Longhorn Life: Love & Sex Edition

February 11, 2011

an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan

inside

• The rise of the hook-up: one UT expert weighs in on this trend pg. 3 • Last-minute gifts for your valentine that won’t break the bank pg. 7 • Get hot and heavy at some of Austin’s top make-out spots pg. 9

LOVE &SEX SEX

Edition

Longhorn Life

page 2

February 11, 2011

Nearby options for those late-night condom needs

By Angelica Perez & Carolynn Calabrese

S

special to Longhorn Life

ince most students don’t carry condoms with them at all times, you might find yourself on the way to getting lucky and without a prophylactic.

So, we did a tour of all the condom-purveying establishments near campus so you’ll know just where to go next time you’re in need.

CVS Selection: meh • Pros: open until 10 p.m. • Cons: closes at 10 p.m.

Dreamers Selection: good mix of Trojan and Kimono; stocks Durex Avanti, which is nonlatex. They also sell condoms and lube individually if you want to try different types before committing to an entire box of one kind.

• Pros: also has porn • Cons: also has porn; condom prices are at least twice what you’d pay at H-E-B or Walgreens 7-11 Selection: Trojan threepacks only • Pros: open 24 hours; sells beer and slurpees • Cons: no non-

Welcome

Whether it makes you immensely aware of your single status or appreciative of your significant other, February is a month dedicated to the ins-andouts of love. And what does our culture love more than sex? No matter if you’re searching for that perfect V-Day gift or condoms at 3 a.m., we’ve covered it all in this edition for one reason: We love you. Enjoy!

— Stephanie Bathurst and Jordan Schraeder, editors

latex option Orange Market Selection: Trojan threepacks only • Pros: close to Pi Kappa Phi • Cons: close to Pi Kappa Phi; no non-latex option

LONGHORN

CONTRIBUTING STAFF Writers

Sheri Alzeerah Caitlin Clemenson Lara Grant Alyson Rotunda Karin Samelson Jordan Schraeder Colby White

West Campus Market Selection: five types of Trojan three-packs • Pros: proximity to Pluckers means easy stumbling; open until 1 a.m. on Saturday (midnight, Sunday-Friday) • Cons: no non-latex option.

Photographers

Stephanie Bathurst Sheri Alzeerah

Layout and Design

Wag-A-Bag Selection: all Lifestyles three-packs; lots of varieties less than three bucks • Pros: close to Kappa Delta • Cons: only open until midnight

Sheri Alzeerah

Cover Design

Casey Rogers

Special Editions Student Editors Stephanie Bathurst Jordan Schraeder Carolynn Calabrese Texas Student Media

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Felimon Hernandez Bianca Krause Alyssa Peters Casey Rogers Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan written and produced by students.

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Longhorn Life

February 11, 2011

page 3

Expert Q&A

Psych professor talks sex, mating

Stephanie Bathurst / Texas Student Media

“Humans have evolved to be fascinated with sex, whether it’s in their own lives or the lives of others,” said David Buss, Ph.D., a psychology professor who specializes in human sexuality.

By Jordan Schraeder College campuses are infamous for being hot-beds of sexual experimentation, and UT is no exception. According to Men’s Health Magazine, Austin is the most sexually active city in the country — could we students be to blame? We turned to David Buss, Ph.D., a psychology professor who specializes in human mating and sexuality, for some answers. We caught up with Buss as he headed back to campus from filming a documentary for HBO in Los Angeles.

Longhorn Life: Can you tell us a little about your research and expertise?

David Buss: My research focuses on strategies of human mating. These range from the initial process of mate selection through cooperation and conflict to the causes of heartache and splitting up. I also study the aftermath of breakups, which is often extremely hard on people psychologically and can produce outcomes such as reduced self-esteem, stalking and even murder. On the brighter side, mating produces some of the most brilliant peak experiences in life. Even breakups can sometimes be liberating, freeing an individual to pursue new opportunities.

LL: What can you tell us about trends in sexual activity among college students?

Buss: Over the past decade or two, there’s been an increase in phenomena such as ‘hooking up’ and ‘friends with benefits.’

Some social norms say that men and women should treat sex in the same manner, but they don’t.

Women often find sex without any emotional involvement an empty experience; some, although certainly not all, end up feeling used or degraded. But there are large individual differences within women and within men, and these must be considered in the context of differences in how sex is experienced by both genders.

