Carolina12 Summer Edition by wayne street

SUMMER 09

Living Green C12 HOT LIST Famous Hairstyles

+PLUS BAR EXAM HAPPY HOURS NIGHTSIGHTS MEET THE CHEF

Entertainment Lifestyle Fashion www.C12Magazine.com | 1

E E R

CAROLINA12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Is your business having trouble keeping up with the latest cell phone technologies? Then you need to call CellMates (727)-938-7378

Yeah, I just got it.

39020 US Highway 19 North Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 2 | December www.C12Magazine.com 2008 (727) 938-7378 www.carolina12.com

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CONTENTS

9 Free Music Videos

See how you can update your music video library.

11 The Hot List

See what some of the hottest items on the market are.

12 Bar Exam

Not all bars are equal. See if your favorite bar made the grade.

20 Hairstyles

Look like a celebrity this summer.

21 BMW X6

Test drive the new Beemer.

22 Local Beauty of the Month Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true what they say about southern women.

26 NightSights 27 Um Um Good

One of Raleighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest restaurants.

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CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

can’t believe that it’s summer 2009. It seems like just yesterday that we were counting down to 2000 and anxious about the Millennium bug! That seems so minor compared to all the events that have happened over the years, not just in the USA and the world, but right here in Raleigh. Be grateful, people, be grateful. Althgouh the temps have been cooler than normal and we have had a little more rain than ususal this spring, I’m really looking forward to this summer. I am sure many of you feel the same way, and if you’re like me, then you’ll be beach bound at some point this summer. . Regards,

Wayne Street

Wayne Street Editor-in-Chief

On The Cover: Model: Darien Photo By: Rsellos Photography

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12 Search

Carolina Cover Model

Carolina Magazine 12 Wayne Street

Publisher / Editor-In-Chief CONTACTS:

VOLUME 2 NO. 1 Summer 2009

GENERAL info@carolina12.com MODELING models@carolina12.com CONTENT submit@carolina12.com ADVERTISE advertise@carolina12.com EVENTS events@carolina12.com JOBS jobs@carolina12.com PRODUCTS products@carolina12.com INTERNSHIPS internships@carolina12.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Mike Doplemore DIRECTORS

Business Development Paul Samuels

You could be one of our next models. Sign up @ carolina12.com

CONTRIBUTORS Benjamin Kraudel ADVERTISING SALES Mike Doplemore 919-810-9097 advertise@carolina12.com PHOTOGRAPHY Russell Sellos GRAPHIC DESIGN Wayne Street Mike Doplemore MAILING ADDRESS 514 Daniels St. Suite 151 Raleigh, NC 27605

Carolina12 Magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material will become the property of the magazine and will be subject to editing.

CONTEST: $50prize In each issue we’ll either run a fake advertisement for a bogus business, product or service, or we’ll hide our C12 logo somewhere in the magazine. It’s up to you to find the right [or is it wrong?] ad or the hidden C12 logo. Once you’ve found the item, visit Carolina12.com and enter the contest. Winners get a $50 gift certificate for one of our sponsors or advertisers.

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s ’ t a h w up this summer! Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek 8/6/09 – Cold play 8/8/09 – Lil Wayne 8/23/09 – Crue Fest 2 8/30/09 – Kenny Chesney All Summer long (Thursdays) - Beach Music at North Hills Shopping Center

All Summer long (Saturdays) Bud Light Downtown Live – Moore Square Downtown Raleigh 6/27/09 - 7/18/09 - Jersey Boys at the Raleigh Convention Center 7/30/09 - 8/2/09 Jon Lovitz at Goodnight’s Comedy Club 8/15/09 - Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival at the Kooka Booth Amphitheatre Until September 6, 2009 - Durham Bulls baseball games at the Durham Athletic Park

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SHOULD YOU GO GREEN?

