POOL PARTY ETIQUETTE
By Taylor White
POOL PARTY
Ever Wonder how you’re supposed to act @ G-VegAs’s SuPer CrAzy AwEsoMe Pool PArties?? Well no need to worry, we got ya covered!
NO GLASS BOTTLES! When attending one of our amazing pool parties we want you to act a fool!! But of course in a respectful way, just rememeber to clean up behind yourself. Meaning; After your done chugging your beers with your buddies, toss the cans in the trash! After that awesome beer bong you and your girl just took, just toss the cans in the trash. And, if you have food, trash ect. there will be plenty of trash cans all around you so you will not have to leave your spot or worry about missing anything! If your crowd is big enough and you know you will have plenty of things to throw away, just simply slide one of those trashcans by your group and you got your own can! The complexes will not mind if you do this seeing as how it will only in return help their establishment stay clean and safe! Lastly, dont be the jack-ass that throws cans/bottles/ trash into the pool, because that same jack-ass will be called out over the mic, emmbarrased and have to clean it up! Overall guys, these events are for YOU!! We love to take part in all of of these activities in order for you guys to have fun and get a lil crAzy! HAVE FUN!!! BE SAFE!!! SEE YOU THERE!!!
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APRIL2012 1 On the Cover 3 Pictures
THEG-VEGASMAGAZINE
HARDWORKINGSTAFF Editor-In-Chief
Kevin Howard - gvegasmagazine@hotmail.com
Design Eduardo Vargas - www.vargas-design.com
evargas@vargas-design.com Katelyn Crook - www.kcrook.com
Photography Trey Singletary - treyfromecu@aol.com Brandon Hill - hillbr08@students.ecu.edu Bobby Gorda - RCGorda@gmail.com Ryan Harper - harperryan416@gmail.com
Contributors/Writers Ben Herring - ben@thecollegesurvivalhanbookbook.com Taylor White - twhite740@gmail.com Mick & Blando - blando@99thex.com Barefoot Wade - barefootwade11@yahoo.com
5 A Family Tradition
14
7 Rock Report 10 Bash at the Bluff
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS... NOT FOR DRINKS
12 Trappa 14 A Penny For Your Thoughts
THEMOVIES
17 The Movies
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19 Easter Recipes 21 Doggie Jams 22 Game Review 24 2012 MLB PReview 26 Venue Directory 29 College Graduates, Are You Truly Ready?
19
EASTER RECIPES
Trey Singletary - treyfromecu@aol.com Brian Goings - poet_antidote@yahoo.com Shamar Roundtree - shamar@gvegasmagazine.com Patrick O’Brien - patpirates8825@gmail.com Brookelle Stockton - stocktonb09@students.ecu.edu Jenna Dawson - dawsonj11@students.ecu.edu
G-Vegas Magazine
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116 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 227-4313
PROFESSIONAL ATV RACER DANIEL BENNETT
www.gvegasmagazine.com
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GAME REVIEW
MASS
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By Brookelle Stockton
THE LIFE
A FAMILY TRADITION
Professional ATV racer Daniel Bennett
Dedication, a level mind and the heart of a champion; this is what it takes
to race along side the ‘Ice Man’. “Once he started riding I was actually having to work to keep up with him”, says Kent Bennett, retired ATV racer. Daniel Bennett, his son and now a Professional ATV racer himself has been competing in National competitions since 2005. Daniel rides for Ron Ayers Motorsports competing in three different classes. And get this; he is only 15 years old. It all started back in 1980 when Kent first jumped on a three-wheeler. “I hit a barn, a tree and climbed up the fence”, says Kent. He knew from that moment on he wanted to race. In 1983 he officially started his racing career. As Kent grew older and started a family of his own he retired from racing but encouraged his son Daniel to follow in his footsteps. Daniel got on his own ATV at the young age of four and was a natural at the sport. Needless to say, he has been riding ever since.
