SET - February 2016

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FEBRUARY 2016


FEBRUARY 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

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YOU’RE ALLOWED TO CRY, EAT ICE CREAM, READ ROMANCE NOVELS WITH FABIO ON THE COVER AND WATCH JUSTIN BIEBER MUSIC VIDEOS. THE BREAKUP GUIDE, P15

LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS

FROM THE EDITOR

LET’S HEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

RETRO VIDEO GAMES FIVE OLD SCHOOL GAMES WORTH REMINISCING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ADIOS, LOVER It’s February, and you know what that means. The infamous Valentine’s Day is thrown in your face to enhance commercialism, duh. But - oh yeah it’s for you and your honey to brace the two hour waits in line to eat blatantly mediocre food and shoot awkward glances at each other. NOT that I’m biased against this holiday or anything. For those of you flying solo this year, what about the flip side? You have no honey and, with that recent breakup, your emotions aren’t shining like the top of the Chrysler Building. If you aren’t in luck with the dating game, you’re in luck reading this issue of SET. Let me begin by saying social media has put millennials in a wonderful, yet awkward, situation. Social media causes our lives to be not-so-private any longer, and that’s including the good, bad and ugly. Your ex’s face keeps popping up like a Whac-A-Mole rodent and you’re begging for the madness to end. SET contributor Kali Daniel is laying out all the basics in our inaugural breakup guide to help you protect your already blackened heart from the feels. It sounds morose at first hearing, but you’ll be surprised at how meticulously helpful the guide really is. If you’re like me and want to completely eradicate said ex from your life, follow these steps to ensure your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter stay fly without the drama. Your ex is probably partying with people you’ve never met in a city three hours away, but you’ll

SPARE CHANGE INVESTING INVESTING ISN’T A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

HIGH TIDE ORIGINS LOCAL COUPLE START NONPROFIT WITH TEENS IN MIND. . . . . . . . 8

THE BREAKUP GUIDE TIPS FOR UN-LIKING YOUR EX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15

VALENTINE’S MANDALAS FEELING BLUE? COLOR THE BREAKUP PAINS AWAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 never know about it. From first-hand experience – it’s better that way. Though I may seem bitter about break ups, this month’s contributors did a fabulous job to bring you a happy, inspiring February issue. Meet 12 African American young professionals native and foreign to the Shoals who are making an impact in the South. Congratulate couple Bethany and Tucker Green as they set out to build their first nonprofit, High Tide. Put your 90s cap on to reminisce the sleepless nights in front of a Super Nintendo game controller and 16-bit graphics. It’s all here. As always, message, tweet or email if you’re interested in contributing for SET. Don’t smoke signal, though. I can’t get those.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT FUN HEART-SHAPED FOODS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

ONE FINE DAY 10 REASONS LEAP DAY SHOULD BE YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY . . . 22

SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY – WHERE ARE THEY NOW? YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAVE TIES TO THE SHOALS. . . . . . . . 28-29

FREESTYLE BY ANNA GRACE USERY, EDITOR

SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as

part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.

WHAT’S YOUR STRANGEST VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE?. . . . . . . 30

CONNECT WITH SET MAILING ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 566 Sheffield, AL 35660

Please take one copy and share it. Listerhill Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for the membership by providing cost effective services to meet their financial needs while maintaining financial soundness and promoting the credit union philosophy.

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4 CONTRIBUTORS

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SET CONTRIBUTORS WESLEY HOPKINS AMANDA AREOSTATICO SPENCER BROOKS Florence, AL

Florence, AL

JASMINE FLEMING JACKSON TOWNSEND Sulligent, AL

Pulaski, TN

KALI DANIEL

PAIGE MCCAY

Athens, AL

Murfreesboro, TN

Locust Fork, AL

DANIEL PEREZ

ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN

COURTNEY TULLY

Mons, Belgium

Florence, AL

Rogersville, AL

FEBRUARY 2016


FEBRUARY 2016

TECH 5

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Nintendo means “leave luck to heaven” in Japanese.

Mario has a 27' vertical jump. Link is actually Peter Pan &

Zelda is Zelda Fitzgerald.

RETRO VIDEO GAMES FIVE OLD SCHOOL GAMES WORTH REMINISCING Nearly everything goes out of style. But there are some things that, after being allowed to fade out of the warm light of pop-culture, are revived years later more marketable than ever before. There are some classics nostalgia just won’t allow us to let go: vinyl records, art and fashion of the 60s and 70s, food and drinks, antique cars, jewelry and some collectibles. Without our infatuation with old-fashioned items, the term “old-school” wouldn’t exist. Of all the outdated art forms that snuck their way back into mainstream culture, retro video games is by far my favorite. Most “hardcore” gamers never stop playing their favorite childhood video games or the games that were made to remind them of those childhood games. But recently, retro video games started their first real return to mainstream society. Casual gamers — even gamers who weren’t yet born to see the launch of the first Playstation — are now playing new 2D platformers and overhead RPGs with graphics that were available in 1993. If you’re the type who only plays video games on the weekends or when hanging out with friends, or you’ve tragically never had the privilege of playing any of the classics, then the following list might give you a nudge in the right directions when you’re trying to decide which “old-school” games to play.

1. NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

You know someone’s a gamer when they catch an irrepressible grin after laying eyes on this ancient masterpiece. Super Mario Bros. 3 is the secondmost sold NES game, only outranked by its predecessor Super Mario Bros. The original Super Mario Bros. was a smash hit. At the time, Nintendo players thought this is amazing! How could this be ANY better!? And then, Super Mario Bros. 2 came out. — crickets — and then, Super Mario Bros. 3 was released and blew gamers away. That’s

successful. Children loved being able to take their favorite characters with them on the go. It was most difficult to choose one game to mention here. Tetris was the addictive puzzle game that inspired Candy Crush, but Pokemon got banned in one country and practically created a holiday in another. I have to go with Pokemon, mainly because the Pokemon games being created and sold at high-demand today play almost exactly like the original. It was so good that they didn’t need to change it. They just added more Pokemon.

5. NINTENDO 64

how it could be better. Super Mario Bros. 3 added flight and other powers for Mario and Luigi to achieve and use. The third installment also added an overhead map, allowing players to customize their journeys throughout the game.

2. SUPER NINTENDO

I know the name doesn’t sound very creative, but it’s extremely accurate. It’s literally a Nintendo system with upgraded hardware. But what really makes the Super Nintendo super is a game that was released on it — a game that is still considered by many to be the best RPG of all time — Chrono Trigger. Chrono Trigger was a pioneer in its time. It’s one of the first video games that featured not one, two or three possible endings, but 12. Way to blow my 1995 brain, Nintendo.

3. SEGA GENESIS

The war between Mario and Sonic is the only war I support. The competition between Nintendo and Sega led developers to create some of the most transcendent interactive visual art that has ever been and may ever be again. The best game to play on this system is Sonic and Knuckles. The entire Sonic the Hedgehog series provides a fun, fast-paced experience that any gamer can enjoy, but Sonic and Knuckles has all that and a bag of chips that isn’t actually a bag of chips, but an overwhelmingly loveable character named Knuckles. Ask any gamer who their favorite Sonic character is. Know who they’ll say? Knuckles.

4. GAMEBOY

This is first handheld video game system that was even remotely

The original NES used 8-bit graphics, the Super Nintendo 16-bit, and here we have the Nintnedo 64, flexing its astounding 64-bit capabilities. Ladies and gentlemen, Mario can now move in more than two directions. The Nintendo 64 controller was home to four awkward, yellow buttons called the “C” buttons. If anyone knows what the C stands for, please write to SET and inform me immediately. These buttons seemed pointless until I played The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. In The Ocarina of Time, the protagonist Link finds many useful items, one of which is — you guessed it — the Ocarina of Time. Each “C” button on the N64 controller plays a different note on the Ocarina of Time, which can be used to perform a number of unique and life-saving actions. The Ocarina of Time is considered by many to be the best installment of The Legend of Zelda series, as well as the best game released for the Nintendo 64.

STORY BY WESLEY HOPKINS


6 MONEY

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MONEY 7

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Deposit and withdraw whenever you like at no cost.

The app raised $23 million by last April.

SPARE CHANGE INVESTING INVESTING ISN’T A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK As a business major I had my fair share of accounting and finance courses. I learned about diversified portfolios, risk and other scary finance topics. My professors stressed to “invest young and invest long” because it can increase your chances for a larger reward. But when I hang out with my friends, the hot topic isn’t how we’re investing money we don’t have. The very thought of investing money in the stock market sounds difficult and expensive. As a working college student, I budget for food, housing and school. Note that I’m also an impulsive buyer. Oops. How can someone like me become an investor? The Acorns app, available for Android and iPhone, is designed for first-time investors to get started as easily as possible, with as little as possible. Scrat from Ice Age knows the trials of keeping track of one acorn. How can a college student keep up with multiple “acorns” or money investments? Acorns represents scurrying away spare change for investments, but with no labor. First, you connect your bank account with the app. Your account information isn’t stored on your phone, rather the app uses “bank-level security and data encryption to secure everything at the server level.” The app monitors your account and automatically invests the change from your daily purchases. For example - if you buy a coffee for $3.73, Acorns will round-up your purchase and invest $0.27 into your portfolio. I can afford to invest $0.27. Plus, the OCD in me can appreciate spending $4 rather than $3.73. If you want to get really

fancy, you can set aside recurring amounts or invest a lump sum into your account. Basically, you invest and the experts do the rest. Nobel Prize-winning economist Harry Markowitz created five diversified portfolio options: conservative, moderately conservative, moderate, moderately aggressive and aggressive, to which the Acorn app follows. You don’t have to use the recommendation, and you’re free to change your portfolio selection at any time. Here’s an economics 101 lesson: diversified portfolio means you’re investing with different levels of risk. Investing in slowgrowing companies will show low return, but investing in a growing business or market can result in big return. However, the market is unpredictable so you need a low and high risk mix to offset any major fluctuations. The app monitors your portfolio to do just that. Your invested money is distributed to corporate bonds, government bonds, large company stocks, small company stocks, emerging market stocks and real estate stocks, so you don’t know where it goes. And you’re virtually entrusting someone you don’t know to manage your money. But, for me, it was worth a try. Bottom line, this app makes the investing process easy and manageable. Within two weeks, I did not make or lose any money. I chose the moderate portfolio and only invested $10 so far. Adam Cecil, a writer for PolicyGenius, recommends a good rule of thumb. He said if you can’t afford to put aside at least $100 per month, consider putting money into a savings account instead.

