Garnet & Black Spring 2011

is “dt” Really the place to be?

UsC’s blacK past

Relationship status: It’s ComplICated

STUDENT MAGAZINE of the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Malia Griggs

ART DIRECTOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR ONLINE EDITORS

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR ASSISTANT PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR STYLE EDITOR

Elizabeth Howell

Martha Susan Morris

Tas Anjarwalla

Gregory Goetz

Caitlin Kennedy Bradley

Sarah Kobos

Liz McIntyre

Blake Welch

Melissa Gonzales

Olivia Hill

Cori Hanky

WRITERS

Christina O’Handley, Haley Willard, Stacie Rodriguez, Erica Loudin, Amanda Eisenach, Jordan Osborne, Lanie Kendrick, Merva Karanfil, Rachel Janes, Cait Costello, Brandon Mize

COPY EDITOR

Kristyn Sanito

DESIGNER

Anna Westbury

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Caitlin Moore, Thomas Woodson, Keri Goff, Allison Quattlebaum, Lauren Creel, Stephanie Pope, Brandon Truett, Ella Salley, Alan Tauber, Richard Pearce

ONLINE

Geoffrey Marsi, Josh Dawsey, Rhett Talbert, Zack Mattioni, Mikelle Street, Josh Rainwater, Adam Siler

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Aleks Kapustynska, Jacqueline Lip, Jacqueline Wazir, Molly Ruggere, Claire Richard, Devon Page, Katherine Gause Ashley Sabripour

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA ADVERTISING MANAGER CREATIVE MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER

Scott Lindenberg

Sarah Scarborough

Edgar Santana

C. Neil Scott

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Elizabeth Good, Christopher Lemmetti, Elyssa Markle, Rebecca Popp, Quincy Robinson, Meghan Tankersley

CREATIVE SERVICES

Maddie McDowell, Jemimah Ekeh, Amber Sowell

ADVERTISING (803) 777-3888

TO REACH G&B, E-MAIL GANDB@SC.EDU OR VISIT WWW.GANDBMAGAZINE.COM

Garnet & Black magazine is produced four times a year by students of the University of South Carolina and is distributed free to members of the University community. All editors and staff members can be contacted at (803) 777-1149. The office is located in Russell House room 339. Send letters to the editor to gandbe@sc.edu or to Garnet & Black magazine, Student Media, 1400 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Letters should be 250-400 words and must include name, address, phone number and academic information (if applicable). Garnet & Black reserves the right to edit for libel, style and space. Anonymous letters will not be published.

CONTRIBUTORS

Third-year graphic design student Thomas Woodson looks for any way to put his creative skills to use in preparation for his future in design and photography. He enjoys taking a break from school and doing freelance work to help friends and organizations better themselves through commercial photography. You can see his work with “Soapbox” on pg. 16.

About her “Law & Disorder: in Five Points” feature, thirdyear visual communications student Jordan says: “I love writing about issues that students can directly relate to and showing them a side of an issue that they may not have had access to before.”

Read her story on pg. 20.

Zack is a second-year IB student who watches far too many movies and complains about nearly all of them. When not pointing out plot holes in “Avatar,” he can be found rooting for the greatest franchise in the history of sports, the Green Bay Packers. Check out his G&Blog movie reviews at gandbmagazine.com.

Keri is a fourth-year visual communications student and a Daily Gamecock photographer. She says shooting photos for G&B has given her more creative freedom. Check out her feature photos on pg. 20, and see if you can find yourself in her G&B Launch Party photos on pg. 7.

2.09 Baths, Braids & Star Slinger

@ New BrooklaNd TaverN

The DJs at WUSC-FM are excited about this, so you should be, too. Indie/electro/showgaze. Heck yes. 7 p.m., $8 advance/$10 day of.

2.10 G&B Spring Issue Launch Party

@ BeY’S

Come party with us! Check out photos from the last party on pg. 7. 9 p.m.-until.inc

2.18 Carolina Vs. Santa Clara

@ CarolINa STadIUM

Oh hey, champs! Kick off the CWS title-winning baseball season at this home game. 3 p.m.

2.25

USC Dance Marathon

@ STroM THUrMoNd wellNeSS & FITNeSS CeNTer

Show your support for the kids! This 24-hour stay-on-yourfeet event raises awareness and funds for the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.

ZacK Mattioni

KeRi GoFF

thoMas Woodson

JoRdan osboRne

But then again, what relationship isn’t these days?

G&B and I, well, we have our problems like everybody else – we fight about money, the fact that he’s beautiful and flirts constantly with other women (and men) and that he monopolizes all of my time. And yet, this magazine is worth it because all of our issues (four, roughly) make the end result that much better.

Throughout this spring issue, we address the complexity of various forms of relationships –between the ones we love, between the student body, the city and the University. And what we learn is that no relationship when explored in-depth is as black and white as it seems.

As a magazine, we’ve experienced our ups and downs this school year, but as you read, you’ll notice a lot of love on these pages. Wow, Valentine’s Day and love? Original. But what I mean is – I hope our love and respect for this campus and community come across as clearly as the love between the subjects of our cover story. We all confront challenges, but what ultimately matters is the manner in which we face them.

I’m so proud to present this issue to you, but if you’re like me, you’ll turn to the final page and be left wanting more. Never fear; head to gandbmagazine.com. We’ve got online-only specials, videos and weekly blogs that have recently been picked up by The Huffington Post and CollegeCandy.com. And we’re always on the search for new contributors; so, if reading’s not enough, join our team. I know getting involved with G&B was the best decision I made in college.

It’s the one relationship I don’t mind (but you might) on my mini-feed.

Some days, I feel like I’m in a relationship with Garnet & Black magazine, and it’s complicated.

WINTER ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY

BY CHRISTINA O’HANDLEY

MARIA HAMLETT

Wake up at 10. Cereal or coffee?

Carolina hoodie or North Face jacket?

Run to class at 11:15; nap before your afternoon lab.

Hit the gym, and you’re done by 6.

Three days a week, second-year nursing student Maria Hamlett wakes up at 5:30 a.m. for physical training (and by training, we don’t mean the treadmill at the Strom). On Thursdays, she wears a uniform to class, but not the scrubs of a nurse. By 8, she leaves for her classes with course titles such as “Naval Military Lab” and “Naval Military History.”

Along with her heavy course load, this Alpha Delta Pi sorority sister and Young Life leader is a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

“It was one of those things where I said to myself, ‘I think I’m going to try this one day,’” Maria admits.

Maria decided to become a nurse because she loves helping others and likes the fast-paced environment of a hospital. But this past winter, the Richmond, Va., native decided to join ROTC after one of her nursing professors asked a spokesperson to speak to her class. Following this visit, Maria made her commitment and has never looked back.

“I like the organization and the discipline that is a focus in the ROTC,” says Maria. “The hardest part is trying to balance it all. Sleep is like a rare concept to me right now.”

When Maria graduates from USC, she will be commissioned as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps for four years. She is excited to have a job in the nursing field.

“If there was a time to join the Navy,” she says, “it would be now.”

Consider your daily routine on any given weekday.

BY TAS ANJARWALLA

Recognize that face?

You may know Dontrell Burgess as “that guy from the ‘Gamecock Rap’ video.” At least, that’s what people have been calling him lately.

Dontrell, a fourth-year student in social work, is a singer and songwriter whose appearance in Dinobrite Productions’ controversial “Spurrier Rap” has made him a person-of-note in Columbia.

