G-VEGAS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012

UNDEFEATED

G-VEGAS Soccer Team crushes the competition, takes lead of the PGSA West Division.

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

THE COVER

G-VEGAS #1

BY STEFAN HAUS

G-Vegas Soccer crushes the competition, takes lead of the PGSA West Division.

After beating the former number one team, Real Madrid, 4-0 and taking over the lead in PGSA’s West Division, the G-Vegas soccer team continued down the path of success by beating Liverpool 8-1 (believe it or not)! After an incredible performance, the team is expanding its lead and is well on its way to the play-offs.

PGSA is the official local chapter of the NC Adult Soccer Association, which in turn is the North Carolina division of the United States Soccer Association. Thus, this is official league soccer. According to Willie Nelms, head of PGSA, “the exact format of the play-offs has yet to be determined; however, a given team’s record will play a major factor in determining its position and its opponents in the final rounds.” Hence, if G-Vegas keeps crushing its opponents as it has been recently, the play-offs may prove to be a great challenge as the team will participate in the strongest play-off group. Referring to the G-Vegas team, Willie Nelms said “it’s a brand-new, very well organized team and its success speaks for itself.”

With an uncanny enthusiasm and a strong sponsor in G-Vegas Magazine, David Jury and I started the team from scratch. We both worked together to recruit players, prepare training sessions, organize the team, and created a true team-oriented group of athletes. The team consists of players from all kinds of backgrounds: international and American, guys and girls, old and young. Everybody brings a valuable perspective to the table. Chris Schaefer, who scored four goals against Liverpool, says he loves “the fact that we seem to be the most diverse team in the league and the way we interact with one another.” Accord-

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ing to midfielder Courtney Bowen, “the team is mixing the American fighting spirit with European soccer moves, which is one reason why it is so successful.”

German sport reporter Sammy Drechsel, who analyzed the secrets of successful soccer in the 1960’s, came to the concluding statement: “eleven friends is what you need to be.” The G-Vegas team seems to be adhering closely to this philosophy. It is not about who scores the most goals; it is about how well the team works together. For instance, when we see Joseph Rossabi asking to be subbed out while at risk of receiving a penalty even though he wants to play, or when Jesus Rosas refuses to let the other team’s provocation bother him because he knows losing his temper might cause a red card and cost the team a valuable player, then David and I know that our mission of forming a team out of a welter of international, diverse, and talented soccer players has been successful. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Well, thus far we have only been winning as a team …

NOVEMBER2012 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

5 The Game 7 Stay Warm 9 Live Music in G-VEGAS 11 Minges Could Be Rocking

1 ON THE COVER

evargas@vargas-design.com

13 Diet Scam

Photography

15 Party Pics

Bobby Gorda - RCGorda@gmail.com

16 Party Pics

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17 Almost Kings

RECIPES

Trey Singletary - treyfromecu@aol.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

19 Rock Report 21 Do It Yourself 23 Truth About Love

REVIEW

23

25 Blues Diva 27 Recipes 30 Venues Directory

Jenna Dawson - dawsonj11@students.ecu.edu

G-VEGAS Magazine

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

BLUES DIVA

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www.gvegasmagazine.com

ALMOST KINGS

17

5 THE GAME

SLEEPING DOGS

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THE GAME

DISHONORED BY: SHAMAR ROUNDTREE

Corvo Attano, the Lord Protector, known as the bodyguard to the queen. He returns two days early from a long trip of serving his Empress’s wishes of finding aid against a vile plague.

He is greeted by the princess, Emily who happily leads him to her mother. The three are ambushed while having a heartfelt talk regarding the kingdom. During the struggle the Empress is struck down and, Emily, her daughter is taken hostage. The man that once protected the Empress is brought down to that of a lowly criminal and quickly dishonored.

Corvo is saved from execution by the loyalists; these rebels loved the Empress’s ideals and believe that Corvo is on the side of Justice.

Since he’s an escaped prisoner he must don an enhanced mask and steal, kidnap, and assassinate his way to the treacherous top of the chain. The dynamic constantly shifts in the world depending on what Corvo does. If you Poison the still that produces the elixir to fight off the plague that the citizens are catching, and you will more than likely see a flock of sickly people wandering the streets. The story

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seems simple but quickly becomes a complex combination of a series of events. It’s respectable to see the player rewarded based on how they complete a mission.

