G-VEGAS MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE: LOOK FOR YOUR EVENTS, PARTY PICS, GAMES, AND MORE!

JANUARY2013 1 On The Cover 3 Party Pics

THEG-VEGASMAGAZINE

HARDWORKINGSTAFF

Editor-In-Chief Kevin Howard - gvegasmagazine@hotmail.com Design Eduardo Vargas - www.vargas-design.com evargas@vargas-design.com Photography

Trey Singletary - treyfromecu@aol.com Bobby Gorda - RCGorda@gmail.com Lyle Rollins - lylerollins@gmail.com Randy Moore - Rpmoore1@wmconnect.com Matt Lenz - lenzmatt@gmail.com

Contributors/Writers

Taylor White - twhite740@gmail.com Mick & Blando - blando@99thex.com Barefoot Wade - barefootwade11@yahoo.com Trey Singletary - treyfromecu@aol.com Shamar Roundtree - shamar@gvegasmagazine.com Patrick O’Brien - patpirates8825@gmail.com Jenna Dawson - dawsonj11@students.ecu.edu Stefan Haus - gvegas_soccer@yahoo.com

G-VEGAS Magazine

116 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 227-4313

www.gvegasmagazine.com

5 Resurrection 7 Performance Gear

1

9 Open Your Eyes 11 Too Little Too Late

ON THE COVER

To Big East 13 Rock Report 15 Party Pics 16 Party Pics

27 RECIPES

17 Shooting For The Stars 19 Trading Cards 20 Socialize in College 21 The Lightning Blues 23 The Hobbit

REVIEW

23

25 Black Ops 2 27 Recipes 28 Party Pics 29 The Taste 30 Venue Directory

RESURRECTION

5

5 THE GAME

SLEEPING DOGS

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THE THESOUND LIFE

RESURRECTION BY: BEN HARDY

Downtown Greenville has always been synonymous with arts and entertainment. Serving as not only the area for college student and young professionals, the small community of businesses just outside of ECU’s main campus also serves as the heartbeat for culture and expression. Up until the early 2000’s Greenville was also a well known music hotspot. Playing host to such national acts as Hootie & the Blowfish, Clarence Carter, Fishbone, Cravin Melon, the Avett Brothers, Two Skinny J’s, Edwin McCain, and a variety of recognizable artists at the height or on the path to their fame. Though the legendary venues have since closed their doors for business, the door was also closed for the large national acts and struggling up and comers for a venue east of I-95. Legendary downtown Greenville venues such as The Attic, O’Rocks, Texas Two-Step, and Peasants who hosted these acts provided entertainment unmatched by the successors that now stand in their former locations.

Peasants Cafe, formerly located where 4th St Tavern now stands, was a well known favorite of many different types of night owls.

Catering to diverse patrons from hip hop lovers, techno junkies, hippies, 80’s nerds, metal heads, rockers, dancers, and live music enthusiasts, Peasants was most famous for the amount and quality of talented artists they featured nightly...and of course the infamous Tuesday Mug Night.

“Peasants, if you think about the name, was really for anybody that could relate to it, just think about the name” said original Peasants owner Paul Edwards.

“Peasants became something special, a place where people could love the music, with very few cover bands, and slowly but surely we just evolved into getting great bands and more and more people.”

Peasants made itself open to all walks and genres. Peasants featured themed nights for different tastes. “Not every crowd mixed well with every crowd” Edwards recalled, “so we tried to open the venue to every kind of music, like Fresh(the Hip Hop and Techno nights.)

Though most patrons of Peasants were from all different walks of life we wanted to give everyone equal ground.” Much time has passed since the likes of these great artists performed in the legendary venues that lined the streets of Greenville. Yet many who spent time in these venues reminisce about the days(or rather nights) they saw great bands and enjoyed great times in the music Mecca of Eastern Carolina.

their plans for a new restaurant/ bar would once again raise the Peasant’s banner and carry on the tradition that all were gathered for.

“Peasants is still something people still talk about after all that time” said Jack Bowen, one of the co-owners of the new Peasants Pub. “It’s like the guy that still talks about that one girl he dated with years ago. Though he’s dated many since, she was something special that he’ll always remember.

Peasants was like that for us.”

