Longhorn Life: Holiday Issue by The Daily Texan

NOVEMBER 17, 2011

an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan

THE

HOLIDAY ISSUE

Taste

��

WIN ES· SP IRITS·FIN ER FOODS

(512) 280-7400 specsonline.com

LONGHORN LIFE

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Editor’s Note

LONGHORN STUDENT STAFF

ine. That’s the number of class days left in the fall semester. And with the end of the semester comes the holiday season, which, if you haven’t noticed, is literally right around the corner. (Seven days until Thanksgiving and 38 until Christmas. But hey, who’s counting?) With finals coming up, it may be hard to get into the holiday spirit or even think about the number of people on your shopping list, so we’ve made sure that this issue is the remedy to all of your holiday woes! Put on your chef’s hat with the easy Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa recipes on page 7. Get

WHAT’S INSIDE

MONICA NGHIEM/LONGHORN LIFE

thrifty with the $10 gift ideas on page 8 (because who can afford iPads for everyone on their list anyways?). Or, indulge in a bit of selfishness and prep your own Christmas list with inspiration from other Longhorns on pages 8-9. Most of all this holiday season, take advantage of the 35 days of quality

time you’ll get with your friends and family. As a soon-to-be-graduating senior who has a fulltime job this winter break, that’s my best advice. Enjoy it, because some of us aren’t so lucky. Happy holidays! Jordan D. Schraeder Special Editions Editor

pg. 5

Winter Wear

pg. 6 pg. 10

Holiday Guide

pg. 11

Behind the Scenes

pg. 14

Guest Column

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Special Editions Editor Jordan D. Schraeder Copy Editor Emily Morgan Photo Editor Rebeca Rodriguez Designers Chris Lowery, Casey Rogers Writers Sylvia Butanda, Victoria Heckenlaible, Allie Murphy, Alexandra Vickery, Alison Killian, Channing Holman, Lauren Daly, Christine Imperatore, Elaine Kovacs Photographers Kaneez Fizza, Monica Nghiem, Katrina Funtanilla, Laura Peppe, Suchada Sutasirisap Cover Design Bianca Krause

Special Editions & Production Coordinator Adrienne Lee Senior Graphic Designer Felimon Hernandez Student Graphic Designers Aaron Rodriguez, Bianca Krause, Erin Cutchen, Casey Rogers 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.

Noise

Longhorn Life

Thursday, November 17, 2011

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Student chatter around the 40 Acres

Compiled by Sylvia Butanda | Photos by Kaneez Fizza Longhorn Life

What is Your favorite Thanksgiving food?

LOVE THAT!

Rebecca Rodriguez English sophomore

“Turkey and bread rolls. I typically stay away from bread, but it’s the one time I can go crazy!

WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US FOR... stitches.

AND ALL OF LIFE’S LITTLE EMERGENCIES

Chris Trachier business sophomore

“Turkey and gravy for sure. I’ll be so tired after, it’ll be an excuse to just watch football.”

Georgette Raad psychology sophomore

“Pumpkin spice muffins. I found a recipe, and I’m so excited to make them.’”

Marvelyn Iweh

public health sophomore Wearing: Forever 21 blouse, jacket, tights and boots, A’gaci earrings and James Avery rings. Fashion icon: Rihanna. I love how bold and fearless her wardrobe is! She stands out, and I love that about her. Favorite store: Target has the cutest clothes! I find myself in the clothing section when I really should be grocery shopping.

Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine

Open 8am-11pm Every Day No appointment needed Most insurance accepted Patient always treated by a physician Lower costs than hospitals and freestanding ERs

What’s in your bag? I 35S @ Slaughter ● 512.291.5577 N Mopac @ Parmer ● 512.835.5577

Bich Vu

theatrical design grad student

www.texasmedclinic.com

Wearing: Ann Taylor jacket, Macy’s dress and boots from Florence, Italy.

Michael Gonzales biology freshman Gonzales carries his drumstick kit in case he gets the chance to brush up on songs for UT’s Jazz Ensemble. He uses his Boston Red Sox backpack to tote several books on different strumming styles around the 40 Acres. He hopes his dedication will help him achieve his goal of becoming a professional musician in New York City.

Fashion icon: Chanel and Dior, because they developed fashion that beautified and sculpted the female figure. Class wardrobe: What I wear to class depends on who I feel like being that day.

Serving South Central Texas since 1982

Longhorn Life

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Caught in the cold

Alison Killian & Laura Peppe Longhorn Life

hile the weather outside is definitely not frightful just yet, Longhorn Life was able to catch some fellow students sporting a preview of their fashionable winterwear during what we worry might have been Austin’s shortest winter ever— take that, you global warming disbelievers. All jokes aside, many are wondering “Where’s winter?” and unfortunately, despite a minor dip into the high 60s

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today, the forecast reveals a warm, possibly rainy (yes, that means humid) week ahead. So, while you can push your scarves and coats to the back of the closet for now, you may want to pull out those rainboots — April showers may be making a freakishly early appearance this year. Unpredictable Texas weather — go figure.

april mckay undeclared junior

lauren birks psychology senior

LINA SARAVIA management information systems senior

michelle camp, barbara wortham, veronica aguilar environmental science juniors

uzair alaidroos chemical engineering senior

paola gama human development freshman

mark adams international relations and global studies sophomore

josh dodson neurobiology senior

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THE

AUSTIN LONGHORN LIFE

HOLIDA

Getting home for the holidays

GUIDE

DALLAS Thursday, November 17, 2011 A

HOUSTON

Texas-friendly transportation options that don’t require you to own a car

Lauren Daly DALLAS LONGHORN LIFE

No car? No problem! Lucky for you, there are multiple ways for college students to get home this Thanksgiving and Winter Break — and they don’t require an overpriced plane ticket.

