Gator Country January 2013

january 2013

Not In My House

Volume 5

Issue 15

www.Gatorcountry.com

INSIDE:

SEC HOOPS PREVIEW MICHAEL FRAZIER II SIGNING DAY FEB. 6 BASEBALL’S FAMILY ‘13 FOOTBALL PEEK

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THE BREAKDOWN

CEO of www.gatorcountry.com Raymond Hines III

COO Bernadette King

CFO Raymond Hines, Jr

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Capshaw

STAFF WRITERS Andrew Spivey David Shepherd Dan Thompson Phillip Heilman John Boothe

REPORTERS Drew Laing Elizabeth Rhodes Alex Gray

PHOTOGRAPHERS Saj Guevara Curtiss Bryant Wes Hall John Parady

CEO Marc Douglass

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ON AND OFF THE FIELD

CONTENTS

Lauren Douglass

COPY EDITOR Daniel Sutphin

ART DIRECTOR Daniel Tidbury

GRAPHIC DESIGN Daniel Tidbury Lisa Torres Jane Dominguez

PROMOTIONS Amanda Liles Karen Jones Hilah Driggers AnnMarie DeFeo

ACCOUNTING Lynsey Parrish

CIRCULATION

10 New Year’s Resolutions 12 Another ‘Sweet’ Season 18 Gator Trivia: Women’s Basketball 19 Expanding the Big Game View 24 NSD Forecast Little Drama 26 Gators Grinding For Greatness?

31 Football Awards Banquet 33 Can I Quote You On That?

34 Looking Ahead to 2013 36 Counting in 3s 38 Putting a Fresh Face Forward 39 Fishing Report

Eddy Falla

SPECIAL PROJECTS Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sutphin

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shane Howell (shane@whpinc.com)

ADVERTISING & SALES Shane Howell Bryan Porter Matt Frey

SWAMP SPOTLIGHT 6 Be Like Mike 8 Family Matters 17 Fred Taylor Talks Gators 20 Peek on the Peaks?

22 Early Birds 30 Joker’s a Wild Hire

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Fact: UF began as East Florida Seminary in Ocala in response to public funds being used to support higher education.

Expect to Win

The End of Apathy

“I just hope we can win half our games,” was posted in GatorCountry.com’s forums shortly after Florida’s season opener, a closer-than-expected 24-17 win against Bowling Green.

Ten (more convincing) wins later the Gators were No. 3 in the final BCS standings of the regular season, capping off an 11–1 campaign with a 37–26 win at Florida State.

Coach Will Muschamp and his Gators exceeded most everyone’s expectations this season, perhaps even their own, by earning a spot in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 2.

Prior to the season opener, I had predicted the Gators would win eight games and possibly nine if with an upset. I remember reading the above fan’s quote and having similar thoughts.

While I still had figured they would win at least half of their games, I was unsure if they could reach my eight-win prediction.

Like others, I wasn’t too impressed after watching the Orange and Blue Debut spring scrimmage, especially on the heels of a 7–6 record in 2011.

I didn’t see anything against Bowling Green too spectacular, either. That said, when the Gators found themselves trailing at halftime against Texas A&M in Week 2, it was not surprising to see fans so low that apathy hit an all-time high.

Total meltdown was underway in our GatorCountry. com live in-game chat. Fans were questioning every decision from Jeff Driskel starting at quarterback to Muschamp’s hiring. Some were downright Fact: In 1911, UF chose the alligator as its mascot.

nasty. Many things were said in the heat of that moment I certainly won’t repeat here.

Trying to stay positive, I typed something like: “Don’t hit the panic button quite yet …

Still a lot of football left to play.”

Was just trying to keep things positive – and civil. I’m not sure if I believed the Gators could, or would, turn it around at that point. The first six quarters of 2012 Florida football did not look like, well, Florida football.

Of course, the Gators mustered just enough offense and stayed in their rushing lanes better on defense to slow down eventual Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel to leave Aggieland with a 20-18 victory.

Something happened that day. Something was said – not by myself or anyone else in any chat room – that changed everyone involved with Florida football.

The Gators began believing in each other, themself and their coaches.

Fans – such as the ones who typed the original quote – followed suit, beginning that Saturday afternoon in College Station, Texas.

Regardless of what happens in the Sugar Bowl or what juniors leave early for the NFL, Florida football is back and the 2013 season could be even more special.

Hopefully, fans never again will be in a place where they’re hopeful for a .500 season.

Apathy, at least on that level, has been sacked.

Mike Capshaw | Managing Editor Gator Country Multimedia Inc. GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

5

THE MJ WAY

By Mike Capshaw Photos by John Parady

Be Like Mike Florida freshman Michael Frazier II is a “huge” Michael Jordan fan Michael Frazier II wants to be like Mike.

Just call him “MJ.” His family does.

He’s one of two players on the team who chose to wear Air Jordans instead of traditional Nike kicks.

The Florida Gators true freshman dons Jordans because “they’re the most comfortable basketball shoes,” but it’s more than just for comfort. Frazier II’s models his game after Michael Jordan’s, arguably the greatest ever. Jordan was known for his high-flying dunks and clutch shooting, but it was his defense that created many of those offensive highlights.

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GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Frazier II, named the SEC Freshman of the Week after his sharp shooting resulted in a game-high 17 points against Marquette on Nov. 29, was nicknamed “MJ” at a young age before the Jordan-craze hit him. During a time when his peers often cite current players as they’re all-time favorites, Frazier II favorites the living legend.

“I’m a huge Jordan fan – Always been all about Michael Jordan,” Frazier II said.

“He’s my favorite player.”

Jordan famously described being in a shooting zone by saying “the rim seems like a big ol’ huge bucket.” Frazier II relived that

with a similar statement after hitting four of his first five three-pointers and five of eight total to finish with 17 points in last Thursday’s win against Marquette.

“The bucket did seem a little bit bigger than usual,” Frazier II said.

It was the first time since Bradley Beal last season when a freshman has led the Gators in scoring.

Frazier II began the season just 4 of 17 from three-point range. After his first attempt against Marquette rimmed out, he didn’t lose his confidence. Like most shooters, he kept shooting and hit his next four in a row.

Fact: In 1912, the Florida Alligator begins publication as the first regularly issued student newspaper.

THE MJ WAY

MICHAEL FRAZIER II Position: Guard Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 200 pounds Class: True freshman Hometown: Tampa, Fla. School: Monteverde Academy Notable: Nicknamed “MJ” by his family Quotable: “My mom didn’t want my family members to call me ‘Junior,’ so that’s why she went with the ‘II’ instead of ‘Junior.’ That kind of made the nickname of ‘MJ.’ And now that’s what all my family calls me.” – Michael Frazier II.

Florida coach Billy Donovan said Frazier II has the green light to shoot any time he’s open.

“Michael’s shooting percentage does not reflect the kind of shooter that he is,” Donovan said. “I think encouraging him to continue to shoot because he has proven in practice, he has proven it is whole career, that he is a good shooter.”

It wasn’t the first time he led UF in scoring this season, although it was the first time it officially counted. He also hit five trifectas to finish with 21 points in 18 minutes in an exhibition win against Nebraska-Kearney.

When he’s hot, he humbly passes the credit, and Donovan wants to make sure Frazier II stays humble.

“Really I just kept playing. I really don’t know when I started feeling it,” Frazier II said. “I kept shooting. I was open. My teammates did a great job of finding me.”

Frazier II grew up an honor student and sang in the choir in his father’s church. He prefers to see the “II” after his name, and so does his mother, Winnie Gordon. His father is Michael Frazier Sr., but his mom didn’t want her son to be Frazier Jr. That’s why the II appears on his jersey and on the official roster.

“My mom put that on my birth certificate, so I just kind of owned it,” Frazier II said. “My mom didn’t want my family members to call me ‘Junior,’ so that’s why she went with the ‘II’ instead of ‘Junior.’

“That kind of made the nickname of ‘MJ.’ And now that’s what all my family calls me.”

Before Michael even picked up a basketball, he was “MJ.” Little did anyone know until he began showing promise at an early age that the initials would end up making even more sense than simply a reason not to call him “Junior.” But as his hoops fascination grew, so did it for following Jordan.

Frazier II always wore Air Jordans’ sneakers, sporting them through high school at Tampa (Fla.) Monteverde Academy and AAU ball “when he could anyway” as AAU teams often are sponsored by different shoe companies than Nike.

Florida is a Nike school, which “of course” he likes, he said. He would have chose to sign with the Gators regardless of what shoes he would have to wear, though.

“I always wanted to come here, so it wasn’t as big of a deal,” Frazier II said. “I am glad Florida was a Nike (school), though.”

Frazier II always has been known for his offensive game, especially his perimeter shooting. He often is the first player to arrive at practice and the last one to leave, usually to hone his shot and overall game.

Coming off of the bench in all six games, Frazier II is averaging 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. His rebounding from the small forward position is another reason Donovan said he is contributing so much so early in his career.

Like Michael Jordan, he wants to be known for his relentless effort. He goes all out to ball out every single play whether it’s in a shoot-around or a matchup with a Top-25 opponent.

“Go hard and play hard every play,” Frazier II said. “Taking the mindset into every play, to go hard and to go rebound and play defense.

“Just keep getting better every day. Just keep pushing and keep working hard and I feel like it’ll come.”

Fact: In 1911, every player on the football team was a Floridian and it was the only squad in Gator football history to finish a season undefeated.

Like Michael Jordan, the nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member, Michael Frazier II knows defense is what can make the difference. It’s what separates good players from great players.

“I’ve always been told that offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

I know you’ve been told that,” Frazier II. “Especially playing for a coach like coach Donovan, you have to buy into that to get onto the floor.”

Many freshmen step on campus lacking a defensive game. They focused so much on offense growing up they didn’t learn the basic fundamentals of playing sound defense.

Not Frazier II. He was devoted to defense at an early age. He jumps into passing lanes (he’s tied for third on the team with six steals) and does well moving his feet, not just his hands, to mirror the ball.

“If you can play defense and stop other people, then offense is going to come,” Frazier II said. “I feel like good defense creates good offense. Always work hard on defense and eventually, your shots are going to fall.”

However, defense is one of the areas Frazier II, like most young players, still needs to improve upon, Donovan said. He also wants to makes sure his high-flying freshman stays grounded.

“When you are a high school player and you have a good game, it’s kind of expected,” Donovan said. “When you’re a freshman and you’ve drawn some attention and it’s positive attention, how do you as a player and a person handle that attention?”

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

7

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

KEVIN MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN

Hometown: Jupiter, Fla. Wife: Barbara Jo (Davis) Children: Payton Tyler (3), Finn Thomas (3 months) Position: Florida baseball head coach, sixth season (223-102) As a player: Catcher at Florida Community College and the University of Virginia, where he was a first-team All-ACC performer in 1990 and ’91.

Kevin O’Sullivan poses with his wife, Barbara Jo who was pregnant with Finn Thomas, and their daughter, Payton Tyler, after the Gators won the NCAA Gainesville Super Regional on June 10, 2012.

Story and photos by Mike Capshaw

Family Matters

UF baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan said wives, family have played role in team’s success Behind every great coach is a great spouse.

Florida Gators baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan and his staff are living proof.

O’Sullivan said coaches’ wives are every bit as “invested” in success as the coaches.

College coaching in any sport is a year-round business. Seasons are a grind that would make the typical 9-5er want to drive their Toyota Prius off a Suwanee River bridge.

There is no “off” time during the offseason, either. It’s the same arrivebefore-sunrise-and-leave-well-aftersundown approach that occurs 24/7 during the regular season.

It takes a special spouse, and family, to handle the routine. Coaches learn, thanks to words of wisdom from coaching fraternity veterans, to make sure their wives-to-be understand the profession before they become wives. To understand weeks may go by where the only quality time is the

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GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

perhaps engrained in them by hard-working parents, driving them daily to be the best.

“When I am home, I do spend as much quality time with everybody as much as I possibly can and have a normal family life when I get home,” O’Sullivan said.

All college coaches, at least the successful ones, work tirelessly. The light in Florida football coach Will Muschamp’s office must be an LED bulb because, unless the team is practicing or out of town, it’s almost always on.

Burning the midnight oil so much means families often must go to the coaches’ workplace if they want to “see daddy” for a quick visit.

kiss-on-the-cheek goodbye or goodnight.

“She’s known about the schedule for a long time,” O’Sullivan said of his wife, the former Barbara Jo Davis. “She knows my love for this job and what all that entails.

She understands the amount of time and effort it takes to be successful at this level.

“She’s always been extremely supportive.

That’s never been an issue with us.”

An article published in 2007 said the divorce rate for “successful” coaches in one professional sport mirrors that of Hollywood’s. It didn’t offer any data to support that claim but the simple truth is some wives cannot handle playing second base to any husband’s job that comes first, demanding much more than the normal 40-hour work week.

It’s not that coaches love their jobs more than their families. Not in the slightest.

There’s just a competitive spirit and pride, Fact: In 1918, the university serves as a base for 400 soldiers for World War I.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Coaches often refer to their team as “a family,” and it truly becomes an extended family as players get to know their coaches’ sons or daughters thanks to those few precious moments when family and teams mix.

That’s why it’s not surprising to see coaches’ kids or wives hanging around the Florida baseball complex from time-totime. It certainly helps create that family atmosphere – and that’s an awesome thing.

“Starting in January the season starts and then when the season is over you’re on the road recruiting – literally the next day – and you go all the way through August when school starts,” O’Sullivan said. “Then when school starts it’s a combination of practice with team and individual work and also recruiting because there is a lot of recruiting in the fall and then it goes all the way through now.

“So if one of our coaches can spend some quality time, even an hour, having lunch with their family down at the baseball facility then we’re certainly all for it.

“It makes for a healthy environment.”

Three months ago O’Sullivan and his wife welcomed their second child, a son named Finn Thomas, into the Gator Nation.

They also have a three-year-old daughter named Payton Tyler.

While Finn’s birth did delay the start of fall practice by a few days, it hasn’t changed O’Sullivan’s daily routine of readying his young team for a run at a fourth consecutive College World Series berth.

“I’m still putting in the same hours and the same amount of time,” O’Sullivan said. “One thing that did change a whole lot more is I’m changing a lot more diapers, but as far as the day to day stuff, it’s about the same. It’s just a lot more crowded in the house so to speak.”

One of the small windows when college baseball coaches can take a break is Christmastime. The O’Sullivan’s often would travel for the holidays, but a new baby means the plan this Christmas was to be “very relaxing just being around the house.” Even still, O’Sullivan – and Barbara Jo – knows he will be fielding phone calls and exchanging emails while going over all aspects of his team and even planning practice schedules. He’ll also turn 44 on Dec. 27.

The Gators open 2013 with a three-game series against Duke that begins Feb. 15. Fortunately for the coaches, and their families, the first 22 games are in the state of Florida.

In other words, they’ll be home for the first month of the season. Of course, little actual time will be spent at their actual homes.

“I would say that the success that we’ve had here definitely has lot to do with the wives we have,” O’Sullivan said. “That’s not just my wife, all of our coaches have wonderful wives who understand it because it’s not easy for wives and families in this profession.

“You’re only going to be as good as how supportive your wife is.”

Kevin O’Sullivan smiles during a break in the action during a fall practice in early October.

Coach Kevin O’Sullivan throws batting practice while offering instruction to batters between pitches.

Fact: In 1909, it was shortened back to University of Florida.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

9

CHANGES FOR THE NEW YEAR

By Drew Laing

New Year’s Resolutions Things Florida football hopes to resolve in 2013

The turn of the calendar year marks a new beginning for those who choose to make resolutions in their lives. These New Year’s resolutions have become a popular tradition and they can range anywhere from working out more to treating people unselfishly. And with the completion of the 2012 Florida Gators football season, there are definitely some aspects about the season the team wishes it could fix. But since the team can’t go back in time to remedy those problems, Gator Country decided to come up with some New Year’s resolutions for the Florida football team that will help it improve even more next season.

Freshman receiver Latroy Pittman looks dejected while coming off of the field after the Gators’ lone loss, a 17–9 setback against Georgia in Jacksonville.

Photo by Curtiss Bryant

10 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Florida coach Will Muschamp sure is entertaining to watch when he gets animated while arguing with officials, but that’s something he would rather not have to do so often in 2013. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

Resolution No. 1: Cut down the penalties

Gators’ only loss so far this season. Against Georgia, the Penalties have been an issue for Gators were flagged 10 times for 95 yards, including a crucial Florida over the past several seasons, but in 2012, the yellow defensive holding call that gave Georgia a first down late in flags seemed to be flying a little too much against the orange and the fourth quarter, leading blue. The Gators finished ranked the way to a significant 115th in the country by racking Bulldogs touchdown.

Florida coach Will up 96 penalties for 797 yards Muschamp has the Gators on throughout their 12 games this season. They will likely cross the the right path to regain their 100-penalty mark for the second national supremacy, but the sign of an elite team is discipline. For consecutive season, needing 2013, it’s imperative that the only four more penalties in Gators limit their penalties or the Allstate Sugar Bowl. else it could result in a crushing Although the Gators still loss that could keep them out finished 11–1 despite the high of the SEC or BCS National amount of penalties, the yellow flags played a crucial part in the Championship game.

Fact: Legend has it that that from 1861-1865, EFS closed due to the Civil War, where all of the faculty and male students of military age served in for the Confederacy.

CHANGES FOR THE NEW YEAR

THROW THE FLAG, REF!

• Florida’s 96 penalties heading into the Sugar Bowl were 115th in the country and last in the SEC. • The Gators have averaged more than 100 penalties each season since 1991.

• Alabama and Notre Dame – the two teams in the BCS National Championship – committed only 50 and 68 penalties, respectively.

Resolution No. 3: Fans, show up to the games

Speaking of the Florida fan base, the attendance at Gators home football games became a hot topic throughout the 2012 season. It’s important to be careful when imploring fans to spend the outrageous amounts of money to purchase tickets, especially with the struggling economy. So for those who choose not to go and save the money, who can blame you?

That doesn’t mean it’s not Resolution No. 2: Beat Georgia disheartening to see how bad the attendance was at times this This isn’t the most original resolution ever, but it’s probably season. The Gators went 11–1 this season, but you wouldn’t the most important to many know it at times when looking at Florida fans. Arguably the most hated of all of Florida’s rivals, the the attendance. There would be Georgia Bulldogs kept the Gators times where entire sections might be empty, and there was a out of the SEC Championship noticeably lower turnout in the and a possible berth in the BCS student section during some National Championship. It’s a of the later home games. loss that will forever sting the Expectations are rising for the hearts of Gators fans, especially Gators in 2013 and Muschamp due to the implications of the has them poised for a run at the loss later in the season.

SEC Championship, so make sure Muschamp has done a lot of remarkable things in his first two to show support for the team and seasons and has won over the fan show up for the games. Help base with his passionate and very reinstate Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as the toughest place to play in all honest coaching style. However, Muschamp failed to beat Georgia of college football. in his first two seasons. And with expectations rising next season, With the exception of games like LSU and it will be important for Muschamp South Carolina, one thing the Gators to change his fortunes against the would like to do more in 2013 is fill Ben Bulldogs quickly to appease the Hill Griffin at Florida Field to its capacity. desires of the fan base.

