U the Magazine - Oct/Nov 2010 by Moonstone Studio

FREE Oct-Nov 2010 Volume 1, Issue 2

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

Feature:

Vampire Empire Plus:

Connect: Four Cool Sites Meet the Parents Herbivorevolution Faking It NC State’s Free Expression Tunnel See “Tunneling to Art” on page 24

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Contents Table of Contents

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill October-November 2010 Volume 1, Issue 2 Publishers Moonstone Studio, LLC Cindy M. Nitschke, partner Pamela K. Marsh, partner Advertising Cindy M. Nitschke, Advertising Director Ashley Taylor, Account Executive Design Pamela K. Marsh, Art Director Photography Ashley Taylor

Vampire Empire.................................................................................6 Connect: Four Cool Sites.................................................................10 Meet the Parents.............................................................................12 Herbivorevolution............................................................................20 Faking It............................................................................................26

DEPARTMENTS

Writers “JD” Jeremy Davis , Christie Hadden, Jade Phillips Lamar Hill, Lindsey Johnson Sammi Mandani, Preethi Sriram Amanda MacLaren, Dana Magliola Qiara McCain, Tina Moss

MUSIC: The Iceman Cometh.......................................................................22 Kissing Up to Novacain..................................................................23

uthemagazine.com

BOOKS: The Obama Diaries............................................................23

PO Box 33531 Raleigh, NC 27536 Phone: 919-815-6019 Find us on: For information: cindy@moonstone-studio.com pam@moonstone-studio.com www.uthemagazine.com FOR One Year SUBSCRIPTIONS Send your check for $10 to the above address along with subscriber’s name and address. U the Magazine is published six times a year by Moonstone Studio, LLC. All editorial contained within is the sole property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Moonstone Studio, LLC. The publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the writers or advertisers.

Features

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

SPORTS: The Season Ahead............................................................16

ARTS: Tunneling to Art....................................................................24 DINING: Dating and Dining–Great Date Restaurants...................28 “U Said”...........................................................................................30

On the Cover: The Free Expression Tunnel on NC State’s campus is essentially a service tunnel that was constructed in 1939. In 1968 the tunnel was painted, and students were given free rein to decorate it. See more on page 24.

Lindsey Johnson is majoring in Spanish language, literature and Spanish education at NC State University.

Tina Moss is majoring in Africana studies at NC State University.

Sammi Mandani is majoring in Secondary English Education at NC State University.

Lamar Hill is an English major at NC State University.

Jeremy Davis is a contributing music writer for U Magazine and plays in 80s rock cover band, Aftershock.

Qiara McCain is majoring in English with a film concentration at NC State University.

Christie Hadden is a world traveling food fanatic and founder of My Restaurant Guru, a Triangle-based Web site: www.MyRestaurantGuru.com.

Dana Magliola is doing Graduate Studies at UNC.

Amanda MacLaren is a student at UNC, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication Reporting.

Jade Phillips is an English major at NC Central University.

Preethi Sriram is majoring in Biology and Nursing at Meredith College with a minor in Spanish.

WRITERS

Writers

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Vampire Empire The in“fang”mous mania that has gripped a generation By Amanda MacLaren

If you’re like me and are fascinated with pop culture (and dedicate hours of your life to mindless television), then you probably love the VH1 series “I Love the (insert decade here)”. “I Love the 90s” is my favorite since those were my childhood years, and I remember most of the fads. But a couple years ago, “I Love the New Millennium” was created and spanned the years 20002007. Yet producers missed one very big event in pop culture completely— the vampire epidemic. Epidemic might sound extreme, but that is what the vampire genre has become: widespread and infectious. The modern vampire trend began in 2005, and it’s become more and more prevalent without showing any signs of slowing down. And while Twilight might be the first thing that pops into your head when it comes to vampires, Stephanie Meyer’s franchise is definitely not the only product in media culture. Vampires are so popular because they’re both sexy and fascinating. I could be flipping through the channels on TV and see the word “vampire” at the beginning of a program. I’ll stop, thinking it might be something interesting, something I would want to watch. I was flipping through a magazine when I passed an ad for a Revlon lip stain called “Just Bitten,” featuring Jessica Biel just moments away from being bitten by a mysterious man on the neck. I know exactly what the marketing team was thinking when it created that advertisement. Pausing when I see the word “vampire” has become a subliminal reaction to me and most likely anyone else who clicked over to that vampire show or bought that lipstick after seeing that ad. Now, I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing to be interested in vampires.People have been intrigued, frightened and even covetous of the idea of vampires

for centuries. Of course, vampires were feared at first. Stories of these creatures originally cropped up in Eastern Europe, but soon these tales were turned into literature such as Dracula, The Vampyre, and Varney the Vampire in the 19th century. Once in print, it was only a matter of time before vampires showed up in movie theaters, reaching audiences and intriguing them with the legend of the vampire, making it more well-known among a wide range of people. Certainly, there are many varying views of the vampire and its being. Some could look at the old tales of the vampire and be afraid of an ungodly, monstrous being who drinks the blood of animals and humans alike. Yet that notion has evolved into a symbol that embodies a much less sinister and more human aspect of desire: sex. It’s no secret that sex is one of the driving forces of popular media, and, in one way or another, it has fueled the vampire craze we know today. An interest in vampires has been growing slowly in modern times through books, TV and movies. But the spark that finally ignited the fire didn’t come until that now infamous title was created—Twilight.

TWILIGHT

Everyone who has read Twilight has their own story about how they were introduced to the series, so I’ll share my own. My friends began asking me to read Twilight when I was about 16 years old. “You have to read this,” my friend Stephanie said. “It’s so addicting, and the vampire, Edward, is perfect. He’s just so sexy!” I blew it off. I love them with all my heart, but my friends can get into some pretty weird things. About a year later I found out there was going to be a movie made based on the series. Well, I didn’t want to be left out when my friends were undoubtedly going to see the film, so I finally read the books. And I was hooked. I read Twilight in about

three days, and it took me that long only because I needed to go to school, eat, etc. While I felt, and still feel, that the author of the Twilight series, Stephanie Meyer, has a very simplistic writing style and is overly descriptive, I appreciated what she did with the Twilight series. She is brilliant in the fact that she is playing into every adolescent girl’s fantasy— to find the perfect boy and have him fall madly in love with her. Here’s a small synopsis: In the book, Edward Cullen, falls in love almost immediately with Bella Swan, the new girl in town. Edward is perfect. He’s gorgeous, polite and completely obsessed with Bella, and he happens to be a vampire. Does Bella care? No, because there is a hunky, flawless, amazing boy in front of her, promising to love her for eternity. And so they live happily ever after, like every other fairy tale (sorry for the spoiler, but you had to see where this was going). Of course, there’s conflict along the way, with Bella in danger from other killer vampires and having to choose between Edward and the equally ripped, kind and obsessive Jacob Black, the werewolf she befriends once Edward leaves her to protect her from himself (oh, he is so selfless!). So Bella has two amazing guys competing for her throughout the series. What teenage girl wouldn’t want that? “I just recall the prose being overdramatic, and I can see how it would appeal to boy-crazy, hormonal teenage girls,” says Megan Barbee, a UNC-Chapel Hill senior. “It’s the typical damsel-indistress type of scenario in comes this mysterious boy with all of the physical attributes that are considered desirable by adolescent girls.” I have heard of girls giving Twilight to their boyfriends to read, telling them they just have to act like Edward to make them happy. If you have seen the movies, I think you know that no one would want continued on next page