HOUSTON

TEXAS EXPRESS AUSTIN Texas Express is a non-stop charter bus service specifically for UT students and faculty that provides round-trip transportation from the 40 Acres to San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. It picks up and drops off at the Jester turn-around on Speedway. Normally, they only depart on Fridays at 4 p.m., but times and days have been changed slightly for the holidays. Everyone is technically only allowed one carry-on (excluding ladies’ purses) and one bag to go under the bus. However, on my trips back and forth, they’ve never batted an eye at my extra bag of goodies, courtesy of my mom. The seats are comfortable, but there’s very little foot-room, and arm-room space is really tight. I’d suggest grabbing a friend to join you

so you don’t get stuck sitting next to a stranger. Your parents can feel comfortable that you’ll be riding with other Longhorns and faculty. And unlike Greyhound buses, the Texas Express does not stop, which helps you get home quicker. Be sure to order your tickets early for this season’s breaks, because you will be competing for a very limited amount of seats.

Need something that’s a bit more flexible? Try these other student-friendly options:

DALLAS

AUSTIN

When: Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, Nov. 23 @ 4 p.m. When: Winter Break: Wednesday, Dec. 14 @ 4 p.m. Where: 21st and Speedway Roundtrip cost: $40.50 to San Antonio | $45 to Houston | $55 to Dallas

TEXAS EAGLE This Amtrak train offers a more leisurely (but longer) ride home. Trips on the Texas Eagle generally take two hours longer than those of the Texas Express, giving you time to take advantage of amenities that include a dining cart and a café. Tickets to Dallas start at $59 roundtrip; Houston, $53; San Antonio, $26. The train station is located on North Lamar.

HOUSTON

CARPOOL An eco-friendly alternative to a bus or train, carpooling is handy because you don’t have to worry about a baggage limit and you have control over how often you stop. Make sure to pick a roadtrip buddy who has similar music tastes, since you’ll be holed up in a car together for hours on end. And don’t forget to split the gas cost!

SAN ANTONIO

/ Tex a s E xe s . o r g

Gift Guide

ESSENTIAL EUROPE — THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME

ALUMNI CENTER TILES

gift

MUST HAVE ITEMS BEFORE YOU GRADUATE!

OFFICIAL UT CLASS RINGS

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

CUSTOM DIPLOMA UT FRAMES

LONGHORN LIFE

Thursday, November 17, 2011

FOOD

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THE

HOLID GUID

Good eats on a student budget

Celebrate the season with festive (and tasty) recipes Alison Killian

LONGHORN LIFE

o matter your religion, there’s an upcoming holiday you’re sure to be pumped about. The big three — Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa — celebrate very different cultures, each with history, traditions and foods all their own. The common thread: these holidays all encourage family and friends to get together and indulge in the holiday spirit. One way to celebrate is with food — and lots of it. Here are three of our favorite recipes for this holiday season; they’re sure to jingle your taste buds and get you and your guests into holiday-mode, regardless of what you’re celebrating.

cups unbleached, all-purpose ﬂower tablespoon ground ginger

teaspoons ground cinnamon teaspoon salt

teaspoon ground nutmeg teaspoon ground cloves

sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded eggs, lightly beaten tablespoon brown sugar tablespoons all-purpose ﬂour

teaspoons ground cloves teaspoons ground cinnamon cup vegetable oil for frying

1. Place shredded sweet potatoes in a colander. Place a cheesecloth over the potatoes, and squeeze the potatoes to release as much liquid as possible. Let the potatoes sit and release more liquid, then squeeze again. 2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, eggs, brown sugar, ﬂour, cloves and cinnamon; mix well. 3. Heat oil in large skillet to 375 degrees. 4. Form mixture into pancake-sized cakes, and fry in hot oil. Flip cakes after 2-3 minutes (when bottom is browned), and brown other side. Drain on paper towels and serve.

teaspoon baking soda sticks unsalted butter

cup light or dark brown sugar

large eggs cup unsulphured molasses

1. For the dough, add dry ingredients (except sugar) to a mixing bowl and stir well. 2. Beat the butter and sugar, adding in one egg at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Beat in half the flour mixture, then scrape the bowl and beater(s). Beat in the molasses, scrape again and beat in the remaining flour mixture until combined. 3. Divide the dough into several pieces, and press each piece into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick between two sheets of plastic wrap. Cover and chill for at least an hour. 4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 5. Roll the dough one piece at a time on a floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters and arrange an inch or two apart on baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. 6. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until firm.