Photo by Curtiss Bryant

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Fact: In 1903, Florida Agricultural College changed its name to University of Florida for a short time, only to change it to University of the State of Florida.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

11

VOLLEYBALL SEASON REVIEW

Surprising SEC Champs reach Sweet 16 for 21st consecutive year

By Elizabeth Rhodes Photos by Curtiss Bryant

From left, Florida’s Tangerine Wiggs, Chloe Mann and Berkley Whaley prepare to defend a serve against Georgia.

Another ‘Sweet’ Season The 2012 Florida Gators volleyball squad made their 21st Sweet 16 appearance in the last 22 years this season as the underclassmen dominated team surprised critics with their overwhelming talent despite their lack of seniority. The Gators ended their season with a 27–5 record, finishing the year with a No. 10 ranking in the AVCA Division I Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Gators extended the nation’s leading streak of consecutive 25-win seasons to 22 this year.

Despite being expected to finish fourth in their conference, this talented young squad led by seniors Tangerine Wiggs and Betsy Smith along with junior Chloe Mann, claimed the SEC Championship after sweeping South Carolina at home in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The Gators were 17–1 on the season in SEC play, with their lone defeat coming from the Tennessee Lady Vols.

“No one expected us to win the SEC this year,” head coach Mary Wise said. “I think we have become better than we were at the beginning of the year. We had a lot of freshmen on the team and no one knows how it will end. We just showed we can

12 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

compete with everyone. I can say that we went into every game with the right mindset to just compete hard until the end. Also, the only loss (during SEC play) was 19–17 in the fifth set, so you can see that we are just working really hard all the time.”

No doubt critics weren’t anticipating the sensational year freshman Ziva Recek brought to the table, breaking Florida history as the outside hitter earned five SEC weekly honors. Recek was also named AVCA South Region Freshman of the year and American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I National Freshman of the Year. Recek who led the Gators with 440 kills on the season became only the second Florida player in history to earn AVCA National Freshman of the Year alongside Florida’s only four-time AVCA AllAmerican Kelly Murphy.

To nobody’s surprise, junior middle blocker Chloe Mann was selected as the SEC Player of the Year and was a First Team All-SEC selection. Mann led the Gators with an NCAA-leading .444 hitting percentage and earned 380 kills on the year. AVCA All-America Honorable Mentions also

included junior setter Taylor Brauneis and senior right-side hitter Tangerine Wiggs.

The Gators who earned the NCAA Tournament’s 14th seed was asked to host the first and second round of the tourney in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center with their first opponent being the University of Tulsa.

This marked the first time ever these two teams had ever met in program history. In the past 22 years, the Gators have been asked to host the opening round of the tournament 20 times. The Golden Hurricanes had on its roster the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history senior outside hitter Tyler Henderson.

VOLLEYBALL SUPERLATIVES • 27–5 overall record • 17–1 in SEC play • Won SEC Championship • No. 10 in final AVCA Coaches’ Poll • Reached Sweet 16 for 21st straight season • Nation-best streak of 22 consecutive 25-win seasons, all under head coach Mary Wise

Fact: EFS later combined with Florida Agricultural College, St. Petersburg Normal and Industrial School and South Florida Military College to become the University of the State of Florida.

VOLLEYBALL SEASON REVIEW

The Gators didn’t disappoint Florida fans that came out to support sweeping the Golden Hurricanes 3–0 (25–9, 25–21, 25–21) holding Henderson to a .257 hitting percentage. Wiggs led the way for the Gators hitting on a .667 clip for 8 kills and two blocks. Mann was spectacular leading the match with six blocks on the evening and recording 10 kills on a .500 hitting clip.

“She set the tone early on,” Wise said of Chloe Mann. “She was part of the first block for the first point of the match and that’s where Chloe’s game has evolved. She will not get as many attempts as an outside hitter so for her to score that many points, she’s doing something right.”

Sophomore defensive specialist Madison Monserez led the way for the Gators in the backcourt setting a new career-high and leading the match with 16 digs. Coach Wise referred to her as the biggest ‘difference maker’.

“She led us in digs and was all over the court,” Wise said. “She provided a lot of inspiration to our entire team. She does it every day in practice, but to do it in the NCAA Tournament is pretty cool to see.”

The Gators moved onto the second round

of the tournament to face off against College of Charleston for only the second time in program history. Florida went on to sweep their second opponent in the O’Connell Center 3–0, (27–29, 22–25, 24–26) putting the Gators in the Sweet Sixteen to face No. 3 Texas.

The Gators held the Cougars to a .079 hitting percentage and recorded six more blocks than them. Florida now leads the all-time series against College of Charleston 2–0.

“Florida is a great team and they did a great job,” College of Charleston head coach Jason Kepner said. “They’re extremely balanced, they set to people all over the place and they did a great job serving us out of system and putting a lot of pressure on us. I give them a lot of credit for executing their game plan.”

The Gators traveled to Gregory Gymnasium on the University of Texas campus to play the Longhorns for the second time throughout the past year as they were swept by Texas earlier in the season (27–29, 22–25, 24–26).

“Luckily, we’ve had the opportunity to play Texas earlier in the season back in

August, early September,” Wiggs said after Florida’s victory against College of Charleston. “However, both of us have changed very much. Texas has improved in many ways as have we.”

Unfortunately that’s where the Gators underdog season ended as Texas defeated the Gators in a hard-fought three-set match, 25–22, 26–24, 25–17.

Mann hit .500 on the evening with 14 kills while Recek added 11 kills against the Longhorns.

“Hats off to Texas for as well as they played once again,” Wise said. “Offensively, we were right there. Chloe Mann showed at least the Texas fans that this is a First Team All-American.”

Leaving the Gators after such a tremendous season were seniors middle blocker Betsy Smith, right-side hitter Tangerine Wiggs and setter Sundai Weston.

After such a magical season, coach Wise summed up the year the Gators had in a tweet that couldn’t ring truer: “It’s not losing that’s so tough, it’s ending one of the most special seasons I’ve ever been part of that’s the hardest.”

39 49

Fact: In October 1918, an epidemic of Spanish influenza struck the soldiers and students. One-third of the students grew seriously ill and several died.

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16 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Fact: In 1947, the postwar enrollment boom was in full swing and the university experienced its first year as a fully coeducational institution.

IN HIS FOOTSTEPS ESPN 850/900’s Larry Vettel interviews Taylor, who was recently inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars Hall of Honor. a smart player and he’s a smart guy.

“If he goes in and works hard, and outworks the guys to get on special teams early on, he’ll buy himself an opportunity to develop as an NFL running back.”

While he offered up plenty of praise for the offense, Taylor said he has enjoyed watching the entire team in Will Muschamp’s second season as head coach at Florida.

“I love the defense, that’s Muschamp ball,” Taylor said. “He’s really proud of those guys. Having a year under his belt where he’s learned his players, I think that has shown in where we are.

“We’re going to the Sugar Bowl.”

Part of that has to do with the talent on the field, but Taylor said the coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for bringing out the best in each player while getting them all to play together as one cohesive unit.

That team-first mentality was present on Taylor’s teams that were 44–6 during his Story and photo by Mike Capshaw four years at Florida from 1994–97. Taylor helped the Gators to a 12–1 record twice, Former UF All-American is excited including the 2006 season that culminated about the program’s direction in a national championship under coach Steve Spurrier. They were 10–2 in his other “Kelvin is one of those guys who has Fred Taylor was back in Gainesville for the two seasons. some good size on him and some quickness.

Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest at UF’s Reitz “I love what coach Muschamp has done He’s a guy I’ve watched a lot so I know more in his second year,” Taylor said. “He’s Union on Dec. 8. about him than the others, but I believe The former Gators All-American and energetic and full of passion, but more NFL running back signed autographs, posed we’ll have a really good group of guys that importantly, he’s full of integrity. He’s for pictures and helped draw the winners of will help (Jeff) Driskel and take pressure helped these young players here to develop off of the quarterback play. five pairs of tickets to the Sugar Bowl into good character guys. They’ve bought “We definitely will have a steady between Florida and Louisville, scheduled into what he’s all about. Just doing that running game.” for New Orleans on Jan. 2. makes it easier to be coachable.

Speaking of Driskel, Taylor was Taylor’s son, Kelvin Taylor, is a running “In a sense, we’re 11–1 because of it.” back who is verbally committed to sign with impressed with his performance in leading Taylor was born in Pahokee, Fla., and the Gators to an 11-1 record and the No. 3 Florida. Kelvin also was in town for his the FHSAA named him one of the “100 spot in the BCS Standings heading into the official visit, but was back at the hotel Greatest Players of the First 100 Years” of Sugar Bowl. It’s the fifth time a Florida during the Fan Day event. Fred Taylor still Florida high school football after he rushed team has won 11 games. appears to be in playing shape and said he for 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns as a “Driskel, I love what he’s done in his never turns down an opportunity to take on, senior at Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Central second year,” Taylor said. “The maturation and take down, his son in a foot race.

High. He rushed for more than 3,000 yards process has done him great. Once they locked and 31 touchdowns during his career at “We’ve done that and I get him every him into to saying you’re going to be the guy, time,” Taylor said, shaking his head up and Florida while also helping the Gators win he’s shown that ‘Hey, I can be the guy.’ down matter of factly. “That’s no pressure. three consecutive SEC Championships.

“The running game, the guys up front That’s easy. I mean, easy.”

In the NFL. Taylor played for 11 seasons With his son following in his footsteps to have done great and (Mike) Gillislee has with the Jacksonville Jaguars and his final don the orange and blue next season, Taylor been great with the ball in his hands.” two with the New England Patriots. He Speaking of Gillislee, Taylor believes the rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns is excited about the potential of the Florida senior running back has the ability and the backfield that also will include returners while adding another 2,384 receiving yards Matt Jones and Mack Brown as well as Adam skills to make it in the NFL, but with a little and eight touchdown receptions. elbow grease.

Lane, who is verbally committed to UF. Earlier this fall, Taylor was inducted into “He’s not a speed demon. He has ‘OK’ “Matt Jones is a big guy and a bruiser,” the Pride of the Jaguars Hall of Honor. He speed,” Taylor said. “I think he has a fair Taylor said. “The other guys, Adam and also was inducted into the University of shot. I’m not a scout by any means. He has to Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Mack, are more shifty type guys because work out and do all of that other stuff, which Great” in 2010 and into the Florida-Georgia they’re smaller, but they have a really good is the X’s and O’s side of it, but I do know he’s Hall of Fame in 2008. skill set, though.

Fred Taylor Talks Gators

Fact: After Pearl Harbor in 1941, more than 10,000 alumni serve in World War II.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

17

TEST YOUR GATOR KNOWLEDGE

Gator Trivia: Women’s Basketball 1) During what year was women’s basketball approved as a sport at UF?

9) To what team did the winningest coach leave UF to coach?

a) 1969 b) 1972 c) 1973 d) 1975

a) Tennessee b) Georgia c) Purdue d) Ole Miss

2) Women’s basketball began play the same year as when it was approved. a) True b) False

10) Who coached the Florida’s women’s team from 2002 to 2007?

3) When the women’s basketball program a) Carolyn Peck b) Amanda Butler debuted, it did so as a Varsity program. a) True b) False

4) Under what coach did the UF Women’s Varsity program debut? a) Carolyn Peck b) Amanda Butler c) Paula Welch d) Carol Ross

5) In what year did they make local headlines by winning the state championship?

c) Paula Welch d) Carol Ross

11) Formerly a WNBA coach, this former UF ladies’ hoops coach also won a state title with what team? a) Tennessee b) Purdue c) Charlotte d) Ole Miss

a) 1974 b) 1977 c) 1975 d) 1976

12) Which ladies’ hoops coach was fired for having the worst losing streak of any Gators sports program?

6) In that championship win, how many other teams were in the state at the time?

a) Carol Ross b) Amanda Butler c) Paula Welch d) Carolyn Peck

a) 8 c) 4

b) 3 d) 6

7) The winningest coach for the UF Women’s Basketball team is? a) Carolyn Peck b) Amanda Butler c) Paula Welch d) Carol Ross

13) Which UF ladies’ hoops coach was also a UF player for the team? a) Carolyn Peck b) Amanda Butler c) Paula Welch d) Carol Ross

14) UF Women’s basketball Coach Amanda Butler was also the coach for what team?

8) How many seasons did the winningest a) Charlotte coach lead the women’s basketball team? b) Notre Dame a) 12 c) 15

b) 10 d) 11

c) Florida State d) Georgia

1–b, 2–b, 3–b, 4–c, 5–d, 6–B, 7–D, 8–a, 9–d, 10–a, 11–b, 12–a&d, 13–b, 14–a

Answer Key:

18 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Fact: Today, UF is one of the most comprehensive and academically diverse universities in the nation.

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(352) 379-8500 Fact: In 1909, Albert A. Murphree was appointed second president of the University of Florida.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 19

WINTER GAMES BOUND?

Peek

By Mike Capshaw Photos by Curtiss Bryant and Saj Guevara

on the Peaks?

SCOTT PEEK

Position: Fullback Class: Fifth-year senior Hometown: Tampa, Fla. School: Freedom High Notable: Spent first four years at UF at linebacker before switching to fullback during spring practices.

Quotable: “As special as it was being a part of the National Championship team, I feel like this was better than that season.” – Scott Peek

20 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Florida fullback Scott Peek has opportunity to train for the Winter Olympics A young man from the Sunshine State has Winter Olympics dreams.

Florida fifth-year senior fullback Scott Peek, a third-generation Gators legacy, will play his final game for the orange and blue on Jan. 2 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

This spring, he may begin training with the US Bobsled Team. It’s a dream he pursued this past year before opting to finish out his football career at Florida.

“I went to one of the combines for the US Bobsled team in the offseason and I did really well actually,” Peek said. “They invited people up there for training in September, but I wasn’t able to go obviously because of football season.

“I’m hoping to get back in touch with those coaches and hopefully get a shot to go back up there to train and see if I may be able to make that team.”

Since this interview, Peek has been in touch with the coaches and has been invited again to train in Lake Placid, N.Y., according to his sister, Ali Peek Wilbur. Scott Peek said he first heard about bobsledding from a friend.

“One of my buddies that I played high school football with started doing it,” Peek said. “When I was back home doing an internship he said he thought I may be interested in it, so he said I should give it a try.

“I did pretty well at the combines, so I’m interested to see how that goes again.”

Peek, a 6-foot-2, 241-pounder from Tampa, Fla., takes a lot of pride in playing football. He spent most of his career at linebacker before moving to fullback this past spring.

“I was really happy with the change,” Peek said. “I love coach (Brian) White and coach (Brent) Pease. They’ve been helpful the entire way.”

On Senior Day against Jacksonville State on Nov. 17, Peek was thrust into action after an injury to starting fullback Hunter Joyer early in the game. So in his final game on Florida Field, Peek saw more snaps than in all of his previous games combined.

Peek estimated some 15–20 family members and friends were in the stands for the game, which the Gators won 23–0.

“You never want to see anybody get hurt, but I was happy to be able to go out there and play as much as I did,” Peek said.

“It was really a dream come true. I couldn’t believe it. It was a perfect way to end my last home game in The Swamp.”

During his first three seasons, Peek only played in two games. He made both of his two career tackles in his debut against Appalachian State in 2010. This season, he didn’t record a rushing attempt but played

Fact: The University College stayed in operation until the late 1970s when it will be merged into the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

WINTER GAMES BOUND?

in six games. He was named the team’s special teams player of the week after a 37–26 win at Florida State in the regular season finale.

Peek borrowed a quote from one of his favorite movies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, to sum up his college experience.

“It was pretty crazy. It seems like it flew by but it was the best experience of my life,” Peek said. “Ferris Bueller was right. If

the 2008 National Championship team as a freshman.

“The National Championship game was a really special moment but I just kind of felt like I was on the outside,” Peek said.

“The older guys on the team weren’t close with the younger guys on the team. It wasn’t like it is now.

“As special as it was being a part of the National Championship team, I feel like this was better than that season.”

Just being on any Gators’ team has been special for Peek. He played a wide variety of positions at Freedom High School, but missed his senior season with a broken shoulder after going “shoulder first into a landing strip of concrete on the long-jump pit” in a preseason game.

When that happened, Peek figured his dreams of following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps at Florida. He arrived as a walk-on but ended up earning a scholarship before last season.

“I just never thought my dream was really going to be able to come true,” Peek said. “Luckily, one of the coaches and a couple of others were able to help me out and get a preferred walk-on spot (long pause) and it just happened to end up you don’t stop to take a second to look being the best experience of my life.” around a every once in a while, it’s going to If he decides to train for the bobsled pass you by. And that couldn’t be more true. team, it could lead to another once-in-a“I wish I would have taken a second to kind of step back and just kind of let it sink lifetime experience. Interestingly enough, if Peek makes the team, he won’t be the first in a little bit more going through things.” former UF athlete to do so. Former Gators One thing that has sunken in is the experience being on this year’s team, which decathlete Steve Mesler helped win the US finished the regular season 11–1. For Peek, Bobsled Team a gold medal at the 2010 it was even more special than suiting up for Winter Olympics.

Fact: In 1935, Tigert developed University College, where all freshmen and sophomores are required to take seven comprehensive.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 21

EYEING THE SPRING

Early Birds

By Drew Laing Photos by Mike Capshaw

Seven players will enroll in class this month and join the team for spring practices

Not only does January mark the beginning of another year for Florida Gators sports, but it also signals the time in which football recruits can early enroll and begin classes at Florida and officially join the football roster.

Early enrolling can be crucial to a recruit’s ability of making an early impact on the team. It allows them to not only start classes early, but practice with the team in the spring to get a jump on a learning the new system.

Here are the seven early enrollees Florida will have in this recruiting cycle.

line that saw a lot of moving parts in 2012. With the departure of both Xavier Nixon and James Wilson, spots will open up for the other linemen to compete for a starting position.

One advantage for Brown will be his size. He’ll be the biggest player on Florida’s roster at 6–8, 350 pounds.

if Taylor can meet or even surpass the accomplishments set by his father in the mid-1990s.

As the only running back to early enroll for Florida, it should give him a great chance at earning carries early on next season.

LB Daniel McMillan (First Coast/Jacksonville, Fla.)