“Green jobs are the jobs of the future, not just because they pay well and can’t be outsourced. And not just because they’ll help strengthen our economy and lift up our middle class. But because they’ll help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and save this planet for our children,” President Barack Obama

Looking Good While Living Green By Taundra White

oncerns over our planet’s health have long been an issue for a select few; however in recent years more individuals are seeking ways in which they can contribute to the health and care of our planet. Whether learning about renewable energy or sustainable threads like cotton, peace silk, hemp or bamboo, taking the time to become educated on ways to improve our planet very well should be a collective effort. The choice to use these biodegradable products is better for you and the planet’s health. The personal care and cosmetics industry is a billion dollar industry and thus far the environmental report card for the industry has been less than desirable. Many popular cosmetic companies carry chemically laden products which can harm your health and the environment. Many aspects of the business are of concern for environmental health advocates. Let’s take a look at the concerns that top the list. Ingredients such as mercury, formaldehyde, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), and petroleum, to name a few, have all been linked to personal health defects ranging from skin rashes to cancer. The manufacturing of plastic packaging and the use of virgin paper greatly affect the air quality and our water supply. The good news is that there are a few eco-conscious brands which have been serving green-minded consumers for decades! In recent years, more cosmetic companies are beginning to follow the planet-friendly lead of the few. There are companies which support renewable energy and forest restoration projects, companies that donate monies to AIDS awareness and breast cancer awareness, and companies which offer recycling programs. These practices

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represent great strides; however, the bigger problem lies in the production of the packaging. Production of cosmetics and their plastic packaging causes a tremendous amount of toxic air emissions through the use of coal, coloring agents, gas, heavy metal based stabilizers, and the refining of the petroleum. Companies that offer organic, naturally based products are simply better for us and our environment. Due to their pure attributes, mineral and organic cosmetics are environmentally friendly because potentially harmful additives are not used in the manufacturing process. These companies are not dependent on nonrenewable resources such as petroleum. Buyers beware! Just because a company claims to carry mineral or natural products does not mean that the products are 100 percent pure. Talc, bismuth oxychloride, parabens, synthetic dyes, and titanium dioxide are a few harmful ingredients which can be found in some products that claim to be mineral or 100 percent organic. Doing your research is going to be your best defense against toxic cosmetics. Here are a couple of tips to help you in shopping for green cosmetics: - Research your current cosmetic company to get their green report. In my research I found companies which offer completely biodegradable lipstick lines as well as 100 percent organic, active ingredients and completely recycled packaging. -Avoid lots of packaging—organic makeup that requires several layers of packaging isn’t very green.

By: Chris Snow

usic has become an integral part of our lives. Whatever the occasion, music can add a different dimension to it. Whether you are driving alone on a long stretch, partying, or simply relaxing, music can be your perfect partner. Music videos go one step ahead of the conventional CDs in that they also play to our optical senses. This gives us a more complete experience, since you now have a person who is performing in front of you rather than just a voice playing back. There are plenty of options available in music videos. You can choose available titles from VCDs and DVDs. However, thanks to the Internet, you can now access music videos online as well. To top it off, if you love music, but don’t like spending a lot of money on CD’s or fee-based music download sites, you also have an option of accessing a music download service that offers you free music videos! These free music videos could be a trailer to a new release or a complete song. Nowadays, even the record companies are uploading the videos of their artists to promote the CD sales. These include the sites from the Big Five (i.e.) Sony, EMI, BMG, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. However, there are also

regular sites like yahoo (http://music.yahoo.com), msn (http:// music.msn.com) or http://music.aol.com etc. that offer free music videos on demand. Most of these sites are very well organized and make your quest for a particular song easy. You can search by the name of the artist, the name of the album, the genre of the music or even top 100 music videos! The sites also have a ’help’ section, so if you are experiencing any problems with your search or any other technical difficulty, you have all the answers at the click of your mouse. The sites also let you download the latest playback software for free. There are also other sites like http://www.findvideos.com or http://www.artistdirect.com that compile music from various providers and make it accessible on their websites. These sites have titles from almost all the artists, covering all the genres. Whether you are looking at checking out songs or albums before you actually purchase it or you need to play back some good music while you are surfing, there are plenty of free music video sites for you to enjoy. So, play on!

