Garnet & Black Magazine, Summer 2012 Issue

Student Magazine of the University of South Carolina

Summer 2O12

SUMPTUOUS SUMMER INVISIBLE PEOPLE

DRINKING GAMES

STATE OF LITERACY

SUMMER 2012 www.GandBMagazine.com garnetandblack

features

20 24 28

INVISIBLE PEOPLE

Columbia’s unrecorded population.

DRINKING GAMES The newest and hottest drinking game at Carolina, @DrinkingTicket.

STATE OF LITERACY

The statistics might scare you, if you could read them.

portraits

8 9 10

MAN OF THE MOMENT: KENNY TRACY Learn what makes new SG President Kenny Tracy tick.

WOMAN ON TOP: CHRISTINA GALARDI Get to know USC’s woman of the year.

Q&A WITH KALLIE LINSBERG Kallie Linsberg keeps Carolina Productions on top of their game.

scene

13

14 15

SPACE: MACBETH SET This main stage show is outfitted to perfection, thanks to stage manager Jane Hearn.

SOAPBOX Meal plan or no plan, that is the question.

SPOTLIGHT These secret study spots sure to quell your procrastination habits.

16 18

STORE WARS

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy these international flavors.

SAVE & SPLURGE

Cultural events for wallets of every size.

style

32

SUMPTUOUS SUMMER Get away from that Columbia heat in vintage luxury and style.

entertainment

41 42 43

FOUR YOUR CONSIDERATION Off-campus housing you’d be proud to call home.

LOCAL MUSIC: DEAD SURF Surf music with a kick.

WUSC SPIN Sports are a lifestyle for this DJ.

p.s.

44 46 47

BULLSH!TTING How to be a pretentious, or... a “cultured” snob.

QUIZ Which karaoke song are you?

DISH Think Rant & Rave meets Missed Connections meets Overheard at South Carolina

STUDENT MAGAZINE of the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Blake Welch EXECUTIVE EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR PHOTO EDITOR ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR ONLINE EDITOR PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR VIDEOGRAPHER

Hannah Lathan Paulina Olivares Anna Westbury Sarah Kobos Jeremy Aaron Stephanie Pope Jordan Osborne Olivia Hill Tucker Prescott

SECTION EDITORS Julia Hienz [Features], Kaitlin Wernet [Portraits], Lizzie Anstey [Scene], Katie Campbell [Entertainment], Jennifer Deaton [P.S.] WRITERS Kim Barrett, Andersen Cook, George Floyd, Ami Foote, Audrey Green, Carolina Hultstrand, Matt LaBorde, Kelly Nash, Joanna Ouzounidis, Kalyn Oyer, Molly Ruggere, Natalie Swift, Mary Tilden, Rachel Wallace COPY EDITORS Colin Campbell, Kiante Chapman, Will Flourance PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeremy Aaron, Christian Barker, Nick Johnston, Alli Quattlebaum, Lee Walker ONLINE Tilden Brighton, Xavier Edwards, Hallie Lipsmeyer, Genelle Williams PUBLIC RELATIONS Renee Brooks, Amber Daniels, Annie Flick, Tori Infinger, Jacqueline Lip, Maddie McCarter, Devon Page, Amber Pierce, Claire Richard, Steph Rusher, Elissa Visotski DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA ADVERTISING MANAGER CREATIVE MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER FACULTY ADVISER

Scott Lindenberg Sarah Scarborough Edgar Santana C. Neil Scott Cecile Holmes

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Christopher Beauregard, Adam Harms, Dana Jennings, Philip Kiselick, Chris Lemmetti, Casey McClary, Rebecca Popp, Quincy Robinson CREATIVE SERVICES Jemimah Ekeh, George Hincliffe, Maddie McDowell, Amber Sowell, Gabe Will

ADVERTISING (803) 777-3888 TO CONTACT G&B, EMAIL GANDBE@SC.EDU OR VISIT WWW.GANDBMAGAZINE.COM Garnet & Black magazine is produced four times a year by students of the University of South Carolina and is distributed free to members of the University community. All editors and staff members can be contacted at (803) 777-1149. The office is located in Russell House room 339. Email letters to the editor to gandbe@sc.edu or to Garnet & Black magazine, Student Media, 1400 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208.