Set to open on January 4, 2013, the new incarnation of Peasant’s aims to be the lost niche of Greenville nightlife while offering a friendly atmosphere for dining customers during normal business hours. The new Peasant’s Pub will feature a southern “country cooking” menu which highlights the fare of eastern North Carolina culture. “As far as the southern style menu is concerned” said Eric Benson, also co-owner of the new rendition of Peasants, “I wanted to incorporate some of the old recipes like my grandfather and I used to go out and cater events. I’ve been using these recipes and making them for some time and people seem to enjoy them. Jack came to me with similar ideas and recipes from his family and that just kind of started the ball rolling.”

“Our greatest goal is to rebuild the culture and the fun of coming to downtown Greenville,”

On a mild night this December one of those venues, the staff and patrons of Peasants Cafe, held their 2nd annual reunion party . A packed crowd of friends and familiar faces stood with just a bit of elbow room at Live Bar exchanging stories of the Peasants of old, and the shenanigans they pulled before doors closed on Greenville’s last legendary live music venue in 2003. The gathering was not only to remember good times and reunite with old friends, but to celebrate the rebirth of the legendary Greenville name. Two former featured musical performers, and Peasant’s regulars recently announced that g-vegasmagazine | 5 g-vegasmagazine | 5 g-vegasmagazine | 5

Tradition being a mainstay with the new Peasants, the concept and menu boasts to be steeped in all that the new owners love and cherish about Eastern North Carolina and the previous version of Peasants.

“Jack and Eric are heavily invested in preserving the roots of what the Peasants tree was, and what it can grow into.” said Seth Katz, a cook and friend of the project.

The new Peasants vows to fulfill the legacy of being open to all walks of life, and continue the tradition of theme nights. While the infamous Mug Night may or may not return, the themes are set to return. Live music Thursday through Saturday, sports on Saturdays and Sundays (including a new home for the soccer faithful), Open Mic Nights, Comedy Nights, weekly performances from local favorites, Those Meddling Kids, and a slew of other concepts are set to have a new home on 5th St. “Our greatest goal is to rebuild the culture and the fun of coming to downtown Greenville,” Eric told us in closing. “We want to provide the format and culture for the bands and patrons that have the same caliber as those who came through before.”

The new Peasant’s Pub will be located at 114 E 5th St and is set to open on January 4. More information can be found by visiting Peasants Pub on Facebook

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THE LIFE

PERFORMANCE GEAR

BY: KRYSTAL CLEGG

Performance gear has taken over the market in recent years.

Clothing makers finally realized that we as consumers needed garments that worked in a multitude of weather conditions without looking like a brown sleeping bag. Have you ever pulled out your Dad’s hunting or ski coat from “back in the day”? They….are….terrible…. My Dad would break out his old ski coat that was purchased in 1974 and wear it to dinner only for the sport of humiliating us. Thankfully it’s 2012 and we have options in the performance clothing world!

When shopping around check out Cape Fear Sportswear. They are lumped in with the North Faces, Columbias, and Patagonias (which are all great brands) but they bring something a little different to the table. First – they are based out of North Carolina. They call Wilmington home and named their line (as you might have guessed) from the Cape Fear River that flows 202 miles throughout North Carolina ending in Wilmington. The Cape Fear River is no joke as it has claimed many vessels. It can still get pretty rowdy even 350 years after its discovery. The folks down at Cape Fear Sportswear use the river as their inspiration. Their jackets look polished and calm on the outside but will really hold up against a beating on the slopes, river, inlet, or offshore on a “sharky” day.

I actually purchased one just because of the name. I’m a huge North Carolina anything fan. I think we have one of the best states and I’m always down to support a local brand. Our state has pristine mountains, beautiful beaches, and we gave the world moonshine. You’re welcome world. I know this was a total girl move by selecting my clothes based off the “cute-

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ness” factor but hey, I landed on the upside of this deal because it turned out to be a great piece. I rock the Women’s Performance Soft Shell jacket because the fit is fantastic and the colors really pop. When I decided to be all rough and tough and go offshore with the boys last summer (and no one thought to check the weather) my Performance Soft Shell really earned her stripes. Heaven knows if she could stay on me during that wind and still have seams left to prove it, she was a keeper in my book.

They have a whole lineup of gear for girls and guys. They offer soft shells, 3 in 1s, and a good solid rain jacket. They have the elements covered.

This past summer Cape Fear rolled out a performance fishing shirt with UPF 50. I myself like to think I have the melanin of Adriana Lima but my genetic makeup says otherwise. I love the UPF 50 shirt because it keeps me cool while also shielding me from those painful and unnecessary sunburns.

Looking like a lobster is not cute.

