U Magazine Spring 2014, Vol.4, Issue3

Spring 2014 FREE

the magazine

The Triangle’s Student Magazine

www.uthemagazine.com

Study Abroad Beijing, PragueTaking Care of Your First Car

Spring Fashion Trends

Cell Phone Etiquette

Social Media Do’s & Don’ts

An Interview with Jordan Vandenberg

U the Magazine | Spring 2014 3

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Table of ContentsFEaTuRES Why Asia? A Case for Leaving Your Comfort Zone ................................. 6

Study Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic ..................................................10

Social Media Do’s and Don’ts ..................................................................13

How to Take Care of Your First Car ..........................................................14

Cell Phone Etiquette ................................................................................20

Trendsetter’s Guide to Spring Fashion ...................................................22

Thoughts on College ................................................................................24

DEPaRTMENTS DininG: Best Pizza Near Campus ...........................................................18

SPoRTS: An interview with Jordan Vandenberg ....................................26

ARTS: Endless Opportunity: The Chapel Hill Art Gallery .......................28

TV SHoW: Girls ........................................................................................28

CouPoNS ................................................................................................. 29 Check us out online at www.uthemagazine.com for more great stories! U the Magazine is a college-lifestyle magazine published three times a school year, Back-to-School, Winter and Spring. Featuring articles, written by student interns and guests, from fashion and careers to relationships. Valuable coupons from local merchants are featured in the print version as well as the online version of the magazine. U the Magazine can be found on college campuses, apartment communities, retail stores and restaurants throughout the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro areas.

A photo of Anthony Rotunda and a man that he met in the Forbidden City in Beijing. noticeable foreigners (those not of Asian descent) are normally asked by locals to take photos with them but in this case Anthony was the one doing the asking. Photo by: Kevin Jang

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Spring 2014 Volume 4, Issue 3

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Anthony Rotunda

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“Why not go to Beijing?” I’ve scarcely heard an easier question than when my advisor sent that one my way during my first Study Abroad planning meeting. We’d just opened up about locations that had programs that wouldn’t set me back with my degree requirements when she threw out China as a legitimate option. Where should i start… i didn’t speak Chinese (still don’t, very well anyway), I’m an outdoor enthusiast so access to nature is a must (Beijing is one of the larg-est cities in the world), i’ve never so much as taken a course on China (kind of important to know what i’m signing up for), i’d never left the country (15 hours of flight time and that much culture shock? no thanks), chopsticks are the bane of my existence, the list goes on and on. So how did I, a North Carolina boy who didn’t even have a passport last January, end up writing an article with the intention of inspiring you study abroad in Asia? I took a chance. Now, there is this lingering perfectly at-tainable study abroad experience that we all

seek when we decide to leave our respective campuses in search of adventure. The run of the mill excitement includes a photo at the Eifel Tower, a human pyramid shot at the Louvre, an afternoon on a Mediterranean beach, and an internship here, a brewery tour there, you know the drill (for more information see your Facebook and instagram timelines). My intention is not to lay out why not to take advantage of those opportuni-ties; they are both phenomenal and once in a lifetime for good amount of us. What i’d like to express is why an Asian study abroad experi-ence offers the same attributes, and more, for those of us with a desire for adventure in our collegiate years. Study abroad is often seen as a chance to explore and discover yourself just as much as the physical destination of your trip. Leaving a campus that you’ve become established on for a couple years in favor of another country requires a certain desire to find new experi-ences and grow as an individual. This aspect of study abroad specifically lends itself to an

Asian study abroad experience. I am a 5’ 10’’ Caucasian male with brown hair and brown eyes, as average as they come back home. When i landed in China i stepped off the plane and into the 8.5% of China’s population that do not belong to the Han Chinese ethnic group. This situation is not unique to China and can be seen more drastically in countries like Japan (1.5% minority) and South Korea (nearly 0%). Why should this appeal to a col-lege student looking for adventure? Experi-encing these circumstances is the epitome of seizing the moment. The opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that is so dif-ferent from your own is incredibly appealing in your college years. How likely is it that the opportunity will arise for you to visit these Asian countries later in life and garner more of an understanding of the culture than what you see in museums? Upon first being presented with those statistics i was floored. i’d rarely left the east coast let alone immersed myself into a foreign country without knowledge of its culture or

Why Asia? A Case for Leaving Your Comfort Zone By: Anthony Rotunda

Anthony with the Terra Cotta Warriors anthony poses with a couple locals (and photo bombers) in the Forbidden City.

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language. This is where another component of study abroad programs makes an appear-ance, culture shock. Study abroad programs have mentors for your program who are in charge of ensuring that you acclimate to your new surroundings as well as possible. These mentors and their accompanying programs are far more important in an Asian country than a European country where you are likely to be familiar with the language and culture before arrival. in my first two weeks in Beijing i was equipped with enough language skills to order food, greet others, navigate subways, and give destinations to cab drivers. These proved to be all the phrases I needed in my repertoire to have a complete trip in China. My class of 10 students from my university was also given tips before we left as to different cultural dif-ferences we would probably encounter. our mentor was our RA, a young woman named Yujun. She helped us with everything from directing us to hole in the wall local restau-rants to putting minutes on our cell phone

SIM cards. The inclusion of these resources adds a huge amount of convenience to a study abroad experience in Asia as opposed to a vacation there later in life. Another reason that i was tentative about studying abroad in Asia was the little uncertainties that would be unique to that part of the world that were not in ques-tion in European countries. Would i like the food? Is it easy to travel within the country and surrounding area? How expensive is a big city like Beijing? The answers to these questions are among the most surprising to people that ask me about my experience abroad. We’ll start with food. Though this statement is as subjective as they come I’m going to say it anyway, Chinese food is phenomenal. it is such a unique cuisine that there is only one location that comes close to serving anything resembling my favorite dishes in my section of north Carolina and they’ve had to ‘Americanize’ their menu a bit to keep a wider audience. As far as travel in the area is concerned I made it to Xi’an,

Shanghai, the beach at Qingdao, the Great Wall twice, and finished my trip in Thailand visiting a friend. The ease of travel within China and to the surrounding countries is further made evident through an extensive rail system and flights to tourist destinations from all major cities. The last significant question is the cost of living in Asia. This is far more variable than other categories but I was able to eat well for less than 4 dollars a day. Another example of Beijing’s afford-ability in particular is public transportation. I spent a total of 60 dollars over the course of 3 months on both subway and taxi trips, utilizing both daily. The most important part of a study abroad experience is the uniqueness of experience. Thirty-one percent of students study abroad as undergraduates at my university. To those that are interested in ad-venture, what is more unique than studying or interning in the fastest rising part of the world? While in Beijing I studied at the top university of China, Peking university, and

Photo by Anthony Rotunda

Why Asia? A Case for Leaving Your Comfort Zone By: Anthony Rotunda

An unrestored section of the Great Wall

With a few buddies in the Summer Palace, Beijing After climbing the steepest grade that he experienced, Anthony takes a break at an unrestored section of the Great Wall.

