Volume 2 Issue 2 November 2013 College of Charleston’s student-run feature magazine
cisternyard.com
HERE’S TO BRUNCH:
Lowcountry Style page 23
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Staff Editor-in-Chief Managing Editors
Sarah Sheafer Nicole DeMarco Leah Sutherland
News Editor Sports Editor Feature Editor Design Editor Photography Editor
Olivia Cohen Sam Jordan Christina D’Antoni Gillian Spolarich Colin Johnson
Staff Writers
Isadora Gotts Ian Moore Chantelle Simmons Ashley Sprouse Sarah Strickland Dylan Taylor Ebony Davis Kelley Wills
Staff Photographer Artist Contributors
Laura Cergol Avis Norfleet Haley Thornton Cayla Williams
Letter from the Editor: We live in a food city, I hope you’re hungry Student journalists always ask themselves, “Who is their reader?” The obvious answer is “students,” but it’s not quite that easy. Those who attend the University of Alabama do not mirror the image of an NYU student. There are several characteristics that make up these student bodies, and the town or city they are in contributes to the overall composition. What are the characteristics that define College of Charleston students? I’ve heard responses, such as apathetic, beachy, preppy, urban, bibulous and partyloving. The large number of out-of-state students (read about it on page 4) contributes to a diverse student body. Only one word comes to mind that defines the majority of students at the College: foodies. As mentioned earlier, a city often contributes to the characteristics of a student body. Charleston is a food metropolis. Some of the best restaurants and chefs call this city their home. Every year, new restaurants open up and another experience is added to the bucket list of a College of Charleston student. In this issue of The Yard, we mourn the loss of Andolini’s, but celebrate our brunch options. Students aren’t the only foodies around; our professors are too. In the issue, you’ll find a spotlight on a College of Charleston professor who opened up a Lebanese restaurant, Leyla, on King Street. While it’s wonderful to celebrate diversity, let’s take a moment and bond over something we all love: food. I hope you’re hungry because this issue is going to be tasty.
Sarah Sheafer Editor-in-Chief
Turn to page 20 for the Leyla article, page 23 for brunch and page 27 for Andolini’s.
CONTENTS
news
4 Hanging in the Balance 8 Extreme Makeover: Colonial Lake Edition 10 Meet Molly: MDMA
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features
12 LGBT Awareness 14 Q&A with Laverne Cox
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sports
16 Cougars Rebrand
local
20 A Taste of Dolly’s Lebanon 23 Here’s to Brunch: Lowcountry Style 27 A Tribute to Andolini’s 28 Local Band’s Success Story
opinion
30 Whose president is it anyway? 31 Giving Thanks for Thanksgivukkah
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“The data is a little misleading,” Cherry Daniel, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, said because of the large number of transfer students admitted through relationships with two-year programs throughout the state. Regardless, out-of-state freshmen who expect to find themselves in the minority are realizing that this is not necessarily the case. Although the institution maintains close to a 65/35 ratio overall, many of the transfer students who make up for this gap, as juniors and seniors, will never interact with members of the incoming freshman classes. “A lot of this data surprises people when you get down to it. When you peel back that onion, only 13 percent of freshman students are from the tri-county area and only 50 percent are from South Carolina,” Daniel said. The admissions data has shed light on an already hot issue. Mt. Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails said he hopes to establish a Francis Marion University satellite campus in the area to enable local students to earn bachelor’s degrees. Despite the close proximity of this prospective location to downtown Charleston and the College, Swails commented that Francis Marion has a tradition of serving local South Carolina residents who do not meet high academic standards, unlike the College, in a Post & Courier article earlier this fall. It is for this reason that Francis Marion, based out of Florence, is believed to be a better fit for Mt. Pleasant than the College. In addition to public concerns about the College’s loyalty to local communities, “We have people contacting board members, wanting to know why their children can’t get into a state school and why the incoming class is 50 percent out of state,” Daniel said.
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The College admits 100 percent of qualified South Carolina residents. “We’re going to accept every South Carolina student that meets our academic criteria,” Padgett said. Perhaps the perceived problem lies within the data. In fall 2013, 7,488 of the 12,045 applicants were from out of state and only 4,557 were South Carolina residents. The College is attracting more out-of-state students, but the sheer volume of applicants makes it twice as difficult, in comparison, for out-of-state students to gain admission. While 39.7 percent of in-state applicants enrolled at the College in the same year, 18.2 percent of out-of-state students enrolled. Naturally, the result of increased competition among out-of-state students is higher academic credentials, on average. The bottom line is that not many in-state students are applying to the College and even fewer are accepting offers of admittance. The question raised is a simple one: “We are a public school; how do we continue to fulfill the needs of the Lowcountry and the state of South Carolina?” Schilz said. In order to meet the ideals set forth in its mission statement, the College must maintain a balance between in-state and out-of-state students. “I speak for the Board. We definitely want out-of-state students to come to CofC because we have a lot to offer. I’m glad we serve out-of-state students like we do; we just need to have a balance,” Daniel said. While the Board of Trustees is concerned with the numbers, the information is not new, and Daniel does not expect any changes to take place.
A lot of this data surprises people when you get down to it. When you peel back that onion, only 13 percent of freshman students are from the tri-county area and only 50 percent are from South Carolina. Cherry Daniel, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee
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College of Charleston Freshman Class Geographical Breakdown
year
in-state freshmen
out-of-state freshmen
total freshmen
percentage out-of-state
2009
1,137
1,006
2,143
46.94%
2010
1,000
1,010
2,010
50.25%
2011
1,168
1,166
2,334
49.96%
2012
1,071
1,067
2,138
49.90%
Data courtesy of the Commission on Higher Education for the state of South Carolina.
