Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Test Drive: 2011 Mustang V6
Matthew Bishop - Picture by Susie Holt of the Daily Mississippian
JOUR 102 Sec. 4
30 March 2011
Test Drive: 2011 Mustang V6
Last November I tested the 2011 Mustang GT with the all new 412-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. That car was fully loaded with the Brembo brake package, leather interior and other luxury and performance goodies.
But that car cost almost $40,000, which is still a great value considering the performance you get with the Mustang GT, but still out of the price range for a lot of people.
That is where the new Mustang V6 fits in. But this is not the wimpy, 210-hp Mustang of yesteryear. The new V6 Mustang makes a whopping 305-hp and 280 lb/ft of torque, which is only 10-hp less than the 2010 Mustang GT’s V8.
This newfound power is courtesy of the all new 3.7-liter DOHC V6 which features such thinks as an all aluminum construction and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. The engine lets a more muted sound than the V8 through its dual 3-inch exhaust, but still puts out a nice snarl at its 7000-rpm redline.
All this added power and improvements really show up to. With 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 14 seconds flat, you won’t be embarrassed at the stoplight when a Civic rolls up next to you. These times were also probably helped by our test cars optional ($1985) Pirelli P-Zero tires and 18-inch rims from the GT, which provided phenomenal grip.
“The GT’s tires and wheels give the car, in my opinion, a much more aggressive look as well as improved performance.” Said Mason Rives, the general manager at Belk Ford, as to why he put the Mustang GT wheels and tires on the V6.
The engine also impresses at the gas pump as well with an EPA rated 19 mpg city and an impressive 31 mpg highway. We averaged about 23 mpg which included some quick sprints to 60. But the best part is that the V6 uses regular 87 octane gas. This is something the GT cannot do and with premium gas prices currently around $3.80 in Oxford, it is a major advantage.
Our test car also came with the optional ($995) six speed automatic transmission which worked very smoothly and effortlessly. It also down shifted at all the right times to make use of the 305-hp. The only thing absent, however, is paddle shifters. I understand that it is an old school, torque convertor automatic, but I think it would make the already exiting drive a little more involved.
However as good as the automatic transmission is, I think it would still be a better buy to get the short throw 6-speed manual so you can have complete control over all the new horsepower. It is important to note however that the manual does give up 1 mpg on the highway to only 30 mpg.
The Mustang also rides quite smoothly over normal road bumps and potholes. But the Mustang really shines when it is pushed. The handling very light and neutral and it is very easy to forget that the Mustang still uses a live axle. But for the true back road enthusiast there is an optional performance pack which puts a lot of the GT’s upgraded suspension parts like its shocks, springs, and anti-roll bars.
The exterior of the new V6 also looks as aggressive as its V8 brother thanks to the new dual exhaust and our test cars optional ($295) exterior sport appearance package. It even has the approval of a ten year old boy who proudly proclaimed “Whoa-man a Mustang!” as we drove by him and his friend.
The interior still retains that classic 60’s look to it. The materials were well chosen on the dash and other hard surfaces to avoid looking too cheap. The seats were just as comfortable and supportive as the leather lined ones that came in the GT we tested.
The only complaints I had about the interior is the fact that the mirrors on the sun visor did not have a lights on either the passenger or drivers side; and that the steering wheel felt really cheap with its textured foam like covering.
The grand total for the cost of our test car was $26,270 which included the dealer installed high performance wheels and tires. This is about $6,000 cheaper than a similarly equipped Mustang GT. Add in the savings on gas and insurance and the V6 Mustang is great value not only compared to the GT but to its competitors as well. In fact, you might even call it economical and this is one economy car I would have any day of the week.
Oxford Square expects new businesses
A growing town brings new business to Oxford’s Square with the opening of three new restaurants this spring. The addition to the Square could bring new revenue as well as hurt the current restaurants in business.
The Square’s location is ideal for students, retirees, and visitors to have an afternoon stroll and grab a bite to eat. It is understandable why a restaurant owner would seek the location, as it’s a profitable place compared to other areas of town.