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interned in an office downtown. With areas like China growing in economic importance on a global scale a study abroad experience there carries even more weight than the unique memories and stories that come along with it. Employers comb through resumes searching for something that sets

individuals apart. The presence of an Asian university or internship on a resume is em-blematic of an individual’s desire to challenge him or herself and fulfill their potential on a global scale. The opportunity to study abroad is one that should be considered by all undergradu-

ates. Studying abroad offers memories and experiences that are invaluable to both personal and professional development of a college student. Not only will these be the stories that you’ll be telling for the rest of your life, they will also contribute to your demonstrated potential as a future employee. There are scholarships available specifically for studying abroad that help with the cost. Specific to Asia, the Phillips Ambas-sador Scholarship available to undergradu-ates at UnC and Duke, offers both monetary assistance and a community of students that have experience all across Asia. These factors make it as desirable as possible for students to make the decision to study abroad in Asia. This is the time in your life where you should be abandoning your comfort zone and taking advantage of the opportunities that won’t present themselves later on. How likely is it that you’ll camp on the Great Wall of China, feed an elephant in Thailand, or eat jellyfish if you don’t do it now? Will you see China continue to develop and wonder what it would be like to live there for a while? Will you venture off to Europe and consider that the farthest attainable frontier of travel because of time changes and cultural differ-ences? The opportunity to study abroad is what you make it, so why not make the most of it? Anthony Rotunda studied abroad in Bei-jing, China as a Phillips Ambassador in uNC’s Entrepreneurship Summer Program.

The Phillips Ambassadors Program is a unique scholarship opportunity for UNC and Duke undergraduates. Carolina students choose from more than 50 UNC-approved study abroad programs throughout Asia, including study abroad in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea,

Mongolia, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Duke students are eligible to apply for two UNC summer study abroad programs, UNC Summer in India and UNC Summer in Japan.

Find out more at, phillips.studyabroad.unc.edu

Anthony at Jing An Temple in Beijing Visiting an Elephant preserve outside Chiang Mai Thailand

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Studying abroad is often noted as, “one of the best times you will ever have in your life.” But the truth is that studying abroad is more than just an amazing time; it is also a worth-while opportunity. Spending an extended period of time living in a different country expands the mind and helps people to flourish and learn outside of their own society. This past summer I spent two months studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, and I gained more than I would have ever expected from this experience. An aspect of study abroad that signifi-cantly helped me to grow, was escaping from my comfort zone. Everything about study abroad is new: the atmosphere, the culture, the people, and even the school. The idea of completely exiting my comfort zone was quite frightening at first. i was used to a certain amount of love and attention that i received daily from my loved ones back home that I would have to live without for two months. While I was in Prague, I thought of my situa-tion as a different life all together. i spent all of my time with people who prior to the trip had been strangers, I took a class that had zilch to do with my major, and I lived in a city that I had never been to before. I feel that going without that love and attention and not relying on others taught me more about

the world and about myself than I could have hoped, and that my skill to adapt was greatly improved through my travels. Having the ability to leave the society and norms that I was accustomed to, and to become immersed into the culture of another part of the world was a treasured element of studying abroad. Being surrounded by a differ-ent language, foods, history, art, and people helped me to become a more cultured and worldly person. I wanted to gain as much as I could from the Czech culture. The facet of the culture that became immediately apparent was the language. The official language in Prague is Czech, which is an extremely challenging Slavic language. I had no intention of trying to become fluent during my time there, but i did attempt to be able to ask and respond with simple questions and statements in Czech. I was surprised at the vocabulary i was able to acquire in only two months. i believe that the most effective way to expand linguistic capacity is to go to a country that has a different official language and make an effort to absorb as much of that language as possible. Doing this in Prague encouraged me to try to learn other languages as well in my future travels. The second aspect of culture that I was

introduced to was the food. I really enjoyed trying all of the different cuisine that the Czech Republic had to offer. The meal of the trip that left a distinct imprint on my memory took place in a small town named Český Krumlov in a restaurant called Silver Chalice. The restau-rant was meant to resemble medieval times in their décor and food. My friend and I shared a dish called the mixed grill for two, which included huge slabs of pork, steak, and chicken as well as a pile of potatoes and coleslaw. The meal was ginormous, and I felt like an overly fed king during the medieval period while stuffing myself with an assortment of meat and potatoes. This was one of many notewor-thy instances trying new restaurants and types

Study Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic By Laura Greenstein

Bike tour in Berlin

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of food during my voyage. The cuisine of a region is an important piece of the culture and reveals information about what the people of the country are accustomed to. The part of the culture that af-fected me the most was the art. I fell in love with a famous Czech artist by the name of Alphonse Muccha. There were multiple exhibits around the city that displayed his art, but there was one in particular that touched me personally called the Slav Epic. Muccha created this collection during the last few years of his life after retiring from producing commercial art. The paintings in this collection are all masterfully crafted and each one is the size of a wall. The

Slav Epic was the most astonishing art I had ever gazed upon, and I was mes-merized by the beauty that Muccha had poured into these paintings. Al-though no other exhibits exceeded the brilliance of the Slav Epic, i frequently visited various museums in order to learn more about the culture. one museum i found particularly intriguing was called the Communist museum. This museum displayed artifacts, posters, and videos describing the forty years that the Czech Republic was under soviet control and communist rule. The museum did an exceptional job of displaying the effect that this had on the people of the Czech Republic. While residing in a new place, it is of the

By Laura Greenstein

The NC State Prague Institute

Humboldt University in Berlin (where the infamous book burning took place)

On top of the Prague Castle

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upmost importance to understand the history of what a country has been through in order to truly appreciate the culture and how it came to be. On top of adapting to an unfamiliar culture during this journey, I was also becoming acquainted with all new people. An unparal-leled component about studying abroad is the opportunity to create new relationships with people. I became closer with people at a much faster pace on my trip than I would during a normal circumstance. This is for two main rea-sons: firstly i was spending all of my time with the new friends I made, and secondly the ad-versity of being in an unfamiliar place bonded me with these new friends. Circumstances such as figuring out together how to work the public transportation system or communicat-ing with people who did not understand us, helped me to rapidly become close with my study abroad family. During my travels, I also faced an abnormal piece of adversity: Prague flooded. it rained for fourteen days straight which caused the river that runs through the city to overflow. School was cancelled for two days, the metro shut-down for a week, and one of our excursions was cancelled. While this may seem like an unfavorable circumstance, it vastly developed my ability to make the best of any situation, and overcoming the flood with everyone in my program bonded us together. We learned to laugh at the fact that we had to squish together on the tram with all of the other displaced metro users. We made it entertaining to walk through the rain and enjoy the indoor activities Prague had to offer. it improved our appreciation

for clear and sunny weather when it finally stopped raining. It may have been preferable for Prague not to flood while i was there, but it resulted in me becoming more connected with my friends than I otherwise would have. once I had begun to bond with people, I started to plan weekenders to other places with them. A special commodity of being in Europe is that it’s a synch to travel to another country. During my study abroad, I ventured to two of the countries bordering the Czech Re-public: Germany and Poland. These were both inspiring weekends where I got to take sight of and engage in an abundance of things without even scraping the surface of what these two