An all-terrain vehicle most commonly know as an ATV or four wheeler is a vehicle with tire pressure that is low and is ridden by an operator that straddles the seat and is steered by using the handle bars. Suzuki first released a four wheel ATV in 1982 for recreational use but in 1985 it released a high-performance machine. Kawasaki and Honda have also released their versions of ATVs. It is not legal to drive on the streets of the United States but it certainly is off road and for competition. As Daniel well knows. The ATV National Motorcross Championship was established in 1985 and it encompasses the AMA Pro and the Amateur ATVA. There is also a Pro Am Women’s class. Men women and young adults compete on weekends with practice on Fridays and Saturdays and racing on Sundays. | 5 g-vegasmagazine g-vegasmagazine | 5
In 2009 he received the ‘Youth Rider of the Year’ award from the ATVA Nationals competition in Columbus, Ohio. Since then Daniel has earned bragging rights of being a four-time AMA national champion. The Bennett family travels right alongside Daniel in order for him to compete all over the country from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania. When I looked at the racing schedule and results I see “1st place Daniel Bennett” in almost every slot. Being an athlete myself I know how hard this must be to win all the time. This had me wondering if Daniel sometimes misses out on the ‘normal’ activities of being a teenager. He quickly replied saying, “Not at all”. He is a normal kid just like everyone else at his high school. He just has committed his free time to working hard and achieving something that most cannot even dream of. While his friends may play racing video games after school Daniel is actually racing on a real track with dirt and sweat. He is living the dream of a typical all American boy. “It’s something I don’t normally think about. I just do what I can do.” This kind of mindset is what makes Daniel a champion. He told me there are lots of racers who listen to music and get really nervous before walking out on the track. Daniel has a different perspective on preparing for a win. He keeps focused and collective of his thoughts before a race. He will need this mature and professional attitude during the next few months because he is about to move up to the adult divisions. While this may seem intimidating he is ready for bigger and better racing. “They get better equipment,” said Daniel when talking about moving up the divisions. Daryl Rath, one of the top pro riders in the industry approached Daniel last year and was impressed with his talent. The Bennett family is already preparing for his debut into this new division and the fame that will come with it.
Every good athlete is equipped with the right gear, work out plans, nutrition information but most importantly a supportive team. While ATV racing is a solo rider sport there is much behind the scenes that takes place involving his support system. Kent is in charge of the marketing and sponsorship for his son. He sends out resumes, represents Daniel while he is racing is his number one supporter on the track. “I try to motivate him but not push him to far,” said Kent. He knows that Daniel can handle the responsibility of being a pro rider. In the future Daniel plans on pursing racing as long as he can. He loves the sport and his passion for it has driven him to educate others on it. His goal with racing is to be an ambassador for ATV racing. In 2011 Kent and Daniel worked along side the director of motor sports for Ironclad Motor Sports Park to make Kinston, North Carolina a stop for the Nationals. More than 250 racers attended the race on April 30th making it a huge event for the town. This also provided more opportunities for riders on the East Coast. The race went so well that it will be the first stop for the ATVA series again this year. It will take place on May 12th at the Lenoir County Fairgrounds. Riders from there will succeed onto Oklahoma, South Dakota, New York and Ohio. Daniel and Kent Bennett have worked hard in the world of ATV racing. While their accomplishments have already paid off, the future of their success is still in full swing. He already has star status with his youth accomplishments, and moving up a level next year will only improve his performance. He has the intense enthusiasm that all champions must have and the support of a family willing to guide him to the top. Watch for Daniel Bennett’s name to be in the news for many years to come.