Each year the University of Mississippi has a 7% student population growth, according to the Daily Mississippian. This steady influx of students benefits the town’s revenue.
With an unpromising economy, it is unlikely that these businesses won’t face a challenge to stay open. A substantial amount of restaurants that attempted to stay afloat closed within months of their opening.
Jim Bulian, owner of Old Venice Pizza Co. said, “Everyone wants a piece of the pie, but the pie has already been divvied up. ” The new restaurants are facing a battle for a piece of that pie.
Five building permits have been submitted to the city of Oxford’s Building Commissioner, two of which are for Boure’ and Lenora’s relocation and expansion. The remaining three permits are for the new competitors, Soulshine Pizza, South Depot Taco Shop and Fat Cats Catfish.
The location of the Square however doesn’t always hold strong for new restaurants, and some restaurant owners feel the additions could be a threat to their business. Varsity Bar and Grill closed quickly after opening even with the trial of two different menus.
“We are working on a new menu in hopes to stay alive and afloat with the upcoming competition. We want to have an edge on the competition,” John Allgood, manager at Old Venice Pizza Co. said.
OMOD to embark on Sand Rock adventure
This weekend Ole Miss Outdoors (OMOD) will be going on an adventure trip to Sand Rock, AL just north of Birmingham.
“When you feel stuck in the dorms sometimes you need to get out. It’s nice to have other people who want to do the same thing,” Freshman Jade Genga said.
Activities for the weekend include rock climbing, where studenst will boulder and top rope while harnessed in.
The trip will go from April 1-3 and the cost is $60. Tonight a meeting will be held for those interested.
“We have trips for any type of person, whether you’re an international student or a student from MS.,” OMOD leader Casey Armstrong said.
OMOD hosts several weekend trips and events throughout the year.
In April OMOD will host Canoeing in Black Creek , Hang gliding in Lookout Mountain, TN and Swap Stomper Adventure Race at Sardis lake.
“We have hanggliding, kiteboarding, rock climbing and canoeing. Just come by OMOD [located in the Turner Cernter] and sign up for them,” Armstong said.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IS9A_WVi_g
-Victoria Boatman
MTV in Oxford
McClain Forman
Susan Weakley
Journalism
3/27/10
M.T.V. coming to Oxford
Music Television (M.T.V.) is coming to Oxford to host Spring Splash at Lafayette place Thursday April 14th from three to six p.m.
Spring Splash is a pool side party with “Awesome games, giveaways and vendor booths”. There will also be a fashion show with “ The hottest trends in swim and sleep wear”.
The party will be hosted Mark Long who has been the host of the Real World/ Road Rules Challenge and Battle of the sexes, both aired on M.T.V. Joining him are former real world cast mates Kenny, Kelly Anne and CJ.
M.T.V. recently had open auditions for the next real world in Oxford earlier this month at Roosters. Hayden Wieck was one of the Ole Miss students who tried out for the real world said “There was a pretty long line and some paper work that we had to fill out. Then we went inside roosters and were asked a series of questions about why we should be on the Real World.” Wieck continued saying that he auditioned as a joke and if he was actually on the real world his parents would “kill him”.
There is an after party with Kenny, Kelly Anne, CJ and Mark Long at local bar Irie starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 14th.
The party is open to residents of Lafayette place and friends of residents. It is also open to the public but once capacity is reached than no one else will be admitted.
Lafayette Employee and resident Tim Johnston have some high expectations for the party“ It’s not everyday that M.T.V. comes to party in Oxford especially to come party at our pool, it is definitely going to be better than your average frat party”.
The event will be filmed but as of right now it is unsure if it will be aired live or even aired at all.
Lafayette place has a contract with M.T.V. that if M.T.V. comes to Oxford that they will meet at Lafayette place. In 2010 Oxford, Mississippi was voted number five on the craziest college towns by The Huffington Post and anyone who has seen M.T.V. spring break or a party hosted by M.T.V. knows that M.T.V knows how to throw a party. This is sure to be one wild poolside party.