RECIPE CARDS BY AARON RODRIGUEZ/TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA RECIPES FROM FOODNETWORK.COM AND ALLRECIPES.COM

tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil cup heavy cream tablespoon curry powder medium onion, ﬁnely chopped teaspoons ground cumin cups canned or packaged vegetable stock teaspoon cayenne pepper can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes in juice Coarse salt can (15 ounces) black beans, drained Fresh chives, chopped or snipped, cans (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

for garnish

1. Heat a soup pot over medium head and add oil. 2. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Sautee onion for ﬁve minutes. 3. Add broth, tomatoes, black beans and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine ingredients, and bring soup to a boil. 4. Reduce heat to medium and stir in cream, curry, cumin, cayenne and salt to taste. 5. Simmer for ﬁve minutes, adjust seasonings and serve garnished with chopped chives.

New to the Block: Noodles & Company

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOODLES & CO.

MMMM: Noodles & Company’s Wisconsin mac ’n cheese.

Burritos, sandwiches, pitas, even German doener kebaps — the Drag offers almost every food genre to hungry Longhorns on a daily basis. The key word in that sentence: almost. Austin newcomer Noodles & Company is changing the Drag’s food landscape with its one-stopshop for your favorite pasta dishes. Yes, Madam Mam’s and Thai Kitchen offer up some quality pad thai, but Noodles & Co. is taking noodles to a whole different level. Noodles & Co. will make a worldtraveler out of any Longhorn, offering up signature American, Asian and Mediterranean noodle dishes all on one menu. The restaurant prides itself on “fresh food fast,” and

all dishes are made-to-order and served on actual china — no packaging or McDonald’s wrappers here. With a menu from across the globe, it’d be hard to find someone who didn’t like something Noodles & Co. has to offer. And don’t be misled by the name: the restaurant doesn’t just serve pasta. Students can go the classic American route with Wisconsin mac ‘n cheese, chicken noodle soup or a Philly cheesesteak. Take a food tour through Asia with the customerfavorite pad thai. Or, opt for the lightness of Mediterranean dishes such as penne rosa or pesto cavatepp. One of the best parts of the Noodles & Company menu: There are 19 soups, salads, sandwiches and

pastas that are under 500 calories, thanks to the work of executive chef Tessa Stamper. Stamper is a registered dietician who emphasizes the need for nutrition in every Noodles & Co. dish. She’s a big believer in adding a protein to each meal, so the restaurant offers chicken, beef, shrimp, meatballs and organic tofu options with each dish. Among the under-500-calorie dishes are some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. (Sorry, mac ‘n cheese isn’t included!). The Japanese pan noodles, one of my personal favorites, serves up caramelized udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce, broccoli, carrots and shiitake mushrooms for an astounding 320 calories in a small.

But don’t let the word “small” fool you. At Noodles & Company, a small pasta dish is a massive amount of food—for just $4.50. But, if you’re feeling extra hungry, opt for the regular size for $5.60. (This size can also easily be shared with a friend if you’re watching your wallet). Add a protein to any pasta or sandwich for just $2.39 more. So next time you’re walking past the old Varsity Theater space, stop in for a culinary trip across the globe with Noodles & Company’s tasty noodle dishes. But, here’s a fair warning: it may take 20 trips or so to actually choose your favorite. Happy eating! — Jordan Schraeder

LONGHORN LIFE

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have the BEST LONGHORN LIFE

Having a holiday party is easy, but having an awesome holiday party takes work – and a little help from the experts. Even if you’ve never hosted a party before, you can throw the soiree of the semester if you follow a few of these tips.

CHOOSE A THEME To make shopping and planning easy, it helps to come up with a specific theme to guide your vision. If you’re trying to keep things non-denominational, consider themes to guide your decorating like Winter Wonderland— with all-white decorations, snowflakes and fake snow—Candy Paradise, or even Longhorns and Lights, with lots of burnt-orange garland, football-themed decorations and LED lights. Having a theme will also make your event memorable; and who doesn’t want to host the best party of the season?

STICK TO TWO OR THREE COLORS Money-saving maven Sandra Lee of HGTV and the Food Network suggests keeping your color scheme simple. Use your chosen colors to guide your decorations, drinkware and paper goods selection. Choosing your palette before you start shopping will help keep the process quick and easy. Also, don’t be afraid to stray outside the “traditional”

PARTY of the SEASON

holiday colors: green, red, blue and silver. Choose two neutral tones such as white, ivory or even gold and add a bold accent color, like purple or even lime green, to give your party a chic and simple feel.

KEEP YOUR INVITATIONS GREEN, BUT STILL UNIQUE A great way to save money and the planet at the same time is to invite your guests via the Internet. Facebook invitations can seem a little impersonal and lazy, but an evite is a great alternative that implies a little more effort on the host’s part. There are a multitude of websites – evite.com, pingg.com and purpletrail.com are just a few – that can host and send your invitations. If you’re extra creative, you can design your own invitation, or take advantage of the attractive pre-made designs to save some valuable party-planning time. CHOOSE A SIGNATURE DRINK OR FOOD ITEM Choosing one signature cocktail or appetizer will give your party a personality all its own! Martha Stewart suggests a pear and sparkling cider cocktail. It’s delicious and easy to make in bulk. Combine two cups each of pear nectar, chilled sparkling apple cider and chilled seltzer with four ounces of bourbon (if you’re 21+). To make this a virgin cocktail, substitute a little more

Gifts for $10 or less! Lauren Daly LONGHORN LIFE

Affording expensive holiday gifts for every person in our lives isn’t possible—especially on a college student’s budget. Go easy on yourself by trying these cheap alternatives, all $10 and under, that are great for giving to a big group of friends or for playing games like White Elephant and Secret Santa (See top right).