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

continued from page 7 such an obsessive boyfriend, popping up every time she wants to do something without talking to him first. So these girls are obviously naïve, but they are also young. I know I was the same way at thirteen. It is disturbing to some just how much influence these books have. “As someone who spends a lot of time working one-on-one with teenage girls, I do become frustrated at times by the whole Twilight mania,” says Barbee, who is a girls’ summer camp counselor. “It upsets me that girls spend so much time fixated on material things and sullen fictional characters when that time could be used to help them develop confidence in themselves. They’re either in middle school or high school, and they need to be able to make friends with the opposite sex instead of ogle over them.” But this is why Twilight has become a successful franchise. There are spin-offs of the books, endorsement deals, dolls, posters and all kinds of other products brandishing the Twilight name. And it has inspired more media outlets to produce

more about vampires. TV shows, like ABC’s The Gates, The CW’s The Vampire Diaries, and probably the most popular vampire show on television, HBO’s True Blood, have played off of this card that Twilight pulled out of the deck of pop culture. But where The Gates and The Vampire Diaries have pretty much paralleled Twilight’s arguably tame sexual implications, True Blood has taken two of the main features that make Twilight popular and escalated them to a point that appeals to an older audience instead of teenagers. These factors are sex, of course, but also violence.

TRUE BLOOD

Personally, I don’t find anything appealing about True Blood. The first scene I watched features one of the characters holding a severed head like it was nothing. That was enough for me. But I understand why the show has gripped audiences the way that it has. For one, the sex scenes are incredibly risqué, and, two, the violence in the show is ridiculously graphic. This aspect

of passionate danger and sex is appealing to an older audience. “It takes every aspect people are interested in about vampires and puts them to the extreme,” says Meredith Kramer, a UNC-CH senior and avid True Blood fan. Kramer also points out that True Blood is different from Twilight in that the series shows vampires as a part of human society. They are out in the open, and people recognize their existence. This makes the show more practical by framing characters in a community that is identifiable with viewers. “It’s more of a complete fantastical universe because it plays within the realms of a realistic universe. There are actual rules that must be respected, whereas in Twilight, there are almost no rules,” Kramer says. While the storyline behind True Blood might be more realistic than that of Twilight, I still don’t think I could get past the scene in a show where a man rubs the intestines of another dead man all over himself before sticking the remains in a jar.

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U the Magazine | October-November 2010

HOW VAMPIRES AFFECT US

There are certainly a few significant ways that these shows have changed some of the people who have developed a significant interest in them. For instance, one of the latest side indulgences that has stemmed from the vampire rage is the creation of fang-shaped veneers offered around the country by a few dentists. A set costs about $200. But it’s better than the actual filing of teeth to resemble fangs, which is what some teenagers were resorting to doing before the veneers were available. “I definitely think it is a bit outrageous, and people will soon regret such decisions,” Kramer says about teens filing down their teeth. Still, the fact remains that the recent infiltration of vampires into mass media outlets has created a huge hype that continues to thrive. I myself fell into the mania for a time, and so have many of my peers. It’s something everyone knows about in one way or another, and something that continues to be discussed, prolonging its continuation in pop

culture. Whether you are an obsessed fan or you despise the craze altogether, the fact that we are all still talking about it makes it a hot topic. But just how much longer can this last? “I think it will fizzle out soon” says Kelly Hughes, a UNC-CH senior “when people realize that once you get past the semi-attractive main characters. There’s no substance at all to these stories. They are repetitive, obsessive, melodramatic and not at all on par with the other books of our generation, like Harry Potter.” “Fiction like Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter are well-written and create genuine fantasy worlds,” agrees Evan Menchini, a Virginia Tech senior. “It’s important for kids to read stories like that instead of stories like Twilight because they inspire a good kind of creativity in children.” The vampire fad has lasted about six years now, so will it die out soon? Run out of blood, perhaps? “I wouldn’t be surprised if the craze lasts for a couple more years and then dies back down,” Kramer says. “How-

ever, vampires are always going to be a subject of interest for people because they are fantasy.” It remains to be seen whether or not the vampire mania will have enough stamina to continue past Breaking Dawn, the last film in the Twilight series and probably the only event significant enough to push vampires back out of pop culture. But with movies like Vampires Suck, parody of the Twilight series, it seems like there is at least a pretty significant opposition to the vampire culture that has formed from the genre. Still, as I explained before, no press is bad press, so we could continue seeing more bloodsuckers on our TV shows, in the movie theaters and in popular media in general. But I wouldn’t go filing my canines into fangs just yet. ________________________________ Amanda MacLaren is a student at UNC, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication Reporting.

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Connect: Four Cool Sites By Sammi Mandani

The Internet is special. Admit it, without it there would be a void in your life that nothing else can fill. It’s ok, you know, I understand. It’s everywhere and at everyone’s fingertips. It’s just how life works these days. The Internet is integral to our livelihood. As an English major, I can say with certainty that my Google Chrome browser was open more than MS Word Document for all the papers I’ve had to write. I’ve grown up with the Internet around me. It’s like one of my oldest, most reliable friends. Call me a geek for it, but it’s true. I’ve had my mother yell at me countless times (in two languages, no less) for always wasting my life away online and running her electricity bill up the roof. But I know that I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today without the influence of the Internet. It’s one of those great inventions of our generation. So I salute you, Al Gore, for inventing the Internet (or whoever actually did it). With the Internet comes the really famous websites like Facebook, Myspace and YouTube. These websites have become such pop culture staples that we wonder how we didn’t think of them sooner. Aside from wasting countless hours of your life, they do their job well: connect people. It’s an amazing feat that seemed unfathomable not too long ago. Now, it’s the norm. If your website isn’t interactive and connective, then it needs a lot of tuning up. The newer trend with the more popular websites online is usergenerated content. The more participation it requires, the more traffic it gets. It gives everyone their time of fame or 10

infamy, even if it’s for just five seconds instead of fifteen minutes. A lot of people have a Facebook account. And a Twitter account. And a YouTube account. Even a Myspace page. You’d be in the minority if you didn’t have at least one. It’s what helps connect everyone more and more. What you don’t update on your Facebook status ends up on your Twitter, unless you’ve connected the two of them already and your Facebook status is your tweet. They’re all so inter-connected, that everyone you know is getting updates on your life.

“

Aside from wasting countless hours of your life, they do their job well: connect people. It’s an amazing feat that seemed unfathomable not too long ago.