DID YOU SAY, INVESTING? YIKES. If investing is not for you, you can close your Acorns account just as easy as you can open one. For more information, check out Acorns website – www.acorns.com

STORY BY AMANDA AREOSTATICO


8 NONPROFIT

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The U.S. has 1,549,296 nonprofit organizations.

FEBRUARY 2016

A volunteer’s time is worth about $23 per hour.

HIGH TIDE ORIGINS

BETHANY AND TUCKER GREEN

LOCAL COUPLE START NONPROFIT WITH TEENS IN MIND It’s the things you can touch that often fade, but love seems to stand the test of time. Love for each other and for life’s goals bonded two Florence residents upon first meeting. High Tide is a new, nonprofit organization in Florence, founded by husband and wife Tucker and Bethany Green. The Greens are both graduates of the University of North Alabama. The goal of High Tide is to create unique opportunities for teenagers, including adventures and community service projects both locally and globally. “The main thing we want to do is broaden perspectives and give teens an opportunity and outlet to be their best self and to travel to and experience places they never may have been able to before,” Bethany said. “We want to take them

out of their comfort zones and have them become more connected with their communities.” Bethany serves as the assistant director of leadership and volunteerism in Student Engagement at UNA, while her husband Tucker works with the Alabama Geographic Alliance. “High Tide has been a discussion since we met,” Bethany said. After a year of living in Florence, Tucker was working at the Office of International Affairs at UNA. It was there a co-worker introduced him to Bethany Oliver. “I may or may not have acted like a creeper,” Tucker said. “He was staring a lot,” Bethany said, jokingly. A month after the initial meeting, the two found themselves working alongside each other at a student leadership banquet during welcome week

at UNA. It was here the couple’s relationship began to form. “We both realized how much of an interest in adventure, travel and weird opportunities we both had inside of us,” Bethany said. In May 2015, they traveled to Peru, expecting to do service for two weeks. “I got a parasite the second day,” Tucker said. “I had a 104-degree fever, was losing weight fast and in rough shape.” While touring the Andes, Tucker passed out and was taken to medical care. “That’s when we decided it was time to get home,” Bethany said. Unknown to Bethany, Tucker was planning to propose to her at the popular Peruvian landmark, Machu Picchu, but his condition prevented them from going. After an 8-hour ride on a switchback, a plane flight to Atlanta and a drive to Charlotte, Tucker was able to recover at his parents’ home. Following recuperating for a week, Tucker wanted to propose to Bethany as soon as possible. They went for a walk and Tucker proposed, but not before playing some hockey with the neighbor kids. “Anytime hockey-anything is on or going on, I have to play,” Tucker said. “I can’t say no to hockey even if I’m about to propose to someone.” Drenched in sweat, he made his proposal and Bethany accepted. After two months of wedding planning, the couple decided to elope. “No one questioned us on it, they already knew that is both of our styles,” Bethany said. “Our friends and family still showered us with love.” Once they got married, they got motivated, too. “You realize you’re hitting milestones in life you weren’t prepared to hit, and we thought we needed to get on the ball and hurry up with High Tide,” Tucker said. On Nov. 2, 2015 they launched a fundraising campaign for High Tide, explaining the organization’s mission and raising $5,000 through generous donors. The campaign lasted through the beginning of the year. “The funds raised help us finish the paperwork and allow us to do some trial trips this summer with the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Teen Program,” Bethany said. The trips will include adventure, service and reflection components. “It’s a lot about how can I take what I’m doing here and apply it to my own life and community and what I do next,” Bethany said. The couple plan to travel locally for this summer, but expect to take teens to different communities around the U.S. in 2017.

STORY BY SPENCER BROOKS


FEBRUARY 2016

NONPROFIT 9

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Nick Walton

Miracle Osborne

Member since 2015

Member since 2013

Visit Our Stop by The Hill

to relax, recharge, or (of course) take care of your financial

needs. The Hill is a full service, student-run Listerhill Credit Union location in The Commons at UNA dedicated to helping students reach their full financial potential.


10 FEATURE

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FEATURE 11

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TIPS FOR UN-LIKING YOUR EX

BROKE UP WITH YOU. YOU EITHER BROKE UP WITH THEM, OR THEY THAT’S THE END OF IT, RIGHT? WRONG.

STORY BY KALI DANIEL


12 FEATURE

Most breakups occur before spring break or Christmas.

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59% of people stay Facebook friends with their ex.