The University of South Carolina and Clemson, the College’s primary competitor schools, have responded to state cuts in higher education funding by ramping up their out-of-state recruitment process because these students generally pay higher tuition. According to Foster, these institutions are placing full-time recruiters in various states throughout the country. “Generally speaking,” Hynd said, “for all state institutions across the country, our state funding has fallen about 50 percent.” However, these cuts have not affected admissions at the College. “If anything, I’d say we’ve actually stepped up our instate recruitment,” Foster said. The College implemented the Bridge Program to meet with local guidance counselors and share eligibility needs so that South Carolina residents do not overlook the College. Aside from two full-time recruiters in Columbia and Greenville, the Office of Admissions is also participating in application days, sponsored by the CHE, where all state schools are invited to promote their institutions. “There is a huge outreach effort, not just in admissions but also in alumni relations,” Schilz said. Out-of-state students are ready and willing to come to Charleston despite the cost, but certain challenges that plague all college applicants across the board. The price of college creates an increased need for scholarships, even though the percentage of aid given to residents is very high. “About 98 percent of in-state students will come with some amount of scholarship,” Donald Griggs, director of Financial Aid, said. Other challenges include increased competition among
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applicants and demographic shifts, such as a higher percentage of women than men graduating from college and an increase in the average age of college students. Hynd argues that the College meets these challenges by expanding new programs and investing in strategic recruiting and marketing to reach specific populations. The large number of out-of-state freshmen alone helps diversify the student body and add value to the College. “I think it’s very important we have a good representative from out of state. There’s a robust dialogue and they bring diversity to the campus. I’m all for that,” Daniel said. “One of the neat things about the College is that we attract people throughout the country and the world…it increases value,” Schilz added. Perhaps potential students should not gauge the College based on the 65/35 in-state and out-of-state student ratio, but to also take into consideration the 50/50 division among incoming freshmen. Although this data may appear shocking on paper for some and calls into question the nature of the College as a state institution, it places the College in a completely different playing field. Should the number of out of state students exceed the number of in state students, the College will step in. In reality, the ratio balance may not be a legitimate problem. The school attracts students from across the country and across the globe, similar to notable private universities nationwide. A diverse student body is bringing new ideas and new perspectives to campus. Although the overall student ratio remains close to 65/35 (for now), it is safe to say: Welcome to the big leagues, College of Charleston.
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EXTREME MAKEOVER: Colonial Lake Edition
MAKEOVER: Colonial Lake will be re-done in similar style to Waterfront Park. Photo by Sarah Strickland
Charleston park undergoes $5 million renovation by SARAH STRICKLAND
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NEWS SPORTS
RENOVATION: The corner of Beaufain and Rutlege Streets will have new greenery and seating. Photo courtesy of DesignWorks LLC
Colonial Lake has a reputation among students as a prime city aims to make the lake more beautiful. They will install running spot. This city-owned park at the corner of Broad a new lake water management system so that water level and Street and Rutledge Avenue is around three-quarters of a mile quality are better regulated and add garden space with shade from the center of campus, which provides a perfect warm-up trees and even a line of live oaks along Ashley Avenue. New for runners. benches will surround the lake, and its four corners will gain “I started running to Colonial Lake about a year ago,” new gathering places. Ellie Flock, sophomore at College of Charleston, said. “It was The total cost of the renovation is $5 million. The City a nice loop of about two miles from of Charleston is supplying $4 million, my dorm, and I enjoyed how pretty of and the Charleston Parks Conservancy a trek it is.” is raising the remainder through The lake is surrounded by a private donations. Renovations are Post-Renovation Features historic, quintessentially Charleston scheduled to begin next May and are neighborhood, which provides scheduled for completion in July 2015. E\n# Zc\Xe j`[\nXcbj excellent scenery for anyone who visits Although park goers will enjoy the I\gcXZ\[ Õlj_`e^ jpjk\d ]fi the park. The lake is about half a mile final product, they might not like the cXb\ nXk\i around, surrounded by a wide sidewalk. process. Colonial Lake will be closed Since the lake’s completion in the late through the entirety of the renovation. Dfi\ j\Xk`e^ Xe[ ^Xk_\i`e^ 1800s, it has been a beloved hallmark Harry Lesesne, executive director of Xi\Xj of downtown Charleston. However, its the Charleston Parks Conservancy, age is starting to show. When visiting, said, “We looked at… leaving parts of Ki\\j Xe[ ^Xi[\ej n`cc Y\ X[[\[ one notices the deep cracks in the it open during construction, but that sidewalk, the limited seating, the lack significantly extended the construction C`^_kj ]fi jX]\kp X]k\i [Xib of trees and low water levels reveal a timeline and increased the cost muddy bottom. substantially. In order to keep the costs EXiifn`e^ f] 8j_c\p Xe[ The Charleston Parks Conservancy down, reduce the construction phase… Ilkc\[^\ ]fi g\[\jki`Xe jX]\kp has partnered with the City of and minimize disruption to neighbors, Charleston and the Historic Charleston the City decided to close the park for Foundation to completely remodel the duration of the project. However, Colonial Lake Park. After completion, the roads surrounding the park should the Charleston Parks Conservancy says they hope the remain open throughout the project.” “renovation will transform Colonial Lake into a public park For college students, losing a year of running around similar in quality to the City’s Waterfront Park.” Colonial Lake is not a happy thought. Some have tried to keep The city will completely replace the cracked sidewalks, a positive attitudes; Flock said, “I’ll be honest. That’s going enhancing aesthetics and pedestrian safety. Additional lights to be a major inconvenience to a lot of runners... However, will keep pedestrians safe after dark, and Rutledge and Ashley as a student... while my running routes may have to change, Avenues will be narrowed to slow surrounding traffic. I think it’s important to keep in mind how much good this In addition to changes that keep pedestrians safe, the could do for the city as a whole.” november 21
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meet molly Therapeutic in the 70s, a club accessory in the 80s, and a pop-culture phenomenon today. From Empathy, to Ecstasy to Molly, MDMA refuses to disappear. But despite being marketed as pure, especially in its current iteration, nothing could be farther from the truth. Do you really know what you’re taking?