The purpose of the Big Event was to provide students at the University of Mississippi the opportunity to give back to the Oxford community that has made the city such an amazing area for the University to be located within.
This year was the first year that the University of Mississippi held the Big Event. This program was originally meant to have 1,200 students participate, but due to severe weather conditions 50 projects were cancelled and only 700 workers participated.
Though the rain and cold weather set an uncomfortable atmosphere in Oxford, many groups still flooded the city to rake yards, do carpentry work, feed the homeless and so many other projects.
Each group was assigned a Team Leader, who was responsible for each person in their group as well as making sure the project was completed properly. I myself, was a participant and Team Leader for the Big Event, and must admit that the job was strenuous.
My group, group 33A, was assigned to help workers at a convention shop located at the Oxford Conference Center. Volunteers were asked to help elderly customers and pregnant women transport purchases to their vehicles, organize the disordered shop, and baby sit toddlers while parents shop.
“The hardest part of the Big Event was making sure my group carried out their duties while, trying to fulfill the needs of customers. Though overall, it was an experience I will never forget,” said Lennie Patterson, a sophomore at The University of Mississippi and Team Leader of the Big Event.
The Big Event is a great project that can help students to accumulate volunteer service hours.
Cortez Moss, member of the Big Event committee, says “The Big Event Committee is impressed with the project’s turnout, and we anticipate an even more productive outcome for next year.
For more information about the Big Event, log onto www.olemiss.edu/bigevent
Warmer weather means several things to the people of Oxford, such as beautiful skies, fragrant flowers, and of course, snow cones from Sno Biz.
A frequent eater of snow cones, Kelli Harrison, said that snow cones are one of the main things she looks forward to in the summer.
“I get free snow cones at the YMCA where I work in the summer, but the soft ice snow cones at Sno Biz are my favorite,” Harrison said.
A regular customer at Sno Biz, Gigi Herrod, said a snow cone helps make her feel rejuvenated after a long day at school or work.
“Snow cones from Sno Biz like legit save me and give me something to look forward to at the end of the day,” Herrod said.
Oxford’s Sno Biz owner, John Sherman, said although the recent chilly weather has slowed business down a little, he expects the business to be back to normal once the weather becomes warmer again.
“Warm weather brings people out to Sno Biz because they’re looking for something to cool themselves down with,” Sherman said.
Sno Biz has been under the ownership of Sherman for the past 17 years. Being the owner of Sno Biz, Sherman is able to enjoy a variety of flavors of snow cones. This year, Sherman said his favorite flavor is cantelope.
http://www.oxfordmississippi.com/restaurants/sno-biz/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKvRrZrbMX4
The Goo Goo Dolls will be paying a visit to Oxford this Sunday.
The free concert will take place in the grove at 5 P.M.
The band was formed in 1986, and has remained relevant and popular for almost two decades now.
They have sold over 9 million records in the U.S alone, and are in the process of working on yet another record.
This is the band’s second trip to Oxford, and they are highly anticipated by Ole Miss students.
“I saw them a few years ago and again this summer, and I am really excited to see them live for a third time”.
Freshman Grace Fenley said, describing her history of seeing the Goo Goo Dolls.
She plans on going to the concert with a group of girls.
The weather is supposed to be warm, and a large amount of students are expected to attend.
Ole Miss Track ready for Florida Relays
The Ole Miss Track team is competing at the Florida Relays this weekend.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I-jiHE-X3Y
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sigma Nu Charity Bowl
South Depot Taco Shop
Wilson Hood and Trey Horne of Jackson, Mississippi opened the South Depot Taco Shop on Tuesday in Oxford.
Hood and Horne are graduates of the University of Mississippi and have aspired to create this restaurant. The South Depot Taco Shop replaced the former Classy Creations at 1004 Van Buren Avenue on the Square. It was designed with the help of an Atlanta-based consulting group in order to provide a swanky new vibe. The restaurant is laid out for customers to enjoy a build-your-own taco bar.
The taco bar includes a wide variety of selections such as salads, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Customers also have the availability of a full bar in the restaurant. The menu was made to include healthy and ethnic choices at affordable prices.
