Due South Fall 2013

One Word: Fandoms

Plop, Knock and Drop It

Thrift for Your Life

DUE SOUTH fall 2013 • vol. 3, issue 1

trends • culture • events

The growth [of downtown] is phenomenal. I see it, and I am excited to be a part of it.”

– Max Morey Owner of Crescent Theater see page 12 for more

Editor-in-Chief Mary Beth Lursen

mel904@jagmail.southalabama.edu Associate Editor Daniel Moran

k.danielmoran@gmail.com

Associate Editor Tim Borland

starters 5 2-minute Interview 6 Calendar 8 New + Noteworthy agenda 10 Johnny No Bringing gospel to blues

12 Crescent Theater

features

22

Cover Story: The Faces of South

26

The Hive Pollinates

28

One Word: Fandoms

31

Plop, Knock and Drop It

32

Thrift for Your Life

The perfect movie experience

14 Wine & Dine Great eating & good deals

the creative dept.

16 Commedia del Arte A theatrical escape

18 Music Depository Music lives on

20 Bienville Books Bury your nose

On The Cover The Faces of South

by Daniel Moran & Ryan Keller

trb903@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Meet some of the students who attend your university and are just like you The Rumor Union renovates an old building for Mobile artists to create and bond

A closer look at what fandoms are and why the students at South love and hate them

We’ve all broken a phone before and now it’s time for a closer look at how

How to spice up your wardrobe without breaking the bank

Due South is published twice per academic year – once in the fall and once in the spring.

Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by Due South. Due South is a production of USA Student Media, and does not necessarily reflect the views of The University of South Alabama’s administration.

ed note

P

Finding Your Snapshots

eople value pictures because of the memories they summon.

An art photo can inspire, a historical photo may inform, but only a photo of something a person remembers has the power of time travel. Years from now, graduates will be able to recall the places they went, the friendships they shared, the causes they supported and the hobbies they enjoyed at the University of South Alabama in part because of publications like Due South.

Each semester we strive to accurately document events witnessed on campus and in the greater community. Should the film within the following pages stir emotions in even one reader, far removed from the present, we will have preserved the past well.### - Tim

A picture is worth a thousand words, but what is a snapshot worth?

Maybe you can bring them to a Coinstar and see what it will give you, but what it means is much more. College is just a short period, and so much has happened during my time at the University. I’ve torn a ligament in my knee, I’ve scaled the rock wall more times than I can count, I’ve gone to Pensacola more times than I remember and I’ve talked on the phone with Aaron Carter.

A snapshot happens every day, take advantage of each of them. And take advantage of the ones on display for you in this magazine. xo. – Daniel

In life, you find snapshots in moments you share with people. For me, college has been when I’ve found the most snapshots. They came in moments like finding a favorite bookstore, watching “Supernatural,” sharing a burger and fries with friends, late night tweeting with a coworker, jamming to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on a sunny day, watching a Disney movie with family and creating this magazine. They help to define who you are as a person, the very fiber of your being. All of my moments helped me figure out who I am, and I can only hope that this magazine helps you. Think of these words and pictures on glossy pages not as articles, but as snapshots of South and Mobile. Of snapshots that may help you find a piece of yourself that you may not have known was there. Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” He’s right. So why waste time not finding those moments? Go ahead, flip these pages and find your own snapshots.

Editor-In-Chief, Due South { 04

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2

INTERVIEW

CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

starters

minutes with Aaron Carter

an interview by Daniel Moran

It was July 31, and I was standing in the middle of a photo shoot at Ladd-Peebles Stadium for ACCESS Magazine, when I got the notification, “Aaron Carter has followed you on Twitter.” After being followed by countless fake celebrities, I checked his account and saw the blue verified check mark next to his name. I jumped up and down with excitement and began telling everyone around me.

“That’s cool, do you know him in real life?” Katherine Webb, girlfriend of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, asked. I didn’t, but Due South had different plans. The Editor-in-Chief, Mary Beth Lursen, approved my desperate request to write an article on him for the fall issue.

What happened next was a 10 minute phone conversation and a short drive to see his After Party Tour at Soul Kitchen Music Hall in Mobile, Ala., on Oct. 11, 2013.

DM: What’s it like to be touring again?

AC: It’s hard to find any words to explain the amazingness of it. It’s a second chance for me, and I feel blessed to have this opportunity to show the world what I’m made of.

the experiences I had from Dancing With the Stars and Off-Broadway’s “The Fantasticks.” It’s all taught me a lot of discipline and built me into who I am as a performer today.

DM: What’s your favorite song to perform right now?

AC: Definitely “I Want Candy.” I love that song.

DM: How can your fans keep up with you and follow what you’re doing right now?

AC: Follow me on Twitter! @AARONCARTER. DM: What does the future hold? A new album? A new reality show? What do you hope will happen?

AC: Definitely not a reality show, that’s not something in my vision. I plan on getting back on tour in different countries and marketing myself. I want to get back out there so it makes sense when I do put out a new album, and they buy my product.

DM: The tour features a lot of songs from the early 2000s and a few have been reworked with a new twist. How was it experimenting with that sound and performing the old songs?

AC: Throughout the years, the fans have taken the music from my career and kept it in their lives. I never thought about what it would be like to have fans grow up with my music, and now I embrace it. With the new sound, I get the chance to still be who I am as a pop artist and just be fun and funky.

ing on a brand new tour?

AC: When I was younger, I performed thousands of shows all over the world. I took it all in and remembered { due south

LAST.FM

DM: How has your career prepared you for tak-

05 }

starters

INTERVIEW

CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

save the dates community events December

8

ALABAMA SHAKES

December

14 - 15

HOLIDAY HARMONIES

December

14

THE NUTCRACKER

Alabama Shakes bring their unique musical style and southern heritage to the Historic Mobile Saenger Theatre.

Acapella artists and winners of NBC’s “Sing-Off” will amaze you with their vocal talents and beautiful harmonies.

Don’t miss this annual family event as the Mobile Ballet presents it’s stunning production of “The Nutcracker.”

8 p.m.

Saenger Theatre.

8 p.m. Dec. 14 & 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Saenger Theatre.

2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Mobile Civic Center.

January

25 - 26

AMERICAN MASTERS

February

5

February

HANDSOME SCOUNDRELS

7

TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

Continuing the American Masters’ project, Mobile Symphony Orchestra will explore the works of composer Leonard Bernstein.

Mobile natives, Handsome Scoundrels preform with Ritchie Ramone at Soul Kitchen Music Hall.

Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents a tribute to the famous British band at the Historic Mobile Saenger Theatre.

2:30 p.m.

Saenger Theatre.

8 p.m.

Soul Kitchen Music Hall.

8 p.m.

Saenger Theatre.