Cape Fear is a young brand but didn’t have to play catch up to meet their competitors. They are priced around what you would typically pay for another national brand and have surpassed the others in performance and durability. Plus you get the warm and fuzzies knowing you are supporting a fellow North Carolinian. Who doesn’t want the warm and fuzzies? Next time when shopping around slip on a Cape Fear Sportswear jacket, no pressure, just give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

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THE THESOUND LIFE

LU’S DREAM BY: STEFAN HAUS Oh the loneliness and its devastating effects. Especially as the new kid in town, there is nothing more perverted than loneliness and seclusion. The city is big and glamorous and yet there is nothing to do except for starring at the naked wall and wondering what is going to happen next. “Thank God,” Lu thought to himself, “there is that birthday party at my neighbor’s house tonight.” She was nice enough to invite him over, and surely he would meet some people and once and for all eliminate the dreadful isolation that resulted from the big move.

He was running a little late, but that was okay. In the United States it is somewhat expected to be a little late. “The cool kids always show up late” he thought to himself.

Upon arrival, Lu’s big soul-sucking eyes scanned the premises carefully. There was a big old man with a long white beard who kind of looked like Santa Clause. He was drinking a milky drink and laughing hysterically. There were dozens of glamorous looking girls, just like he had seen on American TV shows back in his native China. One brunette in a red, flashy dress caught his attention, but his focus was abruptly interrupted when his neighbor fell into his arms babbling something along the lines of “where have you been? I missed you!”

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Laughter and cheerfulness were filling the room located on the fifth floor of Lu’s apartment building. Loneliness and seclusion had finally given way to the real America, Lu thought. Amanda was telling Lu about the time she met Mo; Drew was cracking jokes about how children would randomly ask him for presents at work because of his long white beard; and Emilie seemed to have really found a liking in Lu. Ryan took a picture of Lu and the birthday girl arm in arm. Jon and Cedric were having a loud argument about French politics and America’s role in the world when Lu’s neighbor cheerfully announced that “dinner was served!” Full of joy about his new acquaintances, Lu wanted to wash up real quickly before dinner. Hygiene had always been important to him and after shaking so many hands and giving so many hugs he could not possibly eat without thoroughly washing his hands first. He caught himself whistling a long forgotten song from his childhood while getting cleaned up, a song that had been sung to him by his mom a very long time ago. Eagerly to re-engage in the conversations he was having, Lu stormed out of the bathroom but to his dismay, the apartment was entirely empty and all the cheerfulness had disappeared. He checked the kitchen, too, but no one was there. Lu couldn’t help but notice the ugly paintings that were staring at his face, almost as if they were judging him for what he had done.

Disappointed, Lu left the party.

When his landlord approached him about the rent the next morning, Lu asked if they had been too loud the previously night. He did not want to upset his new landlord; he seemed to be a very nice guy. “What party?” the landlord asked while scratching his shiny bald head. “The one last night … on the fifth floor.” Lu replied while pulling out the picture that Ryan took the night before. He had planned on showing the picture to his landlord, but he quickly changed his mind when he realized that the girl in the picture had no face. He was still in shock when his landlord slowly leaned forward and told him in a sizzling high-pitched voice and a strong German accent: “there is no fifth floor in this building.”

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THE GAME

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE TO BIG EAST BY: PATRICK O’BRIEN

East Carolina University got some good news in the past month about how it will be moving to the Big East in 2014, only in football, as of right now. As many fans of the Pirates would know, ECU has been begging to get out of C-USA and move into a BCS conference, whether it was the Big East, the ACC, or another BCS conference.

Now that Terry Holland was able to get ECU into a major conference, there has been nothing but negative news around the Big East, as so many teams seem to be leaving the conference and trying to join another. So what was once a respectable BCS football conference and one of the best basketball conferences in the NCAA, now will be a conference struggling to even survive. This could leave ECU back to where it was in the C-USA, as many of those same teams in C-USA seem to making the move to the Big East also.

Here will show the changes in both football and all sports in the Big East:

FOOTBALL Present: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, USF, Syracuse, Temple July, 2015: Boise State, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Memphis, Navy, San Diego State, USF, SMU, Temple, Tulane

ALL SPORTS Present: Cincinnati, Connecticut, DePaul, Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John’s, Syracuse, USF, Villanova July, 2015: Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Marquette, USF, SMU, Temple, Tulane

These are the teams as of right now that would be scheduled to be in the Big East conference as of July 2015. However, more and more news have been coming out as teams that were trying to join, will be trying to back out of joining the Big East.