LL: How do you think sex is perceived on college campuses?

Buss: It’s difficult to make generalizations, given the wide range of individual differences.

Some view college as a time of sexual experimentation and engage in a lot of short-term mating. Others get into committed relationships and have sex only within that context. Still, others abstain from sex entirely.

LL: How often do hookups occur in comparison to committed relationships?

Buss: It’s impossible to put exact figures on these, since even the concept of ‘hooking up’ is vague. I think it is intentionally so. It can mean anything from kissing to passionate sexual intercourse, although the SEXUALITY continues on page 5

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Longhorn Life

page 4

February 11, 2011

Technology COLUMN

Dating sites put up big numbers

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By Colby M. White Information has powered the Web since its existence, but the recent rise of dating sites has taken that idea to a new level: A rare level that includes a hefty profit.

The online dating industry capitalized on the concept of consumer information to the tune of $1.049 billion in 2009 alone. According to PCWorld, that puts the industry behind only gaming and music sites.

So how did the Web transform the awkwardness of dating into one of the Internet’s biggest moneymakers? It’s the same way the Web became so popular in the first place: heaps and heaps of information.

A recent article in PCWorld described several dating sites’ behind-the-scenes architecture. PerfectMatch.com sports five Web servers, and True.com uses 200 servers plus a 64-bit, 32-processor server to run its database. The industry’s heavyweight eHarmony stores 4 terabytes of data about its near 20 million users.

The amount of data that these

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companies pool allows them to fuel their sites. Matching algorithms, based on anything from religion to hobbies, are applied to the masses of data to spit out endless potential dates. Doing calculations on the near 40 million users in the U.S. alone, the industry is bound to provide enough potential dates to keep even the heavy user entertained.

That spurs more users, which only increases the databases.

The chicken-and-the-egg paradox aside, the industry has a business model that will only grow the market.

Of course, a mound of data is useless if you can’t navigate it. The more detailed the company’s personality profiles, the more information it can gather.

A 400-question survey is required by users of eHarmony, which was founded by a clinical psychologist. Multiply that by the site’s 20 million users and that’s 8 billion little facts used to operate its sophisticated calculations. Not surprisingly, eHarmony’s algorithms are proprietary and as secret as they can be.

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At the company’s “Love Lab,” eHarmony takes that data and puts it through tests. This is where the site mixes its data with social psychology.

But at the industry’s heart is the willingness of millions of people to give up facts about themselves. The concept isn’t anything new to the Web. Rolling out statistics on its hits will only get a website so far with advertisers.

Facebook knows what its users — and their friends — like.

Amazon knows the purchase history and tendencies of its users. Netflix knows its users’ watching habits. That information is just as, if not more, valuable than anything else the companies sell.

The online dating industry is slightly different in its data since it doesn’t directly benefit advertisers, but the idea isn’t far off.

To put it all in perspective, online dating is putting up bigger numbers than the porn industry.

Porn studios know we like sex, but dating sites know us — our incomes, hobbies, personality types and temperaments.

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Longhorn Life

February 11, 2011

Sexuality: Studying ‘it’ Continued from page 3

connotation is that whatever sexual contact occurs is casual.

The term has a way of blurring exactly what occurred.

LL: How do you think others (parents, families, etc.) perceive sex on college campuses?

Buss: One of the graduate students in my lab, Carin Perilloux, just published an article about the qualities parents want in the mates of their college kids and the conflicts that parents and their kids get into regarding mating and sex. As a generalization, parents worry more about the sex lives of their daughters and attempt to influence their daughters more than their sons. Although the qualities sought in a mate are similar between college students and their parents, the students tend to place a greater priority on traits such as ‘physical attractiveness’ and ‘exciting personality.’ Parents, on the other hand, are more likely than college students to emphasize religiosity, or potential partners with a similar religious orientation.

LL: What role has social media started to play in sexual relationships?

Buss: There’s no doubt that modern social technology facilitates short-term mating, which may be good or bad depending on one’s perspective. It makes it easier to hook up and to act on impulse. It also changes something that one can call ‘sexual reputation.’ It’s far more difficult to keep sex lives private. We’re doing a study right now on ‘sexual regret,’ and we’re finding that women more than men tend to experience sexual regret following sexual encounters.

Men are more likely to regret missed sexual opportunities.

LL: You’ve been at UT since the mid-1990s. What have you seen change, or not change, with regards to sex in college?