“A whole lot more people who weren’t exposed to my music before started recognizing me afterward,” he says. “I went to Sandy’s one day just to get a hot dog, and the guy kept looking at me. I heard him say, ‘I told you that was him,’ to his coworker, and she was like, ‘Ohmigosh! Ohmigosh!’ I couldn’t believe it. These people really know who I am?”

In the “Spurrier Rap,” Dontrell can be seen singing on the roof of the Sheraton Hotel on Main Street, close to the start of the video. He sings the catchy “Rock out (with your Gamecock out)” hook line.

Joey Thompson, co-producer of the rap, says he met Dontrell at USC Orientation four years ago and heard he had a good voice.

“It was an easy choice for us,” he says.

“It’s definitely gratifying,” Dontrell says about being in the video and his success afterward. “I’m working toward an end, and this is the first step, ‘cause now people recognize me. Even people at my apartment complex stopped me on my way to pay rent and wanted to take photos.”

He is part of a gospel group called Raihn and also performs at church, gospel conferences and weddings. He focuses his music on R&B and neosoul, but he loves jazz.

“It’s my favorite genre,” he says. “I try to utilize it in all my music.”

Dontrell’s industry name is Signature – “I do everything with my Signature persona.”

He’s been in the finals for USC Idol all of his three years at USC and has won first place in many different shows on campus.

Dontrell’s a bit of a nerd and thinks people would be surprised to learn he likes to draw, watch anime and read in his free time.

“I might finish a whole book series in a day or two,” he says.

Dontrell is working on his first demo to send out to record labels and, not surprisingly, hopes to one day make it big.

DONTRELL BURGESS

MS. WANDA

BY HALEY WILLARD

Russell House has plenty to offer, but not many would guess that upstairs on the third floor, there is a hair salon called Carolina Styles. Here, you can find hairstylist Wanda Davis. Her friendly but quirky attitude and great sense of fashion will make you never want to see another stylist.

Q: What made you want to be a hairstylist?

A: I love hair, and I like to make people look good.

Q: How did you get started?

A: When I was a senior in beauty school, USC was hiring and interviewed all of the top students at my school. A friend of mine told me I should get an interview. So, I got an interview and was hired right after that.

Q: If you could style anyone’s hair, whose would it be, and what would you do with it?

A: I would like to style Michelle Obama’s hair. I’d give her a nice, soft look. She always wears a ponytail.

Q: If you could get rid of one hairstyle, what would it be?

A: I don’t like the quick-weave. It’s not healthy for your hair either.

Q: Would you rather swap hair with Lady Gaga or Carrot Top?

A: Lady Gaga. I don’t think it’s too crazy.

Q: What is the strangest hairstyle you’ve been asked to create?

A: A mohawk. It’s a very different style.

Q: Have you ever made a bad hair decision?

A: I wanted to color my hair auburn, but it came out bright red.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite hair types with which to work?

A: Honestly, I love all types of hair. My least favorite hair would have to be synthetic hair. I like to work with real hair.

Q: Do you have a favorite hair product?

A: I especially love Nexxus and Redken products. All of their products work great.

Q: For those of us who like to make our hair look good, do you have any hairstyling tips?

A: Your hair needs attention. You need to treat it nicely. If you take more time on it and take care of it properly by using the right treatments, it will be healthier and look nicer.

Amy fits 20 hours at the costume design shop into her schedule every week.

While Amy has worked here at the shop, some of her work has also been found in commercials. Other students have had internships on Broadway and in several European theaters.

Here you can see Amy fitting one of the shop’s mannequins. Working in costume design requires a keen eye for patterns, materials and all forms of fashion.

Students in the shop exhibit their work four times a year in shows at Longstreet Theatre and Drayton Hall.

The shop gives students a chance to use its equipment and put practices learned in class to real use.

While students learn the concepts of design through their classes, the shop allows students to bring their work to life.

With three stories of garments and fabrics, students are able to fashion together many seamless ideas.

THE LONGSTREET THEATRE COSTUME DESIGN SHOP

BY BLAKE WELCH

Amy Turner-Thomson, a graduate student in costume design, works in the design shop. Costume, scenic and lighting design are a part of the Masters of Fine Arts in Design program. Upon graduating, these students are prepared for fields including theater, dance, television, film and digital media design. For those of you who want to see Amy’s and other costume design students’ work, check out “The Suicide” Feb. 18-26 at Longstreet Theatre and “The Comedy of Errors” Apr. 15-23 at Drayton Hall Theatre.

BY AMANDA EISENACH

Tired of Monterrey’s every time your friends want Mexican? Looking for some classier sushi than the $5.79 California roll at RuHo? Then enliven your palette by sampling these three awesome restaurants.

Want a little olé or oishii or both?

Cantina 76

Everyone loves a night of Mexican and margaritas – but getting a deal on your meal makes your decision to eat out that much better. Cantina 76 is a Mexican restaurant with a unique culinary twist; in addition to the traditional tacos, nachos and burritos, this restaurant mixes the flavors of North, Central and South Americas, creating delectable dining options. The BBQ brisket, buffalo chicken, chicken pesto and fish are a few of the 11 types of tacos on the menu. Cantina 76 has a drink special for every day of the week and its relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and range of food keep locals coming back for more.

2901 DEVINE ST. / DINNER, $6-17, 803.708.6004

WWW.CANTINA76.COM

STORE WARS:

M Vista

The Miyo’s restaurant chain brings variety to the Chinese and Japanese cuisine options in the Columbia area. The most recent of the thriving dynasty, M Vista, offers everything that a combination sushi and Chinese restaurant should; tranquility, relaxation and light, tasty food. The interior of the restaurant is softly lit and colorful, with some trendy Asian flair such as bamboo shoots that serve as support beams and light fixtures that resemble rice paper lanterns. Following the philosophy “For pleasure and longevity,” M Vista offers some of the finest sushi in Columbia. The menu ranges from entrées such as sushi to Kung Pao scallops to chicken fried rice made with organic ingredients. One of my personal favorites is the Jack roll; this is a simple combination of shrimp and crab that even someone who dislikes sushi would enjoy. In this day and age, fresh and healthy are two sought-after qualities in restaurants, and they are sure to be found at M Vista.

701 LADY ST. / DINNER, $12-45, 803.255-8878

WWW.MIYOS.COM

TakoSushi

Mexican and sushi together in one restaurant – oddity or genius? There have been mixed reviews on whether or not Takosushi works, and word on the street is that you’ll either love or hate it. Takosushi certainly stands out with its fusion of culinary classics; the Asian entrées are a solid choice, and the queso, my all time guilty pleasure, has beans hidden at the bottom. While most Mexican restaurants serve queso that comes out two seconds after being ordered (questionable, yet still delicious), Takosushi livens up theirs by adding another flavor to it. However, the sushi does not match the quality of other restaurants such as M Vista. The Mexican fusion gives the sushi a Mexican cuisine flavor and unusual aftertaste. Takosushi could definitely be “the” destination spot for dates if you want to try a new place with a lot of options. There’s something for sushi fanatics and something for those who can’t stand the sight of fish. To make things simple, though, stick to a restaurant that focuses on one cuisine, and you will have a better experience.

1115 ASSEMBLY ST. / DINNER, $10-20, 803.771-7131

WWW.TAkO-SUSHI.COM

SO APB OX

SHOULD SMOKING ON CAMPUS BE BANNED?