FOR SHOPPERS WITHOUT A CAR Urban Outfitters is the place to go for early Christmas gifts. Check out the tech section on the left side of the store for tons of quirky gifts such as Hello Kitty and Domo collectibles. Upstairs in the clearance and home décor section, there are plenty of thrifty treasures to be found. Don’t

MONICA NGHIEM/LONGHORN LIFE

Christine Imperatore

seltzer for the bourbon. The recipe serves eight, so you can double or triple it depending on the size of your guest list. Don’t forget to cut up some pear wedges for garnish! KEEP SAFETY IN MIND Although the holidays are meant to be one of the happiest times of the year, they can also be some of the most dangerous. Candles can be beautiful decorations for your party, but a house or apartment full of college students makes those candles a fire hazard.

miss the fashionable belts tucked against the wall and my personal favorites: delicious cupcake-shaped lip glosses and miniature animal purses – all for $10 or less. For one-of-a-kind finds, check out Cream Vintage for deals on retro tees, scarves and accessories. And don’t forget to check out the vendors in the 23rd Street Market for affordable, re-purposed jewelry pieces for the ladies on your shopping list. FOR THE INTERNETSAVVY If you’re an internet-shopper, check out Wal-Mart. The superstore is selling plenty of classic and newly released DVDs for between $5 and $10 online only. You can grab “The Shawshank Redemption” for Dad, “V for Vendetta” for your man, “Monster-in-Law” for your best friend, and—why not?—go ahead and snag the complete first season of “Boy Meets World”for yourself. Speaking of DVDs, if you have a friend who’s obsessed with Harry Potter, head to the Warner Bros. official website

LONGHORN WISH LISTS Compiled by Alex Vickery | Photos by Laura Peppe LONGHORN LIFE

As college students, money, food and a job top our Christmas lists. While all those are great—even though they make us sound a bit homeless—why don’t we take a cue from our inner children and dream a bit bigger this year? Here’s what a few of your fellow Longhorns are hoping for this holiday season.

LONGHORN LIFE

Thursday, November 17, 2011Thursday, November 17, 2011

THE

Y A D I L O H E D I U G

Bring on the cheer with gift-giving games Christine Imperatore LONGHORN LIFE

Friends. Club members. Co-workers. There are so many people to think of during the holidays; how do we even begin to deal with getting everyone a gift? The age-old solution: gift-giving games. Secret Santa or White Elephant gift swaps may be a time and money-saving option, but they can seem a bit outdated or lame. If you’re choosing this route for this holiday season, it can’t hurt to get a little refresher course on the rules, along with a few Longhorn Life tips to spice up things up a little. SECRET SANTA Also known as: Kris Kringle, Secret Snowflake This festive game takes a

Battery-powered votives are a great solution to this problem. They look like candles but don’t require any real fire.

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little extra planning, but has the added bonus of variety. Keep in mind, Secret Santa works better for a group of people that knows each other well enough to get specific – but there are ways to adapt the rules so shopping is a bit easier for everyone. • First, agree upon a budget for all gifts. It can be an exact amount or even a range, such as between $5 and $10. • Next, place everyone’s name in a hat (or cup, bowl, etc.). If you’re playing with co-workers, you can draw names out of the office coffee pot or if it’s with your cycling club draw them out of a helmet. To make “Santa’s” job a bit easier, have each participant write a few gift suggestions below their name. • Draw names one at a time, making sure that no

one gets their own name. To make this part easier, visit www.secretsanta.com for a computerized equivalent. • To make things a little more exciting, have participants leave small, inexpensive gifts in places where their recipient will find them during the time leading up to the big swap. These can serve as “hints” to who the mystery gift-giver may be. • You can also create a theme for the gifts. For example, if you’re exchanging with your bandmates, you might consider gifting sheet music, an iTunes gift card or a new pair of drumsticks. For a book club, give literary-themed presents such as a book light or a Snuggie. • On the day of the big swap, each gift should be labeled with only the recipi-

ent’s name and then placed in a pile. • When each recipient opens a gift, give him or her a chance to guess whom the gift is from. (Consider limiting the number of guesses so the game doesn’t last until New Year’s Day). If the recipient can’t figure it out, the giver can reveal him or herself. WHITE ELEPHANT Also known as: Yankee Swap Need a last minute party activity? This game takes a lot less planning and makes shopping a breeze. • Set a price range for all gifts. A good range for this game is around $20 to $30. • Everyone brings a wrapped, unisex gift and places it in a under the tree. • Everyone should draw numbers out of a hat, and

whoever draws number one gets to pick a gift out of the pile and open it first. • The person with number two now has a choice: pick another gift out of the pile or “steal” the gift that number one already opened. If number two chooses to steal, number one can pick another gift out of the pile. • Continue this process in order, with each person choosing either an unopened gift from the pile or one that has been opened by another participant. • Repeat this process until everyone has a gift. Longhorn Life Tip: Most of all, remember to have fun and don’t let things get too hostile. After all, the whole point of these games is to spread the holiday spirit!

Shopping ideas sure to please the whole family

When it comes to holiday parties, the possibilities are endless. If you think outside the box and forget “tradition,” you can successfully throw a unique, fun and memorable holiday party for your friends and family. Most importantly, don’t let planning stress you out. Remember, you should have has much fun preparing for it as your guests will have celebrating it!