Buss: I haven’t noticed any radical changes in attitudes toward sex over the past 15 years, although there are a few.

One is the rise of the ‘pick-upartist’ community, which is a mixed bag, and there are various ‘schools’ of thought. Some pick-up gurus train men how to become better men — more well-rounded, more honorable and more confident, which are qualities that embody what many women want. At the other end of the spectrum, some

teach pick-up ‘tricks,’ which can involve deception, which of course is very disturbing.

LL: In your opinion, what is the most important thing college students should know when it comes to sex?

Buss: Sex is so personal that there is no single ‘most important thing’ that one can single out. In our research, we’ve found that sexual experiences range from transcendental peak experiences to the most horrific and emotionally damaging events. Although this comment will go against the grain of much thinking in social sciences, I would say that it’s important to keep in mind that women and men have somewhat different sexual psychologies; they desire different qualities in a mate and often perceive casual sex in a different light. Men, more than women, tend to seek casual sex with a variety of partners, although both men and women have what I call short-term and long-term mating within their menu of mating strategies.

LL: There seems to be a divide between sex selling and being taboo. Why do you think that is?

Buss: Humans have evolved to be fascinated with sex, whether it’s in their own lives or the lives of others. We’ve also evolved to meddle or interfere with the sex lives of others.

From an evolutionary perspective, sex is so important because it is so close to ‘the engine of evolution,’ which is differential reproductive success. Few things matter more than who is having sex with whom.

LL: What is the context of the HBO documentary for you were interviewed in Los Angeles?

Buss: They filmed an interview with me about sex and mating, with a special emphasis on phenomena such as ‘mate poaching,’ infidelity and mate switching, with a special emphasis on the ways these phenomena play out in movies and among actors who star in the films. They were also interested in what can be called ‘sexual morality,’ ‘sexual hypocrisy’ and ‘sexual double standards.’

It should be quite interesting.

For more information on Buss’ research, check out his books, “The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating” and “Why Women Have Sex,” the latter of which was co-authored with fellow UT psychology professor Dr. Cindy Meston.

page 5

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February 11, 2011

page 7

Money can’t buy love, but these gifts might

By Alyson Rotunda With Valentine’s Day coming up, it is important to make sure you have the perfect gift for your significant other. Here’s a list of top choices suitable for any budget.

Under $10

Decided to be a conservative spender this Valentine’s Day? Not to worry. There are plenty of great gifts that cost less than $10.

One of the most practical options, of course, is a gift card for your partner’s favorite place on The Drag. If a romantic atmosphere is what you’re looking for, hosting a candlelit dinner at home is an economical alternative to an extravagant dinner downtown. If you’re more of an outdoorsy couple, take a trip to the Greenbelt or Mount Bonnell for a picturesque stroll.

But if you want to stay away from V-Day clichés, here are a few out-of-the-box ideas.

If you want to get your lover something sexy for Valentine’s Day, Forbidden Fruit is offering FREE boudoir and beefcake photos on Sunday, Feb. 13. The session includes a free photo shoot, complete with a CD of all the images with any $25 Forbidden Fruit purchase. Give a few of your

favorites to your partner — just be sure you’re the one keeping the disc to protect your personal privacy.

If you prefer sweet gifts, personalized M&Ms can be as inexpensive as $9.99. Find them at mymms.com.

Making a mixed CD of your partner’s favorites tunes can be a very romantic, personal and inexpensive gift. Want to up the ante? Load photographs of you and your valentine onto the CD as well.

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Chocolates are also a quintessential treat for your sweetheart. Delicious options are available at Godiva Chocolatier located in Barton Creek Mall. Movies and CDs also make great gifts, just be sure to keep your lover’s tastes in mind. Bath and body products are great for both men and women and can be found at Bath and Body Works, Origins and the Body Shop. I recommend massage oil, lotions and candles from the Bath and Body Works Romantic line. Great products are also available from the Anthony Logistics for Men line, dedicated exclusively to male grooming. Anthony products are available at Central Market, Sephora and Nordstrom.

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For the traditional gift-giver, red roses are a great way to say “I love you.” Besides, what girl doesn’t love to get flowers?

Bouquets are available for delivery from austinflorists.com starting at $49.99. Another great option is a spa package, because every woman enjoys a little pampering. My two favorite salons are Embellish Nails and Boutique, and Milk and Honey for great massages.

