The Claw Magazine (Vol. 1 / Issue 2) by The Claw Magazine

About the Claw

From The Editor’s Desk

It was never our goal to create a theme for the articles in our magazine. In fact, my dream was always to create an eclectic set of pages with something completely different on every page. But as we learn over and over again in life, sometimes the best things happen by accident. Many of the articles in this issue share a common theme: the power of an individual’s ingenuity and perseverance to inspire many and create something great. This theme is apparent from our cover story alone. I have never encountered a more touching story than that of Brianne Witt and Andrew Wittenauer (See “Being WITTstrong,” p. 13). They are like a Lifetime Original Movie, the kind of movie that makes you laugh and cry and say, “but people like that could never exist in real life.” Their story and Brianne’s creation of the WITTstrong wristbands have moved thousands of people. What started as a lighthearted joke is transforming into a national movement with the potential to inspire and aid many, many more people. In “Autism’s Voice at UNC,” (see p. 20) there are three levels of human innovation and dedication. There is the national organization, Autism Speaks, the university collaborative initiative Autism Speaks U, and 2 finally the very recently developed

UNC chapter of Autism Speaks U. On every level, there is a new idea and a new following to help people affected by this disease. The power to be an inspiration is not limited to causes as serious as autism and cancer. Anything that gives people a cause to rally around can be powerful. That thing can be a band (see “The Caged Bird Screams with Scarlet Canary,” p. 6) or just an individual being different and asking people to accept him as he is (see “Coming Out: Being LGBT in UNC Greek Life,” p. 24). Perhaps this theme emerged because the importance and difficulties of being a leader or innovator have been topics of conversation in The Claw’s office. As a new publication and a new club, we have seen firsthand how an idea, a small, dedicated group of people and a lot of hard work can create something wonderful. But we have also realized just how important a strong core of leadership can be. People love to be part of an awesome project, but even the finest projects can fizzle out or miss their goals. The Claw is a good publication – a magazine for students, by students, about students - and one I think is important. With the right leadership, it could become an integral part of student life. This is why The Claw is looking for new members in every department, with chances for immediate advancement to department heads or editing positions. I encourage anyone who is interested to contact us immediately, before those opportunities disappear. The bright flame of a new idea or special cause is alluring and many will flock to it, but it takes focused, dedicated people willing to tend that flame to keep the flock from dispersing and the idea from burning out. The Claw recognizes and celebrates people with great ideas who have the will, courage and determination to bring those ideas to life. Jaidree Braddix

Staff

Editor in Chief: Jaidree Braddix Assistant Editor: Megan Lenhausen Advertising Director: David Cornelius Design Chief: Anna Thompson Head of Photography: Natalie Stacker Copy Editors: Biz Gilmore Lauren King

Graphic Designers: Dakotah Intriglia Katie Langford Natalie Stacker Steffanie Sperry Writers: Jamie Arterburn Shelby Foster Orion Gaudio Biz Gilmore Lauren King Megan Lenhausen Megan Presler Steffanie Sperry Alexandria Sterling Laura Vallen Photographers: Anna Thompson Steffanie Sperry

Advertising Representatives: Alexandria Farmerwaters Jonathan Hebrink Dajuan Mark Kaitlin Sorensen Editorial Adviser: Dr. Lynn Klyde-Silverstein Advertising Adviser: Dr. Lee Anne Peck Design Adviser: Wendy Brookshire

What’s Inside Spring 2013 Volume 1 Issue 2

The Man Behind the Art: Karl Anthony

Autism’s Voice at UNC by Megan Lenhausen Page 20

by Jamie Arterburn Page 18

On the Cover:

In This Issue: Student Lifestyle p. 24 Coming Out: Being LGBT in UNC Greek Life by Terrell Wallin

p. 28 Weekend Adventure in Austin by Elizabith Gillmore

p. 29 Think Before You Ink by Amanda Stoutenburg

p. 13 Being WITTstrong By Shelby Foster Page 13

Food & Nightlife p. 9 Slush Room: Get Your Slush On by Megan Presler

p. 23 Local Business Breakdown: Grabo’s Bar & Grill by Jamie Arterburn

Around Campus

p. 8 Campus Complaints by Lauren King

p. 11 Street Style Around UNC by Laura Vallen

Music & Theater

The Caged Bird S with S By Alexandria Sterling Scarlet Canary, a female-fronted rock band inspired by groups like Halestorm, Flyleaf and Paramore, is making its mark in the music industry. Scarlet Canary was formed about two years ago and is made up of five talented musicians including Hannah Haze, John Albert, Ryan Sutton, Jacob “El Swampo” Fleecs and Allen Maddox. Haze is the lead singer, Albert plays bass, Fleecs plays guitar, Sutton plays drums, and Maddox doubles as guitarist and the group’s manager. All band

Photo by Nick SmallwoodPhotography

members contribute to songwriting. Tyler Parkins, former Scarlet Canary bass player and former UNC student, passed away a week before Thanksgiving last year. Parkins is credited for giving the band its start and the band has dedicated an EP to their late bass player. The members describe their sound as rock fused with metal. Some of their track titles include “Nightmare” and

Photo by Justing Teitelbaum

d Screams h Scarlet Canary “Distorted Reality.” “Music is the most creative thing you can do,” Haze said. “I never had a chance to be part of a band until Scarlet Canary, so this is really special to me.” Scarlet Canary has had a slow rise to fame, but they are getting there. “Denver has a slow music scene,” Maddox says. Even in this “slow scene,”

Photo by Nick Smallwood Photography

Scarlet Canary won’t stay local for long. The band plays year-round in Colorado and has a full schedule of shows most weekends. Their songs have been played on radio stations like 93.3 and 94.3 KILO. Scarlet Canary recently played at the Greeley Stampede with Skillet, a show that sold 700 tickets. It was Scarlet Canary’s first experience with what they consider “star treatment.” “We got cordless microphones and such nice equipment to perform with,” Haze says. “And we pride ourselves on our equipment,” Maddox adds. The band normally has two shows a week during the summer and their lineup during the year is almost as busy. The band has played at venues like Rawkus in Colorado Springs and Lion’s Lair in Denver. All of the group’s members will be finished with college by this summer, when they plan to move to Chicago. They say their band has even more opportunities in the Windy City. To check out Scarlet Canary for yourself, go to www.reverbnation.com/scarletcanary.