The NCAA seems to be circling around football and the mindset around the idea of having four, 16-team major conference. With this, the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 or Big 12 will become the four major conferences that will represent the NCAA, leaving the Big East right where C-USA was a few years back.

It’s a shame that the year that ECU catches a break, a break that they have wanted for so long could just be a movement to a conference that will be equal to where it was before. There still is a chance for the Big East to survive, but the more bad news of teams moving out, show that it will be hard.

ECU sports seem to be on the rise from what it used to be in the past.

The history of the program is strong with a strong fan base backing up the Pirates. Even though ECU received great news in joining the Big East, the people will have to see where universities will be joining if they decide to leave.Blvd So Pirate fans keep your heads up and support 316 Greenville the Pirates.

The future Greenville, NC could be bright if ECU stays with the Big East and the(252) Big 353-5995 East doesn’t fall to a second-tier conference. ECU still has a chance to join the conference in all sports, especially with the seven Catholic schools leaving. I know the commissioners of the Big East will be trying to do everything they can to keep the conference together.

However, it might be too little, too late for the Pirates and it might be out of ECU’s control. If all the universities stay, the level of competition will be higher than being in C-USA, without a doubt. But the dreams of joining a BCS conference in the future could be fading farther away for the Pirates.

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THE SOUND

ROCKREPORT

BY BLANDO

First off… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We’ve already got 2013 rolling right with your chance to rock with Soundgarden in Cali in next month! Swing by 995thex.com and find out how you could grab a pair of tickets to see Soundgarden, hotel, and airfare!

take on “Couples Counseling” for Valentine’s Day and a fun way for everyone to get excited about that Big Football Game That We Can’t Mention By Name.

Here’s to a rockin’ 2013!

-Blando

Also coming up this month we’ll have your chance to win RINGSIDE SEATS for the WWE Road to Wrestlmania coming to Williams Arena at ECU on Feb. 2nd! Just swing by 995thex. com to register and for more info on other ways to register.

Mark your calendars because January 26th the 3rd Annual Jolly Skull Beer Fest will be invading the Greenville Convention Center. We’ll have chances to win tickets to the event coming later this month so keep your ears open for that!

Looking ahead we’ve also got some big ideas working for February including a very different

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Website: 995thex.com Facebook: 99.5 The X | Blando | The X Short Bus Twitter: @995thex | @thexshortbus | @ xblando Email: blando@995thex.com | mick@995thex.com

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL 2013 CALENDAR JANUARY: 2 Wed. CAMPBELL 5 Sat. N.C. WESLEYAN 9 Wed. at Memphis 12 Sat. UCF 16 Wed. HOUSTON 19 Sat. at Marshall 23 Wed. at UAB 26 Sat. UTEP 30 Wed. MEMPHIS

FEBRUARY: 2 Sat. at Rice 9 Sat. at UCF 13 Wed. UAB 16 Sat. SOUTHERN MISS 20 Wed. at Tulsa 23 Sat. at SMU MARCH: 2 Sat. at Southern Miss 6 Wed. TULANE

316 Greenville Blvd Greenville, NC (252) 353-5995

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THE SOUND

TRADING CARDS BY: CHRIS WELLONS

The trading cards were something I really wanted to do. Paul loved the idea but the cost was too high. He told me to do them in black and white so I took them to kinkos and had them printed up on nice glossy cardstock and in color. So I did the opposite of what he said but I knew he would love them. I wanted to try and put on paper what a lot of people felt about Peasants which was that we were a family of misfit toys. A lot of us were just a group of characters that would not have traveled in the same circles but we all came to that bar night after night. I put those people on the cards. I also just wanted people to carry around our calendars with them. Of course the funniest thing I ever witnessed involving the trading cards was when I saw a guy one night buy a Heather Baker card for $2 off some other guy. Of course, I had made less of her card on purpose just to see if something like that might happen.

One of my favorite memories of Peasants didn’t even happen there but at The 1st reunion last year. I was having a perfectly good time. I had reconnected with a bunch of great people and

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seen a lot of old faces I had not seen in years.

Something wasn’t quite right until I walked over to my friend James Palmer. James is one of the most incredible people I have ever met. Sweet, gentle, caring, honest and compassionate are all the words that describe my favorite sound guy. I went over to James at the soundboard and he immediately went into this anger filled speech about how somebody and done this and something had happened to this. I had not found Jame Palmer at the soundboard...I had found Surly, James angry alter ego and everything was right with the world.