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The Music Corner

The World Of Free Music Videos

CAROLINA12’S WING MAN

> COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION

DOP’s TOP 5 Unexpected Gift Ideas

DINNER AT SECOND EMPIRE Located in The Historic Dodd-Hinsdale building, a dinner here really says a lot for your relationship. This is a classy place with great food, awesome service, and award winning wine cellar, You’re in for a great experience.

COCKTAILS

by the blackflower

CRAFT YOUR OWN COCKTAIL Cocktail Provided By: The Black Flower

Conversation Starters: Ever have trouble getting a conversation started with complete strangers or with the guy/girl that you’ve had your eye on the whole time at the party. Well here are a few fun questions that you can use to get to know people just a little bit better.

1. 2.

Blackflower Martini

2 oz. Patron XO 1 oz. Chambore (shaken) Splash of Soda water No one seems to know for sure how or when the Martini was created. It had to be sometime between the years 1862 and 1876. The exact ingredients have varied over the years. There is no idea when the olive came to be in a Martini. The first item in a Martini was a cherry.

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THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART Take advantage of an early date and avoid the dinner rush. You and your date can go here for lunch and explore the art exhibits at your leisure.

Do you prefer baths or showers? Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight? 3. Have you ever been in a food fight? 4. Have you ever taken a picture in one of those little booths? 5. Have you ever taken dance lessons? 6. If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be? 7. Describe something that’s happened to you for which you have no explanation. 8. What’s the best bargain you’ve ever found at a garage sale or thrift store? 9. If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be? 10. Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics. (Better yet, sing them.)

HIS AND HER SPA TREATMENTS Here’s something a little different, a his and her spa day can bring you both together in a sensual way. You can never go wrong with a romantic couples day.

HOME COOKED DINNER You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your mate how much you care. Some people just like the fact that you put some thought into the quality time you’re spending with them. You can go online and find several sites that can give you dinner ideas and help you plan an affordable, romantic dinner.

HOMEMADE GIFT CARD You can make your date a homemade gift card that gives them something cool like a one hour message, or a home cooked meal, or maybe maid service for a day. Something that doesn’t cost you anything but can be fun and playful.

CAROLINA12’S HOT LIST HOT LIST

1. Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro The new MacBook Pro is the latest and greatest in design and technology, not to mention it being the worlds thinnest and lightest 17 notebook. It has a solid unibody aluminum constructions making it extremely durable. One of them most interesting new features is the 8 hours of battery life with up to 1000 charges. Some other upgrade include a 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 320GB hard drive, a 2.93GHz Core 2 Duo Processor. And the hits just keep on coming.

2. Kodak Zx1 Labeled as the Flip killer, this pocket-friendly, weatherresistant digital camera captures 720p HD video (at 60 or 30 fps) with the ability to edit the footage and upload it to YouTube. The Zx1 has an SD/SDHC slot for memory cards up to 32GB, with an onboard HDMI connection, and a 2-inch LCD screen. The Zx1 will come in five colors.

3. WarBeast Wireless PS3 Guitar As much fun as it is to play Guitar Hero or Rock Band, you have to admit that the provide equipment is basic at best. With the WarBeast you actually get an authentic looking guitar with cool features like a dedicated “Star Power” button and an extended strum bar. With removable face plates this guitar will allow you to customize it the way you want. Oh it’s on! 4. Wine Enthusiast Wine Tasting & Aroma Kit Have you ever wondered how professional wine tasters can identify all the different tastes and aromas of all the different kinds of wine? Well, with this tasting kit you can be just like a pro. Included in the kit are several essence coasters used to identify specific wine tastes, 36 vials of common aromas with cards with the description of wines they represent. Also included in the kit are 2 tasting glasses and instructions on how to use everything.

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5. Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 The iMac has some competition. The A600 is a slim all-in-one PC with a 21.5 inch, 16:9 HD screen. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, upgradable to 4GB of DDR3 memory and up to a 1TB of hard drive storage, a built in speaker system with sub woofer, make this an attractive investment. Some other cool features are built in Wi-Fi, a 6-in-1 media card reader, and VeriFace facial recognition software for logging in.