When he’s given a mission by the Loyalists, he heads out to a portion of the city on his trusty boat. It’s not exactly open-world because once the main quest is completed; players cannot come back to complete optional missions and collect forgotten runes.

The melee system is slick as well, allowing some devastating counters and brutal finishers in the first person view. Sneaking about is made harder due to the amount of skills at a players disposal. Enemies can see farther as they gain a heightened awareness, and will barrel towards a player when their threat level is maximized.

The player is given ample options to travel to the next target. Multiple avenues are open for travel, it’s up to you to make a choice. Full frontal assaults are not recommended but the option is there. Players can also outright ignore killing at all. Its amazing fun to find new ways

to get around the terrain, and players will even stumble on some entertaining puzzle elements as well.

The detail captured in each element of the architecture is an absolute work of art. The character models share a similar likeness to those of Bioshock, and this obviously is passed on to the environment as well. Not a modicum of detail is wasted on the water effects, building detail, and overall feel of the downtrodden city of Dishonored. At times I would find myself simply standing around to marvel in the beauty.

There are very few games that can keep players as engaged as Dishonored. It’s an absolutely mesmerizing experience with a detailed and intriguing world to explore. There are even two endings depending on how much chaos Corvo caused in the city. Half-Ass Gaming bestows Dishonored with an A. If you’re into the stealth genre and even if you’re not…

Dishonored is well worth investing your time and money in.

Rating 9/10

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THE LIFE

STAY WARM!

BY: KRYSTAL CLEGG

Mother Nature may have cheated us last year

but this winter is going to be a good one – I can feel it! I foresee lots of weekends spent in Boone doing an impeccable Shaun White impression and a few snow days where classes are canceled and the hill beside Sup Dogs is utilized for a makeshift ski slope. Who says Greenville is flat?

If we have learned anything about Mother Nature in recent months is that she is a grouchy, cranky old woman and she is coming back with a vengeance. Don’t be that guy with only one soft shell and one old pair of Sperry’s and call that your “winter gear”. You’re better than that! Check out this winter’s offerings for gear that will keep you warm and dry.

Columbia has made some questionable choices in the past but they are onto something with their “Omni Heat” technology. It is made from the same reflective technology used in emergency space blankets. And you know what that sounds like? A load of garbage (because anyone who claims it hails from space is probably wrong) but this actually works. Just look at it, it looks like the inside of a microwave that would be used in space! The inner lining of the Omni Heat jackets have a specific reflective dot pattern that allow the fabric to breathe while aiding in thermo regulation. Basically you aren’t going to suffocate but instead stay nice and toasty on super cold days. It’s like wearing a hug.

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Omni Heat has a nifty brother in Columbia’s Omni Dry technology.

This technology will keep you dry on the outside while allowing 50% of air to permeate through the fabric allowing you to breathe. You stay dry inside and out! It is also considerably lighter than other waterproof technologies on the market. Pair Omni Heat with Omni Dry and it’s the making of one pretty smart jacket. The fabric alone pulls some serious overtime. For the lighter loads the Paso Alto or Compounder are both pretty solid (and both offer the Omni technologies). They blend performance and durability without the bulk of a 3 in 1 jacket.

Columbia has been in the hunting business since the 1960’s and still make a durable line of gear. They use the same technology of their performance outwear and wrap it in crisp camouflage patterns. If it passes Gert Boyle’s test it should definitely hold up for you through many seasons.

Outerwear brands are plentiful but Columbia has really tailored their technologies and garments to what we the consumers want and need.

From the mountains to an open water hunt, Columbia has an “Omni” technology for that.

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THE THESOUND SOUND

LIVE MUSIC IN G-VEGAS

BY BAREFOOT WADE Are you a live music junkie?

Do you feel that no party is complete without a band? Or do you just like to make the most of your evening when you go out to rage? If so then you’re probably looking around town for the all the venues that have regular live music. There is no doubt that the live music scene in Greenville isn’t what it has been in years past, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some good places to go to hear some solid music. In an effort to help out the local music scene, I thought I would take a moment to let my fellow pirates know where they can still see a live show. So in absolutely no particular order, here are some of the best places in Greenville to catch a good band.

Tipsy Teapot is an artsy atmospheric venue that is located downtown. It serves healthy food as well as alcohol. What makes this establishment unique is that they only have original music.