Photo by Justing Teitelbau

Campus Complaints We Don’t Need More Cowbell!

by Lauren King

o you ever get the feeling your neighbors purposely play their music at 500 decibels just to make you angry? Even when you’re trying to study, talk to your significant other or get the required eight hours of sleep at night? We all understand Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Thrift Shop” is super catchy and about anti-consumerism, but could you play it at a less deafening level? I value my ears and you should too.

One of the joys of living in residence halls or a cramped two-bedroom apartment is students get the opportunity to live five feet from someone who is not a member of their immediate family. It’s scary, new, sometimes hilarious and sometimes downright frustrating. Your neighbors may be loud and obnoxious. Your roommate may drink all your milk even though it’s clearly labeled with your name, talk in their sleep about dragons and marshmallows or

throw an impromptu 80’s party during finals week (Warning: neon and spandex is never a good idea). My point is, in college, living with new people and adjusting to their habits is just the beginning of the battle. When you have roommates you have to learn

to tolerate those habits. Sometimes those habits aren’t half bad. Your lovely roommate could leave leftovers on the stove unexpectedly when you’re starving after a long day or they could even help you study for a physics exam that you feel you have no chance of passing. A roommate can turn into your

best friend who occasionally drops a cowbell on the floor at 6 a.m., interrupting you in the middle of your dream about Channing Tatum. Maybe their intimate activities could be a little too voracious and you may need to compromise by investing in ear plugs. As long as you receive an apology for the possible inconvenience to your sleep, hearing or mental stability, all will be right in the world. If you don’t receive an apology, write your roommate a note and leave it for everyone else to see. We all know the best way for college students to get the message across is to write it in loud, purple Sharpie. Anyone out there who has a complaint, please send it in. You can send an anonymous picture of the event as it happens, a written note or whatever you need to vent your frustration (or apologize).

Please scan or photograph your notes and email them to submissions@uncclawmagazine.com.

Anonymous : A Better Name Than Your Own

The year 2013 has ushered in a wave of anonymous Facebook confessions pages and even the ability to create entire online personas. The MTV show, “Catfish” has monopolized on a trend of Internet users remaining anonymous about their actual life and instead creating a fantasy life that ultimately deceives others. Anonymity makes people braver and more apt to post rude or salacious comments. This is evident on the “UNC Confessions” page on Facebook. Through a website called SurveyMonkey, Facebook users can post anonymous “confessions” that they may not want to reveal to their friends, but are comfortable broadcasting to thousands of UNC students – Hey, it’s anonymous! The UNC confessions pages now has over 1,500 “likes,” hundreds of posts and is showing no signs of stopping unless the page gets reported (again) for “abusive content.” But how far is too far? Although these posts are anonymous, an anonymous post about a person’s questionable antics that is posted for thousands to see can be devastating to a reader who can do nothing. He or she might be able to report the comment and possibly have it removed or the page taken down, but at that point a thousand people may have already read the post. It is easy to forget that there are repercussions to what you say, even if your name is not attached to it. Social media has affected the way people communicate and tech-savvy college students are now immersed in a world in which the most sensational, embarrassing story or comment gets the most “likes.” It’s a competition to post the most outrageous story possible so that people pay attention to you for all of five seconds. Is five seconds of attention really worth slamming someone else? In a culture that is trying to work toward tolerance, acceptance and preventing bullying, we have a digital culture of thousands of pages and comments which promote abusive language and immaturity. Social media may be a “culture” of its own, but maybe we should all adopt the motto, “think before you click or post.” Maybe we should become more self-aware and realize that even anonymous posts reflect on our character and social abilities, even if your username is ladiesman69. -Anonymous

Writers, Editors, Photographers, Designers, Advertising Reps

Wanted!

Learn More at our website: http://www.uncclawmagazine.com/workfortheclaw.html editor@uncclawmagazine.com *Room for immediate advancement* 8

S l us h R o o m Get Your Slush On

T-shirts, shorts, and sunny days may not be right around the corner, but a new bar in Greeley offers an escape to remember those summer days. The Slush Room is Greeley’s newest specialty bar, offering various flavored slushes to ages 18 and up. For those of legal drinking age, slush drinks of the alcoholic variety are available. The newly renovated bar is located at 807 17th St. across from The Library Oxygen Bar & Liquid Lounge. Numerous televisions, multiple seating areas and fresh paint make the small space inviting for new customers. Future plans include hanging more art work, installing a ski shot rack, and working to improve the overall visual appeal of the bar. Slush flavors offered include blueberry, bubble gum, cotton candy, watermelon as well as many others. Patrons can have their favorite type of alcohol or soda mixed into their slush drink as well. Bartender Mackenzie Cranford, a University of Northern Colorado history major, says her favorite slush combination is a watermelon limeade. Flavored Jell-O shots are available along with something a little different for their patrons: pickle shots. Pickle juice is poured together with vodka and topped off with a peperoncini pepper to create the unusual shot. Bartender Anita Egging, a UNC biology major, they will even sell the pickles if people are interested. But novelties like pickles and Jell-O shots aren’t the most important thing to focus on, Egging says. “We want this bar to be female - friendly and a

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Pre

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safe environment,” Egging says. “From the bar you can see the campus emergency lights so you can walk safely home.” This specialty bar is open from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. every evening except Thursday and Sunday. “We’re not trying to compete with other bars,” Cranford says. “We’re just trying to find our night.” The title Slush Room is based on its theme and has no relation to The Crvsh Room.

Anita Egging smiles at the camera as she works the bar. 9

Street Style Around UNC

By: Laura Vallen

UNC’s diverse student body allows students to be open and express themselves through their clothing as they walk between classes, get a quick bite, or study late in the library.