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meet a

CAROLINA12’S ENTERTAINMENT

local

> BAR EXAM

Jamie > Best thing about your job? Being able to be a part of a brand new concept on Glenwood South. The Flower isn’t just a fun place to drink and hear great music. It’s designed to be a promotional tool for local artists, musicians, dancers, photographers, business owners, and anybody else in town that has an idea or a gift to share.

By: Mike Doplemore

Mosquito

hen you step into Mosquito Lounge it’s almost like you’ve been transported across the Atlantic to some hot spot in the French Riviera. The atmosphere is amazing, the music is Worldly diverse from house to hip hop to Ma range and everything in between. There’s no smoking in the lounge but if you can’t kick the nicotine fit then you can always visit the outdoor patio area to fire up that cancer stick. You’ll find some of Raleigh’s most experienced bartenders ready to serve you a tasty drink from their well stocked bar. Ask Dave to surprise you with one of his favorites concoctions. Located in the heart of the Warehouse district, this trendy lounge is never dull and is full of some of Raleigh’s hottest singles. My favorite night is Saturday, but don’t get there late because there will be a line full of sexy people, from a diverse background, waiting to get in.

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Here’s How We Graded Them: Lounge/Club Atmosphere....A Service...........B Bartenders......A+ Bouncers.........A Drink Specials..C Music..............A Location..........B BAR GPA - 3.6

311 S Harrington St Raleigh, NC 27603-1817 (919) 829-3676

> What do you love about the Raleigh area? Raleigh is this crazy little microcosm of a melting pot. People are flowing in here from EVERYWHERE, so the demographic has diverse interests and expectations. It’s a city with a rich history that is experiencing a social and cultural boom, and I love the fact that the Flower is doing it’s little part. > Favorite local restaurant or cafe? The irregardless is AWESOME. And I love the little dissertation about how “irregardless” isn’t a word. And I like Brooklyn Heights when I wanna hang out and drink, and Haven when I wanna rage out and drink. I don’t like leaving the block. I grocery shop at Mojoe’s. > If you could change one thing about our area, what would it be? I would try to change the minds of all the people that think a bar isn’t cool unless you can’t hear each other talk or walk around freely. We’re busy 5 or 6 nights a week, no joke, but never so busy that you can’t move. People need to realize that it’s OK to be seen at a bar where you can have a conversation with the person next to you without use of a megaphone. That, and if Raleigh wants their downtown area to blow up, they need to get better public transportation so people can live in the city without having to get in their car to get a loaf of bread. > Single or taken? Probably the worst question anybody could have asked me... Can I answer, “I have no idea, so if anybody can find out for me, please send me an email with the proper ‘yes’ or ‘no...’” Is that good enough? > Favorite drink? When I was young, rich, and working for somebody else, single malt scotch. Now that I’m old, broke, and working for myself, Dewar’s and soda.

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CAROLINA12’S ADULT LIFE

> Culture

Need A Break?

o, you’ve finally obtained a template for a great doctor’s note. To this point you’re on the right track to getting out of school or work without consequence. However, to make the act official and untraceable, the template must be flawless. Also, there can’t be a hint of foul play whatsoever, or your cover may get blown and you could wind up being in deeper trouble than what you would’ve been. What Makes a Good Fake Doctor’s Note Template A doctor’s note isn’t necessarily hard to duplicate. The real trouble comes in making it look authentic. Obtaining the fake doctor’s note is the first step. This is most commonly comes as a result of finding a template from the Internet, or even scanning one from a scanner. Whatever the method, there is much more work to be done after obtaining the said note. The optimal fake doctor’s note will already have the doctor’s signature on it. If there isn’t a doctor’s signature, then there is some extra work to do. Try to find someone with a sloppy sense of handwriting to sign the note. It is recommended that signing it yourself not be an option- since the style of writing can easily be traced back to you with modern techniques. After the signature problem is sorted, there comes the problem of making the note look official. The template should have a logo, slogan, or other type of company memorabilia imprinted on it. This makes the note seem well designed and pristine something only a doctor’s office would have. Anyone can write out a simple form with Notepad, and expect suspicion to be arisen if this is the case. To counteract this fact, find a good logo and related company