Letters should be 250-400 words and must include name, address, phone number and academic information (if applicable). Garnet & Black reserves the right to edit for libel, style and space. Anonymous letters will not be published.

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Summer 2012

CONTRIBUTORS

volume 18 issue 02

KELLY NASH

CHRISTIAN BARKER

Kelly Nash, a fourth-year visual communications student, embraces all that life throws at him. From being a musician to writing for Garnet & Black, every experience has brought him to a place where he has finally realized this is only the beginning, and the journey can only get sweeter. Speaking of sweet, check out Kelly’s article about ethnic foods in this edition’s Store Wars on pg.

16.

Second-year visual communications student Christian Barker styled and helped with creative direction for the “Sumptuous Summer” spread (pg.

32).

“The masthead has been wanting to do something like this for a while, and getting to work on it with such great people really made it into a fun experience.

G&B Style has introduced me to many interesting people and memorable stories.”

Check out the behind the scenes video online for more on this issue’s style spread.

HANNAH LATHAN Hannah, a fourth-year public relations student and G&B’s executive editor, wrote the feature on the Midlands’ state of literacy (pg. 28). “I’ve loved exploring this issue from the college student’s perspective,” she says. “We hold so much power to change our community for the better, and I hope students will discover that in this piece.”

NICK JOHNSTON First-year media arts and photography student Nick Johnston enjoyed pushing for class in this issue’s Bullshitting article (pg. 42). “It was a great experience to collaborate with a team to figure out where to go creatively,” he says. He hopes to continue working with G&B in ways that push him both creatively and technically.

EVENTS \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 4.14-22

Macbeth

@ DRAYTON HALL, 1214 COLLEGE ST One of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, many of USC’s Fine Arts graduate and undergraduate students have been working tirelessly to bring together an intricate performance and Main Stage production. They will be performing through the 22nd at Drayton Hall, across from the Horseshoe and tickets can be bought at the door for $10 with your CarolinaCard.

4.21

Runaway Runway

@ TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM, 1703 TAYLOR ST With so many companies making a push to turn green, Runaway Runway takes this to the next level by challenging local designers to create their outfits entirely out of recycled materials. These outfits are then featured in a fashion show at the Township Auditorium.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and can be purchased for only $10 at the door with your student ID.

4.26-28 Artista Vista

@ THE VISTA With several galleries throughout the Vista, Artista Vista offers the opportunity to meet with several local artists while enjoying great food from all over Columbia. With several live acts set to perform, this weekend fun and relaxing weekend is sure to help relieve some stress right before exams. For a full list of the participants and a detailed calendar of events, check out www.artistavista.com.

4.19-29

Indie Grits Film Festival

@ NICKELODEON THEATRE, 937 MAIN ST Now in it’s sixth year, the annual Indie Grits Film Festival, sponsored by The Nickelodeon Theatre, spans 11 days of film showings and cultural festivals highlighting the unique lifestyle of the Columbia area. Tickets for events can be bought individually or as a package at www.indiegrits.com. gandbmagazine.com

2012 GARNET & BLACK | 5

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LETTER from the EDITOR

We often hear that college is the best time of our lives. In some regards, they’re right. We’re free to stay out until four in the morning, drive to the beach on a whim or experiment with any number of organizations and activities. There’s much more to these four (or five) years though.

College is a place where we figure out how we want to live and how to succeed, whatever our definition of that may be.

We’ve had a great year here at Garnet & Black and we’ve all changed a good bit. From writing stories about homelessness (pg. 20) to setting up a photo shoot on a plane (pg. 32), many of us are learning skills and doing things that we never could have seen coming.

College is all about taking chances. Whether you’re finishing up your senior year and looking for one last hoorah or reading this as an incoming freshman, we hope the pages in this magazine help you realize all of the opportunity that Carolina has to offer.