”

But there are still hundreds, even thousands, of websites that have yet to gain even a fraction of popularity that Facebook or YouTube has acquired. I’ll share with you four of my favorite websites that have become part of my regular schedule. If you’ve heard of them, then that’s awesome. If not, fair warning that you still have to work on your self-control about not using up all your time on it. Any decrease in your productivity is NOT my fault. Up first is Tumblr.com. Tumblr is a blogging website that was developed in

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

2007 from New York City. You can blog just about anything and everything from photos and quotes to videos and links. It’s easily customizable to make it more personal, making it look more sophisticated than Myspace layouts ever could. Users can follow each other, much like on Twitter, and can Like or Reblog posts by other users. You can even link it to your Twitter or Facebook. It may sound like another blogging website, similar to Blogger or Livejournal, but it has the clean lines and simplicity that I’ve always wanted in websites and the ease of use that can help even the most computerilliterate people feel tech-savvy. This is a great social networking tool that gives more room to show off your hobbies or interests. A more useful website, especially for college students, is Dropbox.com. It’s a file hosting service that gives users the opportunity to store and share their files. It was developed in 2007 but wasn’t publicly launched until 2008. It’s free, but there’s a paid upgrade that gives you more storage space and extra features. I mainly use Dropbox to open my files from one computer to another one. Instead of just emailing myself with the files I need, I store a copy in my Dropbox just in case something happens. This is great for when you’re trying to be somewhere and your personal computer isn’t accessible. All you need is the good ol’ World Wide Web. There are great music websites like Pandora that help you connect to music similar to the artists and songs you already enjoy. Last.fm is also one of them. It was developed sometime “back in the

Want a little magic in your party? 20th century” (their words, not mine) somewhere in East London. It’s a bigger company now, though, even joining forces with CBS. Anyway, the thing that I really like about Last.fm is that it syncs with the music you have on your iTunes so when you play your Last.fm radio, it plays your music as well as similar artists and songs. It also helps connect you to other users that have similar music interests. You can sync your iTunes to your Last.fm account so that it can develop your music profile including your most played Artists and Songs. You can also make playlists of the songs you like and embed it, much like you would a YouTube video, just about anywhere you want to. It gives the comfort of listening to the music you have and enjoy with the ability to explore new music. For everything else, there’s StumbleUpon.com. StumbleUpon is a website designed to discover and share websites you may otherwise never have known unless you “stumbled upon” it. It’s probably the greatest find that one of my friends have ever shared with me. It was founded in late 2001 and it has gained popularity over the years, but a lot of people still have yet to learn about it. It has helped me get through many all-nighters when I’m stumped on a page and need a reprieve or inspiration. StumbleUpon relies heavily on recommendations of websites sent in by the users themselves. It installs the Stumble toolbar on your web browser. Then you click on the Stumble button and if you like the website, you either give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. They have an array of interests that

you can check so that the websites you stumble on are varied and diverse. You can also specify and limit the kinds of things you stumble on from online games to just crafts. It’s pretty addicting in the beginning because of the curiosity of knowing what other crazy thing the Internet can deliver. The Internet makes the world a smaller place with people becoming friends and following each other from all over the world. It also connects people from Russia to Jamaica to North Carolina. It’s the newer, faster version of being pen-pals (with better handwriting) and it has given people a voice they would otherwise never have. It’s all pretty amazing, actually. The four websites I use have helped me connect to people all over the country and the world. I share music tastes with people in Scotland and am following someone from India on Tumblr. There are so many more cool websites that give the users the chance to share their find from the Internet. Then it spreads like wildfire when someone posts it on YouTube or on someone’s wall on Facebook. It’s what makes this whole thing pretty awesome – when everybody gets to contribute. It adds to the whole “making you feel like somebody” thing. There’s no wonder I have my browser open all the time.

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________________________________ Sammi Mandani is majoring in Secondary English Education at NC State University.

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Meet the Parents

A Practical Survival Guide By Jade Phillips

For hundreds of years, the custom of meeting a partner’s parents has been a joyful step in any relationship. And although it may be exciting in regards to the progression of your relationship, it can be frightening as well. Sometimes simply saying “Just be yourself” just doesn’t cut it. While I’m all for self-confidence and high self-esteem, learning the ins and outs of making a good impression will only help you in the long run. I’m personally well past this noteworthy moment in my relationship, but it frightened me at the time nonetheless. It has long been said that meeting the parents is a crucial element to any relationship and truly signifies a monumental step toward future happiness with your significant other. And while I say that first impressions are crucial, I encourage you ladies and gentlemen to take a deep breath and remember that parents are just like any other people,

and are probably just as anxious about meeting you as you are them. With a few of my careful steps, you will leave this meeting unharmed, and your relationship will only flourish from this point. I encourage the people who are reading this to not take advantage of the “Just be yourself” motto yet. While it’s a great way of thinking, I must say that your appearance can make or break any initial good vibes. I’m not suggesting that women come dressed in nun’s attire or men try and resemble bishops and preachers, but just because your boyfriend likes when you wear short skirts and low-cut tops, doesn’t mean his parents will jump all over it. And guys, just because your girlfriend can’t get enough of that ratty old concert T-shirt that you still insist on wearing, doesn’t mean that her parents will appreciate it as much. I think for two hours you can hold off on wearing

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

something that would draw attention away from how great of a singer you are or how intelligent you are. It would be an understatement to say that what you wear says a lot about who you are. Dressing classically will only let your innate personality shine through, not mute it. I can easily remember the nervousness I experienced as I imagined what meeting my boyfriend’s mother would be like. I’d run through several scenarios and each one of them ended disastrously in my rather self-conscious imagination. I truly believed that his mother wouldn’t like me for the way I dressed, or the way I talked, or where I came from. I thought it would be far more difficult to make a good impression on her because she and my boyfriend have such a tight knit connection. I almost felt guilty for coming in between that. What I failed to realize, however, was that my boyfriend had al-

ready given his mother a mouthful about me, including the things that made me special to him, so that when the day actually came, his mother already knew a great deal about me: my hometown, the number of siblings I have, my major, my parents’ occupation, my career aspirations, my temperament. It’s important to remember that your significant other loves you, so there’s a very good chance that his parents will too. So, as the cliché goes, just be yourself; if you relax and let your natural air shine through, then the rest shall come just as easily. I remember sitting in front of my boyfriend’s mother and wishing to seek her approval. What I didn’t understand at the time was that he wasn’t necessarily seeking his mother’s approval of me; he was attempting to see how well we would get along. Understanding the difference will only help ease the initial awkwardness and encourage you to be more of yourself. There’s a common mistake upon the men I’ve befriended in the past

when it came to meeting their girlfriend’s parents. Many of them have said that they completely alter their speech and attitude during this initial meeting without even thinking about it until their girlfriend pointed it out afterwards.

“

Your boyfriend or girlfriend already loves and appreciates you for who you are, so why shouldn’t their parents follow suit?