Creating designated areas for faculty, staff and students who smoke would not only be a huge pain in the butt, which presumably is the point, but would also create extremely filthy and overpopulated areas. According to the National College Health Assessment conducted on USC’s campus in Feb. 2006, 23% of USC students have smoked in the past 30 days. Implementing a campus-wide policy that restricts a person’s right to walk to and from class while smoking not only violates his or her personal freedoms but could potentially create resistance, anger and defiance from almost a quarter of USC’s campus. Who is to say that a smoker can’t smoke just because he or she doesn’t like it? Following that same logic, should talking on the phone between classes then be limited to designated areas just because someone likes walking in silence? Should excessive cheering at a game be punished because groups of people get headaches? Imagine a campus where every single person has her way, and everything is perfect – oh yeah, that doesn’t happen! Student Senate should focus on things that actually need to be done around campus instead of chasing this ideal utopia that can never be reached. Regardless of personal opinions, smokers are part of our campus population and should not be shunned from the general public just because they want to light up.

23%

Unless you live under a rock, you know that smoking is not a healthy choice. Yes, that’s right – a choice. And this personal choice should not be forced upon other individuals and passersby who choose not to smoke. As we all know, the sidewalks of USC are extremely crowded between classes. If someone decides to light up, the cloud of smoke engulfs the people next to and behind him. Secondhand smoke can be especially dangerous to asthmatic students and to those with other breathing complications. Currently, the USC Student Senate is looking to pass a bill to limit smoking to designated areas on campus. Passing this bill would create a healthier campus environment and would prevent individuals from being subjected to secondhand smoke. It may also facilitate a decline in smoking rates due to sheer inconvenience. Designated smoking areas would allow students to still have the freedom to smoke but also would keep nonsmokers from being subjected to it.

Banning smoking to specific areas on campus would create a cleaner campus as well. Ironically, there seem to be more cigarette butts on the ground than in the ashtrays provided by the school. Although you may believe that dropping your cigarette on the ground here and there doesn’t cause harm, think about the thousands of other students at USC repeating the same action “once in a while.” Leaving cigarettes on the ground is an antiquated action known as littering and can be hazardous to the health of the many small animals around our campus that unknowingly ingest waste.

The Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation found that as of Oct. 2010, over 446 campuses nationwide have completely banned smoking, including USC Upstate. The current Student Senate bill to limit smoking would still allow individuals to smoke on campus, though not openly. Smokers may see these restrictions as an infringement upon their rights, but isn’t generating secondhand smoke an infringement on my right to breathe fresh air?

SMOKE-FREE / BY ERICA LOUDIN

SMOKE FREELY / BY RACHEL JANES

spotlight:

let’s face it.

Valentine’s Day is a reminder that being alone is not Ok by society’s standards and that often our love is seriously unrequited. This holiday is obnoxious, and it looms over all of us like a bad case of heartburn.

BY LIZ MCINTYRE

VALENTINE’S DAY BLOWS.

It has run its course and is fatally overdone. Spring is filled with holidays that can easily crumble the reputation of the lovefest that is Valentine’s, if only people knew about these days. So, pull out your party hats and fill your cups because these holidays are sure to top a corny day of lovey-doveyness any time of the year.

[SPRING holIdayS betteR thaN valeNtINe’S day]

BY STACIE RODRIGUEZ

and though you may have been waiting for it all year, it’s possible that you have forgotten to plan that utopian tropical trip. But don’t worry. If you stay in state, we’ve got you covered.

If you fancy the eccentric, take yourself and a few friends on a day trip to the Button Museum in Bishopville. This isn’t your everyday museum. Here, you’ll find a true oddity of the South. About an hour from campus, this little-known obscurity is run by the Button King, Dalton Stevens. Started as a way to combat his insomnia in the ’80s, the Button King covered everything from a Chevrolet to his clothes and guitar with buttons. It’s ridiculously tacky but hilarious. Check out these wonders firsthand; just be sure to call first.

For the sci-fi lovers out there, the Bowman UFO Welcome Center is a popular roadside attraction located in Bowman, S.C. The structure, which came to be in 1994, is comprised of a large saucer topped with a smaller saucer. Builder Jody Pendarvis crafted the ship in the event of an alien invasion so that they might take him along. If the Bowman UFO Welcome Center sounds like your cup of tea, an hour drive is all it takes to observe this spectacle because when the world ends next year, you’re going to need a get-away plan.

Consider yourself a thrill-seeker? If yes, put skydiving on your to-do list this Spring Break. Skydiving Walterboro is about 1.5 hours from campus and caters to experienced and first-time divers, with training available on-site. They can help you find lodging during your stay. Plus, if you go with two or more of your fellow Gamecocks, group student discounts are available!

Have you ever wanted to trek across South Carolina in its entirety, making your way on foot from mountains to coast, Forrest Gump style? Well, you can’t do that, but you can get pretty darn close! For the outdoor adventurer in you, explore the Palmetto Trail. While the trail is not yet complete, many parts of it are open to the public. The shortest leg of the trip is the USC Spartanburg Passage at 1.3 miles, but if the great outdoors is your playground, try tackling the 42-mile Swamp Fox Passage over a weekend.

These aren’t your average trips to the beach. Brush off your nautical-themed pashmina afghans, and get on a boat. Learn to sail at the South Carolina Yacht Club in Hilton Head, or pull out all the stops and throw a party on a yacht in Charleston Harbor.

Beach weeks are so BEEN-THERE

Myrtle’s no longer exciting (high school, anyone?), Charleston trips happen at least twice a semester, and Hilton Head is a place you associate with your all-whitewearing family. So, consider these five alternative Spring Break day trips that’ll get you out of Columbia and help you discover more of good ol’ South Carolina.

LAW& DISORDER

IN FIVE POINTS

Andrew Norris was knocked to the ground, pistol-whipped and beaten this past October.

BY JORDAN OSBORNE PHOTOGRAPHS BY KERI GOFF & LIZ HOWELL

Was he in the middle of a drug deal gone bad? Was he stumbling wasted down an unlit path? Nope. He was outside his house, two doors down from Salty Nut Café.

In an article published last semester by The Daily Gamecock, Andrew, a fourth-year advertising student, told the newspaper: “I don’t remember getting hit. I just remember I was walking and then suddenly I was on the ground.”

It only happens in movies, right?

“The average college student normally wouldn’t and probably shouldn’t find Five Points to be unsafe. I wasn’t in a back alley or a secluded part of town; I was in my own front yard,” Andrew says. “People walking back from Five Points walk past this spot all the time.”

The Five Points downtown district, or as USC students call it, “DT,” can seal the deal for prospective students visiting Carolina. The plethora of neon-lit drinking and eating establishments gives off a welcoming vibe for those who want an area to go out with their friends within walking distance of campus. However, controversies regarding crime and new regulations in Five Points have been in the news this school year. Students and the city both recognize the rise in violence downtown and are trying to pinpoint the possible causes, but not all students are aware of, or on board with, the city’s proposals for safety measures.

According to the USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety’s crime alerts, around midnight on Jan. 20, a kidnapping occurred near Blossom and Assembly Streets. Three men in a car approached a woman and “asked if she needed help carrying her bags.” One suspect drew a pistol and demanded she get in the car, where she was subsequently sexually assaulted.

The crime alert reports more occasions of violence close to Five Points, including a Jan. 14 assault on Senate Street and a fatal Oct. 18 shooting on Walnut Street.

Last summer, The State newspaper reported multiple instances of violent crimes including three shootings and a surge of car breakins that occurred in and around Five Points.

University students are searching for answers as to why they have seen more police officers and an increase in violence in Five Points since last year. Some suggest the crimes correlate to the closure of popular clubs and bars in locales such as Two Notch; others postulate that the crime is affiliated with local gangs.