Channing Holman

LONGHORN LIFE

es, it’s about that time again. You’re getting excited for a month of holiday festivities, quality time, and—last but not least—no homework, but your wallet may be hiding in fear of the spending to come. Don’t fret; Longhorn Life has handpicked the best store for each person on your list, making your holiday shopping easier on your mind and wallet.

for a 57-percent-off deal on regular and Blu-ray DVDs. Do it quickly, because after December, these movies will be thrown in the vault. For your more sentimental friends, you have more options. Order a photo print from CVS online, buy a cute frame from Target for $5 and voila!—the perfect gift. FOR THE DIYER Showcase your creativity by purchasing a mason jar, a small spool of ribbon and a package of colorful paper from Wal-Mart or any craft store. Google inspiring quotes and write out your favorites onto small strips of colored paper. Fold them in half, place them in the jar, and tie a piece of ribbon around the rim. Bam!—the gift of inspiration. Make new friends a thoughtful little gift basket instead of wracking your brain for a purchasable alternative. Buy small woven baskets from Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart, a bag of festive tinsel, a bag of holiday candy, great-smelling candles and any other small inexpensive treasures you find.

MOM: DSW What woman doesn’t love a good pair of shoes? And free shoes are even better! Why not get Mom a pair of killer boots for the upcoming winter weather? Or maybe a pair of pumps for New Year’s Eve? You can’t go wrong with the huge collection available at DSW—after all, it is a warehouse. Longhorn Life Pick: Life Stride Unique boots for $39.94

DAD: RADIOSHACK Let’s be real, dads are really just children at heart! They’d love a new gadget to play with on Christmas Day. Hit RadioShack for great deals on dad’s favorite electronics, including portable home speakers, a tool kit or a new phone. Longhorn Life Pick: PylePro 3.5” Indoor/Outdoor Speakers for $29.99 BROTHER: GAMESTOP While some women may not understand, guys sure love playing video games. No matter how arrogant he is, make your brother happy and surprise him with endless fun. And luckily, the staff at Gamestop is super helpful if you have trouble deciding! Longhorn Life Pick: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 on XBOX 360 for $59.99; PS3 for $49.99 SISTER: SEPHORA You simply can’t go wrong with

Sephora! Makeup, fragrances, hair products—it’s literally any woman’s dream store. Even if you don’t always get along, make her day with some quality beauty products (that you can borrow whenever you are home). Longhorn Life Pick: Moon Shadow Baked Palette, “In the Dark” for $28

stock up on new fall fashions. ALDO has everything your girl could want: shoes, accessories and handbags galore—and that includes an awesome sale rack, so you will still have money to take her out over the break. Longhorn Life Pick: Cheetah McCabe handbag for $29.98

BOYFRIEND: FOSSIL Every guy deserves a quality watch. Opt for a black or silver version that will go with everything he wears. (Plus, he’ll have a daily reminder of how much you love him!) They come in a variety of styles, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the perfect one. If watches aren’t his thing, check out Fossil’s collection of wallets and sunglasses instead. Longhorn Life Pick: Evans Zip Traveler for $30

YOUR BFF: LIDS/FOREVER21 We’ve narrowed it down to two stores to make shopping for your BFF easier: Lids and Forever 21. Whether your best friend is a hat, hoodie or jersey person, Lids has everything to help them support their favorite team. On the other hand, Forever 21 is a great place to score trendier merchandise like hats, scarves or a handbag for your BFF. While it may be overwhelming, Forever 21 is a onestop shop for both guys and girls. Longhorn Life Picks: Texas Longhorns Cadence Fitted hat for $10 at Lids, Charisma Croc Clutch for $9.80 at Forever 21.

GIRLFRIEND: ALDO It’s finally getting cold, and that means it’s time for your girlfriend to

Matthew Flori

Javier Cortez

Kristen Kellogg

Easton Nicholas

Ariel Huang

1. A suit

1. A job

1. New iPhone

1. An iPad

1. A trip to Paris

2. Clothes

2. A stable place to live

2. Cute shoes to wear with jeans

2. Concert tickets

2. A camera

3. Money

3. Food

3. Bike light

3. A new phone

4. “Dr. Seuss” books for my collection

4. “Legend of Zelda” game

4. To visit my brother in Switzerland

3. Tickets to a football bowl game 4. A Fossil-brand watch

5. A Miami Heat jersey

Psychology junior

5. Books

Studio art senior

5. Nintendo DS

Biology senior

5. Figure out my future plans

Economics sophomore

5. PlayStation 3

Public relations freshman

4. Shoes

LONGHORN LIFE

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ORGS.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Getting involved on campus

International students make PALS in group Victoria Heckenlaible LONGHORN LIFE

Freshman year on a campus as large as UT’s can be frightening for students who have grown up in the U.S. speaking English. But for some students, arriving on the 40 Acres can be their first real American experience — and that can be a truly scary thing. The Partnership to Advance Language Study and Cultural Exchange, or PALS for short, started in August of 1993 in order to help newly arrived international students acclimate to American life. “A lot of people don’t understand PALS and ask to be matched with the opposite sex,” said Hana Bae, a public relations junior and PALS coordinator. “We are not a dating service!” PALS pairs an American student with one or several international students to get to know each other, practice conversational English and sometimes even a language

SUCHADA SUTASIRISAP/LONGHORN LIFE

MEET UP: Group coordinators talk during one of their meetings. PALS is the Partnership to Advance Language Study and Cultural Exchange.

the American student may be learning. Students often request to be paired with an international student who speaks a specific native language. But the goal of PALS is broader than a language partner program; PALS facilitates a cultural exchange and a glimpse of American life. “[PALS] has two components: language proficiency

and intercultural exchange,” PALS coordinator and government senior Francis Cruz said. “The cultural exchange comes when you learn other’s cultural cues like food, dress and music.” Each semester PALS plans events that are based on American traditions, including a pumpkin carving party, a Thanksgiving movie night and gingerbread house decorating.