For men, cologne is a great gift possibility.

There are a plethora of different scents that will appeal to both you and your partner.

My personal favorites include John Varvatos Vintage, Burberry Brit and Davidoff Cool Water.

Looking for a present you and your partner can share? Sexy lingerie and novelty items make for some scandalous Valentine’s Day fun. Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood and Cindie’s offer a wide selection of sexy lingerie. Cindie’s also carries an array of novelty items sure to fulfill anyone’s Valentine’s Day fantasy.

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For $100, jewelry is always a perfect present for the holiday. Although some pieces can get expensive, some of the most popular designers offer items under $100. Check out Tiffany & Co. at the Domain and James Avery in Barton Creek Mall for your girl. My top pick is Tiffany’s Mini Double Heart Tag Pendant necklace.

She’ll be sure to love the little blue box, and you’ll love the affordable price tag on this classic Tiffany piece.

For your man, I suggest a watch or wallet. Both are functional and will allow him to remember you every time he pulls out his debit card or checks the time. Plus, men need to accessorize too! I recommend Fossil for affordable and stylish options.

Check out Fossil’s Classic Sport Watch or the store’s range of wallets.

Regardless of budget, these ideas will lead you to the perfect present for your significant other. As long as the gift comes from the heart, there’s no way to go wrong this Valentine’s Day.

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Longhorn Life

page 8

Joshua (21) Justin (38) & Elisabeth (20) & Margarita (35) Majors: kinesiology, chemistry

Spotted: outside Starbucks on 24th Street Met: October 2009 Who wears the pants: Joshua

Majors: working on doctorate in linguistics, Majors: corporate communications, post-doctorate work corporate communications Spotted: on West Mall

Spotted: on South Mall

Met: in Austin last January

Met: in their freshman “Ethics and Politics” class

Married: Dec. 18, 2010 Favorite place on campus: architecture garden

Going solo

By Stephanie Bathurst

A romantic Valentine’s Day is certainly not for everyone. And with Austin being the most sexually active city in the country, it is clear that singles are not about to pass up the opportunity to celebrate a day dedicated to all things hot and steamy. So if you’re looking for an alternative to your favorite pint of Ben and Jerry’s, a box of Angel Soft tissues and a Meg Ryan marathon, we’ve got you covered.

LOVE IS IN THE HAIR: Wig themed pub-crawl

Becca (22) & Natalie (21)

Ever thought drinking beer while wearing a wig could win you the sweetheart of your dreams?

Attend this pub crawl to find out.

It’s a unique opportunity to get a well-lit sober look at your future soul mate before hitting the fifth bar and gaining enough courage to say, “Hey baby, can I get your digits?” Event-wide drink specials will be available at Union Park, Annie’s West, Molotov, The Dogwood and J Blacks. Play the part and dress up Valentine’s-style, and make sure you don’t forget your favorite wig.

West Sixth Street Saturday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. $15 thesocialding.com

Dating for: three years in March Favorite activity: anything outside

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Do you feel like berating lovebirds around town while speeding by at a comfortable distance on your vintage Schwinn, leaving those lovely couples eating your anti-Valentine’s Day dust?

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Meet at Lamar Pedestrian Bridge Monday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

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Gabriel (22) & Natasha (21) Majors: government, human growth and development

Jillian (18) & Ben (19)

Spotted: at the Flawn Academic Center Met: in the ROTC program at UT in 2008

Spotted: on South Mall

Engaged: Christmas 2009

Met: in a Philadelphia middle school

Favorite place on campus: the Sanchez building or Taco Bell Save the date: June 25, 2011

Dating for: five years

Plans for Valentine’s Day: going to see music downtown

Ellis (19) &Tommy (18)

Favorite place on campus: Dobie Center

Die Gelbe Rose Carriage: A horse-drawn carriage through historic downtown is the perfect opportunity for you and your date to get cozy. No doubt things will get heated on this intimate ride.

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Speakeasy: Rooftop romance at its best. Find a dark corner to slip your date some tongue. If you’re feeling a little more daring, meet someone new on this terrace and share some lip-locking.

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Barton Creek Greenbelt: Feeling dangerous? Find a hidden trail and get a little steamy inside the shade of trees along the Greenbelt. If Cupid really has you love-struck, find a hidden watering hole to skinny dip and let the body heat warm up you and your partner.

