August/September 2009
[
collegiate men’s magazine
]
Founder/Creator Of Southern Tide
ALLEN STEPHENSON SHARES HIS VISION & PASSIONS
NO’S & KNOWS
DREAM GIRL
ANNA PERRY
2008 MISS SOUTH CAROLINA
FITNESS
Ask the Fitness Expert Strengthening Your Abs Everybody has ‘em, Centered helps you uncover ‘em
SPORTS
NCAA or NFL Where does your loyalty lie?
DREAMS
Centered Dream Vacation spotlight on St Tropez Learn why this island is Centered Mag’s dream vacation spot
REVIEWS RELATIONSHIPS
The Centered staff picks their top 5 Michael Jackson songs
FIRST DATE MISTAKES What the top 10 first date mistakes, really are, according to the ladies
C
CONTENTS
CENTERED PERSPECTIVE NO’S & KNOWS
FEATURES
We’re not saying we’re experts, but we know
Impress Your Date Impress the ladies with your knowledge of Spanish cuisine
ALLEN STEPHENSON
Network Your Way to the Career of Your Dreams
Join us while we find out the secret to his success
Develop networking strategies that pay off in the long run
CENTERED DREAM GIRL
Spend the afternoon with Anna Perry, our Centered Dream Girl
RENTING VS. BUYING Which one’s for you in this economy?
5
looks
TIME MANAGEMENT Be a master of your time to get the most out of your life
CONTENTS
Take a seat outside, on any college campus, and watch the people go by. In a very short time, every style you can imagine will have walked by. Some students decorate
their bodies with tattoos and piercings. Others wear baggy clothes and expensive jewelry. Any and all possible combinations will be represented. Now, suppose the
5 LOOKS
What does your style say to everyone else?
person watching was a professor or job recruiter?
What impression would your style make?
Does Your Sty le Send the Right Messa by Dustin Wyatt ge?
photos Brad Forth
Cover Photo by Brad Forth for Centered Magazine
Alex Sok
letter from our founder and CEO
Dear Readers, We are so excited about introducing you to Centered Magazine. I want to personally thank you for taking the time to explore our publication. It’s our hope that you find inspiration and motivation throughout these pages as well as information useful to you. Centered Magazine was founded by a group of people who are passionate about life, success and each other. In our journey we are defining exactly what it means to be Centered. We don’t yet have the definitive answer, but that’s the whole point. We want you to help define it. Our journey has been long and arduous, but one that we’ve enjoyed every step of the way. I remember when we first organized as a company and people told me, “Alex you do understand that this is the worst time ever to start a magazine with the recession we’re in.” My response? “What recession?
We refuse to participate in it.” This has been the underlying attitude of our magazine—no matter when, where, or what— we will make the most of what we have. It isn’t the guy with the most resources, but the guy who is the most resourceful who succeeds. We believe we are called to do this. It is our purpose and our mission. And, that mission is what drives us. It’s what keeps us up late at night, and gets us up early to get back to work. Our mission, as the founder from Southern Tide has elegantly articulated, is to maximize our positive influence in the world. Some build hospitals, some adopt children, some cure diseases, some make our world safer. We are a magazine for the young gentleman who already shares our same values. We just want to help encourage and nurture the development of his character. Can you imagine if
our world was led by honest politicians, great fathers and generous executives? We can. In this issue you’ll find a diverse collection of features intended to inspire and provide you with insight into the everyday issues we all encounter, from networking to relationships. Be sure to read about the creative genius that is Allen Stephenson. He’s simple in his approach, elegant and driven by deep passions. His interview was definitely the piece I enjoyed working on the most. We also had the honor of sitting down with Anna Perry, 2008 Miss South Carolina. I walked into that one-on-one interview pleasantly surprised by her humility and kindness. As a CEO, who is also a fellow college student, I know the struggles we face. But is there ever sweet success without struggle? I don’t think so. I
commend you for making it this far, but we haven’t yet reached the summit. You know there’s more. You know you have more inside of you. Don’t doubt it, just believe it. Dig deeper and you will find vast reserves of resource, and that resource is called character. Continue to fight the good fight. Take time to enjoy our magazine and share it with your brothers. We know you’ll find we’re more than just another online publication vying for your valuable time. We are a community, a home, a place where you can come, kick back and be yourself. Cheers!
credits
alex sok
CEO and Founder
edie melson
Managing Editor
dwane church
Chief Operating Officer
andrew malone
Art Director
seth rubenstein
Chief Technology Officer
brad forth
Photo Director
natalie hills
VP of Public Relations
doug eaddy
Assistant Art Director
Confused person chooses path: A Centered Man isn’t afraid to make choices.
Pu We kn so the
Armor: A Centered Man is a Knight in Shining Armor, without all the hard edges.
St
Muscle man on rocks: A Centered Man knows h must take care of himself he can take care of others
NO’S Beer Gut: Letting it all hang out? Please, too much information and too little self-respect
We’ve all done it – presented ourselves in a it. Here at Centered we’ll help you always share photos of No’s (what not to do) and Kn do). By presenting common scenarios, along comes your way with the confidence of a Ce
Man with beer bottle: Loud and out of control is never the way of a Centered Man
uppies: now the ladies dig them, e Centered Man digs it too
tressed out man: Life is tough, learn to deal
he f before s.
KNOWS
less than flattering way – and lived to regret come out looking good. In each issue we’ll nows (things those in the know will want to g with suggestions, you can handle whatever entered Man..
Nerd: Being prepared is one thing, next time just try to do it with style.
by Seth Pigate Time Management, that elusive beast we all struggle with when we go to college.
• What is it? • Why do I need it? • How do I get it? Time management only comes with careful planning and experience. With being conscious of where you want to be at the end of the day and filling in the blanks with your daily activities. When it comes to college, time management is something every student must get a grasp on during their first year. Then, once they’ve adjusted to college life, the former student now joins the workforce and has to adjust to yet another group of events. Adding work, and possibly a family, to recreation and new friends increases the stress. So, if you can master the art of time management in your college years the transition to the “real world” will be much easier. All time management blunders stem from the same factors. These factors can break up into small stones, leading to stress the size of a boulder.