”

Most recently, one of my girlfriends introduced their potential mate to her parents and she noted that he acted uncharacteristically the entire time, giving only one word answers and mumbling, through longer sentences. Men, it’s important to understand that parents are far more protective of their

daughters so expect something that may resemble a firm interrogation, especially when they discern that something may not be right. Though it may be difficult, it’s proper to anticipate these questions and answer them with a certain level of humility. No parent will feel at ease with a guy who seems way too into himself and not into their daughter. While they appreciate an air of confidence to reassure them of your purpose, it’s key to understand that they don’t want you to brag. They just want to know how you’d be good enough for their precious little girl. Just take a deep breath and answer them with a smile on your face. There’s no need to feel emasculated by them. Just endure it and know that at the end, you’ll make a better impression. With that said, men, it’s important to treat your lady well during this initial meeting. There’s a ninety-nine percent chance that her parents will be watching your every move, taking note of nonverbal cues of how you relate to her. Old continued on next page

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Log In. Dine Out. My Restaurant Guru is a website that connects you to local restaurants in your quest for great food and great values. View the largest database of menus, reviews and individual dish ratings of every restaurant in the triangle. Earn karma points when you use the site to receive free food, cool swag and invitations to private events.

fashioned chivalry will take you far: push in her chair, stand up when she leaves the table, open doors for her, pour her drink. It might be a good idea to practice these symbols of courteousness before the meeting so that your girlfriend doesn’t look at you like you’re a brand new person. Please, keep your public displays of affection light. Grabbing at her backside in front of her parents will not be well-received, and probably isn’t the best way to make a good impression. Another critical point in meeting his parents is to do a little research beforehand. Although you may know a lot of important facts about your partner, it’s vital to learn as much about your partner’s family as possible. For example, knowing that your partner comes from a conservative, Catholic family of Republicans will not only aid in understanding their point of view in some situations, but will help you keep the conversation light and easy if you don’t agree with their beliefs. I cannot impress enough that bringing up the fact that you disliked the Bush administration for a number of reasons, are pro-choice, and

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U the Magazine | October-November 2010

aren’t very religious may not fare well for you in the long run. Introducing controversial issues in an initial meeting can be detrimental. Also, it may be imperative to learn more about your partner’s familial background in regards to culture and racial identity. Don’t feel intimidated just because you come from a traditional American background, and his/her family are all first-generation Italians. Take the time to learn as much as you can about his/her family and what they believe in; whether it is the Tarantella or holiday customs or what they value as Roman Catholics. Ask yourself: does he or she come from a traditional nuclear family structure like mine, or do they belong to a large joint family? Learning this will not only help you when the initial meeting arrives, but will help you judge how he or she values family if ever you decide to start your own one day. It also might be helpful to study up on photos of his or her family members and names. The fact that your partner is introducing you to his/her parents is a good sign that he/she values his/her family’s opinion, and he/ she have a sound relationship with them. My boyfriend had a number of aunts that cared for him as a child, and I must admit the names and the personalities of each still trip me up from time to time. Just keep in mind that if his/her family members are taking the time to remember your name and what you’re about it’s important to do the same for them. It’ll only save you later embarrassment, I assure you. And it may even impress your boyfriend or girlfriend. And speaking of controversial issues, I think that it’s important to note that while your boyfriend or girlfriend may feel comfortable enough discussing his or her concerns about

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his/her relationship to their parents and their lifestyle, it’s not okay for you to do it. If your boyfriend or girlfriend expresses constant concern over his/ her parents’ financial woes, it is not okay for you to criticize his father for buying a new car, or her mother for splurging on an expensive watch. At the end of the day, they are still your partner’s parents whom he/she loves dearly, and obviously reserve the right to express concern over the two people they care about most. Your boyfriend or girlfriend wouldn’t want someone to do the same about you, would they? My final word of advice would be to breathe. It should be much less stressful than taking a life-changing test or having heart surgery. You should look at this as only the beginning of great things to come. Your boyfriend or girlfriend already loves and appreciates you for who you are, so why shouldn’t their parents follow suit? Relish in the wonderful fact that your partner wants you to be a part of his life on a more permanent basis; and you’ll be just fine. ________________________________ Jade Phillips is an English major at NC Central University.

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U the Magazine | October-November 2010

By Dana Magliola

Photo courtesy of Peyton Williams

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Seifert

SPORTS: The Season Ahead

Returning Wolfpack quarterback and two-sport star Russell Wilson will enjoy his last year on the gridiron, after being selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.

Blue Devil quarterback Sean Renfree, quick on his feet, carries the hopes of Duke fans through a challenging 2010 season.

Leaving the oppressive heat of the summer behind, the South takes a turn towards a more hospitable climate. From the fanfare of returning to school, to the gatherings of families at Thanksgiving, this season is truly about coming together as a community. For some, there can be no greater sense of community than joining thousands of your closest friends, dressing up in the battle colors of your alma mater, spending a Saturday in the autumn shadows of the gridiron pitch, screaming your lungs out in support of your favorite college football team. In honor of this most glorious of seasons, we offer you our fall football preview for the four major Triangle universities.

Duke University Mascot: Blue Devils

SPO

Often pegged by pundits and “experts” to finish near or at the bottom of the barrel in the Atlantic Coast Conference, expectations for the gridiron Blue Devils are rarely lofty. With a landmark five wins in 2009, including victories over ACC rivals Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina State, Duke is, however, beginning to stand up for itself. Will 2010 signal a turning point for this program as it hopes to regain the glories of its past?

Speaking of the past, here’s a quick “Did you know?” about Duke football. Did you know that the 1942 Rose Bowl was held in Durham? Yes, the City of Medicine hosted this illustrious affair in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Yet, sadly, Duke was defeated by Oregon State, ending the season ranked a lowly 2nd in the Associated Press Poll. This was during a time when the college football landscape was dominated by the likes of Army, Michigan, Navy, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and…Duke.

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

The history lesson does not stop there, nor is it simply a rambling tangent. As this year’s Duke University football team welcomes the 2009 National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide to Durham’s Wallace Wade Stadium, we are reminded of the shared legacy between the two teams. Wade himself coached both Alabama and Duke, securing three national championships for the Tide and six Southern Conference titles for the Blue Devils. Since this point, the two programs have moved in different directions. In this

Photo Courtesy of NCCU Athletics

Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletic Communications

Tar Heel quarterback T.J. Yates returns to Chapel Hill for another season, hoping to keep his team high in the Top-25 rankings during 2010. early season match-up, die-hard Duke Football fans will hope to summon the ghosts of yore in this modern day David and Goliath tale. Romance and history aside, this season will prove to be challenging for the Blue Devils. With conference games versus ACC heavies Virginia Tech, Miami and Georgia Tech, as well as contests against Army and Navy, Duke will be hopeful to repeat the five wins of 2009. To do this, as well as to secure any hope of improving on last season, Duke will have to address several challenges. First and foremost, the loss of star quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, as well as several key defensive players will force Coach David Cutcliffe and his crew to think creatively. In the pocket, the Blue Devils will place much of their expectations on untested redshirt sophomore quarterback Sean Renfree who is currently completing rehabilitation from an ACL injury. Though he has earned the confi-

North Carolina Central veteran quarterback Michael Johnson has proven that he can air it out downfield. All signs point to 2010 as another banner year for the Eagles quarterback.

dence of his coaches, this remains a big “if” for Duke. One bright spot for the Blue Devils is the return of much of the starting offensive line from 2009. With veterans up front, Duke might be able to improve on its dismal ground game, ranked last in the nation in 2009. If the running game isn’t the ticket for the Blue Devils, Renfree and crew can take heart in the depth and quality of the receiving corps. With its top five receivers returning, including Donovan Varner, the football Blue Devils might learn the joys of a deep shot, something that the basketball Blue Devils have enjoyed for years.

are the newest members of the MidEastern Athletic Conference, an organization of which NCCU was a founding member. The MEAC, consisting of thirteen historically black colleges and universities across the Atlantic coast, welcomes the return of the Eagles. Yet, just like any reunion, there will be relationships which are rekindled and rivalries that are reignited. For Coach Mose Rison’s Maroon and Gray, the 2010 season offers both opportunities and challenges. When the MEAC chose to move to Division I in 1979, North Carolina Central chose to remain Division II and joined the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Eagles then went on to establish themselves as a force in their new conference, garnering CIAA championships as recently as 2005 and 2006. With a return to the MEAC, the Eagles will look to revive their winning traditions as full-fledged competitors at the Division I level.