March

15 - 16

CSARDAS!

March

15 - 16

COPPELIA

The Kalman Balogh Cimbalom Trio joins the Mobile Symphony Orchestra to celebrate traditional Hungarian gypsy music.

The comedy classic “Coppelia” is one of the famous story ballets enjoyed by both children and adults.

8 p.m. March 15 & 2:30 p.m.

March 16 Saenger Theatre.

7:30 p.m. March 15 & 2:30 p.m.

March 16 Mobile Civic Center.

April

11 - 13

SOUTHSOUNDS MUSIC FEST Local musicians play in the streets of Downtown Mobile in this three-day event.

All day.

Downtown Mobile.

April

11 - 13

TEMPORAL CITY FEST Enjoy this unique art experience described as a mapped multisite exhibition utilizing abandoned buildings in Downtown Mobile.

All day.

Downtown Mobile.

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March

28 & 30

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

The Mobile Opera presents “Madama Butterfly” at the Mobile Civic Center.

8 p.m. March 28 & 2:30 p.m.

March 30 Mobile Civic Center.

April

12 - 13

RUSSIAN FEST Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii joins the Mobile Symphony for a celebration of Russian music.

8 p.m. April 12 & 4:30 p.m. April 13 Saenger Theatre.

campus datebook SPORTS Dec. 3

Feb. 1

March 14 - March 16

5:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

6:30, 6:30 & 1 p.m. Stanky Field.

Dec. 9

Feb. 18

March 25

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

6:30 p.m. Stanky Field.

3 p.m. Stanky Field.

Dec. 16

Feb. 22

March 28 - March 30

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

5:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

6:30, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Stanky Field.

Dec. 17

Feb. 22

April 2

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

6:30 p.m. Stanky Field.

Jan. 2

Feb. 25 - Feb. 26

April 12 - April 13

TBA. Mitchell Center.

6:30 & 3 p.m. Stanky Field.

6:30 & 1 p.m. Stanky Field.

Jan. 15

March 5

April 25 - April 27

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

7:05 p.m. Mitchell Center.

TBA. Stanky Field.

Dec. 8

Feb. 2

March 24

5 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

2 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

Jan. 28

Feb. 21 - Feb. 23

April 11 - April 13

7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. Sunday matinee Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

Jan. 30

Feb. 27 - March 1

April 17 - April 19

TBA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

Dec. 5

Jan. 20

March 3 - March 9

7:30 p.m.

Mitchell Center.

9 a.m.

Campus-wide.

All day.

Campus-wide.

Dec. 14

March 4

March 14

2 p.m.

Mitchell Center.

All day.

Campus-wide.

9 a.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts.

Women’s Basketball vs. Spring Hill

Men’s Basketball vs. Spring Hill

Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi

Men’s Basketball vs. Dillard

Men’s Basketball vs. West. Kentucky

Women’s Basketball vs. La. Lafayette

Men’s Basketball vs. Ark. Little Rock

Men’s Baseball vs. Alabama State

Women’s Basketball vs. Troy Univ.

Men’s Basketball vs. Troy University

Men’s Baseball vs. Jacksonville State

Women’s Basketball vs. Texas State

Men’s Baseball vs. Troy University

Men’s Baseball vs. Nicholls State

Men’s Baseball vs. University of Texas

Men’s Baseball vs. Univ. of South. Miss.

Men’s Baseball vs. Arkansas State

Men’s Baseball vs. Louisiana Monroe

ARTS Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble Concert

Thomas Rowell Faculty Voice Recital

Rebecca Mindock Faculty Oboe Recital

Mobile Chamber Music Concert

“All My Sons”

USA Piano Esembles Spring Concert

“The Tempest”

“All My Sons”

“The Tempest”

CULTURE USA Holiday Concert

Fall Commencement Graduation

MLK Day of Service

Spring Break holiday

Mardi Gras holiday

{ due south

Robert Holm Faculty Piano Recital

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starters

INTERVIEW

CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

new+noteworthy SCAVENGER HUNT Due South initiated a scavenger hunt this semester to increase school spirit and raise awareness for the magazine. Students raced across campus to take pictures based on clues posted to the official Facebook MOBILE page. The Sandy Stimpgrand prize? A son defeated free dinner for Sam Jones in the 2013 six at Bonefish mayoral race with an Grill. Keep an eye out for impressive 28,934 votes round two in compared to Jones’ the spring.

24,582.

SCHOOL

The Department of Communication recently filed for a Federal Communication Commission license for The Prowl, previously Jag Radio. The student-run radio station hopes to be on your radio dial soon. “We are really looking forward to expanding the University’s reach through the radio station and establish the reputation that USA students are on the prowl,” Heather Leigh Stanley, faculty adviser, said. { 08

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RESTAURANTS

Dunkin’ Donuts will be gracing Mobile with its prescence sooner rather than later. The first location will open on 3819 Airport Blvd., with three additional locations coming in the near future.

Not only will Mobile open its doors to new morning pastries, but a new form of Mexican cuisine will make it’s way into the Port City.

Chipotle Mexican Grill will be opening its doors right next to the Dunkin’ Donuts on Airport Boulevard.

Chipotle will offer “food with integrity.”

Look for both of these restaurants in early 2014.

Your dreams of a romantic date with a chocolate fountain have been answered.

The Melting Pot will be arriving at 840 Montlimar Drive equipped with private tables and a unique fondue experience.

The Essentials

Any aspiring young adult needs to be prepared for anything. The best way to ensure this is by being well-equipped with a few wardrobe essentials.

by Daniel Moran

1

2

TOPMAN.COM

AMAZON.COM

FASHIONBYCAITY.BLOG.COM

3

1. Blazer A classic black blazer will dress up any outfit.

5

2. Black Dress Night out with your friends? Business meeting? The little black dress is perfectly versatile.

6

SHOENIVERSE.INFO

DANDYSHOES.COM

SIERRATRADINGPOST.COM

4

3. Dark Jeans Faded jeans are a thing of the past, invest in sharp dark denim.

4. Black Leggings Black leggings may seem simple, but can be paired with everything.

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5. Wingtip Shoes Dress up your feet with timeless wingtips.

6. Bright Pumps A pop of color does a lot for an outfit, the best way to do it is with a stylish pump.

agenda

CONCERTS

LEISURE

NIGHTLIFE

Mobile says “yes” to Johnny No USA alumnus brings gospel twist to blues music text and photos by Sam Andrews

At the Grayton Beach, Fla., Whataburger, a handful of men, who could honestly be confused for an old biker gang, roll in around 3 a.m. Still buzzed from their 4-hourlong gig at Pandora’s Steakhouse and Lounge, they compare Whataburger’s ketchup and spicy ketchup options.