You will always hear a song you never heard before.

Pirates Den is another good downtown place to catch a show. They have a lot of floor room so you never feel like you are cramped for personal space. They have full ABC permits and a broad menu. Aside from having me play there every Wednesday, they usually host bands on the weekend. Also if you like to shoot pool when you drink, there are no shortages of pool tables at the Pirates Den.

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Tavern on the 4th, also located downtown, was once the legendary Peasant’s bar. Though it has changed a bit since those days, it still holds the tradition of having live music every weekend. They also have an outdoor section of the bar with a speaker outside so you can still hear the bands while you smoke.

If you feel like you have phased out of the downtown scene then worry not because there are some non-downtown bars that are still keeping things real.

The LIVE Bar is clearly the largest live music venue with the largest stage here in Greenville.

Their sound system and light show is incredible.

For any old school pirates, this venue is very similar to The Attic which was the other legendary Greenville nightclub. On a side note, they’ve seem to of found a loop hole around that ridiculous “No smoking in a bar” policy that got passed a few years back. They are located at the corner of Firetower and Charles.

Tiebreakers is a good place to watch a sporting event, have a meal, and then catch a band afterwards. They have changed management and owners recently but they have continued to keep their tradition of live music. They are also

located close to LIVE making it a little easier to bar hop if that’s your thing.

Not to far down the road from LIVE and Tiebreakers, there is A.J. McMurphy’s. They too serve food and have bands on the weekend.

Every Tuesday they have an extremely well put together open mic night. Stereotypically speaking, open mic’s in general are usually kind of hit or miss. However A.J McMurphy’s has one of the best open mic’s that I have attended and their talent is always consistent. As good as these guys are, they are still very eager to let new comers in to their jam circle. So if you are a musician and you’re looking to jam, make sure you come out on Tuesdays.

I hope this article helps you out in your pursuit of good music and a good time. And since you made it this far in the article, I guess I should tell you that you can check out my stage show on Dec 15 at LIVE along with some other awesome bands that night. And I will also be Tiebreakers on January 19. Whether you come to my show or not, go out and find a good band to listen to next time you get a chance.

THE GAME

MINGES COULD BE ROCKING: East Carolina Basketball Preview BY: PATRICK O’BRIEN

Well, we are well into the football season and our Pirates have been a nice surprise, especially in conference play. We still have a chance to make to the conference championship this year with some key wins coming up, which would be great for a program. However, we have another team that is coming into their season, hopefully continuing their strong play from last year and can build on their experience in conference play. Yes, that’s right; Minges will be opening soon for ECU basketball, with a team that could bring a surprise to the conference.

We have quite a few returning players this year, with a few making AllAmerican lists on different teams this year. This team will be led with first team selection Miguel Paul, who was a transfer from Missouri and averaged over 15 pts. a game for the Pirates last year. We also will be returning quite a few other players such as Maurice Kemp, Robert Sampson, Erin Straughn, along with some key players that will be making some contributions to the team. Ty Armstrong will finally get his chance to play for ECU, after transferring from Auburn and not being able to play for the past two years. This is a team that will be returning nine letter-winners from the team last year that went 15-16, but almost was able to pull out key victories in the conference tournament. It is key that this team starts off on the right foot this year, with victories that should help the chemistry early on in the season. Also, Jeff Lebo will be able to return home, where he played college ball at University of North Carolina, which should be a good experience for the team in playing in a big-time game. This is a year where the ECU Pirates could make some noise in C-USA and who knows, they might be able to make a run into the dance this year.

Here are some quotes from Coach Lebo about different aspects of the team: Strengths: “I think we’ve got a lot of depth this year. We’re young inside, but we’ve got a lot of bodies and I think we’ve got some legitimate size.”…… “I like my point guard to be a scoring point guard when the opportunity comes. He was one of the leaders in the conference in assists; he was one of the leaders in steals. I think defensively he made a lot of improvements.”

Weaknesses: The problem with that size is that we’ve got two true freshmen, a redshirt freshman and another big guy in Ty Armstrong, who wasn’t played in two years. We really don’t know what to expect from those guys. They’ve got 6-10, 6-9; they’ve got weight on them and we’re going to be able to play a lot of different guys there together.”