• A cluttered desk • Procrastination • Lack of Preparation Remember bad time management leads to a cycle we all want to avoid—lack of concentration, which leads to a lack of productivity, which leads to stress. One of the best ways to bring order to your time is to group your daily activities into categories. Use these to keep a daily record for a few weeks and a pattern will emerge, giving
you the information you need to find those non-productive things that eat up your time. Some possible energy vampires include:
• Receiving and returning phone calls • Checking and answering emails • Stacks of paper, cluttering up your workspace Added together, these distrac-
tions can add up to hours stolen from your day. Andrew Malone, the Art Director of Centered Magazine states, “You really have a chance to let the creative juices flow, when you get all your ducks in a row.” So how can we tame the time management monster? Here are some tips I’ve found helpful:
• Try letting phone calls go to voice mail, checking them at 11 and 4 • Check email’s at the same time • When making business calls, work from a written list, this helps avoid return calls to cover something you forgot Randy Pausch of Carnegie Mellon University states that time management needs a “systemic solution.” Essentially, we must change the underlying processes before we can get a lasting effect on how we manage our time effectively. In the end, the key to effective time management is maximizing your time, and the result is maximizing your
fun time. Ultimately, I believe what we all want is more time to do the things we truly enjoy, and whether that’s your job or spending more time with your significant other, then remember this:
• Being successful doesn’t make you manage your time well. Managing your time well makes you successful.
“There are two options. You can either do it right or do it wrong.”
ALLEN STEPHENSON
ALLEN STEPHENSON
founder of Southern Tide by Alex Sok Photos by Brad Forth
A S
P U R S U I T W I T H O U T PA S S I O N I S P U R S U I T W I T H O U T P U R P O S E
I
was able to sit down with Allen Stephenson, Founder/Creator of Southern Tide, for a unique one- on- one interview. There we sat, two young men, both founders of successful companies, creators of our dreams. It proved to be a strong connection of common goals, philosophies, and shared experiences. The mood was light, respectful, polite, and open. Allen Stephenson unguarded is still all of these things, and I have the utmost respect for him.
Allen is a lover of life, an ardent fan of beautiful shapes and design. He has a keen eye for detail and views the world through eyes of wisdom far beyond his age. There’s no surprise as to why he’s so successful at such a young age. His family is encouraging and supportive. He has a strong work ethic that isn’t found in most guys his age.
We discussed his inspirations and aspirations. How he’s building his brand and the future of Southern Tide, and of course what most guys talk about when they get The thing that impressed me most about Allen was his together, the mysteries of women. Allen struck me as vision and meticulous attention to detail. There were no someone who’s prepared for the unexpected, someone words spoken without reason, nor action without purwho has considered the possibilities and yet still flies pose. It was pleasantly “different” and very entertain- by the seat of his pants. It’s a conflict of two ideals, but ing. I walked in assuming I would find someone who’s one that works well for him. I heard somewhere the a typical designer. I walked away with my prejudice true test of genius is to hold two conflicting ideas in shot down. Allen does possess qualities of a successful your head at the same time and still be able to funcfashion designer, but there’s something unique in his tion, that is the essence of Allen Stephenson. approach and vision.
Alex: What drives Allen Stephenson? Allen: Just my duty to use my skills and gifts to positively influence the world. It’s about my partners and our associates, it’s about the customers, it’s lastly about me I even make my size last when getting samples of designs. Allen: I feel that if you do a good job in business good things will happen. I fully expect to have more money than I need so I can give most of it away. To really excel, surround yourself with the best people, people you can trust, people who see what you can see
and especially people who can see what you can’t see, so you can learn from them, ‘cause you gotta keep learning. I don’t have a fraction of the knowledge I need to reach my full potential.
new pants. I’ll say this about the jacket – you can shoot a shotgun and sip champagne in the same jacket. It’s versatile, a great jacket. That’s something we do with our designs – there’s nothing on them that doesn’t serve a purpose. If Alex: So, what’s next? there’s something that could serve Allen: We’re introducing Southern a useful purpose, you better believe Tide woven shirts, similar to the we’re going to try to incorporate one you’re wearing, with the high it – even if it costs us a little more technology of the stretch and money. breathability. And khaki’s – with Allen: In order for me to keep technology that’s different. Very doing good and positive things I’ve cool features. Really cool t-shirts got to have a good reputation, no and boxers. Right now we’re work- compromise, no excuses. You’ve got ing on an amazing jacket and some to please others.
I feel that if you do a good job in business good things will happen. Alex: Sometimes you can’t please everybody. Allen: No, you can’t please everybody, but what we say is, “No, we’re not going to save a couple of dollars a unit by changing this, even if it is something no one will notice. We’ll notice” it! It’s got to be right. Allen: At first it’s actually a lot harder to make money, because products are more expensive to make when you don’t cut corners. But you develop fans and customers who trust you. And that’s important because our job is to provide them with great clothing. They need to know that the next thing they buy
from Southern Tide will be right. This is how we win fans.
skills that are not my strengths. This frees me up to do what I love to do – work on the design side of the busiAllen: You and I are just two young ness. Our entire team at Southern businessmen going about some of Tide has a vision of what we want what we do in a nonconventional to company to be. We collaborate to way, trying to do our very best to decide what to make, and then we get it right. We make mistakes all make it. We work together to figure the time, but we’re working hard. it out in a very tactical way and then It’s not comfortable, it’s just not we design it. I like doing that. easy. Business consumes my life and When I was on vacation, I wore out my thoughts most of the time. several pencils and a sketch pad drawing designs. I just like to take Allen: But the company can work pencil and paper to do the designs without me being there. We have and later use the computer, which, assembled a great team at Southern by the way, is not as much fun. Tide and have added people with
A S
Alex: You brought up vacation, what about hobbies? Allen: I went on vacation this year to France and every other thought I had was related to business. Like, ‘look at that fabric, how would that relate to what I’m doing?’ Look at that ribbon, look how they sewed that button on, that’s interesting, I’ve never seen a button made out of that material. So I bought this shirt so I could cut the button off and study it. This is the fun part of the business! Alex: So what do you like to do in your free time? Allen: Probably going four wheeling is my favorite thing to do. You know, Jeeps or safari type vehicles, crossing rocks and rivers, getting through the mud. I think it’s quite fun as long as I don’t tear up the environment. It’s like a hike, but you’re in a car or an off road vehicle. It’s sometimes quite risky because if you don’t do it right you can tear the machine up. I get quite a thrill out of it. Some people like to go 100mph on the road. I get a thrill out of going 5mph over a waterfall. Allen: In four wheeling it’s about using your intuition and available information when you do not know what’s ahead. And using just what you’ve got and getting through it. It’s like a little microcosm for how we approach certain parts of our business. You’ve got to make it through this trail. You know what you’ve got, maybe some extra tools or you can go around something here, avoid an obstacle over there. Did you prepare? It’s just satisfying. I also like shooting and fishing. I like shooting targets more than hunting. I enjoy the beach, being in the mountains, hiking, swimming, any outdoor things. But at this point, work is the main thing I do for fun because truly I enjoy it.