McMillan committed to the Gators on National Signing Day last February. Despite being solid to Florida for almost a year, the 6-2, 220-pound linebacker kept things interesting when he took an official visit to Ohio State in November. Now he says he is 100 DT Darious Cummings percent committed to Florida (East Mississippi Community and is shutting his recruitment College/Scooba, Miss.) down. For an inside linebacker, Cummings will bring immediate DE Joey Ivie (Pasco/Dade McMillian possesses outstanding size and depth to the Florida City, Fla.) speed and is considered one of defensive line. At 6-foot-3, The Florida native may not be 292-pounds, the former FSU one of the higher-rated prospects the more athletic middle and Ole Miss pledge has great in Florida’s 2013 recruiting class, linebackers in the 2013 class. explosiveness off of the line. Since but the 6–4, 270-pound defensive high school, Cummings has put end plans on gaining an edge on nearly 50 pounds and looks to over the other freshman by have a big impact for the Gators enrolling early in January. in the next two seasons. He and Gators lineman Damien Jacobs “It’s a big benefit having six are close friends and Cummings’ months ahead of everyone in commitment to Florida allows the the weight room and with two to finish their college careers school work,” Ivie said. “Coach RB Kelvin Taylor (Glades Day/ together after failing to play (Bryant) Young said it’s one Belle Glades, Fla.) together at FSU. thing that will help me have the Perhaps the most anticipated chance to play early, because recruit in the 2013 class is I can learn the playbook and Taylor. While Taylor is one of OL Trenton Brown (Georgia the most accomplished running Military College/Albany, Ga.) get stronger by going through spring ball.” backs in all of high school after The Gators continued to have accumulating more than 12,000 success in recruiting junior rushing yards and 192 college players this season when Ivie is one of four defensive touchdowns, it’s his bloodline Brown committed to the Gators linemen currently in the 2013 that has UF fans excited. Taylor on Dec. 9. Much like Cummings Florida recruiting class and the only one who will be is the son of “Gator Great” Fred on the defensive side, Brown enrolling early.

Taylor, so fans are anxious to see will bring depth to an offensive 22 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

OL Tyler Moore (St. Petersburg College/ Clearwater, Fla.)

After playing as a true freshman at Nebraska, Moore had to leave the school due to personal reasons and returned home to Clearwater. Back in September, the 6–6, 305-pound lineman informed the Gators’ coaching staff of his intention to transfer to Florida. Moore is expected to compete for a starting spot next season, especially with his prior starting experience at Nebraska.

LB Matt Rolin (Briar Woods/ Ashburn, Va.)

Rolin made a splash in the recruiting world when he flipped from South Carolina to Florida after a visit to the Gainesville campus. His biggest asset will be his size. The Virginia native is 6–4, 210 pounds, making him one of the tallest linebackers on the Gators’ roster. He adds some drastically needed size to linebacker corps and secures the Gators’ haul at linebacker as one of the best in the 2013 class.

Although he is early enrolling, Rolin will be a prime candidate for a redshirt due to an ACL injury he suffered late in his senior season. He’ll most likely be ready for the season, but will have to miss the spring and most of the summer.

Fact: In 1930, the first football game was played at Florida Field, a 22,000-seat stadium that was dedicated to alumni killed in WWI.

scenes from the swamp

Florida’s spirit squad members do their part by leading cheers at home basketball games. Photos by John Parady Fact: During President Tigert’s administration, the quality of education increased as entrance requirements were heightened and graduate/faculty research intensified.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 23

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

NSD Forecast Little Drama

By Andrew Spivey Photos by Mike Capshaw

Florida coaches secured 25 commitments heading into final month National Signing Day is fast approaching for college football as this year’s signing period opens Feb. 6.

Unlike last year, Florida has already locked up a majority of its class early.

Twenty-five prospects are verbally committed to the Gators heading into January, so there should be little drama when the signatures begin to file into Florida.

On Jan. 7 alone, nine of those prospects will already be welcomed onto campus by the Gators’ coaching staff as early enrollees.

Those prospects are Milledgeville (Ga.) Georgia Military offensive lineman Trenton Brown, Scooba (Miss.) East Mississippi offensive lineman Darious Cummings, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips safety Marcell Harris, Dade City (Fla.) Pasco defensive end Joey Ivie, Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast linebacker Daniel McMillian, Countryside (Fla.) Clearwater offensive lineman Tyler Moore, Fort Valley (Ga.) Peach County receiver Demarcus Robinson, Ashburn (Va.) Briar Woods linebacker Matt Rolin and Glades Day (Fla.) Belle Glade running back Kelvin Taylor.

Now let’s look at the rest of the committed prospects by position.

James Hearns is a smart football player who projects to play inside linebacker at Florida.

24 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Quarterback

Florida was only looking for one in this class and the Gators found him in Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy quarterback Max Staver.

Cameron Dillard, Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County offensive lineman Octavius Jackson and Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage offensive lineman Rod Johnson.

Running Back

Defensive lineman

This is one position that could go down to signing day as Florida looks for a third running back. We will look at the potential prospects later in this article. The Gators already have Taylor, who will enroll early, and Winter Haven (Fla.) High running back Adam Lane.

Receivers

This was maybe the biggest position of need this year and the Gators have five committed, including one that will enroll early in Robinson. Here are the four who are expected to sign: Seffner (Fla.) Armwood receiver Alvin Bailey, Jacksonville (Fla.) Bishop Kenny receiver Ahmad Fulwood, Columbus (Ga.) Carver receiver Marqui Hawkins and Gainesville (Fla.) High receiver Chris Thompson.

Tight end

Florida is looking for one and will try to lock up a prospect from January up until signing day.

Offensive lineman

If the receiver position weren’t clearly the biggest need, offensive lineman would be right up there. The coaches filled their needs by locking up five prospects, including two early enrollees in Brown and Moore. Here are the other four players: Canton (Mich.) High offensive lineman

Florida coach Will Muschamp signed an impressive defensive line class last year and added another one in 2013. The Gators have already signed five prospects but are looking for more. With Cummings and Ivie enrolling early, here are the other three prospects: Crescent City (Fla.) High defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer defensive end Antonio Riles and Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough defensive end Jordan Sherit.

Linebackers

This is another “need” position the Gators have filled by locking down four commitments.

Two of the three they have committed will enroll early in McMillian and Rolin. Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln linebacker James Hearns and Kingsland (Ga.) Camden County linebacker Jarrad Davis are the other ones committed.

Defensive backs

This may be the biggest recruiting pool for one position in the entire country as the Gators signed four of the top defensive backs in the nation. These prospects call themselves the “no fly zone” and they have one early enrollee in Harris. Here are the other three: Tampa (Fla.) Wharton cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, Bushnell (Fla.) South Sumter safety Keanu Neal and Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian safety Nick Washington.

Fact: In 1928, John J. Tigert’s administration began in the midst of a state economic crisis that continued throughout the Great Depression and World War II.

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY Caleb Brantley has a quick first step and is strong enough to be able to push the pocket from the interior defensive line.

FLORIDA GATORS CLASS OF 2013 1) Vernon Hargreaves III CB 5-11 185 Tampa (Fla.) Wharton 2) Kelvin Taylor RB 5-11 190 Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Day 3) Daniel McMillian LB 6-2 220 Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast 4) Ahmad Fulwood WR 6-4 197 Jacksonville (Fla.) Bishop Kenny 5) Caleb Brantley DT 6-3 290 Crescent City (Fla.) High 6) Jarrad Davis LB 6-3 225 Kingsland (Ga.) Camden County 7) Nick Washington DB 6-0 180 Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian 8) Alvin Bailey WR 5-11 170 Seffner (Fla.) Armwood 9) Jordan Sherit DE 6-5 234 Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough 10) Keanu Neal S 6-0 200 Bushnell (Fla.) South Sumter 11) James Hearns LB 6-2 230 Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln 12) Adam Lane RB 5-7 215 Winter Haven (Fla.) High 13) Marqui Hawkins WR 6-2 205 Columbus (Ga.) Carver 14) Max Staver QB 6-6 238 Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy 15) Antonio Riles DE 6-4 262 Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer 16) Chris Thompson WR 6-0 210 Gainesville (Fla.) High 17) Cameron Dillard OL 6-3 290 Canton (Mich.) High 18) Joey Ivie DL 6-4 269 Dade City (Fla.) Pasco 19) Octavius Jackson OL 6-4 295 Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County 20) Darious Cummings DE 6-3 305 East Mississippi CC* 21) Tyler Moore OL 6-3 310 Clearwater (Fla.) Countryside* 22.) Trenton Brown OL 6-8 350 Georgia Military* 23.) Marcel Harris S 6-1, 207 Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips 24. Matt Rolin LB 6-4, 209 Ashburn (Va.) Briar Woods 25.) Rod Johnson OL 6-6, 315 Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage *Signed National Letter of Intent. **Verbal commitments are non-binding.

Now that we discussed the committed prospects, here are a few guys that could create some tension as Florida moves closer to signing day.

The Gators want a third running back in their class and Plantation (Fla.) South Planation running back Alex Collins may be the best candidate. Collins will not decide until late January or signing day.

Florida has also been looking for a tight end for this class and

there are two guys who could be in this class. Those are Durham (N.C.) Hillside tight end Josh McNeil and Belton (Tx.) High tight end Durham Smythe.

Muschamp would like to add another defensive end and defensive tackle, as well. Here are a few names to watch moving forward: Scooba (Miss.) East Mississippi defensive tackle Jarran Reed, Avon (Ind.) High defensive end Elijah Daniel and Dooly County (Ga.) Vienna defensive tackle Montravius Adams.

Fact: In 1910, UF acquired its orange and blue colors from the two schools that were united to form the new school.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 25

DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

By Alex Gray Photos by John Parady

Gators Grinding for Greatness?

The Gators will need to stay together if they are to get past the Elite Eight for the first time in three seasons.

26 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Fact: In 1918, the university serves as a base for 400 soldiers for World War I.

DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

An early setback may be the wake-up call Florida needs to make a serious run When the dejected Florida Gators departed from Tucson on Dec. 15 after dropping a blowout-turned-nail-biter-turned 65-64 heartbreaking loss at Arizona, it was only the second time in the span of nine months they had lost a game.

Never mind that coincidentally, the losses occurred in the same state, but much like the abrupt and unceremonious ending of the of the 2011-12 season in the Elite Eight against Louisville, the Gators – in arguably their first true test of the 20122013 season – again failed to take ownership of a game they controlled most of the way in its most crucial moments.

The final moments of the game were reminiscent of some hiccups in the previous two seasons, undoubtedly causing a few to shatter their remotes into pieces by slamming them on the floor with the authority of a Patric Young two-handed dunk.

“When will this team learn to close?” may have been the most commonly used expression by Gators fans that Saturday evening, undoubtedly along with a few other choice words.

However, fret not Gators fans.

Florida’s winter gaffe may just prove to be the perfect starting point for an eventual

Defense applied by players such as junior center Patric Young in an 82–49 win against Marquette is why the Gators have a chance to make some noise this season.

Fact: In 1911, UF chose the alligator as its mascot.

springtime march into Atlanta – the site of this season’s Final Four.

After a slew of impressive victories to open the season, the 2012 Gators found themselves in a most unfamiliar position for early December – media darlings behind one of the top defenses in the country.

From receiving their first top-5 ranking since the days of the “Oh-Fours” to being hailed as a future No. 1 seed by ESPN “bracketology expert” Joe Lunardi, the Gators had quickly emerged as an unexpected favorite to hoist the gold-plated wooden trophy reserved for college basketball’s best team.

Florida’s quick ascension back into college basketball’s elite circle set them up for an unpleasantly swift fall after their first loss of the season, but losing the kind of game they did, when they did, may serve as the perfect early season wake-up call for a team who is predicted to be seldom-tested before the postseason.

The environment Florida experienced in Arizona was every bit that of an NCAA Tournament atmosphere. The fans, the excitement, and the late-game pressure fueled by desperation created a warm March-like feeling in chilly December.

One TV sign years ago using E.S.P.N. as an acronym read “Early Setbacks Produce National champions” has rang true year after year. Many teams need wake-up calls such as the one Florida received in nonconference game to learn their weaknesses, something key for all teams to improve.

Only seven NCAA Men’s Division I basketball teams have ever rolled through the season undefeated to win a national title, and it hasn’t happened since the Indiana Hoosiers accomplished the feat in 1976.

If the Gators can use the collapse as motivation, it could undoubtedly propel them come March Madness-time.

Said Florida coach Billy Donovan: “I told our guys if in some way we really, really learn from this, it’ll be very, very beneficial going forward.”

Despite their lone blemish, the Gators have still gone about their business in an impressive fashion in the early going of the season. Through their first nine contests, the Gators ranked in the top-15 of three

Players celebrate on the bench late in a 33-point blowout against Marquette, a game many expected would be more of a challenge. defensive categories – an area Donovan predicted his team had the pieces to become “great” before the season.

The Gators’ defense doesn’t do anything too fancy, but by mixing full- and half-court man with an aggressive, jump-into-passing lanes 2–3 zone, they’ve been able to keep opponents offenses off balanced.

While Florida was able to shoot their way into (and consequently out of) games last year, this season, it will undoubtedly be their stifling defense which will carry them to the Georgia Dome.

The last time the NCAA Tournament made its final stop in Atlanta, the Gators came away as the last team standing.

Six years later, the latest edition of Florida basketball has a chance to match that feat.

And if they do, they may have their disaster in the desert to thank for it.

PAST PERFECTION

Only seven NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams have completed perfect seasons: 1956 San Francisco Dons (29–0) 1957 North Carolina Tar Heels (32–0) 1964 UCLA Bruins (30–0) 1967 UCLA Bruins (30–0) 1972 UCLA Bruins (30–0) 1973 UCLA Bruins (30–0) 1976 Indiana Hoosiers (32–0)

FLORIDA BASKETBALL RESULTS 11/1 11/9 11/11 11/14 11/18 11/20 11/23 11/29 12/5 12/15

vs. Neb.-Kear. (Exb.) vs. Georgetown vs. Alabama State vs. Wisconsin vs. MTSU vs. Savannah State vs. Central Florida vs. Marquette at Florida State at Arizona

W 101-71 CNCLD W 84-35 W 74-56 W 66-45 W 58-40 W 79-66 W 82-49 W 72-47 L 65-64

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 27

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SCENES FROM THE SWAMP Florida transfer Dorian Finney-Smith is surrounded by reporters during the Gators’ basketball media day on Oct. 10. Photo by Mike Capshaw

A fan does the Gator Chomp during Florida’s 14-6 win against LSU on Oct. 6. Photo by Wes Hall A crowd begins gathering around while a band performs during a United Way downtown event earlier this year.

Photo by Mike Capshaw

Florida coach Kevin O’Sillivan smiles while taking a break in the dugout during the Gators’ baseball team’s first fall practice on Oct. 7.

Photo by Mike Capshaw

A sea of orange-and-blue-clad fans had a heavy presence at Vanderbilt Stadium.

UF coach Will Muschamp credited the Gator Nation with helping the Commodores sell out the stadium for the game. Photo by Saj Guevara

Fans intently watch the Gators’ volleyball match against Texas A&M. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

Fact: In 1912, the Florida Alligator begins publication as the first regularly issued student newspaper.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 29

A LUCKY CARD

By Mike Capshaw Photos by Tim Casey

Joe “Joker” Phillips Jr.

Joker’s A Wild Hire

Landing a former SEC head coach as a position coach is a home-run hire Shortly after Joker Phillips and Kentucky parted ways, Florida Gators coach Will Muschamp reached out to Phillips.

The Gators had used Bush Hamdan as interim receivers coach after Aubrey Hill unexpectedly resigned for personal reasons in early August. Muschamp’s plan all along was to interview candidates after the season, so when one of the top receivers coaches in the country came available, Muschamp came calling.

Initially, Muschamp was not even sure if a former SEC head coach would be interested in a gig as a position coach.

“I called him and told him about what we had here,” Muschamp said. “As I continued to talk and think about it, I thought he would have been a good fit if that was what he wanted to do. You never know how someone will respond to that kind of situation, whether they want to take a year off and get away for a little bit.

“I asked him point blank if he would be interested in coaching the Gators and he said ‘Absolutely.’ So it was pretty easy from there.”

Phillips also will serve as recruiting coordinator. Landing a candidate with Phillips’ track record certainly is a homerun hire for Florida.

“He is a guy that also has been coaching receivers for over twenty years, but he has also been a play-caller,” Muschamp said. “I think it is always good and I always felt more comfortable as a defensive coordinator when I had guys in the room that sat in my chair.

“A lot of guys do not like that. They are insecure about having people in the room that have sat in that chair. I like that. I like having guys who have been there and understand how you have to think and see 30 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

the big picture offensively. “(UF offensive coordinator) Brent Pease embraced it and our entire offensive staff.

He has been a great addition.”

Pease played a major role in Phillips’ hiring process. He even flew to Lexington, Ky., so the two could visit in person before making it official.

“I had to feel comfortable,” Pease said.

“I’ve known Joker for a while – I know he’s a good coach. You don’t get to where you’re at being a great receivers coach, a great reputation as a coordinator and then a head coach without being a good person, without being a good coach, without kind of being well-rounded in recruiting and everything.

“Coach (Muschamp) wanted me to feel comfortable with it and I did.”

Florida’s receiving corps is in desperate need of an upgrade after a tight end, Jordan Reed, led the team in receptions the past two seasons. While receivers have performed well blocking downfield for the running game, none have emerged as a consistent downfield threat.

Phillips has tutored several elite receivers such as Stevie Johnson, the top target for the Buffalo Bills.

Hamdan coached receivers through the bowl game, but Phillips spent the time evaluating receivers during practices.

Muschamp actually called the bowl practices a “month-long audition” to “make a great first impression on your future position coach.”

Senior Frankie Hammond Jr. said he’s been “picking his brain” in between times when Phillips puts his “two cents in” during workout sessions.

“I had a lot time with the situation,” Muschamp said. “I sat down and evaluated

Age: 49 Hired: Dec. 3, 2012 Position: Receivers coach/ recruiting coordinator Notable: Spent most of his coaching career at his alma mater of Kentucky, including the last three years as the Wildcats’ head coach. Was given the nickname “Joker” by his grandfather because his father also was named Joe. Quotable: “He wanted to go. I was just not willing to do that to him or our football team. I treat him like he was one of my kids and I did not want to risk him getting injured.” – Joker Phillips on his decision not to push quarterback Maxwell Smith to play after a 38–0 loss at Florida.

our team and what we needed. Where do we want to travel and what is the best for our staff and our future?

“Joker Phillips was a guy that I had a lot of respect for.”

During the process, Muschamp did as much vetting as possible, asking everyone he could possibly find who knew or had worked with Phillips.

What he learned, in addition to Phillips’ experience, made the hiring a no-brainer.

“The more research I did, the more pleasing it was to hear about him as a person,” Muschamp said. “Not actually knowing him on a day-to-day basis or having worked with him on a day-to-day basis. The more you talk to people; you talk about the integrity, the type of person he is and what he stands for.

“There has been no chink in that armor as far as I have been concerned since he has gotten here.”

Phillips didn’t have to continue coaching immediately. He easily could have taken a year or two off and still been paid handsomely. In fact, his buyout at Kentucky was reportedly $2.55 million over two years, which equates to nearly $5,000 a day.

According to his contract, Phillips still will receive the buyout. Essentially, he won’t make anything extra to serve as Florida’s receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.

He’s simply doing it because of his love for his craft.

“It says something about him as a person,” Muschamp said. “He just wants to be a football coach and impact young people’s lives in a very positive way. That’s exactly what he told me and I’ve seen nothing but that since he’s been here.

“I’m really thrilled to have him as a art of our staff.”

Fact: In 1911, every player on the football team was a Floridian and it was the only squad in Gator football history to finish a season undefeated.

THE WINNER IS...