countries have to offer. Having the opportunity to trek to these other countries was very spe-cial to me and encouraged my love of seeing new places even further. In Poznan, Poland, i went to a lantern festival, which had been on my bucket list ever since I saw the movie, Tangled. it was the most enchanting night of my entire trip, and i felt like i was inside of a fairy tale. in Berlin, Germany, i went on a bike tour of the city where i got to see different highlights and hear about the history of their significance. it was the most enjoyable under-taking of the weekend, even if it was only my fourth time riding a bike in my life. i may have been slightly worried about my biking ability due to my lack of practice, but being abroad encouraged my sense of adventure. It helped me to face my fears and try activities that i otherwise might not have endeavored. To embrace every opportunity and to take advantage while I had the chance, is the most important lesson that I took away from my study abroad venture. I strived to use my time in Prague wisely by engaging in as many unique activities as i could fit into my sched-ule. i made a plan on the first day there to try, see, or do something new at least once a day for the entirety of my time there. it was not uncommon for me to tag along with other classes’ field trips or to create little field trips of my own. Exploring became first on my priority list with school and sleep far behind it. Studying abroad was one of the most worth-while experiences I have yet to encounter in my life. I never realized how much I could gain from spending an extended period of time in a distant place until i had this time in Prague.

Lantern Festival

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The Dancing house in Prague.


The twenty-first century is all about the instan-taneous: Cookout’s double drive-thru, Kroger’s self-checkout, 3D printing, and social media within reach. We can’t function if we have to wait more than a minute for anything, much less force ourselves to come to a full stop and think about what we’re doing. But in terms of social media and creating your online presence, you have to do more than just think about the tweet or status you’re posting. As we’ve seen with recent news reports about celebrities’ and business people’s offensive tweets, it’s absolutely necessary to post deliberately to social media sites rather than spontaneously. I’ve composed a list of tips to help you improve your online persona and avoid running into trouble on the Internet.

1. DO make sure you know your audience. if you’re posting to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or the like, make sure you know for whom you’re posting. Do you want your friends to see your status? Do you want your parents and employers to see it? Is it more appropriate for older or younger viewers? Once you know your audience, fix the privacy set-tings to keep unwanted viewers from seeing your social media posts.

2. DoN’T post anything that could get you into trouble. You shouldn’t post racy pictures, crude language, or references to illegal activities on any social media site. These things can easily get you into trouble at your job, at your school, or with the law, and the bad reputation would not do your online presence any good. in addition, don’t include anything that could spark backlash—you should avoid posting any racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks.

3. DO be mindful of others. Social media posts affect not just you, but strangers and friends as well. if you mention your best friend and her Internet-worthy comment about her boss’s banana-colored toupee in a Facebook status, and your friend’s boss finds the status through a co-worker or golfing buddy, your friend could get fired from her job, or at the very least reprimanded. Your friend may not have wanted her words to go public in the first place. So you should at least ask someone before tagging him or her in a social media post, or else you will reap the consequences of a strained friendship or worse. The Golden Rule is helpful here: Do to others what you would want them to do to you.

4. DON’T post personal information. Ask yourself: Could someone use this information to access my bank account or my emails? The names of pets, family members, and former schools are potential security questions that no one but you should know. Could someone find my house or school? Don’t name specific landmarks at your university, and don’t let people know where you are every second of the day--it makes it easier for strang-ers to pinpoint your location. Everyone can see everything you’ve posted online, so fix your privacy settings accordingly.

5. DO act like a human being. The Internet has become this shield of anonym-ity that we hide behind to express thoughts we wouldn’t say aloud in public, even in our nightmares. But acting as you would in real life—like a human being—is the best way to go about creating a good online presence. The following points are specific but essential.. • DON’T be rude to people. Behind every profile is a real person with real feelings. This person is also a stranger. If you intend to post something jokingly that could be interpreted as rude, think again: Strangers don’t understand your sense of humor. You’ll just come across as mean. • DO balance your tone. You don’t want to be known as the person who rants all the time about the same topics. Alternate between positive and negative emotions and topics to keep your social media content inviting and interesting. • DON’T share anything online that you wouldn’t say out loud in a crowded mall. The judgmental stares are still there, even if you don’t feel them. • DO respect others’ opinions. People are entitled to their own beliefs, just as you are entitled to your own. If you don’t agree with someone, keep your comments to yourself or address the person in a polite and respectful manner. You do not need to start a Facebook or Twitter war with anyone; doing so will harm your online presence. • DON’T post anything that may be offensive. As I’ve said before, avoid racist, sexist, or homophobic statements. otherwise your online persona will start and stop with the word “bigot.” • DO keep your posting to a minimum. People lose interest if you constantly spam their newsfeeds with updates, even if there is a lot happening in your life that you want to share. instead of posting a dozen short Facebook statuses over the course of a day, consolidate those posts into one. There is no set limit to Facebook and Twitter posts; it is up to you to judge what number is too much.

6. DO find a balance between uniqueness and individuality. You want to reach as many people as possible while maintaining a positive online presence. So be unique—don’t do what everyone else is doing. But you also want to be yourself. Your challenge is to find the balance between the two and stick to it. it takes practice, so have patience.

If you’re ever unsure about your online presence, just Google your name. Does anything pop up that you don’t want the entire universe to see? Yes? Delete it. No? Then you’re all set. But that doesn’t mean you’re automatically in the clear. Periodically check to make sure that there is nothing about you or by you that is incriminating, personal, or offensive on your social media sites. But you shouldn’t just check for iffy posts after you’ve sent a tweet; you should check before you even hit “post” to see if the content could in any way be misinterpreted. Think before you post, and look before you tweet.

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Look before you TweetSocial media do’s and don’ts

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now that you own your first car, you need to maintain it to keep it running. Do not neglect this activity otherwise you will pay lots of money for costly repairs. But let’s get real: stuff breaks when we least expect it. Luckily, you are reading this guide so you can address key car maintenance issues and be prepared for unanticipated problems.

Car Mechanic Remember the mechanic you used to in-spect the car you bought? or maybe someone gave you a car and you don’t have a mechanic yet. now is the time to get a good mechanic on your side. Many car owners always go to a car dealership for service and this can work to a degree. The world needs car dealerships and they need your money. But be aware that they service and repair cars for top dollar and have been known to up-sell customers on unneeded parts and services. Fortunately, there are excel-lent mechanics who work on their own or in other small shops all over the land. Suggestion: line up a good private mechanic and know of a nearby car dealership as a back-up. The way to start to find a good mechanic is by talking to trustworthy people for advice. next, try the internet: http://www.angieslist.com/ or http://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files/mechanic/all-states or other sites can help. If someone seems suitable, call them, tell them about your car, and then try them out to see how it goes. indications of good mechanics are: (1) they are honest and, in particular, do not rip off women, (2) they are not trying to up-sell you lots of things that seem su-perfluous, and (3) they take the time to explain their recommendations and answer questions to your satisfaction. Trust your gut. Good mechanics are not neces-sarily the cheapest mechanics and you should expect to pay a market price when you use their services. My suggestion is not to agonize over the details of the price but always ask before work is performed—you

never want them to think that cost does not matter! it is beneficial to build a good working relationship with someone you can trust. This is best achieved when things are relatively smooth and routine, not during an emergency. When the stuffing inevitably hits the fan, you will want someone to treat you like a preferred customer. Sometimes a mechanic has to deliver bad news; listen, ask questions, research, and then make decisions on how best to proceed. The more informed and realistic you are as a customer, the better decisions you will make.