“Once all the students leave Five Points, the cops go with them. As a result, criminals and thugs start heading downtown. The cops didn’t come back till the shootings happened,” says Alex Ruggiero, a fourth-year marketing student and bouncer at The House.

Columbia City Council members have their own theories as to why population density and crime downtown have increased so suddenly.

Tameika Isaac Devine, a city councilwoman of eight years, believes it is because of the unstable state of the economy.

Councilman Daniel Rickenmann says,“Crime seems to migrate to areas where it sees opportunities.”

Existing city safety plans prominently feature the Hospitality Zone Task Force created by Mayor Steve Benjamin and other city councilmen. The hospitality zones consist of Five Points, Main Street, the Vista, Two Notch Road and Harbison Boulevard. The force is working to nullify city violence and combat crowds. It is comprised of local bar and business owners, law enforcement staff and other figures in the Columbia community.

One of the first proposals that has been passed (and noticeably so) is the allowance of bars and other establishments to hire off-duty police officers as security.

“Having a police officer who is off-duty but wearing a law enforcement uniform definitely helps add to the police presence in the area,” Devine says. The officers are also a service to breaking up large crowds on the streets and sidewalks.

James Jacobs, a third-year criminal justice student, has noticed that Five Points seems more crowded on weekends than in the past.

“Most of the problems come from people loitering on the streets and just standing around looking for trouble all night,” he says. “If people aren’t down in Five Points to go to bars or restaurants with friends, they shouldn’t be allowed to stand around and hassle people who are trying to enjoy themselves.”

Two hotly debated regulations petitioned by the task force are the curfew and early bar closings aimed at the hospitality zones of Columbia (though legalities require the curfew to extend citywide). While the 11 p.m. curfew for minors has already passed a first vote by the city, the 2 a.m. general bar closing restriction has yet to pass.

Devine believes that businesses should take preventative mea-

sures for the safety of their patrons and the council should reconsider the need for a 2 a.m. curfew. Without staggered bar closings, she says, there will be a mass exodus of people on the streets at the same time every night.

“I think it penalizes clubs and bars that are doing the right thing and leaves people to find other things after 2 a.m. like parties in homes and neighborhoods until 3 and 4 a.m., which would be a whole other problem if we don’t think through this clearly,” she says.

Rickenmann, who worked in Five Points all through college, asserts that the previous acts of violence do not reflect bars being open past 2 a.m. but are due to the crowds lingering in the streets and are possibly a result of the recently passed smoking ban.

As for the 11 p.m. curfew for minors, USC students aren’t sure what this has to do with curtailing violence.

“[Minors] are not the ones who are probably starting the trouble,” says Paul Critzman, first-year broadcast journalism student.

But in an article in The State, reporter Adam Beam points out that one of the shootings in Five Points was possibly carried out by a 15-year-old.

Another proposal put forth by the task force is to change Columbia’s open-container law. Currently, if an officer spots someone in public with an open drink, he can write a ticket if the beverage tests as having at least 1% alcohol. Under the new plan, officers could write tickets without testing open beverages for alcohol content. This places a burden on the individual to prove that his drink is non-alcoholic.

Of all the recommended changes, the open-container proposition has caused the most unrest amount USC’s student body. Katie Guenther, a second-year public relations student, feels that the proposal is ridiculous.

“Simply smelling the drink is not substantial because it provides no factual proof. Testing drinks is the only fair way,” she says.

City representatives argue that the current ordinance needs change because the necessity of testing the beverage makes the law virtually unenforceable. Yet, in theory, under the new law, a person could be ticketed for carrying a bottle of apple juice.

While all of the task force’s ideas look great on paper, the question is really whether or not these proposals will be able to effectively serve their purpose to prevent future incidences such as those Five Points saw over this school year.

Merritt McHaffie, director of the Five Points Association and a task force member, thinks that the city of Columbia has already made substantial improvements.

“Law enforcement officers along with bar owners have been working tirelessly and taking safety measures, such as installing cameras and hiring off-duty police officers, to prevent these issues from reoccurring,” he says.

Officer Eric Grabski, Captain of the USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety provides students with advice: “Just because you’re a male out by yourself at night, it doesn’t mean you automatically have immunity. All situations are different, and there really isn’t a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach you can apply to everything.”

He places a strong emphasis on using common sense. You know what that entails; don’t get black-out and belligerent, abandon your cup or accept drinks from unsavory characters.

But what your safety comes down to in the end is simple: Five Points, as with any other downtown area, can be a dangerous place. An analysis released by the city’s public safety officials of Columbia’s hospitality zones’ safety statistics found that of the total 1,148 arrests made between Sept. 2009 and Sept. 2010, 677 were carried out in the Five Points area. While it should be noted that many of these are nonviolent, alcohol-related offenses, stay aware by checking the crime alerts on the USC website.

If you don’t keep your head on straight, a normal night out can turn Dirty South in the blink of an eye.

CoMPlICaTed IT’S RELATIONSHIP STATUS:

BY CORI HANKY / PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH KOBOS

I’m in a standard college relationship. He’s a guy; I’m a girl. We’re both white, middle class, early twenties. We don’t live together and are nowhere close to marriage and kids. We fight; we make up. We get dinner every couple of weeks and get drunk every – well, more than every couple of weeks. Needless to say, we don’t get too many strange looks from simply walking hand-in-hand. In short, we’re “normal.” But I wonder: If we’re the garden-variety, who’s getting weeded out?

I sat down with four couples whose relationships are considered unconventional by societal (and student) standards and expected to uncover stories of controversy and hardship. The way I saw things, it couldn’t be any other way.

allyson & chad. meet

He’s laid-back; she’s a self-proclaimed “type-A personality.” They’re about as similar as black and white, and in fact, he is black, and she is white. The couple met last year at Allyson’s first Students Associated for Latin America meeting. She caught Chad’s eye immediately.

“I said to my friend, ‘Who’s that white girl?’” Chad Vernon, who is a fourth-year history student, remembers.

“I noticed that people just sort of gravitated towards him,” Allyson Seitzer, a fourth-year visual communications student, says. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 1% of married couples in 2007 were black-white interracial. I asked third-year English student Bre Davis why so many people in the South appear to be uncomfortable with interracial relationships.

“It’s just about what we grew up around, not necessarily what we believe,” she explains.

On the surface, I thought Allyson and Chad’s relationship was unique because of its rarity, but I slowly realized that their uniqueness stems from how few problems they’ve encountered. Because of Chad’s ability to curb arguments (“I usually just apologize; I’m wrong most of the time anyway”), the couple hasn’t seen too many stormy relationship days yet. And the most obvious issue, their racial difference, seems to be the least of their worries.

Chad grew up witnessing interracial relationships within his own family and has friends of every race and color. He knows other interracial and interreligious couples have experienced harassment or discrimination and have families who are not supportive. But as far as friends go, Chad maintains that consideration is key.

“Even if my friends didn’t approve of my relationship, they respect me, and they respect my decisions enough to keep their comments to themselves,” he reasons.

The interracial aspect of their relationship has not caused problems for them mainly because Chad has never felt like a personal victim of racism.

“I used to feel some pressure to be blacker because I always received good grades and never sagged my jeans or wore my cap backwards,” he says. “But I’ve realized I don’t want to be the best black lawyer; I want to be the best lawyer.”

Allyson admits that if Chad were ever to experience racial discrimination, she might not know how to handle it.

“I wouldn’t know what it feels like,” she says. “I would just try and make sure he knows that I’m not like that.”

Generally, Chad and Allyson acknowledge their relationship with humor.