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ROCK
REPORT Temperatures are starting to rise and that means it’s time for our favorite time of year… CONCERT SEASON! Most of the outdoor arenas are starting to open their doors and book their big summer shows and there’s a TON out there. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will be coming to NC for the first time in at least 5 years FOR THREE SHOWS! Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro will all be treated to a night with the Chili Peppers after a broken foot caused the band to have to postpone the tour (the shows were originally scheduled for January/February). By far the BIGGEST show coming to NC this year is the 2nd annual Carolina Rebellion going down May 5th at Rockingham Speedway. Shinedown, Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, Staind, Slash, and that’s just to name a few. Not to mention this year they’ve added camping and VIP packages as well as a Friday Night Campground Party headlined by Foxy Shazam! (This show will be a SELL OUT so get your tickets NOW!!) Looking down the list there’s a little something for everyone. DPAC has a nice list of comedians coming this summer like Daniel Tosh (host of Tosh.0), Kevin James (King of Queens), and Lewis Black (correspondant on The Daily Show). The 90s will have a strong showing this year with Cake, Candlebox, and Collective Soul rolling through on their respective tours as well as the “Last Summer On Earth” Tour (or as I’m calling it “The Attack of the 90s Tour”) featuring Barenaked Ladies, Cracker, Blues Traveler, and Big Head Todd & The Monsters! And that’s just the tip of the rock iceberg! There are several tours still forming, adding dates, and routing their current schedule so who knows who will stop by to rock the Carolinas this summer. Keep rocking with 99.5 The X for info on how to win tickets to several of these shows and hit the Concert Calendar at 995thex.com for info on all the great shows in our area.
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By Blando
THE SOUND
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BASH AT THE BLUFF So the day after the infamous 4/20 Doggie Jam, you might wake up and have an urge to continue having a good time. After all, it will only be Saturday and the weekend is still young. True, you could probably stay around Greenville and find a decent house party to attend. But spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to get out of town for an adventure. If you are the type of person that enjoys things like live bands, disc golf, camping and a friendly party environment, then perhaps you should read further. On April 21 in Davidson, NC there will be the annual “Bash at the Bluff”. This groovy event is basically an overnight party held at the Brackett’s Bluff disc golf course. This course is one of the top in the country and is being featured in the 2012 disc golf national championship. Now you don’t have to be an avid disc golfer to appreciate this
party (I suck at disc golf). They will have bands, food vendors and lots of colorful characters to keep you entertained. But the best part is, it’s only 15 dollars to get in. And it’s BYOB so you don’t have to stress about the possibility of paying for overpriced flat beer. We highly recommend that you bring a tent and camp out for the night, nothing ruins a good time like a DUI. The good times will kick off at Noon on Saturday with some fresh North Carolina bands including Chasing Edison, Duk Tan, Matter of Fact, Duende Mountain Duo and the Smokin Grass Bluegrass Band. And needless to say I am also going to be playing that night as well :-) So grab your tent, pick up some beer, and head to Bracketts Bluff on April 21. For more info, check out “Bash at the Bluff” on Facebook.
By Barefoot Wade
THE SOUND
Chasing Edison
Barefoot Wade
Matter of Fact
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By Taylor White
THE SOUND
TRAPPA Flagrant. Flamboyance. There’s a reason why Torre AKA “Trap” Hardison chose this as the name for his first mixtape. It summarizes his style and vibe he sets for his fans. Rap with a smooth, jazzy kick of rhythm and blues. Trap simply wants to relay his love for music to people all over the world. Trap is a Wilmington, NC native with ties in Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, and New Bern, NC.
him to a wide range of musical styles that he incorporates into his songs to create music that everyone can enjoy. Trap is a quickly rising star that is getting tons of recognition off of just one mixtape release. Trappa’s second and highly anticipated mixtape will be released on 4/20/12. Pay close attention and come along as Trap makes a name for himself and becomes one of the greatest in the game.
Look at Trap and you instantly see a star, talk to him and you feel his vision. His dedication to his son and education has lead him to a degree from East Carolina University and success in the business world. Listen to him and you take a walk in his shoes.
www.reverbnation.com/trappanc www.soundcloud.com/trappanc www.twitter.com/theclutchgene www.trappanc.com www.datpiff.com/Trap-Flagrant-VFlamboyant-mixtape.253121.html www.youtube.com/darkskinzent Follow for updates via twitter -- @ theclutchgene -- @Darkskinzent -- @ Gimmedatsoup--@Darkskinzlyfe--@ Money_Movement_ Email – Darkskinzent@gmail.com for booking
You can see the drive and motivation that will separate him from the rest of the pack. Growing up and repping Weavers Acres in the beach town of Wilmington has exposed
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A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS...