Road and Towing Service

Be ready to have your car serviced at your house or on the road for “small” emergency things (flat tire change, ran out of gas, battery low, etc.) or to have it towed. AAA has a good road/towing service with their membership. Your car insurance company may also offer good road/towing options. Bear in mind, that many private tow truck operators will not take a call late at night or go to certain locations where there have been reports of crimes. But a tow truck operator is far less willing to say no to AAA than to you because of their business commitment. Look into available programs in

detail and purchase one before you need it. You won’t use it often but when you need it, it is worth it! Keep their contact information in your cell phone and have your mechanic’s ad-dress handy as that may be a towing destina-tion one day.

Day-to-Day Maintenance and Observation When you first buy a car it is an unknown possession that you should explore and learn. It is important to know how it behaves, what to expect, and what to single out for closer scrutiny. You should perform day-to-day main-tenance and observation yourself or have a close friend help you. Get someone—say your trusted mechanic—to show you how to do these things and take notes that are kept in your car.

1. Motor oil level. Check it at least once a month and, if low, put some in. Have your me-chanic set you up with a spare quart or two of oil, which will be waiting in your trunk for this moment. Running out of oil will destroy the engine and cost thousands of dollars to repair. If you are losing lots of oil, call your mechanic.2. While the hood is up, check other fluid lev-els. The transmission fluid can be checked less

often but do not neglect it. Any odd smells, steam, strange noise or some-thing new? If so, call your mechanic.3. Tires. Sometimes a brief glance at each tire to ensure it is not flat/low on air is good enough. But at least once a month check the tire pressure and inflate to the high end of the recom-mended range. Your mechanic can provide guidance here. Also, look at the tread on your tires. Do they look worn out? If they do, they are but, if unsure, show them to your mechanic. An easy and convenient time to check these is when putting gas in the car. Vigilance will save you money and a lot of hassle. Also, never, ever take the cap off a hot radiator or you could receive a severe scalding.

How to Take Care of Your First CarSecond in a Series:


Routine, Scheduled Maintenance This is where people commonly fall behind and it can leave the car in an unsafe and/or uneconomical condition. Some money, time, and focus are required here to stay on top of it in consultation with your mechanic. Generally, the timetable for routine mainte-nance is determined by mileage and the motor oil change interval. Meet with your mechanic and have the owner’s manual handy so you can discuss and plan this. Always have clear in your mind (and write down) the next time you are due for an oil change, general inspection of your car, and other maintenance items as needed. Unlike the dentist, you will not receive reminders of an appointment. It is your respon-sibility to schedule this with your mechanic. At the end of every visit, discuss the timing and services for the next visit. Never let yourself

lapse when you are due to schedule the next routine car maintenance with your mechanic.

Unexpected Problems— big and Small one day something unexpected will make your car stop. Frustrating and depressing as it will be, you have prepared for this moment with a good mechanic, the road service/tow-ing package, and your cell phone. A credit card or an emergency fund needs to be at hand to pay for this. If it is an accident, you probably violated one of The Two Rules of The Road©

(1) don’t hit anything and (2) don’t let anything hit you. Look after yourself and others first. Everyone is shaken up, so use common sense to make sure no further harm comes to anyone. A call to 911 could be in your immediate future. if in doubt, make the call; there is no penalty for being extra cautious. no matter what, do not stand around in the road.

Or maybe something less dramatic hap-pened like the car didn’t start. or the check en-gine or another dashboard light came on while making an ugly noise with lots of smoke or some other crazy thing which means you now have a bonafide car problem. Turn off the car’s ignition and, again, always look after yourself and other people first; making sure you are not in harm’s way. If there is a serious safety issue, use common sense first and then call 911 to tell them the situation. After people are safe, then call your me-chanic to see what can be learned and to seek advice. next could be contacting your road/towing service. Your car may need to be towed to your mechanic’s on the weekend, where you’ll drop the car keys off through the drop box and get a ride from a friend back home. Be safe and sensible out there so you can see your car running for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles.

October 28 - November 3 - 2013 triangleautoguide.com Volume 11 - Issue 44

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DINING: The Best Pizza Near Campus

By Anne Brenner

DuRhaMSatisfaction905 W. Main Street #37 Durham, NC 27701919.682.7397 If you’re closer to the Duke campus, you might want to swing by Satisfaction, lo-cated in the heart of downtown Durham. Like its name suggests, this place will keep you satisfied with your choice of either ready-made pizzas, or, if you’re feeling cre-ative, you can build one with your choice of ingredients. Oftentimes when i make a trip there, I’ll go for the loaded baked po-tato pizza, which is filled with just the right mixture of bacon and cheddar cheese. The supreme pizza option is also one of my favorites; it’s loaded high with pepperoni and sausage. If I decide to build

my own pizza dish (which i often do!), i usually opt for meatballs, sun-dried to-matoes, and provolone cheese, but there are plenty more combinations to choose from; customers can pick from a whole list of toppings and order an unlimited num-ber. no worries if you’re not a pizza fan; while Satisfaction is most well-known for its pizza dishes, it also has plenty of other classic college favorites including chicken tenders, bacon and cheese fries, and beef sliders; my favorite non-pizza item on the menu is probably the four-cheese lasagna with a side order of garlic bread. If you’re like most college students and are pulling frequent all-nighters, have no fear; Satis-faction is open 7 days a week until at least 10 p.m. and six days a week until at least 1 a.m. with a carry-out option.

ChaPEl hillI Love New York Pizza 106 W Franklin StreetChapel Hill, NC 27516 919.942.7678 For Tar Heel students in and around the Chapel Hill area, I Love New York Pizza is a popular hot spot, and with good reason; pretty much any kind of pizza known to man is available here, whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetable lover, or some-where in between. Personally, as both a meat-lover and a fan of southern cuisine, my favorite order here is the BBQ chicken pizza. Any of the pizza dishes here are pretty hard to resist, but if you’re not in the mood for pizza, this place also has plenty of other options including stromboli, salads, and wings; i always like to have a side order of garlic bread or mozzarella sticks with

For decades (and possibly even generations), pizza has been an essential element to a college student’s life. For any kind of celebration, whether it’s a birthday, a graduation, or a sports team’s big win, it’s a pretty safe bet that a large percentage of any college campus will be marking the occasion with a pizza dinner. on weekends, it’s also a pre-game favorite before hitting the frat party or local bar scene, as well as a post-game late-night favorite after the evening’s activities are starting to wind down. Pizza is also a vital staple during periods of intense studying, such as midterms and finals weeks; many students use it as a means to survive until after their tests have ended. So, it might be no surprise that most college towns, including Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh have a number of restaurants either exclusively devoted to serving pizza or especially known for pizza dishes. i’ve assembled my list of my top favorites in each of the Triangle-area cities.