Name: Monique Garbutt Major/Year: Envionmental Earth Science, Senior Hometown: Trindad & Tobago What she’s wearing: Yellow pants, leather jacket What / who inspires her: Her mother Favorite place to shop in Greeley: Walmart Favorite place to shop online: WholesaleDress.com Favorite item in her closet: Her jackets Dream Career: Exploration geologist Club Involvement: African Culture Club Name: Zach Weiss Major/Year: History, Senior Hometown: Westminster, CO

What he’s wearing: Ralph Lauren What / who inspires him: His cousin Favorite place to shop online: JackThreads.com Favorite item in his closet: All of it! He can’t choose one item Dream Career: Model for anything How he describes his personal style: Bold colors that match Club Involvement: Fraternity: Delta Tau Delta

Name: Samira Aregay Major/Year: International Affairs, Junior Hometown: Britrea What she’s wearing: Black blazer, red pants What / who inspires her: Success in life Favorite place to shop near Greeley: Denver or Loveland Favorite place to shop online: Express Favorite item in her closet: Her white blazer Dream Career: United Nation Ambasador Her Personal Style: Simple and girly

Name: Kaitlyn Cook Major/Year: Music(Vocal Performance), Freshman Hometown: Pueblo, CO What she’s wearing: Orange lether jacket, leggings, Tom’s shoes Favorite place to shop online: Amazon.com, Forever 21 Favorite item in her closet: All of her Tom’s Dream Career: Performer

Name: Dongwood Lee Major/Year: Economics, Junior Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

What he’s wearing: Casual Wear What / who inspires him: Steve Jobs Favorite place to shop near Greeley: Greeley Mall Favorite item in his closet: Outer Jacket, Blazers Dream Career: Investor, International organization worker

Name: Mike Martin Major/Year: Sports and Excercise Science, Senior Hometown: Arvada, CO What he’s wearing: Blue pants, v-neck, sperry top-sider shoes What / who inspires him: Fitness and Greg Plitt Favorite place to shop near Greeley: Banana Republic Favorite item in his closet: Sperry top-sider shoes Dream Career: Dentist/Pysical Therapist How he describes his personal style: Casual

Name: Carli Belongie Major/Year: Nursing, Junior Hometown: Denver, CO

What she’s wearing: Aztec sweater, brown boots, grey mini What / who inspires her: Herself Favorite place to shop near Greeley: Centerra Favorite place to shop online: Forever 21 Favorite item in her closet: Flowy growling tiger tank Dream Career: Nurse Practiononer

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AP-16

Being WITTstrong Instagram, Twitter and rubber wristbands are the new weapons in the fight against cancer

When Andrew Wittenauer was diagnosed with testicular cancer, his girlfriend, Brianne Witt, came up with a clever and inspirational way to help pay for his treatments. 13

Photos by Natalie Stacker

Fourteen years ago, at age 7, UNC senior Brianne Witt met the man of her dreams at a youth gathering hosted by her church. The two stayed in touch through MySpace, but it wasn’t until Brianne’s freshman year of college that this man asked her to be his girlfriend. Today, the love birds are as strong a couple as ever. But all fairytales involve an obstacle, and Brianne and her boyfriend have recently been faced with theirs. Andrew Wittenauer, Brianne’s boyfriend, was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer on Dec. 21, 2012. Andrew had been feeling pain in his abdomen and testicles for a few weeks before he went to the doctor to have it examined. Andrew has no family history of testicular cancer, so when he got the results everyone was understandably shocked.

Compared to other types of cancer, testicular cancer is fairly rare and it is highly treatable, even in advanced stages. It is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 34. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate for all men with testicular cancer is 95 percent. Andrew had surgery the week before Christmas to remove the cancerous cells, but his cancer has since spread to his lymph nodes, neck and gut. In addition to the surgery, he is undergoing 12 weeks of chemo. Andrew’s doctors says Andrew’s reproductive health should be back to normal in a year, but ” the couple took precautions, such as sperm banking, to ensure fatherhood would be a possibility in the future. “It’s cancer, there isn’t anything surprising about it,” Andrew says.

“It’s cancer, there isn’t anything surprising about it

Brianne and Andrew share a lighthearted movement. She says Andrew’s ability to add comic relief to his situation inspires her. A remarkable thing that came out of Andrew’s situation has been Brianne’s contribution. It started as a joking play on the yellow LIVESTRONG wristbands endorsed by Lance Armstrong, which are still a vital part of funding for the LIVESTRONG organization’s fight against cancer. Brianne jokingly told Andrew they should make “WITTstrong” wristbands as a play on their last names, Witt and Wittenauer. But Brianne soon realized this “joke” might actually be a great idea. Brianne found a company to make the wristbands and began designing them. She was originally going to make them purple, the official color of testicular cancer, but Andrew asked her to make them teal instead. Not knowing how many people would be interested in ordering the wristbands, Brianne placed

her first order for 1,000 bands. “I definitely thought it was a stretch ordering 1,000,” Brianne says. “But it was cheaper that way.” Within two days of receiving the bands, the first 1,000 were gone. This was a huge testament to the amount of support Andrew and Brianne have behind them. She ordered another 1,000, and those too quickly sold out. In early February, Brianne received her third order of 1,000 wristbands. “We have officially just surpassed 2,200 wristbands sold,” Brianne says. Each wristband costs Brianne 16 cents, but she sells them for $2 each. With the $1.84 profit from each band she has raised nearly $5000, which has all been used to help pay Andrew’s medical bills. In 2006, the average

“It started as a joking play on the yellow LIVESTRONG wristbands”

Photos by Natalie Stacker cost of a 30-day supply of cancer prescription drugs was more than $1,600 and the cost is even higher today. Some of the newest cancer treatments and medications can cost as much as $10,000 for a month’s supply. The WITTstrong wristbands have made their way to 12 different states including Tennessee and Hawaii. The wristbands to travel the farthest, however, made it all the way to Australia. The WITTstrong movement is receiving a lot of support from the UNC community as well. Sororities on campus got involved in the project and placed large orders for their chapters. Bear News has interviewed Brianne and Andrew, and UNC Relay for Life has showed their support. Brianne said mass support has also come from Crossroads Church in Loveland, where Andrew works as one of three worship directors.