“We try to create a lot of social outlets for the international students to explain why we celebrate what we do,” Bae said. Ibrahima Tounkra, a student in UT’s ESL program, helped carve a pumpkin at the group’s recent party and was shocked by how messy it was. A native of Labe, Guinea in West Africa, Tounkra signed up for PALS to practice his English and now uses the program to meet people. “You always get to meet people and new friends,” Tounkra said. “You can learn many, many cultures.” Wendy Jang, a senior retail merchandising major, was paired with Tounkra because she wanted to improve the French she had learned in high school, and Tounkra is a native French speaker. “Our conversations are just like conversations you would have with a friend,” Jang said. Of course, despite Tounkra’s advanced understanding of English, there have been some

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language mishaps, according to Jang. Case in point: the slang spelling of “hello” is “slut” in French, which doesn’t exactly translate well in English. “The first time I read his text saying ‘Slut! Slut!’ I was driving in the car and just started laughing,” Jang said. Fortunately, she understood that he was saying a form of “salut.” At the end of the semester, many of the international students go home with stories of how much they enjoyed getting to know American students and the way of life in the United States. In return, American students are able to explore foreign cultures. By the end of the program, University students have invitations to stay with friends all over the world in return for the hospitality and the stories gained right here on the 40 Acres, Jang said. “Their experience [in America and at the University] depends on our service,” Cruz said.

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TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA The Daily Texan: dailytexanonline.com Texas Student Television: texasstudenttv.com KVRX 91.7 FM: kvrx.org Cactus Yearbook: cactusyearbook.com Texas Travesty: texastravesty.com

Longhorn Life

Thursday, November 17, 2011

our campus

Page 11

A spotlight on UT faculty and staff

Behind the Scenes

Garden cultivates interest in sustainability Elaine Kovacs Longhorn Life

Having survived its first summer, the UT Concho Community Garden is growing strong as it enters the late fall, despite months of drought and extreme heat. Bursting with life, the various plots, both community-operated and individually owned, are covered by ripening vegetables and sweetsmelling herbs. With continued support from UT students, staff and faculty, the UT Community Garden has come a long way since it opened last March. Backed by the Office of Sustainability, the garden came to fruition

after years of requests by the Campus Environmental Center. The garden sits on what was a residential lot and lies adjacent to the Red and Charline McCombs Field, near 21st and Concho streets. With more than 25 plots, the garden serves a variety of people and organizations, including UT employees, student groups who collaborate in their efforts, and communally operated plots that are maintained by students and volunteers. Even the Division of Housing and Food Services has three plots, using the harvested food in the campus dining halls. “What’s awesome about the

garden is that it’s so diverse,” said Christina Leal, UT Community Garden assistant director and psychology senior. “It’s an amalgamation of so many different people’s interests, skill sets and knowledge that makes this garden so successful.” The garden hosts work hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays, when students, staff and faculty can come together to share ideas and help with planting and weeding. In a relaxing setting amid the blooming plants, everyone is welcome to contribute while learning more See GARDEN, on page 12

Corey Leamon/cactus yearbook file photo

plot it out: Students work on building garden walls for individual plots during construction of the UT Community Garden earlier this year.

4 reasons to join

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Convenient hours // 8 wide ranging facilities // Incredible services // Free new member orientation

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LONGHORN LIFE

Page 12

GARDEN

Wayne Taylor Audio

Continued from page 11

These are the least expensive speakers that can faithfully reproduce music without the irritating side effects known as listening fatigue. Pyle PCB4 speakers have been given an audiophile upgrade. The sound quality has gone from ordinary to extraordinary. The unobtrusive five inch cubes can be easily placed in any room. The exquisitely transparent sound quality is soothing to the soul, unlike the bone rattling effect of less capable speakers. With the addition of a small amplifier, they make fantastic computer speakers. While they sound impeccable in small to medium rooms: they are not recommended for large rooms, or high volumes. They are a real bargain at $175.00 a pair, tax and shipping is included in the price. The Upgraded Pyle speakers can be purchased by first going to www. ebay.com and then searching on eBay for “Upgraded Pyle” or “Pyle PCB4 Upgraded”. Waynetayloraudio.com • (512)- 236-8054

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

about sustainable and organic farming. An engineer helps with a water project, while an artist paints a mural on the tool shed. Studio art sophomore Milinda Hernandez works part-time at the garden and said she benefits from the peaceful space. “Being in the garden takes me away from the fast-paced environment that college students experience every day,” she said. With classes offered in collaboration with local farming and non-profit organizations, there are opportunities to share knowledge at a community level. The UT Community Garden has been active with organizations such as Urban Roots and the Slow Food Movement. Here, the students and staff continue to expand upon the garden’s successes with additional projects, such as a rainwater-harvesting system and