A S
Just my duty to use my skills & gifts to positively influence the world.
He is the face, the voice and model for new young entrepreneurs.
Alex: Let’s say you got dropped off on a deserted island what 3 things would you bring? Allen: Helicopter, an entourage, full bar and catering, and a GPS. That’s a cheat answer, here’s my real one – an axe, a piece of flint and a toothbrush. Allen: What about you? Alex: A guitar, pen and paper…can you group that together? Allen: Draw in the sand with your finger. Alex: Yeah, but I like to write. Allen: We could get a little pointed stick, sharpen it with our axe. Then find some fruit or something
that’s got a lot of color. We split a log with our axe and you’ve got a panel. Now you can write. And all you needed was the axe. Allen: It’s like we’ve been talking about, you don’t always have the right tools. Jim, our CEO at Southern Tide always taught me that life is unfinishedness. I always knew that, but I like the word. Yeah, it is unfinished, so you use what you got to get to the next step. You don’t always know how you’re gonna get there, maybe throw some rope around something, climb over something, build a bridge. You just gotta do it.
A S
My time with Allen was filled with warmth, humility and kindness. He was articulate and genuine. I have believed for a long time that great things were destined to come from colleges all over the US. I’ve been around long enough to recognize that great talent is abundant at every campus. I envisioned record labels, clothing lines, media companies, tech start-ups and more springing up everywhere. Allen, is one
of the leaders of new young entrepreneurs taking the business world by storm. Allen exudes great confidence, but with kind humility. He is driven, articulate and highly intelligent. He is the face, the voice and model for new young entrepreneurs. He is a deep thinker, with simple philosophies—the embodiment of the Centered Man.
ALLEN STEPHENSON
ther e i s s o m e t h i n g u n i qu e i n h i s ap pr o ach a nd vision.
Impress Your Date by Micah Vickery
You’ve made it this far and it’s time to impress her by cooking dinner – now what? She loves Mexican, but it’s all been done. Being experts on the burrito or fajitas gets us nowhere. A Margarita and Mexican beer are predictable. Take the time to step outside the box and explore one of the traditional Spanish meals paired with homemade Sangria. With their Flamenco dancers, romance and, of course, fantastic food, it’s the cuisine to choose. Ditch the fastfood taco and impress her with your knowledge of Mediterranean cooking. Let Semi-Homemade chef Sandra Lee help you prepare the fool-proof paella..
Always perusing the quest to offer our readers chance to become more centered individuals, we caught up with celebrity chef Sanda Lee of the Emmy-Nominated Food Network TV series SemiHomemade Cooking With Sandra Lee and asked her to provide us with some thoughts and more importantly ideas on how to prepare an easy authentic Spanish meal. “In Spain, dishes are prepared with unrestrained passion and a lust for living-and cooking. When cooking the Semi-Homemade way, it is super simple to duplicate the flavors of the region, without spending days in the kitchen. Paella, a free-style combination of meat, seafood, vegetables and sometimes beans is one of the most popular Spanish dishes.
History Sidepoint Warning – History Lesson (Don’t panic, this will only impress her more). Throughout the centuries, Spain has been occupied and thus influenced by various cultures like the Romans, Arabs and the Moors. As such, Spanish cuisine incorporates plenty of hearty ingredients and, due to such a large coastline, an abundance of seafood. ingredients and due
As in most of the Old Country, everyday life in Spain is centered around meals, a far cry from the United States, where we try to fit in a quick meal into our busy schedules.
A shortcut to a stress-free dinner and to preparing my Easiest Ever Paella is to let your slow cooker do all the work for you. Let your slow cooker simmer all day while you’re away and when you return home, you will be able to serve a delicious meal for your sweetie in half the time. Served as a snack, light lunch or side dish, whatever the occasion, the building blocks for a wonderful meal are right on your own pantry shelves. As the Spanish say to wish everyone a good meal, ‘Buen provecho!’”
Impress the Lady Sangria
Easiest-Ever Paella Prep 15 minutes Cook 2 hours plus 20 minutes (High) Makes 6 servings
Makes 1 Pitcher 1 bottle red wine (No, you can’t use cheap, boxed wine. You don’t need to break the bank but something decent, a $10 bottle will work fine) 1 cup Brandy 1 cup orange juice (Try and get fresh squeezed if possible, if not any brand will work, just not the frozen concentrate kind!) 1 lemon (Just the juice, no seeds guys) 1/4 cup sugar (just the regular, white kind AKA Granulated White Sugar) it)
1 orange (sliced, don’t peel
2 apples (cored and cut into cubes) 1 container blackberries or raspberries (optional) Add all the liquids and sugar to pitcher and stir until sugar is dissolved. Then add all the fruit and chill, overnight if possible, so the fruit can soak up all the flavor of the alcohol. Add ice to the pitcher before serving. If my boyfriend made this for me I’d be a very happy girlfriend, as in “watch whatever game you want on T.V. this month and I won’t complain” kind of happy. Buena suerte! (Good luck!).