ORTS North Carolina Central University Mascot: Eagles

For the North Carolina Central University Eagles, the 2010 season will truly be a return to their roots. Entering their fourth year in Division I competition, the Eagles

continued on next page

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletic Communications

On the field, North Carolina Central welcomes back nine starters on offense. Most significant of these is veteran quarterback Michael Johnson who averages over 175 yards a game in the air and has led his team to over 300 yards of total offense per game. With the return of wide-outs Geovonie Irvine and Earthan Ward, the Eagles have the raw materials to build upon last year’s successful passing game during the 2010 season. Although the offense provides Eagle fans with a lot to talk about, North Carolina Central is known for its aggressive defense. With a veteran defensive line anchored by senior Teryl White and a dynamic linebacking corps led by Calvin Hillie and Donald Laster, pressure on opposing quarterbacks and general mayhem in opposing backfields will remain a trademark of the Maroon and Gray. The Eagles will also be taking their show on the road to some challenging and noteworthy places during the 2010 season. With their fourth game in an NFL stadium, North Carolina Central will square off against rival Georgia State at the Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons. Their road schedule also finds them trekking up the mountain to play perennial powerhouse Appalachian State in Boone. With a tough schedule in 2010 and talent on the field to compete, the

UNC linebacker Quan Sturdivant celebrates a tackle during the 2009 season. 18

continued Photo courtesy of Peyton Williams

SPORTS: The Season Ahead

North Carolina Central Eagles are stirring up a lot of excitement in Durham.

North Carolina State University Mascot: Wolfpack

For the 2010 North Carolina State University Wolfpack football team, there’s good news and there’s bad news. Since every new season offers a clean slate, full of possibility, we’ll start with the good news. Coach Tom O’Brien and his team welcome back several key offensive starters from the 2009 season including starting quarterback Russell Wilson. Named the 2008 All-ACC first team Quarterback, Wilson hardly suffered a sophomore slump during the 2009 season, passing for over 3,000 yards and scoring 31 touchdowns. His continued success at the helm of the offense is the most significant factor for the Pack to be successful in their 2010 campaign. The good news continues for Wolfpack fans with the return of two veteran receivers, Owen Spencer and Jarvis Williams. Talented and explosive, these two Pack wide-outs will keep opposing defenses on their toes and should continue to be favorite targets for Wilson. Offensive depth and experience are two factors that should keep Packbackers feeling positive about 2010. Yet, just as every rose has its thorn, it’s time for the bad news. The Pack will be facing opponents with an inexperienced offensive line and a weak backfield. With a no-name front five, and no threat of a running game, Wilson will surely face formidable defensive pressure in the pocket. Though he is known for his efficiency, opposing defenses will have a better chance to foil the Pack’s offensive efforts in 2010. Speaking of the devil, defense will probably not be a good-news story for the Pack this year. Fielding a new set of starters on the defensive line, NC State must improve upon the over-30 points-per-game scored by opponents during 2009 if they are to be successful. Anchoring the defensive effort, the Pack welcomes linebacker and impact-player Nate Irving back after missing 2009 due to a car accident. His leadership will surely boost the quality of NC State’s defensive

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Seen catching a pass against their rival UNC Tar Heels, NC State wide-receiver Owen Spencer’s return to the lineup offers Wolfpack fans another reason to celebrate in 2010. efforts, but Irving will be under significant pressure to deliver immediately and inspire his compatriots with William Wallace-esque passion to shore up their defensive shortcomings. Pack-backers might also cringe at the sight of a challenging – even intimidating – conference schedule this season, which includes games against Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State and rival UNC. Non-conference opponents of note include Cincinnati and East Carolina, both of whom have proven that they can score and score often.

University of North Carolina Mascot: Tarheels

When Tarheel fans look at the USA Today Pre-season Top 25 polls, they surely feel proud to see the University of North Carolina counted amongst the nation’s elite and some of the most prestigious and successful programs in college football. There is no doubt that pre-season polls are exciting, and serve as great commentary on the potential of a program to achieve success in the coming season. However, potential is the operative term in this statement. We’ll see how things may go right for the Heels, or how their break-out season may take a turn for the worse. First, let’s be optimists and talk about what’s going right for the Heels on the field. Considered to be a contender for the ACC championship, Carolina is blessed with

Photo Courtesy of NCCU Athletics

Eagles linebacker Calvin Hillie offers an intimidating welcome to opposing offenses, leaving quarterbacks and running backs seeing Maroon and Gray.

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returning starters and quality impact-players on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the return of tackle Marvin Austin, linebackers Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter, safety Deunta Williams, cornerback Kendric Burney, and several others will ensure that the 2010 Tarheel defense remains one of the nations stingiest. Ranked as the 6th best defense nationally and dominating the rest of the ACC on defense, any college coach would be happy to maintain the status quo. With young players like sophomore linebacker Kevin Reddick making contributions, this defense has the potential to get even better. Potential. Offensively, the Tarheels will enjoy the benefit of having ten returning starters. At the helm, Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates should benefit from the protection of a veteran offensive line, while running backs Ryan Houston and Shaun Draughn should be able to build on their success last season behind this wall of experienced front line heavies. The 2009 Tarheels out-rushed, outpassed and out-scored opponents. This year’s version must continue to take advantage of quality defense to make every possession count. The talent is there. The Tarheels simply need to follow through on this potential. Yep, there it is again: potential. There are several factors that may derail the Tarheels’ efforts in completing their dream season. The first is their schedule. With an opening game against Southeastern Conference powerhouse LSU and a challenging ACC schedule including games against Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami and Florida State, the Heels could just as easily be facing a six loss season. Hardly the potential they were hoping for. Another issue facing the program hinges on the result and repercussions of an on-going investigation by the NCAA into rule violations by two key players, Greg Little and Marvin Austin. As fast as you can tweet “bienvenido a Miami,” the Tarheels’ season could take a turn for the worse if these veteran players face suspensions. So, there you have it; 2010 could potentially (yeah, yeah, I know) prove to be a banner year for the Heels…or not. _____________________________________________ Dana Magliola is doing Graduate Studies at UNC.

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See coupon on page 31 U the Magazine | October-November 2010

I remember quite vividly the day my mind was forever changed regarding the infamous Big Mac. I grew up on a family farm in the mountains of North Carolina with a father who meddled in various forms of farming, ranching, and “cowboying” over the years. When I was about ten years old, his obsession-of-the-year happened to be cattle-raising. While our livestock was not exactly plentiful (I think there were seven altogether), they did become a part of our lives, especially of mine. With my older cousin, I would bottle feed the baby calves that had been turned away by their mothers. Every day we would wake up before sunrise to battle the bitter winter wind and pitch black skies. There were three calves then: Lucky, Buck, and Snowbell. They were more like family than the family dog. They were my friends. So imagine my surprise when one afternoon my father comes in and announces that the beef market is higher than it has been in years, and we were going to sell all of the cows and try something new. My pre-teen heart was shattered, and my naïve brain confused. What did the beef market have to do with our cows? “Well, what do you think your hamburger is made out of?” I stared down at my McDonald’s single in horror. There’s an animal in there? And that was it for me. Of course, it was years later before I swore off meat altogether, and while I can’t really pinpoint what exactly made me go 100% herbivore, the decision does not come so lightly for many others. It seemed important to figure out this rising trend in vegetarianism and veganism that has 20

swept not only the nation, but other parts of the world as well.

