An advertising special edition of The Daily Texan
February 7, 2014
PA G E 4
PA G E 1 2
PA G E 1 4
Planning a Valentine’s night out in Austin
Love, hate and your brain... explained
A history of the iconic heart
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Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
EDITOR’S NOTE
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ove and sex — sometimes they go handin-hand, sometimes they don’t. You can have one without the other or you can have both. Such is life, including the college experience. The great thing about attending a school with 50,000 students is the diversity in opinions that you will inevitably come across, especially with controversial issues such as love and sex. We have the ultra-conservative students who are waiting until marriage. We have the hyper-liberal free spirits who see sex more as a means for
pleasure than anything else. We have the moderates who are somewhere in between. We have those who believe in love, and those who don’t. And we have those who can’t be placed in a box — the individuals whose opinions vary on a case-by-case basis. This is the beauty of humanity; though we share an existence, our experiences and musings lead us to different beliefs. But what about shared experiences, such as the consumption of pop culture and media? What happens when the media becomes oversaturated with sex, ei-
ther explicitly or implied? Longhorn Life Senior Writer Nick Delisi argues that we need to find the media that makes sex sustainable in our personal lives. Check out his editorial on page 10. When discussing love and sex, marriage usually pops up somewhere in the conversation. Head to pages 13 and 15 for both sides of the UT marriage coin: students and professors, respectively. On the other hand, dealing with a break-up is a bitch. You love someone and you hate him or her at the same time — but, how? Flip to page 12 for some neurologi-
CONTENTS Explore
pg.4
UNIVERSITY TOWERS
STAFF Special Editions Coordinator Michael Gammon
cal and psychological insight into these two intense emotions. Between the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, the first half of February is full of excuses to eat a bunch of food. But if you’re like me and you live in a small apartment with five other people, a Vday dinner at home may not be the best choice. In that case, page 7 has some advice for putting on the perfect picnic for your partner. Chocolate is a favorite this time of year, whether you’re banking on it as an aphrodisiac or you’re buying a fivepound Hershey bar to split
with your single roommates. If you’re curious about the history of this delectable dessert or where you can find nom-worthy chocolate treats, head to page 6. Love and sex are topics that are great for stirring up both thoughtful and tabloidworthy conversation. In this issue, hopefully you’ll find that we have a little bit of both.
XOXO, Gossip Girl
Ali Killian Special Editions Editor
texas sized dorms
Austin
• Some of Austin’s largest student apartments
Commentary
• Fully remodeled dining hall space with unlimited meal plans
Sex, sustainably: an editorial on the effects of oversaturation of sexual imagery in pop culture and the media
Features
pg.12
Love and hate almost one and the same 40 Acres of love: newly wed students The heart symbol: a history 40 Acres of love: professor-couples
Our Campus
• New food program with retail food vendors - choose from an innovative menu with new, fresh & healthier options!
FIND US ONLINE! longhornlifeonline.com
Advertising Adviser CJ Salgado Sales Rep & Events Coordinator Lindsey Hollingsworth
Student Account Executives Dani Archuletta, Aaron Blanco, Hannah Davis, Crysta Hernandez, Robin Jacobs, Erica Reed, Lesley Villarreal Student Classifieds Clerk My My Nguyen
• Outdoor study lounge overlooking pool • Rooftop sundeck with breath-taking views of Austin
Senior Graphic Designer Daniel Hublein
• Giant Closets!
pg.18
TSM ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SERVICES
Special Editions & Production Coordinator Michael Gammon
• New and expanded state-of-the-art fitness center and equipment
Expert Q&A: Cindy Meston, professor of psychology 5 Things I’ve Learned: about love
Photographers Joe Capraro, Darice Chavira, Elizabeth de Regt, Silvana Di Ravenna, Clara Patt, Jenna VonHofe
Student Assistant Manager Rohan Needel
Big purchases require much thought
pg.10
Writers Shantanu Banerjee, Nick Delisi, Priyanka Deshpande, Kendall Ivie, Kritika Kulshrestha, Lauren Lowe, Samantha Meyer, Mariana Munoz, Sara Strohl, Jared Wynne
Student Manager Ted Sniderman
pg.6 pg.8
Designers Daniel Hublein, Karina Munguia Rachel Ngun, Bailey Sullivan
Broadcast & Events Manager Carter Goss
Chocoholics unite:the low-down on this delectable dessert Pack your picnic with champagne and cheese
Making Cents
Web Editor/Associate Editor Andrew Huygen
Director Frank Serpas
Popular places become all the wrong spaces on V-Day Break out of the typical Valentine’s Day routine
Good Eats
Special Editions Editor Ali Killian
universitytowers.com | 512.309.5150 | 801 W. 24th Street, Austin, TX 78705 |
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Student Graphic Designers Karina Munguia, Rachel Ngun, Bailey Sullivan Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan produced by students in Texas Student Media’s special editions office. Reach us at specialeditions@texasstudentmedia. com. Copyright 2011 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission. CONTACT TSM: We are located in the Hearst Student Media building (HSM). For advertising, call 512-471-1865.
Friday, February 7, 2014
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LONGHORN LIFE
EVENT CALENDAR
FILM SCREENINGS
WHAT’S HAPPENING TEXAS UNION THEATER All free film screenings are shown in the Texas Union Theatre, UNB 2.228 unless otherwise specified.
02/13 02/19 02/20 02/27 03/05 03/19 03/20
Thor: The Dark World @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World @ 9 p.m. Gravity @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Frozen @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind @ 9 p.m. The Princess Diaries @ 9 p.m. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
upcoming events
CAMPUS EVENTS 02/08
Ron White 7 p.m., Bass Concert Hall (PAC)
02/13
Poet D.A. Powell Reads 7:30 p.m., Avaya Auditorium (POB)
02/16
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” 8 p.m., Oscar G. Brockett Theater (WIN)
OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS 02/07 02/08 02/13
Illustrating Anarchy and Revolution, 6 p.m., Mexic-Arte Museum Esther’s Follies Magic and Comedy Troupe, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Esther’s Follies “Othello,” 8 p.m., Long Center for the Performing Arts
STUDENT ORG EVENTS 02/16 02/20
What Started Here Changed Our World, 6:30 p.m., SAC Auditorium (SAC) Islamic Studies Book Club Meeting, 1 p.m., Calhoun 515 (CAL)
Wed.