“When we’re walking together and see tour groups on the Horseshoe, we always laugh and say that we’re the poster couple for USC,” Allyson says.

But the truth is, they consider themselves lucky that they each can look past (and even overlook) the other’s skin color and know the real person.

Recently, Allyson’s parents met Chad’s for the first time, and according to him, to say that they all got along great is an understatement.

“Now, we can just be like one big, happy family,” Allyson says. I can’t tell if she’s joking.

“Even if my friends didn’t approve of my relationship, they respect me, and they respect my decisions enough to keep their comments to themselves.”

sam & andy. GAY meet

They live together. They’re gay. They met in a chat room, “but not a shady chat room,” Andy clarifies.

The two began dating as USC undergrads. Andy Clifton graduated in 2007, and Sam Shoemaker is a second-year law student. Sam is Andy’s first boyfriend and the reason he came out to his friends. Sam was president of USC’s BGLSA (Bisexual Gay Lesbian Straight Alliance), and his parents were fully supportive when he told them he was gay.

It was much more difficult for Andy’s traditional, religious parents to accept. Brian, Andy’s twin brother, served as a mediator during this volatile time. Sam’s and Andy’s different stories complement one another, and today, their families get along well. Gamecock football serves as the great unifier.

“We all tailgate together!” Sam exclaims.

Andy and Sam share the same nonchalant attitude, but neither feels comfortable showing affection in public. I sense a hesitation in this couple that suggests they might not be telling me everything. Though Andy says he has no fear of being attacked, the FBI found that 17.8% of all hate crimes in 2008 were motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation. Johnny Robinson, a second-year political science student, believes that being in a gay relationship must be especially hard.

“At least it’s legal for blacks and whites to marry each other,” he says. “Gays will never have that acceptance.”

At present, only five states and Washington, D.C., permit gay marriage. Although it is not legal anywhere in the South, both Sam and Andy agree that USC does a better job providing a safe and tolerant environment for homosexuals than other southern schools.

True to their conservative upbringings, Andy and Sam do not publicize their relationship. But they don’t deny it either; they enjoy privacy, not secrecy. Andy’s previous discomfort with his sexuality was a trial for the couple at first. They spent a lot of time at home together, missing out on some of the usual first dates that new couples have. Now, they go out, though they avoid the gay bar and club scene, and they still receive odd looks when they’re seen together on Valentine’s Day.

During Sam’s second year, the two lived together in a dorm. Andy approached their suitemates and told them to feel free to change rooms with no hard feelings. Here, Sam quietly adds that this wasn’t necessary, but Andy counters that he just didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. I wonder if Andy’s willingness to tolerate being excluded by others in order to avoid confrontation ever bothers Sam.

In general, however, they seem to have the same issues and arguments as other couples. As Andy is older than Sam, it was rough when Sam wasn’t yet 21. They both wish they’d studied abroad and both have felt pressure from friends to experience the single social life. And just like every “normal” couple, they do need time apart.

“When you start fighting over putting mustard on a sandwich,” Sam jokes, “then it’s like we’re just around each other way too much.”

MARRIED

He studies journalism; she’s studying to be a nurse. They’re your average South Carolina born-and-bred college couple. Except that they’ve been together since middle school. Oh yeah, and they’re married.

Many students say getting married that young is irresponsible.

“People our age just aren’t ready. We still have a lot to learn and experience before we make that type of commitment,” says Colleen Ferris, a third-year visual communications student. College changes most of us, but Paul and Kate Bowers grew up together and know each other better than anyone else.

As Kate puts it, “It was like we had been married all along.” They tied the knot less than a year ago and are now among the 12.6% of married Americans under the age of 25 (2011 U.S. Census Bureau).

Chatting with Paul and Kate in their cozy, one-bedroom apartment is like yelling at an automated answering machine; nothing I say gets a rise out of them. Not that I aim to instigate, but every couple has issues, right? Kate thinks the hardest part of marriage has been the wedding planning. When I ask for examples of newlywed disagreements, they stare, and after a silence, Paul mentions with a giggle that his wife thinks she should have a cat of her own since he has one named Paul Jr. Kate slaps his leg playfully and scolds, “Paul! That is not the worst thing about marriage!”

It’s as if she knows how unconvincing they sound, and yet she can’t come up with a better answer.

Their parents and friends were fully supportive of their decision to get married while in school.

“I think they all recognized that I wasn’t going to find someone better, so I shouldn’t waste my time,” Paul says.

They believe they have the communication part of their relationship down, but Paul feels like he could work on his cooking skills and help Kate out more around the house.

I have to ask about money, the one thing that inevitably causes problems in relationships. Paul and Kate confront the issue openly. They acknowledge that financial security is important but maintain that it isn’t a problem for them, thanks to hard work and scholarships.

“We’re insufferable cheapskates,” Paul reveals. “Neither one of us is going to max out the credit card.”

At any rate, they aren’t blowing their cash on partying. They agree that without one another, their religious faith still would not have led them to the crazy college lifestyle many of us know too well. The marginally religious skeptic in me is reluctant to believe that this marriage, that any relationship, is this ideal. However, even I have to admit that the stability of their relationship is clearly founded in their selfless relationship with God.

And so, in a sad, final attempt to shake them up a bit, I resort to the subject of sex. When they show me their bedroom, which barely fits a bed for two, I ask how it was sleeping together for the first time.

“Perfect,” they agree.

paul & kate. meet “It was like we had been married all along.”

PARENTS

lauren, nick & addison. meet

Nick Kain and Lauren James, both in the Honors College, have a daughter – surprise! Her name is Addison, and she just turned 2. Nick and Lauren, now fourth-year students, realized they were going to have a child the summer after their first year. I had my doubts about these two; as an ambitious young woman, for me the phrase “teenage pregnancy” equals “life is over.”

“My best friend has a daughter,” Amber Daniels, a first-year public relations student, says. “It’s disappointing to other people because it’s like she had her whole life ahead of her.”

But Lauren tells her story with total self-awareness of her own disappointment.

“I never got into trouble,” Lauren says. “I wanted to go to med school. I had all these goals and all these things I was doing. It just flipped my world upside down.”

In fact, the U.S. Census data reveals that in 2007, there were over one million births to unmarried women under the age of 25. Lauren and Nick exude a clear respect and love for one another, as well as for Addison, without any saccharine sentimentality. The pregnancy caused plenty of family arguments, especially surrounding Lauren’s decision to be, in a way, a working mom. Some friends and family members thought it was selfish of her to return to school when she had a daughter to raise. But whether to finish college or not was never a question. Because of grants and financial aid for students in their situation, the couple could afford to stay at USC. Their parents pressured them to go elsewhere, but they refused.

“The reason I’m continuing my education is not just for me. It’s for Addison; it’s so we can provide a better life for her,” Lauren says.

The couple first decided to postpone marriage; Nick understood that they might not work out, and Lauren didn’t want to marry for pregnancy instead of love. But recently, Nick proposed to Lauren, and they and their families are happy they waited.

“It’s not like you take a test when you turn 25 or 30 that says you’re okay to be a parent,” Nick says, making a point that I’ve never considered. Actually, in 2007, over 60% of all births to unmarried women were to those under the age of 25.

“If Addison throws a tantrum, people look at us and assume it’s because we’re too young to be parents. But really, she’d throw a tantrum no matter how old we were,” he says.

The only time the couple comes close to gushing is when they discuss the joy that Addison has brought to their lives. For a moment, I think Lauren is tearing up, but she quickly regains the steadiness in her voice in order to tell me how lucky she feels to have the family she does.