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THE LIFE

7 PEOPLE YOU SHOULD SOCIALIZE WITH IN COLLEGE BY: BEN HERRING

THE JOCK - Hanging around The Jock is as good for your health as eating salads and drinking water. Along with maybe a few free tickets and the heads up on all the big parties, The Jocks’ overall healthy living is something you’ll want to pick up. So get off your lazy butt and do a little exercising with them. Being around their constant vigor to succeed might rub off on you.

THE GREEK - All the parties The Jock doesn’t know about, The Greek does. If someone’s having a party for their Grandmas 80th birthday and they’re getting a keg, The Greek can sniff it out like a bloodhound would an escaped convict. Another useful trait of The Greek is that they usually know who the easiest professors are from passed down knowledge by their “Elder Greekers”. So if you’re looking for an easy “A”, The Greek can typically point you in the right direction.

THE FOREIGNER - To bring in a fresh perspective on your life, The Foreigner is definitely worth having around. That status quo American mindset of yours is due a culture shake-up right about this time in your life. It’s certainly worth experiencing now when your mind is still young and malleable, than when you’re old and less receptive to others’ ideas.

THE PROFESSOR - It should go without saying that you should talk to your professor’s everyday. Even if it’s just about something random, whatever you can spark up a conversation about works. All you’re wanting is to at least have some sort of dialog and recognition between the two of you. Because when you come up asking to make up that test you missed because you overslept, your chances of being allowed to do so will greatly increase if they know your name.

THE HIPPIE - There is definitely nothing wrong with throwing a little love in the picture. If The Professor is someone to make you stay on task, The Hippie is the complete polar opposite. They’re only mission in life is to have fun and maybe partake in a certain “Herbal Cigarette” (as Craig Ferguson likes to call them). Now, I neither partake nor condone in such “Herbal Cigarette” activities, but I do agree with the laid-back lifestyle. While having a great task oriented mindset at college is good, having fun is just important. The message of “living life to the fullest” has become sort of a cliché, but still needs not be forgotten when at college.

THE NERD - Everyone needs their very own personal Nerd. Someone to help do your homework when you’re feeling lazy, or stand in for you on a test you didn’t study for. Just say you’ll buy them the new Halo, WOW or “Dungeons and Dragons” if they ace it, and you’ve got them under your thumb forever.

THE ADVISOR - Think of your college Advisor as your native guide, holding the lamp for you as you try to escape the darkness of a deep cave. They’re there to help you because they know what lies in the path ahead. Listen to their advice and I assure you the likelihood of your college survival will significantly increase. | GV

THE SOUND

THE LIGHTNING BLUES BY: DON BAKER

You got your Jump Blues, your Chicago Blues, Your Texas Blues, and Delta Blues. Yeah, Sounds like the scene of Bubba in Forrest Gump, naming ways to make shrimp. Did you know about Piedmont Blues?

Me, being a North Carolina Boy, born and raised, I thought we, only had Mountain Music, and Southern Rock. Turns out I was wrong Way wrong. The Piedmonts have been making great Blues as far back as the Roaring 20’s.

Piedmont Blues or East Coast Blues which I like to call it seeing as how, I am on the East Coast. Greats like, Blind Willie McTell, Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Rev Gary Davie, and Barbecue Bob to name a few. Wow, a lot of Blind guys, Just the same they all played the Blues like nobody’s business. We in Greenville North Carolina have our own Blues Man. Mike Lightnin Wells, Which I will get to later.

We all know the electric sounds of Chicago Blues, and Texas Blues, but do you now the, powerful sounds of acoustic. Nothing beats it really, a style all it’s on. Influenced by that, ragtime sound with both black and white, Urban and rural song element. As, my friend Ligtnin calls it “Happy Blues” In the early 20’s and 30’s in the early days of commercial recordings the heyday of piedmont Blues. Primarily found in the Appalachian Mountains migrating up the Eastern Seaboard.