With the grand opening on Tuesday, the restaurant was filled with customers all day long. The workers were pleasantly surprised with the steady flow of people and they have high hopes that the crowds will continue.
“The food was very fresh and flavorful, and the staff was incredible. I plan to go eat there at least two times a week.”
This statement came from first time customers, Meg Bowden. Bowden is eager to share her memorable experience with the South Depot Taco Shop to many more people.
“Everyone in the restaurant was ranting and raving about how delicious the food was. The line to order stretched all the way out the door.”
Marie Elise Williams could not believe how excellent this restaurant was. Williams definitely plans to return and become a frequent customer.
With such an incredible grand opening, the South Depot Taco Shop is expected to maintain a steady attraction to college students and the local residents.
For more information, follow this link directly to the website.
http://southdepottacoshop.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqgjDNsr6Aw
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Ole Miss Outdoors
According to OMOD marketing manager and trip leader Casey Armstrong, a senior from Alpharetta, Georgia, the adventures are not limited to any particular outdoor activities, as event planners attempt to integrate new adventures to the schedule every year.
Solo students are also welcome.
Visit OMOD on the web at http://www.olemiss.edu/campusrec/omod/mission.html
UM Housing
ERIN SIMPSON Thousands of Ole Miss
Upperclassmen have found themselves essentially homeless for the 2011-2012 school year.
Students were recently notified that the number of incoming freshman for the upcoming year will be the largest to date. This year’s freshman class was reportedly the biggest yet, and according to the university, that number will increase by over 800 in the fall. Due to the requirement that all freshman reside in On-Campus housing, Ole Miss has been forced to make some adjustments. Chief among them is the change of Crosby Hall, a dorm traditionally reserved for sorority sophomores, into a freshman dorm.
This raises some questions for rising Greek sophomores. Main concerns include where to live, and how to pay for off-campus housing. Many apartment complexes have developed “Sorority Plans”, which cut the cost of an apartment by about $50 and offer each pledge class a way to live together and try to experience the “bonding time” that Crosby used to offer to them.
Rachael Gandy, a freshman KD, says that she is anticipating the freedom that living in an apartment will offer.
“In Crosby, like in every other dorm, you know anytime you have a visitor, you have to check them in and out and go through all of that. And it’s so annoying how we can’t have anyone in our rooms after two, so I’m really excited about that aspect of living off campus,” Gandy said.
Another freshman, Abby Sims, was quick to point out one of the downfalls of off-campus living.
“One of my biggest concerns about living off of campus is the whole Rebel Ride situation,” said Sims. “Living out at The Connection means that every single weekend, I’m going to have to call a cab to get to the Square, or to the frats. That’s going to get very expensive very quickly.”
While off-campus living and apartments may have a silver lining, many UM students are still concerned about their living arrangements for the upcoming school year and what Ole Miss plans to do to help. For more information, visit: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/stu_housing/
UM BIG Event
On Saturday, March 26th, the University of Mississippi held its largest community service project to date called the UM BIG Event.
The Big Event has been occurring at university campuses all across America and was brought to Ole Miss this year when the student body felt a school-wide day of service was needed.
Nearly 1200 students signed up for the school’s first annual Big Event, which consisted of students going into the Oxford community and doing service projects such as painting houses for the elderly, cleaning up schools, building decks for houses, and raking yards.
The UM BIG Event gave students the opportunity to say “thank you” to the greater Oxford and Lafayette community by simply giving back.
Andrew Lynch, a senior at the University, served on the logistics board of the event as well as participating.
Lynch said, “We went to the farm outside of Oxford near the Veterans’ home and cleaned it up. The recipients were so respectful. They embraced us.”
Freshman Megan Henry also participated in a group that repainted an elementary school.
Henry remarked, “It was awesome that college kids would get up at seven thirty on a Saturday morning just to help people.”
Despite the rain, students still showed up and many projects were held. In fact, the turn out was so great that the student government, ASB, is already planning to repeat the event next year.