“I know that so many people, not necessarily my age, but that so many people out there would just love to have what we have,” Lauren says. After a quick pause, “But, I don’t recommend—,” and for the first time, Nick finishes her sentence, “taking our route.”

Their maturity and humor is remarkable, and it hits me that these people aren’t losers preordained to fail; they are successful college students who simply made a mistake.

Right before I stop recording, Lauren leans into the microphone and jokes, “And we love each other, and we’ve never had a fight and we just stare at each other all day.”

When I listen now to the recorded conversations I had with these couples, I hear the surprise, confusion and ultimately understanding in my voice. Of course, they each have problems specific to their type of relationship, but they focus on the positive. We all want to be happy even though we also know situations will never be perfect. Each couple recognizes what makes it “different,” but we have all bickered over mustard on a sandwich at some point, whether we admit it or not. It is that intimate normalcy that we share in common. So, what’s the real difference between my relationship and theirs? Honestly, not much.

“So many people out there would just love to have what we have.”

GREGORY GOETZ

The role of African-American history at USC is a dynamic and evolving entity, entwined with the University since its inception. The ups, downs, forgotten, wellknown, present and future have and will continue shaping the USC we’ve chosen to attend. But really, how much do you know about the impact of black history in our school’s development, and do you really care? Here’s a little lesson in black history at Carolina, so you can decide for yourself.

“Students and even faculty here at the University often forget the major contributions of minority groups,” says Hakeem Jefferson, a fourth-year political science and African American studies student. “While at times a very sad and uncomfortable history to recall, the history of African-Americans at the University of South Carolina and in this state is central to an understanding of both.”

Take the Horseshoe. We cross it every day (and occasionally trip), but probably never really think about what we’re walking on. This well-traversed area does not simply represent the core of campus; it is also a renowned exhibition of American architecture and history. Ten of its 11 structures have earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Thousands upon thousands of hand-laid bricks make up its walkways. And yet many do not know that much of this detailed workmanship came from African-American slave labor.

“It’s interesting to see buildings once built by the oppressed are now used for furthering the education of their descendents,” comments Austin McCullough, a first-year history student. “It shows the capacity for positive change throughout history.”

At one point, early professors owned slaves on campus, but in the years following the Civil War, African-Americans actually became a large part of the higher education system in the country and at USC.

On a regional scale, USC was remarkably the only southern state university to accept black students during Reconstruction. By 1875, 90% of the student body was black – a statistic usually reserved only for historically black colleges and universities.

These years of integration at the University punctuated a stand for Civil Rights in the South. However, a change in state leadership in 1876 brought a swift end to this early initiative of equality; the University was closed and reopened one year later in 1880 as an exclusively white campus.

It wasn’t until the 1950s and ’60s, after decades of discrimination and exclusion, that the desegregation of Reconstruction would continue its course.

The months leading up to modern integration at Carolina were fueled by an atmosphere of kerosene intensity. Violence erupted at the University of Mississippi over the enrollment of a black student, killing two people. The University of Alabama witnessed the “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” protest, wherein Gov. George Wallace blocked two black students from entering the school auditorium.

Still, none of this deterred three students – Henrie Dobbins Treadwell (née Monteith), Robert Anderson and James Solomon Jr. –from registering at Carolina in 19631

“It was time,” reflects Monteith from her office in Atlanta, where she now works to improve access to public health and rehabilitate men who have gone through the criminal justice system.

“Perhaps people knew it was inevitable,” says Monteith. She kept her resolve even after exploding sticks of dynamite were thrown into her aunt and uncle’s yard two weeks before integration.

The first day of integration, or “I-Day,” occurred on Sept. 11 with no violence. The event made a national statement; the University’s integration put the final nail in the coffin for segregation at southern flagship universities. Still, though Monteith, Anderson and Solomon Jr. were allowed enrollment, their fight against discrimination was not over1

For security purposes their first year, Monteith and Anderson lived on campus in isolated dorm rooms (Solomon Jr., a grad student, lived at home and met a friendly reception within his department). The phones placed in their rooms could only make outgoing calls. Both of them often ate alone, and each dealt with individual struggles against harassment. Monteith put up with hateful phone calls and packages at her door, while Anderson endured scathing racial remarks and pestering, such as when a student popped out of a window on the Horseshoe pretending to shoot him with a pointed broom. Nevertheless, the three found at least some support and friendship from various campus organizations and faculty. They made it through their first year and eventually earned degrees1

Desegregation continued, although the protests of the past shed an attitude of cold disregard upon black students’ existence. By 1970, 279 black students were enrolled at the University as the School of Law and other post-grad programs opened their doors to African-Americans1

The decades progressed, and USC

welcomed African-Americans into all areas of campus – from student media to varsity sports to student government and academic honor societies.

Today, the University strives to maintain its identity as an institution that encourages diversity. Among the thousands of AfricanAmericans attending and teaching at USC, there exist 14 distinct and thriving black student organizations – including the National Society of Black Accountants, the Association of Black Psychologists Student Circle and African-American fraternities and sororities. Each of these 14 organizations has its own take on black history at the University.

Dominique Grate, a third-year African American and religious studies student and former president of USC’s NAACP chapter, recognizes that the school has come a long way since the 1960s, but there is still room for improvement.

“1873 to 1877 is the only time-frame where USC does not recognize degrees granted from a certain period,” Dominique explains. Ironically, these happen to be the

very years when African-American students comprised 90% of the student body.

“We just want to be able to have open dialogue about these and other issues for the continued recognition of black history with USC history,” she says.

While it may not ever be required to recall our school’s historical facts and figures with exact precision, an awareness of how these stories have shaped our campus is necessary for understanding our current culture. Few students may know about the wall detailing black history in the ballroom wing of the Russell House, or the diversity events put on by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. But these are a part of USC just as much as you and me – the USC you and I chose.

We at G&B noted the omission of African-Americans’ photographs during the 1960s in our predecessor, the Garnet and Black yearbook. This was a poignant reminder to our staff that black history is not just USC history but a shared past from which we can all learn.

“Students and even faculty here at the University often forget the major contributions of minority groups,”

- Hakeem Jefferson

1 Lesesne, Henry H. A History of the University of South Carolina, 1940-2000. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press, 2001. 134-151. Print.

WINTER IS ON ITS WAY OUT, AND CHAOTIC CLUTTER IS GOING OUT WITH IT. CHOOSE CLEAN AND PRISTINE FOR YOUR WARDROBE AND YOUR LIFE THIS SEASON.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CAITLIN KENNEDY BRADLEY

STYLED BY CORI HANKY HAIR & MAKEUP BY SHAUNA LEIGH FRANZ MODELS GABBY MARIACA & IAN FLEGAS

Production assistants: Stephanie Pope Sarah Kobos. Style Team: Melissa Brown, Martha Susan Morris, Malia Griggs, Tas Anjarwalla, Makenna Cummings, Katherine Fehring

Previous page, on Gabby: Necklace and denim shorts, Pack Rats; socks and chiffon button-up, American Apparel; sweater, Salty’s Surf Shop; clogs, Van Jean. On Ian: Button-up, T-shirt, Sid & Nancy. This page, on Gabby: Necklace, M Boutique; dress, American Apparel; sweater, Bohemian; shoes, Just the Thing. On Ian: T-shirt, Pack Rats; unisex jeans, American Apparel; camp shirt and boat shoes, Roundabouts Consignments.

Facing

Dress, Boutique

page: Top:

Basement; sweater, Bohemian. Bottom left: Dress, M Boutique; belt, Sid & Nancy. Bottom right, on Gabby: Dress, Boutique Basement; shoes, Just the Thing. On Ian: Shirt, Sid & Nancy; shoes, Roundabouts Consignments.