Article Submitted
THE LIFE
NOT FOR DRINKS
If you’ve ever been to a penny draft or penny liquor night in downtown Greenville, surrounded by the hordes of the virile and the nubile, and truly reveled in the delicious debauchery that it MUST become by night’s end, then your heart may have already broken by the time you read this. Penny nights, at least for now, are over in G-Vegas. Recently, all of the major bar owners in downtown Greenville gathered to address the issue of prices at the behest of Greenville city government and the University. It is thought by them and others throughout the city that the excessively cheap prices on off nights ( and sometimes weekend nights for that matter ) are damaging to the long term viability of Downtown as an entertainment district and jeopardize the safety of all. In other words, they said, “ Get your s*** together, or we’ll shut you down. “ Actually, members of the city council and the mayor, in an effort at détente, have offered a little more carrot and a little less stick. For more than two years, the previous city council and mayor and the chief of police led a crusade against the downtown bars and their patrons in an effort to eventually close the area. However, that all changed with this past November’s local government election. With the election of a new councilman, a new mayor and the subsequent resignation of the police chief, things are starting to look up. Club owners have been encouraged to take advantage of city grant money to improve the appearances of buildings. 5th St. and Cotanche St. are no longer blockaded and police presence is being scaled back, eliminating the war zone feel of the downtown area that we have lived with for so long. More cameras, that club owners recommended years ago, are being installed to deter senseless attacks like the double homicide that started this mess. Downtown may be getting its health back. It may survive, yet. But there is a price, and to most sane people’s thinking, it’s a bargain. Penny beer and penny liquor must go. To those who would balk, I would say that you will still see cheaper prices in downtown Greenville than anywhere else in America. Hell, it may still be cheaper than anywhere in Mexico. But no more pennies. But most important of all, there will still be good times with good friends, hopefully in a safer environment. So please, don’t blame the bartender or the bar owner. It was a price we thought everyone would be willing to pay for the long term survival of good ol’ G- Vegas.
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THE
MOVIES
FEATURED
THE HUNGER GAMES
IN THEATERS
New Releases, In Theaters Now
INTHEATERS WEEKEND BOX OFFICE TOP 10 IN THEATERS
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21 JUMP STREET Schmidt and Jenko are more than ready to leave their adolescent problems behind. Joining the police force and the secret Jump Street unit, they use their youthful appearances to go undercover in a local high school. As they trade in their guns and badges for backpacks, Schmidt and Jenko risk their lives to investigate a violent and dangerous drug ring. But they find that high school is nothing like they left it just a few years earlier - and neither expects that they will have to confront the terror and anxiety of being a teenager again and all the issues they thought they had left behind.
CAST
Jennifer Lawrence Josh Hutcherson Liam Hemsworth Woody Harrelson Elizabeth Banks Lenny Kravitz
Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister’s place to enter the games, and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy when she’s pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Katniss Everdeen Peeta Mellark Gale Hawthorne Haymitch Abernathy Effie Trinket Cinna
IN THEATERS
IN THEATERS
JOHN CARTER
War-weary, former military captain John Carter is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris. In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands
COMINGSOON WRATH OF THE TITANS MARCH 30
A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus - the demigod son of Zeus - is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon.
MARCH 30
MIRRO MIRROR
PROJECT X
Three seemingly anonymous high school seniors attempt to finally make a name for themselves. Their idea is innocent enough: let’s throw a party that no one will forget... but nothing could prepare them for this party. Word spreads quickly as dreams are ruined, records are blemished and legends are born.
Snow White is a princess in exile, and the evil Queen rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince.
source: www.yahoo.com
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YUMMY EASTER
By Taylor White
TREATS FOR ALL!