Team Play: “We like to play fast, we want to play quick. We want to be able to have a good balance between inside and outside. We want to utilize the abilities of all our players, but we would like to play fast. You’ll see us continue to mix defenses, perhaps even a little more this year with our better backcourt players. We might play a little more zone when we have a bigger lineup on the floor, but we’d like to be able to get up and down and score in the upper 70s and 80s each game if possible.”

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2012 - 2013 CALENDAR NOVEMBER: 10 Sat. WASHINGTON & LEE 13 Tues. METHODIST COLLEGE 16 Fri. UNC GREENSBORO 20 Tues. APPALACHIAN STATE 26 Mon. at Georgia State DECEMBER: 1 Sat. at Charlotte 4 Tues. ST. ANDREWS 15 Sat. at North Carolina 18 Tues. GARDNER-WEBB 22 Sat. Massachusetts 29 Sat. NORFOLK STATE 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

THE LIFE

DON’T FALL FOR HCG DIET SCAM BY: NITHIN BHAGWANDASS

You have probably seen the ads for the HCG diet claiming weight loss of 30 pounds in 30 days. The HCG diet, also known as the

Cura Romana Program, was pioneered in the 1950s by British physician, A.T.W. Simeons. The diet uses HCG, a hormone naturally produced by the body in pregnancy, to decrease feelings of hunger, allowing dieters to severely restrict their calories to starvation levels.

In that program, they suggested the diet include unprocessed and organic foods with the duration of the diet dependent on the patient’s weight loss goal. Proponents of this diet claim that you may lose as much as several pounds each day.

You might ask the question, if this miracle hormone can curb your feelings of hunger, why isn’t everyone taking it? HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by the placenta of pregnant women. It seems counterintuitive that a hormone that is produced in women during pregnancy, a time of significant weight gain, could be used for weight loss. HCG is FDA-approved as a prescription medication for the treatment of female infertility and specific male hormonal problems.

Although many have speculated about why HCG may cause weight loss or a decrease in hunger there has yet to be a proven mechanism of hunger suppression. In fact, in the lab, HCG has been shown to cause increased proliferation of the precursors to fat cells. Many studies have been done on the HCG diet since the 1950s and very few of these have shown any benefit to the use of HCG for increased weight loss or reduced hunger. The data suggests that HCG causes no significant difference in hunger or weight loss. I looked but was not able to uncover any newly published research on the topic. Furthermore, in December 2011, the FDA stated that the sale of over the counter products (OTC) of any form (drops, pellets, or pills) that contain HCG are illegal because the claims are unsubstantiated and HCG has not been approved for weight loss by the FDA. Most experts still believe that the reason people lose weight on the HCG diet is the severely restricted caloric intake of about 500 calories per day. Anyone on such a low caloric intake is bound to lose weight rather quickly, especially water weight. Although, initially, weight loss from very low calorie diets is significantly higher than that of conventional low calorie diets, over time there is no benefit to a very low calorie diet. However, there are some risks to the HCG diet. HCG itself can cause depression, fatigue, headaches, irritability, restlessness, reactions at the site of injection or throughout the body, and, rarely, life-threatening complications. Also, any severely calorie-restricted diet will have its own risks. People who are on such diets may not receive adequate vitamins, minerals, or proteins.

As the body scrounges for energy, many organ systems may be adversely affected including the heart, nervous system, and digestive system. Such diets also have been shown to have an increased risk of sudden death. In summary, the HCG diet offers no better weight loss than conventional very low calorie diets over time. Additionally, g-vegasmagazine | 13

the HCG diet does not provide more health benefit than the risk of using it. It is tempting to try anything that will give you an edge in weight loss, but HCG will not do the trick.

If you have any questions about health issues that you would like to be addressed in future articles, shoot me an email at: nithinbhagwandass@gmail.com

ALL CARS AND FAMILIES WELCOME!

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THE SOUND

HANGING WITH ALMOST KINGS IN THE ATL BY: CHRISTINA BOGART

Although they may be extremely young on the scene,

Almost Kings have shown be they have one of the most important things in this industry to be a Band, Stage presence. There is just something about their sound that makes you stop and pay attention. When front man vocalist/MC Bryan “Boze” Bozeman is on it you can’t stop yourself

from being drawn into the trance. Bassist/vocalist Danny Helms and guitarist/vocalist Ryan Yunker are a dynamic duo during the live shows constantly moving from side to side all over the stage making sure all the fans are well taken care of, while drummer Kevin Compton is just as energetic and about to beat the drums off the rockers in the back. The live show sounds exactly like the cd and that’s a big things for fans.