Most of the band have been playing together since high school. And as if they were right back in high school, two separate attempts to pick up the adjacent chicks were swiftly rejected, resulting in a gale of laughter from the rest of the band.

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Johnny No brings a certain drama to stages across the southeast. Since their start in 2011, the five-piece, blues inspired band from Mobile, Ala., has been delivering a southern gospel revival theme.

“You’re not going to see another blues band put on a show like we put on,” Steve Centanni, University of South Alabama alumnus and lead vocal for the band, said.

“We’re like the side-of-the-road, tent revival, snake oil, salesmen of the blues world. People like a show, whether it be religion or blues, and we give it to them. “

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Before each show, the band adorns the stage with faux skulls and candles bearing the image of Santa Muerta, the Mexican saint of death. Johnny No enters and evokes spirit throughout the congregation with smooth highs and lows one might expect in the region that first birthed the blues.

Centanni, also known as “The Rev,” ties the two together.

“Blues is like religion,” Centanni said. “It’s all built on one foundation, but everybody’s got their own opinions about what the blues is.”

“We’re blues, but we’re not blue,” Tarleton McNab, the band’s bassist, added. “We’re our own brand of blues.”

Johnny No has trademarked a subgenre of blues for its distinct sound.

“We call it ‘Port City Ne’er-Do-Well Blues’ because there’s just no classification for us, but people like us across the board,” Centanni said. “We just fall in this weird place, and a lot of people don’t know how to take it, especially blues purists.”

With the differences of band members ages stretching from 30s to 50s, each musician has a different era of influence from which to pull.

“I started like a lot of guitar players do,” guitarist Al McNab said. “They have a favorite guitar player, or someone that turns them on musically. For me it was Eric Clapton, Duane Allman and guys like that…this is really what I started out playing; this kind of music we’re doing now is the music I first fell in love with.”

Each musician is self-taught as well.

“My mom had an old up-right [piano],” Caleb McCartee reminisced, “and I would come home after school and start banging on it, picking on it.” McCartee plays keyboard and trombone for the band. “Eventually I started getting into jazz and blues,” he added.

Johnny No plans to release its second album at the end of 2013 or early 2014. Since the album’s initial recordings in February 2013 up to the current final stages, the process has been radically different from the band’s first album. “The Riviera Sessions, Vol. 1” was recorded in a single weekend.

“The first album was a rushed process,”Centanni said. “There were a lot of things we couldn’t do with the first album that we wanted to make sure we did with this one.”

A studio located at Johnny No drummer Bob Scroogin’s home has allowed the band to take its time in this endeavor.

“When you’re recording in other people’s studios, it’s a ‘time is money’ thing,” Scroogin explained.

Scroogin added that when being produced by Grammy-winning artist Jimbo Mathus during the first album, all the recording equipment used was selected for vintage sound, “nothing newer than 50 years old.” “[This time] we wanted to use some of the newer bells and whistles,” Scroogin said.

But the real goal of their new album is to capture the essence of the live performance. When the mood is right, Johnny No performs for several hours without breaks.

“It’s because the vibe is so good and we feed off the energy so much, that it’s addictive, it’s like a drug,” Centanni said. “You’ve got to keep going on so you can keep that vibe.”

Johnny No members anticipate the new album’s release party at the Blues Tavern in Mobile. To keep up with the band, visit them online at johnnynoblues.com.

With excitement for things to come, the crew is very positive about the future.

“Until I got in this band, I’d given up any hope of ever actually making it big in music,” Tarleton McNab admitted. “I honest-to-God feel like we have a chance.”

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agenda

CONCERTS

LEISURE

NIGHTLIFE

Movie Scene is on the rise at Crescent Theater Max Morey, owner, talks movies and the changes in the industry

by Mitchell Kahalley / photos by Daniel Moran

For movie fans in Mobile, the Crescent Theater provides the optimal moviegoing experience. The new incarnation of the Crescent Theater opened five years ago and is devoted to bringing quality independent and art house cinema to the Port City.

The original Crescent Theater opened at 208 Dauphin St. in 1885, and initially hosted vaudeville acts.

Vaudeville was one of the most popular types of entertainment in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which featured many different performers doing songs, dances and comedy acts. In 1912,

{ 12

the theater was repurposed to show silent black and white films. The theater was rebuilt and reopened in 2008 at the same Dauphin Street location “We opened on Oct. 31, 2008,” Crescent owner Max Morey said. “I was in developing real estate, and we knew that this location used to be a theater, so we rebuilt it. In 2008, the economy took a turn for the worse, so I was thrust into working at the theater, which was great. I have been a movie junkie all my life.”

Over the past five years, the Crescent has been an overwhelming success. According to Morey, revenue and

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attendance has never dropped since the opening of the theater. Recently, TripAdvisor named the Crescent the number two attraction in Mobile.

In 2012, the Crescent Theater faced the threat of closure due to the motion picture industry’s conversion from film to digital. The employees of the Crescent utilized Kickstarter, a website that allows people to make donations to fund creative projects, to purchase a digital projector. Morey was able to reach his goal of $75,000 in 11 days, going on to raise a total of $83,000.

“Digital came fast,” Morey said.

“The end of film is here. There are very few 35mm prints around … after five years of working with 35mm film and knowing the history of film, it’s hard to let go. I will admit that the transition was smooth and the new product is much more affordable from the studio’s point of view. We’ve kept the 35mm projector and plan on having vintage nights.”

The Crescent has hosted films of various genres, from documentaries about street art such as “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” to Best Picture Oscar winners such as “The King’s Speech,” Hollywood blockbusters such as “The Help,” to locally produced independent films like the science-fiction thriller “Skyhook.”

Morey believes that people will come to see a good film no matter the content.

“The big theaters and multiplexes are dominated by major studios.

Very often, all 18 screens are filled with the same Hollywood junk, and a good, solid independent film has no place. So it is hurting in a way, but as long as there are art houses, people will be able to see these films,” Morey

said.

With superhero franchises and big budget action films dominating the box office in recent years, some critics believe that Hollywood’s emphasis on major blockbusters are hurting small and midsized movies.

“Going to see an independent film at a place like the Crescent is much more attractive to me than going to see a big budget action film at a standard multiplex,” South Alabama student Colgan Meanor said. “As an avid movie lover, I get burnt out pretty easily on the standard summer blockbuster, so seeing a well-made independent movie at a friendly and quaint place like the Crescent is much more appealing.”

Over the past five years, the Crescent has been part of the massive growth in the local film scene.

Morey makes the theater available to all local filmmakers. The theater has

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hosted films for the South Alabama Film Festival, among many other festivals.

“The scene is in its infancy. Mobile is going to be a big film city. We have wonderful films and directors coming out of Mobile,” Morey said.