Here’s a rundown of all of the awards 2012 Banquet Award Winners

Coaches’ Choice Awards President’s Academic Award:

Caleb Sturgis, Jeff Driskel, Michael McNeeley

Gene Ellenson Community Service Award:

Jon Bostic, Jeremy Brown, Caleb Sturgis

Iron Gator Strength and Conditioning Award:

Jon Harrison, Jon Halapio, Omarius Hines, Sam Robey, Lerentee McCray

Chris Patrick Courage Award:

Dominique Easley, Chaz Green, Jon Halapio, Ronald Powell, James Wilson

Most Valuable Offensive Scout Team Award: Max Garcia, Mark Herndon

Most Valuable Defensive Scout Team Award:

Senior running back Mike Gillslee, shown here takinga handoff from Jeff Driskel in the Vanderbilt game, was voted Team MVP by his teammates.

Photo by Saj Guevara

Alex McAlister, Jeremi Powell

Most Valuable Special Teams Scout Team Award: David Campbell, Rhaheim Ledbetter

Players’ Choice Awards

Story by Mike Capshaw

Rex Farrior Most Team Spirited Offense:

Football Awards Banquet Former Gators Player Kevin Carter serves as the keynote speaker

The Florida football team hosted its annual awards banquet on Dec. 8. Players sported tuxedos, former Gators player Kevin Carter was the keynote speaker and even the butter was reportedly shaped like a tiny gator.

The awards offer a glimpse into what coaches and players think about one another and what has been going on behind the closed gates of the practice fields.

For instance, offensive line transfer Max Garcia was among the recipients of the Offensive Scout Team MVP Award, which coincides with GatorCountry.com’s sources

reports of Garcia performing well during practices. There also were awards for several freshman who redshirted this season, such as Alex McCalister, Jerami Powell and Rhaheim Ledbetter, who won awards, a sign they could be impact players to watch in the future.

Senior running back Mike Gillislee won the coveted Ray Graves Team MVP Award, which is voted on by players. Gillislee received another honor that was voted on by his teammates, the 2012 Team Captains.

Other team captains were Jon Bostic, Omar Hunter, Jon Halapio and Matt Elam.

Fact: In October 1918, an epidemic of Spanish influenza struck the soldiers and students. One-third of the students grew seriously ill and several died.

Xavier Nixon

Rex Farrior Most Team Spirited Defense: Matt Elam, Dominique Easley

Greg See Tenacity Award Offense: Jon Harrison, Jon Halapio

Greg See Tenacity Award Defense: Matt Elam, Sharrif Floyd

Most Valuable Special Teams Player: Caleb Sturgis, Loucheiz Purifoy

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Mike Gillislee

Most Valuable Defensive Player: Matt Elam James W. Kynes Award

(Best Mental/Physical Toughness): Matt Elam, Jon Bostic

Ray Graves Award (Team MVP): Mike Gillislee

Fergie Ferguson Leadership Award: Sharrif Floyd, Jon Bostic, Frankie Hammond, Josh Evans

Team Captain (5):

Jon Bostic, Mike Gillislee, Matt Elam, Jon Halapio, Omar Hunter

according to UF communications GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 31

SCENES FROM THE SWAMP

The Rowdy Reptiles are among the best student sections at SEC basketball games. Photo by John Parady

By Mike Capshaw

The Dazzlers perform routines at halftime of each home game at the O-Dome. Photo by John Parady

Gators fans crowd into the UF bookstore during the Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest for a ticket drawing by former UF and NFL running back Fred Taylor (see story Page 17). Photo by John Parady 32 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Fact: Murphree organized the colleges of Arts & Sciences, Agriculture, Law and Engineering, and establishes the Graduate School.

CAN I QUOTE YOU ON THAT?

By Daniel Sutphin

Quotes from College Football’s Greats and Not-So Greats “ I’ve decided that if we play our very best and make no mistakes what-so-ever, we will definitely make a first down!” (John McKay)

“If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn’t be the monkey.”

(Lyle Alzado of Yankton College)

“I remember being nervous “Football is not a contact before the game because there sport-it is a collision sport. were 80,000 people dressed in Dancing is a contact sport.” orange. It’s intimidating. I even (Duffy Daugherty of threw up before the game. It’s Michigan State) the only time I’ve ever done “ There’s nothing that cleanses that.” (Duke QB Dave Brown) your soul like getting the hell “It’s not the size of the dog kicked out of you.” (Woody in the fight, but the size Hayes of Ohio State) of the fight in the dog.”

(Archie Griffen)

“ Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat him as what he could be, and he will become what he should be.”

(Jimmy Johnson)

“I’m really happy for Coach Cooper and the guys who’ve been around here for six or seven years, especially our seniors.” (Buckeyes “All those who need showers, QB Bob Hoying) take them.” (John McKay’s postgame message to his team “Physically, he’s a worldbeater. Mentally, he’s an following a 51–0 loss) “ We didn’t tackle well today, but we made up for it by not blocking.” (John McKay of USC)

“I guess I’ll retire someday if I live that long.”

(Bobby Bowden) “ That boy don’t know the meaning of the word fear.

In fact, I just saw his grades, and that boy don’t know the meaning of a lot of words.”

(Bobby Bowden)

“ I could have been a Rhodes Scholar, except for my grades.”

(Duffy Daugherty of Michigan State)

“If lessons are learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education.” (Murray Warmath of Minnesota)

“Always remember…Goliath was a 40 point favorite over David.“ (Shug Jordan of Auburn) “ My advice to defensive players: take the shortest route to the ball and arrive in a bad humor.” (Bowden Wyatt of Tennessee)

“I make my practices real hard because if a player is a quitter, I want him to quit in practice, not in a game.”

(Bear Bryant) “ If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password, ‘Roll, tide, roll!” (Bear Bryant)

“When you win, nothing hurts.” (Joe Namath of Alabama)

egg-beater.” (Matt Elliot describing Ohio State linebacker Alonzo Spellman)

“Hey, we’re like soldiers.

“Son, you’ve got a good engine, Would you go to the Roman but your hands aren’t on the army and ask them if they steering wheel.” (Bobby Bowden) thought they were going to win the battle? If I didn’t think we “The rock has strange powers. could win, I wouldn’t be here.

When you rub it, and run down I’d stay home and get fat.” the hill, the adrenaline flows. It’s (OSU tailback Ken Simonton) the most emotional experience I’ve ever had.” (Clemson alumni Michael Dean Perry)

Throughout the years, college football has produced not only great players and coaches, but also great personalities.

It’s no wonder that so many become “analysts,” or should I say, “color commentators.” Thanks to the many networks that have come to employ them, we as fans have been blessed with a seemingly endless amount of quotes, some inspiring, but most, funny.

“ When in doubt, punt!”

(John Heisman) “ You can learn more character on the two-yard line than anywhere else in life.”

(Paul Dietzel of LSU) “ A tie is like kissing your sister.” (Duffy Daugherty)

“ We were sitting around figuring out how this team “And what team did you play came together and we realized for?” (Will Allen upon being that we are a collection of introduced to Hall of Fame southern California rejects Steelers Lynn Swann) and Oregon white trash.” (OSU quarterback Jonathan Smith) “ If anything goes bad, I did it.

If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really “I recruited a Czech kicker, and during the eye exam, when good, then you did it. That’s all asked to read the bottom line, it takes to get people to win football games for you.” the kicker replied, ‘Read it?

(Bear Bryant) I know him.” (Woody Hayes)

Fact: The University College stayed in operation until the late 1970s when it will be merged into the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 33

FOOTBALL FAST-FORWARD Albert prepares for a crowd dive during the Gators’ final home game, a 23-0 win against Jacksonville State that capped a perfect record at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

By Phillip Heilman Photos by Curtiss Bryant

Looking Ahead to 2013 Though the Florida Gators just completed 2012, it’s never too early to look ahead to next season and see how coach Will Muschamp’s team stacks up with its scheduled opponents.

On the heels of a season featuring vast improvement, expectations will again be high when the Gators take the field. However, 2013 will bring some changes to Florida’s schedule.

In what Southeastern Conference officials have described as a “bridge season,” the Gators will continue to face LSU, their permanent opponent from the SEC West in previous seasons. Otherwise, the schedule looks a bit different. Fortunately for Florida, it does not have to face Texas A&M and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel again in 2013.

Unlike in previous seasons, the Gators will have two bye weeks.

The first bye week comes Sept. 14, the weekend between matchups against Miami and Tennessee. Six weeks later, Florida has a bye week Oct. 26 before traveling to Jacksonville, Fla., to face Georgia with a chance to redeem its only regular season loss of the 2012 season.

34 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

FLORIDA GATORS FOOTBALL 2013 Schedule Date 8/31 9/07 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 11/02 11/09 11/16 11/23 11/30

Opponent

Toledo Miami (Fla.) Tennessee Kentucky Arkansas LSU Missouri Georgia Vanderbilt South Carolina Georgia Southern Florida State

Location

Gainesville, Fla. Miami Gardens, Fla. Gainesville, Fla. Lexington, Ky. Gainesville, Fla. Baton Rouge, La. Columbia, Mo. Jacksonville, Fla. Gainesville, Fla. Columbia, S.C. Gainesville, Fla. Gainesville, Fla.

Fact: In 1935, Tigert developed University College, where all freshmen and sophomores are required to take seven comprehensive.

FOOTBALL FAST-FORWARD

Here is the schedule week-by-week.

Aug. 31 Toledo Rockets

Playing in the Mid-American Conference, Toledo won nine games during the regular season, earning a trip to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. There, the Rockets were duds, losing 41–15 to Utah State. Terrance Owens will be returning for his senior season after splitting time with senior Austin Dantin in Toledo’s bowl game loss.

Oct. 12 at LSU Tigers

Florida’s first true test in the Southeastern Conference will come when the Gators travel to Baton Rouge. Having beaten LSU 14–7 in 2012, there is no question the Gators will have targets on their backs in this go ‘round. Zach Mettenberger likely will return for the Tigers who should again contend for an SEC Championship under Les Miles, who had his fair share of flirting with Arkansas prior to LSU’s bowl game before ultimately signing a large contract extension.

have become a real competitor in recruiting, as shown by their ability to land four-star quarterback Johnathan McCrary. With Jordan Rodgers out of eligibility, how quickly McCrary can become acclimated to college football will go a long way in determining Vanderbilt’s success.

Nov. 16 at South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina had mixed results in 2012, represented fully by its results against its two biggest divisional foes: The Gamecocks The Gators and Hurricanes have not blew out Georgia before being thrashed by played since 2008, when Florida won 26–3. the Gators. In 2013, there is reason to smile Miami coach Al Golden was rumored to be Oct. 19 at Missouri Tigers for Steve Spurrier. South Carolina will considering a move to Wisconsin but likely Year One was rough for the Tigers, whose return several key veterans including will return as coach of the Hurricanes. only two conference victories came against quarterback Connor Shaw and all-world Returning with Golden should be as many Kentucky and Tennessee – each a program as 10 of Miami’s starters on offense. The that fired its coach mid-season. Quarterback defensive end Jadaveon Clowney. A late-season matchup with the Gators could Hurricanes averaged 31.4 points per game in James Franklin will return. Missouri will have postseason implications.

2012 – their most in eight years – and should need a healthy season from him along with continue to improve on that side of the ball. more production from receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. However, until the Tigers Nov. 23 Georgia Southern Eagles can build more depth defensively, they will Sept. 21 Tennessee Volunteers Unlike in 2012 when the Gators schedule not seriously challenge in the SEC. back-to-back cupcakes prior to a matchup Remember early in 2012 when Florida with Florida State, 2013’s schedule has just traveled to Knoxville for a top-25 matchup one cream puff coming to Gainesville. with the Volunteers? Talk about programs Nov. 2 Georgia Bulldogs Georgia Southern likely will be nothing trending in opposite directions. Tennessee Florida’s lone blemish in an otherwise more than a speed bump for Florida before struggled to the point coach Derek Dooley sterling regular season was a sloppy, it welcomes in the Seminoles. However, the was fired in November. Butch Jones will be turnover-filled loss to the Bulldogs in looking to begin his tenure with a bang but Jacksonville. With quarterback Aaron Murray same was said about Louisiana-Lafayette prior to the 2012 season. will be without several of Dooley’s contemplating the NFL Draft, it remains to offensive weapons. be seen just what Georgia will look like.

There is no question, however, that running Nov. 30 Florida State Seminoles back Todd Gurley will continue to present Sept. 28 at Kentucky Wildcats The grand finale. Florida State will be problems for the rest of college football as he looking to redeem a poor second-half effort Joker Phillips and the Wildcats come to returns for his sophomore season. that left the Seminoles embarrassed by the Gainesville – wait, Phillips is already in Gators in 2012. As always, this game will be Gainesville. Rather former Florida State for more than state bragging rights. National defensive coordinator Mark Stoops will Nov. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores title hopes could rest on this game, as each be charged with the task of rebuilding Coach James Franklin has done a nice job Kentucky’s program. Quarterback Maxwell transforming Vanderbilt into a program that team looks to finish its season strong.

Quarterback Clint Trickett will likely Smith will look to build on a mediocre can compete in the Southeastern sophomore season for the Wildcats, but Conference. Unexpectedly, the Commodores replace EJ Manuel for the Seminoles.

Stoops will certainly have his work cut out for him in looking to accomplish what few others have been able to as coach of Kentucky.

Sept. 7 at Miami Hurricanes

Oct. 5 Arkansas Razorbacks

Who could have predicted the mess 2012 would be for Arkansas. After putting themselves back in the national discussion, the Razorbacks saw the wheels fall off early in the season, and the ship was never righted. With quarterback Tyler Wilson projected to be a first round pick in the NFL Draft, there are more questions than answers at this point in Fayetteville.

Fact: After Pearl Harbor in 1941, more than 10,000 alumni serve in World War II.

Jeff Driskel will be back as a second-year starter at quarterback.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 35

Counting in 3s

A RECORD-BREAKING SHOT

By Elizabeth Rhodes Photos by Curtiss Bryant

Florida freshman guard shatters 20-year-old school record

Carlie Needles is a redshirt freshman representing with the Florida Gators women’s basketball program with great pride as the Colorado native has already broken a Florida program record four games into the season.

On Nov. 19, 2012 against the University of North Florida, the 5-foot-6 guard scored a career-high 27 points that included nine three-pointers to break a 20-year record held by former Gators player Bridget Pettis, who scored eight three pointers back in 1993.

The talent Needles brings to the Gators is undeniable, but to already be bringing program record-breaking numbers to the table sets the bar much higher than anyone could have ever expected.

While Needles expressed her enthusiasm for her remarkable accomplishment, the redshirted freshman was quick to exert her achievement onto the shoulders of her teammates.

“It’s pretty cool,” Needles humbly 36 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

expressed. “It’s not about the individual records though, it’s about what we do as a team. This is just a little milestone of what we are going to do in the future. My teammates really looked for me so without them I wouldn’t have shot the ball well.”

Florida head coach Amanda Butler wasn’t surprised about Needles’s recordbreaking numbers. In fact, she knew Needles was capable of such, but was most impressed but how incredibly accurate her shots were and how she worked UNF’s offense to get the looks she received.

“Carlie had a pretty good night,” Butler jokingly said with a grin on her face. “But I thought the thing that was fantastic about that was not just how she shot the ball, we all know she’s capable of that, she did a great job of finding her shots. Every shot she took was a good shot.

“There was nothing that was lucky or flukish about it, she was finding Carlie’s

shots within the offense and her teammates were finding her.”

After Needles drained her sixth three of the night, her chest pumping and high fiving with the teammates was a clear indication of her energetic and confident attitude.

“I wasn’t really sure what number I was at but I was just pumped that I had hit it,” Needles said. “It was just in the moment and everyone was celebrating with me so that makes it even more fun.”

Needles sank her ninth and final three of the night with 1:24 remaining in regulation.

Needles joins an elite group of athletes as she becomes the fifth SEC player to ever make nine-threes in a single game.

“I wish we could get more students here because we are exciting to watch,” Needles declared. “It’s always fun when people come out here to watch us play. We aren’t just playing for ourselves but we are playing for everybody who goes to Florida as well.”

Fact: Shands at UF includes Shands Hospital for Children and Shands Cancer Hospital.

r o f e c r u o s r You ! e s i d n a h c r e logo m

WWW.WHATSHAPPENING PROMOTIONS.COM

352-371-5881

PART OF

A CLOSE SHAVE What happens in a spa facial for a man?

By Katelyn Vilardell

Spa Secret: What most men don’t realize is that, though working out at the gym and tinting away the grey, they are still ignoring one of the most vital parts of the body – their face.

Putting a Fresh Face Forward Most men are looking for ways to appear younger, feel healthier and stay active in today’s technologically advancing work environment. What most men don’t realize is that, though working out at the gym and tinting away the grey, they are still ignoring one of the most vital parts of the body – their face. It is the first thing a new employer sees at an interview, makes the first impression on a date and is a vital part of your emotional and physical wellbeing.

There are daily routines that will help you stay looking younger, appear fresher and more alert, and leave your skin feeling softer. You will look better, feel better and women will notice how great you look. One part of a monthly or even quarterly maintenance regime is a facial. Facials are as equally beneficial to men, if not more so, than women.

38 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

An esthetician massages your shoulders, neck and scalp relieving stress and tension.

Warm towels are applied to prevent folliculitis (razor bumps). A soft steamer is used to open the pores as a deep cleansing is done to remove buildup and debris that cause blackheads. The skin is exfoliated, promoting a smooth and even-toned complexion. Followed by a mask being applied to draw out impurities, absorb excess oil, and tighten the pores – all to make your face look and feel younger – sort of like unstretching the rubber band. Finish with applied moisturizers that help quench dry skin and under eye creams that reduce puffiness, dark circles and bags.

Aside from appearing and feeling refreshed and younger, facials can truly have beneficial long-lasting results. Some of the products used at Haile Village Spa & Salon not only boost collagen, but also help fight the aging effects of smoking, act as a natural sunscreen, and curb acne and excess oil production. Haile also offers back facials that help clean and treat bacteriainfested back acne. Consider going a step further in your grooming regimen and try waxing. Body waxing helps you manscape – not only on the face, but helps remove back, shoulder and neck hair saving you hours of shaving and razor bumps. Haile also offers natural nail manicures to buff, clean and shape your nails, without using polish, letting your hands stay masculine. Natural Nail pedicures deodorize, buff and scrub your feet while providing a delicious deep-foot massage while you kick back in a black leather massage chair and enjoy a glass of after-work relaxation.

In addition to other man-friendly services, Haile carries three full lines of men’s products and features men’s European scissor cuts, buzz cuts and subtle grey coverage with hair color formulated specifically for men.

To make an appointment (take your wife along for a couple’s pedicure to score bonus points at home), go to HaileVillageSpa.com, check out their Facebook page or call 352-335-5025. They are always happy to give a spa tour and answer any questions you may have regarding services provided or products on hand.

Katelyn Vilardell is the Spa Director for Haile Village Spa & Salon and a licensed Medical Massage Therapist, Certified Neuromuscular Therapist and Nationally Certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer She has an Orthopedic Degree in Medical Massage obtained at the Florida college of Natural Health with a special focus on pathology and special populations such as geriatrics and disabilities.

Fact: In 1930, the first football game was played at Florida Field, a 22,000-seat stadium that was dedicated to alumni killed in WWI.