It’s been an amazing year serving as Editor-in-Chief at Garnet & Black Magazine. I would like to thank all the great members of my staff, the understanding and helpful faculty of our great university and the students that give us something to talk about and an audience to share these stories with.

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2012 GARNET & BLACK | 7

portraits

BY KAITLIN WERNET PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY AARON

KENNY TRACY Kenny Tracy hadn’t planned to become student body president. The idea didn’t cross his mind until the third-year sport and entertainment management student worked on Rohail Kazi’s presidential campaign team last year. After that, he was hooked.

He tells G&B, “My passion for student government grew quickly.

It’s been a crazy ride but some of the most fun I’ve ever had.”

The Marietta, GA native dreams of working for the NFL, proving he is not the stereotypical political figure.

But that doesn’t mean he’s unfit for the job ahead. In fact, it works to his advantage. Kenny not only represents the average Carolina student, he is one. His involvement on campus ranges from the Dance Marathon Morale Team to University Peer Leadership and everything in between. Additionally, as the oldest of four, he’s a natural born leader.

As president, Kenny wants to create more reasons for current and future students to love Carolina. His to-do list is ambitious and says he’s here to deliver.

“My main priorities are to make it easier for students to practice a sustainable lifestyle through recycling, create uniformity within the advisement process and keep taking the necessary steps to push the Carolina Card off campus,” Kenny says.

A more personal goal, however, is to act as a voice for students who may feel uninformed and to prove that they, too, can make an impact. His passion for the university is contagious, and it’s clear that he wishes to improve things for the average student much like himself.

And his favorite memory at USC thus far?

“Beating Kentucky in basketball and storming the court was such a cool moment because I saw people do it on SportsCenter all my life and always dreamed of doing it,” he says.

WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW

ABOUT KENNY TRACY most prized possession is a jersey › His from The Waterboy, his favorite movie. pet peeve is when people quote › His movies he hasn’t seen.

› He can solve a Rubix Cube. he is a ginger, the most frequent › Since question he gets is if he has a soul.

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BY KIM BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA WESTBURY

How do you want to leave your mark on Carolina?

Whether you’re a freshman or about to face the reality of graduation, Christina Galardi is the perfect picture of someone who has done it all. With graduation approaching, Christina is exploring ways to help others by combining her public relations major and public health minor. She hopes to use her experience as a peer health educator for Healthy Carolina to further boost this goal.

“There is a way to use every major to serve others.

You just have to explore the possibilities that are out there,” Christina says.

As president of Carolina Service Council, she encourages everyone on campus to use their talents to help the greater community.

Since her freshman year, Christina has been an active member of the Carolina community, using her passion for volunteering to gain leadership roles on campus. She joined Carolina Service Council during her freshman year and was inspired to become more involved after being touched by those she helped.

Christina has organized and assisted events on and off campus like the MLK Day of Service, in which 700 students participated, and the Columbia Buddy Walk, which benefits Family Connections of SC and special needs children. She also spearheaded the first MLK Day blood drive this year. She finds inspiration in those who give back.

“All the small details that are difficult to organize– student volunteers, transportation, fund-raising–fall away when I see the end result,” Christina says.

Most recently, she organized an event that encouraged Carolina students to donate their hair to Beautiful Lengths, which makes free wigs for cancer patients. The first Beautiful Lengths event was part of Carolina Beautiful Week and reflects Christina’s influence on USC. “So many people participated, and I think it can be even bigger next year,” Christina says. “My biggest hope is that Beautiful Lengths will continue after I’ve graduated. It was amazing to celebrate all of those women for who they are and for their beauty that runs so much deeper than hair.”

Her passion for the Carolina community and giving back to those less fortunate led peers to name her the 2011 homecoming queen. Additionally, she was chosen as USC’s Outstanding Woman of the Year for 2012.

One may think all of these accomplishments would lead to an inflated ego, but Christina is the last person to boast.