The #WITTstrong movement is growing fast on Instagram and more on Twitter. Photo from Brianne Witt

“I know I have lots of people praying for me,” Andrew says. “Even the doctors say I’m responding super well and I know prayer and God are the reasons why.” The wristbands are only one part of the WITTstrong movement. There have been numerous mentions of WITTstrong on Facebook as well as WITTstrong hashtags used on Twitter. Brianne also started “The Chemo Challenge” on Instagram, in which users post pictures of themselves with their wristbands doing various activities to show their support for Andrew and the fight against testicular cancer. There are over 250 pictures with the WITTstrong hashtag on Instagram. Brianne started the challenge to give Andrew something to look at during his long chemo treatments. One Instagram picture features Andrew smiling in a mirror with his chemo pump.

Photo by

wing fast, with over 250 #WITTstrong photos Andrew’s ability to add comic relief to a tough situation is just one of the many things Brianne says she admires about him. “He is so positive about it all,” she says. “I’ve really learned not to complain about the small stuff and to appreciate life more.” Andrew once jokingly pulled out sections of his short hair to create bald spots, adding light and laughter to the inevitable loss of all his hair. He recently had to shave off all his remaining hair. Andrew still plays in the worship band at his church on Sundays when he is feeling good enough, Anna Thompson and he says he hasn’t really gotten to the “sick”

Photo by Natalie Stacker

stage of his chemo yet. For all the bad things that accompany cancer, Brianne has supported Andrew by giving him a few good things. She says may freak out about the process more than he does, but as long as he is doing okay then she knows she is too. “We find our strength in each other,” Andrew says. “And that is what gets us through.”

“He is so positive about it all,” she says. “I’ve really learned not to complain about the small stuff and to appreciate life more.”

Purchase your WITTstrong bracelet via the WITTstrong Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/511309958909660/?fref=ts Just write your order on the wall! Be sure to use and look for #Wittstrong of Twitter and Instagram!

The Man Behind the Art: Karl Anthony by Jamie Arterburn This University of Northern Colorado alumnus’s art is on display at Patrick’s Irish Pub and other Greeley locations

You may have seen artwork displayed at small businesses around Greeley including Patrick’s Irish Pub, Café Panache, Batter Up Cakes, The Blue Mug at Margie’s, the Arts Picnic and many others. Most of this art was created by Karl Anthony, a 31-year-old local artist who graduated from UNC in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in art & design. Anthony grew up in Sugar City, Colo., and says he was drawing before he can remember. He used to create Retablo and Santo paintings for his dad that they would sell for $10 or $15 to help pay their bills. Retablos and Santos are Catholic or Christian religious devotional paintings, usually of saints or angels, that are popular in Spain and Latin America. “I used to get pissed off when I was younger because I didn’t have as much control of the lines I drew or steady brush strokes,” Anthony says. “So when I turned 15, I quit art cold turkey. I took a vow to never paint or draw again. I considered it to be selfish.” When Anthony arrived at college, he was forced to take visual art classes as a graphic designer. He says he strongly considered dropping out, but he stuck with it. Finally, a tragic family event made him reconsider his vow. The event had a significant impact on him as an artist.

“When my 8-year-old cousin passed away, I made a painting for him,” Anthony says. “It was the first time I touched a brush in seven years. That’s when I realized I could no longer run from myself as an artist. I couldn’t fight it anymore; I had to embrace it. I took another vow to always paint.” Anthony has been working at UNC for 11 years in Facilities Management, custodial recycling and event set up and tear down. He was recently promoted to supervisor for the custodial staff and will be receiving a 10-year award soon. In addition to his professional commitments, Anthony works on his art for at least one to two hours each night. He has an art studio at his home and he says he also works out of his cluttered garage space. He mainly uses acrylics, spray paints and wood stains to create his art. He says he’s an eclectic artist and answering the question, “what genre of artwork do you create?” is one of the hardest questions he’s had to answer. Anthony says his artwork is inspired by the places he goes on a daily basis and images he encounters in magazines, the Internet, and more. “I take these images and turn them into me as an artist,” Anthony says. “I convert them into my style and manipulate the paint to demonstrate that.” Anthony says he has been adamant on displaying his work around Greeley and has had a lot of success in the last four years. He says it’s hard to get artwork out there because of competition and people’s judgment of art. “You have to develop thick skin and not take their judgments personally; it’s their opinion. You got to keep trying,” Anthony says. “Stay true to yourself, don’t sell

out and it will be worth it.” His ultimate goal is to display his work in the main gallery at the Union Colony Civic Center or show 30-40 paintings at Space Gallery in Denver. But he says it’s a niche market and his work may not be displayed unless he develops a strong name for himself here in Greeley.

Photos by Steffanie Sperry

“Everyone in my life is very supportive of me and my work. I wouldn’t be standing if it wasn’t for them. I have my work up in my friends’ and family’s houses,” Anthony says. “They also let me display my work at home shows, which is always a fun, intimate and relaxed atmosphere that usually displays my more affordable artwork.” Anthony is displaying his “Red Carpet Series” at Patrick’s Irish Pub until the end of February. This display is his first miniseries and he says it is as cohesive as it could be. Each piece is unique, but all share a common theme. He has 10 pieces displayed, but wants

to expand to at least 30 pieces. All of Anthony’s displayed art is for sale and his pieces range from $10 to $500. Anthony says his next goal is to establish himself as somewhat of a tag artist. “Tag art” is more commonly known as graffiti art. He says he isn’t into the

lifestyle of tagging, but he does like certain aspects of it. He wants to create a tag artist identity by tagging his own artwork and making that a reoccurring theme in a body of work. Anthony says he will only be displaying his current work in Greeley for another year before he plans to create all new art to display. He says displaying the same work repeatedly gets old. It takes him about a month to create one piece of art: a minimum of 40 hours. His aggressive plan

to create a new set of paintings to display includes working on a minimum of four pieces of art at one time. “It’s exhausting to keep up with my creativity,” Anthony says. “I have a very busy mind with thousands of ideas constantly. It’s always unknown what I’m going to paint from one day to the next. My ideas change like crazy.” There’s a lot Anthony will paint, but there’s also a lot he won’t. He says he doesn’t like to do commissions or accept requests for art from his friends, family or clients because he doesn’t want them to be unsatisfied with the result, and he may not be able to create the exact replica of what they are picturing. Anthony also says he hates doing tattoo drawings. Anthony’s plans for the future include continuing to build his tag artist identity and working on pieces to submit for the National Greeley Art Exhibition in April and for the Indie Arts Winter Market at the State Armory building in December. He is also preparing for the Arts Picnic, an annual event at Greeley’s historic Lincoln Park, and is trying to make prints for under $40. “I will paint for the rest of my life, down to my last brush stroke,” Anthony says. “I intend to do that no matter how unsuccessful I am in other people’s eyes.”