Angling FOR A NIBBLE

Hook. Line.

Sinker.

LAKE NEWNANS

Recent fish surveys along the east shoreline revealed surviving populations of black crappie, bream and catfish that appear abundant following the drought and low lake levels. Since the water level rise, anglers have made their way to the lake and have returned with decent fishing reports.

Anglers may still be able to target the last of bedding bluegill during the full moon in October around the emergent grasses and bulrush. The east shoreline from Powers boat ramp to Hatchet Creek is generally the most productive area, but Palm Point has been a hot spot as well. Also, the crappie catches during the fall months could be an indicator of how successful the winter and spring catches will be. Anglers should also be aware of tagged crappies in Newnans Lake for rewards. If you catch a tagged crappie, call the number below to receive information on how to claim your reward.

SUWANNEE AND SANTA FE RIVERS

High water will persist well into this quarter.

Historically, when the best fishing occurs is when water levels remain or pass through the cypress root edge. All types of fish utilize this available cover. Catfish will move like these can lead to good fishing. to these shallower areas after dark. As Crayfish imitations and other baits that water color is dark, fish darker-colored soft simulate marshy critters would be good crayfish baits for Suwannee and largemouth starting choices. Snag-free frogs or black bass. If flow speeds remain high, the use plastic worms would be other likely baits of heavier weighted lures will be required. for bass. Black crappie fishing traditionally Three quarter ounce bullet weights are a picks up during this quarter but with deeper good starting point for Texas rigged soft water throughout the lake might be harder plastics. Small crankbaits in either fire tiger to locate. Go for the combination of deep or black and silver produced good numbers water near standing timber or bottom of redbreast sunfish (red bellies) for an structure visible on sonar. angler recently between Branford and the mouth of the Santa Fe River.

As of DECEMBER 2012.

Courtesy of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

LAKE SANTA FE

As the season transitions to a winter pattern that includes black crappie, reports have emphasized the early a.m. hours are best. Clear water conditions in the large section help explain an early bite, but tannin-stained waters of the little section might be the place if you’re running late.

Water levels throughout the system are suitable to launch any vessel from either boat ramp. As the temperature drops, crappie anglers will try their hand at some of their favorite spots. If new to the lake, begin your search near one of the two FWC fish attractors installed less than a year ago.

SUWANNEE LAKE

With the sudden increase in water levels, unwanted pop-up vegetated islands have occurred. Additionally, water hyacinth and salvinia cover large sections of this lake and depending on the direction of the wind could make launching a boat difficult.

FWC contracted spray crews have been scheduled for vegetation control work.

Water color is stained dark from organics.

As for fishing this quarter, habitat changes

LAKE WAUBERG

Maidencane grass and bank associated brush that was inaccessible to fish are once again flooded. This is providing excellent foraging habitat and cover for all fish. FWC researchers’ micro-wire tagged several thousand 3-inch largemouth bass to monitor the survivability of this tagging method on fish. The preliminary findings are excellent and these fish will soon recruit into the catchable numbers of bass in the lake. An abundant population of black crappie was documented in 2010 by University of Florida researchers; those 9-inch fish then should be slabs by now.

ORANGE LAKE

Access to the lake is still hindered by low levels. Orange Lake is completely inaccessible at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Boat Ramp, and occasionally accessible at the Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp by airboaters. Recent fish surveys revealed depressed fish populations, particularly in largemouth bass. But surviving populations of black crappie and bream were discovered. More thorough surveys will be conducted to determine the management actions needed in Orange Lake once normal water levels return.

For the latest updates, visit myfwc.com Fact: UF’s radio and television stations reach audiences from Jacksonville to Tampa and throughout North Central Florida.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 39

SCENES FROM THE SWAMP

Florida’s women’s basketball team shows their togetherness during a timeout at a recent game. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

40 GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013

Fact: The university libraries contain more than 5.6 million volumes, 7.9 million microfilms and 158,695 full-text electronic journals.

SCENES FROM THE SWAMP

Cliff Stafford, who was profiled in GC magazine as being a homeless but loyal fan more than a year ago, cheers on the Gators’ women’s basketball team. We’re happy to report Cliff no longer is homeless.

Photo by Curtiss Bryant

Jennifer George drives baseline during a recent game. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

A cheerleader shows her spirit during a home women’s basketball game. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

“Big Head Billy” Donovan was among the cutouts during the Gators’ game against Wisconsin. Photo by John Parady

Fact: The university libraries form the largest information resource system in the state of Florida.

GATOR COUNTRY | JAN/2013 41

Events

January January 25

January 2

8:30pm UF Football @ Louisville

- Allstate Sugar Bowl

January 3

January 11th

8pm UF Gymnastics @ LSU

January 12

UF Track & Field @ Crimson Tide Indoor Opener 7pm UF Women’s Basketball @ Kentucky 1pm Elvis Lives @ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts January 4 1pm SwampCon @ J. Wayne Reitz Union 7pm UF Gymnastics Ball State 1pm Start the New Year Off Right @ Millhopper Branch Library January 5 9:30am FREE Women’s Self 4pm UF Men’s Basketball @ LSU Defense Class @ Global Mixed 6pm Collectors Day @ Florida Martial Arts Academy Museum of Natural History 12pm The Metropolitan Opera: Les 7pm Big Easy Express @ Troyens Live @ Regal Butler Plaza Hippodrome Theatre Cinemas 14 1pm Camellia Show at Kanapaha January 13 @ Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 11:30am UF Women’s Basketball Tennessee 1pm Gallery Talk: Dr. Silvio dos Santos, UF Assistant Professor of Musicology @ Harn Museum of Art January 15 3:30pm Bear Necessities @ Cone Park Branch, Alachua County January 6 Library District 2pm UF Women’s Basketball LSU 2pm Fazil Say, Piano @ 6pm Samuel Proctor Oral History University Auditorium Program In the Delta: Year Five @ 5:30pm UF Men’s Basketball @ Yale Civic Media Center

January 7

7pm IWW presents: Slavery by Another Name @ Civic Media Center

January 8

6:30pm You Say Tomato I Say Shut Up @ Squitieri Studio Theatre

January 9

6pm Backstage Pass with

Grooveshark @ Grooveshark Headquarters 7pm UF Men’s Basketball Georgia

January 10

6pm Museum Nights: Crouching Gator, Hidden Dragon! @ Harn Museum of Art 6pm Gainesville Sports Commission 25th Anniversary @ Hilton UF Conference Center 8pm UF Women’s Basketball @ Mississippi State 38 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

January 16

10:30am Discover Science @ Florida Museum of Natural History

January 17

UF Track & Field Gator Invitational 6pm David Figlio – Pitfalls and Promise of School Choice and Accountability @ University of Florida Levin College of Law Room 180 7pm UF Men’s Basketball @ Texas A&M

January 18

UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ SMU Classic (M) 8am School Holiday Camps: Birds of Prey @ Florida Museum of Natural History 7pm UF Gymnastics Missouri 8:45pm Hot Water Music @ Florida Theatre

January 19

UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ SMU Classic (M) 12pm UF Men’s Tennis Miami 1pm UF Women’s Swimming & Diving Florida Atlantic 1pm UF Men’s Swimming & Diving Florida Atlantic 2pm UF Men’s Basketball Missouri 7:30pm Motionhouse: Scattered @ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

January 20

1pm UF Women’s Basketball

South Carolina 1pm Nonprofit Expo 2013 @ Hilton UF Conference Center 3:30pm Specticast: The Merry Widow @ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

January 21

7pm Jeannette Rizzi – Blindsided

@ Hippodrome State Theater

January 22

3:30pm Medieval Craft @ Alachua

County Headquarters LibraryDowntown 7pm Back to the Future Gala @ Florida Museum of Natural History

January 23

11am Epilepsy Foundation of

Florida, Gainesville Monthly Support Group @ Shands Medical Plaza/ Davis Cancer Center - Gallery 2000 5pm Men’s Tennis UCF 7:30pm Momix: Botanica @ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 8pm Men’s Basketball @ Georgia

January 24

6:30pm UF Lacrosse England (Exh.) 7pm UF Women’s Basketball

Ole Miss

UF Track & Field @ Razorback Invitational 7pm UF Gymnastics Gators Link to Pink versus Auburn 7:30pm Steve Wilson And Wilsonian’s Grain @ University Auditorium

January 26

UF Track & Field @ Razorback Invitational 10am Hoggetowne Medieval Faire @ Alachua County Fairgrounds 10am Titanoboa: Monster Snake Opening Day Activities @ Florida Museum of Natural History 10am UF Men’s Tennis St Johns (ITA Kick-Off Weekend) 12pm UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ Auburn 12pm UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ Auburn 1pm UF Men’s Tennis @ UNCWilmington vs. South Alabama (ITA Kick-Off Weekend) 6pm Big Fun on the Bayou @ The Phillips Center 6pm India’s 64th Republic Day @ India Cultural & Education Center 8pm UF Men’s Basketball @ Mississippi State

January 27

9am UF Men’s Tennis @ ITA

Kick-Off Weekend Consolation

1pm UF Men’s Tennis @ ITA

Kick-Off Weekend Championship 1pm UF Women’s Basketball @ Georgia 7pm Auditions for The Musical 9 To 5 @ Vam York Theater

January 29

3pm UF Women’s Tennis

South Florida

January 30

3pm UF Women’s Tennis UCF 8pm UF Men’s Basketball

South Carolina

January 31

8pm UF Women’s Basketball

@ Missouri

You’re happiest while you’re making the greatest contribution. Robert F. Kennedy

YOUR LOGO HERE

Your source

FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT PROMOTIONAL ITEMS

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By Emily Alter

New Year

Gadgets VITREO glass screen protector Shield your precious iPad from water, scratches and smudges with this tempered glass screen protector. VITREO will not lift, bubble or shatter at any time. It stays secure, yet is easy to install and remove leaving behind no residue. $69.95 www.seidioonline.com.

PadPivot Make your portable devices even more portable with this lap and desk stand. Compatible with tablets, smartphones and e-readers, this stable, pivoting stand allows different viewing positions while still being compact. $39.99 padpivot.com

Swissvoice ePure Mobile Corded Handset Be the ultimate chatterbox and enjoy it with this mobile phone handset. Easily connects with any phone, and avoids harmful cell phone emissions. $39.99 amazon.com, swissvoice.net

Electric Friends Kwack Kwack the Duck This iPod and iPhone docking station is not only adorable, it delivers amazing quality sound. It’s equipped with built-in speakers, charging docks and touch controls for all your favorite Apple products. $59.99 Toys R Us, Bestbuy.com, Staples.com, JR.com bemyelectricfriend.com

36 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Swissvoice ePure Mobile Corded Handset with base Improve voice quality and enjoy phone conversations again with this handset and base from Swissvoice. This device is compatible with smartphones, iPads and iPods so you can talk and listen to music with ease. $49.99 amazon.com, swissvoice.net

Acase Collatio iPhone 5 Case Enjoy the bliss of simplicity with this sleek, leather, all-in-one case. Snugly fits your iPhone 5, three credit cards and cash, so you can be ready for anything at a moment’s notice. $39.99 Amazon and apluscase.com.tw

Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress. Epictetus

ibattz Mojo Armor Removable Battery Case Never run out of battery on your iPhone again with this protective, removable battery charging case. Protects and shields from dust, shock and moisture, while elongating battery life. $99 usa.ibattz.com

OUT. Puppy Supplies: OUT. Bone Dispenser and Waste Pick-Up Bags You and your dog will love this boneshaped bag dispenser that attaches right to your leash. It dispenses cute blue paw bags one at a time for easy cleanup. prices vary; sold at Target

OUT. Oxy-Fast Stain & Odor Remover Man’s best friend may be his dog, but man’s second best friend is surely this stain remover. Fighting stains at the source, this fast-acting cleaner removes odors and stains of any kind. prices vary; sold at Target

Swissvoice ePure cordless analogue telephone Enjoy the qualities of a cordless phone as your landline with low radiation and high quality sound. This phone contains the essential features of alarms, call transfer, conference and directory all in a sleek efficient design for your home. $99.99 amazon.com, swissvoice.net

Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances. Benjamin Franklin

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 37

having to do all of the things in our day that makes us crazy. To take your mind off of it, try doing a crossword puzzle, playing solitaire or staring out of a window. Our minds need the chance to disconnect for a while, especially if we’re staring at a computer screen in a windowless office for several hours a day. Playing mind games or connecting with nature helps us focus our attention elsewhere by using different parts of our brains than the parts that deal with our daily tasks.

m i t e n w o D

De-Stressing

By Kelly Herman

In a world where the stress that piles up during the week is no longer relieved during the weekends, we need some way to de-stress that’s more effective and takes only a little time out of our dizzying schedules. We know there are lots of common suggestions that are time suckers, but with a few tricks, your downtime during the day can be effectively used to remember what it’s like to relax.

Sleep more, eat right, exercise a little every day. Sound familiar? It’s the typical advice you get when you’re stressing. We get it, but sometimes these methods are just not within our range of possibilities. With kids, an around-the-clock job and maintaining the state of the house, being able to sleep, cook healthy or work in a fitness routine is just out of our hands. Since the days grow shorter and the multitasking grows tougher, we decided to compile a list of things you can do to relax that can be fit into your schedule – that way, you have no excuse not to try!

Some other common suggestions you hear alongside getting enough sleep include meditating, visualization or self-hypnosis.

34 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

As kooky as they may sound, they actually do work – and don’t take up as much time as you think they would. Experts suggest closing your eyes and imagining all of the things that stress you, and how you feel when caught in those situations, but imagine them like a movie in your mind.

Things like traffic, loads of work at the office, temper tantrums and bills can be major stresses on your day, and can even turn a good day into a bad one. Then, imagine that the hero (that’s you) steps in and resolves the problem. You find a new route to work, or you find a better way to soothe your child’s tantrums. Soon, you will get so entranced by what’s playing out in the movie in your mind, you will tend to relax and feel more able to take on the day. The catch is, it only takes about 5–15 minutes.

Many say they feel more well-rested after, and the calm feeling you get is enough to keep you from wigging out.

If you don’t feel up to directing and starring in your own mini-movie, deep breathing helps to decrease blood pressure and slow your thoughts. Often, it’s just the thought of

When you get the chance to go out into nature, try to benefit as much as you can from that time. While on your break, if there’s a park near your home or work, do something you did as a kid. Sit on the swings and go as high as you can, or just sit and watch children play and imagine yourself playing along. When you connect to something in your past, you feel the positive associations along with it and can more easily disconnect from the negative parts in your present. As an added bonus, spending 15–20 minutes in the sun several times a week can maintain your internal alarm clock, allowing your body to become more in synch with your schedule.

To top it off, you can also pick a few flowers to keep at home or in your office. Experts say that keeping connected with nature is key to keeping you less stressed, so try getting outside several times a week (and even taking the outdoors in with you).

Even though you may not have time to brush your teeth at night, let alone take a stroll in the park, it’s a good idea to do something for yourself as a way to de-stress. Scheduling a cooking or tennis class that you can be absorbed in once a week balances out your stressful-to-happy moments ratio a little.

Watching a tear-jerker or playing a video game can also set you in the “me” mood.

It’s all about rewarding yourself for spending time on others so that you can appreciate how much you really do. If this seems a little selfish, take that time once a week to go and volunteer. It’s still taking time to do what you want, but by helping a cause you care about.

There are tons of ways you can take a load off by taking time out to relax. You can zone out, reminisce or even get a little selfindulgent. All you have to do is remember these tips and take the time to invest in your health by taking the time to de-stress.

A light heart lives long. William Shakespeare

of the month Tip re paint o m me No ss

The next time you’re painting, simply wrap a rubber band vertically around the can as a place to wipe off excess paint. No more drip!

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Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 35

January

Fashion

By Emily Alter

AMI Clubwear Gray Striped Scarf

Combining the perfect blend of neutral colors, this basic scarf is essential for your winter wardrobe.

Keeps your neck warm and your style cool.

$17.99 amiclubwear.com

Pengallan Slim Fit Boxers

Alegria Ava Patent Boot

Have your undergarments be as classy as your suit with these comfortable slim cut boxers. Fit to provide full range of motion and a slimming waistband. $80 pengallan.com

Every January needs highfashion shoes and these Alergria boots are just what the season calls for. Rich black patent leather matches every style and looks great from casual to dressy.

Pengallan Leather Genius Gloves Prove to everyone you really are a genius with these sleek, 100 percent Italian leather Pengallan gloves.

Lined with 100 percent cashmere and providing a discrete hole in the index finger and thumb for texting, these gloves have it all.

$179.95 alegriashoes.com

$360 pengallan.com

Freida Rothman Opera Drop Earrings Gorgeous jewelry for a gorgeous lady, these earrings are perfect for any occasion. Made with 18-karat white gold and brushed sterling silver, your ears will be your newest fashion statement. $175 www.FreidaRothman.com

Giorgio Brutini belt This reversible men’s belt in brown leather is fit for anything.

From a casual outing to a fancy evening, you will be looking sharp. $20 www.GiorgioBrutini.com

32 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling. Margaret Lee Runbeck

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This dress will have you looking professional and fun from day to night.

Ruching details make it flattering and pretty for any occasion. $23.99 amiclubwear.com

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AMI Clubwear Black Color Block Dress A bold black top with subtle gray bodice will make this your new go-to dress for work or play. Its soft wool-like finish defines winter fashion. $26.99 amiclubwear.com

AMI Clubwear Blue Sweater Dress Whether you’re having lunch with friends, or going out on the town, this dress will have you looking hot while keeping you nice and warm. Long sleeves and lightweight sweater material will make this dress your new favorite. $22.99 amiclubwear.com

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The man is happiest who lives from day to day and asks no more, garnering the simple goodness of life. Euripides

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 33

v is e Tra

ebbi

By D

House Debbie Travis’

Kid-fr ie includ ndly decor treatm es window en neat a ts that are nd sa fe.

to Home

Modern Frame of Mind I love movies, and I love interior design. Throughout history, movies not only have

inspired us on ways to decorate our homes, they also have created trends. So many films have brilliantly incorporated a historically famous style and, in return, showed us, the viewing public, how to use these looks in our own homes.

30 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest. George Matthew Allen

Dear Debbie: My children’s bedroom is large, bright and has a wall of windows. What would you suggest for covering the windows?

I have two rambunctious (a nice word for wild) boys, and curtains aren’t an option. – Margita Dear Margita: Oh I can relate to your busy boys – probably hanging off the curtain rods or using the fabric for superhero capes.

There were years when I simply left the windows bare. But you do have options. Roller blinds come in a variety of solid, juicy colors that will jazz up your kids’ room, and roll up and out of the way neatly for daytime playing. When pulled down, most of the sunlight or night street lights are blocked out with enough left peeking around the edges to give comfort to children who don’t like totally black rooms.

I came across another option for a safe and sound window treatment through Hunter Douglas. Their Vignette Modern Roman Shade with the LiteRise cordless lifting system has it all. The cordless feature was what sold me – safe for any age. They have a stylish fabric look – a cross between a blind and a curtain. The Vignette Shade is available in sizes that cover large windows up to 108 inches wide and 144 inches long. The polyester fabric is soil and dust resistant and blocks out lots of those harmful ultraviolet rays. (For windows or glass doors, these are the only roman shades that roll, stack and traverse, multiplying your design options.)