my pizza to share with friends whenever we stop by. The hours for this location also make it an ideal spot any day of the week for a late night run during a studying marathon; they’re open until at least mid-night seven days a week. on Fridays and Saturdays, if you’re like many college kids and enjoy a snack (or a fourth meal!) after staying out late, that’s no problem because their doors stay open until 3 a.m. on those two nights. RalEighMellow Mushroom601 W Peace StreetRaleigh, NC 27605919.832.3499 Those of us in Raleigh who are closer to Wolfpack territory and might be craving a slice of pizza; from that neck of the woods, the Mellow Mushroom is an ideal spot, situated in the middle of local nightlife on Glenwood avenue and just a few short miles away from N.C. State’s campus. one of my favorite aspects of this place is its spacious outdoor patio, which provides a perfect atmosphere for large group gather-ings. Here, diners have the option of either ordering one of the delicious specialty pizzas (all of which are more than worth trying out!) or building your own. Again, as a meat-lover, my favorite ready-made dish is the buffalo chicken pizza, but no worries if you’re a vegetarian; the mega-veggie option, featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and a whole host of other veggies, is the perfect combo for you (among plenty of other vegetarian dishes, of course). non-pizza eaters have no fear; plenty of other tasty options are available, including salads, calzones, and pretty much every delicious appetizer you can think of.

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Cell phone usage has become so common and natural that some people may not even realize how often they are actually on their phones. Of course there are times when a person should know when to turn their phones off or at least put them away for a little while. Most people believe that they do not have poor cell phone etiquette and would prob-ably never admit it even if they do. So there may be confusion about what is considered to be impolite cell phone usage to some and not to others. Cell phone etiquette is an important concept to be aware of just as the manners that you are taught when growing up. Proper cell phone etiquette is fairly obvious so most of these guidelines should not come as a shock. Firstly, as a rule of thumb, a person should be aware that when having a face-to-face conversation with another person it is probably best to not be us-ing his/her phone. it does not matter whether or not you are in an interview or just having a casual con-versation with friends or family. if you are occupied by your phone then that will come off very rude to the other person. It will make you appear like you are uninterested in what the other person is saying or that you are not even paying attention. A text message or refreshing of your twitter feed can wait until you finish the conversation. if you do receive a phone call and you know that it is urgent then you

should ask the other person for his/her permission and excuse yourself to take the call. in this situation it is probably best to leave your phone tucked away for the time being. When you go out to dinner whether it is with a friend or a date you should leave your phone hidden as well. Especially when on a date, your phone should probably not even be placed on the table because if it goes off due to a text message or phone call that can be very distracting. For some people, texting while on the first date might be a deal breaker so keep that in mind and avoid being remembered as the person who was glued to his/her phone. it is also rude when you are busy fiddling with your phone and the server has to wait to take your order. Another commonplace where it is best to leave your phone tucked away is the checkout line at your local grocery store. Whenever you are standing in any type of line your full attention should be on what you are trying to do such as checking out and purchasing your groceries. The people behind you would probably end up becoming irritated if you were distracted by your phone and holding up the line. Whenever you are in places where you know there should not be any cell phone usage such as a movie theatre, church or while taking a test, you

should probably just turn your phone off. That way you do not risking upsetting someone if your phone accidentally goes off in the theatre or getting in se-vere trouble with your professor because you were too careless to silence it. An obvious place to avoid using your phone is in the car. Luckily, the law is starting to crack down on this request. Why put your and others’ safety at risk just so you can check your Facebook, which you probably had viewed not that long ago anyway. Many things are being done to show why texting and driving is so dangerous such as heartbreaking commercials and celebrities pledging to never text and drive in hopes of motivating others to do the same. There are shocking statistics to support all this as, also. If you just put your phone away while driving in the car it could honestly be the reason you are still alive. This next place is generally optional and up to the individual but would probably make most professors happy. Some professors do not have poli-cies regarding cell phone usage in their classes, but I believe it’s safe to say that most of them would pre-fer their students not using them during their class period. It has been proven that students who do not use their phones or computers while in class do bet-ter than those that even zone out during class. If not out of common courtesy to your professor, then the reason for not using your phone during class should be for your own benefit. Also, try to picture yourself in your professor’s shoes. How would you feel if you were at the front of a huge class trying to teach your material and majority of the class was busy on their phones? I do not believe you would think anyone was listening to you and that would be very discour-aging. if putting up your phone for an hour means that you could perform better in your classes then i believe that is completely worth it. Even when you are ready to go to sleep you should consider shutting your phone off or at least silencing it. It has been shown that people on aver-age end up getting a better night’s sleep because they are not at risk of waking up to their phones going off due to emails or text messages. Also, look-ing at your phone right before you are about to roll over and go to bed could even keep you from falling asleep as fast as you normally could because of the screen light. The light suppresses your melatonin level, which is vital for falling asleep. The way people use cell phones has become so accepted that people are becoming more and more dependent upon them. Cell phones make daily life simpler and more convenient. For example someone you are talking to could be confused about some-thing and with your phone being so accessible; you could quickly look it up and settle the uncertainty. However, you should avoid this because it will prob-ably just end up leading to other distractions. if you keep the above recommendations in mind the next time you find yourself in any of those situations then i believe it would lead to more stimulating conversa-tions, and an even healthier and happier lifestyle.

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Cell phone etiquette, what she said...........................and what he said.By Page Harris

For many of us mobile phones and devices are a vital means of communication. We carry them ev-erywhere and many times use them freely without using proper manners and sometimes common sense. A random one sided conversation can be heard in almost any public place. People miss their names being called in a doctor’s office or courtroom. Sadly, that’s not the worst that could happen. Research has shown that the majority of phone users think they have good manners when using their device but it also says that many say they have been aggravated or irritated with another user. There are laws and guidelines that should be followed as a courtesy to others and to possibly stay out of trouble. Don’t text and drive. This has been responsible for countless accidents with some resulting in fatalities. no message is worth the possible consequence. if it can’t wait until you get to your destination. Find a safe place to pull over. When having a conversation with someone, don’t text or answer calls. It could possibly make the person you were just talking to feel less important. They will also become a third wheel to your conversation. If it’s urgent politely ask permission to accept it. If having dinner in a res-taurant put your phone away before being seated. Definitely don’t put it on the table. Be courteous of the ones you are with and others around you; if you must take a call politely excuse yourself. When having a phone conversa-tion in a public place, be mindful of your surroundings. The ten foot rule is pretty standard. Try to keep ten feet of distance from the closest

person to you. It is also a good idea to be mindful of your speaking vol-ume, many talk louder when on the phone and are completely unaware of it. Watch the language you use. Avoid using words in public that you wouldn’t wear on a shirt. Avoid get-ting into heated discussions are argu-ments in public places. No one wants to hear you yelling at your phone. if you find yourself interviewing with a potential employer, engaged in a meeting or perhaps having dinner with a significant other’s family. it is best to turn the phone off completely or at the very least, set it on vibrate. If the phone must be used, ask to be excused and try to find a semi private area. Calling or texting during such occasions would not be considered professional. Be mindful of quiet areas such as libraries, classrooms and church. if you’re at a movie, be respectful of the rules in place. Everyone has paid to be there, don’t light up the theater with your phone. Earlier this year, a theater patron was texting his daughter was killed by another moviegoer over an argument about his phone usage. This is a tragic and extreme case but there is no way to predict how others will act. if you’re texting or using social media on your phone, do it some-where safely. Many times, people don’t pay attention to the world around them. Anything can happen from tripping on a curb to being fol-lowed by a possible attacker. it is up to us to protect ourselves. Most of these guidelines prob-ably seem to be common sense how-ever they are easy to forget or ignore. Phones must be handled with courte-sy and responsibility for our own safe-ty and the general respect of others.