I had the pleasure of taking a road trip down to the ATL to catch up with these guys during their hometown stop of the current tour. Now let me tell you, you could feel the love in Wild Bills.

It was as if every person if that building knew them personally and felt as though they were coming to watch a family member on stage.

Their music, the performance, the pyros the entire concert beginning to end was high pack energy. I got a chance to speak with Jmidd who AK collaborated with on “Party Foul” and put on one impressive performance at the Wild Bills concert in GA this past weekend. He had nothing but praise and good words for his “brothers” he posted to his facebook ” I was honored to hit the stage with them and be a part of such a great show.. Cheers to Almost Kings ..”

When I sat down with the guys and spoke to them about touring, music and what is was like to finally be back in their home state of Georgia after being on the road for so many months the over all response was “amazing” and “It feels great to be home with your family and friends” I asked how an ATL differs from being on the road and Ryan Yunker said “I’ve had the jitters g-vegasmagazine g-vegasmagazine||17 17

all day” Bryan Bozeman said its very a nervous show because you fell more judgmental on everything and a lot more production goes into the show. Fans from states as far as Texas had driven to see this show. And all the guys could say was how humbling in makes them feel “I’d never drive that far maybe four hours.”

Boze remarks.

Although Almost kings have put on over 200 Live shows as well as bee on stage with many hard hitters such as Korn, Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Rehab, Saving Abel, Alien Ant Farm, Yelawolf, Stone Sour, Sevendust, Drowning Pool, Theory of a Deadman and many more then that they said the would love to grace the stage with T.I. , Linkin Park, Wu tang, Outkast and Foo Fighters just to name a few, which is just an example of how different their for of music is. A lot of people have called them and I quote “Linkin park meets beasitie boys with Eminem as their front man” When I asked then about it they said the hope they are creating something nobody has ever heard before. They want to reinvent music. Which from the looks of their following and the talent they are on the right path for that.

Since becoming a group driven completely independent they have sold over 15,000 copies of their self-produced debut album “Filthy Nice” (released Feb. 2009) as well as the “Club Rock EP” (released Feb. 2011). I asked them do they plan on staying independent or signing with a major deal. It was pretty clear their plans for the future “Until someone can offer us something we can’t offer ourselves why would we.” They debut a new song at the show that night entitled

“Shawdows” and Boze told me a little about the song that it is about “certain vices and dark times in your life” The crowd was pleased by far. I asked about a new album and they said “maybe not this year we are exploring new options, trying out some new things.” Words of using some possible outside production. Either way I’m sure when this new album arrives it will be just has high energy and unique as these guys themselves. Boys I say its time to drop the Almost….. Your Kings.

THE SOUND

ROCKREPORT

BY BLANDO

Welcome to MOVEMBER! Now you may be thinking I forgot how to spell but the 11th month is no longer November, it’s Movember.

Movember is a foundation that started in Australia and has grown to a worldwide community that has 2 main goals: building awareness of men’s health issues and raising funds for testicular and prostate cancer research. 99.5 The X teamed up with Movember several years ago and every year we join the fight and help spread the word in ENC. The main tenets of Movember are that we men shave our upper lip on Movember 1st and grow a glorious moustache ( or “Mo”) that we rock proudly through the month. Ladies, your support and encouragement of your man’s mo growing is also greatly appreciated!

We kicked off Movember on Oct. 29th with our Movember Kickoff Monday concert with Foxy Shazam but there’s still plenty “MO” fun to come. We’re planning a big “Stache Bash” for the end of the month with our friends at Beer Army Outpost in New Bern that will include awards for Best Stache and Movember Mo Bro and Mo Sista of the Year! Speaking of Beer

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Army Outpost, be sure to stop by this month and taste their delicious MOVEM-BEER! By far our biggest Movember fundraiser this year is the badass guitar we’re auctioning off AUTOGRAPHED BY THE ONE AND ONLY SLASH!!! Log on to 995thex. com to find out how to place your bid now!! Here’s a picture: Keep listening for more ways to get involved with Movember and if you’re rocking a badass Mo’ this month, send us a picture so we can post that bad boy on the website!