The padded window bench is a clever add on for kids’ spaces.

Storage under the bench is easily accessible. Canvas boxes are lightweight and hold anything and everything from toys and books to clothing.

Dear Debbie: My kids have just bought a home and are excited to fix it up. They are working on the family room. They like wood paneling.

There’s a brick fireplace painted white and small windows at either end of the room. I have suggested board and batten for the walls.

What do you think? Their look is modern retro, if that is a valid description. – Catherine Dear Catherine: The board and batten style of wood paneling is a versatile way to add character to a family room. It is rooted in history as far back as the Middle Ages, has the feeling of country about it but is also seen in elegant urban settings. Walls are clad with 10-to 12-inch boards applied vertically and the seams covered with 3-inch-wide battens. If you prefer a stained finish, then the boards and battens must be real wood to ensure even color coverage. A less-expensive alternative is to apply battens directly onto an existing wall and then paint all one color. The height of the board and batten application is at your discretion. Full walls are finished with molding along the top. For a dado, cap with a chair rail measuring from the floor approximately one-third the height of the wall. This retro panel look works with both traditional and modern designs. To balance the white fireplace, black and white furnishings are a good choice. A sleek leather couch, a wide-screen TV and a modern art carpet will successfully suit your children’s style sense; it’s a youthful combination that will endure.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced

by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie’s new website, debbietravis.com.

In the hopes of reaching the moon, men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet. Albert Schweitzer

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 31

By

M tie Ka

os s

One Week to go

Green Seven Easy Steps Towards a More Sustainable Lifestyle

Why not try “green living” for one week?

Kermit the Frog once sang “It’s not easy being green,” but luckily, he wasn’t talking about the environment.

Regardless of your position on global warming or your recycling habits, you probably understand all of the reasons why it’s important to preserve and protect our planet.

However, you may not know just how simple being “green” can be. To challenge yourself, celebrate our planet, or simply find eco-friendly ways to save a few bucks, why not try “green living” for one week? The following are seven easy steps to leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Incorporate all of them, some of them or just one of them into your life this week and take note of the changes you see in your life and the lives of those around you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even decide “being green” is quite enjoyable. (No offense, Kermit.)

28 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Day One: Replace one or more household cleaning solutions with a “green” alternative.

There are many ways to do this. You can choose to spend some cash on green alternatives from brands such as Seventh Generation (seventhgeneration. com) or Ecover (ecover.com), or you can save some dough by creating simple solutions yourself or using what you already have around the house. For example, baking soda deodorizes, cleans, scours and softens water by itself, but when one-fourth a cup of it is combined with one-half cup of vinegar and half a gallon of water it can remove water deposit stains on tubs and showers, clean windows and more.

Day Two: Switch to carpooling, biking or walking to work.

If you’re used to driving yourself to work, school and other activities every day (and you don’t own an electric vehicle), you’re probably racking up a lot of miles and gasoline costs. So why not carpool with a friend to work or to other social activities?

Not only will it save on money (split the bill!) it also gives you time to bond and (potentially) boost your mood before and after work. If you live within a mile or two of work (or more, if you’re ambitious), walking or biking could be a great choice for you. As an added bonus, you’ll be burning calories, which means you can spend a bit less time at the gym!

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, therefore, guard accordingly. Marcus Aurelius

Day Three: Choose organic, local produce and meat when possible.

Did you know that most manufactured food travels an average of 1,200 miles before it reaches your plate? That adds up to a lot of extra emissions and expended energy that isn’t necessary. Why not visit your local farmer for fresh produce (preferably organically grown) or neighbor who raises chickens for fresh eggs (preferably grain-fed)? It’s no secret that fresh food simply tastes better!

running isn’t your thing, why not grab a tennis racket and ask a friend to join you for a game at a public court?

Day Six: Turn your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter (and a few degrees higher in the summer).

If you continue this pattern for a few months, you could see a huge reduction of your electric bill. And, let’s be honest, putting on or taking off a layer of clothing never hurt anyone!

Day Four: Sign up for the Day Seven: Buy a “no solicitation” registry. reusable water bottle.

Who doesn’t want less junk mail? You’re probably saying “Sign me up!” right? You can do so at this site: dmachoice.org.

Not only will you be less annoyed on a daily basis, you’ll also be doing your part to save trees! You can also make a call to 1(888)5-OPT-OUT to stop pre-approved credit card applications from making it into your mailbox .

Day Five: Skip the gym, and go for a run outside.

Though it may be winter, living in Gainesville does have its benefits, and it’s still warm enough for a run outside. Pick a time that fits your schedule and hit the pavement. You’ll skip the huge energy impact you’d have running on a power-sucking treadmill, and you’ll experience the great outdoors to boot! If

Drinking water is much healthier than downing a Diet Coke, but does it have to come with all that plastic? Absolutely not. Water bottles have long been Enemy No. 1 for eco-friendly folks, as they are, simply put, a waste of materials. And, while water bottles can be recycled, oftentimes they are not. Your best bet is purchasing a reusable water bottle. The smartest choices are stainless steel or aluminum bottles, as they seem to present less health complications than reusable plastic bottles – which have been proven to leach BPA, a synthetic hormone that acts like estrogen and can lead to breast and prostate cancer. See just how much plastic you can save by switching over, and challenge your family and friends to do the same! (Of course, you’ll save a lot of cash as well!)

So now are you ready to attend a music festival or sport dreadlocks? Being “green” doesn’t make you a “hippie” or a “treehugger,” it simply shows your concern for the environment, your health and your wallet! It’s worth noting that these aren’t the only ways to be “green.” Get out your recycle bin or go shopping at a thrift store to continue your new lifestyle. You might even find additional ways to go eco-friendly and improve your life. We can’t help but think that Kermit would approve, too!

Every Day is Gameday in

Gainesville

Only the venues change!

VisitGainesville.com

The man of wisdom is never of two minds; the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid. Confucius

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 29

K

AS

OT BR .

DR

HE

RS

Dating Husband keeps his finances private Employee uses work as dating site

26 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Dear Dr. Brothers: I’m the manager of a mall store that caters to upscale, mature, women customers. I don’t have control over hiring and firing, but I am expected to review work performances of the sales associates. One young man here clearly is confusing work with leisure activities. He’s a top seller, but he flirts with the customers and has even dated several of them. I don’t think that is professional, but my advice goes unheeded.

Should I just turn a blind eye to this issue? – N.W.

Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements but in virtuous activities. Aristotle

Dear N.W.: At first glance, it sounds as though your employee might be better off working at a bar, gym, zoo, or bowling alley – anywhere that social interaction with the customer is considered part of the job or there is at least a more relaxed attitude toward such encounters. It may come down to someone with the power to hire and fire suggesting such a change if your employee just doesn’t fit into the corporate culture. On the other hand, he is one of the top performers in the store, so he must be doing something right, as far as the bottom line is concerned.

Perhaps your advice on the topic has had little effect because you don’t have the clout to back up your suggestions as to how he should behave, and he knows it. If that’s the case, you can make an extra effort to keep track of customer satisfaction – and at the first sign of a complaint related to using the workplace as a pick-up bar, you can always shut him down by having a word with his hiring manager. Don’t expect him to be too thrilled with you, though.

Dear Dr. Brothers: I’ve been married for three years, and my husband has never been open with me about our finances. My paycheck is my own, and I usually spend it on clothes or things for the house, while he pays the bills. I know he has always had some investments, while I came from a less-wealthy home and haven’t had much. When I ask him about financial things, he says he will decide what we can buy on a case-by-case basis. I don’t feel like he trusts me, and it hurts. – Y.G. Dear Y.G.: You are wise to recognize the possibility of financial issues rearing their ugly heads relatively early on in your marriage, for it is these kinds of problems that ultimately can sink the ship if they are swept under the carpet until someone explodes. It may be that your husband isn’t even aware that you are interested in becoming more of a partner in this aspect of your relationship. He may see you simply as nosy, and perhaps even as somewhat fiscally irresponsible. Certainly the difference in your financial backgrounds can make for an uneasy alliance when it comes to sharing all on money issues. But with some planning, you probably can make strides now to remedy this situation.

Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul. Democritus

Let your husband know that you’d like to talk about the family finances, and that you would like to set up some mutual goals that will allow you to do your fair share. Instead of spending your paycheck, see if he will set up – or better yet, let you set up – a joint account to which you both contribute and which has a specific goal in mind, like a vacation or a down payment for a house. While he doesn’t have to open the books to you, let him know you’d feel more competent as his partner if you knew more about the family financial picture and how you can help.

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 27

This ar ticle be gan early in D ecembe on making New Year’s Resolut r as a focus children in Ja ions with our nuar y. Howev er, due to the event in New tragic town, Connect icut, it has m many realize, ade including thos e of us at Flou how importan ri t it is to mak e ever y momen sh, with our child t count ren. We send our deepest for the studen sympathy ts, families an affected by th d communitie e horrendous s tragedy and hope that th can only eir loss will no t be forgotten .

By Kim Vij

Everyday Making Moments With the celebration of the New Year, many are making resolutions for ways to improve their lives. In the hustle of everyday life, noticing the small moments can be challenging, but memories are made in those small moments. So maybe for this year, add another one to make everyday moments matter!

Create & Discover Teachable Moments It’s easy to make everyday moments count at home when you plan for it. As parents, we all have busy schedules and know that our children are learning at school for many hours each day, so learning can be taken for granted. But learning doesn’t have to end when the school bell rings. Discovering new things as a family that are hands on, fun and creative is a great way to foster a love of learning and create those meaningful memories together.

Getting started is simple – just begin to set goals together, or come up with a list of things you would like to see your child accomplish. Start with basic ideas and then add to them as you see those goals being met! For inspiration, ask your child open24 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

ended questions to find out what is really interesting to them, so that you can teach them about a certain topic in a hands-on environment. Who knows, you may learn something new for yourself!

Here are a few ideas to get you started: Create a Learning Station filled with craft supplies to learn about colors and different types of art. This area can also double as a homework station.

Build a Book Shelf with books that change frequently. Don’t forget the library is a great resource. If they are interested in a certain topic you can reserve books together online with your card.

Go On Adventures throughout Gainesville.

The Alachua Trail, Devil’s Millhopper, Coffrin Park, Museum of Natural History, Butterfly Rainforest and Art Museum are great places to start learning about nature.

Cook Together as much as you can. Your child can learn math, reading, science, geography and healthy nutrition all while cooking with supervision.

Count Get Involved in extracurricular activities by joining groups, which can help build ability skills and friendships. Meetup.com is a great site to find like-minded groups.

Turn Off Technology and give your child time to discover and play. Play helps your child in so many areas of development. It builds skills from imagination and creativity to fine and gross motor skills.

Learn A New Hobby Together like sewing, painting, gardening or even bicycling.

We hope that these ideas inspire you to get creative and find even more ways to really make everyday moments count with your child.

Kim Vij is the co-author of The Educators’ SpinOn It. As an early childhood teacher and a mom of three, she’s learned many tips and tricks of parenting and teaching along the way.

She shares her “Educator’s Spin” on parenting issues and how to make learning more playful and playtime more meaningful. Visit theeducatorsspinonIt.blogspot.com for ideas for teachable moments.

On every thorn, delightful wisdom grows, In every rill a sweet instruction flows. Edward Young

No

apology

By Jackie Grey

needed

e workplace Women change th I realize that I am painting with a broad brush, but bear with me. eas, expert with impressive id I have something to say that should resonate with every woman d an ent talent managem who wakes up every day and gets herself and the kids ready, ise, and are rt pe ex ity manages to get to work on time, works a full day, goes to the tiv uc prod home to ck grocery, cooks and cleans. Then helps with homework and school he yc pa e th bringing ill projects, maintains social and personal relationships and then st we do HY W prove it. So, pours herself into bed at night knowing that she is going to have to rate ourselves apologize – or be do it all over again the next day. It seems to me that somebody ized should be apologizing to us and not the other way around.

– for being recogn herwise? ot d an lly cia an fin Women have a tendency to carry guilt when they feel the need to spend time with their children instead of “giving it all” to work. It is every human being’s right to procreate and most people do. It is perfectly normal to want to be very involved in raising your children. Do it with pride. You have already proven that you can do more than two things at a time – and you are good at it, so stop feeling the need to be apologetic to your boss. Offer to work at night to catch up if they balk at you leaving early, but don’t feel guilty about wanting to spend those precious years with your children.

At work, if you find yourself in a management position, be proud. Don’t overcompensate because you happen to be of the female gender. Stop metaphorically and unconsciously apologizing to male co-workers because you may be their boss. Women in the workplace can be friendly, yet firm. Feminine, yet competent. Gentle, yet competitive.

You got to where you are for a reason and you haven’t spent years educating yourself and honing your skills just to overcompensate for other people’s judgements.

Thirdly, if you have been responsible for implementing something new and innovative or something simple that has made an excellent improvement in productivity, it’s OK to let it be known. You do not need to obnoxiously pat yourself on the back, but it is perfectly acceptable to own up to your successes.

Sometimes a woman can build a better mousetrap.

So if you do, let it be known that it was your idea.

(You can be subtle and give credit to your team).

But if you did it – own it!

Start with these three simple pointers and before you know it, you will be gaining the respect that you deserve. Throw your shoulders back and stop apologizing and remember that you don’t have to be arrogant, pretentious or rude. Just be proud that you are a woman – unapologetically.

How prone to doubt, how cautious are the wise! Homer

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 25

Spring

Beauty

By Emily Alter

Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioner Smooth and control your damaged or unruly hair with this Keratin-rich conditioner. Amino acids and other natural ingredients keep hair frizz free. $5.99 Walgreens, nuNAAT.com

Juara Romancing the Candlenut Set Have irresistibly soft skin from the paradise of Bali with this four-piece skin softening set. Case includes soap, body polish, body crème, and perfume oil infused with luxurious Candlenut oil, all paraben and sulfate free. $30 juaraskincare.com

Nourish Organic Hand Wash Wash away dirt and oils while leaving your hands nourished and free of harsh chemicals. This 100% organic soap utilizes plant oils and coconut milk to cleanse hands while still moisturizing and healing. $7.99, ulta.com, nourishusda.com

John Masters Men’s 2-in-1 Face Wash and Shave Foam Make the morning routine that much easier with this organic 2-in-1 product. Gentle cleansing face wash combined with a refreshing shave foam will have his skin feeling fresh, smooth and hydrated. $22 johnmasters.com

It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin This treatment coats hair to protect it from heat and provide protein, ultra shine and cuticle strength with each spray. Great for all hair types and leaves hair silky smooth. $19.96 hair care salons and beauty supply stores

Glop & Glam Trio Sampler Pack With samples of all Glop & Glam’s classic products, this kit includes Candy Apple Shampoo, Creamsicle Mist Detangler and Cake Batter Conditioner that you and your kids will adore. Made from all natural and organic ingredients, these products are also lice preventatives. $18 fine salons and ULTA stores

Kneipp Stress Free Bath Take a break from the chaos and de-stress. This sweet mandarin orange scented herbal bath will have you forgetting your worries and relaxing into a soothing and serene state of mind. $20 kneippus.com, kanvasbeauty.com

22 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

A loving heart is the truest wisdom. Charles Dickens

Ultra Keratin Touch Single Application Kit Salon-inspired for rich, glossy locks, this hair smoothing system will have you looking frizz free while still protecting your hair. Includes shampoo, conditioner and smoothing gloss, all Formaldehyde and sodium chloride free. $24.99 Walgreens, ultrakeratintouch.com

It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Blowdry Volumizer Add shine and extreme volume to touchably soft hair while protecting it from humidity. This volumizer really delivers a miracle treatment. $19 hair care salons and beauty supply stores

Brazilian Keratin Deep Moisturizing Shampoo Give your hair a deep clean without harsh chemicals. This shampoo contains no sodium chloride, leaving your hair looking balanced and fresh. $5.99 Walgreens, nuNAAT.com

Nourish Exfoliating Body Polish Exfoliate and polish your skin smooth with this natural and 100 percent organic and vegan wash. Tiny vitaminrich seeds and plant extracts nourish and refresh your skin to a soft, healthy glow every time you shower. $9.99 ulta.com, nourishusda.com

Vapour Beauty Lux Organic Lip Conditioner Give your lips the Lux-ury they deserve. Protecting your lips while moisturizing and smoothing, this anti-aging lip treatment will keep your lips kissably soft all through this winter chill. $16 vapourbeauty.com, spritibeautylounge.com, b- glowing.com

Vapour Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush – Radiant Have rosy, glowing cheeks with this easy-to-apply radiant blush. Infused with plant oils and antioxidants, this 70 percent organic blush will have your skin looking as fresh as it is beautiful. $28 vapourbeauty.com, spritibeautylounge.com, b-glowing.com

Vapour Beauty Clarity Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil Certified 95 percent organic, this makeup remover is anything but ordinary.

Gently, yet completely,

Vapour Beauty Halo Body Spotlight Radiate beauty with this light, organic shimmer stick. Subtle yet present, this convenient chemical-free and antioxidantrich shimmer stick can be applied on your face, legs, back or wherever you want to glow. $34 vapourbeauty.com, spritibeautylounge.com, b-glowing.com

remove all traces of makeup with this antioxidant-rich, chemical-free, skinbalancing formula. $28 vapourbeauty.com, spritibeautylounge. com, b-glowing.com

One who understands much displays a greater simplicity of character than one who understands little. Alexander Chase

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 23

Bonnie

Blossman of Big Rich Texas

We caught up with Bonnie and her daughter, Whitney Whatley, to discuss the reality-show version of Dallas society life.

What’s it like having cameras follow you around?

Bonnie – It’s a little weird when you do it the first time, but after that first day the camera crew becomes your family. The first season I was really cautious of not saying the wrong thing and trying to watch my mouth, but by the third season I didn’t care. It’s like, people are going to like me for me or not.

How do you deal with the gossiping from some of the other cast members?

Whitney (my daughter) is really good at ignoring it, but it’s kind of hard sometimes to watch the episode and see what other people say about you. My true good friends don’t bash me.

How has the editing gone?

That’s the thing about being on a show: you sign your life away where they can edit you however they want. They might film 40 hours and make a one-hour show, and then another production team could make somethimg completely different because of what they choose to feature. If they want to make you look like a bully, they can.

It’s totally up to them, but some cast members – not naming names – start fights when the cameras weren’t on them. Then they look completely innocent because they never get caught on camera doing it.

What has been the most difficult thing to get used to?

Probably being spotted in public, because sometimes I want to go out in my pajamas and without doing my hair. But I don’t do that anymore. And I’m an author, so I spend my days working in my cave anyway, and my husband works from home, so we’re always together anyway.

20 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Would you say the worst part is losing the freedom to go out by yourself, or is there something else?

Whitney – The worst part is people talking smack about you on the internet.

Bonnie – There’s a lot of that. We’ve been accused of basically everything. You could find a post that accuses us of anything and everything, and you have to learn to ignore it.

Why did you decide to go on a reality show?

Why not? Life’s an adventure.