TING OVER A BREAKUP IN THE AGE GET NE ALO LET H, UG ENO RD HA IS UP EAK BR A GETTING OVER OUGH IMAGES OF PUPPIES AND BABIES YOU SEE THR ING OLL SCR EN WH , ERE WH GY OLO HN TEC OF RELATIONSHIP” OR “SINGLE.” A LITTLE BLUE HEART THAT SAYS EITHER “IN A

SO, HOW DO YOU DEAL?

Your first step is to unfollow your ex as well as his/her friends. On Facebook, you may not have to unfriend because of the “unfollow” feature. This will keep new information from showing up in your feed, while keeping the “friend” status so you don’t have to send an awkward friend request after things cool down. Because the follow up to breaking it off it always, “Yeah. Let's be friends.” Ew. Or, you know, unfriend them because they’re toxic and annoying. That's more like it. Make sure you’re unfollowing them on all social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Myspace, Xanga — OK, if you’re still on those last two just go ahead and delete your account. But even social media sites like LinkedIn and Google Plus can throw up those memories and, consequently, make you throw up.

STEVEN TO CAROLINE: "YOU CHANGED YOUR STATUS TO SINGLE?!" SOCIAL FIXER


FEBRUARY 2016

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Breakups cause more depression than family loss. And on the bright side, social media sites ARE on your side. They’re working to make it easier for you to keep the past in the past. In November of 2015, Facebook released a feature where, when you change your relationship status, you’re given the option to show less of your ex in your news feed, show less of you to your ex’s news feed or disable others from posting photos or statuses with you and your ex. While you should probably make your relationship status private before changing these features to prevent the “oh no OMG wut happened txt me” comments, this is a nice added feature to protect you. As for photos, you can always untag them if the photo was of a life-altering moment. Did the pope let you kiss his ring? Did Betty White flash a bird? Did somebody throw an egg at Mike Tyson? If you got any of that on film, your ex was never the star and you need to treasure those moments, because my God, they are beautiful. You’ve done all this and you’re safer, but you can do a little more to ensure you're out of harm’s way. The Social Fixer, a Facebook plugin, allows you to type in various censors. Type in your ex’s name, their favorite car, their favorite movie, their favorite underwear brand, their favorite Teletubby — whatever reminds you of them and triggers a memory you’re not ready to handle, you can type it in and the Social Fixer will filter it out of your News Feed, no problem. And finally, if you’re afraid you’ll go crawling back to them or you’ll scavenge

MOVING ON: SARA HAS BEEN SPOTTED HANGIN' WITH A NEW CROWD, AND SHE'S HAPPIER THAN EVER!

FEATURE 13

On Feb. 14, 15% of women send themselves flowers. through their social media, or even if you just want to avoid them at all costs, you can add the Block site app to your Google Chrome or Firefox browser, type in words or triggers to avoid, and this extension will block everything you ask it to. Just don’t type in “romantic comedies” or “pizza near me” because then you’re screwed.

Their friends are your friends and your friends are their friends, but the more you get together the less happy you are — that’s how the song goes, right? First things first, you never want to put your friends in the middle to “pick a side” of the breakup. If you do, you’re most likely going to lose friends because they feel cornered. Let them know you’re not ready to hear about your ex, and don’t try to


14 FEATURE

Women turn to wine more than ice cream post-breakup. intrude on your ex’s life through them. The more dignified you are, the easier it will be. Don’t gossip about your ex to your friends and don’t divulge too much about the breakup — what you say to even your BFF will likely get back to your ex. Don’t be afraid to ask if your ex will be at certain events. If it’s a small gathering of five or six people, you probably won’t be comfortable a week after you’ve broken up. If it’s a fairly large event of 20-30 people, it’s probably easier to steer clear while also enjoying hanging out with your friends. If you do decide to hang out with a large group of mutual friends, you may want to have a couple short, positive (or at least neutral) answers prepared to clear up any questions

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FEBRUARY 2016

Breakups can result in stress cardiomyopathy. your friends may have. This is also a great time to branch out and make new friends. You can go to the local coffee shop or record store, attend a public library event or explore cityhosted activities. Many coffee shops and locally-owned stores will hang flyers for events happening near you, and even if they don’t, a simple Facebook search can point you in the direction of a few book clubs or bike meets. Making these new friends can be a refreshing way to cope, but by no means should you cut your old friends out of the picture. Opt for a new habit like Movie Mondays or Taco Tuesdays where a small group of you can get together and just have fun. I'm sure there's an old wives tale about tequila and tacos, but I'm not recalling clearly. Ultimately, your friends are going to be friends with whoever they want to, and if you want to stay friends with them you will have to explain your feelings but save the deep, dark, evil thoughts for the therapist. Which brings us to….

RECOVERY UPDATE:

KEVIN HAS NOT LEFT THE HOUSE IN 4 DAYS! SOURCES SAY HE HAS EATEN AN ENTIRE CARTON OF DEATH BY CHOCOLATE AND IS BINGE WATCHING "HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER."


FEBRUARY 2016

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Speed dating was invented by a rabbi from LA in 1999.