Even greater than the expansion of local film scene is the development of Downtown Mobile, and the Crescent thrives with it. The theater has recently added daily matinee showtimes at 2 p.m.

“Since the theater opened, downtown has seen immediate and sudden growth. There’s more pedestrian traffic and people from out of town.

People will come down and visit the shops or have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants before seeing a movie at the theater. The growth is phenomenal. I see it and I am excited to be a part of it,” Morey said.

agenda

CONCERTS

LEISURE

NIGHTLIFE

Wine and dine your date at these unique locations Romancing that special someone without making your wallet cry text and photos by Tim Borland

M

any of us have been in this situation before: you have met the attractive person, built up enough courage to ask for a phone number and now you are planning the big first date. You want to impress, but not go overboard. Dinner is a time honored dating tradition, but selecting the perfect restaurant can be quite the arduous task.

Who wants to have the same old burger every mainstream franchise serves? Those semi-formal dine-in options are all basically the same product, from the queso appetizers to the brownie à la mode deserts. The cookie cutter menu, long wait times and poor service are not the stuff of a memorable first date. Be original by considering one of the many independent restaurants in the Mobile area. sman’s Restaurant on Halls Mill Road is a mere 15-minute drive from the USA campus.

The restaurant provides a variety of European cuisine to suit every palate, from exotic dishes like escargot and schnitzel alongside more tame offerings like pasta and steak.

“I’m from Europe, so I know what I’m doing with international food,” owner Osman Ademovic said.

Along with the full bar and great wine selection, the small dining area ensures guests receive more personal

O

attention from servers.

“It’s a good date spot; we get a lot of younger people. A lot of the clientele are also regulars that come every week,” server Scott Singleterry, a junior philosophy major at USA, said. ittle House Midtown serves up Southern cuisine in a former midtown residence a few blocks from Bel Air Mall. Fresh flowers, local artwork, champagne buckets and

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candles create the mood. Patrons are allowed to bring their personal favorite wine or champagne to accompany their meal, and bottle service is provided at the table.

“I think we are one of Mobile’s best kept secrets … people like the idea that most of the food we serve is cultivated and grown locally,” server Erin Lewis, a 2009 USA anthropology and political science alumna, said.

Chef Marc Walden developed

a love of the culinary arts due to his mother’s influence. He gained valuable restaurant experience in Charleston, New York, Chicago and Memphis prior to opening his own location in Mobile. Little House Midtown has become a favorite of local publications and was featured in Southern Living.

“Investing back into your local community keeps the money in the community. Plus, we try to help out with local charities,” Chef Walden said. he Royal Scam has catered to many of Mobile’s most prominent citizens, including the mayor of Mobile. The business’ location on Royal Street is within walking distance of the Dauphin Street entertainment district, perfect for an evening of club hopping. In addition, the food is superb. The restaurant’s Tuna Martini dish won the Taste of Mobile award for best appetizer.

T

Recently, the restaurant completed renovations to the dining room, furniture, lighting and paint to provide an attractive environment in which to dine.

“The economic impact of starting a locally owned business and having that business supported by the surrounding community is amazing.

Mobile has always supported their own when they feel there is quality and value,” Royal Scam owner David Rasp said. rue Midtown Kitchen, located on Dauphin Street, is possibly the most versatile location in Mobile. The bar area provides a relaxed casual atmosphere, while the dimly lit dining room area lends itself to a more romantic experience.

“The bar is perfect for people in their twenties. We have a really great happy hour with cutting edge drinks,” Rachael Cathleen Anderson, USA Spanish foreign language major,

T

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said.

Newly introduced entrée sizes make dining at True Midtown Kitchen even more accessible. The restaurant also supports other local businesses like Serda’s Coffee and Cammie’s Dutch Ice Cream by featuring their products on the menu.

“Fine dining is a touchy subject … It’s not in most people’s budget these days. It’s not fun anymore.

What’s in now is hip dining which is cool cocktails, small plates and a laid back atmosphere,” Chef Wesley True said.

There is no need to settle for an uninspired franchise restaurant with so many excellent alternatives within the Mobile area. The quality of food and the personal attention of the employees at an independent business are well worth the risk. Any suitor with such a tasteful decision will be well on the way to making a positive impression on that special someone.

the creative dept.

PERFORMANCE

ART

LITERATURE

Commedia del Arte brings new twists to classics The thespian preformers make play-going fun

by Benjamin McKay / photos by Daniel Moran Have you ever been to a theatre production and wished that the audience could interact more with the cast? Theatre newbies may find a less traditional experience to be more accessible than typical dramatic fare.

Those looking for a casual night of fun need to look no further than Commedia del Arte.

Commedia del Arte of Mobile is a group of thespians specializing in period theatricals. Formed over 25 years ago by owner and director Shari Prestwood, Commedia { 16

del Arte began as a traveling puppet theatre, serving local renaissance fairs. Prestwood decided that the company could reach a broader audience by incorporating live theatre.

“Originally we performed wearing Commedia masks, which represent the role the actor is playing, but we found them restrictive to work with and limited, as traditionally the masks are only stock characters,” Prestwood said. “We found that using modern makeup techniques due south }

provided a better audience understanding, but we retain the Commedia style.”

Commedia del Arte performs only period productions, most of which tend to be original works. But the troupe is not limited to only original pieces.

“We have been known to perform the classics as well though, such as Shakespeare, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace,’ ‘The Misanthrope,’ and ‘Peter Pan,’” Prestwood said.

Recent productions by Commedia del Arte include “Curses the Mummy,” “The Five Musketeers,” “Sherlock Holmes and the Haunted Theatre,” “The Original Tale of Peter Pan” and “Phantom Curses the Opera,” their most recent production.

What sets these productions, as well as this style of theatre, apart from your average local production of “Romeo and Juliet” is not only the style, but the directing as well.

“Unlike most directors I do not strictly dictate to my cast how their characters should be performed,” Prestwood said. “It is a pure work of art as each person is allowed to completely immerse themselves in the role. They are allowed to design their costumes, voices and mannerisms.”

Of course, the actors do not have

It is a pure work of art as each person immerses themselves in the role.”

– Shari Prestwood owner & director

free reign over their characters.

Once they have figured out the basis of a character, Prestwood will offer advice and direction throughout the rehearsal process. The actors of Commedia del Arte are also highly skilled with ad libs and are masters of improvisation. While most shows are identical in your average theatre production, Commedia del Arte shows are subject to change depending on venue, actors, atmosphere and audience participation.

“By being in the moment, we can adapt immediately if something happens and give the audience a richer experience,” Prestwood said.