Thur.
February / March
Fri.
Sat.
2/7
2/8
Casual Strangers
Necromantix
9 p.m. @ Mohawk
9 p.m. @ Red 7
2/9
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/14
2/15
Heybale!
Izzy Cox
Lonesome Heroes
Panic! At The Disco
The Sword
Bright Light Social Hour
RJD2
10 p.m. @ Continental Club
9 p.m. @ Headhunters
10 p.m. @ Hotel Vegas
7 p.m. @ Emo’s
6:30 p.m. @ Mohawk
8 p.m. @ Stubb’s (outside)
8 p.m. @ Empire
2/16
2/17
2/18
2/19
2/20
2/21
2/22
The Toasters
Touché Amoré
Toni Price
Houndmouth
Kodaline
Dr. Dog
UNTD SNKS
2/23
2/24
2/25
2/26
2/27
2/28
3/1
South by Northeast
Dale Watson & His Lonestars
Cross Record
Dropkick Murphys @ Stubb’s (outside)
Blockhead 9 p.m. @ Empire Control Room
Glue 10 p.m. @ The North Door
Pixies 7 p.m. @ Austin Music Hall
3/2
3/3
3/4
All Star Series and Loretta Lynn 3 p.m. @ Rodeo Austin
Lorde 7 p.m. @ Austin Music Hall
Thompson Square 7 p.m. @ Rodeo Austin
8 p.m. @ Infest
7:30 p.m. @ Cactus Café
6:30 p.m. @ Mohawk
10 p.m. @ Continental Club
7 p.m. @ Continental Club
9 p.m. @ Holy Mountain
8 p.m. @ The Parish
7 p.m. @ Emo’s
7 p.m. @ Stubb’s (outside)
8 p.m. @ Infest
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Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
EXPLORE
discovering the city
Popular spaces become all the wrong places on V-Day story by Lauren Lowe photo by Clara Patt
An employee of Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden makes bread from scratch.
V
alentine’s Day has racked up a number of clichés over the years, including boxes of chocolate and candlelit dinners. Valentine’s Day is often the foundation for unhappy partners, unmet expectations or a miserable night spent alone. Some people even describe Valentine’s Day as a “merchant’s holiday.” But the night doesn’t have to be lame, regardless of your relationship status, if you know where and where not to go. It should go without saying that drug and grocery stores will be full of people last-minute shopping for cards, chocolate and flowers. If a trip to the store cannot be avoided, at least
steer clear of the greeting card aisles. If dodging the crowd is important, don’t go to a movie theater. Most peoples’ dates will likely include one of the romantic movies coming out on Valentine’s Day, such as “Labor Day,” “Winter’s Tale” or “Endless Love.” For singles, the amount of happy couples at the theater could be depressing. As an alternative, throw a party, invite some single friends and keep everyone laughing with a comedy movie marathon. Any shopping venue is likely to be crowded as well, especially jewelry stores. Before trying to cure loneliness with retail therapy, decide if the time spent looking for a park-
ing spot or the amount of couples walking hand-inhand and taking up the entire walkway is worth it. Unless your partner is offering a shopping spree as a Valentine’s gift, try to find a different activity. By far, though, the biggest crowds will be at restaurants. In a Huffington Post article, Rebecca Orchant cites an OpenTable survey from 2013 in which “51 percent of respondents said they plan to dine out” on Valentine’s Day. “Just imagine slightly more than half of your city all dining out on the same night. Even if it isn’t true, that’s what it will feel like,” Orchant said. If going out to dinner is important, you may want to avoid going to a chain
restaurant like Olive Garden, Chili’s or The Cheesecake Factory. They are going to be the first pick for many people. In fact, The Cheesecake Factory at the Arboretum isn’t taking any reservations because they expect to be packed throughout the day. “Avoid any Italian restaurant. Those are plagued with lovebirds,” said UT alumna Analyn Porto. Any place that serves pasta is bound to inspire reenactments of Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp.” They probably won’t be significantly less busy, but doing a bit of research and trying a place off the beaten path can make the night memorable. Consider one of the places on the list to the right. Aside from the amount of people, restaurants in general are not a good idea on Valentine’s Day. According to Joanne Chen in an article for Time, some places add more tables to fit more people which stresses the wait staff out and affects the quality of service. Chen also writes that some restaurants try to force people to buy expensive specials, choose from a limited menu or sometimes they raise their prices simply because of what day it is. So, if cash is really tight, it might be better to cook a simple meal at home.
OFFBEAT PLACES TO TAKE A DATE Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden 709 E. Sixth St. Bake Shop: Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Beer Garden: Monday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The menu at Easy Tiger features a wide variety of breads, sausages and craft beers. They also make a homemade beer cheese dip for their pretzels.
Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza 13187 Fitzhugh Rd. Hours: Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stanley’s is located on a ranch next to Jester King Brewery, just outside of Austin. According to their website, they “offer handcrafted, artisan pizza using fresh ingredients found at local farms and gardens whenever possible.”
Foreign & Domestic 306 E. 53rd St. Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Closed Sunday and Monday This eclectic café was featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” which highlighted their gruyere popovers and shellfish.
Luke’s Inside Out 1109 S. Lamar Blvd. Hours: Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 1 p.m. to midnight, Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Luke’s, which has also been visited by Guy Fieri of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” is a food truck with a menu worthy of a gourmet restaurant.
Friday, February 7, 2014
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LONGHORN LIFE
Break out of the typical V-Day routine story by Sarah Strohl photo by Elizabeth de Regt
I
t’s that time of year again. Pink and red hearts are popping up in store windows, online dating commercials are becoming more frequent and you’re getting really excited because it’s the first time since Christmas that it has been acceptable to eat a whole box of chocolates in one sitting. Why not celebrate this year by doing something a little different from the usual “dinner and a movie” routine? Whether you have a Valentine in mind or you are just looking for a singles celebration, these four ideas will help you think outside of the heart-shaped box and guarantee you a good time.