FEATURE 15

The online dating industry generates $1.8 billion per year.

NEW FOCUS:

SAVANNAH EXCAPES TO THE MOUNTAINS TO "FREE HER MIND."

The second you break up, you go through a series of emotions: anger, frustration, sadness, desperation, fear, depression. All of these feelings are normal and healthy, to an extent. Your first step in coping is to allow yourself to grieve — that’s right, grieve. You’re allowed to cry, eat ice cream, read romance novels with Fabio on the cover and watch Justin Bieber music videos. You do you, just set a limit. Tell yourself you’ll be finished grieving in a week. To be clear, this isn’t the amount of time it takes you to get over a relationship...in the least bit. This is the amount of time it takes to grieve it. After your grieve period is over, get back to your healthy lifestyle: sleep normal hours, eat normal food, read normal books and, well, you can keep listening to Justin Bieber if you want. You may need a little help after (and during) this. “Therapy” may seem like such a taboo word when it comes to depression, grief and coping, but a Psychology Today study in 2004 found about 59 million people receive therapy or counseling in a given year. While you should try to re-energize by spending more time with friends and family, this may not be possible or natural for some. Counselors and therapists can provide information, support groups and, in some circumstances, point you in the direction of medication. Plus, it's just nice to have a third party listen to your story. Maybe you don’t need counseling. But if, after your grieving period is over, you feel gloomy, are having constant negative thoughts or generally just feel sluggish, you probably have depression. Again a taboo word, “depression” does not mean you’ve suddenly fallen into an early ‘00s My Chemical Romance song. You’re normal. The World Health Organization estimates about 350 million people suffer from depression, and that’s regardless of age, lifestyle or circumstance.

If you don’t know where to get help, Psychology Today offers a comprehensive list of psychologists, therapists, counselors and more by city, state and/or zip code. Each listed therapist or counselor has a description of their services as well as a comforting blurb about how they view therapy or counseling. You can also call your insurance provider for a list of counselors or therapists near you that accept your insurance. And if you’re in college or high school, you probably have a counselor right around the corner free of charge. In addition to counseling, you’ll need to take care of your body and all of the chemical craziness therein. Exercising 30 minutes a day can release as many endorphins as some antidepressants. It lifts your mood, lethargy and general “funk,” as well as helps you concentrate. You should also try creating a schedule for yourself — not necessarily hour by hour, but have certain things you do for yourself each day. Read 30 minutes a day, do yoga every morning, have brunch with friends every Sunday — create your own habits and events to look forward to daily and weekly. Picking up new hobbies can also provide you with greater purpose. You don’t have to rebuild all of the furniture in your home, but knitting a hat, welding a decoration or making cards for family and friends can pass the time healthily while also igniting passions. Most importantly, know this breakup is the ending a chapter of your life and not the book. There will be other boyfriends or girlfriends. There will be new adventures. And who knows, maybe, through all of this self-exploration and independent soul-searching, you’ll find you don’t want or need anyone else. You are more than enough to make you happy.


16 SPECIAL FEATURE

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COLORING WAS YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN KINDERGARTEN, SO WHY CAN’T IT BE NOW?

FEBRUARY 2016


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SPECIAL FEATURE 17

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MANDALAS ARE GEOMETRIC PATTERNS REPRESENTING THE FLOW OF THE UNIVERSE, BUT THEY’RE ALSO FUN TO HONE YOUR ARTISTIC MIND.

COLOR THEM IN, SNAP A PICTURE AND SEND IT TO SET’S INSTAGRAM. WE’LL FEATURE YOU WHETHER THE HEARTS ARE BLACK OR NOT.


18 FOOD

SET isn’t just a magazine looking for people to share their 2 cents. It is entirely comprised of content provided by the 15 - 29 year olds of our community. No one else writes the articles, no one else takes the pictures and no one else decides what runs. That’s why we need you. Attend our next editorial meeting, drop us a line or send us an idea for your story. We want your photography, art and music. Get on SET’s team.

getsetmag.com/contribute

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FEBRUARY 2016


FEBRUARY 2016

FOOD 19

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Hearts only weigh 11 ounces on average.

Ventricle is Latin for “little belly”.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT FUN HEART-SHAPED FOODS “Eat your heart out” is something your grandmother may have yelled across the table for generations, but what does it mean? Your grandmother may be the meanest person on the planet, but she’s no cannibal. Here at SET, we think this translates to eating nontraditional heart-shaped foods. How we came to that conclusion, we’re not entirely sure. This Valentine’s Day you’ll probably see a plethora of cliche, heart-shaped

cookies and sweets. Like I said, how cliche. What you won’t see is creativity through foods normally taken for granted. Drop the powdered cookie-cutter succulents and pick up a bowl of hearty heart-shaped stir-fry, rice or oatmeal. Because, well, YOLO.