by DYLAN TAYLOR You could see the girl’s hands waving in the air when the stage lights passed over her silhouette, her head nodding side to side in trance, chest lifted toward the ceiling, hips gyrating as if she were making love with the music, and all this to a low-volume, pre-concert playlist. I leaned to my friend and whispered, “Someone’s rolling.” Pure Molly, known as Ecstasy from the 1980s until the late 2000s, is nothing but MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine - a synthetic, mildly hallucinogenic stimulant known for the intense euphoria and sense of interconnectedness it gives its users. Recently, it has become a part of the pop-culture phenomenon that has invaded hip-hop, pop, and most infamously, electronic dance music (EDM). The drug has become so embedded in EDM that the two, for many people, now come hand-in-hand. I was not surprised, then, to see so many people who were high on it at Music Farm’s Oct. 29 EDM show. My friend and I introduced ourselves to a few users and took up conversation about the drug, one of whom quickly admitted to have taken it on her way to the concert. “It feels like you settle really easy into everything you’re 10
doing,” she told us. “It makes the experience fuller, like I love the music and everything and you hear everything, you see every light, you hear every sound, and you feel all the bass… That’s why I do it.” Another user shared a deeper perspective. “Right now I feel calm and excited,” she giggled, still dancing. “I feel like, immediately, even when the two of you stepped up, there was just good people around, good people to be found here, all throughout this venue… I feel very much more connected with people… And what’s beautiful about these connections is just, they feel pure…” The openness and intimacy of her response exemplifies exactly what many researchers, such as College of Charleston psychology professor James Hittner, believe to be an effect of the substance. “Back in the 70s, therapists wanted to use [Ecstasy] because the sense was that it helped people feel closer to each other,” Hittner said. “A number of psychologists actually wanted to call this drug Empathy.” Molly, the name by which MDMA is most commonly sold today, references the term chemists used in the 80s to refer to a freshly made batch. The old nickname’s use in recent years is a rebranding effort following Ecstasy’s downfall. the yard
NEWS After Ecstasy was established as the club drug in the late 80s and 90s, dealers began to adulterate it with cheaper substances, such as cocaine and caffeine, in order to increase profit margins. The problem became so widespread that the drug’s newly attained user base began to dissipate, its use and fame sharply declining at the start of the 21st century. Today, Molly is marketed as pure Ecstasy, unadulterated Ecstasy, Ecstasy without the problems that brought Ecstasy down. However, this is far from the case. A dealer commented in an interview, “When Molly comes to [town] and somebody else gets it, they gonna step on it, break it down, put whatever they can in it so they can make them a little extra money.” The anonymous dealer has made money from contraband since he was 15, over seven years ago, and claims he does not cut his Molly like other dealers do. “I don’t do that. I leave it the way I get it. I don’t touch it; I just sell it when it come.” But Molly’s problems run far deeper than low-level dealers adulterating the substance. Despite the drug’s wide availability and explosive growth in pop-culture,
Rise of synthetic cathinone confiscations in the United States over four years In the same time period, MDMA confiscations decreased.
Graph from the Drug Enforcement Agency
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the National Seizure System has seen an 82 percent drop in actual MDMA, from 2,438 kilograms in 2008 to just 432 kilograms in 2012. How can that be, with Molly’s use skyrocketing so publicly? In a recent three-year analysis carried out by the DEA, only 13 percent of substances marketed as Molly actually contained any MDMA. Instead, shady chemicals such as 4-MEC and Methylone made up most of the confiscated “Molly” doses. These chemicals belong to a class of drugs called cathinones, synthetic stimulants known by most people as Bath Salts. A spokesman for the DEA said that between 200 and 300 new cathinones have been created over the last five years, mostly produced in Chinese factories and shipped to the United States under the auspices of Molly. “Taking Molly really is a game of Russian Roulette,” William Richardson of the South Carolina Poison Control Center commented. “You don’t know what you’re going to get; each ‘dose’ is different.” Molly may not be actual MDMA nearly 90 percent of the time, but it still ranks low in the grand scheme of overdoserelated deaths. Dr. Hunter Louis, an Emergency Attendant at Roper Hospital, says that alcohol, “by far and away,” is the number one type of intoxication he treats, with Mollyrelated cases occurring “pretty darn rarely.” A user at Music Farm said she “absolutely, definitely” feels more in control on Molly than she does when drinking. “I don’t really like to drink a lot, I like alternative drugs better… If I’m drinking there’s no control.” That said, the stakes are still high. “MDMA and other sympathomimetics [including Bath Salts] can occasionally cause what’s called serotonin syndrome,” Louis said, speaking of cases he has previously treated. Serotonin syndrome is a condition in which the neurotransmitter serotonin floods the brain, causes “increased temperature, blood pressure and heart rate,” Louis said. “[The patient] can also have a lot of facial flushing, diarrhea, vomiting, and those patients, if they do have serotonin syndrome, must be handled very carefully because it can produce cardiovascular collapse.” “I think [Molly] can be lethal,” Louis concluded. “It’s certainly documented that it can be lethal, especially when it’s cut with other sympathomimetic.” Medical risks aside, the legal ramifications if caught are harsh. A user found with no more than 15 capsules (or dosage units) can face up to six months behind bars and be fined at most $1,000. A low-level dealer caught with 15 to 100 doses can face up to five years in federal prison, while a person higher up the chain caught with 1,000 doses faces a mandatory 25. For our anonymous dealer, however, there are no worries. “You just move smart, don’t drive crazy, keep a small circle, don’t talk to a lotta people, don’t, you know, don’t be stupid, don’t be greedy. Stay humble, stay hungry, stay smart, stay low-key.” For your average user, too, like the high, erotic dancer at Music Farm, worries are washed away by waves of euphoria. But is it really MDMA elevating her mood? Probably not. Does she even know what she drank down with orange juice, what is really seeping into her brain? Almost definitely not. 11
sex appeal
College Moves Toward Active Inclusion of LGBTQQAAIP Community by LEAH SUTHERLAND If you’ve visited the new George Street Fitness Center, you may have noticed several new features of the 15,000 square foot facility. All of the machines work, and the men’s and women’s locker rooms have separate changing areas, and, unlike Stern Fitness Center, which had only one bathroom, there are separate toilets for men and women. If you visit the new gym and use one of these facilities, you might pass right by the single-toilet near the women’s bathroom. It is labeled “Unisex” and stands out, separate from the other locker rooms. This is one of several gender neutral bathrooms on campus, which has surprised some students. A Google map online marks each bathroom’s location, but there existence is not common knowledge. Susan Payment, Director of Student Life at the College, discussed the incorporation of gender neutral bathrooms in existing campus structures, saying, “I know there is one in Addlestone somewhere.” Her inability to name locations is not unusual but reflects that these restrooms are not common knowledge. In addition to not being common knowledge, gender neutral bathrooms are often uncommon considerations. According to Payment, when Rita Hollings Science Center’s initial renovation plans were drawn, gender neutral bathrooms were not included on the blueprints. “[The designers] were not thinking about it. It wasn’t at the forefront of consideration when looking at new facilities.” For some students, this is also true. Kristi Brian, Director of Diversity Education and Training in the Office of Institutional Diversity, said many students do not actively participate in gender equality. She said gender equality is not on their minds because “people feel if they don’t seem to represent diversity, they shouldn’t be a part of the program. This is a thing for everyone.” Alphabet Soup: Letters for Everyone Many faculty and staff members have taken to the idea that respecting diversity is the responsibility of all by participating in the College’s Safe Zone training, which serves as a safe place to discuss LGBTQQAAIP