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By: Wayne Street

branding information. This can commonly be found on samples and real examples from actual doctor’s notes. Notes on Legitimacy with Fake Doctor’s Notes The perfect fake doctor’s note will be verifiable. This means that a workplace or school can call the number listed on the note, and actually get a real human being on the phone. To get around the problem of having a school or workplace talking to a doctor’s office you never got a note from, there are several things that can be done. First, you could setup an answering machine on a phone number you have access to. You can record a personal message that sounds like a secretary’s message to calling customers. It may say that the office is closed due to holiday, for instance. Optionally, you could leave the phone off the hook so that it appears busy to the school or workplace. If you are indeed confident in the ability of a friend or family member, one could mock a doctor’s voice and take the call. This is the best option to ease suspicious, but it could easily prove to be a mistake if things take a turn for the worst. Final Notes on Fake Doctor’s Notes and Templates The perfect template for a fake doctor’s note will come from hard work and determination. Don’t expect to hand in a simple piece of paper with some scribbling on it and get away with a free day off work or school. Instead, put thought into the actions you take so that your tracks are covered. Because in the end, the alternative is getting found out and that will lead to more trouble than you’re probably prepared for.

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Darien By: Mike Doplemore

ush Photos By: Rsellos Photography

y sit down with Darien was full of surprises to say the least. Just looking at her the first thing you think is that she is absolutely gorgeous, but when you meet her and actually talk to her, you’re in for a big surprise. She’s straight forward and doesn’t like to keep secrets, a what you see is what you get kind of girl. She’s also a former competitive Gymnast who had dreams of an Olympic invitation. At the young age of 19 this brunette beauty has lived in several states and abroad with a 3 year stint in Paris. By the way, she’s also fluent in French. She has brains and beauty, so I spent a little time with Darien and got an even deeper understanding of her.

Mike: You know everyone wants to know, Are you single? Darien: Newly single. Mike: What are you studying in school? Darien: Pre-med. I want to be a doctor. Mike: Pretty impressive! What made you quit gymnastics? Darien: I got injured and I got bored with it and it started taking up to much of my time. I would have had make a serious commitment. Mike: Do you miss it at all? Darien: No I have no regrets. Mike: What are you attracted to in the opposite sex? Darien: Lots of things, nice smile, intelligence and a good personality.

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CAROLINA12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STYLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;N

he upcoming New Year for many people calls for a new hairstyle. With 2009 so close at hand, various hairstyles will be reflecting the sexy, sophisticated looks that were prevalent in the 1940s. For example, kinking was a huge fashion trend back then, and we will be seeing more and more of that in the New Year. Most of the latest hairstyles are the variations of old favorites from the 1960s as well, and back combing is a big trend from that time period that will be seeing a comeback. Women are not the only ones who look for a new hairstyle with the New Year. A person can have a unique look with the right hairstyle, and a new hairstyle for 2009 should be fun, free, and reflective of times gone by, as well. The 1960s and the 1940s will see many of the hairstyle trends return for the New Year. Kinks in the hair as well as back combing will make any hairstyle appear smooth and voluminous. There are popular trends for short hair, medium hair, and long hair. Although the stunning colors like fuscia and lime green fade into last year, the new colors for a great hairstyle this year are red and copper browns. Men and women both always open themselves up to a new and trendy outlook by trying a different hairstyle. A great hairstyle for men includes anything that reflects a tactfully cared for mess. The messy look is the way to go, which for the most part includes longer locks or hair that is short all around and longer and messy on top. Today the popularity of new hairstyles, short haircuts and long hairstyles is increasing in the fashion world. Some of the most popular new hairstyles for men are buzz cut, spears, spikes, messy cut, butch cut, crew cut, league cut, medium fade, low fade, shag, graduation, short taper and bald. Bald is considered to be the most outstanding trend these days.