THE TASTE
This month’s recipes are of course dedicated to the lovely holiday of Easter! This is another time where friends and family gather together to socialize and most importantly eat some great food! I can’t forget to mention though, the main reason for this holiday. The Easter bunny is wonderful, the egg hunts are fun, and all the candy you get is always amazing but the true meaning to the holiday of Easter is the celebrating of all of our sins being able to be wiped away through accepting Jesus Christ. The sin of the world was upon Him, yet he was without sin and blameless and he still bore it all. This is why Jesus is referred to as the ‘Lamb of God’. He was bodily resurrected and rose from the dead on the third day. When Jesus came, He was a representation of the sacrificial lamb to take away the sins of the world. He was the final sacrifice. Jesus has done this once and for all. It’s His blood that cleanses us from all sin. If you take anything out of this I hope you take that and remember to celebrate love, life and happiness with all of your loved ones this Easter! Have a blessed time ya’ll & check me out next month for some easy grilling ideas, the best way to start out summer!
Love, Tay Easter Basket Cake Ingredients • • • • • • •
1-lb., 2.25-oz. box yellow cake mix 1-lb. container white frosting 1 cup shredded coconut Green food coloring Jelly beans and/or Easter candy Pipe cleaners Ribbons
Instructions 1. Heat the oven to 350º. Grease and flour a 1 1/2-quart stainless steel bowl. Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box. Pour the batter into the bowl. Bake for 70 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. 2. Let the cake cool in the bowl for 15 minutes, then unmold it onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. 3. Turn the cake right side up and place it on a platter. Cut a circle out of the center of the cake, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Scoop cake out of the circle to form a 1-inch-deep crater. Frost the cake. 4. For the grass, add several drops of green food coloring to the coconut in a zippered plastic bag. Close the bag and shake it well (a good job for kids). Fill the crater with the coconut, jelly bean eggs, and the other Easter candy. 5. For a handle, arch two pipe cleaners over the cake. Wrap ribbons around the handle and tie a big bow in the center.
Classic Southern Style Deviled Eggs!
These are a classic dish for Easter, surprise mom and you bring the eggs this year!
Ingredients:
7 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 teaspoon prepared mustard Salt and pepper, for taste Paprika, for garnishing Sweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing Pimentos, for garnishing Directions: Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl. Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator. g-vegasmagazine | 19 g-vegasmagazine | 19
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE Bands for April: 4/7 Victor Hudson 4/14 Don Cox 4/21 Jon-Micael McRoy 4/28 TBA
::605 Greenville Blvd SE Ste A, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 355-2946:: Proud Member Of
DOGGIE JAMS LIVES ON WITH
By Barefoot Wade Photos from cindercat.com
THE SOUND
CINDERCAT
It’s that magical time of
the year again when we all get together and celebrate “Earth Day”. Since “Earth Day” falls on a Sunday, it only makes sense to start celebrating it on a Friday. So on Friday April 20 we shall all gather at Sup Dogs to partake in an afternoon of music, hot dogs, and very chill people who I suspect will be very laidback and friendly. If you have been living in Greenville for the last couple years, then you probably are very aware of the 4/20 Doggie Jam. And part of that tradition is having Cindercat come out and play for us. Greenville has always had a knack for being a breeding ground for good musicians. Once the right musicians find each other, bands start forming and things start happening. Such was the case for Cindercat who meet here at college in 2007. Once Taylor, Cartwright, Charlie and Drew started getting together at a house on 1rst Street for some casual but intense jams, they quickly started
to develop their own unique style. Realizing how well they flowed together, they soon became a solid unit and started playing around town. They rapidly gained a fan base with all the college hippies probably due to the effort they make to insure that every show is different from the last. I will never forget seeing them play at the Tipsy Teapot on Halloween in 2009. The hypnotic flow of psychedelic sounds combined with sweet improvisational jams made for a night that stands out in my mind as one of my favorite Greenville memories. Since then Cindercat has been working hard to take things to the next level. Once everyone had graduated, they relocated the band to Asheville and started recording there debut album “Remnants of Earth”. Lately they’ve been earning there road wings as they have begun stretching out there playground to include shows in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. And on Friday, April 20, they will return to Green-