What makes this rich experience so close to home is the troupe’s involvement with the University of South Alabama. Prestwood and most of the cast are alumni of USA, and the youngest Commedia members are currently students of the University. In the past, the troupe has performed several benefit shows assisting The Oracle Fine Arts Review and was even a part of The Medieval Culture Society on campus.

The company only puts on one show each term for a total of two shows a year. In the coming spring, they will be putting on an original adaptation of Larry Shue’s “The Foreigner,” which Commedia will call “The Visitor.” Set in colonial Ireland, the play starts in a rural Irish tavern in the throes of a smuggler ring, with a case of mistaken identity. Charlie, the hero of the tale, must help these simple country people defeat the smugglers and save their home.

The play will be followed in the fall of next year by the original work “Here Wolf, There Wolf, Everywhere a Werewolf!” This production centers

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around a hilarious 1935 radio show plagued by supernatural occurrences tied to each of the radio shows they present such as “Dracula,” “The Mummy’s Curse” and “The Werewolf in London.”

“This play is unique to us and the theatre world, as it will have an alternate ending,” Prestwood said.

So if you have to see a show anytime soon and don’t want to see a traditional production, go and partake in a Commedia del Arte experience and immerse yourself into the act.

the creative dept.

PERFORMANCE

ART

LITERATURE

The place where music lives on Don’t lose track of the Mobile music you love text and design by Ryan Keller / photos courtesy of GCMD

Anyone who has ever fallen in love with a local music act will tell you that there is nothing like local. And those who’ve been in local bands and had loyal regulars show up in the crowd week after week can tell you it is a feeling like no other.

Most of these brave original acts will never go on to be signed, and they will never carve their name into the collective rock star boulevard. And most do not mind. The music, the scene and the fans are enough for them.

So then, what happens to these groups when their time has passed? Are these lesser-known bands doomed to mere faded memories in the minds of the few who sit around and talk about the good old days? This question fueled Brett Mouron to create the Gulf Coast Music Depository.

“I have these nostalgia trips every now and then, and then think to myself, ‘Man it’d be great to go to a place that hosts old footage, music and interviews of the bands I loved seeing and playing with,’” Mouron wrote on the website, describing his motivation in creating the depository.

The contemporary local crowd may never have heard of The Regulars, The Blivits or Negative Protons. Or what about Sweet Nothings, Recovery Period, Coming to an End and Stereowave? These are just a few in the rich Gulf Coast heritage of original and innovative local bands now preserved within the depository. Music, photos, fliers and bios are all available for viewing and downloading.

“It’s been really exciting to see everyone’s enthusiasm over the project,” Mouron said. “If anyone has any media or content on old Mobile bands, please send them my way.”

Material can be emailed to gulfcoastmusicdepository@gmail.com. The site can be found at www.thegcmd. com.

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the creative dept.

PERFORMANCE

ART

LITERATURE

Bury your nose at Bienville Books In a time when Kindles and iPads are more popular than ever, Bienville Books answers book lovers’ prayers

by Mary Beth Lursen / photo by Daniel Moran

H

ave you ever gone into a chain bookstore looking for a certain book only to have your heart drop when you couldn’t find it? And then, when you wanted to ask for help, the clerk didn’t know what you were talking about?

If you are an avid reader, then you probably have been in this situation more than you would like to admit.

So what can you do to remedy this? Shop at local bookstores.

“We pride ourselves on service,” Russ Adams, owner of Bienville Books, said. “We enjoy matching our customers up with books we feel they will enjoy.”

That’s right. Your prayers of finding a helpful clerk when you’re looking for a good read have been answered.

In addition to providing impeccable service, shops like Bienville Books offer used and remaindered books for prices much cheaper than you can find anywhere else, even online. Bienville Books also offers a plethora of genres.

“We have a great collection of local history and literature, Mardi Gras items, GLBT books, science fiction, fantasy and horror as well as signed and collectible books,” Adams said. “We can search for books and order them for our customers if needed.”

The inside of Bienville Books is something out of a bibliophile’s dreams. The store is two floors and every inch is covered in books or literature related material.

The steps are made to look like the spines of books, with popular featured. One room is dedicated to old copies of books that will make any reader drool. And yes, the shop comes complete with the old book smell.

“We are a locally owned independent business which likes to support other local businesses when possible,” Adams said. “So the money we make and spend stays in

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our community … and it’s a lot more fun than shopping online or in some big box store.”

Bienville Books is located conveniently at Dauphin and Royal streets, not far from Bienville Square, so it is a perfect stop on those sunny days you want to spend downtown. The store is open Monday through Saturday.

So the next time you need a good read, try shopping locally.

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Rachel Doyle

Garrett Torbert

Kathleen Scott

Chris Hornberger { 22

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THE FACES OF

SOUTH Facts: 15,000 students enrolled, 75,000 degrees awarded, over 50 undergraduate majors, 48 graduate programs, more than 200 student organizations, 15 athletic teams, 25 musical ensembles.

by Jaclyn LeBatard / photos by Daniel Moran

M

yth: You are insignificant to the University of South Alabama.

2013 USA is a completely different institution than 1963 USA. What remains the

same is that every student on this campus is an integral part of the University’s mission. The staff of Due South wishes to recognize and embrace this idea by highlighting a few notable Jaguars. The following remarkable students represent just some of the great successes being made every day at our University.

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Rachel Doyle, who grew up in Pensacola, Fla., is a sophomore majoring in management and minoring in marketing at the Mitchell College of Business. She is an athletic tutor and a SouthBound Orientation Leader. Doyle is an active member of Chi Omega Sorority and USA Diamond Girls. Doyle stays active by volunteering, playing volleyball, working out, going to the beach and spending time with friends. “I can’t sit around and be bored. I am always out and about,” Doyle said.

Garrett Torbert is a senior vocal performance major from Theodore, Ala. He is currently a member of the University Chorale, Concert Choir, Jaguar Marching Band, Mobile Opera and the music director for the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.

This summer, Torbert studied opera at the Bel Canto Institute in Florence, Italy. “I have been able to really express my talents in music and in other areas with the encouragement and guidance from the outstanding USA faculty and staff,” Torbert said.

When not performing, Torbert enjoys Mexican food, listening to the Mobile Symphony, playing piano and going out with friends.

Kathleen Scott is a senior double majoring in anthropology and history. Originally from Foley, Ala., Scott is a member of the Jaguar Marching Band, a flutist in the Celtic Crúe flute ensemble and is currently the editor for the Sigma Alpha Iota sorority. She will travel to Oman this December to participate in an archaeological excavation with her professor. “South is close to home and offers just as much as a big name university,” Scott said. In her free time, Scott frequents Satori Coffee, Mobile Symphony Orchestra performances and enjoys painting.