Lacto-ovo-pesca-flexi-tarian? Did you know that saying “I am a vegetarian” is not as simple as it seems? As it turns out, there are as many different types of vegetarians out there as there are types of animals to eat (well maybe not quite that many, but you get the picture). Besides just vegetarian (also known as lacto-ovo vegetarian), which simply means a person that does not eat meat but will eat dairy and eggs, there are: Lacto-vegetarian: A person that does not eat meat or eggs, but will eat dairy products. Ovo-vegetarian: A person that does not eat meat or dairy products, but will eat eggs. Pescatarian: A person that does not eat meat with the exception of fish and crustaceans. Flexitarian: Also known as semivegetarian; a person that eats mostly a vegetarian diet, but cheats occasionally by eating meat. Vegan: A person that does not eat meat, eggs, dairy, or any other animal product. Vegans commonly also refrain from use of any animal product (leather, silk, etc.). Raw Vegan: A vegan that does not eat any processed foods or foods heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit believing that cooked and processed foods have lost nutritional value during preparation. Crazy, huh? There are many categories involved in the meat-free lifestyle, and the reasoning behind choosing one over another is just as varied. Source: (http://vegetarian.about. com/od/vegetarianvegan101/tp/TypesofVeg.htm)

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

PETA or LDLs?

Though there are probably some vegetarians out there in the world whose choices to cut meat from their diet were as strange and unique as my own, it seems to me that the top two reasons for vegetarianism/veganism are preserving animal rights and enhancing individual health. It is no secret that the rise in obesity in the United States has turned many heads. I never knew what cholesterol was when I was younger, but now it seems that children in elementary school have to keep a check on their HDL and LDL (good and bad cholesterol) levels. Because the “bad” cholesterol is related to high sodium and high saturated fat, red meats seem to be one of the “bad guys” in the struggle. Dairy products, such as whole fat cheese and milk, also contain high levels of saturated fat which can lead to a spike in cholesterol levels. I have known many dieters that have attempted to go vegetarian just to cut fat intake. And because of increased research regarding the negative effects of high fructose corn syrup (sorry Corn Growers Association of America, but none of us are fooled), it is no surprise that the rise in vegetarianism seems to parallel a rise in popularity of the all-natural and organic movement in recent years. The words “healthy” and “all-natural” seem to go hand-in-hand with vegetarianism as people have a tendency to correlate healthy eating habits with big leafy greens, fruits, and nuts and seeds. On the other side, we have those that stand on principle. Animal-rights activists have been around as long as the word “activist” has carried its current meaning. It is one of the long-debated

By Lindsey Johnson

conundrums in modern philosophy, whether an animal should or should not be given rights. And those that are on the “yes” side of the argument would obviously agree that killing and eating Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web would be in violation of his rights. This group of people would be more likely to steer toward the vegan subset, refusing to use products that are tested on animals and throwing red paint on a white fur coat in New York City during Fashion Week (anyone figure out the reference?). But, of course, this is just a stereotype. Some vegans might be just like me, doing it just to see what it is like.

So where’s the proof?

If you ever want to know what is or isn’t a trend in modern society, just check the local market economy. When there is a demand by consumers, producers will supply. And the increase in vegetarian and (in some cases) vegan menu options in popular restaurants all across the United States proves the trend toward a society that prefers leaf to beef. Meat substitutes are no longer just for Whole Foods and Earthfare (though you will likely find a much larger selection in these stores, if you are willing to pay the increased price). Lowe’s Foods, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion all carry Morningstar Farms, and most also carry Boca and Quorn brands. These can be found in the frozen section of the store, usually near the breakfast waffles, and range from soy-based ground beef to chicken patties made from a fungus (and they are delicious!). Chili’s has long been known for its vegetarian black bean burger, and will often have at least one vegetarian soup option each season. Sweet Tomatoes (a soup, salad, and pasta bar), offers a list of ingredients with each item they serve,

specifying whether or not the dishes are vegetarian or vegan friendly. You can find vegan minestrone or a vegetarian Irish potato leek soup on the menu most months of the year, and there are always seasonal options available as well. Locally, there are also some gems that can’t be found just anywhere on the planet. For instance, at Five Points in Raleigh, Lilly’s Pizza has something to offer everyone. Besides all-natural and organic ingredients (such as a delicious homemade organic tomato sauce), the menu features both vegan and vegetarian options, including a tofu-filled vegan Stromboli and a vegetarian veggie bake. You can even get most menu items 100% gluten free! And don’t worry meateaters. The restaurant also has a wide variety of dishes with all-natural chicken and beef, and even a few with homemade meatballs! If you are looking for something completely vegetarian, try The Butternut Squash just off of Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. This menu offers nothing but vegetarian and vegan dishes, and their mock-meat of choice is a spicy and delicious Seiten (a wheat-based protein product that is pronounced say-tahn) which has the consistency of the realdeal and might even fool the most loyal of carnivores. Whatever you order, make sure to get a side of freshly cut sweet potato fries. And for dessert, try the vegan vanilla ice cream or the vegan chocolate cake. Think they couldn’t possibly be rich and scrumptious? Think again! I didn’t know she was a vegetarian… So let’s say, for arguments sake, that you just invited your new date over for a home cooked meal but, uh oh! she (or he) is a vegetarian. What do you do? Well, don’t panic. To wrap up this investiga-

tion into the world without meat, I have included one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. Enjoy! Homemade Black Bean Burgers Ingredients: 1 can Black Beans 1 egg ½ chopped onion ½ teaspoon garlic powder Salt and Pepper, to taste ½ cup bread crumbs Directions: Grease a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400. Drain half the water from the can of black beans, and pour the rest into a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher (or spoon, if you don’t have a potato masher), mash the beans until you have a fairly smooth batter. Add the egg, and mix until blended (do NOT use an electric mixer! The mixture will become too runny!) Add the onion, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. While stirring, slowly pour in the bread crumbs. The mixture should be pretty thick and resemble the consistency of bread dough. If it is not thick enough, more bread crumbs can be added once blended. Take ¼ of the mixture and pat into a round patty ¼” to ½” thick. Repeat with remaining dough. Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to one hour or until crispy. Note: If you just aren’t a chef, you can purchase frozen, ready-made black bean or veggie burgers and simply follow the instructions on the box to heat! I would suggest Morningstar Farms: Spicy Black Bean Burger! ________________________________ Lindsey Johnson is majoring in Spanish language, literature and Spanish education at NC State University.