For more information (hyperlink)- please see: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UM-BIG-Event/192641274085596
VIDEO: (the quality was MUCH better on YouTube) - please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-CPOS9_ns
The stage in the grove at the University of Mississippi has been known to have multiple famous people standing on it. It has been the place for multiple events such as a speech given by Bill Clinton and the annual Ole Miss Idol competition.
Now it will be the place where the musician group the Goo Goo Dolls will be performing a free concert for the student of the university.
The Goo Goo Dolls are a band that was started in Buffalo, New York. Their songs that have reached the top of the charts would be Better Days, Iris, Name, and Slide. Iris spent seventeen weeks on the top charts.
They have reached the tops of the charts multiple times. The Goo Goo Dolls have not only had top songs on the charts but have also played in the NFL Pro Bowl and the 2011 Orange Bowl; they have also been nominated for four Grammy nominations and more than 10 million albums sold.
Sammie Foster, from Virginia Beach, said, “Slide is my favorite song by them.” Foster saw the group perform live and said they give a very good performance.
This free concert will be happening on Sunday April third in the grove. The Student Programming Board is sponsoring this concert; these are the people who set up a lot of the events around the Ole Miss campus. This concert will begin at 5 p.m., multiple students have said that they will be getting to the grove early to save seats.
Most students are unaware that the group will be starting off their tour for this season at the University Of Mississippi. The show is said to be going on no matter the weather. Barret Day of Charlotte says, “I will be sitting out there even if it is raining.”
All of the students of the University of Mississippi are excited about this event whether or not they know or like the Goo Goo Dolls.
This event is sure to be one that the students and the local community will remember for a very long time.
For more information about the event you can check the Student Programming Boards website.
DERBY DAY 2011
Derby Day has been a tradition practiced by Sigma Chi for many years. This event is the fraternity's philanthropy and is put on every spring semester.
Sigma Chi’s philanthropic event raises thousands of dollars. Last year the fraternity raised $5,000 and donated it to the charity Love Packs. This is an organization that helps distribute food to those who are less fortunate.
The actual event of Derby Day is a dance competition held in the intramural fields at the University of Mississippi.
Karleigh Brown, a freshman at the University, is participating in this dance competition and will be representing her Chi Omega sisters.
Brown said," Practice is a lot of fun it's a good time to get to know girls during this charitable competition."
Junior Cory Daniel also a Chi Omega, she participated in this event the past few years and highlights some of her most fond memories.
" I have gotten to know so many students throughout the school. Not only is it fun to participate in but its even more fun to watch."
All of the students of the University are excited to experience this annual tradition and find out the new winners of the 2011 Derby Day.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Goo Goo Dolls: Spring Affair
The alternative-rock trio, The Goo Goo Dolls, will perform for students, faculty, and the Oxford community in the Grove Sunday.
Festivities will kick off around 5:00 Sunday with a special performance by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Over 2,000 students are anticipated to attend the Grove event. The show will go on, whether or not there is adequate weather.
The Goo Goo Dolls concert is sponsored by the Ole Miss Student Programming Board, a division of Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi. Each year, the Programming Board sponsors a mainstream musical act to play in the Grove. Last year, the up-and-coming rapper, Soulja Boy, performed for Ole Miss students.
The Spring Concert in the Grove is the Programming Board’s largest annual event. The Student Programming Board also sponsors other musical endeavors on campus, such as “Ole Miss Idol” and “Union Unplugged”.
Signs, posters, flyers, and handouts can be seen throughout campus advertising the concert. Students, such as Nate McKinney, are highly anticipating the concert.
“I really can’t wait for the Goo Goo Dolls to perform. I have been looking forward to this since early February. They are one of my favorite bands.”
Buffalo, New York natives, John Rzeznik, Robby Takac, and George Tutuska, started the band in 1986. The trio was initially shy about performing at different bars and clubs, but after a show in Buffalo, they were contacted about a record deal. Soon enough, The Goo Goo Dolls progressed to become a standout band in the late 1990s and 2000s.