1710 Camp Craft Road (entrance point)

7

8

Desiree (23) & Trevor (23)

Spotted: outside the Flawn Academic Center

Michael (19) & Joanne (28)

Met: in 2008 when he helped her move in

Majors: computer science, audio engineering

Dating for: two and a half years

Spotted: outside of the Tower

Favorite kayaking

Dating since: December 2010

activity: watching movies or

2

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: For those dates who scoff at too much public display of affection, this is the place for you. You can steal a few kisses here and there. But, if Valentine’s Day gets you in the mood, go wild among these wild flowers — they don’t judge. 4801 La Crosse Ave.

Bobby (21) & Taylor (22) Majors: chemical engineering, environmental science

Zilker Botanical Garden: Fly a kite and have a romantic picnic in the great outdoors. Curl up next together on the grass, and don’t be afraid to get a little frisky in the sunshine. 2220 Barton Springs Road

5

Majors: public relations, government Spotted: outside Starbucks on 24th Street Met: in College Republicans Dating for: two years Favorite activity: talking politics Favorite place on campus: the Texas Union

Favorite activity: eating and going downtown

1

360 Bridge: For you adventurous daters, feel free to make a game out of this spot. First one to the top owes the other a little something special. Don’t worry about getting down and dirty up here, as there are plenty of private places where no one’s around. Loop 360

Meghan (20) & Justin (21)

Met: in 2007

Mount Bonnell: Take a hike to the top of this iconic locale, and spend the day overlooking the hidden views of Austin. Play it safe or get lost in the wilderness; either way you’ll never be able to keep your hands off each other. 3800 Mount Bonnell Road

4

Majors: graduate geotechnical engineering, ESL Spotted: in the Union cafeteria Met: seven years ago in a Switzerland high school Who wears the pants: Maripaz Favorite activity: watching chick flicks

Spotted: on South Mall next to the George Washington statue

So Valentine’s Day has come back around. For some of you this holiday is on your list of “things I hate” and for others, the day means getting a little saucy with your mate. But hey, who needs a holiday to have a little flirty fun? Bring your affection to these eight Austin make-out spots all year-round, and you’re sure to spice things up.

The Oasis: Known for being the place to watch the sun set in Austin, you can enjoy a romantic dinner while gazing into each other’s eyes over Lake Travis. If the sunset doesn’t get y’all in the makeout mood, share a chocolate dessert and see where your desires take you. 6550 Comanche Trail

Fabrizio (25) & Maripaz (23)

Majors: pre-pharmacy, undeclared

Kiss & tell

By Caitlin Clemenson

Text by Karin Samelson // Photos by Stephanie Bathurst

Majors: biology, undeclared

page 9

Pay a visit to the city’s sweetest make-out spots

Favorite activity: exploring around Austin

LOVE BITES: The Power Ballad Sing-Along

If you’re one to express your latest break-up by holding back those tears and belting out lyrics written more than 20 years ago

by Bret Michaels and REO Speedwagon, you are certainly in luck this Valentine’s Day. Stock up on hair spray, get experimental with your eyeliner and grab those shameless leather pants out of your closet, and make your way down to feel the unconditional smooth comfort of the power ballad.

Alamo Drafthouse Ritz Monday, Feb. 14, 10:30 p.m. $12 originalalamo.com

s e l p cou ^ Campus Watch

Longhorn Life

February 11, 2011February 11, 2011

Favorite activity: kissing Favorite place on campus: Union Underground

Jimy (29) & Elisa (21)

Majors: undeclared, English Spotted: eating outside of the Union Met: two years ago working at The Austin Club, a private membership organization located downtown Favorite activity: taking naps Favorite place on campus: the Fine Arts Library

Majors: English, government and philosophy, neurobiology Spotted: in the Union cafeteria Best friends for: five years Dating for: six months Favorite activity: hiking, going to Barton Springs and studying Favorite place on campus: the Honors Quad

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February 11, 2011

Good Eats COLUMN

page 11

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CENTRAL BOUTIQUE 1323 S. Congress Ave. | 443-7779 NORTH BOUTIQUE Research and Burnet | 452-8228

Sheri Alzeerah / Texas Student Media

Top, Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Classic Burger is loaded with Black Angus beef, red leaf lettuce, onion and tomato. Bottom, Customer-created chalkboard art is on display on the restaurant’s eclectic walls.