Cooking classes Whether you are notorious for burning Easy Mac or being the culinary genius of your apartment, a cooking class is a fun experience that everyone should try at least once. This season, Whole Foods is featuring a series of hands-on lessons on how to make the perfect truffles, caramels and other Valentine’s Day sweets. These classes are taught by Janina O’Leary, a culinary expert and pastry chef at Whole Foods, and start at 3 p.m. on Feb. 8. Not into the sweets? Check out the Whole Foods website to register for classes that teach everything from glutenfree goodies to sushi.
Treat your taste buds Beer and chocolate! Could life get any better? Didn’t think so. The Ginger Man Annual Valentine’s Beer and Chocolate Pairing is an event designed for you to experience both. Through a series of four rounds, patrons enjoy eight specially chosen beers and chocolates. The beer, depending on the flavor, is designed to enhance or contrast with each type of chocolate. Additionally, each participant will walk away with a decorated box of chocolate, and a trivia game (with prizes!) is held at the end. Krystal Craig, expert chocolatier and owner of Crave Artisan Chocolates (see chocolate article on page #6) will have chocolates featured in this pairing. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1, and the event will be held at 301 Lavaca St. on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.
Learn how to make desserts as delicious as these Whole Foods cupcakes look during one of the store’s cooking classes.
Get (almost) naked for charity Who knew that you could take your clothes off for a good cause? Cupid’s Undie Run is coming to Austin for its second year. It’s only about a mile, which means even post-Christmas laziness shouldn’t stop you. Cupid’s Undie Run benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation in its quest to end Neurofibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. The event takes place on Feb. 15 at The Rattle Inn. Festivities begin at noon, the run starts at 2 p.m. and you are welcome to remain in your scandalous attire all day long. Join a team, run solo or just make it a point to go downtown that day and watch all the people run around in their underwear. Pants are overrated, anyway.
Take a cruise, Texas style
Finally, an affordable cruise that’s short enough to fit into a night. Lonestar Riverboat Cruises is usually closed for the winter season, but it is featuring a special Valentine’s Day event. Reserve a spot on the boat from 7 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for a five-star fajita dinner with drink mixers and a view of the lake included. It’s B.Y.O.B., so bring a full cooler (or two) to really enjoy your night.
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Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
GOOD EATS
embrace your inner foodie
Chocoholics unite: story by Sarah Strohl photo by Darice Chavira
W
ooing your sweetheart (or your sweet tooth) can be difficult sometimes, but usually chocolate is a fail-proof fallback. It is tasty indeed, but there is much more to this treat than meets the… mouth. Here are a few things to note before splurging on that heartshaped box of decadence. There are many reasons why chocolate is so popular on Valentine’s Day. One of which is that this
sweet treat is rumored to be an aphrodisiac, which is defined as a substance that increases sexual desire. “I guess it must be an aphrodisiac because it gets all those endorphins going whenever you eat it!” said Krystal Craig, owner of Crave Artisan Chocolate. Craig has been making delectable chocolate treats for almost 10 years. Consequentially, cinnamon, which has also
the low-down on this delectable dessert
been rumored to contain aphrodisiacal properties, is a secret ingredient in one of her specialty truffles. I guess that makes those the seductive demigods of truffles. Chocolate is also loaded with healthy antioxidants and nutrients such as iron and fiber. It may not entirely be a substitute for kale, but some say it sure tastes a lot better. Though, keep in mind that the health benefits you might receive from
chocolate decrease in tandem with the percentage of cacao, so you can’t use these awesome guiltreducing excuses for any chocolate that is less than 55 percent cacao. (Sorry, milk-chocolate fans.) When we think of chocolate, we typically think of a bar, a truffle or a guilt-inducing pint of ice cream. But did you know that chocolate has only been a solid form for a relatively short amount of time? Chocolate was first enjoyed as a liquid by ancient civilizations. The Aztecs referred to this drink as “xocoatl.” (Try saying that out loud. I dare you.) According to the Smithsonian, recent findings also suggest that the pulp surrounding the cacao bean was fermented and made into an alcoholic drink around 1400 BC. “They should definitely start doing that again,” Craig said. Surely many college students would agree; this stuff might have been better than ChocoVine, a chocolate wine. Working with chocolate is not for the faint of heart. It requires patience, perseverance and above all, tolerance of a cold kitchen. “The Texas climate is really hard to work with,” said Edis Rezende, owner of Edis Chocolates. “The
With various decorative designs and fillings, chocolate always seems to find its way into the hearts and taste buds of many on Valentine’s Day.
kitchen has to be really cold all the time or else the chocolate can melt or get sweaty.” Edis Chocolates is a small, family owned dessert shop that has thrived since October 2011. Rezende makes all of the treats herself, which proves to be a full-time job. After all that work, she takes precautions so that the chocolates will make it to their destination safely, such as providing a free ice pack to each customer during the summer months. Craig encounters the same problems when working in the Texas heat. She said she actually tries to make as many treats as she can during the winter so she might be able to make it through the summer without trying to
combat the weather. She also advises against shipping chocolate during the summer. “Shipping a box of truffles during the summer would cost almost $100, since it would have to be shipped overnight with ice packs,” Craig said. “At that point, its not even worth it.” So why would anyone want to deal with these struggles to create the scrumptious mouthfuls that we love and enjoy? Experts like Rezende and Craig have learned that though chocolate is temperamental to work with, it is incredibly rewarding when you get it right. Their chocolates are not only tasty, but beautiful as well.
Friday, February 7, 2014
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LONGHORN LIFE
Pack your picnic with champagne and cheese story by Jared Wynne photo by Silvana Di Ravenna
A
body buys because of its prominence in hip-hop culture,” Lafleche said. The next step is finding an appropriate location. The City of Austin is littered with parks and recreational areas. One of the most prominent is Zilker Metropolitan Park,
which the Austin Parks Foundation describes as, “Austin’s premier park.” But students could also stick closer to campus by visiting a smaller park such as Pease District Park, located just south and west of the West Campus area.