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By Jennifer Brix

Triangle Trendsetter’s Guide to Spring Fashion Discover five of the season’s most wearable trends

During New York Fashion Week last September, exceptionally svelte models walked the runways and showcased looks from world-renowned fashion brands. While designers gave us a glimpse of exciting new styles to look forward to this spring, I was still less than satisfied. i’ve always had a hard time trying to iden-tify with runway models wearing inordinately expensive clothing in impractical sizes. Ad-ditionally, as a recent graduate living within my means, I’d much rather get my trend forecast from a relatable fashion advisory—albeit, with killer style. So I decided to survey our local landscape for insight into spring-ready trends. My journey took me everywhere from local fashion exchange retailer, uptown Cheap-skate, to the blog realm. uptown Cheapskate

a fashion exchange retailer offers brand name fashions without the high prices. And as luck would have it, I’ve discovered we live in an area that houses a multitude of talented fashion bloggers and style mavens alike. So if you’re ready for hot sun rays— and even hotter fashion trends—here’s the scoop on the most-anticipated trends for spring, straight from the Triangle’s leading trendsetters.

Crop Tops Crop tops have been a hot commodity for several seasons, and this spring is no excep-tion. nikki Richardson of BedazzlesAfterDark.com is a fan of the trend. “i guarantee that crop tops will definitely push your boundaries, but you definitely won’t regret taking the plunge,” Richardson states. “By following a few simple steps, you’ll look like a style goddess instead of a 90’s valley

girl. [All you have to do is] Team a sleeveless cropped tank with some sleek ankle trousers and a topknot for the perfect off-duty outfit.” Though crop tops are playful, they can also be elegant for the evening. “For a fancier look, balance it out by pairing a shorter top with a high-waist pencil or A-line skirt. Who said stomach showing was only for casual outings? When daring to bare, remember to cover up in other areas and you can totally nail this style,” says the fashion-savvy blogger.

Florals The floral trend is in full bloom again this spring, however designers are offering more variations of the pattern than ever before. in fact, we can anticipate the trend in vivid hues and pastels this year. “After wearing more subdued clothing in the winter months, floral prints are a fun change in pace once spring has arrived. Floral prints can be worn on a dress, scarf, or even pants,” states trend enthusiast, Angela Keeley-White, of HeadtoToeChicBlog.com.

Pastels Pretty feminine tones are definitely in style this season; just ask the ever-fashionable Molly Buckley of TheMollyBuckley.com. The self-proclaimed “huge pastel fan” is certain soft-hued colors will be everywhere this spring. “Pastels are just those colors that you can’t be sad when you wear. They scream spring! I love throwing in a pastel accessory to an outfit with bolder colors for an unex-pected combination. Like, [i’ll wear] a bright orange top with jeans and a pastel handbag.”

Menswear-inspired Pieces Femininity seems to be the theme for spring, but Chloe Ford, Store Manager at uptown Cheapskate, is taking a cue from the fellows this season with menswear-inspired pieces. “i love the idea of creating such a mascu-line and simple piece into something you can interchange through a casual look to more of a dressier feel for an event, date or special occa-sion,” Ford states, commenting on the classic menswear shirt. “Added embellishments and small details on the shirt, adds for character, [in addition to a] good pair of denim, or a re-ally sleek pair of cigarette pants with an oxford to pull off a cutesy look.” Though tailored suits are also borrowed from the boys, it’s a trend that’s successfully extended from winter to spring. “Women’s suiting is so neat because it borders the line of androgynous style, but if

tailored correctly keeps its feminine curves and silhouette. Of course, it’s not one of the most wearable trends for an everyday look, but for interviews, business meetings and/or special events, a woman can truly turn heads with such an unexpected and strong look,” contends Ford.

Maxi dresses and skirts Extra-long hemlines have proved to be successful during warm-weather months of years past, so it’s little surprise that maxi dresses and skirts are hot again this spring. While popular, maxi-length skirts can be intimidating. Fortunately there are a variety of ways to style them. “Pairing your full length skirt may seem a little difficult at first, but understanding the shape of your body and what the skirt will do to create its own version of a silhouette is im-portant. [You may also] Pair with a fitted top, a sheer blouse or a slouchy off the shoulder sweater, for a number of looks,” says Ford. on the contrary, maxi dresses are uni-versally flattering for virtually any occasion. Keeley-White agrees: “Maxi dresses look great on any woman no matter her shape or size. They can also be dressy, casual, bold or neutral. My favorite way to wear them is by layering [the dress] with a denim or army jacket.” Current weather conditions may be less than ideal, but this month introduces the pinnacle of vacations, outdoor recreation and fashion fun. After all, March 20 is the first day of spring and—thanks to warmer tempera-tures—the first day to start showing some skin. Which fashion trends will you choose to rock this spring?

Jeweled ballerina flats are a must-have warm-weather accessory.

Animal print is a timeless trend.

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By Jennifer Brix

A pretty pastel dress combo from Uptown Cheapskate.

Angela Keeley-White, offsets her black and white maxi dress with vivid purple flats and a gray tote.

angela demonstrates how to acces-sorize a simple black maxi dress with statement jewelry and leopard print.

Nikki is fashion-forward in a printed, pastel frock and nude pumps.

Nikki Richardson, of BedazzlesAfterDark.com, rocks a crop top for spring.

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Looking back on the brevity of my time in col-lege, i still have a clear sensory perception of my memories there. i can still smell the musty pages of library books on the fifth floor of the stacks. I can hear my steps against the brick, the shuffling of feet from others around me, and the clicks of the various bicycle chains as they rotate around their gears to speed out in front of me (i always not-so-secretly feared being pummeled by one of those fierce cyclists). now that it is all past me, I see everything so much more clearly than I ever could when it was my present. Experience is relative. i can’t tell anyone how to do it; part of the fun is figuring it out firsthand. But through my own personal journey (and admission of my many mistakes) i can try and offer a little advice that might make your first four (or five, or six) years of college life a little less daunting. So let’s see… Step 1: go to class. Seems obvious, right? But let me tell you, I have had many a friend that didn’t make it through a class simply because they didn’t show up. Getting there is over half the battle. Even when you have those nights when you hit the bed a little too late (or not at all) and wake up still feeling the effects of over-imbibing the night before, a hellacious hangover through a fifty minute lecture on the philosophical argument that God can’t be omnibenevolent and allow evil to exist on Earth is nothing compared to writing home to Mom and Dad that you won’t actually get to keep that scholarship or work-study deal because you failed the class simply for failing to go to it. And in the real-world, this pretty much rings true as well. Don’t show up for work= get fired. Case-in-point: I once went on the worst blind date of my entire life. it was a double-date type set-up. i was nervous, and obviously, so was the mystery man. We had a drink (or several). The next thing you know, I was in the bathroom, splash-ing water in my face and naming all the states in alphabetical order to test my sense of aware-ness. Poor blind-date guy was in even worse shape. I walked out of the bathroom, and slipped on something in the floor. You guessed it. Blind-date guy vomit. All over me. My friend and I got out of there as fast as possible and I managed to make it into the shower before crawling into bed just before dawn. 9:30, my alarm sounds. I had a decision to make. Be mis-erable in a fifty minute class, or just lay there. Option A sounded terrible, but i knew i would need at least one of those absences toward the end of the semester to crunch for finals. i drug myself to class. It sucked, but I learned a couple of valuable lessons. Firstly, showing up is always better than not. Secondly, rum and tequila do not go well together.