Place like Raleigh NC, Durham, and Richmond VA. This became the home of the Piedmont Blues and today it is still thriving, with the new sounds of Blind Roy Paxton. Living in New York this young cat has taken to the Piedmont style, like a catfish to muddy waters. How about that even now another Blind Blues man, maybe it’s something in the water. Let’s now turn to my good friend Mr. Mike Lightnin Wells, not Blind and no, never got struck by lightning. To hear him tell it he was named Lightnin, before he even started playing the Blues. I sat down with Lightnin, this week. One of his favorite places in Greenville, Actually one of the only places in Greenville, that even plays the Blues, Much less, let’s Blues Kats Preform. I arrived early asked the bar tender was Lightnin around. He looks at his watch and says “give lightning bout 30 minutes.” So, I belly up to the bar and order a beer, jamming to The Mud, and Howling Wolf. I think to myself this swanky place don’t look like no Blues bar. I was just glad to hear the tunes; beer was cold, as it should be at $4.00 a bottle. Sure enough two beers, and thirty minutes later like clockwork, Lightnin walks up beside me, sits down and orders a beer as well. Now, looking at lightning, you wouldn’t think he was a Blues Kat, English professor maybe, but Blues??? However, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY THE COVER. Because, Lightnin is a Blues Man for sure, grew up in the Blues, loves the Blues, lives the Blues, and best yet shares the Blues.

You would think that a man that was an English Major at the University Of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Would never play the Blues, we always think those UNC boys were different, living on the silver spoon, so to speak, old money, pretty boys. Just a NC stereo type that has been proven over the years, however, always an exception, Lightnin is not your typical Tar Heel Grad. We finish our beers and head to the back of the restaurant, so we can start what I think is the beginning of a great friendship. Lightnin if you were to tell a new Blues Player anything what would it be? “You are not going to get rich…” This is how our conversation began. For those of you who may not have the pleasure of hearing or seeing Mr. Wells preform, let me suggest you do it now. Lightnin breathes new life into the vintage tunes of the 20’s. I could not get lightning to tell me about his favorite anything, because he has a passion for it all. Self-taught Lightinin love to play, sing and teach the art of Piedmont Blues. When asked why he says.

“You got to have something, stick to one thing you can call your own.”

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he has done, from playing Blues festivals, to teaching, Lightnin has an extensive bio. I take a line from his press kit that really sums it up in a nut shell. “His goal is to entertain and educate using a variety of sources, influences and techniques to express his dedication, respect and pleasure in presenting this unique American art form.” When you talk to Lightin you will see this all to be true. Born and raised in North Carolina Lightnin is what we call just a good ole boy. Doing what he loves, no bright lights, and no big cities. He now resides in Fountain NC surrounded by fields with a great view of the stars. If you want to get some good Lightnin check out his first solo recording Bull Frog Blues, Ragtime Millionaire, and Ragged But Right. No, again I could not pin him down on a favorite. He smiles and says he loves them all.

I can tell you that he and I both agree that there will, never be another music that speaks to the world, like the Blues. Future generations will look back and agree that, today’s music lacks the history and the heart felt styles of any type of Blues. We look for something, we want to hold onto, and the Blues is that. Be it plugged in or played on that acoustic, nothing beats the Blues.

As I take my journey through this life, I am pleased to meet men like Lightnin, a man who still practices, what he preaches. A man who wants to preserve a very important culture, and part of Americano, I tip my hat to you Mr. Wells, till we meet again. Peace and love it the heart of the Blues.

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THE MOVIES

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY BY: MARILYN WEST

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey premiered Friday, December 14th, 2012 at Midnight. This was the first movie of a three part series based on the book, The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien’s. The director was Peter Jackson. This movie brought back some of the most beloved characters from the Lord of the Ring Trilogy along with some new and interesting characters. I attended one of the eleven-thirty a.m. shows at the Regal in Greenville on Saturday, December 15th, 2012. The movie started exactly at eleven-thirty a.m. and lasted until two-thirty p.m.

The movie told the story of a young hobbit by the name of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and how he embarked on an unexpected journey with the great wizard, Gandalf (Ian McKellen), the dwarf king, Thorin (Richard Armitage), and their company of several other dwarfs’ to take back their lost kingdom from a dragon by the name of Smaug. Along the

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journey, the company was faced with many conflicts and complications from enemies that wanted them dead. During one of the Orc raids, Bilbo Baggins found himself face to face with Gollum, a character that first appeared in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The viewer’s got to see how the magic ring that caused so much trouble in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, came to be in Bilbo Baggins possession. The exiled dwarf king, Thorin, learns that the pale Orc that killed his grandfather and father truly wasn’t dead, which caused rage so intents that it almost got him killed. Lucky for Thorin, Bilbo Baggins finds his courage and kills the orc that was about to behead Thorin.

The movie ends with Thorin and his company finally reaching the lost kingdom and Smaug opening his eyes within the treasure room of the castle.