For the extended style spread & behind-the-scenes video, visit www.gandbmagazine.com

On Gabby: Top, Van Jean; pants, Boutique Basement. On Ian: Shirt, Roundabouts Consignments; jeans and shoes, Salty’s Surf Shop. Facing page: Top left: Jumper, belt and wedges, Van Jean. Top right: Necklace, Brittons; dress, Van Jean; envelope bag (worn as clutch), Bohemian. Bottom left: Shirt and shorts, Brittons; shoes, Salty’s Surf Shop. Bottom right: Shirt and shoes, Salty’s Surf Shop; pants, American Apparel.

BY LANIE KENDRICK

Football season’s over, but spring athletics are just kicking off. Here are some different but entertaining sports for you to consider attending throughout the semester.

quidditch baseball

What USC student isn’t proud of our College World Series title-winning baseball team? If you’ve never been to a Carolina baseball game, get there early, and bring a blanket to sit on, as the only student seating is the Bi-Lo Berm hill. The baseball team starts their season Feb. 18. Look for key returning players from the College World Series games including Pre-season AllAmericans Jackie Bradley Jr. and Matt Price. With more overall wins and conference wins than any other SEC team in the last 11 years, it’s sure to be another great season for the Gamecocks.

men’s & women’s tennis

If you enjoy easy-to-follow yet exciting competition, our tennis teams play at the Maxcy Gregg Tennis Center, and admission is free. The nationally-ranked men’s team has already begun their spring season. Keep an eye out for newcomers including first-year student Chip Cox. They will have 14 home matches in the spring, so there are plenty of opportunities to attend. The women’s tennis team kicked off Jan. 25. Look for the team’s only fourth-year student, Miljana Jocic, who was named Most Valuable Player.

Our Quidditch team is holding practices, and anyone is welcome to ride broomsticks and chase after players dressed as golden snitches. The rules of non-magical Quidditch are similar to rugby, but everyone must run with a broomstick between his or her legs. There is an official Facebook group called “USC Quidditch League,” and once you join, you can stay up-to-date on meetings and matches. Head on over to the Honors Hall (how Potteresque) or Strom to catch a game that’s growing in popularity across the country. Who knows – maybe a Quidditch World Cup title is in our future? But that may just be a bludger in the sky.

swimming & diving

Think awesome Olympics diving, minus the cost of travel. Men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams train and compete in the newly renovated Carolina Natatorium. Both talented teams boast many first and second-year students, so you can look forward to them in future seasons. The men’s team is ranked 24th in the nation and has gone 7-0 for the first time in school history. Key swimmers to look out for are fourth-year Bridget Halligan for freestyle and secondyear Bobby Cave for his recordbreaking breaststroke times. Don’t miss this promising season.

BY MERVA KARANFIL

dj noah clark djs rupert hudson & pedro lopezdevictoria

Show name & time: Live Nudes

Fridays, 2-4 p.m.

DJ name: Captain Clark/El Capitán (with co-host Lyle Sweet a.k.a The Sweetness)

Noah can make a three-leaf clover with his tongue. He has the only Latin indie show in Columbia. “Before becoming a WUSC-er, I was that kid with nothing but weird music on his iPod,” he says.

Favorite band/singer: The Strokes

Least favorite band/singer: Creed

A song that would never fail in any situation: “Amsterdam” – Guster

Set list sample:

“Bang Pop” - Free Energy

“Naked Kids” - GROUPLOVE

“Camara Lenta” - Javiera Mena

“FM Tan Sexy” - El Guincho

LOOKING FOR SOME EVENING ENTERTAINMENT? GO WITH THE FLOW CHART.

BY CAITLIN KENNEDY

Show name & time: One, Two, Skidoo

Fridays, 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

DJ name: DJ Cardigan Cat (Rupert) & DJ Rock ’em Sock ’em (Pedro)

The DJ duo wants you all to remember that “when the planets align, and dolphins sing spiritual songs, ‘One, Two, Skidoo’ will be there to DJ after and watch it all burn the f@#% down.”

Favorite band/singer:

Tallest Man of Earth & Kanye West

Least favorite band/singer: Creed

Do you DJ outside of WUSC?

40+ women events

Set list sample:

“Tension (Piano Verite)” - Aqueduct

“Banished Be Cavalier” - Maps & Atlases

“Momma’s Boy” - Chromeo

“7th Son” - Born Ruffians

BRADLEY, CORI HANKY, TAS ANJARWALLA (& MAYBE MALIA GRIGGS)

THE GET WETS

BY CAIT COSTELLO

Local “slop ‘n’ bop” or “rhythm ‘n’ booze” group, the Get Wets, have been making a stir in the Columbia music scene. They’re building a reputation for energetic shows (and nice legs, since the band insists on playing in swimsuits year-round).

During the summer of 2006, several New Brookland Tavern employees came up with an idea for an old-school party band as a way to combat the heat. Wipeout, the lead artist, kept the idea alive on his own until a year ago, when he met his current bandmates, two of whom are his Thomas Cooper Library coworkers.

The lineup consists of Floyd on the “sticks and skins” (drums), Jay Jay on the “fuzz bass,” D.B. on the “fuzz organ” and Wipeout on the “jangle Frisbee shakin’ ‘n’ shoutin’” (tamborine). The Get Wets intentionally left out any guitars, stating that they “just don’t believe in them.”

The group claims to be fans of doo-wop, surf and garage

punk when they are required to place their preferences into genres, but they are more likely to credit their inspiration to “Jacuzzis, koozies and never-ending parties.” Les Sexareenos, “The Beach Boys’ Party!” LP and Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs have also influenced the Get Wets’ sound and style.

“Contrary to popular belief, the name is not meant to be dirty, but implies exactly what y’all get if ya come to one of our shows and allow yerself to shimmy to our sounds,” Wipeout explains. “Y’all get wet with spirits and sweat, baby.”

The Get Wets don’t plan on stopping their party any time soon. They’ve become hits at house parties and shows with other bands alike, making appearances at events such as WUSCFM’s Monster Mash last October. They have hinted at a possible 45-rpm record release and an appearance on a compilation due out sometime this year. Keep an eye on their Myspace (www. myspace.com/thegetwets) and Facebook page.

“Y’all get wet with spirits & sweat, baby.”

“To the guy who keyed my car, threw a soda on it and left a note saying ‘learn how to park B!@#h.’ Chill Out.” – Pissed that you’re pissed, fourth-year English student

“effing HATE the ‘no turn on red’ signs on Pickens and Greene sts. NO ONE CAN SEE THEM AT 2 IN THE MORNING. i do not deserve a ticket for crap like this.” – Grr, Anger Management – it’s under the school of HRTM-student

“You know you’re getting old when the seriously attractive man with an incredible jawline you notice as you walk into a classroom turns out to be a marketing manager speaking to your class about hiring in the hospitality industry. Joe from Gallo Winery, I pine. I perish. Hire me?” -Seriously Unimpressed

We here at G&B spend hours upon hours in a tiny office, which leads to hours upon hours of raving, bitching and bragging about the outside world. So, we’ve created this column to give you the opportunity to do the same. Think of it as a Rant & Rave meets Missed Connections meets Overheard at South Carolina.

With the Male Talent at USC, Jr Print Journalism/Fashion Merchandising

“Big thanks to the person who was snoring during ‘The Fighter’ and woke up and proceeded to vomit multiple times before leaving to go to the bathroom, and to his girlfriend who didn’t do anything about it. Shortly after, everyone else had to leave because it smelled so awful. The movie was starting to get really good, too! We got a free pass to come back for a free movie, but that was just so inconvenient.”