Were you worried about the effect on your marriage?

Yeah, the first season it was difficult but it was more about getting used to the new way of life. I mean, here we are, quiet, personal people that only hang out with a small group of friends and we keep to ourselves. Then all of a sudden there are all these white vans outside and cameramen everywhere. It was difficult to get used to, but by the second season, it’s just our way of life now and we’re fine. Actually, I think we’re stronger for it.

Can you tell me some of the rules that you need to follow in Texas society?

As you probably know, Whitney and I are like the Rodney Dangerfields of the country club; we do what we wanna do. There is a hierarchy here, and a lot of butt kissing that goes on. I don’t do that. I do what I want; if I want to show up to a ball wearing jeans or a costume, then I’m going to do it. Whitney and I definitely don’t play by the rules.

What are some of those Texas society rules?

You have to act like a lady. Even though when they get angry at you, they’ll say swear words, but they’re very much looked down upon. You’re supposed to have

southern manners and be on your best behavior or the group will, collectively, start talking about you – and not fondly.

Everyone is always dressed to the nines. You can’t ever just have an off day.

Everybody puts on makeup just to go to the grocery store, me included. You don’t find a lot of people that don’t do their makeup, hair, nails and keep everything going. If you don’t, you’re going to get talked about.

In a way, Dallas can be very stressful. I go to Austin to visit some of my family, and it’s so much more laid back there. In Dallas, it’s high energy, and there are a lot more people and more pressure to look good and wear the right thing. It’s all about designer fashion here.

What do you think makes a true southern woman?

When I travel around the U.S., I notice that the South has the most hospitality. There is something about that. Everyone – well, most everyone – is friendly. In New York, it’s like honk! honk! honk! honk! – even in LA. There’s a lot more honking than here.

But also I figure of any city in Texas, we probably have the most catty people.

But only a rare few will do it to your face.

Because you know what? If you do it in front of someone, the group, as a whole, will hate on you and say that you’re not being proper.

Is there something unique to Dallas that pretty much every woman has in her home?

Whitney – If you’re from Texas, you have a Texas flag somewhere.

Bonnie – Or one of the University. We’re very proud of our state.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives. Catherine the Great

Getting Your

Perfect Shape There’s always talk about what’s best for you, whether it be the best clothing style for your body or the best hairstyle for your face.

Something that you don’t hear too often is how your brows frame your face in the same way your hair does, so we caught up with brow expert Hibba Kapil, and she has these tips on how to find your perfect brow shape for your face…

If you have a round face…

Your brows should have more of an angular than round arch. A more angled brow will help to better frame the face, and give the illusion of less fullness by counteracting the roundess of your face. Having a thinner brow will not make your face look thinner. A medium to full thickness in the brow will create more balance with your face.

If you have a heart-shaped face…

A brow shape that is more rounded will help soften an angular, heart-shaped face. A very slight bend in the brows also draws the eye upward, which counteracts the downward pull of the more pointed shape of your chin.

If you have a square face…

Like the heart shape, you want your brows to have a delicate arch, to help add softness to the face. The ideal shape will be straight to the arch and rounded on the outer half.

If you have an oval face…

Your brow options are basically limitless if you have an oval shaped face. Hibba suggests a medium to full thickness and a more prominent arch.

18 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Great effort from great motives is the best definition of a happy life. William Ellery Channing

ie Kat

Mo

ss There comes a point in every relationship where it seems like the right time to take things to the next level. For some couples, this may mean marriage, but increasingly in today’s society, it means moving in together. Of course, it’s not always easy to decide if you’re ready to share your television, sofa and even soap. So if you aren’t ready to walk down the aisle, but ready to share a key, this guide may help you make your best decision.

Taking

the Plunge

Pros

Cons

The Great Awakening: Though we’re sure this could be considered a con as well, moving in with a significant other reveals the steadfastness (or rocky waters) underlying your relationship. It gives you insight into whether or not you’d like to continue spending your time with this person. Can you handle the fact that he or she always leaves the cap off of the toothpaste or never takes out the garbage?

You’re about to find out…

Financial entanglement is a given.

Even if you decide to separate your finances in much the same way traditional roommates would, you’re still tied down in some areas. Who bought this piece of furniture? How do I terminate the lease with his or her name on it if necessary? Who paid the move-in deposit? These are some of the sticky financial issues that cause rifts in your relationship, and they become much worse if you decide to break up. And, let’s not forget the question, “Who gets to keep Fido?”

Saving money. This is perhaps the biggest reason couples move in together. It doesn’t take much brain power to figure out that if you’re sleeping at one another’s place every night, someone is wasting money on rent.

When you combine resources, you also save on other costs such as electricity, water and food. Ah, it’s good to be thrifty!

More alone time. No need to worry about pesky roommates or commuting back and forth to each other’s places. You have a reason to spend every night together and have some quality time together.

Less space. If you make a commitment to move in with someone, you’re committing to spend quite a bit of time with him or her.

Though this can sometimes be a great thing (see above), it can also be quite intrusive.

He or she will likely be there getting ready in the morning, sleeping at night and will probably be lounging on the couch with a bag of potato chips at some point during the day. This becomes increasingly more of an issue on weekends. You’ll no longer have “your” apartment to escape to. Unless you’re going out alone often, your personal space and time will become a lot more limited.

“What happened to my social life?”

Often, couples can get trapped in the warm, loving environment they’ve made with their significant other and spend less time with their friends. After all, putting on your sweatpants and kicking back to watch some television takes a lot less effort than getting up and going out with friends.

There’s also a depleted drive to hang out with single friends who want to hit bars as you may feel uncomfortable doing so being in a relationship.

Of course, these aren’t the only things to consider when asking yourself if you’re ready for the next big step. You and your partner should also be clear about whether or not this is a temporary or long-term arrangement and if you’re prepping for marriage in the future. Otherwise, things could get sour rather fast. On the other hand, there aren’t many things that are better than walking inside your home or apartment after a long day to a kiss, a glass of wine and the smell of dinner cooking. So, are you ready?

There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will. Epictetus

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 19

E arge

By M

be

y Pegg d n r ts A

Gisle

r

Ready t n e d u t S y M Is e?

For First Grad Question: My child has just completed kindergarten at a private school. Next year, he’ll be in first grade at a public school. How can I tell if he has learned what he should to be ready for first grade at the new school? – Eager to Know

What you need to know is what the children in kindergarten at the school he will attend have studied this past year. The public school is probably closed right now. However, the district office should have this information, or you can go online and look at your state’s curriculum for kindergarten.

Looking at the curriculum from several states, we see that the following expectations should frequently be met by the end of the kindergarten year: In language arts, the children should: • Know how to write their first and last names.

• Be able to link some letters and sounds.

• Be able to read some high-frequency words.

• Understand that words have one or more syllables.

• Write a story with drawings and some letters.

16 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Dear

Teacher

• Realize sentences begin with a capital letter and have an ending punctuation mark.

• Recite familiar poems, songs and rhymes.

In math, the children should: • Identify and describe basic shapes (square, triangle, circle).

• Sort a group of objects in several ways (color, size, type).

• State whether a group of objects has more or fewer objects than another group.

• Count accurately up to 20.

• Match numerals up to 10 with their names.

• Match quantities up to 10 with numerals.

• Have some familiarity with the concepts of addition and subtraction.

Remember this: If there are skills on your local or state checklist that your son has not acquired, you can help him improve in these areas this summer. Not all children will have a superior mastery of all

the skills that they were supposed to pick up in kindergarten.

Arts Activity: Your children may not be very enthusiastic about poetry. This is a shame, because poetry can be a wonderful way to introduce rhyming words to young children and imaginative use of words to older ones. This month, we are giving you poetry activities that will show children how much fun reading poetry can be. Start with poems that are amusing, like this one by Bruce Lansky from his book Peter, Peter, Pizza Eater: And Other Silly Rhymes: Peter, Peter, pizza-eater, How I wish that you were neater.

Half the pizza’s on your shirt.

Clean the mess, or no dessert.

Younger Children: Expose them to rhyming (a first step in learning to read) through the works of A.A. Milne, Dr. Seuss and nursery rhymes.

Elementary-School Children: Look for humorous poems to draw children this age to poetry.

They’ll have fun online at poetryteachers.com, poetry4kids.com and gigglepoetry.com.

They’ll also find activities from rating poems to writing them.

Middle and HighSchool Children: Some of the most satisfying and thoughtful poems for children this age are those

by Shel Silverstein. Be sure to introduce your children to the poems in his book Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Send questions and comments to Dear Teacher, 1 North Illinois Street No. 2004, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or log on to www. dearteacher.com, or email DearTeacher@DearTeacher.com.

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. Ralph W. Sockman

THE LARGEST AND MOST DIVERSE PUBLISHING AND MEDIA ORGANIZATION IN GAINESVILLE. JUST IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS.

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Guide

Rentals

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Learn how to deal with your child’s bully

By Kristy Wyatt

Bullying is fast becoming a prev problem in our alent schools today.

Not just a high issue anymore, school th is da ngerou colleges and el ementary scho s phenomenon is striking ols just as muc school level. Sta h as at the high tist teens in the U.S ics show that between 15 –2 5 percent of . have been invo lved in bullying, bully themselves either or as a victim.

Some data says as a younger teens are more prone th to physical bully at while older teen in g, s tend to bully using methods like th e Internet or verbally.

Inside Bruised

14 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

There is more to life than increasing its speed. Mahatma Gandhi

What are the Different Types of Bullying?

Cyber-bullying: A New and Growing Danger

Physical

The very nature of cyber-bullying makes it one of the most difficult kinds of bullying to protect kids and teens from. Cyber-bullying can take place online via social sites like Facebook or even through your child’s cell-phone. Bullies use cyber-bullying to torment, tease, isolate and embarrass their victims. And because their identities can be completely anonymous, these bullies can be even harder to locate and stop than those who bully their victims in person.

One of the most common and well-known types of bullying is physical. Physical bullying occurs when one teen tries to physically dominate or intimidate another, and usually includes hitting, punching, pulling hair, scratching, etc. Mostly it is for the instigator to either get the victim to do what they want or just to scare them.

Cyber Cyber bullying is becoming a bigger problem with our teens today, especially with the huge rise in popularity in such sites as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. But this type of bullying isn’t limited to these online social sites; cyber bullying can also occur using cell phones (text messaging) and instant message like Yahoo! Chat or Google Talk. There are many instances of teens being bullied relentlessly using these types of media, and it is quickly becoming one of the main types of bullying now days.

Verbal Using demeaning language, malicious teasing and other verbal belittling, verbal bullying is just another way for one teen to either strike fear into the victim or make him or her do what they want.

Emotional This type is more subtle than verbal bullying, as it uses emotional methods to isolate the victim and to make them feel alone and depressed.

How Teens Can Overcome Bullying?

One of the best ways to overcome bullying is to be educated, to recognize the signs of bullying and to promote empathy. Many schools across the country have established anti-bullying programs and campaigns, such as Rachel’s Challenge, No Bully and Let’s Be Friends, which is a program set-up for early childhood levels like pre-school and kindergarten. Establishing these types of programs in schools is not only an effective way to teach respect and empathy, but also to teach how to recognize signs of different types of bullying and provide a support system in case of bullying, whether it be verbal, physical, emotional or cyber.

How to Deal with Bullying There are some effective tips on how to deal with bullies; from ignoring them to getting help from teachers and parents. Here are four tried and true ways to avoid bullying and get help if your teens are being bullied in the school system.

Avoid If at all possible, teens should avoid a bully in school, social and outside-school situations.

If the instigator walks home a certain way, or sits in a particular spot/area at lunch, use a different way home and stay as far away from them as possible. Don’t let on that you’re avoiding them or they may see it as fear and the bullying might get worse.

Don’t react Show no emotion if a bully starts teasing or being mean; if you don’t react to their bullying, they’ll eventually stop, since they’re looking for a rise out of their victim. Bullies like the attention, so if you don’t show a reaction to their bullying, they’ll slack off.

A key phrase here for the victim to use in a dismissive tone is, “Who cares?” Saying it over and over again, shows that the bully is not gaining his intended response and it takes the attention off of the victim. Say it, and then walk away.

Report Don’t hesitate to get a parent or teacher involved, especially in cases of physical bullying, which can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. If you feel like you can’t go to a parent or teacher, try a guidance counselor, a friend’s parents or other close authority figure you trust.

Assertiveness Learn to be assertive; you might also think of taking self-defense or karate classes, especially if you’re a victim of physical bullying. If your instigator is attaching you verbally, emotionally or through the Internet (Facebook, etc.) then you need to learn to be assertive and face them in a strong, firm manner. For cyber bullying, which is a lot harder to ignore and fix, you might have no choice but to get parents involved so they can stop this newer type of bullying.

Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it. J. Petit Senn

There are many heartbreaking cases of cyber-bullying where the victims became so hopeless against stopping the bullies and the results of the online bullying, that they ultimately committed suicide. While these are drastic cases of cyber-bullying, it is a real reason to prepare your teens and teach them what to do to protect themselves.

Here are a few ways to stop cyber-bullying: Block the bully. If the teen is being bullied via instant messaging, use the service’s block feature and immediately get offline.

Most of the time, blocking the bully this way will work to stop this form of cyber-bullying.

If the bullying occurs over a cell phone, have your child only answer calls from numbers they know and recognize.

Do not respond! As with regular types of bullying, ignoring the bully and not reacting to their teasing or threats is a good way to stop them. Also, if your child does become angry and responds to the bully in kind, the response can go viral and make the situation worse.

Change all contact info. From password changes to changing their Facebook profile, this will help your teen’s online presence be protected from bullies and from those who want to impersonate them as well.

Save e-mails. If your teen is receiving bullying e-mails, save them and forward to your Internet service provider. They might be able to trace the e-mails and find out who was sending them.

Bullying is a serious event in a child’s life.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and get help!

You can find more information at StopBullying.gov

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 15

By Katie Moss

Eating Like a Caveman

Paleo Diet with the New

spending a lot of Unless you’ve been ly, you’ve probably time in caves recent n hic diet, most of te heard of the Paleolit .” et Di o ale “P e th shor tened to simple diet suggest that Proponents of this e a caveman” (or simply by “eating lik er blood pressure, woman) you can low t, improve lose excess body fa eride levels, yc igl tr d cholesterol an r levels and reduce normalize blood suga toxins. But what anti-nutrients and ” really involve? does this new “diet

Though there are various ways to embark upon a “Paleo” diet (and there are many variations one can encounter), the main point of a paleolithic diet is to eat like our early human ancestors. Some find it most helpful to think of this plan as a “hunter-gatherer” diet, in which one chooses to eat the ancient diet of wild plants and animals easily and naturally obtained by humans during the Paleolithic era (a period of about 2.5 million years that ended around 10,0000 years ago, around the time that the practice of farming was developed).

The present-day Paleo diet consists of vegetables, grass-fed meats, fish, fungi, nuts, fruit and roots. It excludes such foods as legumes, grains, refined salt and sugar, dairy products and processed oils. In short, if you can’t find it in nature, it’s not part of the Paleo diet, and there are added restrictions as well. By doing this, one hopes to avoid disorders which have been called the “diseases of civilization,” which are a result of the nutritional qualities (and lack thereof) found in our processed “fake” foods today.

A common side effect of rebalancing one’s body chemistry through natural nutrition is weight loss. For many years now (and several diet “fads”), we’ve learned that carbohydrates lead to one’s body accumulating and holding onto fat. An improper diet results in weight gain because when a person ingests carbs and sugars, he or she sets off a variety of chemical reactions that actually makes him/her hungrier and crave additional sweets.

Here’s how the process works: 12 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

How sugar becomes fat…

Glucose and fructose (sugars) are metabolized differently. Fructose (especially when found in processed sweets) turns directly into fat because it stimulates a so-called “fat-switch” within the body.

This often leads to abdominal obesity (a.k.a. “beer belly”), overall weight gain, elevated blood sugar, decreased HDL, high blood pressure and increased triglycerides (i.e. – classic metabolic syndrome).

Fructose also “tricks” your body into gaining weight by switching off its appetite-control system because it doesn’t stimulate leptin (the “satisfied hormone”) or suppress ghrelin (the “hunger” hormone), which means it leaves you feeling hungry and overeating all the time. This can lead to Type 2 diabetes, cancer or heart disease.

Unfortunately, no amount of exercise can compensate for this type of internal damage. You’ve probably heard that diet is 70 percent of losing weight and exercise is 30 – this is certainly true of the Paleo diet as well.

These foods are also often high in glycerol-3-phosphate (g-3-p), which is the chemical that leads to fat becoming “stuck” as fat tissue.

While this is happening, high carbohydrate intake also raises insulin levels, which also keeps fat “stuck” in the same place (your tummy).

The seat of knowledge is in the head, of wisdom, in the heart. William Hazlitt

Thinking about trying the Paleo Diet? Here are a few tips to working it into your regimen…

First, do your research! Thepaleodiet.com, the diet’s official site, is a great place to start. “Paleo Diet and Living” located at paleodietandliving.com/paleo-diet is also a great resource.

For the 15 rules of the diet, check out this site: paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-101 • Eat unprocessed, whole foods.

• Eat foods that come from local, high-quality sources.

• Try to eat raw foods for at least a third of your overall diet. When cooking, try to cook lightly.

• Your main source of carbs should be from vegetables (except potatoes and corn, which should generally be avoided).

• Your diet should be high in fat, moderate in animal protein, and low tomoderate in carbs.

Portion control and calorie counting are not encouraged.

• Eat generous amounts of animal protein and saturated fats found from natural sources (coconut oil, clarified butter, etc.).

• Eliminate sugar, dairy and gluten (grains).

• Eat when you’re hungry and don’t over-exercise.

• Eat low to moderate amounts of nuts and fruits, preferably low-sugar fruits like berries.

Are you ready to go Paleo? Just remember, with any new diet you should consult your doctor first to make sure it’s right for you.

Of all parts of wisdom the practice is the best. John Tillotson

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 13

s old n n y o l Re er oe ew H J By ndr &A

Juice Juice

Juice!

Did someone say juice?

No, not that sugary store bought junk with all the vitamins and fun cooked out of it, but “Real Juice!” Raw, organic, sweet, happy, delicious juice!

What is this “Real Juice” we speak of? ‘In this age of red-dyed fruit punch and lab-designed sugar, that comes from a lab we know the concept sounds foreign, but once upon a time the plants of the earth provided people with a food known as fruit. When the fruit was squeezed, a delicious drink was made that actually improved the health of those who drank it. Now we know what you’re thinking. Where is the red dye No. 40 that makes my fruit punch that sexy red? Or the high fructose corn syrup? Surely you can’t make juice without the high fructose corn syrup! Well, this is going to disappoint some people – this nutrient-packed elixir of health that we refer to as “Real Juice” is quite simple to make, all you need is a juicer and some fresh fruit (preferably local and organic)!

10 Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

No man was ever wise by chance. Seneca

Here are some simply delicious recipes to get you started: Apple Cucumber Juice

Ginger Carrot Lemonade

What goes inside:

What goes inside:

• 3 Organic Green Apples • 1 Large Organic Cucumber

• 8 Organic Carrots • 1 Piece Organic Ginger (1” x 1”) • ½ Organic Lemon (with or without rind)

Directions: • Wash • Put into your juicer • Pour over ice and enjoy!