Autism’s Voice at UNC By Megan Lenhausen Photos courtesy of Kelley Coleman

love with the culture and everything about them,” unior special education “Our mission is to In the summer of 2012, Coleman began the process of major Kelley Coleman forming an Autism Speaks U club at UNC. By the fall 2012 has always been passionteach people about semester, Autism Speaks U became an official club at UNC ate about working with what autism is. There and was introduced to the university at the Fall Bizarre. people with autism. is a lot of misconcepSince then, the club has done many fundraisers includWhen she became familiar tion about autism ing bake sales, movie nights and a bowling event. All the with the national organizaand... it would be proceeds from these events are sent to Autism Speaks to tion Autism Speaks, she was support their research efforts. inspired to bring the organizaamazing to be able to “Our mission here on campus is to become so prevalent tion to the University of Northeducate people.” that people are familiar with our club and recognize the ern Colorado with the goal of puzzle piece logo as the symbol of Autism Speaks U,” increasing autism awareness Coleman says. and education and raising money for autism “Our mission is to teach people about what autism is. There is a lot research. of misconception about autism and if we can Founded in 2005, make it clear and allow people to come to us Autism Speaks is a with questions. It would be amazing to be able national non-profit to educate people.” organization focused Although the club is still in its early stages, on fundraising for members of Autism Speaks U are making great research of the causes strides in establishing their cause at the uniof, prevention of and versity. Coleman says the group has ambitious treatments for autism. plans for the future. The organization “One of our biggest goals is to get involved also works to increase with the autism community and be able to awareness of autism actually do outreach instead of just kind of the disorders and provide surface stuff,” Coleman says. “We want to dig support for autistic deeper.” individuals and their Coleman has been contacting local autism families. programs and says she hopes that the club can A program called make more hands-on contributions and directly Autism Speaks U beconnect with those affected by autism. gan in 2008 with the Their goals include working with an after purpose of increasing school program and setting up a pen pal proawareness, advocacy gram with people with autism. and fundraising efforts of Autism Speaks on “If we could reduce the distance between our organization and the college campuses. people who we are actually helping that would be our biggest goal,” says Since the program began, it has raised over Collin Cannon, vice president of Autism Speaks U. $1 million for the national orThe members of Autism Speaks U hope to make deep ganization. As president of Au“We want to show connections with the autistic community at UNC as well tism Speaks U at UNC, Coleman people with autism the larger Greeley community. They want to be a support hopes to spread her passion for attending our unisystem for people affected by autism. supporting people with autism versity that we are a “We want to show people with autism attending our to the UNC community. university that we are a beacon of opportunity for them beacon of opportuni“I am directly affected by auand they have a voice through us,” Cannon says. tism. That is my passion: workty for them and they The members of Autism Speaks U are currently working with children with autism,” have a voice through ing on a national campaign called Light It Up Blue, which Coleman says. “I have nannied us.” encourages local businesses to change their outside or and tutored a lot of children inside lights to blue for Autism Awareness Month in with autism and I have fallen in

April. Light It Up Blue is meant to spark curiosity in everyone who sees the lights to find out more about Autism Speaks. Coleman, Cannon and the club members have asked the administration at UNC to support their campaign by installing blue lights outside the University Center during April. They hope to get houses along 10th and 11th avenues to change their outdoor lights to blue as well. During Autism Awareness Month, the department of special education is hosting guest speaker Temple Grandin, a Colorado State University professor who lives with autism. Autism Speaks U is helping to sponsor the event, which they say will be an amazing opportunity to get a firsthand perspective on living with autism. “Temple is a big reason why we know what we know about autism,” Coleman says. “She has been

For more information about Autism Speaks and how you can get involved, visit www.autism speaks.org.

From left to right Kelley Burr and Danielle Halsey able to explain what goes on in her mind and how she thinks. She is phenomenal.” Autism Speaks U’s passionate and innovative club members are taking steps every day toward a more

autism- educated university. People who live with autism inspire members of the club to work toward a brighter future for autism. “Their disabilities don’t define them. They are some of

the coolest, sweetest people I have ever met,” Coleman says. “They will never forget you, they will always love you and you will always have that connection with them.”

From left to right, Morgan Eardley, Allyx Neilsen, Collin Cannon, Kelley Coleman, Emily Frevert and Kelley Burr.

Local Business Breakdown: By Jamie Arterburn

Grabo’s Bar & Grill

Photo by Steffanie Sperry

What is Grabo’s Bar & Grill?

Grabo’s Bar & Grill, formerly Tavola Bar & Lounge, is the newest addition to the 9th Street bar block. Located on the corner of 8th Avenue and 9th Street, Grabo’s shares a building with its sister bar, Sky Nightclub. It has been transformed from a formal Italian restaurant to a casual sports bar environment. Grabo’s has the feel of a diner with the décor of a sports bar. The walls are adorned with snowboards, skis, televisions airing sporting events and gym lockers. In the near future, the owners are planning to install two big-screen televisions on each side of the bar’s fireplace. Grabo’s features the Miller Lite Spin Wheel. Anyone who purchases a Miller Lite has the chance to be a winner. The wheel lights up with four options: Free Shot; Buy One, Get One; Sorry and Oops. The light spins around the board and whichever option it lands on is what the patron gets. The bar also has a Guinness for Goodness St. Patrick’s Day countdown displaying the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds until St. Patrick’s Day.

Drinking in the Street:

The City of Greeley recently passed an open alcohol consumption law, valid on Friday nights in confined areas of downtown Greeley from June to September. This means that on certain streets from June to September “Go Cups” can be purchased in bars and carried out into the street and between venues. According to the law, open alcohol consumption is also legal in those same confined areas on the Saturday night before St. Patrick’s Day. The 21+ legal drinking age and will be strictly enforced, even in the streets.