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Photo by About.com

Photo by world-haircuts.blogspot.com

A 2009 Hairstyle to Make You Look Like a Celebrity

Modern men are more conscious about wearing a fancy look and an outstanding hairstyle than in some of the past years, when mens hairstyle trends seemed to be stuck in short and neatly combed looks. In the last few years short hairstyles for women have also become popular because many of the celebrities have switched over to short hair dos. There is a huge selection of short new hairstyles for women to fit every personality. The bob cut, choppy crop, textured bob, pixie cut, blunt bob, curl bob and short shag are the most popular among them. Long hair is a hairstyle that has changed slightly, but in the long run, any long hair looks great as long as it looks healthy. Longer, sweeping bangs or well defined short bangs are back in style after a decade away. Soft wavy locks and light layers are in, while crispy, crunchy, over done curls are not the way to go this year. A long hairstyle that is swept up in a loose ponytail will be one of the most popular looks for 2009. Not only men and women are concerned about a hairstyle that fits in with the fashion world. Kids are also excited and conscious about new looks and new styles. Parents prefer a short haircut for kids because they are very active and their hairstyle should not hamper their fun time. Once when kids reach their teens they grow out more towards the fashion trends. They try to copy styles and looks of celebrities and other famous personalities. Today spikes and crew cuts are most popular for young boys. Young girls prefer more of shoulder length hair or tight ponytails. Many celebrities are wearing a hairstyle that suits both their facial features and their personality, and if you are looking for a long style with kinks and waves or a short style with a quiff, 2009 will be the year for your hairstyle to shine.

CAROLINA12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TEST DRIVE

2009 BMW X6: Buy One and Get Lucky By: Edmunds.com

Statistics: Vehicle Type: 4 Door Sports SUV Engine Type: xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6A) $55,900 xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) $66,650 Engine Type Gas I6 Displacement 3.0L/182 Fuel System - TBD SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 300 @ 5800 SAE Net Torque @ RPM 300 @ 1400-5000

ntroduced for 2008, the current BMW X6 comes in two trim levels: xDrive 35i and xDrive50i. The xDrive35i features a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and comes standard with such luxuries as leather upholstery, power front seats and premium audio. The xDrive50i ups the ante with a turbocharged V8 and even more in the way of interior accoutrements. As with most BMWs, the options list is both extensive and pricey. The X6 certainly impresses in the powertrain department. The xDrive35i's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 pumps out a frisky 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, while the xDrive50i's 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 bristles with 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. All X6 models are equipped with all-wheel drive and a trick torque distribution system called Dynamic Performance Control. This system apportions varying amounts of power to each wheel in order to maintain optimal traction and directional stability. The X6's styling isn't for everyone, but it manages to set itself apart with the fastback roof line, huge wheels and other sporty styling cues. Inside, the BMW X6 boasts

comfortable seats, an excellent driving position and high-quality materials, though the control layout can be befuddling. Rear dimensions are compromised, but two adults will be happy in back -- provided they aren't unusually long of torso. Cargo capacity, while adequate, is considerably below average for the midsize crossover SUV segment. In performance testing, our editors appreciated the X6's sprightly performance, especially in xDrive50i trim. BMW says this V8-powered model should accelerate from zero to 60 in 5.3 seconds, and while that may be slightly optimistic, there's no doubt that this is among the fleetest SUVs on the market. The V8's throaty exhaust burble belies its sophisticated turbocharged character, and in either trim, the X6 handles extraordinarily well for such a tall and heavy vehicle. The BMW X6 makes sense for wellheeled buyers who want an SUV but care more about looks and performance than utility. However, such buyers will need to be undeterred by the fact that the X5 offers most of the X6's performance as well as far greater utility for thousands of dollars less. Copyright Edmunds.com, Inc. All rights reserved. First published on www.edmunds.com and reprinted with permission. Edmunds and the Edmunds.com car logo are proprietary trademarks of Edmunds.