“My goal is to inspire future student leaders. Showing students how they can improve our community means more than any award,” she says. gandbmagazine.com

2012 GARNET & BLACK | 9

WIT H

KALLIE LINSBERG

BY AUDREY GREEN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE POPE

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How did you first get involved with CP?

President of Carolina Productions, Kallie Linsberg, is a driven 20-year-old. The second-year sports and entertainment management student earned the position in January and it will last through December.

Involved in multiple extracurricular activities at USC, she doesn’t intend to let an opportunity pass her by– with enthusiasm and endurance, she landed a summer internship at the 2012 Olympics in London.

I saw Carolina Productions stuff set up at my orientation and asked about it then. When I found out they did event planning, I knew it would be right up my alley because of my major and I immediately joined that fall.

It’s awesome that you became head of CP as a sophomore. How did you accomplish that?

I was very involved during the meetings and at events, so when it came time to apply for committee spots everyone encouraged me to go for it. The position for president never even crossed my mind until last year’s president asked me if I would ever consider applying for it. My first thought was, “heck no!” I always saw myself more as a behind the scenes worker.

What has been the biggest challenge thus far?

Sometimes it’s difficult to know when to act as a leader and when to be a friend, but I stay positive and am direct. Nobody is perfect.

I always welcome criticism and suggestions from the team about how I can improve.

Who has been your favorite performer so far this year with Carolina Productions?

ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen. He was inspiring and had great advice. We got to have lunch with him, and he told us to always go for what you want and know that nothing is too far out of reach– ESPN got rejected by several companies before someone took a shot on them.

What excites you most about your internship at the Olympics?

This will be my first time leaving the country!

My to-do list for London grows every day. The program gives us freedom to pick the venue with which we will work, and I get to assist the events coordinator. I’m thrilled that it will be a learning experience and hopefully will gain more responsibility through the summer if they like my work and attitude.

What advice would you give to your classmates?

There are so many wonderful opportunities offered here that have opened many doors for me already, so I’d say get involved in something! Doing it early makes a difference because if you have the exposure and experience when an opportunity arrives, you’ll be more prepared than other people. Just go for it! gandbmagazine.com

2012 GARNET & BLACK | 11

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MACBETH IN DRAYTON HALL

scene

space space

BY NATALIE SWIFT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY AARON

Third-year theatre student Jane Hearn stage-manages the psychologically thrilling play, Macbeth. When snow falls, dry ice steams or fog hazes, Jane is the one pulling the strings. A gruesome Shakespearian tragedy, Macbeth takes the stage in Drayton Hall on April 14th and continues through the 22nd.

Hecate, a half-woman, half-lizard creature, embodies the forest’s sinister spirit and roams the stage throughout the play. Two trapdoors on set allow her to take the actors and the audience by surprise.

“I spend a lot of time worrying about the actors’ health and safety,” Jane says. “Real water is in the pond, so I make sure it gets cleaned and is the appropriate temperature for people to sit in. I consider that people could slip on the rocks while running on stage. This is a physically challenging set, and I have to plan for the unexpected.”

Jane is excited for freelance fight choreographer Casey Kaleba, from Washington, D.C., to bring a new intensity and energy that is crucial to tell this story of wickedness and seduction.

The set is an ancient forest, encompassing good and evil but dominated by dark forces. It boasts two trees, one of which is climbable, and a large pool at center stage. Prepare to see a few bloody battle scenes in this pond.

Tickets are $10 for USC students with a valid ID. Performance times are: April 14 at 7 p.m.; April 15 at 3 p.m.; April 18-20 at 8 p.m.; April 21 at 7 p.m.; and April 22 at 3 p.m. There is an additional half-price late night performance April 21 at 11 p.m.