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issues on campus and creates allies for LGBTQQAAIP students through education. David Michener, Associate Director of the Multicultural Student Programs and Services and Chair of the Safe Zone Steering Committee, said that Safe Zone training is similar to taking a life class. “You learn how to talk to someone respectfully,” he said. The College’s Safe Zone chapter was founded in 2005 but fell into a period of inactivity until 2010 when representatives from Safe Zones at Clemson and the University of South Carolina were brought on to train College of Charleston Safe Zone members. Since then, the program has grown from 278 trained allies to 400, and the College has trained other local institutions such as MUSC, The Citadel and Midlands Technical College. Tom Holcomb, ROAR Scholar Director, part of the Safe Zone Steering Committee and an openly gay man, and Michener both feel the College is making strides toward becoming more accepting, but Charleston is not always as accommodating. Holcomb said, “The College is really taking some leaps and bounds… [and] Charleston has come a long way in terms of respect.” Michener said, “We’re definitely above everyone else in the state… more gay friendly, but we are behind the rest of the nation, especially the West Coast.” Would the kind of social equality and pride seen on the West Coast be possible at a school in the Deep South? Lara Pena, Office Manager in the Office of Student Affairs, recalled her time at a western liberal arts college and contrasted the attitude of change at her undergraduate institution with the culture she sees through her interaction with students at the College. Here, Pena said, students do not take issue with gender violence or harassment “unless they are in the line of fire.” Students do not take as much public responsibility for one another, “or follow the unwritten rules” that come with being part of the shared community.
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know the names She said, “Diversity affects everyone, and in order to change something you need to be uncomfortable.” Looking at those who have participated in Safe Zone training reflects many students’ attitude of “slactivism.” While Safe Zone has 400 allies, many of those are faculty and staff members, rather than straight students, which contributes to what Jessica Dugan, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance refers to as the “surface acceptance” of LGBTQQAAIP students at the College. “We see so many faculty… [but] few students,” Dugan said. “A lot of [GSA members] see campus as already accepting… [but few students] are moved to take a stand. There are still people who aren’t comfortable expressing their gender identity.” Times of Change Last month, a number of local transgendered activists came to speak at the Spirit Day rally at the College, including a keynote by Netflix Series “Orange is the New Black” star, Laverne Cox. “This would not have been possible in 2004,” Payment said, when asked about how our campus has changed to become more inclusive. While Payment believes having a transgendered woman like Cox come to speak is significant, Payment also feels november 21
lesbian gay bisexual transexual queer questioning aseuxal ally intersex pansexual
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there is a need to bring activists like Judy Shepard to speak across the nation. Shepard lost her son Matthew in 1998 as the result of a hate crime because he was gay. Shepard said there has been “a wild proliferation of hate crimes in this country” since 2008 and harassment of gender non-conforming individuals make up a great part of this. Cox spoke about her experience with cat-calls and passersby on the streets of New York City trying to guess what gender she was. Brian said, “I believe there is still a lot of transphobia on our campus. If you see a trans person and you’re uncomfortable, this applies to you.” Dugan also spoke to this saying, “One of the biggest problems on campus is restroom harassment… people saying, ‘Hey, you don’t belong here.’” The George Street Fitness Center is an example of how construction creates opportunity for equality. Dugan sees further opportunity for inclusion by rebuilding Rutledge Rivers as a gender neutral dormitory. “It may never be we have a large percentage of gender nonconforming housing,” she said, but, “we aren’t asking for a new building,” downtown where space is notoriously scarce. Although it is yet unknown whether or not gender neutral housing will come to fruition, current initiatives to promote LGBTQQAAIP awareness offer hope for gender non-conforming students. “The community members are valued,” Susan Payment said. “There are proactive responses to suggestions and needs that have been identified. People listen.” 13
q&a
with ‘orange is the new black’ star...
laverne cox
FAMILY: Laverne Cox with members of We Are Family, the host organization of CofC’s Spirit Day. Photo courtesy of Robyn Leigh Photography
by CHRISTINA D’ANTONI On LGBTQ Spirit Day in October, Laverne Cox stood on the stage of The Physicians Auditorium and asked the same question of Sojourner Truth, bell hooks, and several before her: “Ain’t I A Woman?” But this time, this speech was not an argument for women’s or black suffrage – it was a statement of gender, from a proud African American transgendered woman. In this interview, I sat down with the actress from the Netflix phenomenon “Orange is the New Black” to talk acronyms, TV, OITNB and LGBTQ. Q: How is your tour going, and why a college tour? A: This is just my second [stop], but the first one went really well and I met some amazing people and I’m really excited to connect with students all across the country…College for me is where I developed my critical consciousness around race, class and gender, and for me, getting to connect with college students in these formative years is really exciting. Q: What was growing up in the Deep South like for you? A: It was good and bad. I live in New York City now and 14
I would not have wanted to grow up there. I feel like the values that I got in the South — going to Church every Sunday and from my mom — are values I take with me and I’m really grateful that I had that experience. It was rough because of bullying but I think LGBTQ kids get bullied everywhere, so it’s not something specific to the South. So I am really grateful for my experience and I think everything that has happened to me has made me who I am today so I’m happy for all of it — the good, the bad and the ugly. Q: Who acts as your support group in both your personal and professional life? A: My mother definitely. My brother really is my moral compass. I run stuff by him, “Should I do this? Should I not do this, should I say this?”…He’s so interested in my wellbeing but also in the cause of social justice so he’s been the one really encouraging me. About five years ago when I got the opportunity to have a public platform in a show called “I Wanna Work For Diddy,” I was [thinking] “Well, I’m very the yard
FEATURES political…should I speak out about the things I believe in?” And he said you absolutely should…As a black transgender woman trying to make it in the mainstream, should I say certain things? I have just been saying the truth. Q: How does it feel to be the first African American transgendered woman to appear on an American reality show? A: What was really powerful for me about that moment was all the messages I got particularly from black trans women who said they’d never seen a professional black trans woman on television before — that we’d always been portrayed as victims or sex workers. And it was very empowering for them, and I think for me beyond getting the opportunity to live my dream and do what I love, if my work can touch people and inspire them that’s a really great reason to do something. Q: Tell me a little about your beginnings on the Netflix hit series, “Orange is the New Black.” A: It felt beshert. Beshert is Yiddish for meant to be. It felt beshert because at the time I had been prepping to interview a trans woman named Cece McDonald who is in prison in Minnesota for defending herself against a racist and transphobic attack. I was prepping to interview her for this show “In The Life” and then they lost their funding and never happened. I was sort of already in this prison mindset and doing a lot of research about prison. My acting coach says there really are no mistakes and I do believe in this thing that what we put out into the universe comes back to us. So I auditioned, it was just one audition and I did two scenes and they put me on tape and a few weeks later I found out I got the part.