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasthalves, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sandra Lee has a passion for simple solutions that create dramatic results in all areas of home life. She is editor-in-chief of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine, a popular television host and internationally-acclaimed home and food expert who has revolutionized the way people think about homemade. With her trademark 70/30 Semi-Homemade® philosophy, which combines 70% readymade products with 30% fresh and creative touches, Sandra is recognized as the foremost advocate to over-extended people. She created the platform to continually supply savory tactics that allows anyone to take 100% of the credit for something that looks, feels and tastes as if it were completely made from scratch.
8 ounces fully cooked andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces, Aidell’s® 2 cans (14 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth, Swanson® 1 can (14.5-ounce) no-saltadded diced tomatoes 2 packages (5.6 ounces each) Spanish rice mix 1 cup frozen loose-pack petite peas,C&W® ½ cup frozen chopped onion, Ore-Ida® 1 cup frozen cooked shrimp, thawed 1. In a 4-quart slow cooker, stir together chicken, sausage, chicken broth, undrained tomatoes, Spanish rice mix, peas, and onion until thoroughly combined. Cover and cook on high heat setting for 2 hours. Stir in shrimp. Cover; cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until shrimp is heated through.
This recipe is excerpted from Sandra Lee SemiHomemade Fast-Fix Family Favorites. For more information please visit www.semihomemade.com and www. semihomemademag.com.
anna
a
a n n a
perry
CENTERED’S DREAM GIRL
We had the recent privilege of meeting
Anna Perry, former Miss South Carolina, and spending the afternoon with her. She is everything you would expect – and much, much more. Of course she is beautiful, how else could she win a beauty pageant. But her personality and her heart are what truly captivate those around her. During our interview, I realized she has stunning eyes – eyes that change from green to blue, depending on her mood and surroundings. They say eyes are the windows to the soul and hers give us a clue to the depth that is Anna. So many people would view Anna as unapproachable, but she is warm and full of grace. So join us as we get to know Centered’s first Dream Girl.
by Edie Melson Photos by Brad Forth
Clothes provided by Two Doors Down
“I think that if [a man] owns their style, that’s what makes it work.”
a n n a -
“He has a very different style from me, very dry. But I liked that.�
CENTERED: WE KNOW FROM THE INTERNET THAT YOU’RE 23 AND GRADUATED COLLEGE FROM WILLIAM AND MARY WITH A DOUBLE MAJOR, CHEMISTRY AND MUSIC, SPECIFICALLY PERFORMANCE PIANO. YOU GREW UP IN FLORENCE, SC. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Anna: From the time I was little, I wanted to be a doctor. That has only just recently changed. Now I’m still in the process of deciding where to go from here. CENTERED: WELL, LET’S BACK UP AND TALK ABOUT YOUR YEAR AS MISS SOUTH CAROLINA. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS DURING YOUR REIGN? Anna: There were many highlights, but two come immediately to mind. You may know my platform is St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Cancer Research. I actually got a chance to meet Rick Shadyac, CEO of St Jude. CENTERED: WOW, HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT? Anna: I was speaking somewhere and mentioned my platform and it turned out someone there was a friend of
Mr. Shadyac’s. He gave me his cell number and I called him. I still can’t believe I got the nerve to do it. I left a message and he called me back the next day. He was very gracious and arranged for me to visit the hospital. CENTERED: HOW WAS YOUR VISIT? Anna: It was amazing! I got the VIP tour and got to actually see what they do there. I even got to meet some of the patients. One little girl asked me for an autograph and I gave it to her and we had our picture made together. Then, a couple of months later, I got a package in the mail. It was a copy of the picture and she had autographed it for me! CENTERED: WHAT WAS THE OTHER THING THAT STOOD OUT AS A HIGHLIGHT? Anna: It was getting to know the other Miss America girls. We got to spend a lot of time together before the actual contest and I loved every minute of it. CENTERED: LET’S CHANGE THE FOCUS A LITTLE BIT. TELL ME WHAT YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY.
Anna: Well, I’ve been with my ‘significant other’ for three years and one of the first things that drew me to him was his sense of humor. He has a very different style from me, very dry. But I liked that. Our differences made me want to get to know Mike more. CENTERED: WHAT ABOUT STYLE FOR GUYS? DO YOU HAVE ANY MAJOR LIKES OR DISLIKES? Anna: My style has certainly evolved as I’ve grown. Back in high school I really liked the punk rocker style. You know; studded belts and everything. CENTERED: AND NOW? Anna: I don’t think I have one favorite look for a man. I think that if somebody owns their style, that’s what makes it work. Of course, nothing can beat a crisp, long-sleeved, button down shirt. CENTERED: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEEKEND GETAWAY? Anna: Would that be a date weekend or one on my own? CENTERED: LET’S START WITH THE DATE WEEKEND. Anna: That’s easy – Charleston, SC. I love that town, the history, the beach, the night life, and of course – the food.
perry
a n n a
CENTERED: WHAT ABOUT A WEEKEND ON YOUR OWN? Anna: I love white water kayaking. CENTERED: THAT’S ONE I DIDN’T SEE COMING. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH KAYAKING? Anna: Growing up, I attended the same summer camp every year. It is Camp Greystone in NC. It’s an all girls Christian camp, started in 1920. They had a real hand in contributing to who I am today. CENTERED: WHAT AGE DID YOU START KAYAKING? Anna: I began in my early teens. They had a program then to teach girls how to kayak. They’ve since discontinued it. But I love to kayak. I have a rack on top of my car and sometimes I’ll throw my boat up there and take off. CENTERED: WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE? Anna: With a major in music, my IPod is jammed with all kinds of music. But I love top 20 rock, current, not classic. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate classic rock, too. CENTERED: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BAND? Anna: Several, actually. I love the band Hinder. I also listen to quite a bit of Christian rock and I like Toby Mac, Switch Foot, and Casting Crowns. CENTERED: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON A DATE? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE? Anna: I really enjoy going out to eat. My favorite area is the East Bay in Charleston, SC. I love the restaurant Cyprus. CENTERED: ANYTHING ELSE?