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2012 GARNET & BLACK | 13

SOAPBOX:

MEAL PLAN OR NO PLAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK JOHNSTON

BY ANDERSEN COOK

MEAL PLAN

Who doesn’t wish that “the more, the merrier” described their dining options? It’s hard to find a greater food assortment than what awaits students with the campus meal plan. Besides the hassle-free factor of not having to prepare your own food, a meal plan allows you to get into a routine that will help banish fears of gaining the dreaded ‘freshman 15.’ That stigma of gaining weight from dining hall food is blown away when you figure out how to make the right choices. Few students have cooking skills comparable to chefs featured on the Food Network, and if left to your own devices, you’ll more than likely end up eating out more than at home. Fall into this scenario and you’ll exceed the cost of a meal plan. If you want to get fit, save money and enjoy an abundance of dining options, sign up for one of USC’s meal plans.

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BY CAROLINE HULTSTRAND

NO PLAN

A salad made from Farmer’s Market produce that you whip together yourself would last a week and cost about $6, roughly the cost of one measly lunch from RuHo. Brown bags are classic, but for those of us who wish to deviate from the traditional, sport a comic book or Barbie lunch box. Leftovers and frozen dinners taste just as good on the second night with the help of a microwave, but you can also make things that don’t need heating, like sandwiches or salads.

Prepping your food the night before will save time in the morning and is a faster option than waiting in line to pay for something you could have made better, and cheaper, at home.

SPOTLIGHT:

Study Spots

BY KALYN OYER \\ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA WESTBURY

Tired of spending countless hours underground in T-Coop, surrounded by books and that annoying girl who clearly doesn’t understand the meaning of “quiet floor?” Claim a new study space. Check out these secret spots to kick your studying into gear.

The Horseshoe’s Secret Garden

Though the Horseshoe is an iconic landmark on campus, it still has a few areas that most students don’t venture to. Ignore the footprintstained, weedy grass that’s always crowded with students soaking in the mid-afternoon sun. Instead, take a peek behind Pinkney and see what you discover. This little niche will lead you to a secret garden, springing with picturesque plants and flowers. Take a seat on the wooden bench, surrounding yourself with Mother Nature instead of other sunbathers and bask in the peace, quiet and sunshine. This secret garden is the perfect hiding place for an afternoon of quiet studying.

The South Caroliniana Library

Sure, everyone knows about Thomas Cooper Library and its five floors of study space, but did you know there is another library right on the horseshoe? Check out the South Caroliniana Library tucked away to the side of the horseshoe. This library often gets overlooked for Thomas Cooper, which is why it is such a perfect place to study.

You still get the library environment and reference materials to use if you need to work on a research project, but it is not as gloomy as the underground realm of Thomas Cooper. Plus, this little library has history. Built in 1840, it was the first freestanding college library in the nation! It’s cool to know you’re studying where so many other USC students have before.

The Patterson Garden

In need of a little sunlight while you study? Take your bookbag and head to the back of Patterson. Behind the all-girls dorm is a cute little backyard with lounge chairs and fresh, green grass. Put on your Aviators, pick up your Bio book and kick back here to squeeze in a few hours of sun and studying. If the chairs are full, you can walk past the backyard and down some steps into a park. Lay out your notes in the gazebo or take a seat on one of the benches. There are also lots of shady trees to help you enjoy the outdoors without getting burnt. gandbmagazine.com

2012 GARNET & BLACK | 15

STORE WARS:

BY KELLY NASH // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH KOBOS

Baan Sawan

Hidden on Devine street is some of the best Thai food in town at Baan Sawan.

Its hip, intimate dining room is filled with intoxicating smells, and servers are more than happy to walk newbies through the menu. Once a dish is selected, diners are asked what level of spiciness they desire, on a scale of one to five. The food is imaginative, with flavors from Thai chilies, fresh basil, peppercorns, duck, and boar.

The best part is the herbs come fresh from the owner’s garden.

2135 Devine St. 803-252-8992

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$$

Burgers, pizza, sandwiches–after a while, it all tastes a little bland.

We’ve covered some new territory for those of you brave enough to break away from your typical routine and try something different.

Pho Viet

In the mood for some pho (pronounced phuh)? This Vietnamese restaurant, boasting the freshest spring rolls in town, is a great addition to Five Points. The pho, a large dish of noodles with fresh bean spouts, Thai basil, jalapenos and beef, is fantastic. In the mood for something exotic? Try the eatery’s bubble tea, a tea and milk drink made with different fruits and tapioca pearls.