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a greenhouse made of recycled bottles. Yet at its heart, the garden is not just a tool for learning — it provides high quality, organic produce to its farmers and the UT community. “It’s great to be able to grow your own food and truly see where your food comes from,” said Brittany Jacobs, a graduate student in sports management who also works at the garden. Despite a few rough summer months, the garden is blooming with soon-to-be-picked vegetables as November winds down. It’s a beautiful collection of greens—lettuce, kale, mustard greens, spinach, radishes and sweet chard, along with the fragrant aromas of herbs like Italian basil. And with the hard work done by the UT Community Garden staff and volunteers, the produce is well taken care of. For more information, visit http://utgardening.blogspot.com/

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Longhorn Life

1Thursday, November 17, 2011

Page 13

5 Things Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Learned

Jennifer Wilks Associate Professor Department of English Department of African and African Diaspora Studies [9 years at UT]

UT Austin reminds me of New York City: Both are large places that can seem daunting to outsiders, but, once you get to know each location, you discover that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually a collection of smaller communities through which you can start to get your bearings, find your niche and connect with the people around you. I say this as someone who came to UT from a graduate institution with roughly 20,000 people and a much smaller undergraduate institution with an enrollment of approximately 1,250 students.

2 3

Attending UT volleyball matches is one of the best on-campus experiences. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to see the team play in the Final Four in San Antonio this December.

Sometimes you need to clear your head in order to move forward with your work. Some of my best teaching and writing ideas come to me when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m walking or running around Lady Bird Lake.

" #

Teaching class outside tends to be better in theory than in practice. It can be difficult to hear, papers can fly away, and people can have a hard time getting comfortable on the ground. That said, from time to time I still fantasize about having class on the South Mall on balmy fall and spring days.

Walking may be the healthiest way to get around campus, but some days you just need to use a shuttle.

Danielle Pye Associate Instructor Department of Communication Studies

Every class is different. Giving people options usually works out better for everyone. This may mean offering multiple options on assignments, or allowing students to decide course policies. In any event, allowing students ownership in the decision-making process usually results in a better outcome and higher satisfaction.

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It is better to teach someone how to fix their own mistakes than to fix mistakes for them. Students are often unaware of the many resources available to them. A big part of our job as educators should be directing them to those resources.

3 4

Nothing lasts forever. This is true of our best times (so enjoy them) and of our worst times (so just hang in there).

!!!

Teaching is harder than it looks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a skill, and like any skill, nobody is born good at teaching (at least I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t). I continue to learn from my mistakes, learn from the advice of others and learn from my students.

Competition is a blessing and a curse. The competitive environment at UT encourages us all to do better but can make it easy to lose sight of the big picture. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to do good work and still be a good person. You might not always â&#x20AC;&#x153;win,â&#x20AC;? but in the long run, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably just fine.

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LONGHORN LIFE

Page 14

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Special to Longhorn Life

The facts of a RecSports faculty/staff membership Rhonda Cox & Sylvia Ramirez CONTRIBUTORS FROM RECSPORTS

With eight facilities featuring ample opportunities for health and wellness, RecSports offers all the benefits of a full-service gym, right here on campus — a place where Longhorns can take a break from work to exercise, play, relax and pursue a healthy lifestyle. Through a faculty/staff survey RecSports conducts every two years, we’ve heard many concerns over becoming a member. So, we’re here to dispel some of the “myths” about joining one of the most popular programs on the 40 Acres. MYTH: Recreational Sports is too expensive. FACT: A RecSports membership for faculty and staff costs about $1 per day. The fee to join through Aug. 31, 2012, is $260. That is a value of $26 per month. Plus faculty and staff can authorize payroll deduction as a payment option, in which an equal amount is deducted each month for the duration of the membership. MYTH: There is no place to park

when I go to the gym. FACT: Weekdays before 7:30 a.m. and beginning at 4 p.m., Gregory Gym participants may be surprised to learn that there are 66 spaces along Speedway and 21st that just require any UT permit. Additionally, there are 22 spaces facing the PerryCastañeda Library that require an “F” permit. These policies also apply all day on weekends. FACT: Near the Recreational Sports Center, along San Jacinto Boulevard from 21st Street to MLK Boulevard, there are 185 spaces that only require a UT permit before 7:30 a.m. and after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. MYTH: RecSports facilities are always too crowded. FACT: Gregory Gym features a weight and cardio area specifically for faculty and staff. Although this area is most popular at 6 a.m., noon and 5 p.m., individuals who follow a flexible or non-traditional lunch schedule may find this space occupied with only a handful of other faculty and staff during that time. Additionally, faculty and staff can choose

TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA FILE PHOTO

RUN FOR IT: A RecSports member runs on the indoor track at Gregory Gym.