ville where it all began for the above mentioned Doggie Jam at Sup Dogs. The fun will start at Sup Dogs at exactly 4:20 where the price of admission will be 4.20. You will receive many hot dogs to feed your carnivorous desires and 3 bands for your listening enjoyment: Cindercat, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Barefoot Wade (me). There will a hot dog eating contest and the drink specials will be plentiful as well. With the unexpected passing of Dereck Oliverio a few months back, it could have been likely that all the good times were over for Sup Dogs. But good things prevail and we were fortunate enough for both his business and his dream to live on. So won’t you come celebrate this with all of us from 4:20-9pm at Sup Dogs. And if you are looking for a good place to continue the spirit afterwards, might I suggest checking out a band called Item 9 for a late night show at the LIVE bar.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 4:20
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MASS EFFECT
THE GAME
3
Any good trilogy starts quite light-heartedly and then sinks into desperation before anything can be cleared up. Things need to become impossible before the hero can manage to save the day, and the beginning of Mass Effect 3 places us slap-bang in the center of hell. The Reapers, the aeons-old mechanical bringers of destruction, are attacking every civilized planet in the galaxy and it’s up to you, as Commander Shepard, to save the day. You’ve got this far - you’ve finished off Saren, and discovered the mysterious story behind the collectors - and now your final battle must begin. Do you have what it takes? Mass Effect 3 has had its share of controversy over the past few weeks. People complained about day one DLC, about certain files being on-disc, and about the ending. In short, more people have probably heard about the latest Mass Effect game thanks to the vocal minority than people who have decided to buy after seeing advertisements or trailers. As is always the case, those who shout the loudest aren’t necessarily in the right, and I think almost anybody you care to ask would say that the third entry in the series is a fitting farewell to this segment of the Mass Effect canon. You’ll see decisions come to play and old friends return to fight the Reapers for perhaps the final time. Six months after the end of the second game, Shepard has been locked up on Earth. Once again, people are questioning what he (or indeed, she) has been saying about the Reapers and by the time they finally accept what has happened as truth, it is far too late. Towns are destroyed, buildings toppled like Lego, and millions are killed in mere moments. It’s then, and only then, that Shepard is released and told to get each and every race together for one final push against the ultimate threat. As it happens, there are few races in a better position than humans, so it’s going to take more than a little bit of work to get the universe to focus on banding together.
To start with, there are more than a few diplomatic problems you’ll need to fix, feuds with races lasting hundreds of years. If you’ve played the past two games, the wide range of alien life remains, expanded by evil experimentation by the Reapers. The codex, a reference of the game’s entire backstory, is as thick as ever and still remains an essential read for anybody looking to fully understand everything happening. There are a host of different weapons to choose from, which can be upgraded via pickups that you’ll generally find lying around on the ground. From absolutely lethal shotguns that take ages to reload to sniper rifles that can fire five bullets in less than a second (but are unlikely to actually kill your target), the balancing makes it so that many of the more unusual weapons aren’t going to be a constant go-to, but I felt that I could pick and choose any weapon type without being particularly at a disadvantage, more so than in other games. Commanding your troops is a helpful but unnecessary feature that some will love and others will hardly ever use. You can still tell them to use certain skills if you choose, but now you can also command them to move forward to specific positions in order to gain an advantage. Kinect users can shout commands at their TV sets, but I’m not sure exactly how well that would work. In short, it’s handy to have, and perhaps on the highest difficulty it would be a key thing to have, but personally, it’s not something for which I ever really felt the need to use. It works, and I suppose there’s not a lot more to say about it. In terms of graphics and music, both are of course top-notch. My girlfriend is playing the original Mass Effect, and if not for seeing the whole thing again, I wouldn’t have believed just how far the series has come graphically. The music was always great, very much influenced by Vangelis’ Blade Runner score, and the same could be said for Mass Effect 3. Voice work, similarly, is top-notch across the board and about as immersive as it could be.