What’s on the Menu: Free popcorn Free homemade chips Bottomless French fries ½ lb burgers Sandwiches Menu items served until 9 p.m., snack items served until 2 a.m.

Play at Grabo’s: Shuffleboard Nintendo Wii Buck Hunter

Allen Grieve, The Fire-Breathing Bartender

time. It’s a fun bar and environment to work in. I love the people I work with.” The idea to try some tricks with fire came almost by accident. Grieve and his buddy were messing around, spinning bottles and lighting them on fire when they had the crazy idea to try spitting fire. They researched the act before actually trying it. Grieve explains that there is a tedious art to his talent: “I put 95% Everclear Allen Grieve lights up the night at Grabo’s. vodka in my mouth, Grieve, 25, grew up in light the top of the bottle Pueblo, CO. He moved to on fire, have a wet towel in Greeley because his fiancé is hand just in case something a student at UNC and he got goes wrong, then I spit and tired of the commute from pull the bottle away,” Grieve Pueblo to see her. He had a says. “It’s a technical art; I connection at Sky Nightclub have to spit in a special way and what is now Grabo’s Bar so that the flame doesn’t & Grill, so he was able to get travel back to my mouth and a job as a bartender right throat.” away. Grieve says he only Grieve studied marketperforms the act when it is ing at Pueblo Community requested by customers (so College, but found his niche go make a request!). He also when he began taking barsays this talent is pretty lutending classes. He worked crative, earning him plenty at The 101, a nightclub in of tips. He says family and Pueblo, before bartending at friends worry about him Applebee’s and eventually doing it so often because Sky and Grabo’s. He says he fire spitting can be dangerloved the money and lifeous. style of being a bartender Despite the risks, Grieve so much that he decided to says he loves his job and inpursue it as a profession. vites anyone to come in and Grieve has been working at request this fire-blowing Sky Nightclub and what is spectacle. It’s guaranteed to now Grabo’s for two years impress. and is now the bar manager Hours: at Grabo’s. Open M-F: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. “I love bartending and Saturdays: 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. meeting new people,” Grieve says. “Especially when they Closed Sundays are drunk and having a good 23

Coming out: being l greek On Nov. 11, 2011, I was initiated into the brotherhood of Pi Kappa Phi as a founding father of the Iota Kappa chapter. About a year later, when National Coming Out Day was approaching, I struggled with the decision to come out to the men who I would eventually call my brothers. But on Oct. 11, 2012, I told my fraternity brothers I am bisexual. Despite the stereotypes, students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) have found support in Greek organizations. Jake Elvig, UNC junior and member of Delta Tau Delta, does not feel the need to hide his identity. Elvig, who identifies as gay, says his fraternity brothers are openminded about his sexual orientation. He says he does not feel his

brothers look at him differently. “I think the culture is changing a lot,” Elvig says. “We are a very tight-knit community and a lot of the community is very openminded. We all want to be a part of something else bigger than ourselves.” Although Elvig has received a lot of support, he can see why other fraternity members might not feel as secure. He says not all Greek

houses are as welcoming. This is a sentiment shared by Clark Lamson, UNC alumni and member of Pi Kappa Phi. Lamson identifies as pansexual but has not come out to his brothers. He feels that certain things his fraternity members do make it difficult for someone who identifies as LGBT. “I’m pretty comfortable around most of the guys, but a lot of the

g lgbt in unc k life by Terrell Wallin language within fraternities is not as inclusive as it should be,” Lamson says. I believe Lamson is right. Although my brothers try their best to use inclusive language, they can slip. As a fraternity, we have had talks about inclusive language to educate my brothers about making others feel welcome, whether they identify as LGBT or not. Even with these hardships, many

fraternities can make their LGBT members feel proud of who they are. The same holds true for sororities. Cheyenne Sinn, UNC alumni and member of Alpha Omicron Pi, identifies as lesbian and found her perfect fit within a sorority. Sinn always wanted to join a sorority but held back due to fear. Scared she wouldn’t fit in with the girly nature of sororities, she waited until her senior year of college to go

through recruitment. She says she vowed to find a sorority where she felt she could stay true to who she is. “I don’t hide my sexuality,” Sinn says. “I don’t take it lightly. It’s just who I am.” Although there is a lot of progress to be made within Greek life when it comes to LGBT acceptance, some progress has already been made. When I first joined Pi Kappa Phi, I never thought I would be telling my brothers about which guy I had a crush on or bringing a date back to the chapter house. But I have now done both of those things. My experience within a fraternity as a bisexual male has been positive. I am only a single example of acceptance of LGBT Greeks and I hope that there are many more positive experiences to come.

Photos by: Natalie Stacker 25

The Quest for the Quintessential Mall I always enjoy lazily browsing through shops to find treasures on the weekends. As the stores in the Greeley Mall started to dwindle, I found myself searching for other malls in which to spend my time. Before long, it became a quest to

By Steffanie Sperry

find a mall with a varied selection and a pleasant atmosphere. I’m not a picky shopper, but I do have some standards. I explored several malls in the area, all with good and bad aspects. I rated five malls on several quali-

The Greeley Mall

Overall Score: 2 out of 5 • Atmosphere was depressing and deserted with very few stores remaining. • Seemed a little dirty and is dimly lit, giving the place a dark, burrow-like feeling. • Plenty of free parking close to all the entrances and it’s easy to spot from U.S. Highway 34.

The FlatIron Crossing Mall in Broomfield Overall Score: 4 out of 5 • About an hour drive from Greeley. • Atmosphere was shopper-oriented and family-friendly. • Had a variety of outdoor seating and playgrounds. • From clothes to gadgets to art galleries, this mall has a lot to offer, as well as an impressive food court. • Parking was free and ample at all entrances.

ties I deemed important: atmosphere, variety, accessibility, parking, food and cleanliness. Ratings are on a scale of zero to five: zero being horrible (nothing good about the mall) and five being excellent (went above my expectations).