Overall, this movie was very entertaining. The special effects were amazing

and the viewer felt like t h e y w e r e a part of the action.

The actors and actress captured their roles well and kept the audience wanting more. The only negative thing that I would have to say about this movie is that I wish there was more details about Smaug. I am hoping that information was saved for the second movie. With that being said, I think that Peter Jackson as done it again. The Hobbit was truly a hit and a great family movie. If you haven’t gone and seen it, I highly advise you too.

THE GAME

CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 2 BY: LYLE ROLLINS

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is the sixth COD title to land with the seismic impact of a neutron bomb since COD 4: Modern Warfare turned Activision’s FPS franchise into a global mega-seller. It’s also the first game pumped out

by Treyarch’s since the first Black Ops game, which to date is the biggest selling entry in the COD series. Perhaps aware of all this, Treyarch has made a couple of notable tweaks and innovations to the formula that shot the first Black Ops to prominence. First, it’s expanded the sin-

gle player campaign by splintering its narrative and adding a series of side missions that affect its final outcome. Second, it’s stripped out and completely rebuilt the game’s multiplayer, offering player’s unparalleled customization options, of both the cosmetic and gameplay altering variety. Finally, it’s augmented and

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deepened the game’s coop –Treyarch’s signature Zombies mode. It all adds up to a pretty bold and compelling package.

The Campaign Mode is split between two time lines. The first is set in the not-too-distant future in 2025 and it involves a group of soldiers tracking down a terrorist who is trying to take command of the West’s AI defense network.

While this is happening, one of their number, Mason, visits his dad’s old war buddy, Woods, at a retirement home to get the full back story of their target. Players control both Mason in the future, who sports a lot of hi-tech weaponry and gadgets. KillStreaks are still present, and have been left largely untouched by the loadout point allocation – presumably to keep the online multiplayer a bit more balanced. However, in Black Ops 2, they’ve been re-imagined as ScoreStreaks; players string together actions and kills, rather than just the latter, to open up their ScoreStreaks rewards. The Zombie Mode rounds out the package, up to four players are let loose over a series of maps in which the main objective is to survive against the undead.

Though there are two other match types other than the main one – in which players try to sur-

vive against ever-increasing waves of zombies.

In Tranzit, players catch a bus that transports them between different maps where they can pick up new equipment and weapons. In Grief, players are split into sides of two, and the last side left standing wins the match.

Call of Duty Black Ops 2 is positively stuffed with content for players, and even if one gets the impression this franchise has reached the tipping point on the current gen of consoles, Treyarch’s latest beast is a thing of beauty.

Haters are always going to hate it, but Black Ops 2 is one of the best and most accessible shooters of its generation and one of 2012’s essential titles.

Platform: XBOX 360, PS3, PC Rating: 9/10

Open a ‘barcode scanner’ app on your Smartphone.

Point your phones camera at the code and scan.

THE TASTE

TREATS FOR WINTER BY:TAYLOR WHITE

In the midst of the cold winter season you always need something tasty to warm you up…The dishes I have chosen for this month are sure to do just that! Love, Tay

HEARTY HOMEMADE CHILI Ingredients - 1 pound ground beef - ½ tsp ground cumin - 1 cup chopped onion - 4 tsp finely chopped jalapeno Chile peppers - ½ cup chopped green pepper - 1 (29oz.) can diced tomatoes - 2 ½ tbsp. chili powder - 1 (15oz.) can chili beans, undrained - 1 clove garlic, minced salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine the ground beef, onion and bell peppers. Saute for about 5 minutes, or until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add the chili powder, garlic, cumin, chile peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the beans and heat through.

3. ENJOY!!

For the next recipe I have chosen the ultimate companion for homemade chili…

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SOUTHERN COUNTRY CORNBREAD Ingredients - 3 tbsp of Crisco - 2 eggs - 1 cup of cornmeal - 1 ½ cups buttermilk - ½ cup flour - 1 tsp salt - 1 tbsp baking powder Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees 2. Put the shortening in a cast-iron skillet and place in the oven till melted 3. Combine the cornmeal and flour. In separate bowl whisk eggs until foamy then whisk in buttermilk. Add the rest of the dry ingredients to the cornmeal mixture.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix should be pourable.

Take the hot skillet from the oven, pour the batter into the hot pan directly onto the melted hot shortening, this is what makes it SO yummy.

5. Place back in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown or when knife inserted in center comes out clean.