The “tacking on” of a multiplayer mode in a previously single-player game like Mass Effect was cause for concern, but there was really no reason to worry. It’s good fun, if a little time consuming, and doesn’t especially inflict itself on the single-player mode. If you plan to get through the story in a couple of hours and then play lots of multiplayer, you’ll find that the galaxy readiness you acquire will work to your advantage. If you plan to do every side-quest, explore every planet and tease every Reaper (not actually a feature, but I’m campaigning to have it as DLC), the multiplayer mode isn’t going to be a thing you’re forced to do. With that said, you’ll probably want to play it quite a bit. Similar to Horde mode in Gears of War, you’ll need to fight off swarms of enemies while occasionally completing objectives and defending/reviving your teammates as they need it. It’s a nice addition to the game, rather than something that feels bunged in for the sake of having it, and I think its previous detractors might be nicely surprised by something which could quite possibly extend the game while providing quick and easy access to the Mass Effect universe. In short, Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game and, to play devil’s advocate, even if the last five minutes absolutely stink, that does nothing to stop the rest of the game being a must-play. Viewing the Mass Effect trilogy as a single entity, it is by far one of the deepest games available this generation and a perfect example of why BioWare are such respected game developers. If you’ve not played the earlier titles, you need to fix this immediately, and if you’re not playing Mass Effect 3 for whatever reason, you need to give it a go. It’s about as nearperfect as I could expect and, whatever your thoughts on recent business practices from EA and BioWare, it’s a game that deserves to be played. Final Score: 90% Source: Mat Growcott -zConnection.com
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2012
MLB
By Patrick O’Brien
THE GAME
PREVIEW With the end of college basketball right around and with the sun beginning to heat up the fields, it can only mean that baseball season is near. The 2012 MLB season is upon us, which means spring games are beginning and the fanatic fans who feel like it could be their year are starting to come out. This is the time when the talk starts, the bets start rolling, the prayers start rising, and when fantasy baseball becomes a life or death situation. There always seems to be the front runners for each division and there seem to be some pretty strong teams out there this year, especially with some new editions to teams. This is the time when everyone starts new, key injuries from last year are over, high octane free agents are signed, and some new faces start to arise from out of nowhere. Here is the preview of the 2012 MLB season, which I promise, will bring some excitement and heart break to some people. In the AL, it looks like the East will be back at it again; with three teams fighting for spots in the playoffs and it should be a tight one between the Red Sox, Tampa Bay, and the Yankees. This should be the tightest race once again in the AL, with my prediction of the Yankees pulling it out at the end over the Rays to win the division. Also in the AL, you will have teams such as the Angels, which should win their division with their new free
agents that were signed such as Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. The Tigers, who won their division last year, should be able to win it again, but I’m predicting they won’t run away with it like last year and will get a closer battle from the Indians and Royals. In the NL, you should see the Giants back to normal with Posey and their starting pitching but don’t be surprised if another teams sneaks up on them such as Arizona. The tightest race might be in the NL Central, with the Brewers and Cardinals coming down with the loss of some important players like Pujols and Fielder. It will be a three team battle that will be up in the air between the Cardinals, Brewers, and Reds and who knows, it could be the Chicago Cubs year. However, the two best teams will come from the Phillies and Braves, which you probably will be seeing the World Series for the NL. There will be many teams that will have a chance to make it in the playoffs, especially since they allowed two additional teams to compete in the playoffs. In the end, I think it will be the Tampa Bay vs. Angels fighting for the AL and I can see the Phillies vs. Braves fighting for the NL. Either way, I promise it will be a great season and you will see some divisions coming down to the wire. So enjoy the weather and get ready to watch some baseball.