Or, if you’re like me and can’t SLASH GUITAR grow facial hair to save your life (or you Mo Sistas out there) we will definitely accept drawn on Mo’s or Website: 995thex.com Facebook: 99.5 The X | Blando | The X Faux Mo’s. However you’re spreading the word Short Bus is welcomed and appreciated.

Twitter: @995thex | @thexshortbus | @ Grow a Mo, Save a Bro! xblando -Blando Email: blando@995thex.com | INFO@ESCLOSET.COM - 919-904-4614

mick@995thex.com

THE LIFE

DO IT YOURSELF! BY: STEFAN HAUS

Times are tough and many of you are (or will be soon) looking for the career that will make your hard work count. By now you know the outcome of the presidential elections; but regardless of who won, there is only so much the President can do when it comes to creating jobs in the American economy. He can create a political environment that incentivizes job creation, but that is about it. An economy is about trust, anticipation, and what a given society’s members do in order to increase economic activity.

Here is an idea: what about becoming an entrepreneur? Have you ever thought about owning your own business? Many of you might think that you don’t have what it takes, but how can you be sure about that? As a matter of fact, it is the simple ideas of ordinary Americans like you and I that oftentimes lead to success stories in business ownership. To give you an example, my friend Nancy Nguyen, a NC State graduate, became an entrepreneur almost by accident. She said: “After I got my MBA, I had no interest in any of the job postings I found, and I seriously thought something was wrong with me.” But then, after reading an article about entrepreneurship, Nancy had her “ahamoment” and opened her own business, a salon in Raleigh. In the meantime, Nancy won the Ms. Corporate America Pageant in 2011 and you can buy her book The Networking Diary in almost any book store. Her secret, she says, is fostering good relationships. “Every business is about one relationship at a time; that’s what it’s all about.”

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Nancy’s book The Networking Diary is available at almost any book store So, let’s say you have an idea but you don’t know if it is a marketable one, and of course you don’t want to take the risk of investing time and money without getting anything in return.

You should know that there are a lot of free services available to you whether you want to open your own restaurant, your own store, or you simply have an idea about a certain product that might sell well. For instance, you can contact Carolyn Wilburn at ECU’s Small Business and Technology Development Center to bounce of your idea. If you tell Miss Wilburn the general outline of your business plan, her office will “critique it, give you feedback, and we will conduct a free market and financial analysis to help you assess your risk and the chances of success.” FREE! There are many more services that the ECU SBTDC offers to anybody in the community who aspires to start a business, and Miss Williams is “always happy to help.”

Furthermore, the regional economic development organization North Carolina’s Eastern Region, which operates out of Kinston, also has many

Carolyn Wilburn is the director of the ECU Small Business and Technology Development Center

services you can take advantage of.

According to the group’s CEO John Chaffee, “there are a lot of success stories of people starting a new business from scratch in the region. Entrepreneurship is an important element of building a strong regional economy and we have a number of services in place to help people out in fulfilling their dream.”

Thus, if there are not many jobs available maybe you should try and make the best of it and do it yourself: create your own job by creating your own business. Perhaps, not all of us were born to be entrepreneurs, but if you don’t try and at least take advantage of the free services available to you in order to assess your chances of success, you will never know if your idea might have been successful.

For more information contact Carolyn Wilburn at (252) 737-1368 and visit North Carolina’s Eastern Region’s website at www.nceast.org.

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THE SOUND

TRUTH ABOUT LOVE: THE REVIEW BY: BRIAN GOINGS

As a fan of music I decided to go check out my girl Pink who has been, what I feel, hiding for while. I felt like this was the perfect time for her to come back because she. Looking at the cover, I didn’t know what to expect but it reminds me of something hat Madonna would have done. *Side note the pictures she has on the inside are very nice, they have a 70’s-80’s feel. Her album “The Truth about Love” is very classic. I think it has an old school rock sound with a few edgy tunes that fits today’s rock n roller. However this album I feel is more heart felt even more than her album “Missundaztood” You can actually hear and feel the heart felt tunes that she sings and belch out in a very soulful way. One song “Beam Me Up” has a bit of country tunes but sounds nice against her vocals . But what this song means is much more than how it sounds. Then there is “Give Me A Reason” which, in summary, talks about how people hold back their feelings about their relationship good or bad and fail to let

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their partner know what they are feeling. This song is also matched with the vocals of Nate Ruess of Fun, which gives the song a nice duet with clear emotionally driven vocals. Pink of course would not make an album without a few party songs and you get that with “Here Comes the Weekend” feat.