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

MUSIC: The Iceman Cometh By Qiara McCain

DJ Bobby Drake, aka Daniel Gluckin

Referred to as the “Coldest DJ Ever”, DJ Bobby Drake, aka Daniel Gluckin, is far from heartless. The 23-year-old NC State Alum (Class of ‘08) prefers rocking the crowd with his DJ skills, instead of putting that handy psychology degree to use. He candidly exclaimed, “I don’t want to be 40 years old and saying I wish I would have tried this.” As he recounts his first DJ experience, he remembers not being nervous at all because he was well prepared. He packed the club with all of his friends and with the help of the host for the night, his good friend Skip, aka Naturale, DJ Bobby Drake made his great debut. Given the nature of his profession, DJ Bobby Drake enjoys all kinds of music. However, 90’s R&B holds a special place in his heart because, “Before people used to know how to dance by doing their own moves. Now they [the crowd] have to be told how to dance from the lyrics within the song, and that takes away the creativity from the people.” As a professional club DJ for the past three years, he has a good ear for music and talent. He prefers not to get into the mixtape aspect of the DJ industry, but if you are an aspiring artist who is hardworking and persistent, he just might reconsider and work with you. For instance, M-Bass, an R&B singer/ songwriter out of Raleigh, caught the ear of DJ Bobby Drake and business partner, Melvin Francis, of Minor Crisis Lifestyle & Entertainment Group. The year 2010 has been rather exciting for DJ Bobby Drake considering his win at the Carolina Music Awards (CMAs) for DJ of the Year. When asked about reaching his potential, he modestly answered, “As Biggie would say, the sky is the limit! Potential doesn’t have a stopping point. I’m always going to continue to strive for the next best thing.” At the rate that the “Coldest DJ Ever” is going, playing at a P. Diddy party might not be such a stretch after all! For more information on DJ Bobby Drake, check out his website www.bobbydrake.com. ___________________________________________ Qiara McCain is majoring in English with a film concentration at NC State University.

Photo Courtesy of Bobby Drake

MUSI 22

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

BOOKS

MUSIC: Kissing Up to Novocain

BOOK REVIEW: The Obama Diaries

By Jeremy Davis

By Lamar Hill

That’s the first line of a song called, “Only the Good Die Young” by Greenville, NC-based band Parmalee. I caught a recent gig at Deep South the Bar in Raleigh, NC. Deep South is a small rock & roll bar with room for about 120. This was definitely a case where size did not matter. Parmalee put on a show that would have killed at venues five times the size. This more intimate setting, however, gave the band the opportunity to showcase their music without the stage production getting in the way. And there was plenty to show off. “Since the inception of Deep South Records in 1995, I’ve realized there’s one thing you can’t fake and that’s great songs,” says Deep South Entertainment co-owner/co-founder, Dave Rose. “You can give a band all the right clothes, the right haircuts, the right marketing materials, but at the end of the day, people want to hear great songs. Parmalee connects with the masses for just that reason - they have songs that are undeniably well-written.” Most notable to me about this band are their intelligent, genuine lyrics coupled with really, REALLY solid vocals. In addition to lead singer Matt Thomas’ undeniable vocal talent, bassist Barry Knox and guitarist Josh McSwain combine to belt out sick three-part harmonies, the quality of which is not often heard in live settings. Put that together with rock-solid drumming by Scott Thomas, and Parmalee does not disappoint. The songs on Parmalee’s latest EP entitled “Complicated” range between hard-hitting, “Gasoline” to power ballad, “Wash” and everything in between. In just six songs, Parmalee covers a lot of ground musically while still maintaining a consistent, rock band identity. “Complicated” and previous Parmalee albums and EPs are available on iTunes, and you can find their official web presence on MySpace at www.myspace.com/parmalee. ______________________________________ Jeremy Davis is a contributing music writer for U Magazine and plays in 80s rock cover band Aftershock (www.aftershocknc.com)

Approve of President Obama? Disapprove? Well, talk show host Laura Ingraham just plain hates him. She makes that perfectly clear in her new novel, The Obama Diaries, the political satire of the Obama administration, the Obama “brand” in her words. The book features a motley collection of clearly impersonated diaries that were dropped into Ingraham’s lap by a mysterious man in a parking garage. In between each diary in heavy, heavy doses is Ingraham’s own commentary. Her sophisticated critique succinctly amounts to “Obama sucks”. This is the message early on, as each diary is used to nitpick everything from the President’s family tree to his physical fitness to his health care reform bill. Ingraham uses the entire administration as a testimony to the President’s wickedness. There are diaries from almost every member, and they are all listed in the beginning of the book with their own diverting character nicknames. Michelle Robinson Obama, among other things, is “Food Czarina”, “Fashion Plate”, and “Ego Magnus”. These nicknames stem from her apparent desire to declare herself the national expert source on…..everything. Her partner in crime is Desiree Glapion, White House Social Secretary, also known as the “Razzle-Dazzler-in-Chief”. In Ingraham’s opinion, razzle-dazzling the nation is the only reason President Obama was elected, and the only thing distracting the masses from his extreme, country-distorting policies. Her words, not mine. Republican agenda aside, the book is worth reading. You will rapidly tire of Ingraham’s anti-Democrat speeches (unless you agree with her), but the diaries are very entertaining in themselves, and occasionally, Ingraham does have something insightful to say about the state of our country. She may even stimulate your patriotic side! The book is fairly inexpensive at Border’s, so I would add it to the collection. Maybe. _________________________________________________ Lamar Hill is an English major at NC State University.

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Arts: Tunneling to Art By Tina Moss Photos by Ashley Taylor

ARTS Of all the traditions practiced by students at NC State, the Free Expression Tunnel on campus, has to be the most interesting. Ask any member of the pack about it and more than likely they will tell you itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the most intriguing places on campus. Essentially itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a service tunnel that was constructed in 1939; in 1968 it was painted, and students were given free rein to decorate it. Today it is mainly used for artistic purposes, self-expression and announcing events and campus activities. But over the years the Free Expression Tunnel has been used as a venue for protest and to bring

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

awareness to political issues such as the Vietnam War, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, and even the controversial election of our current president. My junior year I used it to announce an informational event I was having concerning the genocide in Darfur. Its uses are endless. Walking through the tunnel and experiencing it for what it is can leave you in awe. To know that there are four decades of artistic expression layered into those walls is quite overwhelming. The tunnel is home to the most amazing graffiti (which is a legitimate form of art, though some may disagree), the innermost thoughts of its patrons, and taggers

from around the city. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constantly changing, and that is what makes it so spectacular. It becomes an entirely new work with each addition and alteration. It is transformative art and the freest form of artistic expression on the NC State campus. This tunnel is a prime example of what I love about art. Art has no boundaries. It is whatever you define it to be. _______________________________ Tina Moss is majoring in Africana Studies at NC State University.