Pick a place, then eat your heart out

By Sheri Alzeerah For some, it’s the day you love to hate. For others, it’s the day you’re hated for loving. For everyone, though, it’s a good excuse to declare your affection for your one true love — eating. After all, on Valentine’s Day, life is like a heart-shaped box of heartshaped chocolates.

Use this handy-dandy V-Day restaurant guide to find your perfect match.

The Romantics Be whisked away into the charming, dimly lit Bess Bistro on Pecan for your own happily-everafter. This bank-turned-bistro fuses old and new for a twist on rustic dining, giving this restaurant a casual elegance that starry-eyed college couples can appreciate.

What they can appreciate more is the special Valentine’s Day menu ($85 per couple): a three-

course meal of blue crab bisque, a choice of gourmet entrées and crème brulee for dessert. Regular menu items are offered too, including Bess’ famous fried green tomatoes ($10). Call as soon as possible for reservations. Bess Bistro on Pecan, 500 W. Sixth St., 512-477-2377, bessbistro.com The I-Forgot-to-MakeReservations-ers It happens. It’s 6 p.m. on Feb. 14, and someone forgot to reserve a table for two at [insert snooty restaurant]. No need to fear. Hopdoddy Burger Bar is here. Hipster clothing recommended. Appetite required.

Get in line, grab a seat and sink your teeth into a made-to-order burger on what may very well be the best bread in the universe.

Not to mention the best patty in the universe (a vegetarian option is available too). And did I EATS continues on page 14

Look for these features in the FEB. 23 HOUSING EDITION of

LONGHORN

• His and hers apartment decor • Q&A with an RA • How to maximize your dorm space • A French-lover’s guide to cooking mussels • Profile of UT’s Habitat for Humanity chapter

Longhorn Life

page 12

Student org profile

February 11, 2011

Group focuses on helping others feel the love

By Lara Grant Every November, various students can be spotted with the word “love” written on their arms.

The goal is to relay the vision that everyone was created to love and be loved, according to the website of the group responsible for the movement. The facilitators belong to an organization called To Write Love on Her Arms.

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a nationwide nonprofit group dedicated to finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide, according to the organization’s website. Current graduate student Pamelagrace Okeke and a former UT student co-created the TWLOHA UT chapter a year and a half ago.

“We wanted to be a part of the movement that empowered UT students with the importance of their well-being,” Okeke said.

There are currently 41 active chapters at universities in the U.S. and Canada, said Brendan Schaller, an intern for the national TWLOHA organization. To create a university chapter, representa-

tives must attend a MOVE Community Conference, which occurs several times a year.

“Attendees are educated on the issues we deal with and how our organization fights to remove the stigma around them,” Schaller said.

Students must also meet the requirements specific to their university, such as holding general meetings and organizing events on campus.

The UT chapter aims to accomplish three main goals, Okeke said. The first is to creatively raise awareness through expressive mediums. Undeclared freshman Bethanie Olivan, the UT chapter’s social chair, said the group hosts Open Mic Bites, where students stand up to express themselves through song, poetry and dance.

These events are used “to get people comfortable before we talk about issues that can be uncomfortable,” Olivan said.

The organization’s second goal is to raise funds to be donated to treatment and rehabilitation facilities in Austin. The final goal is to partner with other college chapter to support their

endeavors.

“We’d also like to find ways to serve the Austin community, such as going to high schools and speaking or even volunteering at hotline facilities,” Okeke said.

National founder Jamie Tworkowski started the organization in Orlando, Fla., in February 2006 after writing about a friend who was denied entry into a drug treatment center. To help pay for that friend’s treatment, the founder created a MySpace page to house the project where T-shirts were printed and sold. After realizing that his friend was an example of a much larger problem, Tworkowski then began expanding his group.

At UT, students can get involved with the club by attending its weekly meetings. Find the Texas chapter on Facebook for meeting times.

“Dues are $10 a semester and if that’s an issue, we won’t let it be.

We want [students] to be a part [the organization],” Okeke said.

“We’d like to get people to realize they matter.”

TWLOHA’s mission is to encourage, inform, inspire and to

Stephanie Bathurst / Texas Student Media

Bethanie Olivan, Karen Ayala and Pamelagrace Okeke participate during a Tuesday night TWLOHA meeting in the Texas Union.

invest directly into treatment and recovery by providing counseling scholarships and donating to various organizations, according to the group’s website.