PHOTOS BY KALI DANIEL BAGEL

QUESADILLA

MASHED POTATOES

CHEESEBURGER

STIRFRY


20 CALENDAR

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EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 29 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COREY SMITH // FEBRUARY 19 @ IRON CITY, BIRMINGHAM, AL

FEBRUARY 1

CARRIE UNDERWOOD @ Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth GA ALESSIA CARA @ Terminal West, Atlanta, GA RUNNING 4 LOVE 5K & 10K @ Nashville Virtual, Nashville, TN 1pm

FEBRUARY 2

GROUNDHOG DAY ALESSIA CARA @ Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN LUPE FIASCO @ Georgia Theater, Athens, GA TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE @ Your local theater

FEBRUARY 3

TRIVIA NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN TRIVIA NIGHT @ True Love’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm

FEBRUARY 4

AARON CARTER @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL 8pm PRIDE AND PREJUIDCE AND ZOMBIES @ Your local theater HAIL, CEASAR! @ Your local theater THE CHOICE @ Your local theater

FEBRUARY 6

ASPA 5K & 10K @ Huntsville, AL

FEBRUARY 9

TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

KAROKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

YELLOWCARD @ Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN RODNEY CARRINGTON @ James K Pol Theater, Nashville, TN JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MORGAN COUNTRY MARDI GRAS 5K @ Decatur, AL

FEBRUARY 10

FEBRUARY 5

FEBRUARY 7

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN WILCO @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

DIANA ROSS @ BJCC, Birmingham, AL RODNEY CARRINGTON @ James K Polk Theater, Nashville, TN

SUPERBOWL 50 @ 6:30 RODNEY CARRINGTON @ James K Polk Theater, Nashville, TN

WILCO @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA TRIVIA NIGHT @ True Love’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm

FEBRUARY 11

IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM

KAROKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

FEBRUARY 12

UNA’S ICE RINK @ GUC Parking Lot, Florence AL BARRY MANILOW @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN COREY SMITH @ Cox Capitol Theater, Macon, GA DEADPOOL @ Your local theater


FEBRUARY 2016

HOW TO BE SINGLE @ Your local theater ZOOLANDER 2 @ Your local theater

FEBRUARY 13

UNA’S ICE RINK @ GUC Parking Lot, Florence AL JUDAH & THE LION WITH FUTURE THIEVES @ War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, TN HUG-A-CUB 5K @ Huntsville, AL

FEBRUARY 14

VALENTINE’S DAY CARLEY RAE JEPSEN @ Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA SHERYL CROW AND THE VALENTINES @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN FANTASIA @ Legacy Arena in BJCC, Birmingham AL 7pm

FEBRUARY 16

CALENDAR 21

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TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

FEBRUARY 17

TRIVIA NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN TRIVIA NIGHT @ True Love’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm

TOBYMAC @ Legacy Arena in the BJCC, Birmingham, AL 7pm CHICAGO @ Legacy Arena in the BJCC, Birmingham, AL 8pm RISEN @ Your local theater

TRIVIA NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN TRIVIA NIGHT @ True Love’s Pizza and Grits, Columbia, TN, 6:30pm

FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 20

THE SETTYS @ 116 E Mobile, Florence, AL, 7:30 pm UPC’S SNOW BALL @ GUC Performance Center, Florence AL, 7:30pm (Open to all UNA Students) KAROKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN @ Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA BREAKING BENJAMIN & STARSET @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA KAROKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

FEBRUARY 19

BILL MAHER @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta, GA COREY SMITH @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL VINCE GILL AND LYLE LOVETT @ The Alabama Theater, Birmingham, AL 7:30pm

COREY SMITH @ Cox Capitol Theater, Macon, GA LEATHERFOOD 5K @ Hueytown, AL

FEBRUARY 22

SLAYER @ Nashville War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30pm

FEBRUARY 23

OAR @ Druid City Music Hall, Tuscaloosa, AL TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7pm

FEBRUARY 24

NEVERSHOUTNEVER & METRO STATION @ The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA

FEBRUARY 25

FEBRUARY 26

SHOALS SYMPHONY @ UNA: DISNEY LIVE “PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN” @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL 7:30pm GODS OF EGYPT @ Your local theater TRIPLE 9 @ Your local theater EDDIE THE EAGLE @ Your local theater

IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 27

KATT WILLIAMS @ Phillips Arena, Atlanta, GA GLUTEN FREE IS GOOD FOR ME 5K @ Veterans Park, Huntsville, AL PAPER CHASE 5K @ Constitution Village, Huntsville, AL

FEBRUARY 28

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE @ Iron City, Birmingham, AL 8pm

FEBRUARY 29

Not a typo here. — 2016 is a Leap Year so there’s a February 29. Enjoy it. You won’t get one again for another 4 years.


22 SPECIAL FEATURE

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

You’ve got a 1-in-1,461 chance of being born on a leap day.

ONE FINE DAY

GO HOME, LEAP YEAR. YOU’RE DRUNK.