And for the finishing touch, don’t forget the dessert. Chocolate may seem too obvious a choice, but as Anderson said, “Valentine’s Day and chocolate go handin-hand.”
A couple at Mayfield Park enjoys a picnic. A picnic can be a low-cost and romantic Valentine’s Day date that many students should consider.
wanting to do the packing yourself? “If the weather is nice, I’d start with a bottle of champagne,” said Brad Anderson, manager at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop. “It goes with all types of cheeses, especially soft cheeses, as the bubbles cut right through the cheese.” Picking out the right cheese might sound like a difficult prospect for those unfamiliar, but Antonelli’s is there to help. “If you’re unsure, we’ll take you through a tasting and see what you like,” Anderson said. For those of age, picking out an appropriate accompanying champagne might also seem a daunting task. Nikki Lafleche works with wine and spirits at H-E-B, and
has noticed that students tend to opt for cheaper brands of champagne. Though, Lafleche indicated that it wouldn’t cost much to raise the quality of their selections. “Students tend to buy the fire out of Andre because it’s cheap, but Tott’s is a step up, it’s very nice and doesn’t cost much more,” Lafleche said. Conversely, those who are willing to shell out a few more dollars may be spending too much in their quest to find the perfect bottle. “You don’t need to spend $80 or even $40 for something on the higher end. Brands like JCB are comparable to the more expensive Moet & Chandon, which every-
Plenty of FREE PARKING!
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Now OPEN TO BUY at 3005 So. Lamar between Torchy’s & Kerbey Lane! Bring in your gently worn designer & trendy clothing for guys & girls before our Grand Opening in March and get FIRST SHOT with a VIP ticket to our Pre-‐G.O. Event!
key component in any picnic is that of the picnic basket. While women might find the baskets themselves to be lovely accessories on a day out at the park, the ostensible purpose of the basket is to fill it with food and drink to consume at your location of choice. But where does one start in packing for their picnic? One potential option would be Antonelli’s Cheese Shop. This local business specializes in cheeses, but also sells spirits and a variety of foods including fresh bread and chocolate. They even offer a picnic rental service in which they handle the packing of the provided basket for you. But what if you’re
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LONGHORN LIFE
MAKING CENTS
Friday, February 7, 2014
doing more for less
Big purchases require big thoughts story by Shantanu Banerjee photo by Clara Patt
T
he diamond necklace option might not be for you if it’s only two weeks into a relationship. Luckily, Longhorn Life has put together a collective of things to consider before breaking out the big bucks for Valentine’s Day. Booking flights Hoping to surprise your valentine on the other side of the country? Before you book any tickets, subtly
check with your significant other to see if they have any commitments that week or weekend. For example, you can check with a friend at their school. Also consider your own schedule. Neither of you may end up studying; so make sure you don’t fly up the weekend before one of you has a Monday morning exam. Since you might not be the only person who decides to surprise his or her special someone with a trip, consider the weekends be-
fore or after Valentine’s for cheaper airfare. Sometimes the round trip for your significant other to come to you might be less costly, and can also be an option depending on how flexible your partner’s schedule is. Be sure to keep transportation and rooming in mind, as well. Students may not have the money or be old enough to rent a car, as many rental companies charge higher rates or do not serve those under 25. Hotels have different age policies,
as well, when it comes to making reservations. Sometimes you only need to be 18 to book a room, but at others the cut-off can be as high as 21 or 25 depending on the hotel. Jewelry It may go without saying, but if you are thinking brand-name jewelry like Tiffany and Co., try to limit your selection to earrings or necklaces. A ring, especially from a major designer,
live close
live college Great location in West Campus — walk to class. New expanded 24-hr fitness center. Upgraded Computer lab with NEW computers. NEW pool furniture • NEW rooftop basketball court.
2 6 - w e s t. c o m 60 0 West 26th St | 512 . 47 7.340 0
Sophomore Melody Zuniga shows off the jewelry she received last Valentine’s Day, which was made in an Austin store.
Friday, February 7, 2014
might suggest more than you want it to. If you are adamant about a ring, promise rings are an option that allows one to demonstrate commitment without bringing up the idea of marriage. allows one to demonstrate commitment without bringing up the idea of marriage. Alternatively, necklaces and earrings can help avoid coming on too strong. While most college students may not be able to buy platinum or diamond-studded earrings, materials such as silver offer a far more affordable option. To an untrained eye, silver looks the same as platinum. When it comes to the store, look through the inventory online first. This way you don’t have to spend time looking at a limited inventory of what is in the display cases. Online you can organize your options
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by price, and also avoid succumbing to pressure to buy from the retailer. Go into the store with an item already in mind, and as soon as you have decided what piece of jewelry you’re getting, put it on hold at the store so nobody beats you to it. For a slightly more affordable option, try local stores like Kendra Scott Jewelry. This way your wallet takes less of a hit, while your valentine also gets a unique gift you can only find here in Austin. If this city holds a special place in their heart, then the local aspect makes the gift more personal, as well. Fancy dinner A tasteful, classy dinner can always add to a pleasant Valentine’s evening. Uchi, Flemings, Jeffrey’s and Congress are just a few of the big
names in fine dining in Austin. Though, this option depends on your willingness to shell out the big bucks. Several of the restaurants named above have made top 10 lists in major national food reviews such as Bon
ert at either of these more casual locations. Another well-kept secret are the dinner cruises catered by Hyatt Regency on Lady Bird Lake. Along with an 18-foot electric boat that you can rent for sunset, the
Along with an 18-foot electric boat that you can rent for sunset, the Hyatt provides a catered meal for two that includes anything from Salmon or Texas sirloin to a New York strip. Appétit. Places that are more suited to a student budget but still afford a charming or romantic atmosphere include Mozart’s on the lake or Le Café Crêpe downtown. If your plans don’t include dinner, consider trying des-
Hyatt provides a catered meal for two that includes anything from Salmon or Texas sirloin to a New York strip. For formal or exclusive dining options, make reservations well in advance. Check out reviews on these
more expensive options before hand, as well, because paying three figures for a meal and leaving hungry isn’t unheard of at some locations. Tickets to that thing she loves Concerts, shows and plays can be tough to come by on Valentine’s Day. While you can get your partner the tickets for a show in the future, you may still want to have something planned for the actual day. Some shows in Austin that evening include local band Sherah and the Fine Souls, who will be performing at the Russian House on East Fifth Street. The venue is a restaurant that offers a prix fixe dinner to accompany the live music. The edgy “FETISH: A Valentine’s Affair” will be run-
ning at the Marchesa Hall and Theatre that night, if you’re looking to go in the more sexual direction. The show involves acrobatics performed on everything from poles to trapeze to aerial chains. Accompanying the sensual acrobatics will be a series of cabaret pieces, ranging from duets and group numbers to solos. As for comedy, the Hideout Theatre on the corner of Congress and Sixth Street offers affordable Valentine’s themed improv starting at 8 p.m. The first floor is a café while the second floor is a theatre. It can be a great place to grab coffee or desert after dinner, and they serve Amy’s ice cream. Then, just leave it to someone else to make your date laugh.