The Goo Goo Dolls have produced nine studio albums with numerous hits that made the Billboard Top 100 weekly charts. Most rock enthusiasts recognize the 1998 megahit, “Iris”. The band also hat a string of big hits in the early 2000s, with the release of their album, Gutterflower.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors are a country and rock group based out of Memphis, Tennessee. They are signed with Brite Revolution Records and are famous for their February 2011 hit, “Chasing Someday”. They are currently headlining their own tour, but planned a trip to Oxford to open for The Goo Goo Dolls.
For more information on the Goo Goo Dolls, please visit www.googoodolls.com. For more information on Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, please visit www.drewholcomb.com
Sunday, March 27, 2011
SB2K11
There is no single definition for the term “Spring Break”, and it’s meaning to Ole Miss students differs as much as the destinations that they choose for their week away campus. To some, the break provides much needed relaxation and a release from school at home with parents and friends. Some may use the week for personal gain, such as applying for jobs. To others, seven consecutive days of zero academic obligations creates the perfect setting for wobbly late nights, Bloody Mary mornings, and maybe even lustful romance.
When Jet Ellis, an Ole Miss senior from Abilene, Texas, was asked what “Spring Break” meant to him, he talked about the opportunity to see family and friends that he rarely spends time with due to the enormous distance between Oxford and his home in West Texas.
“With about a twelve hour drive ahead of me every time I go home to Abilene, I usually wait until the holidays or the summer to make the trip to see my family. I only go home about once or twice a semester,” said Ellis.
While Jet was excited and determined to spend a week at home, other students do not share the same enthusiasm about living under their parent’s shadow, even for one short week.
George Bordelon, a double major in finance and economics from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is spending his spring break at home for entirely different reasons. He said he is only going home because of important job interviews and a looming graduation date.
“Honestly, I’d rather be getting hammered and sunburnt with my fraternity brothers in Destin, but this is the only chance I had to schedule these job interviews. My parents don’t really support my lifestyle, so I really need a job because I don’t want to move back under their control in May. It was now or never,” said Bordelon.
Still other college students had no intentions to see family or prepare themselves for the future. Many Ole Miss students are looking forward to a marathon of partying with old friends and, if all goes right, maybe even some new friends. It was not hard to find a student determined to spend Spring Break drinking cheap beer on the beach and looking for an extremely short-term relationship.
An Ole Miss Sophomore who preferred to remain anonymous from Wilmington, North Carolina, said his goals for the week of Spring Break revolved purely around partying and trying to find a random hook-up. He and a group of friends are renting a condo in Orange Beach, Alabama for the week.
“This is the only time of the year when my only goal for each day is to get as drunk as possible and hopefully meet some girls on the beach. I can’t act like that in Oxford because people will talk about it. Everybody knows that what happens on Spring Break, stays on Spring Break, so I feel like I can act as crazy as I want,” said the student.
So, how do “You” Spring Break? It doesn’t really matter. The goals of Ole Miss students for their week off are all across the board. It just depends on what you are looking for.
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Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
An Athletic Spring Break for the Athletes
Spring Break 2011
Ole Miss Pharmacy student, Emily Higdon, is not doing the surfing herself, but she will be traveling to Malibu, California to support her best friend in a surfing competition. This will be Emily's first time to visit California.
"I am really looking forward to visiting California,"Emily said. "I really want to go to the Santa Monica peir, walk down Hollywood Blvd., and see the Hollywood sign." "I may even want to take a small surfing lesson."
Emily and her friends will also travel to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Big Sur during their California vacation.
While Emily is in sunny California, her roomate, Katie Milligan is traveling to Vail Colorado on a skiing trip with her family.
"There is no place in the world like Vail Colorado," Katie said. "We have been coming to Vail for spring break since I was one year old."
Katie and her family will also be celebrating her 20th birthday while in Colorado. "I can't think of any better way to spend my spring break and my birthday then with my family in Vail," Katie said.
Both girls will be arriving back in Oxford on Saturday night to spend the last night of their spring break together on the square.
Malibu, California Vail, Colorado