Centerra Mall in Loveland Overall Score: 3 out of 5 • More stores than the Greeley Mall offers, but they are mostly clothing stores. • Atmosphere was cheery and shopper-friendly. • Parking is free, but a little cramped in some places. • Can be tricky to find tucked away from U.S. Highway 34.

16th Street Mall in downtown Denver Overall Score: 1 out of 5 • Parking was difficult and expensive ($3 to $6 an hour to $12 or more for the day). • Atmosphere was unpleasant. I was accosted by five people on the street asking for various things like food, money, clothing and charitable donations. • There were tons of restaurants, bars and clubs many of which seemed highend.

Pearl Street Mall in Boulder Overall Score: 4 out of 5 • Atmosphere was upbeat and eclectic, attracting more of a hippy-like crowd. • A multitude of street performers – none of whom were pushy – performed for tips. • Wide variety of stores, ranging from toy stores to spice shops, as well as various food options. • Parking wasn’t a problem. There are a few garages around the mall which ranged in price from $1.25- $2 an hour for the first four hours. Free parking on Sundays. • Very clean for an outdoor mall.

A sample of shops Greeley Mall 2050 Greeley Mall Greeley, CO 80631 Victoria Secret Spencer’s Claire’s Sears Game Stop

The Promenade Shops at Centerra 5971 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO 80538 Barnes & Noble Famous Footwear Banana Republic PacSun Best Buy

FlatIron Crossing One West Flat Iron Crossing Dr Broomfield, CO 80021 Apple Store Bare Escentuals Hot Topic Pottery Barn XXI Forever

Pearl Street Mall 1942 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302 Into the Wind Kites Lush Cosmetics Boulder Book Store Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Cheesecake Factory

16th Street Mall 1001 16th Street, Denver, CO 80202 Cheesecake Factory Lavish Lounge Ross Dress For Less Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery Lannie’s Clockwork Cabaret

Ultimately, my quest was a success. I found two malls for serious shopping and discovered that for light, weekend shopping, I’ll just have to be content with the Greeley Mall. I hope that my experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, will help others succeed in their own quest for the perfect shopping spot.

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Weekend Adventure in

Austin

Austin, the heart and capital of Texas, is a city that stands in defiance of the negative stereotypes occasionally associated with Texans and all things Texas (succession threats, unfortunately named gubernatorial ranches, and nothing but tumbleweeds)The people of Austin do, however, embrace the positive stereotypes (are they friendly? Hell yes). If everything is bigger in Texas, it’s even bigger and better in Austin. For a night on the town, look no further than downtown Austin’s Sixth Street. No matter what your idea of a night out may be, you will find it there. The girls going out for shots and dancing in minis and stilettos (not only possible, but reasonable in a Texas winter; it never dropped below 60 degrees when I was there) are as at home as the hipsters biking to the next brewery past the couple fresh from a roller derby match. If music is your thing, Austin is the right city for you. Most bars host a band so you could find yourself sampling most genres by walking down the street and listening to the sounds emanating from the nightlife around you. Entertainment in Austin is something you must experience. You could easily spend an afternoon perusing the shops and cafes along South Congress Avenue. Vintage stores and antique shops are interspersed with old - fashioned candy stores and novelty knick-knack boutiques. If you’re there for the weekend, stop by the craft markets to find steals from local artists and artisans. I bought a one-of-a-kind “necklace scarf” from a craft vendor for $15 and then treated myself to a red velvet cupcake from a food truck without taking more than ten steps. Food trucks can be found everywhere in Austin. From the choice spots downtown to the sprawling residential neighborhoods in South Austin, food trucks are a lasting staple. If street food is28 your vice, you’ll be happy to know

-Biz Gilmore

that if you want to eat it, you can find it from a food truck. In a uniquely Tex-Mex twist, all the food trucks in Austin will roll their fare into flour tortillas and serve it as a wide variety of tacos: breakfast tacos, Korean barbecue tacos, and Philly cheese steak tacos. Austinites do not mess around when it comes to their tacos or any food for that matter. One of my favorite things about Austin is how enthusiastically the entrepreneurial spirit is embraced. Amazing local businesses take off and become local chains. No matter what neighborhood you’re in, you can stop by a Torchy’s Tacos for a fried avocado taco (They are good). Any Kerbey Lane Cafe you find yourself in serves the best Sunday brunch and most unique pancakes around. If you want something sweet, travel to Amy’s Ice Creams and treat yourself to the Mexican Vanilla Cone. Commerce is strong in Austin; local businesses compete alongside national chains. The community chooses to buy and promote locally which adds to Austin’s cool atmosphere. My favorite business unique to Austin is Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, a coffee

Photos by Biz Gilmore

shop and bakery on Lake Austin. On my first visit, I found love in dessert form: a mocha trés leches mousse cup. Nothing beats a Saturday afternoon on Mozart’s gigantic outdoor patio, watching the ducks in the lake with the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. A city based around water, Austin has several pedestrian and bicycle - friendly bridges and natural waterfront paths. If you’re visiting in the summer, check out the millions of migratory Mexican freetailed bats that make their temporary home under Congress Avenue Bridge. Spend some time enjoying the scenery and great outdoors; it will help burn off some of the amazing food you’ve experienced on your trip. If you’d like a break from the water, spend a few hours in Austin’s historic Mayfield Park. The beautiful grounds are home to sprawling community gardens, palm trees and ponds filled with water lilies with peacocks freely roaming the premises. In the spring and summer, the grounds explode with color from the local flora. It’s the perfect spot for quiet reflection, short nature walks and amazing photo opportunities. The food and fresh air may contribute to this—or perhaps I’ve been in Greeley too long—Austin may be the best smelling city in America. Austinites may prefer to keep their adapted slogan as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, but I suggest that “Austin: Come Here and Smell This” would make a better postcard. Whatever it is that drives you to visit the capital of the Lone Star State, I could not recommend it highly enough.

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Think Before You Ink by Amanda

ore and more people, especially college students, are getting tattoos. In 2006, a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Detmatololgy showed about 24 percent Americans age 18-50 had more than one tattoo, and 36 percent of Americans between the ages of 18-29 had at least one tattoo.