Chris Hornberger is a senior

We make just as much, if not more, of an impact on this school than it does on us. Don’t take that responsibility lightly, Jaguars. Leave the university better than you found it.” nursing major who hails from Daphne, Ala. The current president of the Student Nursing Association, Hornberger has served three terms as a co-op student nurse in the emergency room at the USA Medical Center and has been a JagPal advisor to freshman nursing students; this success follows 10 years of active duty in the United States Navy. Hornberger is interested in working in a Veterans’ Affairs hospital to provide assistance for those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder before obtaining a Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner. Hornberger spends free time flying airplanes, boating and vacationing with his family.

Rachael Cooley, a Waynesboro, Miss. native, is a senior majoring in civil engineering. With a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Cooley taught secondary education before returning to college. She is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Associated General Contractors, the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, and president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Whether soaking up sun at Dauphin Island or exploring the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Cooley is fond of spending time with others outdoors, but her heart remains in one place. “My number one priority and ultimate motivation is my 2-year-old daughter, Eden,” Cooley said.

Christopher Thomas hails from Dothan, Ala., is a sophomore studying political science and criminal justice. He is currently the financial director for Jaguar Productions, vice president of Phi Kappa Sigma, vice president for the College Republicans and treasurer for the Debate Society.

He even served as campus coordinator for Quinn Hillyer’s bid for Congress. Jaguar Productions awarded Thomas a Board Member of the Year award and Committee Member of the Year. Thomas loves to go downtown with friends and eat at MugShots. “I also like to read mystery books; they are my escape from required readings,” Thomas said.

Clarissa Hernandez, whose hometown is Pensacola, Fla., is a senior studying chemical and biomolecular engineering. “I was really impressed with the chemical engineering program South had to offer,” Hernandez said. Hernandez competes on USA’s varsity soccer team. She is currently a member of the Whiddon Honors College, Mortar Board, Tau Beta Pi, and president of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers. Hernandez was selected for the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates summer 2012 Fellowship program, Tau Beta Pi Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship and the Dr. Ted Huddleston Scholarship.

Hernandez will pursue a Ph. D. in biomedical engineering. She loves { 24

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art, reading, team spirit and visiting antique stores.

Arslan Arshad is from Gulfport, Miss., and a junior majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Arshad is currently president of the Biomedical Engineering Society and the chemical engineering honor society Omega Chi Epsilon. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Delta, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Honors Program Organization. Arshad is a Barry Goldwater Scholar, a Tau Beta Pi Scholar, and a Mobile Oilmen’s Association Scholar. He has participated in research with faculty at the University of South Alabama, Mississippi State University and Weill Cornell Medical College. Arshad enjoys playing indoor soccer, running, stargazing and hanging out at Satori Coffee.

Much is expected of students at the University of South Alabama.

The institution is constantly being refined and it is our responsibility to mold it into the school we need it to be. There is a certain honor and privilege given to each and every Jaguar: the opportunity to grow with this institution, to give something to it and to take something away. We make just as much, if not more, of an impact on this school as it does on us.

Don’t take that responsibility lightly, Jaguars. Leave the university a better place than you found it.

Rachael Cooley

Christopher Thomas

Clarissa Hernadez

Arslan Arshad

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The Hive creates buzz

The Rumor Union’s latest contribution to Mobile has appeared in the form of The Hive community arts studio. text and photos by Tim Borland The Rumor Union’s latest contribution to Mobile has appeared in the form of The Hive community arts studio. The building now provides a headquarters for the non-profit organization’s projects and meetings. In addition, the facility will offer studio resources for minimal expense and provide a space for artists to administer affordable art classes to the public.

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“One of major goals is to provide affordable space for artists to work downtown, because a working artist community is just as important as opening up galleries,” Hive Studio Manager Colleen Corner said.

The Hive is just one of the several positive contributions The Rumor Union has made over the past few years to the city’s burgeoning art community. From the annual

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Temporal City Festival that makes use of abandoned buildings downtown to the recent citywide collaboration for the birthday celebration of composer John Cage, the local community can feel the impact of the growing organization.

“There has been a lot of talk around mobile lately about quality of life … The more options people have to enjoy themselves is what I consider quality of life. There is a vast amount of things people can do during the week.

Its really important to draw in people from Mobile and keep them here, and to have a vibrant downtown,” Corner said.

Having a geographical location for the organization will provide unprecedented awareness within the community. Merely one block from Wintzel’s at 561 St. Francis St., the location is close enough to Dauphin Street to be included on the official Artwalk.

Future classes provided by the artists in residence will foster interaction between the artists and the community. With so many artists under the same roof, there are numerous opportunities for collaboration that would

not be possible if every person were working in isolation.

Spontaneous projects are allowed to emerge organically in a group setting. In keeping with this spirit, the Hive welcomes artists of all mediums.

“We don’t have a monopoly of visual artists, performers, video artists or sound artists. It’s a really good mix.

We try to make sure to keep it that way and not focus on any particular form. The kind of projects we are really interested in is collaborative, where everybody is contributing and working together toward a bigger goal. The concept is more important than the medium,” Rumor Union Executive Director Elizabet Elliott said.

The Rumor Union originally grew from projects that local Mobilians Jimmy Lee, Elliott and Adam Taylor observed or participated in. There was a very natural progression of events occurring at the time, such as the 188 Collective multi-venue art event, Ballad of the Bear King, and Haunted Home at Blind Mule in 2011. At some point Elliott realized the artists could accomplish even more if there were more structure. With this in mind, she wrote the Rumor Union manifesto, outlining the purpose and principles of what would become a non-profit organization.

“The way we grow is by having other people to bounce ideas off of, to get excited with, to share our experiences, failures, and successes. That’s how we become better and figure out how to challenge ourselves,” Elliott said.

The Rumor Union often sponsors projects submitted by local artists. Many times support involves donation of time rather than money. Artists can achieve projects beyond their normal scope in thanks to The Rumor Union’s art spaces, donated materials and volunteer labor base.

“The easiest way to explain it is we are scavengers.

We are not a funding organization and we don’t get outside funding. So when we hold events and artists do specific work for the event we do the best job we can to make sure the event itself is self sustaining, meaning ticket sales, donations, or money given to us on the basis of that event go directly to the artists that work on it.” Elliot said.

Artists can get involved by signing up for the official newsletter located on the website www.rumorunion. com, or by attending one of the organization’s upcoming events. The Rumor Union hosts a monthly Stone Soup meet and greet event, which is the perfect opportunity for new artists to introduce themselves and share their ideas.

Those wanting to contribute to projects bigger than just themselves will find like minds among the Rumor Union and a safe haven within The Hive.

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One word: Fandoms

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“Don’t blink. Blink and you’re dead. Don’t turn your back. Don’t look away. And don’t blink. Good Luck.”