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Faking It By Preethi Sriram

Everyday, the media bombards us with incredible ways to become more plastic. My fascination with those in need to be plastic didn’t start with Barbie, but actually started with my guilty viewing pleasure of watching reality television “star”Heidi Montag. Anyone who is a follower of the show The Hills knows about Montag and her relationship woes. But what is shocking about this young woman is not that she finally decided to separate from Spencer Pratt, but the fact that the media came out to chastise her for her decision to get ten surgical procedures in one sitting. It is highly hypocritical to criticize this young lady when Hollywood is filled with those who go in so easily for procedures as often as us less fortunate go through the drive-through for a milkshake and fries. Is it just me or does anyone else feel disturbed that proud parents give the gift of a boob job to their high school graduate? According to

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

an article in Pennlive.com, in 2009, 8,119 teenagers received breast augmentations. A need to have a bigger chest is not the only area of the body that teens worry about. According to trends, wrinkles also concern teens. 12,110 teens received Botox injections in 2009. It seems crazy that a teenager wants Botox in their nonexistent wrinkles. We would rather risk side effects and dying in surgery than live to look old. This leads us to take a hard look at our youth obsessed culture. It is sad that we literally want to be frozen in one look. While watching one of the many re-runs of America’s Next Top Model (you can now surmise that I am a reality television junkie), Nigel, a judge, commented on one of the contestants, Renee. He said that she photographed too old and wasn’t one of the freshest looking faces. Now don’t get me wrong. This contestant is not one of my most favorite contestants, but to my eyes, the judge’s commentary sounded ludicrous. The contestant had just previously had a baby and looked amazing.

n an pt Salo Conce

We fix box color! It seems to me that our culture has lost our appreciation to be human and have actually come to fear it. We are so obsessed with perfection that we lost site of perfection in the imperfect. That is the true loss. Here is a challenge. How about one day, take off the fake nails and feel how comfortable it feels to touch the dirt in your garden with hands. For a challenge, instead of a “fake and bake”, enjoy your background and show your “pasty” skin. Instead of straightening your hair the next morning, show off your natural waves and curls that you inherited from your mom’s side. And if just only for one day, realize there is a difference between processed beauty and the beauty of who you are. At the end of day, there is beauty in the diversity. I think I put myself in the mood for a Christina Aguilera song.

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________________________________ Preethi Sriram is majoring in Biology and Nursing at Meredith College with a minor in Spanish.

Bring Color Back into Your World • Face • Body • Life Contact Revonne Carter • 919.522.5880 • studiorevy@hotmail.com www.studiorevy.com U the Magazine | October-November 2010

DINING: Dating and Diningâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Great Date Restaurants By Christie Hadden, founder www.MyRestaurantGuru.com

Mating Calls All good dates start with the right venue, a comfortable place where the male can puff his chest and hope to attract the alluring female by dazzling her with wit, charm and bravado. Sometimes the sparks fly from your chemistry; other times the sizzle comes from the kitchen. In putting your best foot forward, selection of venue is key, if not the deal breaker. If you are lucky, the right venue could result in the date ending with breakfast the following morning.

These are all valid questions, but the selection process doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end there.

Other Considerations

DININ First Questions

When looking for a restaurant spot, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself as you consider the atmosphere: Will she be able to hear my new jokes? Will the lighting show off my pecs? Will I run into my unstable ex? If dinner goes well, can we take the party to another venue within walking distance?

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

Menu variety is also significant, especially not knowing what food preferences or allergies your date might have. I personally like small plate menus. Here you can choose from a variety of dishes without looking like a commitment-phobe or a pig. Price is an important factor too, as you want to impress this person without breaking the bank. Here are a couple of options for you college date-goers. For undergraduates my recommendations are based on spending $25 for two, based on two entrees plus appetizer or dessert. For Grad students the price is $50 per couple, based on two drinks, two entrees plus appetizer or dessert excluding tax/tip.

RALEIGH David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar

www.ddandnb.com

Recently opened, this casual Pan-Asian gem makes delicious house made dumplings. Chef David Mao, formerly at the Duck and Dumpling, is here to make his mark on Hillsborough Street. Pick several small plates and order noodles to share. This foodie mecca is affordable too. Three small plate items plus noodles is around $22.

Sitti

David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar

www.sitti-raleigh.com

Downtown Raleigh has a plethora of restaurants and bars. The Lebanese restaurant Sitti is trendy yet comfortable, exotic yet approachable and is the perfect date destination. Get their delicious hummus with warm pita bread, mixed grill plate and chicken kebab plus two drinks, all for about $50.

Sitti

DURHAM Broad Street Café

www.thebroadstreetcafe.com

Broad Street is casual and fun and was voted as the best place for live entertainment. Music performances start at 8pm, so be sure to go online and check out their music calendar. Their wood fire oven produces some of the best pizza in Durham, so be sure to select two different kinds to share, like the Pizza Bianca, a sauceless pizza with three cheeses, artichoke and garlic. Two pizzas and an appetizer cost around $26.

Six Plates

www.sixplates.com

Women love tapas. It’s a great way to sample plates without feeling like you are overdoing it. Similarly, Six Plates is a dark, intimate place that is romantic without being stuffy. With its chandeliers and red tufted couches, Six Plates is not overdone. They feature six seasonal dishes paired with six selected wines that can change daily. You and your date can get away with ordering four plates plus two wines for about $52.

NG CHAPEL HILL Talullas

www.talullas.com

Decorated with Turkish rugs and hanging lanterns this Mediterranean restaurant is disarmingly cozy and rustic. If you are adventurous and not afraid of close quarters then secure the private room, a corner haven with floor seating made for two. Order the hot hummus appetizer and two different Turkish Pizzas for roughly $27.

Glass Half Full

www.glasshalfullcarrboro.com

The community of Carrboro has a lot of character and is the hippie cousin of Chapel Hill. Within a block’s walk from the town’s community center is a myriad of nightlife: comedy, live music and pool. Glass Half Full is part wine shop, part wine bar, and part kitchen. The atmosphere is light and open, and there is variety in the menu. Plan to share, and order four to five dishes (there are many in the $6 to $11 range). Glass Half Full offers half glass wines too, a great way to sample a few. Four plates and two full glasses of wine are around $55.

Talullas

Glass Half Full

_______________________________________________________________ Christie Hadden is a world traveling food fanatic and founder of myrestaurantguru.com, a Triangle-based Web site that connects people to the areas best restaurants. To learn more, visit: www.MyRestaurantGuru.com. U the Magazine | October-November 2010

U SAID

“U Said”: Q: Do you have a funny story/costume

to tell about from a past Halloween?

Photos by Ashley Taylor

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Tanzania and Troynisha: Shaw University “I hate bugs, and one year a friend of mine put lots of gross bugs leading to my house. I wouldn’t go in it!”

Qiang: Duke University “Last year was my first Halloween here. I’m from China and they dress to celebrate fortune and good luck. Strange to see all the ugly and scary masks here. It was Calvin: strange and frightening Shaw University yet interesting.” “My sister woke me up with a Jason mask on. Scared me half to death!” Tiffany, Manah, Marketta: Peace College “It was a mystery costume. Our friend put Halloween decorations from the dorm all over herself and eye shadow on her lips. “

Maurice: UNC “I saw someone dressed as a penis, that was funny.”

Arielle: UNC “One Halloween I saw someone dressed as the green man from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.

Mike: Duke University “I actually picked up more phone numbers dressed as a wet T-shirt contestwinner than I ever have on Franklin Street.”

www.BunsofChapelHill.com 107 N. Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 919-240-4746

U the Magazine | October-November 2010

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In the Next Issue: Features:

S aTion 8 Loc S ThE S acro gLE a i Tr n

Cocktails & Couture— A Fashion Extravaganza

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How to Make Your Finances Add Up

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