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BeBe

Age: 24 Hometown: Greenville, SC Height: 5’3” Status: Single Modeling Experience: Music Videos, Local Magazines, Many websites……. Career Ambitions: To be in a National Magazine (Victoria’s Secret) Dream Job: TV Host Dream Car: Aston Martin Tattoos: 3 Piercings: Ears Favorites Movie: Shawshank Redemption Actor/Actress: Morgan Freeman/Ashley Judd Music: Livewireempire.com Musician: Livewireempire.com TV Show: Too busy! Comedian: Katt Williams College Team: Clemson Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Restaurant: Maggiano’s Food: Italian Drink: Fiji Water Alcoholic Drink: Ciroc Vodka and Red Bull

NOW HIRING!

Are you looking for an exciting career? Well, Carolina12 is hiring Account Executives to sell ads in our magazine. We offer great pay in the ever changing entertainment/fashion industry.

Photograph by KentDStudios Kent Weir

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>> THREADS

CAROLINA12’S Conversation

Happy Hours >>

he last time we found ourselves here we were discussing places that are staples in Raleigh. I promised those of you more interested in the hip and new that I would provide places to go that are newer, hipper and more like being at the club, hollah. I lied… sort of. I am going to tell you about three places in Raleigh which are, in fact, new, trendy and hip. It just so happens that if there are fly honeys there, it’s incidental, as I am more interested in the food and, of course, the drinks.

By Benjamin Kraudel

So, you say, “Hey Ben, I’m looking for a place to have lunch or dinner, that’s moderately priced but also newer and cooler than the places to which everyone has already been.” First, I compliment your grammar, which is impeccable. Next, I point you towards Dos Taquitos Centro on Wilmington Street downtown. For starters, because it’s where I always start, the bar is fantastic. It’s got only a couple of seats, a laid back appearance, and a fantastic liquor selection, especially if you’re a fan of tequila. This is great if you’re just looking for a place to grab a quick highball on your lunch break or to start a nice relaxing evening. The menu is light but precise, giving you a couple of options to choose from, but providing you with a good range of Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is cool and it’s the kind of place that you feel belongs in a bigger, trendier city. It’s the sort of place that the moment I walked in I went, “Yeah, I belong here, because I’m this cool.” There is a bare bones wait staff and the place is popular enough that you might have to send a scout ahead to grab a table, but the price is right and if you are like me and want to enjoy bourbon with your tacos, you’ll feel right at home.

going to read this: Sitti. Alright, fine, go ahead and tell people. Sitti (pronounced se-thē), coincidentally also on Wilmington Street, is a new Lebanese restaurant which opened in November and has got one of the hippest feels downtown. The food is fantastic, fairly priced and something new and different for a lot of you. Sure, you may have had Middle Eastern cuisine before, but I would bet few of you have sat and eaten your Kibbee Mikli (a ground beef and lamb dumpling) in digs this nice. If you are vegetarian or just happen to know a couple, the menu is going to be like coming home, though if you, like me, enjoy your omnivore status, you’re not going to feel left out. The space, however, is the key. The entire front of the restaurant is windowed directly onto the street and it feels open and comfortable. There is dining space downstairs, available for private parties, as well as plans for courtyard seating. The entire place feels new and hip and cool and the staff is friendly and seem incredibly happy just to be there. Walking up to the bar, I think to myself, “Yeah, I can act like I belong here, and pretend to be this cool.” There are few things that put a glint in my eye quite as well as fully stocked bars, and here Sitti is not lacking. I tried a vodka beverage called Jallab, which includes syrup made from molasses, dates and rosewater. It was different and interesting and altogether enjoyable. If you’re not up for anything new, they’ve got a great beer and wine list, including middle-eastern and Lebanese ventures, but old favorites are available as well. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced but absolutely delicious dining experience, Sitti is where you want to go. I predict this place will soon be a staple of the Raleigh culinary scene.