think our show proves that people will tune in for diverse audiences, and I hope it changed our industry a bit. Q: In what ways do you think this coming together on Spirit Day at CofC is beneficial for the LGBTQI community? A: Bullying has been such a huge part of my story and I feel has been a huge part of my story as a trans woman and I think that it is crucial that everybody gets together – gay, straight, trans, cisgender – and say that it is not acceptable anymore to make fun of, ridicule or to demean LGBTQI people. It is not acceptable anymore. We want to celebrate and love this community and that this community deserves love, particularly the trans community. For me, this day is about coming together in love, and this day is about saying that certain behavior is no longer acceptable, and that we won’t stand for it. Q: Do you have any advice for current CofC students experiencing bullying? A: Well I understand that CofC has created some policies to make the students safer, so what I’m excited about is that students will have some recourse, particularly on this campus if they are experiencing some harassment. I would say to ask for help and don’t be ashamed of it. I think a lot of times for me, I had a lot of shame around being bullied and harassed for years and I didn’t want to talk about it. It’s okay to talk about it to the right people and get help.
Q: You have said in a different interview that you think people can related to the deeply flawed characters on “Orange is the New Black.” Can you expand on that? A: For whatever reason these characters are in prison and they’ve made some kind of mistake, presumably, and they’re imperfect people. I think all of us as human beings are imperfect and that is when I relate to a character, because there is something flawed about them. Then I’m like, this relates to the flaws I have inside of me. And Jenji Kohan, who created our show, said that she is also very interested in flawed characters, she’s not interested in people who are perfect because that’s boring. I think the more flawed someone is, the more human and relatable they are. Q: You’ve also said that “Orange is the New Black” can act as a platform for all kinds of women. What women are you talking about? A: I think what’s exciting about our show and makes it even more relatable is that it’s so rare to see diverse women on television – women of different races, generations and body types all in one place – that’s super rare! I talked to my friend Selenis, who is an actress on the show, we were saying that we hope it changes the industry’s standard. I think Hollywood’s idea is that you have to have only super skinny white women on television and if you don’t that the show won’t be successful and people won’t tune in. I november 21
SPIRIT: Laverne Cox after giving her keynote on Spirit Day, Oct. 17, in Physicians Auditorium. Photo by Ebony Davis
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While many institutions across the country are forced to create flashy campaigns to make them an appealing choice for prospective student athletes, the College has the advantage of residing in the heart of one of America’s historic gems. “When I first walked in as the Athletic Director,” Joe Hull said, “and I was having my initial meetings with the coaches, we were trying to improve the program, and one of the areas of conversation was that this is such a great city, such a great place for people to visit. One of the things we felt if we could get recruits here, no matter who, if we could get them here, and see the place and experience Charleston, we have a shot with them. So we started reorganizing what we do to try to take advantage of that.” That strategy has paid off. Look no further than
basketball star Adjehi Baru, who held scholarships from the holy grail of college programs and chose the College in large part due to the lifestyle Charleston offered. Yet Hull and his staff knew years ago that they could improve the College’s long-distance image. “We couldn’t get everyone to feel they were invested in the ‘C’ with the claws [the previous logo],” Hull said. “We didn’t sell a lot of it in the bookstore. You didn’t see it a lot on the street. A lot of the parts of the campus didn’t want to use it, so this was an ongoing conversation.” Those conversations resulted in the search for an image overhaul that would colorfully portray the College to the public. Hull and his staff consulted with major design firms from the likes of New York City, but ultimately landed on Gil Shuler Graphic Design across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant. “On multiple occasions, we took our meeting and our whole group to their studio,” Hull said. “It’s interesting being in a studio of a firm like that because the walls are covered with all the different projects they have done, and there’s just a stimulative effect of being in an environment that’s that creative.” Throughout the process, both sides exchanged a wide variety of images they thought illustrated the College’s vibe and values. “Probably a 150 different mock-ups of different logos, different styles and different shapes, which covered their whole thought process of different ways to do this,” Hull said. “We didn’t know if a bridge might fit into this, or something with water,
Photos courtesy of CofC Athletics
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SPORTS
SPIRIT: Senior Elizabeth Berry shows off her cougar pride, sporting a hooding with CofC’s new logo. Photo by Sarah Sheafer
or with oaks, but when it came down to it, a simple, classic, traditional ‘C’ with ‘Charleston’ in it ended up being the winning design as we saw it.” The inspiration for the new logo dates as far back as the late 1800s and was in use for nearly a century before its modern resurrection. The new logo illustrates the longevity and history of athletics at the College. Hull said he is optimistic that the new branding campaign has already made the College more visible and will only continue to do so with the move to the more high profile Colonial Athletic Association. “It’s working for us so far,” Hull said. “The stuff is just starting to get where it’s around, it’s more visible than the other mark had been for the last several years.” In addition to overhauling the image and perception of the College from the outside, Hull is hopeful that the recent changes in image and conference energize the student body turn out at TD Arena with basketball upon us. “We love the students. We want them to be a part of the program. We want them to be there on game night. We want them to enjoy what we’re doing. The team is going to be really good. We’re excited about our prospects. We think our schedule is a really good schedule, and I think the next piece is if the students come out and support, this is going to be a great year.”