2011 Devine St. 803-779-4077

$

Panaderia Odalys

Hidden in West Columbia, this Mexican bakery is a treat. Their pastries and sweetened breads are baked daily in house.

Check out the long breads with the powered sugar on top–they don’t disappoint.

Rusty on your español? No worries. The staff is friendly and willing to help those of us who are less well versed.

103 North 12th St. 803-794-3323

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$

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BY MOLLY RUGGERE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLI QUATTLEBAUM

We’ve scoured Columbia for upcoming events in film, food, performing arts and music and constructed a guide that highlights our favorite finds suiting budgets big or small. Whether you’re looking for a low-key night with local music, or a world-renowned performance, you’ll find it in Columbia this spring.

SAVE

ARTISTA VISTA

The Midlands’ largest free gallery crawl and multi-faceted arts event, Artista Vista, returns to Columbia April 26-28. Wander in and out of the art galleries that line the Vista, and converse with the artists. Catch live music and dance performances on Thursday night. Don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary hors d’oeuvres!

Visit www.artistavista.com for more information.

TWELFTH NIGHT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night gets a Latin spin with the help of director and fourth-year theater student, Mary Tilden. Mary incorporated Spanish and Spanglish into the script as well as Latin songs, dance and holidays like Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Tickets are $5. The show runs April 19-22 at 8 p.m. in the Lab Theatre, Booker T. Washington Auditorium.

ART BAR

Looking to break into the Columbia music scene? Want to see emerging talent?

Join poets, singer-songwriters and spoken-word artists every Tuesday at Art Bar for open mic night. The best part? It’s free!

1211 Park Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

WINE TASTING @ RIVERBANKS BOTANICAL GARDENS

SPLURGE

Riverbanks Zoo hosts its annual Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens on April 27. Peruse the Botanical Garden while sampling domestic and imported wines and enjoy small bites from local restaurants— all while listening to live music. Visit www.riverbanks.org/garden to purchase your tickets, priced at $50 in advance and $60 on the day of event.

Visit www.riverbanks.org/garden to purchase.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

The legendary pop icon Michael Jackson meets the mind-bending entertainment of Cirque Du Soleil, in Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour. Coming to Columbia April 27-28 at Colonial Life Arena, the nation-wide tour is a combination of dance and visuals set to classic Michael Jackson jams. It’s sure to be a thriller! Tickets start at $50 and can be bought at www. cirquedusoleil.com to purchase tickets.

Tickets start at $50. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com to purchase tickets.

INDIE GRITS FILM FESTIVAL

Indie Grits Film Festival celebrates southern filmmakers and cultural events and will run April 19-29. The festival’s pass system caters to all budgets.

For film lovers who don’t want to miss a beat, film passes allow entrance to over 50 films each evening, in addition to the opening party. The price tag is $130. If you’re not working with that kind of spare change, individual tickets to events can be purchased for as little as $5. Visit www.facebook. com/indiegrits for a list of festival events and to purchase tickets.

Visit www.facebook.com/indiegrits for a list of festival events and to purchase tickets.

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G&B

LAUNCH PARTY 4.19.12

invis people 20 | GARNET & BLACK 2012

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sible ccording to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on any given night, 672,000 people are homeless in the United States. To most, this is just a number.

It doesn’t have a frail body, sad eyes, a growling stomach or cold, bare feet. One USC student, however, has seen the reality of this statistic.

BY AMI FOOTE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH KOBOS

ALS *THESE PHOTOS ARE ILLUSTRATIONS AND NOT ACCURATE PORTRAY

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2012 GARNET & BLACK | 21

J

ake Carter, a fourth-year media arts student, is currently filming the documentary “Home Sick,” which chronicles the lives of the homeless in Columbia. He has spent time with several of Columbia’s homeless and got a first-hand look at what it’s really like to be without shelter. The individual stories he outlines give a face to the increasing number of homeless people in our city and give viewers a new perspective.