10 REASONS LEAP DAY SHOULD BE YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY

4. You get the pleasure of thoroughly explaining what the leap year is and its relevance for a full year plus one day. 5. Feb. 29 is rare disease awareness day, ironically. 6. You’ll hear Carol Burnett’s famous “Annie” line “leapin’ lizards” until you’re sick of it. 7. You get to tease your one friend who has a Leap Day birthday he or she is actually 5-years-old. 8. For you natural science enthusiasts, cute pictures of jumping frogs abound. 9. You can spit rhymes all day and pay homage to rapper Ja Rule. It’s his birthday, for crying out loud.

1. It reminds us that nothing in our universe is perfect. The orbit of the solar system can’t even get it right.

10. Psych. The day is actually an excuse to watch the worst movie of 2010, “Leap Year.”

2. It’s one more day you can be reminded of how single you are. 3. Tweet Hugh Hefner a nice ‘thanks’ #pioneer for opening the playboy mansion Feb. 29, 1960.

STORY BY PAIGE MCCAY

FEBRUARY 2016


FEBRUARY 2016

SPECIAL FEATURE 23

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Kahri Member Since 2013 Abby Member Since 2013

Drew Member Since 2013

Rebecca Member Since 2013


24 SPOTLIGHT

SAY CHEESE! CHIEFTAIN COURT STREET MARKET, JANUARY 2, PHOTOS BY DANIEL PEREZ

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

SET READERS IN ACTION

PHOTOS BY DANIEL PEREZ, ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN, AND COURTNEY TULLY

FEBRUARY 2016


FEBRUARY 2016

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

SPOTLIGHT 25

URSA LOCAMODUS COURT STREET MARKET, JANUARY 2, PHOTOS BY DANIEL PEREZ

CONQUERING LIFE RETREAT ABRAHAM ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY, JANUARY 13, PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRIA CHRISMAN

TERA WAGES, BETHANY GREEN, SARAH GILLIS AND ASHLEY ANDERSON


26 SPOTLIGHT

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2016

RACHEL ROHLER

MARTHA JOHNSON AND KATIE CLEMENT

KELLI AXLEY

ABIGAIL PELLGRAM

X FILES PREMIERE PARTY FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY, JANUARY 25, PHOTOS BY COURTNEY TULLY


FEBRUARY 2016

SPOTLIGHT 27

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

DR. CHERYL BLAKE PRICE

DR. CHERYL BLAKE PRICE

BJ AND JENNIFER KEETON


28 SPECIAL FEATURE

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Feb. 12, 2009, marked the NAACP’s 100th anniversary.

FEBRUARY 2016

Bessie Coleman was the 1st licensed black female pilot.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY – YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAVE TIES TO THE SHOALS In honor of black history month, SET would like to highlight 12 young, black professionals who found their start in the Shoals.

3. LAKETA JOHNSON

1. JAY DIGGINS

Producer, Co-host of Nuthin’ But Net Fox Sports Shoals Diggins is from Greensboro, Alabama. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in radio and television interactive media. “I love my job in radio,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. When I get older, I’d love to own my own radio station and R&B/soul station.”

2. RACHEL GANDY

Assistant to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley Gandy, from Tuskegee, Alabama, studied business administration with a concentration in human resource management and Spanish at the University of North Alabama. She participated in activities like student government association, resident advisers, and a study abroad trip to Costa Rica. “I searched for months and months for a job, and I still came up short,” she said. “One day, during my full-time nanny duties, I got a call about a job in the governors’ office I should apply for. By the grace of God, I ended with the job of Governor Robert Bentley’s assistant.”

Author Johnson, a Florence, Alabama native and UNA student, began her first book, “Slice” in summer 2015. It took her only five months to write, revise, edit and publish it. Her book can be preordered beginning March 12 on Amazon.com, or you can contact her directly. “The Shoals is a center of inspiration,” Johnson said. “It’s so full of artists, musicians, poets, authors, painters, singers and dancers. How can one not be inspired to write?”

4. BRITTANY JORDAN

Regional Recruiter, UNA This Florence, Alabama, native received her bachelor of science degree with a mechanizing concentration and minor in mass communications, from UNA. “I accepted a job last year at Jacksonville State and fell in love with being an admissions counselor,” she said. “To now work for my alma mater is such a blessing in disguise because I’m so passionate about connecting with high school students.”

technology with a minor in business management. “I desired to teach while in school, and I also wanted to travel,” he said. “So, I decided that this was the best fit for me. I got this job through the Korean government, and so far I’m loving it.”

5. CHAD MILLER

Elementary English Teacher, South Korea Miller grew up in Madison, Alabama. He attended UNA and majored in entertainment

6. JENNIFER TOWNE Graduate Assistant,

University of South Alabama Jonesboro, Arkansas native

Jennifer Towne attended UNA on a basketball scholarship and obtained her bachelor’s in communication arts with a concentration in public relations. She is currently a graduate assistant at the University of South Alabama and plays for their basketball team. “I have received my 1,000th career point plus, and I’m enjoying wrapping up this part of my life,” she said.


FEBRUARY 2016

SPECIAL FEATURE 29

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

There are nine historically black colleges in AL.

Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” in 1926.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Education English. She also has an Educational Specialist degree from Liberty University in educational leadership and physical education certification. “I have taught for nearly six years and spent those years learning all that I could in order to grow in the classroom and as a coach,” she said. “My experiences have prepared me for this position, but God placed me in it.”