If you just heard the voice of David Tennant, you’re not in heaven.

by Kandace Raybon / photos by Daniel Moran

Y

ou are not in the TARDIS either. You are still on earth surrounded by other fangirls and fanboys. They might not all be Whovians, they might not even know who the Doctor is, but everyone is a fan of something or someone.

The subject could be a celebrity, a sports team, a video game or a television show.

A collection of hardcore fans of one particular topic, person or show is known as a fandom. These are the fans carrying pictures of characters around with them or, even better, walking around campus dressed up. They might buy T-shirts from Hot Topic or TeeFury, an online tshirt company with a different shirt available each day and that day only.

Some buy merchandise from Think Geek, an online store that offers a variety of fandomesque swag, including cookie jars and robes. If you’re wondering what some of this swag looks like, take a look at the pictures on these pages.

Others paint their bodies and attend every sporting event, rain or shine. Some just yell at the television set as if the characters or athletes can actually hear them. The latter is very entertaining to watch.

Whovians, Sherlockians, Trekkies, Potterheads, Browncoats, Whedonites, Gaimanites, Little Monsters and Beliebers. Those are just a few nicknames given to members of particular fandoms. The list goes on and on; if you do not know what

some of these names belong to, do a web search. Who knows, that might be the first step to you becoming a member of that fandom.

Some fandoms are either too complicated to have names for their members. These nameless fandoms include “Supernatural,” “Mad Men” and “Game of Thrones.” Although, some might consider Brotherhood without Banners the name of the “Game of Thrones” fandom.

Now that you hopefully have at least a small grasp on what a fandom is, let’s dig a little deeper. Ever wondered where to go to read fan fiction or who has the time or energy to write it? Want to know what ‘shipping’ is? Ever seen cosplay and wondered why those people dress that way? Then, keep reading, and most importantly, don’t blink.

Fan fiction is a type of art in which people put their own spin on well-known character’s stories.

Megan Thompson, USA student, just wants to make people cry with her works of art. She submits her stories on Archive of Our Own or AO3, which is a fan fiction site operated by fans. She also enjoys reading the works of other authors on FanFic.net.

“Shipping is like being in a relationship with a relationship.” At least that is the way Megan described it. A more proper definition might be the reimagining of a relationship between two characters in a TV show, movie or book. These relationships could exist in the original story, or be

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fan created. Everyone has movie or TV show pairings that they root for.

Were you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Jack or Daniel? Rose or River?

For Adrienne Williamson, a South Alabama student with a love for anime and manga, Makoharu is the relationship she is most invested in. Makoharu is the portmanteau of Makoto and Haruku of the Japanese anime “Free!” that premiered in July and is about a competitive swim team.

A portmanteau is a name meshing, such as the really awkward one that came from Peeta and Katniss of “The Hunger Games.” A real life Hollywood portmanteau would be Brangelina.

Besides anime and manga, Adrienne enjoys using Tumblr and listening to the podcast “Welcome to Night Vale.” She also recently returned home from an anime convention.

Tumblr is a blog site where the posts consist mostly of .gifs and memes. It is very popular among fan girls and boys because it is a way for them to share their obsessions. Adrienne is rarely on social media sites like Facebook because of her addiction to Tumblr.

“Welcome to Night Vale” is a podcast about a practitioner of medicine who is a stranger in an even stranger town. It is available for free download on iTunes. If you like floating cats, check it out.

Conventions are like a home away from home for fans. The biggest convention is Comic-Con, which takes place every summer in San Diego. The convention plays host to many celebrities and show panels ready for questions from fans, who are usually adorned in cosplay. Cosplay is when people dress up as their favorite characters. It is like a themed Halloween party, except it is not Halloween. People dress up as many different characters from Princess Leia to Sailor Jupiter to Pikachu.

DragonCon is another major convention that takes place in Atlanta, Ga., and is fan operated. The entire cast of “Torchwood” was at this year’s DragonCon. This information was courtesy of Dragon Con’s website where a listing of all the celebrity attendees can be found, as well as information regarding next year’s DragonCon. Lewis Butterworth both loves and hates the writers of “Supernatural.” He has “a nervous breakdown along with a few laughs every episode.” Be careful bringing up Sera Gamble around some avid Supernatural fans.

Other fans feel like they have a real relationship with the writers of the shows they love, and that they should give the writers input. With

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social media the way it is, some writers do their best to help keep the illusion that this is true. Neil Gaiman, the award-winning writer of “Coraline” and many more works, regularly tweets and retweets fans.

He is currently promoting his latest novel “Fortunately, the Milk.” He has also written “Doctor Who” episodes including ‘The Doctor’s Wife’ and the special e-book adventure of the Eleventh Doctor.

Gaiman isn’t the only writer who is popular on social media. Steven Moffat, co-creator of BBC’s “Sherlock” and head writer and executive producer of “Doctor Who,” has his fair share of notoriety from fans circling around on the Internet, but not all of it is positive. He, like Megan Thompson, likes to cause pain through his writing, or so it would seem. People obviously cannot handle the emotional torture and are blaming their own weaknesses on poor Mr. Moffat. Yes, he has caused a couple hearts to break on multiple occasions, but he also put Sophia Myles in a period costume and let Ten snog Madame de Pompadour.

He is also the reason we have had the pleasure of falling for another fictional mad man, Sherlock Holmes.

Being in a fandom isn’t just for crazed teenagers (or college kids).

The Disney fandom is one with members of all ages. From the toddler dressing up as Buzz Lightyear to the college senior dreaming of zip lining through Disney World as Tinker Bell, almost everyone loves Disney.

Now that you’ve been initiated into the culture, which fandom are you in? Who would you cosplay as?

Like Due South on Facebook and let us know. Blink now, if you haven’t already. It is really impossible not to blink. Don’t believe me? Ask Kathy Nightingale.

Plop, Knock and Drop It! Ring, Beep, Chirp, Buzz. Ah, say hello to the ringing that manifests itself in your eardrums day in and day out.

by Catherine Buttrey / graphic by Catherine Buttrey & Ryan Keller

T

he ringing constantly reminds you to check what could be called the single most essential technology of today’s world – the personal cell phone.

According to the CTIA, a whopping 250 million Americans are now subscribers to some sort of cell phone plan. That’s nearly 83 percent of the U.S. population. These days, it almost seems as though our phones rule our lives and all of our day-today decisions.

Our phones keep us in constant connection with each other on everything from email to social media to texting. They also give us a sense of security and sanity by keeping us organized, storing our music and pictures. We even use our phones to wake us up in the morning with many alarms.

Think about it: our phones wake us up; they keep us tethered to the world through Twitter, texts, Facebook and email. They keep our calendars and beep to remind us when a paper is due; they store music and pictures, including that photo of the classroom chalkboard where the professor wrote down study hints for the midterm.