Eminem and “Slut Like You.” In spite of the title, it is a song of redemption in my opinion.

Overall the album is a great one and if you haven’t gotten it then you need to at least hear it all the way through. I would say that because it’s an album that everyone can relate to no matter the age group or genre of choice that this album is a 5 star album.

THE SOUND

BLUES DIVA DEITRA FARR BY: DON BAKER

Wow ! I don’t know how to start this so here goes. 12:00 noon Friday October 19, 2012 I call The Blues Diva Deitra Farr, Hello sunshine I say, “Don you realize its 11 am in Chicago.” Oh yes, I am sorry I can call back. “No Way let’s do this she says.” So Deitra you know this is my first article and I wanted to start with my favorite Divas… So here is what I have so far, Born in Chicago August 1, 1957 she has become one of Chicago’s Top Blues Diva’s. Deitra began singing at the age of 18 in the mid 70’s as the lead vocals on “You want support me” with the Chicago Group “Mill Street Depo.”

A wonderful laugh on the other end of the phone as I ask, so how did all of this happen.

“Strange actually, acting up in music class, just goofing off” The guitar player heard me sing, and asked if I would do a song with the Band.

He brought the tape in the next day to class, I listened and said, sure but, I want to do it my way.” Well, after doing it her way Jimmy Mayes Leader of the Mill Street Depot “Loved it” The song however did not make the top 100 of Crash Box till after she had already left Mill Street. However, She thought hearing herself on the Radio was “cool”, and admits she was “a little pissed” that she had quit the band.

That was just the beginning of a wonderful heartfelt conversation, when you talk with Deitra you just can’t help but to get caught up in her story, and what a story she has to tell. So, in 1980 while working as a desk clerk at Chicago University, Deitra took a dare and sang at a University student’s party with Mr. Phil Guy. She sang “Steel Away” “The kids went Crazy” Phil Guy was so impressed he turned Deitra on to the Chicago Blues scene showing her the famous Checker Board and Thersas Lounge two of Chicago’s Famous Blues Clubs.

Deitra had always sung R&B but she loved the Blues and this love was growing stronger. Deitra graduated from Columbia in 1981 with a degree in Journalism and really wanted to be a writer, and to this day still writes a few columns, but something strange happened Deitra said.”

A friend called her and asked if she could give her number to a man that just loved the Blues.

I thought this was strange, why would she ask to give my number to some man that I don’t know” “Everything happens for a reason” “Erwin Helfer was his name, and he was an angle, he invited me to his house to sing, and every g-vegasmagazine | 25

Wednesday, I would go and we would sing.

I offered to pay him” He would laugh and say no.” Helfer was a Classic Blues man played the Boogie Woogie Blues. “This was in 1982 in 1983 when I was turned onto Kingston Mines another famous Blues Club in Chicago with a great history. Doc Pellegrino the owner and founder of Kingston Mines, was told that I could really sing the blues, so I sat in with the house band, and Doc loved what he heard. In fact you might say this is how it started at the time Kingston was a 4 o clock bar, and the band had to play five sets. I didn’t even know enough songs for five sets” she laughed “Doc being the character that he is, would fire a lot of band members, in fact every Thursday I would be playing with a different band” This is when I decided to put my own band together. Doc wanted to fire us because, I had to many white boys in my band” This is when Deitra and I both laughed very hard “one of those so called whiteboys was a Mexican, but he was really black” “he just called himself a Mexican” “He was black” So, Doc asked me to fire one and hire Bob Stokes” I told him no” “ I did not care what color they where, we played for the fans, and the fans loved us” Eventually Deitra quit Kingston Mines because “Nobody was gonna tell me what to do” 1984 Deitra says is when she got her big break with the legendary Sam Lay in 1984 Deitra says “Sam say’s lets go on the road” “I said let’s go” after a few seconds of giggles Deitra said “Two day’s on the road to Calgary Canada with two men in a van and me” “That’s a whole new interview..” I can’t wait to get that story.

You have to understand that I am a friend of this great woman, and telling her story is an honor for me.

Deitra and I have a lot more to talk about when she returns from France in the next few weeks.

But some standard Q&A until the next time we talk will just have to hold you over.