“Our focus is to build community within the group,” Okeke

said. “We know that it is not safe to talk about hard subjects in every circle, but we encourage it in our group because we have either gone through something similar or care about being a shoulder to cry [and] lean on.”

Longhorn Life

February 11, 2011

page 13

pole dancing on air

Historic Hyde Park Living Just minutes from UT

Stephanie Bathurst / Texas Student Media

A dancer from Brass Ovaries, a pole fitness studio, performed at the first Austin Freakshow Festival downtown in October.

* Free Internet and Cable including HBO! • Large 1 and 2 bedrooms • Serious student community 24 Hour Fitness Facility • Discounted 24 Hour Fitness memberships • Free Covered Parking and Bicycle Garages • Roommate friendly floor plans • Conveniently located by UT Shuttle, Bus #7 • GPA Rebate Program • Online Services Requests • Courtyard and BBQ area • On-site laundry Facility facilites

Reserving for Fall 2009 2010

T: 512.451.2343, • 4305 Duval Street, C: 512.470.9888, F: T: 512.451.5758, 512.451.2343, ask about our move in specials

www.duvalvillaapartments.com

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��������� At least that’s what some of our members choose to do. With �

locations all within 10 minutes of campus by foot, and � minutes by bike, it’s easy to come and go. And with the most diverse group of students in the area you are sure to meet all sorts of people along the way.

Like the unicycling Ph.d student from India.

Or the biochem major who took a year off to backpack Europe. It’s a shame the walk to class doesn’t give you more time to chat.

Cost - Convenience - Community: �������������� TEL: (512)476-5678 WEB: www.collegehouses.org 1906 Pearl Street, Austin TX 78705 watch for the next

LONGHORN

in The Daily Texan on Feb. 23 SING OU

E H the GUID

THE QUARTERS ON CAMPUS Lease today and fly off with the Quarters on Campus!

With 6 locations, all 2-4 blocks from campus, you can’t go wrong. ur o y d Day n e p S tines ar n Valee next yelove her fall in r and ith you t! w tmen apar For more information, call 512.531.0123 or email

info@quartersoncampus.com

Visit our leasing office on Rio Grande (directly above Pluckers).

Sheri Alzeerah / Texas Student Media

South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery offers a Chicago-style hot dog (top) at Man Bites Dog and a peanut-butter-chocolate cake ball (bottom) at Holy Cacao.

Eats: Chow this V-Day Continued from page 11

mention the best-in-the-universe fries? I recommend The Goodnight ($6), Hopdoddy’s barbecue burger, and the Ahi Tuna burger ($9) — think sushi in burger form. Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 1400 S. Congress Ave., 512243-7505, hopdoddy.com The Early Birds If you happen to wake up before lunchtime, Valentine’s Day brunch is your calling. Check out Blue Dahlia Bistro for a light bite with an atmosphere taken straight from a storybook.

If Austin were to have a whimsical forest populated with woodland critters (preferably ones that sing), Blue Dahlia Bistro would be the adorable cabin nestled within the greens.

Only here are open-faced sandwiches dainty rather than sloppy. Served on tile with a petite cup of grapes, Blue Dahlia specializes in cute. Try the frittata of the day ($5.25) or brie with walnuts and apricot preserve tartine ($6.50). Blue Dahlia Bistro, 1115 E. 11th St., 512-5429542, bluedahliabistro.com The Anti-Traditionalists Trailer trash is another couple’s treasure when it comes to the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery. With hanging lanterns twinkling from tree branches above and a redsplashed enclosed patio fitted with heat lamps and sofas, this

trailer park knows how to make a date comfortable. At this plot of land showcasing three quirky trailers, you can grab a Chicagostyle hot dog ($5) at Man Bites Dog or a barbacoa taco ($3.75) at Torchy’s Tacos. Polish the meal off with cake balls (three for $5) and a decadent red velvet cake shake ($5) at Holy Cacao that’s perfect for sharing. The best part? This hangout is collegebudget friendly. Most trailers close at 8 p.m. South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery, 1311 S. First St.

The Single with no Desire to Mingle Nothing takes Cupid’s arrow and proudly snaps it in half quite like a night out with friends.

Round up the pals, slip on your finest threads and head downtown to Parkside for some quality time with some quality food — I mean friends. With the restaurant’s artful presentations and stellar cuisine, it’s no wonder the place buzzes with life all night.