Never is this total cell dependence more obvious than when we’re forced to function without our phones. You may think that you own your phone, but in all actuality, your phone owns you. Students across campus agree that they simply can-

not live without their phones. Some even claim their phone must be on them or at least within a two step radius at all hours of the day.

So if we are all in a codependent relationship with our cell phone, why do so many of us still use and abuse this holy grail of communication?

We surveyed 50 South Alabama students who had broken a phone in the past year and asked, “How did you do it?” We compiled the data, shown in the chart above, and it’s clear that students’ phones are eternally at the mercy of a variety of forces, ranging from toilets to cars.

Students who selected the “other” choice were asked to expand on the unfortunate circumstances of their dearly departed device.

Freshmen Nygel Edge said, “I saw a fine young lady and I got up to introduce myself and my phone fell out of my lap and shattered on the ground.”

Sophomore Ross Jones advised us not to walk and text because he was doing just that when he ran straight into a power pole and dropped his phone into a nearby sewage drain, never to be recovered. An anonymous junior experienced the loss of a phone this past summer when a puppy marked his territory smack dab on the screen of his new Samsung Galaxy.

Freshman Alex Pfeiffer said, “I sat my phone on the floor in the bathroom when the entire metal toilet paper holder fell off the wall and right onto the screen of my phone.”

Alex, your phone is in cellular device heaven now. Stay strong.

If you or a loved one has lost a cell phone recently, we at Due South send our condolences. Remember: unless you have good phone insurance, avoid water, cars, toilets, dogs and washing machines in order give your phone a long, healthy life. { due south

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Thrift for Your Life “I wear your granddad’s clothes. I look incredible,” Wanz sang in Macklemore’s 2012 hit “Thrift Shop.”

text and photos by Daniel Moran

A

nd believe it or not, you can look incredible in your granddad’s clothes, so to speak. Stereotypically, thrift shopping had a stigma attached to it that you were either poor or homeless; however, that is no longer the case. Fashion lovers across the U.S. are memorizing the best days to go to their local thrift store just to ‘pop some tags.’

“You can find great items for almost 75 percent off,” Richard McGill Hamilton, manager of Plato’s Closet, said.

Granted, finding those items may not be easy. But if you take the time, there is no telling what you will discover.

“You have to be patient,” Brendan Manceaux, sophomore communication major, said. “What you’re going to love isn’t going to jump out at you – you have to look for it.”

If you are strictly looking for name brands at half the cost, Plato’s Closet has you covered.

“We get in all kinds of brands, from BKE and Abercrombie to high-

end items like Coach and Jessica Simpson,” Hamilton said. “We’ve even seen items come in by local designers like William Bradley.”

A huge benefit of thrift shopping is how eco-friendly it is. You are purchasing clothing second hand, which has a great impact on your carbon footprint. Not only are you saving green in your wallet, you are helping the environment. If you need money to go thrifting, Plato’s has you covered.

“We’re always accepting clothes within the current season,” Hamilton said. “We differ from a general consignment store because we offer you cash immediately, whereas you would have to wait for the item to sell at a consignment store.”

In addition to Plato’s Closet, there are many Goodwill locations in the Mobile area as well as an America’s Thrift Store. At these locations you can find simple basics, like jeans, T-shirts and camis. But you can also find those stand out original pieces to really individualize your style and compliment your wardrobe.

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The best way to become an avid thrifter is to find out when stores are restocked and when sales are happening. America’s Thrift Store has a weekly sale where certain colored price tags are an additional percentage off. Goodwill occasionally has a customer appreciation sale, where customers receive a percentage off their entire purchase. If you join Plato’s Closet’s email list, you can find out about $1 days where all clearance items are sold for only a buck.

“We also have a loyalty card, once you receive 10 stickers you can use the card to receive 20 percent off your entire purchase,” Hamilton said.

Thrifting was popular long before Macklemore started to sing about it.

Thrift shopping gives you the opportunity to discover unique and fashionable items without breaking the bank.

“I can find weird and vintage items then repurpose them into my wardrobe,” Manceaux said. “Thrifting gives you the chance to branch out of what’s trendy and create your own style.”

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closing remarks

Looking for peace in all the wrong places How Justine got her zen back

by Justine Burbank / graphic by Ryan Keller & Daniel Moran

I

am a collector of stress. I pick up new sources like a tourist accumulating T-shirts. A full time school load, a job, family and friends all pile on top of one another.

One by one, each thing weighs on me more. I constantly feel like I am dropping the ball. If I have homework, I do not spend enough time with my family. If I enjoy a fun night with friends, I have less time to work on an important assignment. Everything feels out of balance.

I thought I needed discipline. I began with hot yoga. For 90 minutes, I twisted my body into unnatural positions in 105 degree heat and 40 percent humidity. Before long, the sweat was stinging my eyes, and I was questioning my sanity. I was causing more stress instead of relieving it. Later, as I sat sipping water and waiting for my body temperature to return to normal, I noticed a strange sensation: relief. My liberation from the oppressive heat of the hot room allowed me to realize how relaxed I felt. While I had spent the entire 90 minutes obsessing over the burning perspiration in my eyes and

whether or not the sandwich I ate for lunch was going to reemerge, I did not think about all of the issues that had been plaguing me for weeks.

The relief was wonderful, but it was not enough. At nearly $20 each, classes are expensive. The 90 minute sessions required a great commitment of time. I realized, as an introvert, the best way for me to relax is not in a yoga studio full of strangers trying to contort themselves into animal shapes. I needed something different, something more serene and with more clothes.

My next attempt was guided meditation with a group that meets once a month at Moulton Tower. I sat down on a brightly colored mat on the concrete. Unfortunately, my running inner monologue and aching knees constantly interrupted my attempts at tranquility. Instead of a serene statue, I was a squirming mess who could not stop peeking at the people next to me.

I continued to wriggle my way through another 20 minutes of quiet.

I listened to the wind, the birds and even my own breathing. When it was

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time to open our eyes I felt peaceful but my backside was completely numb. There were too many distractions. It was time to find something to do by myself.

The answer came to me one day as I was settling myself on my couch with a cup of tea and a book. While I had been searching for the best way to relieve stress, I had been neglecting my most effective technique: reading. My smart time management move had backfired. 30 minutes in 19th century England was exactly what I had needed all along. I was more relaxed than I had been in weeks, and I did not have to wear skimpy clothes in front of strangers.

My quest taught me an important lesson. Every person is different. My favorite routine may seem boring to you while your routine may leave me with cramps in my backside. Take a long drive and sing at the top of your lungs. Don some boxing gear and beat the stuffing out of a heavy bag or your best friend. The most important thing is to keep searching until you find your way.

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