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LONGHORN LIFE
Longhorn Commentary
views from our writers
Sex, sustainably story by Nick Delisi graphic by Rachel Ngun
S
ex in the media is always in flux, but this time it might need to think green. Recent theory in The New York Times states that people, men specifically, are becoming desensitized to sex. There’s a multitude of reasons for this possible decline in desire, but one question remains relatively unanswered. How do we stay turned on? How can sex remain a lasting element in media and relationships? To address these longterm needs, maybe the expression of “sexy” needs to adjust itself, much like a brand in the surge of green marketing over the past 10 years. In short, “sexy” needs to be more sustainable. It makes sense; “sustainability” is arguably the buzzword of this decade. Today it rings like a bell in all sorts of industries like architecture, merchandising, fashion, food production, farming and more. We’re living in a paradigm shift from “survive now” to “survive always.” But is our carbon footprint the only part of survival worth speculation? Of course not. We need all sorts of things to survive, including an appreciation for sex.
“Our culture is sexually schizophrenic,” commented Marc Barnes, a writer for the editorial blog on faith Bad Catholic. For instance, the sex toy industry is now worth about $15 billion, according to a 2011 CNBC report, and today porn sites get more visitors per month than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter com-
Wolf continued to optimistically reflect on the “archaic” sexuality of Islamic society in terms of her friend’s home. “I saw the bedroom, draped in Middle Eastern embroideries, that she shares only with her husband. It was private. It was a feeling of erotic intensity deeper than any I have ever picked up between secular couples
porn, was able to make sex more sustainable? In walk the artists. They work sex as a narrative tool, like engineers to sustainable design or chemists in modern farming. And, lucky for us, there’s plenty of sustainably sexy art to digest. Let’s begin with the fabulous elephant in the
on subjects like marital competition, personal insecurity and rediscovered passion through music. And sex? Sex is the vehicle. As usual, HBO has also been delivering sexual imagery, and one show has climbed to the peak of recent media attention. “Girls,” now in its third season, is a show
room, Beyoncé. She had a bold end to 2013 — her self-titled visual album, Beyoncé, received stellar critical acclaim, tying visceral scenes with lyrics that drip sexual diction. “I felt like it was my responsibility to be aware of kids … of their parents, and all these generations. It kind of stifled me,” Beyoncé commented in a Vevo interview, published Jan. 13. Sounds like sustainable thinking to me.
about the female side of life for a group of mid-20s “But at this point, I women in New York City. feel like I’ve earned the Like Beyoncé, Lena right to express. I kind of Dunham — creator, writdropped that fourth wall, er and director of “Girls” and I did it,” the singer — has some things to say continued. with sex. Lean in. The writing in Beyoncé has a much greater narrative than SUSTAINABLE just sex. She comments continues on page 16
Sex in the media won’t budge, and sex in the media is killing our buzz. bined. But while the sexy activity peaks, our drive could be thinning. “The [porn] effect is not making men into raving beasts,” reported Naomi Wolf of The New York Times in her article “The Porn Myth.” In it, Wolf debated the changing of human sexuality in light of increased digital exposure and dependency. “On the contrary, the onslaught is responsible for deadening male libido in relation to real women, and leading men to see fewer and fewer women as ‘pornworthy,’” she said. Bummer. In the long term, that’s not hot.
in the liberated West,” she said. This lifestyle is fascinating from our side of the map. Here, with more porn activity than Facebook posts, sex is a road without U-turns. And therein lies the crisis. Sex in the media won’t budge, and sex in the media is killing our buzz. Most of us would still like to feel some fire through our elderly days, so how can we maintain sexy entertainment without losing the drive? Oddly enough, more sexual expression is a considerable solution. What if pop culture, a place where creativity is consumed as quickly as
Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
Page 11
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The juggling fool will make you laugh. The falconer will impress you with his mastery over a winged predator. Musicians will serenade you. Acrobats will bound around you. And the washing well wenches... you’ll just have to see. A full list of acts is available on the Faire website: www.SherwoodForestFaire.com Another attraction at the Faire is the artisan marketplace. Over the five seasons Sherwood Forest Fiare has operated the marketplace has continued to grow. Almost all of the 120 crafts people from the 2013 season are returning. And talented new groups are joining the village: Black Eagle Castle Living History & Archery Encampment, Rev’s Armour Werks, and Sylva Pagana Purveyors of the Arcane are among the added artisans. So bring some coin and take home something you’ll be proud of!