THE TASTE

NOODLES & COMPANY EXPANDS TO GREENVILLE, NC. Globally Inspired Noodles, Salads and Sandwiches Served Fast and Fresh Arrive in Greenville Broomfield, CO (December 18, 2012) – Noodles & Company has chosen Greenville for its newest location in North Carolina and is scheduled to open on December 20 at 10:30 a.m. The new restaurant is located at University Commons Shopping Center at 3030 Evans Street.

Founded in 1995, Noodles & Company is “Your World Kitchen,” bringing all the world’s classic dishes together under one roof. Because everything is made using fresh, quality ingredients, guests are encouraged to customize their meal and try new flavors with every visit. Lunch and dinner dishes range from healthful to indulgent and spicy to comforting.

Favorites include the sweet and spicy Japanese Pan Noodles, creamy Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, the tangy Med Sandwich and the Chinese Chop Salad. Greenville diners will appreciate the company’s commitment to local outsourcing whenever possible. Noodles & Company also serves local beer and premium wine selections, including North Carolina beer favorite Indo IPA. “We’re excited about expanding into Greenville,” said Kevin Reddy, CEO and chairman of Noodles & Company. “Greenville is known for its southern charm and active student population, and we look forward to becoming part of this vibrant community.”

The Greenville restaurant, formerly a Schlotzky’s Deli, is located in a restored freestanding building, rather than a newly constructed space.

Many of the building’s architectural features were preserved—ceiling details, brick exterior and metal canopies over the door. The space is about 3250 square feet and has 90 seats inside and 24 on the patio.

With a nutrition and allergen guide available on site and online, glutenfree and vegan choices are plentiful and easy to find. For the diet conscious, the restaurant offers dozens of combos with 500 calories or less, easily located on the menu or on a downloadable cheat sheet on the Noodles & Company website.

Noodles & Company also offers a family-style to-go option for large groups called Square Bowls. Each Square Bowl is customizable and serves four to six people, a tasty solution for the soccer team, office meeting or family gathering.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Convenient carry-out, phone-in or fax-in orders are available. Guests may reach the new restaurant at University Commons at 252-756-6735.

For information on grand openings, VIP events and seasonal menu specialties, sign up for the Noodles eClub at www.noodles.com/noodlegram.

About Noodles & Company Noodles are the one common core ingredient found in the world’s great cuisines. Italy. Thailand. China. Japan. Even Wisconsin. Founded in 1995, Noodles & Company brings all the world’s classic dishes together under one roof. We are Your World Kitchen. Everything is cooked to order, just as you like it, using quality ingredients. It’s our pleasure g-vegasmagazine | 29

to serve, so we deliver each dish right to the table. And at Noodles, there’s no need to tip. From Connecticut to California, Noodles has more than 300 restaurants in 26 states. To be part of the conversation join our eClub and visit us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more, go to our website.

VENUES List of entertainment venues, restaurants, and nightclubs In Greenville NC. ■ Tavern on 4th

110 E 4th St Greenville, NC 27858

■ 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

■ Pantana Bob’s

513 Cotanche Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 757-3778 511 Cotanche St. Greenville, NC 27858

■ Rum Republic

218 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 758-9000 213 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 752-7682 www.supdogs.com

■ Winslow’s Tavern

■ Christy’s Euro Pub

■ Starlight Cafe

104 West 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 707-9033 www.starlightcafe.org

■ 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

517 Cotanche St. Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 752-6728

252-227-4313 www.EastCarolinaTravel.com

■ Sup Dogs

409 S Evans St, Greenville, NC (252) 413-0087 www.tipsy-teapot.com 120 West 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 364-892 www.winslowsdeli.com

olina, Go East Cn’tar Go or Do !!

At All

■ Stilllife

301 S Jarvis St Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 758-2774

■ Tie Breakers

1920 B Smythewyck Dr., Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 439-0555

■ Live

2120 East Fire Tower Road, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 756-8474

■ A.J. McMurphy’s 1914 Turnbury Drive, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 355-7956 www.ajmcmurphys.com

■ Hooters

316 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 353-5995 www.hooters.com

■ Limelight

1008 Dickinson Avenue Greenville, NC 27834

■ The Quarry

123 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC (252) 752-2654

■ Michaelangelo’s Pizza 200 East 5th Street Greenville (252) 227-4425

■ Peasant’s Pub

114 E 5th St, Greenville 252) 364-8926

■ City Hotel and Bistro 203 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 355-8300 www.cityhotelandbistro.com

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