Step 2: Know your professors and more impor-tantly, make sure they know you. As students, especially at the undergraduate level, we are never going to be experts in every class we are required to take. But we have to take them. And in the long run, it is good to have a little bit of experience across a variety of fields. There is nothing future employers like more than having more than just a resume in front of them. In this economy, it is extremely important to market one’s self as a rare com-modity that cannot be overlooked. So how do you become an expert in calculus differentia-tion when you are an English major that still counts up restaurant bills on your fingers? Easy: meet your professors. I mean, literally, meet your professors. Shake their hands. Show up at their office hours. Make sure that more than just remembering you, they remember your story. In the “real world” this is just as impor-tant, so it is a good thing to practice now. You will never get that promotion if you are just “the guy in the suit with hair and a smile.” It (and by “it” i mean surviving as a grown-up) is all about making relationships. Case-in-point: I am terrible at math. Not just “calculus con-fuses me” terrible, but “I don’t really know what the word integer means” terrible. So when I took a math placement test before my first year at nC State, i was excited that i (as if by some freakish turn of events) placed into a math class that would earn me a whopping 6 credit hours, thus ending my math education in college. I am that kid that has never made a B, so imagine my surprise when my first test (although i had arduously taken word-for-word notes since Day 1) rendered a shocking 50. I had never seen a number that low on anything i had ever turned in. i was mortified. i was convinced I was terrible at college and just needed to give up and get a job at a fast-food restaurant where I knew I would excel. I went to my professor’s office hours. She had no idea who i was (which shouldn’t have been surpris-ing, in a class of 150). I sat down, and cried. Not a pity-cry. A full-fledged panic-attack-cry. We talked a while, and she went over the specifics of the test with me. She invited me to come back and see her anytime i was confused. So i did, often. She took the time with me because i showed the initiative. And in the end, i ended up making an A in the class. Please understand, this advice is not “suck up to your professors and they will pass you.” That wouldn’t work. But forming a relationship with someone might just be enough to have them see you as worth their time. And then it is up to you. Step 3: Appreciate every, single, happy or sad or otherwise trivial moment that has nothing to do with the academic side of college. No doubt, college is school. The school part is

important. The academic side of your college education is the side that will likely land you a career and set you forth on your path to “proper adulthood.” But there is also that other side. The not-so-academic side. The part of college that you couldn’t have gotten in high school. The social side. This is your life. No one else’s. Yours. And you have to live it. In order to know what you want to be when you grow up, you have to experience life on your own. You have to be able to form your own opinions, make your own friends, and learn from your own mistakes. You need to live on your own, go to a party or two, find some sort of “odds-and-ends” job, date, live. Case-in-point: A good friend of mine from college came to NC State with her high school sweetheart. They dated the first year we were there, and then they broke up. My friend was heartbroken, but she got out there. She dated a little, made new friends, traveled, and did things she would have never done had she still been with her boyfriend. He did the same. Then, at the end of our senior year, they reconnected. It was like they were two different people. Yes, they still had their memories, their experiences while they had been together, but now they had all these new adventures and moments that had evolved from their time apart. They were married right after graduation, and are happier now than ever before. I can’t speak for them directly, but I am of the opinion that they never would have made it had they not taken the opportunity to find themselves outside of their relationship. i am not saying break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend when you get to college. I am simply saying enjoy it. Experience things for yourself. We become who we are going to be when we are in college. Allow yourself to become…well…you. In conclusion: Balance, balance, balance i don’t have a specific case-in-point on this one, because there is no one right way to make it work. it is simply a matter of give-and-take. Think about anything. Is it really worth running seven miles each day if you don’t get to indulge in a piece of chocolate cake every once in a while? What is the point of the first activity without the reward of the second? I think the best way to decide whether or not you have the right balance in your college life is to look at both sides. Are you as happy with what is happening on one as the other? If not, maybe a few adjustments are necessary. Ultimately, you have to decide what will make college a success for you. And whatever that formula is, I commend you! Live your life, and try to enjoy it a little bit.

Thoughts on CollegeBy Lindsey Johnson

“Every year, many, many stupid people graduate from college. And if they can do it, so can you.” ― John Green


SPORTS: An interview with Jordan Vandenberg

Coming from down under, rises North Carolina State university’s new hope for this years basketball season, Australian native Jordan Vandenberg. His welcome back from his injury helped the team have a better season than projected, not only because of his athletic abilities but by his leadership role he’s taken on the team. Speaking with Jordan, i was able to find out about his life on and off the courts and understand more of what it is like to be a student athlete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Q: What has been the best part of being a student athlete at State? a: You get a lot of cool perks from being a student athlete such as the travel to games and tournament gifts, but the biggest thing for me is the fact you can interact with the community and do positive things for

people by just showing up places which is a blessing in itself. Q: As one of the few seniors on the team, how do you keep the younger players focused on and off the court? a: You have to be stern with younger players and instill a form of thinking in their minds so they can be prepared to face the chal-lenges of a lengthy season as well as balanc-ing a college career on top of basketball. Q: As a successful basketball player in one of the most competitive leagues in the nation, what are your keys to success? Any pregame rituals? a: I wouldn’t refer to myself as a successful basketball player yet but the most important part of being on a team is making sure that

the team is clicking on all cylinders and ev-eryone is working well with everything. Team chemistry is almost as important as the talent-level of your team to determine if you are successful or not. Q: in your five years at NC State what has been the most challenging part of being a student athlete? How have you balanced being a student and an athlete and have a social life? a: The hardest part for me is the waiting and the changeover of the coaching staff and players. I am the only consistent thing at NC State in the last half a decade involving basketball and it was

an exciting yet confusing time having the coaching staff change half way through my collegiate career. Q: How has your experience in college prepared you for the “real world”? a: I think it has in away due to the way in which you have to act as a professional (mostly) in our environment. The prepara-tion and balancing act we have to perform with school and basketball is alarmingly difficult but at the end of the day if you can leave school with a degree and having done something positive in your life basketball wise, you are on the right track. Q: Coming to the end of your Career what are your plans for the future? Coaching basketball? Stay in America or go back to Australia? a: I hope that I have a career playing but I have many career paths opening up to me with my degree and i also would be quite interested in coaching later on in life as it seems like a high stress/high reward kind of job that would be exciting to partake in. Q: And of course…what is it like being 7’1? (clothes, etc…) a: You have a slightly different perspective of the world and you always stand out of a crowd which isn’t necessarily a good thing, especially when you are just trying to lead a normal life and go to Target without having pictures taken but it all comes with the terri-tory I guess. But it does have its advantages when it comes to cleaning and changing light bulbs, it just sucks when you have to duck under most doors. Jordan Vandenberg has a bright future and nC State has helped him further his athletic career and post-college goals. He helped me remember to cherish your time in col-lege; the moments you sometimes take for granted but never forget.