Again, you come seeking my wisdom and guidance, “But Ben,” you say, “I’ve got Christmas money from my Grandmother and I want to take a girl out someplace new and cool and different and perhaps she will like me for knowing what’s cool -- isn’t that how you get the ladies?” And I answer, “Yes. That is precisely how I get the ladies, but without the Grandma money.” So I share with you this secret, and you must swear to tell no one other than the 30,000 or so people who are

“Um, Ben,” you say, “If you’re talking about new and hip places in Raleigh, I’m pretty sure I know one you’ve left out…” I suppose you’re right, but the amazing thing is the amount of stuff you don’t know about the newest and coolest place on Glenwood South, Solas. I’m sure everyone has heard what an awesome club is Solas. And whoever said it is right, it is. The second floor has got a great bar and an awesome dance floor, and the rooftop bar is a beautiful place to enjoy

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Raleigh’s skyline. What you may not realize is the second floor is available for more than just getting your bump on. Both the second and third rooftop bar floor are available for private parties, wedding receptions, or pretty much whatever sort of party you want to throw… within reason, I assume, all catered by their own kitchen. The bar on the top floor is easily one of the coolest drinking perches in the city. Taking in the Raleigh cityscape while holding a well-chilled glass of whiskey puts me at ease in a way that I had forgotten was even possible. If you’re the kind of person who loves to people watch, the second floor balcony has got a great view of Glenwood South and is a fantastic place to lose track of your evening. In my mind, however, the best part is what you’ve heard the least about. The downstairs restaurant is absolutely amazing. The menu changes seasonally, lending that feeling of something new and different throughout the year. Every staff member I interact with seems determined to make sure that my experience is optimal, and it is. The wine and spirits selection is well crafted and complimentary of menu. And the food… well, the food makes you want to find more special occasions to celebrate in their comfortable confines. The décor of Solas varies from floor to floor, and unlike the previous two restaurants, I walk in thinking, “Yeah, I’m not this cool. I am nowhere near hip enough to be here,” and yet no one seems to mind. No one even mentions it. It is clear upon entering that I am welcome and going to have a wonderful experience, guaranteed to give Solas a longevity that they deserve and I surely hope they enjoy. Also, there is a bar on every floor. Every floor! A fully stocked, fully staffed bar on each floor is the sort of thing that makes me weak in the knees. What I’m saying is, if Solas was a woman I would take her to Solas to try to impress her. So here you are, as promised, the cream of what’s new and hip and cool in Raleigh. The city constantly has more new and exciting things to try, but these three will be hard to forget once you go inside and get a drink and a meal. Benjamin tends bar at Armadillo Grill where he always acts like the coolest guy in the room.

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CAROLINA12’S TABLE TALK

> Restaurant Review

Bloomsbury Bistro

he Bloomsbury Bistro is located in the heart of Raleigh at Five Points, and it’s one of those hidden gems that you may not be familiar with unless you are from the Raleigh area. At this quiet little restaurant you will find chef John Executive Chef & Owner: Toler offering up a delightful cuisine featuring a John Toler seasonal menu that is rotated every few weeks in order to take advantage of the fresh local markets. If you are looking for a quiet and intimate place to take a date for dinner, then this is definitely the place to go. The waitstaff are very attentive, so you will always be taken care of very well. The restaurant is located in an old part of Raleigh and for some it also gives off that old country club feel. The Bloomsbury Bistro is not only a local treat, but it has also been featured nationaly in such publications as the USA Today, Bon Appetite and Souther Living. We are confident that you’ll like just about anyting that you order off the menu for dinner, however, be sure to leave room for dessert. Luscious desserts feature the likes of deep-dish crème brûlée topped with Granny Smith apple pie filling.

by Wayne Street

We Recommend: N.C. Vermillion snapper sautéed in a Macadamia nut crust over asparagus and grilled Texas Sweet onions with roasted heirloom potatoes and jumbo lump blue crab in soypassion fruit butter. $$$$

Location: Bloomsbury Bistro 509 W. Whitaker Mill Rd. Ste. 101 Raleigh, NC 27608 919-834-9011 www.bloomsburybistro.com

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