I asked Deitra how it felt to sing the Blues. “It Feels Good” What inspired to sing the Blues?

“My love of music made me decide to start

singing it in my early 20s. Before that I sang strictly Rhythm and Soul Music.

Who is your favorite Blues Diva? ”Koko Taylor was my favorite. She was a great singer and role model to the younger divas.

She was also approachable and always encouraged us. She was never arrogant with us or the fans.”

Your Favorite Place to sing the Blues: “In Chicago, Buddy Guy’s Legends is my favorite place to sing. I work around the world. I’d have to say Brazil is my favorite place to sing out of the over 40 countries I’ve sung.”

Your Favorite Song to Sing: “A song I wrote and recorded… “My Turn, My Time” … Because that’s the way I really Feel!!”

Favorite Blues Man: “I really love Magic Slim” Favorite Blues Style: “Chicago Blues is my favorite” Deitra. I have seen you perform many times, where does all your energy come from?

“It comes from God. I give him the praise for everything I have…”

Blues fans what can I say, this woman is amazing, funny, beautiful, and it is with great pleasure to be able just to share some of her moments. I look forward to her return from France, so we can continue our conversation. She has so many wonderful stories to share, and does not mind sharing. She told me in our conversation she had something very exciting coming up, that has nothing do to with the Blues. I will not let the cat out of the bag just yet but I can tell you, it will be worth the wait. I know I am looking forward to seeing Deitra Farr do her thing in January at Buddy Guy’s where her shoes will be off and the room will be jumping to this power house. Chicago’s one and only Deitra Farr…

Open a ‘barcode scanner’ app on your Smartphone.

Point your phones camera at the code and scan.

THE TASTE

THANKSGIVING DELICIOUS! BY:TAYLOR WHITE

This month is of course as we all know the month of Thanksgiving!! In honor of my word in last month’s column I have put together a couple EASY recipes to bring to any of your Thanksgiving feasts! This year you have no excuse to not bring a dish ;) ! Love, Tay

SHORT-CUT STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

If your anything like me, you loooove Strawberry Shortcake but also if your anything like me you don’t always have tons of time on your hands to cook! Consider this your easy way out!

What you will need: - 2 quarts (32 ounces) fresh strawberries - 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 12-ounce tube Pillsbury Golden Home-style Buttermilk biscuits - 1 7-ounce can whipped cream Directions: 1. Rinse then slice your strawberries into a large bowl 2. Sprinkle your strawberries with the 1/3 cup of sugar and toss inside your bowl then set to the side 3. Open your biscuits and do as normal placing them on your baking sheet, sprinkle the tops of your biscuits with the remaining sugar and bake as directed (I suggest taking them out a bit early) 4. Once your biscuits are done let them cool for about 5 minutes and cut them in half, placing the bottom half on a plate 5. Take your whipped cream and spray on the bottom halves of your biscuits, and then spoon strawberries on top 6. Lightly pour extra strawberries juices over and sandwich with your biscuit tops!

Everyone will be sure to gobble up this yummy Thanksgiving treat!

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CHEESY ONION CASSEROLE What you will need: - 2-3 Tbsp. butter or margarine - 3 large sweet onions or 4 medium white or yellow onions - 2 c. shredded Swiss cheese (8 oz.)

- 1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted** - 2/3 c. milk - 1 tsp. soy sauce - 8 or so slices of French bread Directions: 1. Slice onions and try not to cry. With this many onions, it’s hard.

2. Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, and add onions. Sauté onions until clear, a little brown is ok. In a shallow 2 qt. casserole pan, layer onions, 2/3 of cheese and pepper to taste.

3. Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, and add onions. Sauté onions until clear, a little brown is ok. In a shallow 2 qt. casserole pan, layer onions, 2/3 of cheese and pepper to taste.

4. In a sauce pan, heat soup, milk, and soy sauce, stirring to blend. Pour soup mixture in a casserole and stir gently to mix. Top with bread slices.

Bake at 350 uncovered for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, top of bread should be nice and toasted.

5. Push bread slices under the sauce and top with the remaining cheese.

6. Place casserole back in oven and finish baking for 15 more minutes This dish is gooey-amazing!!! Mom will be proud after tasting this dish!

Ya’ll enjoy and I wish all of you a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love, Tay

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

ina, l o r a C t s a E Go or Don’t !G!o 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

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

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