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Students who are thinking about getting a tattoo should consider the pros and cons. The decision to get a tattoo is a monumental moment in a person’s life. Students have to decide why they want to get one, what to get, where to go and, sometimes, how to explain it to their parents.

Fun Fact: The earliest known tattoos

Izzy Denning’s tattoo. Photos by Natalie Stacker

date back to 2000 B.C. and were found on Egyptian mummies, both male and female.

Turnock’s Lovely Love Birds

Here are some things you should know about getting a tattoo: •In Greeley there are many tattoo parlors or shops to choose from including Tainted Hearts Customs, Jon’s Custom Tattoos, Bombshell Bodyworks Tattoo & Piercing Studio, Rooster Tattoo and The Prickly Pear Wax Studio, and more. •It is more expensive to remove a tattoo than it is to get one.

•Each tattoo parlor has a tattoo minimum: the lowest amount they will charge for any given tattoo, regardless of size. Shop minimums vary, so be sure to ask up front.

Anna Thompson’s tattoo

•Many tattoo shops also offer piercings as well as hair and tattoo removal services.

If you look for them, tattoos can be seen all over campus. Rachel Turnock, a junior double major in journalism and communications, got a tattoo two years ago. Her tattoo is an outline of two birds, which are considered love birds because their beaks are touching. “I got it because it represents true love,” said Turnock. “And it repersents my parents because what they have I feel is true love and gives me hope that I will find it one day.” Turnock said she has never regretted getting her tattoo and she still loves it as much as the day she got it.

•A tattoo can be a symbol of something the person will be reminded of for the rest of their lives.

•It is best to avoid tattoos that don’t have deep personal meaning. Impulse shoppers or people who want something trendy may get tattoos they will likely grow to regret.

Ericson Deines’ tattoo

Photo by Rachel Turnock

Do Yourself a Favor and Cook Tonight Orion Gaudio (“Bratwurst and Sauerkraut,” “Arugala Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette”) and Biz Gilmore (“Lentil Stir-Fry”, “Roasted Chickpeas”) reveal their secrets for healthy meals that will satisfy your friends, impress your parents and woo your significant other. So go ahead, give Chef Boyardee the night off...

mericans are all about instant gratification, and it plagues the food in our country. Fast food restaurants flourish and sit-down restaurants are often judged on how long it takes to receive food after placing an order. But eating out, especially cheap fast food, all the time is expensive and can be very unhealthy. Every time I finish eating at a restaurant, I think about the meal and most of the time I realize I can make the same food for less money at home and it will taste better. Anyone with minimal cooking ability could follow a few simple recipes and prepare a meal

Preparation

Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onion slices and cook until tender and browned (caramelized). Divide arugula into four one-ounce servings and put on plate. Place ¼ of the sliced pear on each plate. Add bacon, onion and goat cheese to each plate in equal amounts. Combine olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl or cup. Stir and drizzle on each salad.

Photographs by Biz Gilmore

that is just as deliscious as anything at a restaurant for a fraction of the cost. Good food is a truly wonderful thing that is fun to share with friends and family. Most of my cooking is done for one or two, but sometimes it’s fun to have a few people over and show off in the kitchen. With a few good ingredients and a recipe to follow, it’s possible for anyone to impress their friends by cooking like a gourmet chef. The biggest obstacle in cooking is actually taking the time to do it. Cooking doesn’t have to be a big production that takes hours. There is nothing wrong with throwing a few simple ingredients together for a quick and easy meal that is delicious and healthy. These two dishes can be prepared in less than ten minutes. There is room for experimentation and changes to dishes to fit individual tastes.

Preparation

Heat a medium or large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Pour olive oil in pan and spread evenly. Lay sliced brats in oil and brown on one side. Reduce heat to medium and turn sausages, cooking until slightly browned. Add sauerkraut (from the jar) and water to pan. Turn heat back to medium-high and cook until sauerkraut is heated and liquid has cooked off. Cut ciabatta lengthwise and place under the broiler or in a toaster oven. Toast until slightly browned, cut into four even pieces and spread one tablespoon of mustard and one tablespoon of horseradish (or to taste) on each piece. Place brats and sauerkraut on bread and serve openfaced.

Lentil Stir-Fry Ingredients

1 cup dry lentils 2 cups water 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil 1 clove garlic 1 cup mushrooms 2 stalks celery 2 medium carrots 2 bell peppers, of any color 1 tablespoon cumin* 1 teaspoon turmeric * 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Salt and pepper, to taste Dried or fresh basil and cilantro, to taste. If dried, add early into cooking process, with the oil and garlic. If fresh, add later, with the bell peppers. Soy sauce, optional and to taste *A note on spices: You can play this up or down. Use spices you like or have on hand.

Try something you’ve had in the back of your cabinet since you moved in. Have fun and explore! That’s what cooking is about.

Preparation

To prepare lentils, combine water and lentils in a medium pot. For additional flavor, I add a bay leaf. You can also use broth instead of water to kick the flavor up a notch. Turn the heat to medium-high until the water boils lightly. Then, turn the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. One dry cup will prepare about two cups cooked. Extra lentils can be used in soups or other dishes within a few days or frozen in a container for up to six months. Once prepared, set aside.

Roasted Chickpeas

While the lentils are cooking, rinse and chop all vegetables. Mince garlic. Add oil and garlic and dried herbs if applicable to a large pan or skillet on medium heat. Let these set while oil heats, stirring occasionally. Once garlic becomes fragrant, add celery, mushrooms and carrots. Reduce heat to low for five minutes, stirring

Ingredients:

16 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 ½ tablespoons olive or canola oil ½ onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss well to coat chickpeas well. Place mixture into a casserole dish or onto a cooking sheet. Place in oven to bake for 15 minutes. Remove and toss chickpeas and bake for another 15 minutes.

occasionally. Add bell peppers and remaining spices, herbs and sesame seeds. Stir well to incorporate. Add one cup of cooked lentils. Check for flavor and adjust spices, if necessary. If you’d like, add soy sauce. The final step: enjoy! Serves two.

Are your culinary skills the envy of all your friends? E-mail your favorite recipe to Editor@uncclawmagazine.com and you could be featured in the next issue! 31