Anna: I love a surprise! Any kind of a date with movement is great; putt putt, laser tag, whatever. I just like to move. CENTERED: DO YOU HAVE A MOVIE THAT YOU MOST ANTICIPATED SEEING THIS YEAR? Anna: I think that would have to be Terminator. It was great. CENTERED: WHAT ABOUT HOBBIES? DO YOU DO ANYTHING BESIDES WHITE WATER RAFTING? Anna: Camping is fun, and someday I want to hike the Appalachian Trail. I’ve also been skydiving twice and really liked that. CENTERED: ANYTHING INSIDE APPEAL TO YOU AT ALL? Anna: Lots! I read quite a bit, although at the moment it’s mainly non-fiction, self-improvement books. I also listen to a lot of those on audio since I’m in the car so much. I enjoy 1000 piece, flat, jigsaw puzzles. And, I knit. CENTERED: WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO KNIT? Anna: Summer camp. We had to pick classes and one time I chose knitting. A friend asked me why I would choose that, nobody ever chose knitting. I told her that was the reason – because it was something no one else would do. That pretty much sums up Anna. Expect the unexpected. She delivers it every time; with all the energy and enthusiasm you can imagine. She is a superstar at living life full out, generous, loving – a dream girl to spend the afternoon with.
“I love a surprise!Any kind of a date with movement is great; putt putt, laser tag, whatever. I just like to move.�
see more Anna Perry on centeredonline.com
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france st.tropez
DREAM VACATION SPOTLIGHT ON by Renee Cassidy
Internationally acclaimed St. Tropez beckons the world’s most celebrated, rich, and beautiful people to the French Riviera. Between centuries of history and luxurious travel lies the small French port town of St. Tropez, where sophisticated travelers enjoy exclusive resorts and amenities in the same style as celebrities. The French daily, Figaro notes that summer in St. Tropez presents “the greatest number of famous faces per square meter.” On any given day, A-listers from Beyonce to the Beckhams can be spotted on its beaches. For visitors, a perfect day consists of lounging at beach clubs like the famous Nikki or Pampelonne. Nikki is the ultimate ‘see and be seen’ party place for guests and VIPs alike. Waiters in white tend to their guests’ every need, offering flowing champagne in the early afternoon hours. By evening, however, more champagne is sprayed in celebration than consumed. The party scene in St. Tropez typically cranks up around 11 p.m. The legendary La Voile Rouge on Moorea beach is famous for its exclusive parties, which feature a makeshift catwalk for beautiful people in beach wear. Les Caves du Roy is one of the most popular nightclubs in St. Tropez. It was in Les Caves’ VIP Room (Residences du Nouveau Port) where Eva Longoria and Tony Parker recently hosted a party before their Paris wedding. If you’re wondering how a sleepy French fishing village turned into a glamorous international travel destination, it all began when sexy Hollywood icon Bridgette Bardot played the amorous Juliette Hardy in the 1956 film And God Made Woman. After the release, Bardot attended the premier opening of the now renowned Hotel Byblos and put the destination on the world map. The French comedy series Le gendarme de Saint Tropez in the 60s and 70s furthered the island’s popularity and solidified the glamorous reputation still alive today. Historic facts: St. Tropez got its name from the Roman soldier Saint Torpes, who in 1055 refused to give up his religion. Beheaded, his body was cast adrift and, as the story goes, ended up at the town now known as St. Tropez. It was also a site of the Allied Landings in World War II in 1944. Besides the exquisite beaches, water sports and nightclubs, there is still much to take in during a vacation.
france st.tropez
Wine lovers must visit the Provence area’s 354 vineyards offering the country’s fabulous French wines. Maison Des Vins in Les Arcs is recommended as the place for the experts to teach appreciation for the country’s wines. A must see for art lovers include the Annonciade Museums featuring work from some of the greatest modern artists including Bonnard and Braque. Unique to St. Tropez are seven miles of coastal hiking trails between Pampeone Beach and the Portalet tower for the hiker. Popular outdoor sports include golf, tennis and cycling.
Just north of St. Tropez is Grimaud with a magnificent castle with harbor views. Port Grimaud is also called “Little Venice”, an intricate fishing village with bridges, narrow streets, canals, and luxury homes. Travelers should also checkout the heartbeat of St. Tropez, the downtown. Tour the 16th century Citadel, home of the Naval Museum as well as Guillaume (Suffren tower), the Portalet Tower and the Jarlier Tower. Visitors mustn’t miss local places such as Place aux Herbes that offers a market where you can buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables, fruits and flowers. Place des Lices is the centre of the town’s scenes
to listen to street entertainment, casual dining as well as watch the old timers play petanque where they have for over a century. Don’t forget to consider the town’s annual festivals for travel dates. Each May, Les Bravades honors the town’s patron saint Tropez with a 3 day festival and parades. June brings Bravade des Espagnols a festival to honor the town’s military past with more street parades and celebrations that go until early morning hours. Every October, there is a world renowned regatta featuring some of the largest yachts in the world. Also in October, a Jazz Festival in
nearby Ramatuelle runs for several days and features some of the best international jazz bands. In mid June, a three day Giraglia Rolex cup has open water sports’ racing that concludes with a yacht race to Genoa, Italy. How to get around in style? Kathryn Tomasetti recommends renting the classic mini moke; a fun vehicle where a mini meets the dune buggy.
Check out additional information from the St. Tropez tourist office at www.ot.saint-tropez.com Centered suggests -- Restaurants: Senequier cafe, La Table du Marché, Chez Fuchs, Le Café, Bistrot des Lices, and Les Mouscardins (some require reservations a month in advance). Centered suggests -- Hotels: Hotel Byblos, Chateau De La Messardiere, La Residence De La Pinede, Hotel La Tartane, and Hotel Hodeo
RENTING vs. BUYING Hart Davidson
Rent an uptown loft?
Or buy a house in the suburbs?
It’s your senior year at college and you’re contemplating buying a house. Maybe you only have one semester left and signing a one year rental lease doesn’t suit your fancy. At times like this, the question arises—should I buy or rent? We’ve compiled the pros and cons of renting and buying in the current economic climate.