- Annoyed & disgusted, Junior/Studio Art

“Guys, you think girls are complicated? Whatever! Why can’t we just make out and get over it? It happened, now let’s move on. No, I’m not in love with you. No, I’m not obsessed with you. No, I could care less if it

ever happens again. So stop acting like I’m a clingasaurus.” -needs a decoder ring, not psychology

“Dear Garnet and Black, Stop blowing up my FB feed. I read about your interest meetings three times this morning.” -Not a FANatic, jr

“To all the people wearing shorts around campus when it’s below freezing: you don’t look tough, you look cold.”

- Ihatewinter, fr

“Dear Moore School, just because your international business program got nice rankings by some survey doesn’t mean you should charge EVERY BUSINESS STUDENT $500 more per semester. Stop monetizing your arrogance.” - Don’t Fee on Me, soph

HOW TO BE SMOOTH / BY BRANDON MIZE

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and that means there are a ton of desperate girls ripe for the pickin’. But, guys, do girls easily see through your jerk moves? Do you have absolutely no moves? Well, if you want some gentlemanly guidelines to ensure that you have a full arsenal the next time you’re on the hunt, here are

POINTS

TO GETTING A GIRL IN FIVE POINTS:

1

First off: Freshen up (read: Look sharp).

Take a shower, shave and go easy on the aftershave; you want to impress the ladies, not choke them with your stank. When picking out an outfit, grab something that makes sense and halfway matches. Hint: No backward caps. Next, keep the hair in check. We’re not saying to find some gel and go all “Jersey Shore,” but make sure you don’t look like you’re wearing a Yorkie as a hat. Last but not least, spray a little cologne on your way out. Real cologne; remember that ladies can smell AXE from a mile away.

Travel in a group when you head downtown,

whether it’s just you and your bros or a mix of guys and gals. This way you’ll have a partner-in-crime when approaching young ladies who are almost always in packs. Something to remember: When it comes to “The Approach” at a bar or club, make sure you pick the right wingman because he can make sure no distractions (like her miserable friend) ruin your attempts at a proper introduction. It’s what we like to call “Taking One for the Team.” Your wingman makes a girl more comfortable when talking to you since her posse doesn’t become a scornful audience as you give your best attempt at a hello. Signal to your wingman which girl you have your eye on in order to avoid competition. Advice: Avoid the girls holding onto the bar for dear life. Don’t shoot for the bombshell; most have boyfriends and simply like to play the rejection game. Aim for the cutie who’s been pacing her intake of that fruity drink for the last hour.

3 4 5

Although some goofballs get away with cheesy pick-up lines,

“Baby, I’m no Fred Flintstone, but I can make your Bedrock” isn’t your best bet when approaching a girl. Most girls will see right through you and quickly label you as a creeper. Instead, introduce yourself, and offer to buy her a drink. Chances are that’s all she’s looking for, but try and make interesting small talk. Don’t pull out the same old questions every guy uses (eg. “Come here often?”) Try: “What religion are you?” Kidding. Do not discuss religion, politics or how amazing her eyes are. Stick to open-ended questions such as: “What do you do for fun – other than come here?”

Be a man. Ladies love a “man’s man.”

They want to see that you are in control of yourself and can take the stage in front of her friends without thinking twice. Warning: Do not try and show off by being the guy who buys a ton of drinks and knocks back the most shots. Real men are in control of their liquor and losing it all over her sweater is the opposite of smooth. No girl likes a sloppy guy. In fact, no one likes a sloppy guy. and have kept the new girl’s interest, ask if it’s all right to exchange numbers, and let her know that you’d like to see her again outside of the bar setting. If she seems hesitant, offer her yours. Mention that you would like to take her out to dinner (not drinks) Friday or Saturday, as these nights are reserved for dates and will keep you far out of the friend zone if she agrees.

Finally, after you’ve had a great time meshing your groups together

ATTENTION:

Once you’ve gotten the digits, don’t press your luck. Focus on one girl. The last thing you want to do is turn around and approach another. Make sure this girl knows your night was a success just by meeting her, and she’ll leave the bar with lots to talk about with her friends. Remember, stay cool and follow these five points – even if you’re just bullsh!tting.

AS TOLD BY A VERY SINGLE CAITLIN kENNEDY BRADLEY

1. Don’t cover my bed in freaking rose petals. There are better ways to get laid than postponed domestic labor. As if you’re going to pick up the mess later. Please.

2. Flowers and teddy bears are nice, I guess, but honestly I’d much rather have a new purse or a pair of killer shoes. That way when my friends compliment me, I can say, “My boyfriend got them for me” (even if you just surprise me with a shopping trip, and I pick them out). Because let’s be honest, last year’s heartshaped love necklace was stupid. “Kiss” may begin with K, but Kay ends in Y! As in, Y the hell did you think I would like this?!

3. Don’t. Buy. Me. Chocolate. It. Makes. Me. Fat...ter.

4. And to be completely contradictory (because that’s the language we girls speak, anyway) – I love food. If you’re taking me to dinner, which you should, don’t go anywhere that is remotely chain-y. Local is better. There are tons of sweet date spots with impressive food and intimate atmospheres.

5. Tell me I’m pretty.

6. Duh.

We get it. You’re in a relationship. Your life is perfect. Why don’t you sing about it?

BY MARTHA SUSAN MORRIS

girls

Where’d you two meet? 1.

a. The gym. Your eyes met after a brief stint on the elliptical caused him to miss an easy lay-up with his bros.

b. Youth Group. He wiped homemade lasagna from your lip as you were about to read Colossians 3:12.

c. Pavlov’s. Somewhere along the way from Pop’s N.Y. Pizza to your house, his Patagonia pullover melted your heart (and the lock on your front door).

d. A mutual friend’s party. He defended your honor when everyone else was trying to make you do the naked lap.

The next time you saw each other was at... 2.

a. A show at The House. While assessing the bathroom line, he bumped into you with an extra bourbon in tow.

b. Awkwardly in between classes.

c. A Carolina Service Saturday Event. You’d never been so helpless when it came to tools and yard clean-up.

d. The movies. Well – a movie on his couch, which still counts in this age and economy.

How supportive of his interests are you? 3.

You like all his statuses on Facebook because he’s just soooo funny.

You regularly “edit” his papers and aid him with his laundry. You help him shave his back hair because he’s self-conscious, and this is intimacy, right?

You go to his intramural final, equipped with orange slices and Capri Suns for the whole team.

4.

Yes, we can all agree it’s competitive out there, so honestly, what spy techniques do you employ to make sure he’s just as committed as you are?

You sneak looks at his texts while he goes to the bathroom.

You have your friends text you if they see him out, while you also ask him simultaneously, “Where R U?” to see if he lies or not.

You remember his Facebook password, and by “remember,” we mean that you have it saved to your computer.

You call his cell phone carrier and pose as his mom in order to read his phone bill, but only after tracking his gas tank and noticing that it is disappearing at an alarming rate!

So, do spill. How do you both share your affection? 5.

You don’t make eye contact in public before 9 p.m., but game on after that.

You hold hands and laugh as you walk together from Swearingen to Gibbes Court each day.

You constantly find yourself sucking in your stomach as a habit because he can’t keep his hands off of you (even at the 7 p.m. Sunday Mass at St. Thomas More Center).

He buys you drinks, and that’s enough for you.

1.

Is she awesome, hot and similar to your mom?