For a fun twist, muddle some fresh mint into your glass. Your taste buds will thank you!

Cucumber Apple Juice is a soothing and simple concoction that will please your palette and cleanse your body. Cucumbers have high water content, making them ideal candidates for juicing.

Not only does cucumber juice provide excellent hydration, it also helps manage fluid balance with a gentle diuretic quality that improves kidney function and flushes toxins from your system.

The sweetness of fresh apple juice really makes the flavor of this recipe and boosts the drink’s cleansing power. Fresh apple juice is rich in pectin, a form of fiber that binds to and removes contaminants such as heavy metals from the body. Apple pectin also promotes a feeling of fullness, helping to satisfy appetite and reduce cravings.

Did we mention that this juice is delicious? If you think of the processed sugar water from the supermarket when you hear the words “apple juice,” you are in for a pleasant surprise. Just as fresh apple juice contains more vitamins and nutrients than its processed equivalent, it also boasts a significantly better taste.

That, combined with the cooling flavor of cucumbers, will make this a juice that you will drink again and again.

Directions: • Wash • Put into your juicer • Pour over ice and enjoy!

This simple and delicious spin on lemonade is a refreshing and nutrient packed treat! The sweetness of carrots combines with the zest of lemon and ginger to produce a unique and unforgettable flavor. In addition to great flavor, this juice also packs some impressive health benefits.

A potent dose of vitamins A and C keeps your heart, brain, lungs and immune system functioning at peak performance. This juice is also rich in beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene, members of a class of nutrients known as carotenoids. A diet rich in carotenoids may help prevent a host of illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration. And don’t forget the ginger! Along with a tasty zing, ginger adds the power of gingerols, compounds that have been shown to improve digestion, reduce nausea and fight inflammation.

This juice is best sipped cold on a hot afternoon, after a tough workout or anytime your stomach isn’t feeling its best.

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By associating with wise people you will become wise yourself. Menander

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Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013 11

Even in a down economy, there will always be a need for this industry, so we caught up with Lynelle Lynch, who is heading up The American Association of Cosmetology Schools’ Beauty Changes Lives Foundation that is offering tuition scholarships for students planning a career in hair, nails, skincare, barbering, esthetics or massage therapy.

So what’s going on in the beauty industry right now?

Well, the beauty industry, unlike other businesses, continues to thrive and grow because you can’t ship our business overseas or buy it on the internet.

Beauty Careers Are On The Rise

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Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation has truly united professionals, manufacturers and schools, demonstrating an industry-wide commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of career opportunities available to licensed beauty and wellness professionals. These individuals can pursue careers in the corporate realm working for a products company, or they may put their creative talents as an artistic director in the entertainment or editorial industry. Many other licensed beauty and wellness individuals pursue their entrepreneurial calling by opening spas and salons. An important aim of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation is to highlight the many pathways to career success in the beauty and wellness industry. Our scholarship program is one means of broadening awareness of diverse career opportunities.

By going onto BeautyChangesLives.org you can apply for our scholarship and learn about the diversity of the careers available.

What is a misconception about cosmetology school?

A lot of people think it’s just playing with hair, but you really need to know a lot about anatomy, the color wheel and chemistry.

Also it’s critical to every graduate’s success to have business skills, so most must take marketing and branding classes that while

Silence does not always mark wisdom. Samuel Taylor Coleridge

they’re in school. This way they will learn how to build a clientele and retain their customers. Most schools have also added in a financial literacy program that helps students understand budgeting, credit and saving.

What are the advantages to a career in beauty?

We’ve done a lot of surveying of people in the industry, and hair stylists are some of the most satisfied people in their career because they get the opportunity to touch peoples’ lives in a very profound way every day, making their clients feel and look good.

One of our recent graduates said to me, “Listen, I get to see my friends all day long, make them look and feel wonderful, and they pay me to do this!”

I think what they also love is the unlimited potential and diversity. They can work in a salon and also freelance for movies, television or do editorial work for magazines.

Some may also work for a product company. They may work a few days in the salon and, other days, work in a manufacturing company where they do training in other salons.

What can someone expect in regards to schooling?

You can expect a balance between theory and hands-on learning. The lecture-style process is where students gain knowledge of critical factors in state board readiness, which covers consumer protectionism, sanitation and regulations they must know in order to gain a license, so that’s one of the critical things that we drill our students on. Then, there’s the student spa and salon, where they gain marketing expertise and hands-on experience with clientele – and that happens after they’ve practiced in the classroom on doll heads or each other to really refine their skills.

What are some of the things that you need to know when you finish school and are looking for a job?

Most schools have a career service division where we help prepare you for writing a resume and doing mock interviews.

The good news right now is that there are a lot of unfilled salon jobs.

Why is promoting this industry a calling of yours?

Educating the public about careers in beauty and wellness is very important. Every time I meet a new class of students, I hear individuals say that others discouraged them from pursuing a beauty career. Often, they have spent a decade working in a different field and delaying their dream. I find that tragic.

That’s why I’m personally so passionate about Beauty Changes Lives because I’ve seen the dramatic changes in people’s lives. I’ve seen someone leave their position of VP of a company to come to cosmetology school. He now owns a salon and manufacturing company and makes the same amount of money as he did in his previous job.

There’s also the story of Diana Schmidtke, who started out with only $50 in her wallet and went to Hollywood with a dream.

Now she’s a celebrity hair stylist who worked on the Hunger Games and flies around on private jets, doing hair styling for George Clooney and Matt Damon. People don’t realize how much they can do with this if they have a passion for it.

For more information on scholarships, visit BeautyChangesLives.org/ Scholarships

In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia. Author Unknown

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

9

Interviewed by Lauren Douglass

Stop Drugging Our Children Advice From Psychologist, Sharna Olfman One of the effects of the promotionalized idea that all emotional traumas can be linked to genetically-created chemical disorders in the brain has made parents less confident in their overall ability to intervene effectively when their child is struggling.

In Drugging Our Children, Sharna Olfman brings together experts, clinicians, psychiatrists and social workers, all of whom share a concern about the extent to which society is turning to psychiatric drugs in order to treat children. She documents how these drugs are adversely affecting the development of our children and lists other nonpharmaceutical options for parents.

in advertising. This is an incredible conflict of interest as they are a for-profit industry, which wants to prove that their drugs are effective. The psychiatric drug industry has saturated the adult market and children are their last frontier. I focus on the shameless ways in which the drug industries are pushing drugs and convincing professionals of their importance.

Why did you decide to put this book together?

However, the book doesn’t just talk about the problems; it talks about solutions and the role that non-medical mental health professionals can play in informing and treating children and families. It describes approaches that are very effective, even with very disturbed children, that don’t involve medication but are research-based approaches to therapy. There is also a chapter that supports the role that parents can play in helping their children when they’re experiencing emotional distress.

Antipsychotics were originally developed to treat adult schizophrenics and are now being used on children who allegedly have bipolar disorder, ADHD, sleep disorders, autism or are showing aggression. I feel that it is important, both as a professional clinician and as a moral issue, to highlight that the antipsychotics are known to have extremely serious adverse effects on children, especially on the child’s developing brain. Parents need to be aware that there are many other evidence-based ways of dealing with children’s emotional issues.

So if you are a parent and you’re having problems with your child, either behaviorally Can you outline the book? or emotionally, and your doctor Aside from a comprehensive review of the prescribes a drug and says it’s research that has been conducted on the going to help, how do you combat advocacy of the antipsychotic drugs with that when a parent doesn’t have children, it highlights the ways in which they a psychological training? can be harmful. It also looks at the role of the pharmaceutical industry, which funds its own research and spends billions of dollars 6

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

Well, not only do they tell you, “I’ll give you this pill and your child will behave better or will feel better,” they say that the child has a

serious medical condition and needs this drug. It’s a frightening message for parents. It’s similar to your child having severe asthma, and the pediatrician saying that they need an inhalant medication or they may not breathe. Not only might a parent feel relieved that now there’s a solution to the problem, but they may feel that it would be bad parenting to ignore the doctor’s advice.

The truth is that when a parent goes to a doctor or psychiatrist, they should be able to trust their advice. A parent shouldn’t have to be all things. But, unfortunately, because of the ways in which these questionable diagnoses are being applied and because of the ways in which psychiatric drugs are being misused, parents aren’t aware.

They fall prey to this message.

I think the first line of combatting this message is through knowledge. The reason for this book was to get really solid research into the hands of parents and mental health professionals, who may not be as well informed as they should be.

They, too, fall prey to the message of the pharmaceutical industry with their intense pressure and advertising.

The first way to turn this around is to give parents information about the lack of rigor in the research that these drug therapies are based on. Then at the same time, give them hope that there are other therapies available, and that, as parents, they’re more capable and more powerful in children’s lives than they realize. I want parents to know what they can and to be aware of safe and appropriate therapies that are available to their children.

What are some of the most commonly over-prescribed drugs?

The first would be the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD, the second would be the antidepressants and then antipsychotics, which are referred to as “mood stabilizers.”

It’s important for parents to know that “mood stabilizers” are really anticonvulsants. They’re drugs that were designed to treat patients with epilepsy, and now, they’re basically renamed, reformatted and re-marketed as mood stabilizers. A lot of the time these categories are given in conjunction with each other in what’s called a drug cocktail.

The only medicine for suffering, crime, and all the other woes of mankind, is wisdom. Thomas Huxley

to excess, makes you jittery, makes it hard for you to fall asleep at night, and that you can actually become manic.

So now the child is exhibiting manic behavior, and the parent takes the child back to the pediatrician who now says that maybe this child has bipolar disorder.

The pediatrician or psychiatrist then says to start them on an antipsychotic, but the antipsychotics have their own adverse effects. Maybe they give the child nightmares or maybe it makes them lethargic, so now the pediatrician adds in an antidepressant.

25 percent of all college freshman arrive to college already on psychiatric medications.

The typical scenario is that the child is acting up; they’re squirming, having trouble paying attention or difficulty sitting still.

Maybe they really do have an issue beyond what is typical of a child, but there could be a thousand reasons as to why. Maybe there are difficulties at home or something is off in their diet. I could create a very long list.

Then a diagnosis is given and the child is prescribed a stimulant. So, two things happen: the prescribed stimulant doesn’t work because that’s not really the problem – whatever is making the child inattentive or impulsive is still there, so they then up the level of the prescription.

Now the child is on a drug that they didn’t need in the first instance, on top of it being an over-prescribed dosage. It’s very well documented that any type of stimulant,

You start with a fidgety child who is diagnosed with ADHD, who is now perceived as bipolar and hallucinating, and then possibly becomes dangerously depressed.

What you have is an iatrogenic process, where the drug that wasn’t really necessary to begin with is prescribed at a very high dose and creates side effects. Then it’s treated with more medication, so the diagnosis becomes more and more serious.

That is why children starting with one medication turn into children with several medications and a problem that could have easily been addressed is turned into a chronic psychiatric illness.

I know I’m painting a very scary scenario, but it’s a scenario that’s happening all across the country. For example, 25 percent of college freshman arrive to college already on psychiatric medication. This changing the way we raise our children, changing the health of their brains and changing who they fundamentally are.

How can you stop it before it gets to that level?

For parents, trust that the child’s emotions are part of their communication and not psychiatric symptoms. Children’s emotions tend to be intense and, by definition, they have poor impulse control. That’s why they need parents.

A wise man learns by the mistakes of others, a fool by his own. Latin Proverb

The first line of approach is to try to understand what the child is trying to communicate. If you listen to your child, you can probably figure it out and address what’s making them upset. Maybe they’re sad because they’re being bullied and you need to talk to the teacher or maybe it’s because a sibling is going off to college.

Whatever it is, trust that you can probably address it, and if the emotions are too big or too overwhelming for you to fully understand, don’t assume that the first person you need to talk to is a psychiatrist.

Make the choice to see a non-MD therapist whose first tendency is not to say that your child has a brain disorder, here’s a pill. Take them to see a licensed psychologist or a licensed social worker or counselor.

Number is two is to not assume you have to see a psychiatrist just because your child’s problems are bigger than what you can handle. Know that you have other options that are non-drug options. Try to understand together with that professional how you can support that child. Maybe there’s something in their environment you need to address, or maybe you need to spend more time with them, or maybe it’s the way they’re forming friendships.

As a community, we’ve been drilled that a lot of problems are due to a chemical imbalance, but in reality, you have to realize that there are environmental issues that can affect them.

Absolutely, and there are a lot of stresses in children’s lives. Take the standardized testing movement. The pace of learning and the pressure for getting kids to do well on a standardized test isn’t developmentally sensitive, so some kids are going to cope, and some kids are going to get depressed.

At four and five, they should be playing and being creative, but instead they’re learning to read and do math. That alone could be stressful enough to create anxiety in a child. Environment is a key issue in what can affect a child. We have to think about the emotional, educational and physical environment that our child is in. Mainly, for parents, don’t panic when there is an issue and do your research before you give a pill.

Sharna Olfman is professor of clinical and developmental psychology at Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA, and a clinical psychologist in private practice. She has written and lectured widely on the subjects of children’s mental health and parenting.

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

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Welcome

to the world of Flourish

The New Year has finally arrived, just as we are getting back into the swing of things after some much-needed family time and celebrating. It is that time of year to reflect on the past and resolve to make changes that will increase your happiness in the coming year. Whether you have made resolutions or not, we, at Flourish, will continue to strive to bring you ways which help you flourish in your own lives. So in the spirit of wishing you a Happy New Year, I thought to open this issue with a few of my favorite quotes on what happiness represents...

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. – Mother Teresa Be not afraid of growing slowly: be afraid only of standing still. – Chinese Proverb Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get. – W.P. Kinsella Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more and good things will be yours. – Swedish Proverb Happiness means ice cream before dinner.

– My daughter And in the words of Tennyson, “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier...’”

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

CO-PUBLISHER Lauren Douglass CO-PUBLISHER Marc Douglass COPY EDITOR Daniel Sutphin ART DIRECTOR Daniel Tidbury GRAPHIC DESIGN Daniel Tidbury Lisa Torres Jane Dominguez PROMOTIONS Amanda Liles Karen Jones Hilah Driggers AnnMarie DeFeo ACCOUNTING Lynsey Parrish CIRCULATION Eddy Falla SPECIAL PROJECTS Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sutphin ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shane Howell (shane@whpinc.com) ADVERTISING & SALES Shane Howell Bryan Porter Matt Frey

CEO www.gatorcountry.com Raymond Hines III COO Bernadette King

Lauren Douglass

CFO Raymond Hines, Jr MANAGING EDITOR Mike Capshaw STAFF WRITERS Andrew Spivey David Shepherd Dan Thompson Phillip Heilman

As always, we love hearing from you.

So send us a note at mail@whpinc.com

REPORTERS Drew Laing Max Mattern Elizabeth Rhodes PHOTOGRAPHERS Saj Guevara Jack Lewis

What’s Inside…

5 Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep 6 Stop Drugging Our Children 8 Beauty Careers are on the Rise 10 Juice Juice Juice!

12 Eating Like a Caveman with the New Paleo Diet 14 Bruised Inside

16 Dear Teacher 18 Getting Your Perfect Shape 19 Taking the Plunge 20 Bonnie Blossman of Big Rich Texas 22 Spring Beauty 24 Making Everyday Moments Count 25 No Apology Needed

26 Ask Dr. Brothers 28 One Week to Go Green 30 House to Home 32 January Fashion 34 Downtime De-Stressing 35 Tip of the Month: No More Paint Mess 36 New Year Gadgets 38 January Events

Flourish Magazine is brought to you by Gator Country Multimedia, Inc. and What’s Happening Publications, Inc. For advertising opportunities, please contact us at 352-371-5881 or sales@whpinc.com.

Magazine subscriptions are available at www.gatorcountry.com For subsciption related questions or concerns, please call (800) 601-4623 or email folks@gatorcountry.com

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Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something. Henry Ford

By

.B ta K Ani

h oot

Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep

l of According to the Journa rcent Clinical Psychology, 45 pe ke of Americans typically ma ter New Year’s resolutions. Af rcent six months, some 46 pe have maintained their ’s end, resolutions. But by year , that figure, unfortunately drops to 8 percent.* Sure, you want to drop a few pounds, get organized, be or stay fit and healthy and therefore resolve to do so. But if your intentions were easy, wouldn’t the collective success rate be higher?

Propose, instead, to replace worn out, self-defeating, unattainable resolutions with truly achievable, gratifying and positive resolutions – i.e., make resolutions you’ll want to keep.

Arrange “You” Time You manage to take time for all and then sadly realize little or none is left for you.

You see to your family’s agenda, adhere to a work schedule, plan errands and keep appointments. If an emergency arises you make time to handle it.

This year resolve to allot personal time by literally scheduling it into your agenda.

Fill it with behaviors that fulfill and enrich personal needs. Even if you can’t arrange an entire day for yourself, aim for an afternoon or, at least, several quality hours.

Take A Vacation

Meet New Friends Want to meet like-minded individuals or make new friends? Broaden your social boundaries with a myriad of groups, gatherings and clubs that can be found at meetup.com. Simply plug in your zip code and check out what’s happening in your area. Meetup’s sidebar categorizes its list of activities where new friendships and experiences are just a click away!

Learn Something New Taking a class doesn’t mean you have to return to school or its rigorous schedules.

Many night classes, adult education courses or community workshops are available at local colleges, high schools, libraries or civic centers – all of which offer a variety of subjects with assorted time frames.

If you don’t want to leave home, investigate: coursera.org which espouses: “Take the World’s Best Courses, Online, For Free.” Or, visit openculture.com for even more options.

These sites offer online curricula from major, well-known universities and are supportive of every educational level. The subject matter choices are eclectic and vary in length and intensity; many of them issue certification upon completion.

The wisdom of nations lies in their proverbs, which are brief and pithy. William Penn

You think about taking a vacation but discard the idea because you can’t afford it or, simply, are opposed to paying for your holiday long after its thrill is gone. However, you can have that vacation one year from now if you determine where you want to travel to and how much it will affect you financially.

Factor what your vacation costs will be then generate ways to earn extra income – or methods to economize – so your vacation is paid for before you leave, versus financial stress after you return.

Give Back What greater gift do we have than giving back to our community and those who support us?

Do so by volunteering at local shelters, the Humane Society, schools, law enforcement offices, visitor centers, a personal spiritual center or church – the list is practically endless. Giving of your time and talent is as rewarding for you as it is necessary for the organization receiving it.

These suggestions are merely the tip of the “New Year’s Resolution” iceberg. Select all or some – even fashion your own! But if, in fact, you do decide to join the 45 percent of the population that proposes to resolve to change, opt for achievable, gratifying resolutions that you’ll want to keep!

Flourish Magazine | Jan/2013

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Flourish M a g a z i n e

Bruised Inside Stop The Bully

Big Rich Texas

Lynelle

Chatting with Bonnie Blossman

Lynch

how beauty can change your life

Alternatives to Over-Drugging Our Children

North Florida january 2013 Volume 1 Issue 5 www.MYFLOURISHMAGAZINE.COM

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