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Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
FEATURES
Love and hate almost one and the same story by Priyanka Deshpande graphic by Bailey Sullivan
I
magine holding a flower in your hand and picking off the petals one by one — you love him, you love him not, you love him, you love him not, you love him… and then suddenly, you hate him! As it turns out, it is not uncommon to feel both love and hate almost simultaneously. While these polar emotions seem to be opposites, they are actually quite correlated. Science revealed that love and hate stem from some of the same parts of the brain, so it is not surprising that people often feel conflicted between both emotions. This fickle nature of the human mind can often be amplified if love and hate are directed toward another person to whom one is close. In 2008, a study by Professor Semir Zeki of the University College of London that was published in the peerreviewed, online science journal PLOS ONE revealed that the emotions love and hate involve some of the same neural circuitry. Zeki’s team performed brain scans of volunteers who saw pictures of people they had previously noted that they hated. The results showed that the parts of the brain that were activated during this experiment were the putamen and insula, which are also known to be areas of the brain activated by romantic love. Zeki proposed that the putamen is involved in aggressive behavior in general, whether it is in a romantic or disgustful context. Surpris-
ingly, though, other studies have revealed that parts of the cerebral cortex, which is associated with reasoning and judgment, become deactivated during love while they only become slightly deactivated during hate. That means, for the most part, the brain is still using its best judgment when you feel hatred! Perhaps love and hate are managed by the same parts of the brain because they are both linked to our visceral drive to survive among others of our own species. “Love and hate reflect social goals,” explained Art Markman, a UT psychology professor and Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts. “When you succeed at intense positive social goals, which could be family-oriented or they could be romantic or sexual, then you will experience intense positive feelings, which you interpret as love. When an individual stands in the way of your ability to achieve an important goal, this situation can trigger strong negative emotions that are directed at that person and are interpreted as hate.” While Zeki’s study revealed that neural pathways link love and hate, it is unlikely that one would confuse one emotion for another. “You won’t really mistake love for hate,” Markman said. “However, the intensity of the emotional experience that you have around someone can sometimes flip rapidly between love and
hate if you have conflicting goals related to them. So, if you have a former romantic partner who hurt you, you might hate that person, but then if you come into contact with them, you might also re-engage the positive goals you had with them and ignite feelings of love.” However, feeling such ca-
pricious intensity can be tolerable, if it is controlled. “Emotional experience is part of being human,” Markman continued. “On those days when you are feeling intense experiences, let yourself experience them. You can learn a lot about yourself both from intense joy and deep anger or sad-
ness. That said, if you find that your normal state is to feel everything intensely, good and bad, then you might want some strategies for feeling things less intensely.” Markman offered further advice on how to manage extreme emotions. “A simple thing you can
do is to create some psychological distance from the events that are causing the feelings,” Markman said. “If the strong feelings still persist, think about working with a counselor to give you more individualized strategies for helping you to manage the strength of your feelings.”
Friday, February 7, 2014
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LONGHORN LIFE
40 Acres of love: newly wed students story by Mariana Munoz photos by Jared Wynne
H
ave you recently scrolled through your news feed and were surprised to find out that someone you went to high school with is getting married? Don’t be surprised if you see this more often; it seems that marriage at an early age is becoming more and more popular. Some might argue that marriage is a dangerous thing for young couples. Others argue that when true love finds you, taking the next step in a relationship comes naturally. When it comes to love, is there a right or wrong? Ashley Cooney, 21, and Steven Cooney, 22, are
two UT students who were together for a year and a half before the couple exchanged vows three weeks ago. Even though they each pictured marriage happening at different points in their lives, fate eventually brought them together at the right place and right time. “I didn’t actually plan on getting married until I was out of medical school,” said Ashley Cooney, a senior biochemistry major. “I actually told him this when he brought it up on our second date,” she added. Steven Cooney, on the other hand, saw marriage coming a little earlier in his life.
“I had always wanted to get married relatively early in my life, however it was earlier that year that I decided that I was going to intentionally pursue getting married,” said the senior electrical engineering major. So what made Ashley Cooney reconsider her plan of waiting to get married? Steven Cooney, her better half. “I knew that if I went to medical school without him, we most likely wouldn’t stay together through it. I couldn’t handle that, so now we’re going to go through it together.”
MARRIAGE
Newly wedded couple Steven Cooney and Ashley Cooney at their home in west Austin.
continues on page 17
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Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
The heart symbol: a history story by Shantanu Banerjee photo by Silvana Di Ravenna
T
here are plenty of theories for how the classic heart icon, which is featured prominently on everything from cards to chocolate throughout February, came to be that go as far back as 10,000 B.C. According to the Public Broadcasting Service, the heart shape was first seen in drawings on cave walls done by Cro-Magnons in Europe prior to the final Ice Age 12,000 years ago. The meanings of the pictograms they were used in still remain unknown today. The heart symbol began to rise to prominence with the rise of Christianity. Beginning between the 11th and 15th centuries, The Sacred Heart, which commonly portrayed suffering, became an image to represent Jesus Christ. One can find the symbol throughout artwork in the Middle Ages. In the following medieval era, the heart became associated with coats of arms or emblems of nobility along with the Holy Grail. Over time, the heart symbol increasingly became associated with love, feelings and affection. However, the origins for the shape of the icon itself remain less clear. Galdino Pranzarone, a professor of psychology at Roanoke College, informed Discovery News that the shape of the heart originated from female
anatomy. Specifically, it was based on the shape of the female buttocks as seen from behind, a theory Pranzarone supported with sources from
of a woman’s behind. In fact, the the goddess of love’s name, Aphrodite Kallipygos, literally means “Aprodite of the beautiful buttocks.” While this may
Over time, the heart symbol increasingly became associated with love, feelings and affection. literature, mythology and Greco-Roman culture. For example, beauty in ancient Greece was associated with the curves
explain the origins of the heart shape, a similar compliment today might not as easily win over someone’s actual heart.
There are many theories regarding the origin of the heart shape, which today prominently signifies love and affection.
Another theory published by a group known as Sage-Femme Collective, an anonymous group of professionals who promote women’s independence through self-help, explain that the icon originated from the way the seed of the silphium plant was shaped. Silphium was used for a multitude of purposes, but its primary function was as a form of early birth control. In fact,
the images of the heartshaped seeds can still be found today on the coins used in the in ancient city of Cyrene, along the tip of Africa in the Mediterranean region where the plant grew about 2,000 years ago. The plant eventually went extinct due to overharvesting. Its connection with sex may also provide a clear link to the heart shape being associated
with love and desire. Whether it came from cave men, a plant with contraceptive properties or from how the back of a woman’s behind looks, the iconic heart symbol continues to play a tantamount role in literature, art and Valentine’s today. This might offer a great conversational conversation topic for your date that night, as well.
Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
Page 15
40 Acres of love: professor-couples
story by Samantha Meyer photos by Lauren Lowe
M
any people say they found the love of their life on a college campus, but at UT it’s not just the students who are getting hitched to someone they met on the 40 Acres. Professors Thomas Jesús Garza and Elizabeth Richmond-Garza were lucky enough to find “the one” teaching in the same hallway. “We were both given offices in the basement,” Richmond-Garza said, recalling the scene in romantic, fairy tale way. “He looked like Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks, with a black jacket, white shirt and skinny tie. She looked like a blur of long dark-hair and black clothes. It took us almost the entire
academic year to meet.” “Finally, Tom had the resourcefulness to walk across the hall and offer me a Diet Coke. We both realized that we worked late at the office and enjoyed the company of the Mexican free-tailed bats who live in some of UT’s buildings. I do not drink sodas, but it was a sweet gesture. The rest is a history of the gothic and the gastronomic,” she said. Apparently the students could learn a thing or two about romance from our professors. Currently there are more than 10 married professor pairs at UT. The Garzas are aware of the substantial number of professor couples on the UT campus, and believe their colleagues’
romance is a positive feature of the community at the university. “Some [professor couples] are in the same departments; some have specializations that span the campus,” Richmond-Garza said. “In each case, the passion and respect for each other translates into a passion and respect for their students and colleagues.” According to Professor Sandra Straubhaar, whose husband also teaches at UT, the substantial number of professor couples on campus is surprising, given the transient nature of an academic career.
PROFESSORS continues on page 17
Professors Joseph and Sandra Straubhaar believe that it is necessary to put your relationship and family first if the relationship is to succeed.
Professor Sandra Straubhaar in her office. Straubhaar and her husband, Joseph, are both professors at The University of Texas.
Page 16
Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
SUSTAINABLE
someone. Still, most actresses on screen use classic beauty as a vehicle for attention. Whether they use that attention more pur-
continued from page 10 Unlike Beyoncé, Dunham flaunts a body that many producers would keep under loose-fitting wraps. “And that’s exactly why Dunham’s nudity is so radical,” explored Jill Filipovic, writer for The Guardian. “… Because she challenges the notion of the female body as chiefly ornamental, even in — especially in — sex scenes.” She’s right. The sex scenes in “Girls” evoke new angles through sexuality, which are meant to make us laugh or cry, not get off. This sort of art, sex without the sexy, undoubtedly spins the current view of what it means to be in bed with
writer for Salon, commented on a scene where, “Ms. Adams holds the screen hostage for a long moment that screams truth, as hard
Sex is hot, but intellect and sex is hotter. At one time, this combination was a rarity, but could it be the new standard? Like shifting products and industry standards, sexuality in the mainstream has to regain some context. posefully is entirely up to them. Amy Adams definitely captures this talent — capturing eyes to make a point — in her complexly sexy role in “American Hustle.” Dorothy Woodend,
and unvarnished as her naked face and head full of curlers.” Since this role, Adams has been swarmed with pop culture publications; she fills magazines and headlines. She donned more award nominations
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desensitized to enjoying the “consumption” of sexual messaging without it. Keep digging, the proof is everywhere. Check the sex appeal (body excluded) of just Scarlet Johansson’s emo-
tional monologues in “Her.” Try to understand why Ryan Gosling’s and George Clooney’s characters leave such sensuality in high-stress or high-strung scenes. It’s the same lasting characteristic you’d find in James Dean, Paul Newman or Marlon Brando — all “sex icons” of the past generation. “It was a force like a storm on the stage,” said Ossie Davis, who shared the stage with Brando in the New York Theater, in an interview about Brando’s sexuality. “You know, he just burned up everything in the immediate vicinity.” Sex is hot, but intellect and sex is hotter. At one time, this combination was a rarity, but could it be the new stan-
dard? Like shifting products and industry standards, sexuality in the mainstream has to regain some context. Not because we’re ashamed of the alternative, but because we’re bored of the impersonal. Might it re-sensitize a generation that’s been stunted by too many sex stars? Thanks to the explosion of digital options, maybe so. At least for now, sustainable expressions of sex seem to be very “in.” It’s the kind of art that makes you feel hot and heavy plus some, then find someone who makes you feel that way yourself. This time, IRL.
Friday, February 7, 2014
MARRIAGE continued from page 13 Some might consider Ashley and Steven Cooney’s relationship fastpaced, while others might praise the magnitude of their love. “I think it’s wrong for anyone to insult other people’s choices like pop culture tends to do with a lot of things,” Ashley Cooney said. “On the other hand, getting married young, especially as young as us, is not the right choice for everyone, and I certainly don’t advocate marriage as a decision to be taken lightly.” Marriage has been considered to be a very important decision as it calls for much responsibility and commitment. “Getting married is a choice you make for a life-
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LONGHORN LIFE
time. If you aren’t sure or if you look at it as if you can always ‘get out of it’ then you don’t need to get married,” she added. “If you’re as sure as we were and the decision is as clear as it was for us, then it doesn’t matter how old you are.” Kevin Luu, 20, has a different view on marriage. He does not picture himself getting married while he is still attending college. Most students would rather wait until they are done with school before taking the next big step in their lives. “The earliest would be right after college just so I know that I have a college degree under my belt, and we start our newly married lives together and going off to work,” said the sophomore sociology major. Though he prefers to take a different path, Luu sup-
ports the decision of young couples who choose to get married now. “I think it’s’ whatever floats your boat. There’s no right way to do it. If you both think that your relationship with each other is strong enough to handle the stresses and strains that come with doing that, then by all means do it,” he added. Marriage at a young age is becoming a more common thing around us. There can be a long discussion about what many consider to be right or wrong in regards to the topic but one thing is clear: this decision made between two people requires much thought and above all, much love.