Nibble on some seared scallops ($24) or satisfy the whole table with the grand oyster platter ($59). Call ahead for reservations, or choose to peoplewatch the Sixth Street passersby for up to an hourlong wait.

Parkside, 301 E. Sixth St., 512474-9898, parkside-austin.com

Alzeerah is a journalism and radiotelevision-film sophomore and creator of Austin food blog Chow, Bella!, web.me.com/sherialzeerah /ChowBella.

February 11, 2011

Marketplace

Longhorn Life

a promotional look at things to do, places to go and services to check out

LAUNDRY ELF

Photo courtesy of Arbor Auto Works

Owner Winn Kaspar works on a car in his shop.

Arbor Auto Works This local auto-service gem started as a result of the owner’s determination to provide more personal service at more affordable prices.

Having worked on cars since the late 1970s, owner Winn Kasper’s automobile knowledge arose from working on his own first vehicle. In 2000, he opened Arbor Auto Works, named after its initial location in the Arboretum.

The company services all makes and models, and has the training and equipment to repair today’s complicated fuel-injected cars and their systems.

Some extra bonuses you’ll get when you take your car to Arbor: the business recycles all chemicals and metals used in the shop and also offers courtesy rides when needed.

5422 Burnet Road 512-346-0152 arborautoworks.com

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Almost all students can agree that doing your own laundry is probably not the most glamorous part of moving out of your parents’ house.

Luckily for those in Austin, there’s Laundry Elf, an all-encompassing laundry service that takes care of the daunting task for you. An added bonus: Laundry Elf uses only eco-friendly, non-toxic and sustainable products, including Nature’s Wash soaps.

With most laundry priced by weight, Laundry Elf estimates that a week’s worth of laundry, depending on type of service and the person, could cost anywhere from $8 to $20. The company’s services include washing and folding, and you have a choice of pick up or delivery.

111 W. William Cannon Dr. 512-736-0936 laundryelf.com

page 15

VIVian’s muse If you’re looking to amplify your inner sex kitten (and confidence) by having tasteful boudoir photos taken, you can’t go wrong with Vivian’s Muse. Sure, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to explore your sexiness, but it definitely doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for these photos to be worth your while.

Any type of woman can feel sexy here, with photo options from classic and covered to erotic and nude.

A stronghold of three women — a photographer, phoPhoto courtesy of Vivian’s Muse to editor and studio See the real thing at viviansmuse.com. director — make this boudoir photography business boom. Julia Vie, owner and photographer, is skilled at not only making her clients comfortable but also at coaching and pose positioning. Vivian’s Muse provides an encouraging and empowering environment, helpful for any woman looking to strengthen her sex appeal and self-image.

The business tailors the photo shoots and packages to each specific woman, so everyone has a truly unique experience with Vivian’s Muse. You’ll surely walk out of Julia Vie’s studio feeling more beautiful and confident than ever. But the entire process does take about one month, so be sure to plan accordingly, especially if you’re giving the photos as a gift.

7101 Easy Wind Dr., Studio #3118 512-368-2707 viviansmuse.com

The Good Bike

Photo courtesy of Bettysport

bettysport Their company slogan says it all:“Fit Happens. Look Good Doing It.” And with Bettysport’s wide variety of fitness gear, all women can be fashionable even while working up a sweat.

Bettysport carries a variety of brands including Donna Karan, Patagonia, Nike, Timex and many more.

Keep in mind that Bettysport isn’t just a fitness-wear store; it also hosts instore workout classes (some for free!).

Attend their Share the Love Fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 13, for a glimpse into the Bettysport family.

916 A W. 12th St. 512-473 0040 bettysport.com

So conveniently located, there’s no reason to rush by this specialty coffee dealer to get to a Starbucks.

Stop at The Good Bike instead and enjoy this local business’ organic, fair-trade Cuban coffee. And the locally roasted coffee is not the only reason to change your morning

routine; The Good Bike also makes desserts, such as gourmet cake balls and pound cake, from scratch. Keep your eyes and nostrils open as you cross Dean Keeton and Guadalupe streets for the setup, located in between Hole in the Wall and Cream Vintage.

2538 Guadalupe St.; 210-410-9262; goodbikecoffee.com

Stephanie Bathurst / Texas Student Media

512 Realty 600 W 28th St. 101 Austin TX 78705 www.512realty.com

512.322.0512

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