Home Buying Pros & Cons
Although statistics vary by state, most research shows it’s cheaper to buy a typical starter home than to rent one. One of the biggest downsides to renting is the expense required upfront. Most of the time a renter must dig deep into their pockets to come up with funds for security deposits and move in fees. Your hard-earned money goes out of your pocket and into your landlords to pay their mortgage, not yours, leaving you with nothing to show for your cash. While most landlords will offer some type of renewal, there is no guarantee that you will be able to stay in the property when your one year tenancy runs out. Often times you won’t even receive your security deposit back since it’s left up to the owner’s discretion. In the worst case scenario, you could find yourself homeless if your property owner fails to keep up with their mortgage, leaving you with all the annoyance and cost of having to find somewhere else to live. Another drawback to renting is that most of the time you cannot decorate as you see fit. Making a home your own can be tough if you’re permitted to accessorize your home with your unique style. Some landlords will let you paint rooms, while others prohibit you from even hanging new pictures on the walls.
Interest rates have been slashed to a record low, making mortgage payments more reasonable than they have been for years. However, there is one thing you can be sure about; rates will be on their way back up at some point in the future. Knowing this, it may be worth your time to take out a fixed rate mortgage in order to ensure your payments do not rise. If you do buy your own home, the money you invest in housing goes towards paying off your own mortgage. This is an asset in your future. In the current real estate market, some sellers are primed to accept large discounts on their asking prices. This is especially true if they believe the price of their home is falling daily. Obviously, once the market stabilizes, sellers will be less likely to do this. The Government has pioneered a first time home buyer credit of $8,000. As a homeowner your credit rating will begin to build, as you can exhibit to probable lenders that you are able to keep up with your monthly debt obligation. If you happen to be a single college graduate and have an extra room, you can rent it out to help pay your monthly payments.
Renting Pros & Cons
It’s often hard to sell properties in the current real estate market. If you’re just graduating from college and decide to buy a home, there are some things to think about.
What if, all of a sudden, your dream job becomes available and you need to move quickly? This could be very tricky if you can’t find someone to rent your current home. This might require you to turn down that job offer, because you could not afford to pay for two places to live. It’s also harder to take a job Sabbatical break if you own a property, since you’re tied down to a mortgage. Renting might be a better alternative for anyone concerned about job security. Most rental contracts last one year and sometimes offer relocating clauses. This can be a great thing if you have to relocate quickly. If you need to relocate to a new area, renting a place gives you a chance to become familiar with the location without long-term commitment.
The Bottom Line
Even though owning your own home might make better financial common sense in the long run, it’s a big obligation. If you rent and decide to take a career break to travel the world, there’s nothing to stop you. In the current real estate market, it’s imperative to try to separate yourself from the obsession of home ownership. In its place, center your attention on whether now is the right time for you to buy a home. You may find you would be better off renting for a while longer.
netw rk
your way to the career of your dreams by Edie Melson
N
etworking is a business term that has been overplayed and under worked. If utilized well, it’s a skill that can make a career. If disregarded, it can just as easily break a career. Effective networking takes time and energy. You must develop your own strategy and choose avenues that will pay off five years down the road. Veteran business professionals will agree that more often than not, it really is ‘who you know,’ not ‘what you know.’ On college campuses and in the business community there are plenty of opportunities for networking, but no one has time to try them all. Don’t hesitate to join multiple groups. Visit different opportunities until you find a few right for you. Select those that pertain exclusively to your field, but don’t limit yourself. Expand your field. The key is to find groups with the right mix of professionals. Look for those with established members and several newcomers mixed in. This offers you the opportunity to interact with people at different stages in their career. Too many networking events attract only new professionals. While this gives you the opportunity to share experiences, it doesn’t help advance your career. Brian Smith, president of Southeastern Financial Services in Greenville, South Carolina, suggests, “The key to effective networking
is to find the people who are making a difference in your industry and see what they’re doing. Hang out with them, learn from them and whenever possible, join them.” Smith said his early networking experience involved “taking advantage of every opportunity.” It was after gaining some experience that he learned to be more discriminating with his time. In times of recession and cutbacks, employers are looking for personal references. Personal contact gives you the opportunity to showcase your strengths and
learn the wants and needs of prospective employers. Interacting with others in your field can also open new possibilities in the direction of your career. Quite often the contacts we make in college are beneficial years later. Don’t always look for the quick return; be willing to invest in long-term relationships. Remember, you’re planting seeds for your future. Every introduction, every interaction and every good deed is an opportunity. Keep in mind there are certain personality types that will conquer
networking with ease. For them, talking to strangers and senior members of their profession is no problem. For others, the social aspect of networking may be a struggle. Don’t be misled; even those who are not naturally ‘people persons’ can network effectively. Doing your homework and investigating every opportunity is more important than a smoothtalking schmoozer.
How to get started: 1. Get to know/ reconnect with college professors. Most academic professionals know who is on the cutting edge in their industry and often times have contact information and may offer referrals.
5. Look at the people around you with new eyes. Many of us already have a strong network in place through friends and family, we just don’t realize it. The majority of people around you are willing to help advance your career. All you have to do is ask.
6. Evaluate your social networking contacts. Hordes of up-and-coming professionals have grown up with Facebook and MySpace. Don’t underestimate the value of those contacts. Your profile within those sites can be tweaked to advance your career. List professional accomplishments and awards related to your field of interest. Don’t hesitate to enter the conversation in online forums related to your profession.
2. Find a mentor. Mentors can help avoid mistakes inexperienced professionals often make. Many of them have already made those mistakes. Don’t pass up the opportunity to learn from someone more experienced.
3. Volunteer in your chosen field. As the economy tightens, fewer internships may be available. Volunteers often learn just as much as those on the payroll. This also provides you the opportunity to change directions without a black mark on your resume.
4. Join professional organizations. Even if you’re still in college, most professional organizations have student groups. Take advantage of these opportunities.
or
by Bristow Marchant
Technically it’s the same sport. But football fans across the country have developed a clear allegiance to either the NFL or NCA A.