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VENUES List of entertainment venues. Restaurants and nightclubs In Greenville NC. ■ Tavern on 4th
110 E 4th St Greenville, NC 27858
■ Rumors
417 Cotanche Street Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 758-4591
■ Halfway House 420 Cotanche St. Greenville, NC 27858
■ Pirates Den
113 East 5th Street Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 551-9020 www.piratesdengreenvillenc.com
■ Scullery
431 South Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 321-1550
■ Tipsy Tea Pot
409 S Evans St, Greenville, NC (252) 413-0087 www.tipsy-teapot.com
■ Winslow’s Tavern
120 West 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 364-892 www.winslowsdeli.com
■ Starlight Cafe
104 West 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 707-9033 www.starlightcafe.org
■ Armadillo Grill
114 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 364-8926 www.armadillogrill.com
■ 5th Street Distillery
120 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 757-3034
■ Chico’s
521 Cotanche Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 757-1666 www.chicosrestaurant.com
■ Club 519
519 Cotanche Street, Greenville, NC (252) 752-4313
■ Hard Times
209 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 752-0430
■ MacBilliards
ina, l o r a C t s a E Go or Don’t !G!o At All
517 Cotanche St. Greenville, NC 27858 252-752-6728
■ Pantana Bob’s
513 Cotanche Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 757-3778
252-227-4313 www.EastCarolinaTravel.com
■ Stilllife
511 Cotanche St. Greenville, NC 27858
■ Rehab Lounge
218 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 758-9000
■ Sup Dogs
213 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 752-7682 www.supdogs.com
■ The Other Place 207 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252)353-1555
■ Tie Breakers
■ City Hotel and Bistro 203 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 355-8300 www.cityhotelandbistro.com
1920 B Smythewyck Dr., Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 439-0555
■ Limelight
■ Live
■ The Quarry
■ A.J. McMurphy’s
■ Christy’s Euro Pub
2120 East Fire Tower Road, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 756-8474 1914 Turnbury Drive, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 355-7956 www.ajmcmurphys.com
1008 Dickinson Avenue Greenville, NC 27834
123 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 752-2654 301 S Jarvis St Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 758-2774
■ Hooters
316 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 353-5995 www.hooters.com
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COLLEGE GRADUATES,
ARE YOU TRULY READY?
THE LIFE
The semester is coming to a close and many of you will be embarking on new adventures after graduation. Before you head off into the sunset, there are a few things that need to be completed first. Make sure you have completed all requirements for graduation; you have spoken with the contacts that are in charge of the ceremonies, and you have explored your future career or educational options. Students need to verify that all requirements for their majors and minors have been completed before applying for graduation in the Registrar’s Office (ECU) or applying with your faculty Advisor (PCC). ECU requires its students to complete a senior summary with your advisor and submit it to the Registrar’s Office in order to be considered as a graduating senior. The Registrar’s Office asks that your senior summary be submitted at least two semesters before your graduation date or at the completion of 90 credit hours. Pitt Community College asks that all students complete their graduation checklist before they register for their final term. The graduation checklist is then sent to the Registrar’s Office to determine graduation eligibility. Make sure that all financial obligations or hold tags (i.e. parking tickets, library holds, Student Resolution and Conflict, ect.) have been removed from your records. These tags can keep you from applying for graduation.
triangle beach music festival.
www.trianglebeach.com/
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When preparing for graduation, there are some key individuals that you must touch base with in order to get the scoop on commencement activities. Your first stop should be in the Registrar’s Office to complete a graduation application. If you plan to attend the East Carolina University graduation ceremony, please make sure to reserve your seat on Onestop. If you are planning to attend your Departmental Recognition Ceremony, please the contact your department for further information.
Saturday April 28Th, 2012
Once you have officially graduated, you should receive your diploma in three to four months. Please make sure your permanent address is correct in the Registrar’s Office before you graduate and move away. You don’t want someone in Cotton Hall going home with your hard earned diploma! For further information, please visit www.pittcc.edu/experience-pcc/student-services/graduation/ or www.ecu.edu/commencement/. Preparing yourself for a new chapter in your life is always rocky at first, but don’t give up on your dreams and aspirations, anything is achievable!
Congratulations from G-Vegas Magazine to our graduating class of May 2012!
SUDOKU
If you are looking for job opportunities after graduation, it is not too early to begin the search. ECU students can contact the Career Center to obtain help on resume and interview skills. Joblink is a tool that PCC students can utilize to help them tweak their resumes and prepare them with workforce situations. Remember to keep in mind that you may not acquire your dream job fresh out of college, but hard work and determination can help you succeed in obtaining your career goals. If you are planning to further your education, please contact the Admissions Office of the college or university you wish attend.
triangle beach music festival.
Saturday April 28Th, 2012
TBMF
triangle beach music festival. Saturday April 28Th, 2012 Garner, NC Gates open at 9AM. The Show will be 9:30AM to 4:30PM
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