9. SPENCER ONEAL

Chemical, Biological,Radiological and Nuclear Specialist, U.S. Army National Guard The Huntsville, Alabama, native was a culinary arts major at UNA and minored in geography. “After graduating from college, I am hoping to take my degree and work with the U.S. government,” he said. “My focus will be to research the effects that various foods associated with specific cultures have on the distribution of the societies we live in today.”

“I was fortunate enough to intern at a local law firm where I found a mentor,” he said. “He encouraged me to search out the top law offices in the state, and I found this one. I successfully interviewed, and it was a perfect fit.”

12. WILLIAM THOMPSON

Author, UNA student Thompson, a Docena, Alabama native, is working toward a degree in interdisciplinary studies which will combine biology, exercise science, marketing and creative writing. Thompson began his first book, “Love’s Deepest Darkness and Brightest Joys,” during his senior year of high school but waited to publish until he found the best option to do so. Thompson’s book can be found at www.tatepublishing.com. “My book is a collection of poetry that has several genres to inspire different types of people, and it invokes several emotional responses,” he said.

10. JEREMY JACKSON

7. PHILIP TOWNS

Producer, Keyboardist for americana/soul artist Anderson East From Wetumpka, Alabama, Towns studied music business at UNA. He has had musical aspirations since age 12, and he is currently starting his own production company. “I was doing sessions at FAME (Studios), and Anderson called in search of a keyboard player for his upcoming tour,”

he said. “Thankfully, they gave him my name, and I went and auditioned. He called me the next day and said I got the gig.”

8. BLAIR WOODS

Physical Education Teacher and Coach, Muscle Shoals High School Woods, from Tuscumbia, Alabama, majored in English and Professional Communication at Tennessee Technical University and obtained her master’s degree from UNA in Secondary

Video Journalist, WHNT News 19 Jackson grew up in Decatur, Alabama, but relocated to Florence to attend UNA where he majored in film and digital media production. “Working in news never crossed my mind while in college, but I applied after hearing about an open production assistant position,” he said. “I went in for an interview and got the job. I was given a tour of the station and immediately fell in love.”

11. MARCUS MAPLES

Attorney, Sirote & Permutt, PC Birmingham, AL Maples grew up in Lester, Alabama, and he went on to gain a bachelor’s in political science with a minor in sociology from UNA. He then attended law school at the University of Alabama.

STORY BY JASMINE FLEMING


30 FREESTYLE

FREESTYLE

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FEBRUARY 2016

WHAT’S YOUR STRANGEST VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE?

“My girlfriend and I are long distance, so we couldn’t see each other on Valentine’s Day. We celebrated the weekend after and everything was half price. It was the best priced Valentine’s Day of my life.”

“In fourth grade, I was searching to find a Valentine’s Day gift for my girlfriend. The only thing I found was a white teddy bear holding a heart that said, “I love you.” I gave it to her. She broke up with me that day.”

(Graem Cook)

(Dylan Rose)

“Last year on Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend and I were going to a movie. We were driving down Florence Boulevard, and a small child carrying an iPad ran across multiple lanes of traffic. He was almost hit by several cars, which all stopped to make sure he was alright. Everyone got out of their vehicles, and we all tried to get him to safety when he ran into a nearby house. The police were called. The child was safe. I almost had a heart attack.” (Madi Winkler)

“My 5th grade year I was 10 years old and had a “girlfriend”. Valentine’s was right around the corner and I couldn’t wait to surprise my girlfriend Quiana with a date to the skating rink in Decatur with a bunch of jewelry and Bath and Body Works. Finally, the day is here and we’re at the skating rink. I arrive 15 minutes late so I could surprise her with all of this beautiful jewelry. I walk in and she is sitting with a big grin across her face from all of the excitement seeing me with gift bags. I give her, her gifts, we skate the night away and we kissed goodnight. Meanwhile, when I got home my Mom was in search for her jewelry and Bath and Body Works I had got my girlfriend for Valentine’s Day. You do the math!”

(Bailey White)

(Nick Smith)

PHOTO BY CHRIS ANDERSON

“My birthday is the day after Valentine’s Day, so naturally I hate Valentine’s Day. In 9th grade I was in charge of the French Club Valentine’s Day gifts. I did those all morning. Then, when the bell rang, I walked out in the hallway with my best friend Rachel. I was completely ranting about how much I hate Valentine’s Day. And Rachel stopped me, turned bright red, and said, “Turn around!” She burst into laughter as I turned around, and there was some random kid I had never met with a rose. He was shaking and was like, “Will you be my valentine?” A circle of people gathered around and I literally said, “What?” He shoved the flower at me and sprinted down the hallway. Everyone died laughing - even the teachers.”

TWEET SET YOUR STRANGEST VALENTINE’S DAY EXPERIENCE @GETSETMAG.

PHOTOS BY JACKSON TOWNSEND


FEBRUARY 2016

WWW.GETSETMAG.COM

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