R U ? N W DO
I
t’s been said that in the South there are three major sports – football, spring football and recruiting. This passion can be, well, a little disturbing to uninitiated visitors upon first encounter. No other sport in America matches the level of devotion afforded to college football in the South, even among people who didn’t attend the school they cheer for. The longer someone stays in the area, the more football draws them into its orbit. Joanna Despain experienced this phenomenon firsthand. She grew up in Connecticut among a race of Giants fans. The NFL team long remained her first love. She paid little attention to the college game until her brothers started playing—one at Marist and the other at Davidson. Despain finally embraced the sport after she moved to Athens, GA., and sent a son to Davidson and a daughter to the University of South Carolina. “There’s a big difference,” said Despain on the sidelines of a Gamecock scrimmage in March. “I couldn’t understand how obsessed people were and the amount of revenue they
get from selling red and black everything. In Connecticut or New York, you just don’t see people walking around in Rutgers or UConn shirts. In Pennsylvania people are not wearing (Penn State) white and blue all the time. They’d be wearing Pittsburgh (Steelers) shirts, Giants shirts, or some other NFL team.” Growing up on their side of the Mason-Dixon Line, some Southerners can’t imagine it any other way. “As soon as I was born, my late father brought me to the games,” said John Holladay, a West Columbia native and former University of South Carolina student. “That’s just southern football. I was born this way.” Holladay says he has trouble working up the same kind of passion when he watches the NFL. “I watch to an extent, but I don’t like seeing 32 teams reading from the same playbook every week. Except for the playoffs and the Super Bowl, there’s not much excitement in the NFL.”
Centered wanted your opinion. Is this view common to the South or are we all in love with college football? Here’s what you had to say. "Well I would say that my loyalty lies with UCF and college football but my dream is to play in the NFL. The answer will be slightly different from my perspective I think because I play college football. From a fans perspective I would say college football will always be where my loyalty is at because there is much more heart and passion in the game of college football. The business aspect is out of the game so I believe there is much more passion towards the game and excitement." Cory Hogue, University of Central Florida "The NCAA is defiantly where my loyalty lies. There is something special about each school’s tradition and style of play that the NFL will never be able to match." Mac Gillan, Hamilton College "My loyalty would lie with college. In the pros, it's your true job, it's more about money. But in college, you're representing your school. You socialize with the people who come to watch you. You're able to build bonds with your fans." Jonathan May, Brown University "When it comes to loyalty I'd have to say without a doubt that NCAA wins. College football...at any level...is made up of athletes who are truly passionate about THE GAME OF FOOTBALL. There are no contracts to be signed or bonuses that are sought after...the players in college are there for love of the game...This can be seen on the field...There is much more passion in college football...fans are more into the game...players actually look like they want to be out there...there's no game in the NFL that can compare to a Ohio State Michigan game...or a Florida, Florida State game...not in my mind...that is why college football is numero uno in my opinion!!!!" Cougar, Appalachian State University "If I had to choose I would go with the NCAA. The games seem to mean more to NCAA players, whereas in the pros it seems mostly about the money and the fame. Also, the ridiculous theatrics that go along with the NFL really piss me off (all the obnoxious jewelry, off-the-field antics, etc.). Another factor is the difference in tailgate parties. It is much more fun to tailgate with thousands of students at house parties before walking to the game than to tailgate with thousands of random fans in a parking lot." Andrew, UCSB "NCAA, of course! I'm a huge fan of any team from NC. There's no comparison to watching athletes on my level, and by that I mean age and collegiate standings. Of course their athletic ability is far superior to mine." Emory Robinson, NC State
TOP Things Not to do on a First Date
10 10. Be on time. It is always important to be punctual and if you’re running a little late make sure that you call them. 9. Don’t talk about any of your personal problems. This isn’t appropriate with someone you hardly know. 8. Don’t act desperate. This date is just for fun and getting to know each other. Keep it light-hearted. Don’t act obsessive even if she really is your dream girl. Ladies don’t like clingy men so talking about your future relationship with her is definitely out of the question. 7. Make sure you pick the correct location. Don’t take her to a club or a loud bar. How are you suppose to get to know one another if you can’t hear? 6. Don’t try to analyze her problems. Ladies don’t like to be given advice on the first date—especially since you barely know them. 5. If you decide to ask her on a second date, don’t say, “Would you like to get together sometime next week or something?” Instead, be specific about
coordinating the next date. Make sure you include when, where, and what time. 4. Never brag about yourself and your ‘many accomplishments’. Make sure you focus on her interests and find out what she’s involved in. 3. Don’t talk about previous girlfriends. They don’t want to hear your sad story about how she dumped you, cheated on you, broke your heart, etc. 2. If you happen to see some friends while out on your date, don’t leave her and go chat with them. Always include your date; introduce her to them and make her feel welcome. 1. Lastly, 36% of the ladies polled, said the biggest turn off was their date texting or talking on their cell phone. So, turn off the phone or at least put it on silent.
by Hart Davidson
5
looks Take a seat outside, on any college campus, and watch the people go by. In a very short time, every style you can imagine will have walked by. Some students decorate
their bodies with tattoos and piercings. Others wear baggy clothes and expensive jewelry. Any and all possible combinations will be represented. Now, suppose the
person watching was a professor or job recruiter?
What impression would your style make?
Does Your S tyle Send th e Right Mes sage? by Dustin Wyatt
photos Brad Forth
The Bum
Sandals. T-shirts. Blue-jeans. Wearing these laid-back clothes to class may make you comfortable, but what message does it send the professor? Some, like Professor Jim Cox, actually encourage students to be comfortable inside the classroom. “Comfortable clothes are necessary. If it’s hot outside, students should wear shorts and t-shirts.” However, Dr. Carmen Harris believes it’s possible to be too comfortable. “I don’t like it when students show up for class wearing their pajamas.”
The Suit
Occasionally, students will come to class sporting a suit and tie, as if attending church. While making a good impression is important, it may not be the best clothing choice for school because it’s generally uncomfortable. Professor Cox urges his students to dress appropriately. “It may be wise to pull a suit out when it’s time to present a power point or make a speech. Most professors say they do expect students to look professional during presentations. ”
The Prep
When asked to comment on what he thought was the ideal dress for college students, Professor Myles Alexander perfectly described the preppy style—khaki pants and a nice shirt—a clean look. The former high school teacher says that, while he avoids judging others based on the way they dress, he does believe a student’s first impression is important. “The first couple of days, students should present themselves nicely to make a good first impression. After that initial impression they can dress more freely.”