to work out in the main weight and cardio room, which is much larger, as well as in the expansive exercise lounge that is exclusively outfitted with cardio equipment. FACT: The Recreational Sports Center weight and cardio training area is the same size as the Gregory Gym main weight room and offers longer hours, because no academic classes are scheduled in that space. MYTH: RecSports members must make a long-term membership commitment. FACT: Faculty and staff have the

option of joining by calendar month for about $34 per month. MYTH: Only members can participate in RecSports programs. FACT: RecSports offers nonmember pricing on the following programs and services: massage, small group training, nutrition consultations, and outdoor adventure and service learning trips. Additionally, new small group training opportunities will be offered in spring 2012. Good news for new members: RecSports is offering a complimentary new member orientation for

faculty and staff. This new member benefit consists of a one-hour session with a certified personal trainer in the weight room. Once registered, you and the trainer can set up a time to meet that works with your schedule. Now that you have the facts about some common misconceptions about RecSports, consider a membership that can help you become healthier, stronger and more relaxed. Find details online at www.utrecsports.org, call 512-471-3116 or drop by GRE 2.204 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What you get: Equipment: cardio and weight equipment in five locations Courts: volleyball, basketball, handball, racquetball, squash Tracks: indoor (Gregory Gym) and outdoor (Caven Lacrosse & Sports Center) Hours: early morning and late evening hours, for a total of 110 hours/week

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LONGHORN LIFE

Thursday, November 17, 2011

THE

A D I L O H GUID

Page 15

Ways to save this season Remember the discounts you receive as UT faculty and staff FIRENZE JEWELS Dazzle your darling with diamonds without draining your wallet at firenzejewels.com. Just enter the promotion code: UTAustin3238 upon checkout to receive your 10 percent discount.

Emily Morgan LONGHORN LIFE

hen you’re doing your holiday

shopping this November and December, don’t forget to take advantage of all of the discounts you receive as a UT faculty or staff member. Below are just a few of our favorite deals, but you can find MONICA NGHIEM/LONGHORN LIFE

the entire discount listing at utexas.edu/hr/edp. 3 COSAS Give the gift of relaxation this holiday season. Receive 10 percent off of a single 60- or 90-minute massage or private yoga session. AUTHENTICITY GALLERY Know someone who loves unique and decorative art? Check out this eclectic gallery to find handcrafted jewelry, glass, ceramics and various home furnishings — all for 10 percent off.

THEATER, SPORTS & MUSIC TICKETS Start planning for 2012 by looking into concerts, sporting events and theater productions that a family or friend might enjoy. Austin Playhouse offers 10 percent off of various tickets purchased at the box office. And Texas Performing Arts provides 15 percent off of two tickets to each performance next season, including “Wicked” and “Les Miserables,” among others. DANCE INTERNATIONAL This year, surprise your

significant other with a gift you can use together. Dance International is offering 10 percent off of all adult (and youth) group classes, including ballroom, Latin, salsa and more. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS Memorialize the new year by having a family picture taken and gifting relatives with copies. Several local photographers, including David Hill and Hanna Day, offer various discounts to UT faculty and staff, ranging from 20 percent off to free prints.

PLANET FITNESS The New Year is all about resolutions — and probably the most popular resolution is to get in shape. Gifting a membership to Planet Fitness might be just the motivation needed to achieve this goal, and, with 90 percent to 100 percent off of the enrollment fees and discounted monthly rates, this gift option won’t break the bank. CORPORATE SHOPPING CO. If you haven’t already, take advantage of your faculty/staff status with a Corporate Shopping Card. In addition to all the Austin retailers listed above, a CSC gives you discounts to popular national retailers, including Ann Taylor, Godiva and Brooks Brothers. To sign up, simply register at values.corpshoppingco. com.

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ATM Location 1. AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center 2. Catholic Center & Allright Parking 3. Dobie Mall (Food Court) 4. Dobie Mall (Sidewalk) 5. Methodist Church & Allright Parking 6. Sao Paulo’s 7. Taos Co-Op 8. University Branch (4 machines) 9. University Co-Op East 10. UT Alumni Center

Address 1900 University Ave 2011 Whitis Ave 2021 Guadalupe St 2021 Guadalupe St 2434 Guadalupe St 2809 San Jacinto Blvd 2612 Guadalupe St 2246 Guadalupe St 2902 Medical Arts Pkwy 21st St & San Jacinto Blvd

ATM Location 11. UT Applied Computational Engineering and Sciences Building 12. UT DKR - Texas Memorial Stadium (14 machines, seasonal access 1 machine annual access) 13. UT Frank Erwin Center (10 machines) 14. UT Graduate School of Business 15. UT Gregory Gym 16. UT Jester Hall 17. UT Kinsolving Hall 18. UT Main Building 19. UT Mike Myers Track and Soccer Stadium (seasonal access)

Address 24th St & Speedway 23rd St & San Jacinto Blvd MLK Blvd & Red River St 21st St & Speedway 21st St & Speedway 21st St & Speedway W Dean Keeton St & Whitis Ave South Mall Mike Myers Stadium Complex

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ATM Location 20. UT Performing Arts Center (Bass Concert Hall) 21. UT Perry-Castañeda Library 22. UT Red & Charline McCombs Field (seasonal access) 23. UT Robert Lee Moore Hall 24. UT San Jacinto Hall 25. UT Student Activity Center 26. UT Student Services Building 27. UT Texas Union 28. UT Thompson Conference Center 29. UT UFCU Disch-Falk Field (2 machines, seasonal access)

Address 23rd St & Robert Dedman Dr 21st St & Speedway Comal & East 20th St Dean Keeton St & Speedway 21st St & San Jacinto Blvd 2111 21st St W Dean Keeton St & Univ. Ave 24th St & Guadalupe St Dean Keeton St & E Campus Dr N IH-35 & MLK Blvd