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SWAG: (From left) Sophomore Layne Thornton, junior Mary Frances Babrowicz, and senior Elizabeth Berry, all members of the Swimming and Diving team, wear gear with the new logo to support CofC Athletics. Photo by Sarah Sheafer
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a taste of
Dolly’s Lebanon by ISADORA GOTTS
CofC Arabic Professor Opens Lebanese Restaurant Downtown
LEYLA: Dolly Raad-Awkwar, CofC Arabic professor and owner of Leyla on King Street. Photo by Ebony Davis
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LOCAL
SAMBOUSEK: A fried stuffed pastry filled with ground beef. Photo by Ebony Davis
Underneath Dolly Raad-Awkwar’s Arabic textbooks and exam copies, hides an extremely successful business woman. Lately, when she is not teaching her students, you can find Dolly at 298 King St. tirelessly perfecting every single detail of her new Lebanese restaurant, Leyla. In the 10 years she has been in Charleston, Dolly has transformed from rug seller to Arabic professor to restaurant owner. Her ascension within the Charleston community comes to no surprise, considering her impressively eclectic life and career. As an executive, Dolly has travelled the world for negotiations and continues to educate herself. She speaks multiple languages and even took Hebrew classes at the College. Of all of her achievements, she says she is most proud of “having overcome all the adversities in life and coming out with a positive attitude.” A true fighter, Dolly has survived war and moving far away from her home in Lebanon. In an interview, Dolly became emotional as she remembered all the hardships she has endured, and the wonderful family she created in spite of it all. One might wonder, why open a restaurant in a city already overflowing with culinary options? Dolly argues that truly authentic Arabic cuisine, specifically Lebanese, is missing from Charleston’s international food scene. Even with all the exotic Middle Eastern dishes it offers, Leyla is completely authentic, down to the Lebanese imported olive oil the chef uses. The restaurant prides itself on importing all its produce straight from Lebanon, even its chef. Leyla’s talented chef and internationally known singer, Lebanese Vatche Meguerdichian is a wellestablished Los Angeles chef with a reputation that precedes him. His five page menu includes a wide array of options, including: vegetarian, gluten-free, fat-free, meat-lovers and “adventurous territory” such as lamb tongue and frog legs. Needless to say, Leyla and its staff are committed to the quality of its dishes and the satisfaction of its customers. Perhaps subconsciously, Dolly’s professorial nature
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SMOKED BABA GANOUSH: A ground eggplant dip, served with sambousek. Photo by Ebony Davis
took over when designing the restaurant. From its chic and relaxing ambiance to the 10 percent off discount Dolly plans to implement for college students, Leyla could not cater more to the College of Charleston community. A particularly attractive offer will prove to be the $8 lunch special of a sandwich and side with the possibility of carry out. With the help of ML design, Dolly and her husband created what she calls a casual yet “quiet, modern and elegant” atmosphere perfect for an intimate date, a nice family dinner, a relaxing sit down with some friends or even a soothing meal alone - away from the chaos of campus. Unique and quaint in its style, Leyla is what Dolly refers to as a “boutique” restaurant. As for recommendations, Shawarma, which consists of spiced meat marinated, stacked and then spit-roasted, is a college-student favorite in Lebanon, and it is quickly becoming one in Charleston. Though Leyla is her latest endeavor, Dolly’s “mission is to teach.” It is specifically her passion for transmitting and expressing her culture that led her to open her extremely anticipated Lebanese restaurant, Leyla. Always at the top of her class, Dolly has a particular respect for the importance of education. She says, “I feel that education is the basis of any society; all progress starts with education.” She claims that her Lebanese origins influence her way of thinking, and that “Lebanon is different, so I am different. It is a country that was the bridge between East and West. We have Middle Eastern traditions and customs, but yet we have open minds to western civilization, and that is what makes us different.” Her small town roots from rural Southern Lebanon have inspired her to open students and people’s minds to diversity and to share her rich culture. When asked about Arabic specifically, Dolly says, “There is a misconception about the Middle East, and who we are.” Whether it is through taking one of her classes or visiting Leyla, Dolly is happy to share her Lebanese culture and experiences with others.
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here’s to brunch:
Lowcountry Style by CHRISTINA D’ANTONI
Flip the page to read about some of Charleston’s best brunches!
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hail from the town of the Jazz Brunch. In New Orleans, brunch is the city at its best. It is families gathered around white tablecloths, sharing bites of Bananas Foster and Boudin & Eggs to the sound of a jazz band playing, “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?” I can answer a resounding yes to this song, but I’ve found Lowcountry brunch to be just as delicious, and more down to business. While there’s always a seer-suckered Sunday brunch around the corner in Charleston, I’ve found my favorite brunches are this way: wooden tables and brunch items served unabashedly on big white plates. I’ve searched the city and found my three
favorite spots for this kind of brunch. Unlike breakfast, which happens every day whether you have it continental or on the way to class, brunch is a choice and a celebration. When planning my brunch itinerary, a friend asked, “Why can’t we go at 9 a.m.?” Brunch is not breakfast, I said. It is not something you plan at the start of your day, but rather the point to it. Brunch should be a celebration, a toast of Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s to life, filled with shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and one (or three) too many biscuits. So go celebrate something this Sunday at one of these Charleston brunch spots, and I promise you’ll never confuse breakfast and brunch again.
early bird diner
1644 Savannah Highway Open 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. on weekends
BRUNCH: Steak and eggs served sunny-side up from Early Bird Diner. Photo by Colin Johnson
Brunch can’t get any more down to earth than at Early Bird Diner on Savannah Highway. The Early Bird is worth the drive, and serves heaping plates of all your Lowcountry favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have a savory tooth, this is definitely the no-frills spot for your late night craving for shrimp and grits – theirs is served with jumbo shrimp covered in a thick tomato-based sauce with a biscuit on the side. If the tomato bacon gravy seems too heavy, request for the shrimp to be fried in their sweet and spicy jelly.