PROFESSORS continued from page 15 “Academia is hell on romance,” Straubhaar said. “You both have to be willing to make compromises, to follow each other. If you’re both academics then the idea of finding a job at the same institution is hard. We were not willing to do the thing where one of us is in one city and the other is in the other; that’s crazy.” All the professors to whom Longhorn Life spoke agreed that if professors can overcome the challenge of getting jobs at the same university, working with their spouse is an enjoyable experience. “We understand each other,” Richmond-Garza said. “There is no need to explain. At the end of the day, we both care about the place of the humanities in our culture. We are convinced that if our students and colleagues understand more
fully our transnational and complex world, that we shall all live better. We never need to explain. Even our two cats understand, and that kind of team effort is priceless.”
each other that evening, and be able to make sense of the day and of tomorrow, is how you persevere even on a hard day.” Through trials and com-
“Academia is hell on romance. You both have to be willing to make compromises, to follow each other.” - Sandra Straubhaar, half of one professor-couple at UT
There are some unique difficulties that accompany having your spouse share your place of work. “Knowing that the person you love and who best understands you is five minutes away, and that you cannot take a minute for a coffee is hard,” Richmond-Garza said. “Knowing that you will see
fort, the professor couples at UT have endured and are reminders of true love and dedication in an ephemeral academic world. “You have to put the relationship first,” Straubhaar said. “You have to put family first. Sometimes that means not being so ambitious.”
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Friday, February 7, 2014
LONGHORN LIFE
Celebrating the faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin
EXPERT Q&A: SEX TALK WITH CINDY MESTON by Samantha Meyer | photo courtesy of Cindy Meston the fact from the fiction of typical dating advice. Longhorn Life: Clear up some myths for us: scientifically, how are women and men different sexually or romantically?
C
indy Meston is a tenured professor in the department of psychology. Along with teaching the undergraduate human sexuality course, Meston also conducts research in one of the most sophisticated sexuality labs in the world. Longhorn Life asked Meston to share her expertise with us, hoping she could help separate
Cindy Meston: I would say the biggest difference that we find in the whole psychophysiology literature is that the connection between genital arousal and psychological arousal is very close for men and it’s not close for women… There’s a very close connection between how aroused a man says he is, and what his genitals are doing. Whereas for women, this is not the case. LL: What do you think are some of the reasons for that difference? CM: I mean it’s all specula-
tive, but I think one reason is just anatomically the male sexual response is a much greater response… He kind of can’t miss it; it’s out there. Women, on the other hand, the response is much more subtle … and I don’ t know about your generation, but certainly in my generation and before a lot of women were told, “Oh no, don’t touch down there; that’s dirty,” or, “That’s bad.” So as women we are kind of socialized not to pay as much attention, and anatomically we don’t learn to, so I think that explains some of it. LL: What love or relationship trends have you seen develop since being a professor at UT? How have you seen the culture change here? CM: Just from my undergraduates in my class, cer-
tainly there’s much more casual sex … now it seems many more women seek that, as well … I think there are a lot of women out there who want a sexual relationship without the commitment, and they’re not afraid to say so. On one hand I think it says something very good about women’s sexuality, which is that women are saying, “I want sex because it’s pleasurable, not because I’m necessarily trying to capture the man or have a long-term relationship.”
this impression that everybody’s having sex, and it’s really good sex … so a lot of people are kind of, “Gee, my sex life isn’t that great, something’s wrong with me.” I think it a little bit perpetuates some sexual dissatisfaction with one’s own life, and kind of bad sexual self-esteem.
LL: Do you think sexuality is accurately portrayed in the media?
CM: Well, this is kind of boring, but it’s really the truth: the huge importance of communication in a happy sex life. I mean, it sounds so basic, but I guess one thing that men really need to know about women is that every woman is different in what turns her on sexually, and something
CM: Not really. I mean, I think that it’s hard for me to say among [the college] age group, but I would say my impression still is in the media sexuality is just so much. You’re given
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LL: What is something that you think romantically active college students should know about love or sexuality that is not commonly taught to them?
that may have worked very well with the last partner isn’t necessarily going to work with the new partner. And it will be the openminded men who are willing to listen, who don’t get their backs up at a little bit of advice, who make the really good lovers. Not the ones who think they already know everything. And for women, I think what women need to know is that guys need to be taught, and they need to appreciate that if the guy doesn’t know what he’s doing, it’s because you’re different from the other women he’s been with. If you’re not willing to say something or guide him somehow, then it’s your problem that you’re not sexually satisfied. The most basic issue is just to talk about it, communicate your needs, give feedback and be open to it.
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LONGHORN LIFE
things I’ve learned…
compiled by Kritika Kulshrestha | photos by Silavana Di Ravenna and Mikhaela Locklear
3.
Love must exist without tense communication. We talk about not walking on eggshells and not having to weigh our words. Love needs to exist void of the fear of saying the wrong thing.
Pamela S. Buchanan [23 years] at UT Kinesiology and health education
4.
Love must thrive and grow without trepidation. Sometimes we prevent ourselves from accepting full love, because we are already calculating how long it will last or will not last.
1.
Love has many forms. English just has a limited vocabulary.
2. 3.
Love will take you by surprise.
Nancy Daley
Some people are not capable of love; it’s time we all accept that.
4.
Some of the greatest, most difficult acts of love are done in complete anonymity.
5.
Love is at least as contagious as hatred. We could be doing a great deal more to spread it around.
1.
Love must be earned. We can’t say ‘I deserve this.’ You earn love by representing the best of who you can be and respecting the people who you would like to love you.
[17 years] at UT Psychology
2.
Love must be maintained. Once you have someone’s love, you have to treat it well. You have to make sure you are attentive to the details of love.
5.
Love must be celebrated constantly. I don’t believe in annual celebrations.
He’s more than your son. He’s everything. And that’s why, at Lincoln Financial, we do everything we do to help you take charge of your life, plan for the future and protect the ones you love. Let’s get started. To run your personalized retirement analysis or to have a one-on-one meeting with your local Retirement Consultant, contact Charles Davenport at 512-705-7023 or e-mail him at Charles.Davenport@lfg.com.
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Friday, February 7, 2014
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