By Breana Jordan

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HBo’s Girls, captures the lives of a close group of four girls living in New York City. We physically see their close relationships, their sex lives and their deepest life desires in such a per-sonal way. Girls honestly portrays Lena Dunham’s perception of what it is like to be a middle class twenty-something. Lena Dunham, who writes, executive pro-duces and directs Girls, plays the main character, Hannah, whose personality is less than glamor-ized. She is selfish, confused about her goals in life and impulsive, which encapsulates the “ide-als” of most twenty-something women. Hannah’s three best friends in the show are Jessa, a sex-crazed, adventurous woman who is well acclimated with drug culture and clings to a nomadic lifestyle. next is Marnie, who is often tense and easily unsatisfied with her current situations. Finally, Shoshanna is the naïve, some-times ignorant, girly one. one of the most praised aspects of the show is that it does not sugarcoat or glamorize real life. The characters in the show struggle just as hard as the rest of us, and there is no irony or romanti-cizing about it. This is refreshing compared to re-ality shows that often idealize real life situations to the point where the audience’s perception of “reality” is distorted to the extreme. Criticisms of the show mostly include the fact that it is compared to Sex and the City and is often named “the modern Sex and the City” because of its cult following of twenty-something

women. In an interview with Interview Maga-zine, Lena Dunham admits some truth to these claims as she says in address to Sex and the City, “i feel like a lot of female relationships i see on TV or in movies are in some way free of the kind of jealousy and anxiety and posturing that has been such a huge part of my female friendships, which i hope lessens a little bit with age.” Through Girls, Dunham aims to exploit those friendships to give voice to a generation. Another criticism of the show is that it lacks diversity in lead characters. Lena Dunham says of the show in an interview with NPR, “I take this criticism very seriously. This show isn’t supposed to feel exclusionary. It’s supposed to feel honest, and it’s supposed to feel true to many aspects of my experience.” She wrote about what she ex-perienced, with every character being a piece of her or someone close to her. To portray another culture into the show would not be genuine. it is disappointing that the show’s honesty tends to be a turn off to a lot of people who have seen very little of the show and can’t personally testify it to be a modern piece of truth. Thought Catalog released a list of Girls quotes that accurately define relationships of twenty-something’s. Among this list are quotes like Hannah’s, “i’ve been dating someone who treats my heart like it’s monkey meat. I feel like a delusional, invisible person half the time so i need to learn what it’s like to be treated well be-fore it’s too late for me.” This quote encompasses

what it is like to be in a relationship that isn’t equally balanced between two people, a com-mon occurrence in reality. Another relatable quote is said by Jessa, “i’m attracted to every-one when i first meet them. And then it wears off. it always wears off.” it is often easy to over analyze and beautify people in your mind. With time and experience, those thoughts about them eventually fade, as Thought Catalog says, “everything is so full of possibility and chance, and when the specifics of who that person is start coming into play, we have to qualify the potential with reality.” To add to the list of relatable qualities that Girls possesses is its accurate portrayal of mental illness. Towards the end of season two, Hannah experiences a mental breakdown and spirals into an obsessive Compulsive disorder episode. Psychology Today released an article in praise of Lena Dunham’s depiction of the anxiety as-sociated with the disorder: “maybe any show that depicts mental illness has to come from a firsthand account in order to do it well. Lena did a service not only to herself by letting the world ‘see’ what the struggle looks like, but to the entire OCD community at large by showing some of the pain, stigma and struggle any person with mental health issues has to endure.” Not only does Girls have comedic value, but it also proves to be one of the most relatable and precise TV shows of this generation. it’s worth the watch.

TV Show: HBO’s Girls By Shannon Cuthrell

By Anne Brenner

28 U the Magazine | Winter 2013-2014

ARTS: Endless Opportunity: The Chapel Hill Art Gallery

Imagine a place that’s convenient, close to home, and gives anyone and everyone the opportunity to apply to show their artwork to a public audience. That place is the Chapel Hill art gallery, lo-cated just a few short miles from uNC’s campus. When i first visited the gallery, i was amazed by the diversity of the different types of art that are on display, from paintings to pottery to jewelry and everything in between. This is because any local person, including students, can apply for membership—currently, the gallery hosts about a dozen members. Perhaps my favorite group of artworks at the gallery is a group of ceramics by Tom Terrell, who is Chapel-Hill based. He has devoted his career to making pieces that are not only aes-thetically pleasing, but that also can be used in everyday life. His specialty is woodworking, and he has a knack for molding and shaping wood into some of the most exquisite pieces i have ever seen. He has several tables of works; some notable ones include beautifully crafted ceramic bowls in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and one particularly gorgeous lamp-shaped mas-terpiece. i especially admire Terrell as an artist because everything is made by hand. The gallery also is home to the artwork of one photographer, Beth DeLong; she lives

in Alaska, but she has graciously donated her talents to the gallery because her aunt is a member there. My favorite group of her works is a gorgeous collection of pictures depicting bald eagles, a common sight in her home area. if an artist is selected to become a member (anyone can apply), maintaining membership is easy and affordable. The cost is only about $30 per month, and artists just need to agree to devote 9-12 volunteer hours to the gallery on a monthly basis. The gallery is also student-friendly; not only are students welcome to apply for membership, but approximately every three months, the Art institute of Raleigh, which provides an education in the creative art field to local up-and-coming artists, hosts a show on the gallery grounds. Everything in the gallery is also for sale and reasonably priced, making it a must-see for anyone either search-ing for a gift or just something to spruce up a dorm or apartment room. You can come visit the gallery during their business hours any Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. On the second Friday of each month, the gallery also hosts a festival for all of its artists featuring free food and wine. This monthly festival is also the time for the “artist of the month” to showcase his or

her materials and mix and mingle with his or her colleagues and fans. For instance, one recent “artist of the month,” Anna nicolson, has a diverse collection of paintings in the watercolor arena—my favor-ite group is a cluster of paintings showing various floral arrangements. Kathy Alderman, who was featured last November, is also known for her diverse group of works that depict various parts of the natural world; from flowers to prairies to deserts and landscapes. Another recent person to be featured, David Taylor, is well-known for his paintings of famous Chapel Hill landmarks. My personal favorite, entitled “Snowy Well,” pictures UnC’s campus on a perfect winter day; the trees bare, the sun setting, the ground covered in snow, and one of the school’s most recognizable landmarks, the old Well, perfectly situated in the backdrop. Conveniently situated on Franklin Street near Café Driade, it is obviously ideal for uNC students, but also provides easy access for students and friends of the Duke and N.C. State communities. it’s the perfect place to go for inspiration, especially during the second Friday festivals (since the artists are available during those times for a meet-and-greet). Visit the Chapel Hill Art Gallery website at http://chapelhillartgallery.com/ for more infor-mation about how to become a member.

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U Magazine Spring 2014, Vol.4, Issue3

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