet will run all existing PC titles without any need to port the games.
The system, which will be released later this year, is projected to retail around $1,000.

SpareOne

Targeting consumers as an emergency cell phone, the SpareOne cell phone is the first phone to be powered by a single AA battery. The phone operates on the GSM dual band network, gets 10 hours of talk life and holds a charge for 15 years - the same shelf life of the Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery, the recommended battery for the SpareOne. Users provide their own SIM card, but 911 calls are available without the card. The phone also has an integrated flashlight.
The SpareOne phone will retail for $49.99.

Intouch Smart TV Camera System

The Intouch Skype HD camera system brings 720p web video chat to your regular TV screen and includes apps like YouTube, Google News and Weather and a full web browsing experience, supported by a full QWERTY remote control with directional scroll buttons. The camera can be placed on top of the TV or any nearby flat surface and has a range of 30 degrees.
The camera system will be available in March and costs $199.99.

mRobo Ultra Bass

mRobo is a portable speaker that doubles-up as a dancing robot. The device allows users to upload around 500 songs and select tracks with a remote. The music is played through an integrated speaker, with the ability to produce bass at 40Hz. mRobo, which can listen to its own music, music from other devices or music streamed via Bluetooth, and will instantly transform, growing a head, legs and arms, will move through a series of pre-programmed dance moves to virtually any genre of music.
mRobo Ultra Bass will launch in the fall and is expected to retail for $199.

]]> tag:thecornernews.com,2012:index.php/news/3.17177 2012-01-16T16:43:39Z 2012-01-16T17:45:41Z Carla Nelson cmerrill@thecornernews.com
And quick.

The 6-foot-6, 280-pound lineman — one of the top prospects in the Class of 2012 — has graduated early from Pleasant Grove (Calif.) High and wants to start classes at the college of his choice for the spring semester.

He just needs to figure out where he’s going: to California — where he’s already enrolled for classes — USC — where he originally committed in the summer of 2010 — Notre Dame — where he said he’s already filed paperwork — or Auburn, which he said he’s “probably” enrolled at now as well.

Armstead, who took his final official visit, and first on the Plains, this weekend, said Tigers coach Gene Chizik told him he could get him into classes by Tuesday.

“I've got a good relationship with all the coaches,” Armstead said. “You know, they've been out to California a lot, so I thought I would respect them, and I respect them a lot so I came out here and took a look for myself."

Five-star wide receiver Stefon Diggs doesn’t have quite the time crunch Armstead does — he doesn’t expect to make his choice until after Signing Day on Feb. 1 — but he’s also got Auburn on his radar.

Diggs, a 6-0, 185-pounder from Olney, Md., took his first official visit to Auburn this weekend and plans to take two more before coming to a decision, one to Florida next weekend and one to an undetermined school after.

“This probably was my best visit yet — officially or unofficially,” said Diggs, who said Cal, USC and Maryland are also in the running. “I felt comfortable here. It's a family. Just felt at home.”

Which means Auburn is factoring heavily in the thought process of two of the nation’s top recruits.

Armstead is a five-star recruit on both Scout.com and 247Sports.com and a four-star on Rivals.com. He’s the No. 1 offensive tackle nationally on Scout, the No. 1 athlete on 247Sports and the No. 4 defensive tackle on Rivals.

Armstead said he spoke extensively with new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and defensive line coach Mike Pelton over the weekend, and he can see himself playing on an end or at the 3-technique for the Tigers.

“(VanGorder) knows what it takes to get to (the NFL), so if I came here, he'd be able to help me,” Armstead said. “He knows the ins and outs of it, and that's what I want to do, play in the NFL.”

The lineman from California also has two extra aspects to consider that most recruits don’t have to deal with.

First, he wants to play basketball at the next level. Armstead said he met with Tigers coach Tony Barbee — who played with his AAU coach — during his visit and took in Auburn’s Friday practice.

Second, his brother, Armond.

Armond Armstead started on USC’s defensive line for two years before sitting out the 2011 season with an undisclosed medical condition.

The elder Armstead, who has one year of eligibility left, is seeking a transfer and said he and his brother could be a package deal.

“That's what we want if it worked out. We have to talk as a family,” said Armond Armstead, who accompanied Arik to Auburn this weekend. “It might not work out, but it might work out where we can play together.”

He said he didn’t know if USC would grant him a waiver to play a year at an SEC school, but it’s “definitely possible.”

As for Diggs, the receiver had visited Auburn unofficially before, but he had never gotten a chance to sit down with Chizik.

Once he did this weekend, he came away impressed.
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