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CLASSIC: Hot and heavy shrimp and grits. Photo by Colin Johnson
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LOCAL
lowcountry bistro
49 S. Market St. Brunch Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m
FLUFFY: Biscuits with homemade jam and salted butter. Photo courtesy of Lowcountry Bistro
Take a walk down to the market on a nice day and stop by Lowcountry Bistro for brunch. Owned by 82 Queen, Lowcountry Bistro is a great way to have a sophisticated brunch in a casual setting. Try their Biscuits and Jam made with their homemade preserves and the Jambalaya Benedict made like a traditional Benedict but with a creole hollandaise sauce for a blend of Creole and Lowcountry flavors.
CREOLE: The Jambalaya Benedict with shrimp, poached eggs, and red rice cakes. Photo courtesy of Lowcountry Bistro
the rarebit
474 King St. Brunch all day, Tuesday to Sunday
TASTY: The Chicken and Waffles is topped with pads of butter and swirls of syrup. Photo by Ebony Davis
FLAVOR: Huevos Racheros with a blank bean puree from The Rarebit. Photo by Ebony Davis
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If you’ve been to The Rarebit on a weekend night, you may not recognize it as a great brunch spot, but it serves breakfast food all day, every day. Its retrodiner aesthetic and home cooked flavors will have you nostalgic for a decade you weren’t even alive for. When selecting your brunch item, don’t go any further than the Chicken and Waffles. An entire fried chicken breast is served on top of a thick Belgian waffle and topped with housemade Sorghum infused syrup – truly savory and sweet incarnate. If you would like something lighter, try the Huevos Rancheros – it delivers a warm Mexican roasted taste with the freshness of avocado on top. 25
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All Things Andolini’s:
MEMORIES: (Left) The Poseidon statue, a beloved mascot of the restaurant. (Right) The staff of Andolini’s. Photos courtesy of Josh Beavers
A Tribute
by AVIS NORFLEET When I sat down for my final slice of Andolini’s pizza, the marquee behind the bar offered parting wisdom: “Don’t cry, it’s just pie.” While the words were more uplifting than what had been displayed the week before, (“Take another little pizza my heart”) they still indicated the end of an era. Not long ago, the puns were playful references like “Pie, pie, pie my darling” and “Cut my life into pizzas.” A snapshot of the latter went viral on Imgur. Kitschy, quirky, and grounded in music and pizza, the marquee was the perfect representation of all things Andolini’s. The significant role music played at the restaurant was one of the things that separated it from other pizza places and also invited a comparison to the 1995 film “Empire Records.” Instead of a soundtrack of The Cranberries and Gin Blossoms, you could expect to hear anything from Lou Reed to Black Eyes, but the tunes were still selected by attractive twenty-something employees clad in leather jackets and flannel. Just as the fictional record store relied on regular pizza delivery, the adverse was true at Andolini’s where the general manager, Matty Moore, often had his records delivered while he was working. With all these similarities, it was only fitting that Andolini’s would end in the same way as “Empire Records” - with one last blowout full of beer, bands and longtime customers. On Oct. 17, with two days left before closing, employees Leighton Gelders and Ryan O’Reilly cleared the back room november 21
to make way for instruments and a full crowd. The lineup included local darlings Rachel Kate and Sarah Bandy among others. While there was no defined headliner, the standout act was Bath Salts, the closing garage punk act made entirely of Andolini’s employees. Gelders played bass, accompanying vocalist Rowland Van Winkle-Rice, drummer Josh Kredich and guitarist Josh Beavers. The band simultaneously fueled and fed off of the crowd’s energy. It was the kind of raucous liveliness that might have caused people to start smashing things if it weren’t for their desire to preserve memories of the place. Unfortunately, unlike the bash in “Empire Records,” this one wasn’t able to save the pizza joint. Employees and memorabilia are now scattered across the peninsula. Keep an eye out at Tattooed Moose, Upper Deck and Faculty Lounge. You might just see a familiar face. Also, don’t be surprised if you spot the Poseidon statue chilling in a front yard. Nonetheless, it’s not quite the same now that no central location houses these gems. Because Andolini’s was comparable to one fictional record store, it stands to reason that the advice given by Penny Lane in Almost Famous could have easily applied to the restaurant: “If you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.” You can still find the former employees, unique antiques, good music and a tasty slice of pizza; it just won’t be as simple as walking through a door on Wentworth Street. 27
From Pitas to Performances
GROOVY: Guitarist JR Spencer performs at Music Farm. He and lead singer Dexter Jenks started South Street after they met at Pita Pit. Photos courtesy of South Street
South Street’s Success Story by CAYLA WILLIAMS & LEAH SUTHERLAND
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ightning struck two years ago when College of Charleston junior Dexter Jenks and future bandmate JR Spencer met courtesy of a meddling manager at Pita Pit. Bonding over their shared love of music, the pair started playing together, eventually adding fellow College of Charleston students John Barry and Sam Roberts to the mix. Their introduction to the Charleston music scene came quickly. Only their third show, they played a Battle of the Bands at Music Farm. While better than anticipated, the band realized they had a long way to go. Jenks, South Street’s lead singer said, “Tell a twomonth-old baby to go wow a crowd.” Despite their short time together, this foursome has big goals. South Street is making the push to become a regional force instead of just another Charleston bar band, with all of the members pitching in to see this dream through. Everyone plays a part in making the South Street work - from using social media, creating merchandise, to handling press and scheduling rehearsals. “You are your own manager, publicist and booking agent.” said Barry, the band’s bassist and de facto leader. South Street’s self-described work ethic is what
they feel sets them apart from other local bands. “Music doesn’t wait for you to think about it,” Jenks said. Their desire to succeed has been recognized by the Charleston City Paper Awards, which nominated them in the Jam/Reggae/Groove Band category, in addition to a new album slated for release in March. The untitled album, produced by Jeff Leonard and Eric Rickert, features 11 tracks that combine all of South Street’s varied influences including The Expendables, Old Crow Medicine Show and Passafire. South Street prides itself on eclecticism and defying labels, and both Barry and Jenks said they agree that there is something for everyone on their upcoming release. Their refusal to label themselves could work against them. We live in an age where consumers like clearly defined lines. An artist can have an eclectic catalogue, as long as it is cohesive. If there is something for everyone, what is there for anyone to really latch on to? Especially in a music scene as crowded as Charleston’s, where singer/songwriters, indie pop and reggae tinged rock bands are as abundant as the King Street bars they play in. No matter the critical response, South Street stands by their variety. Jenks said, “We’re not a bunch of robots. We’re ever-changing, growing beings.”