From body art to blue hair, a theatre professor we spoke with has seen his share of unusual, erratic, clothing styles. These styles don’t bother him personally, but many professors have negative reactions to the look. The same professors who stated they try to avoid judging students by the way they look, add some off-the-record opinions on tattoos, body piercings and extreme hairstyles. “I sometimes wonder what these students’ majors are and what type of jobs they expect to get.”
The Rocker
THE
MAN
Alex Sok , CEO of Centered Magazine sums it up well, “The Centered style is a classic look. It fuses contemporary with classic. It’s a look that fits the occasion. I think that’s half the battle for most of us—knowing what to wear and when to wear it. There’s a time and a place for everything, and there’s definitely an outfit for every occasion.”
Brad Forth
Dwane Church, COO, brings the corporate perspective to the Centered Man’s look. “With every look, dress to impress. Whether it’s business casual or classic comfort, be neat and incorporate a sense of style that makes a statement of confidence.”
“A Centered man always keeps it simple. We all know that less is more and that’s attractive!” Douglas Eaddy , Assistant Art Director.
brings the perspective of a photographer when pulling together his style. “A man comfortable physically and mentally is not afraid to match his clothes from shirt to pants; belts to shoes. The man who has a dignified image of himself will complete the photo with a sense of confidence.”
But the bottom line comes from Andrew Malone , Art Director at Centered Magazine. “The Centered man defines his look and is not defined by his look.” So don’t be afraid to experiment, to find the style that best reflects who you are.
“Strengthening Your Abs”
By John DeFendis
Dear Rod, Contrary to popular belief, or what people think when they look in the mirror,Everybody has abs... they just have to get rid of the fat to be able to see them.
ask
Dear Mr. DeFendis, I was talking with a trainer at the gym today who has a great set of abdominals. I was telling him that I do a lot of ab work, but that I am not seeing the results. I want a flat stomach and better abs. He said he does hardly any ab work. How is that possible? What is the best way for an “average” person who is about 30 pounds overweight to get a six pack? Do you work abs from the beginning or wait until you reach a certain point in your progress?? Rod
the expert
Photos by Brad Forth
The key is to learn how to effectively burn fat and then become empowered with that knowledge instead of hours of abdominal work. That’s why initially having a personal trainer is so important. Getting lean and developing abdominals does not come directly from ab work...It comes from 70-80% nutrition and the other 20-30% utilizing energy which will burn fat. (That’s why there are thousands upon thousands of people training abs with little or no results.)The best way to utilize energy is to strength train and work the major muscle groups with some basic movements like squats, presses, lunges and rows, which require more energy to perform. You also utilize even more energy when the major muscles (glutes, thighs, back, shoulders and chest) are going through their recovery process. This is something that everybody must learn.
Everybody wants a flat stomach, a stronger core and abdominals but unfortunately almost everyone goes about it the wrong way by doing abs for hours on end. In the last few years some genius came up with a fancy word for abdominal strength combined with lower back strength...They called it “Strengthening Your Core” and said that you had to do a lot of core work. Sometimes people challenge me with a bunch of garbage about training their “core” with exercises like Resist-A-Ball, stretch bands and balance work. They say that just conventional strength training will not work the
core. This is absolutely ludicrous and untrue as exercises like squats, hyper-extensions, bent-over-rows and standing dumbbell laterals, machine crunches and a few leg raises will effectively work the core better than anything else you can do. In my prime I was able to squat 430 pounds to the floor for 30 reps, do 100 sit-ups with a 45 pound plate behind my neck and 100 hyper-extensions non-stop. You have to have a strong core to do this and the closest thing to a Resist-A-Ball was a beach ball and you only used it at the beach or by the pool! When I trained for my competitions I spent about 10 minutes, only twice a week doing abdominal work and that was all I needed to develop award winning abs. We do the same with our clients and the results are phenomenal. The key to developing great abs is to first allow yourself to be challenged by a trainer each day with some great workouts that utilize energy and be held accountable to a balanced diet. These two components will burn more fat on the abdominal area and create the result that we are looking for. You can and should add in an exercise for lower abdominals (leg raises or kick ins off of a bench),and one for upper abdominals, (machine crunches or weighted crunches), a couple of times a week for 3 sets of each, as each muscle should be trained. Respectfully caring about the future of our country’s health, Your Personal Trainer & Fitness Expert ,Mr. America John DeFendis
Fitness Expert and Fitness Hall of Fame recipient John DeFendis is the Director of Exercise and Fitness at Coop’s Health & Fitness in Anderson and Greenville, South Carolina. A former Mr. USA and a personal trainer for more than 33 years, his specialty lies in weight loss and health. John has trained professional athletes and celebrities and has been featured in many international magazines and on national television shows. Centered Magazine readers can access his website for free. The website address is: www.defendis.com and you can e-mail your fitness questions to John at: defendis@aol.com
Please feel free to e-mail me any questions at: DeFendis@aol.com
CLICK HERE TO SEE AN AB WORKOUT VIDEO
[ REVIEWS ]
Staff Members Pick Their Top 5 Songs (in no particular order)
ALEX, CEO:
Baby Be Mine, Remember the Time, Man in the Mirror, You Are Not Alone, Who is It
SETH R, CTO:
Remember the Time, Man in the Mirror, You Are Not Alone,Who is It, Smooth Criminal
DWANE, COO:
Man in the Mirror, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, The Way You Make Me Feel, Black or White, I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
MICHAEL
JACKSON
FERNANDO, LAYOUT:
Baby Be Mine, , Man in the Mirror, Thriller, Billie Jean, Who is it
DREW, ART DIRECTOR:
Baby Be Mine, Remember the Time, Man in the Mirror, You Are Not Alone, Who is It
EDIE, MANAGING EDITOR:
Man in the Mirror, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, We Are the World, Billie Jean, Thriller
BRAD, PHOTOGRAPHER:
Billie Jean, Man in the Mirror, Thriller, Beat It, ABC
NATALIE, PR/SPECIAL EVENTS:
Black or White, The Way You Make Me Feel, You Are Not Alone, Man in the Mirror Billie Jean
“gone too soon...”