JAMMIN’: South Street dressed up as the Village People for their performance at Music Farm on Halloween. Photos courtesy of South Street
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Staff Editorial
Whose president is it anyway?
Photo by Colin Johnson
The College of Charleston President George Benson will soon step down, and our community is under pressure to find his replacement. A January 2008 article from the Charleston Regional Business Journal, touted Benson as the person to move the College into the future, a perfect marriage of business and academics. Fast forward to September 2013 when a Post and Courier article reported 57 percent of the College’s faculty as dissatisfied with Benson’s administration. The faculty demands an academic to lead them into the future that was once so promising under Benson’s leadership. Benson’s list of accomplishments from 2007 until now is impressive. He increased private fundraising, moved us from the Southern Conference to the Colonial Athletic Association, pushed for greater diversity and created a 10-year Strategic Plan to better the College beyond his term. However, many faculty members did not find his accomplishments fulfilling enough. As a result of their dissatisfaction, faculty are asking for a future president whose background is in academia rather than business, but Benson is an academic. He was a professor in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota for 16 years, he has published numerous academic research reports, even a textbook, and his previous position was at the University of Georgia in the Terry School of Business. When he steps down, he will take on a new role at the College as a professor. In comparison, the most revered former president of the College had no experience in academia. Ted Stern, who served as president from 1968 to 1978, brought the College from a small and struggling school with fewer than 500 students to a prominent college with over 5,000 students. Stern accepted his position as president straight out of the Navy, with no academic career. Former president Lee Higdon was a Wall Street executive before moving into academia. Harry Lightsey was a practicing veterinarian and lawyer before becoming a 30
law professor and eventually president of the College. The faculty has made its voice clear, regardless of historical precedence. But what about the student body’s voice? There are 547 various types of instructors at the College and over 10,000 students. Shouldn’t the voice of the majority count? The advisory council choosing our next president for us inversely represents campus population. Lynn Cherry is the only faculty member who specifically represents faculty interests, Student Body President Jordan Hensley is the only student to represent all 10,000 of her peers and the remaining 11 members come from the Alumni Association, the Board of Trustees and other areas that are not faculty, staff or students. In fact, staff members do not have a single representative on the committee. While we are addressing committee’s diversity, shall we mention its gender and racial composition? The College released a list of members for the presidential search committee, dedicated to locating our new leader. There are nine men and four women on this committee that represents a school that is 36 percent male and 64 percent female. In addition, the only non-white representatives on the committee are two African Americans. For a school that says it is trying to increase and prioritize diversity, where is our internal commitment to the cause? A very select population sample is making a decision that will affect people who have no connection to them beyond funds for this public institution. From a bystander perspective, all we can say is that we hope they choose someone who will do a good job and represent student interests. The presidents who succeeded did not do so because of their specific backgrounds. Whether the next president is a former professor or political powerhouse doesn’t matter. We need someone with a positive vision for the College and the leadership skills necessary to bring a largely apathetic campus into a dynamic future. the yard
One Nation, Under Food: Giving Thanks for Thanksgivukkah hannukah s
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by Olivia Cohen Every year when Christmas is in the air, I celebrate Hanukah. I have celebrated Chanukah, Hanukkah and Chanuka, but for the first time in my life, I will celebrate Thanksgivukkah. In a rare collision of calendars, the Jewish lunar calendar aligned with the Gregorian calendar to create a once-ina-lifetime event. Most people know that Thanksgiving always falls on the last Thursday of November, which is on the 28th this year. Hanukah always falls on the 25th of the Jewish month Kislev, which usually corresponds to mid-December, but this year, it will fall on the night of Nov. 27, having both holidays share a spot on the calendar. For those of you who might not know, Hanukah is not just the Jewish Christmas, as is commonly believed. It is the celebration of the first and only time Jews ever won a significant battle, and because we are just so impressed with ourselves, we continue to celebrate the Maccabees’ success over the Greeks thousands of years later. Unfortunately, after triumphant Jewish victory, the Maccabees had to face the fact that the Greeks had desecrated their temple with bloody pagan rituals, so the Maccabees had to purify it in Jewish tradition. This led to a quest for holy oil (not to be confused with the modern Middle Eastern oil some Americans revere), which was supposed to remain burning at all times. The Greeks were kind enough to leave a one-day supply of oil, which november 21
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Cartoon by Kelley Wills
miraculously lasted eight days until the Maccabees returned. Ever since, we have celebrated the eight-night holiday of the Maccabees’ epic journey. I trust that everyone reading this understands Thanksgiving already, so let’s move on to Thanksgivukkah. In celebration of this momentous event, like any good Jew, I will eat food. In celebration of this momentous event, like any good American, I will eat lots of food. Sweet potato latkes, apple-pie rugelach, kugel stuffing. Is your mouth watering yet? If not, please see “Thanksgivukkah” Pinterest boards. Businesses are also recognizing the specialty of this event. In the American spirit of excessive niche holidays, you can buy a turkey-shaped menorah, called a menurkey, or a commemorative T-shirt from Modern Tribe. Specialty greeting cards, posters and calendars are for sale across the web, and social media is a-buzz with Thanksgivukkah everything. Hopefully by now you are sold on this holiday. This has not happened since 1888 and will not happen again until the year 79811 so I heed you to take notice. If you’re not Jewish, I advise that you find a friend. Or a family friend. Or a neighbor. Or just go to a local synagogue to see what’s happening. Sometimes in life, there are things that overcome religious differences, uniting us all because of our own humanity. Let Thanksgivukkah be one of those times. Make it a holiday to remember. 31
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