Five-thousand families were without homes in South Carolina last year—over 1,000 of which survive in the Columbia area. Through a local non-profit, Keepin’ It Real Ministries, Jake befriended a few of these people and learned about their daily hardships. He found that they are not too different than the rest of us.

“Home Sick” features Robert, a 50-year-old physically disabled man who spends most of his days at Richland County Public Library or Finlay Park. The homeless frequently visit public libraries during the day because they provide shelter from bad weather and have internet access. When it starts to get dark, Robert searches for a place to sleep, often bunking at the Winter Shelter, which he describes as a warehouse full

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about the importance of stable housing. Another philanthropic club, No Kid Hungry USC, is a brand new university chapter of a large campaign aimed at ending childhood hunger. Because of its novice status, the group is looking for new members to help contribute to their cause. Last, in March, Gamecocks who attended the Oxfam Hunger Banquet got a taste of what it would be like to survive on inadequate meals.

Attendees were served merely a small plate of rice, in an effort to spread awareness about the lack of nutrition affecting many of Columbia’s homeless.

G&B spoke with Annie*, a 29-year-old former homeless woman, who spent two years of her life at a local shelter in Columbia specifically designed to aid abused women. There, she received counseling and formed friendships with people who helped her return to a normal life.

Now, she has a part-time job and a small place of her own.

“I was just lost and alone,” Annie says. “I wouldn’t have gotten through it without their help.”

Keepin’ It Real Ministries and organizations like it, which provide more than just food and shelter, tend to have the best success and lead to permanent rehabilitation, rather than a

*This name has been changed to protect their privacy.

22 | GARNET & BLACK 2012

of beds. He is allowed to stay there until 5 or 6 a.m., at which time he begins the process all over again.

“Homelessness is a very lonely life,” Jake says. “They don’t know who they can trust.

They must constantly fend for themselves.”

Homeless people are too often lumped into stereotypical categories. “Home Sick” emphasizes that each person has a different story and situation, and while they do need basic resources, they also need to be treated like human beings. People write them off as lazy or addicted to substances or lazy, but the film shows that these negative associations are presumptuous.

The Coalition of the Homeless reports that 40% of all homeless people work part or full-time jobs in any given month. The myriad of causes of homelessness include deinstitutionalization of hospital patients and veterans, increased costs of living and the poor state of the economy, natural disasters and escape from domestic abuse. Children comprise about 20% of the homeless, and 37% are family units, often single mothers with one or two kids.

In addition to Jake, a handful of USC students have become aware of the hunger and homelessness problem in Columbia through campus organizations, Habitat for Humanity being one of them.

The chapter here at USC is directly affiliated with South Carolina’s central Habitat office, and they help to build homes, fund raise and teach others

“

”

It’s about more than just going to a soup kitchen, handing out food and then going home.

It’s about becoming a friend.

temporary fix. Organizations in Columbia like The Hannah House, The Women’s Shelter, Oliver Gospel Mission and Angel’s House Ministries work to provide long-term solutions for the homeless. Oliver Gospel Mission aims to transform the lives of the homeless through counseling, education assistance and recovery programs. Director Beth Wells says that they are always in need of helping hands.

“People can volunteer, give financially, donate needed items, hold clothing and food drives or participate in our special events,” Beth says.

Some of the most needed items include clothing, toilet paper, coffee, disposable razors, cold and allergy medicine, towels and canned goods. Donating necessities is an important part in aiding the homeless, but “Home Sick” emphasizes that personal relationships are equally crucial.

“A lot of these people just want someone to talk to,” Jake says. “It’s about more than just going to a soup kitchen, handing out food and then going home. It’s about becoming a friend.”

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G N I K N I DR S E GAM

IENZ KOBOS BYJULIA H

BY SARAH Y H P A R G PHOTO

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It’s like something out of a futuristic society. A new local business venture has put the power of knowing where law enforcement is hiding into the hands of the people—a backwards “big brother.” The brainchild of USC student Alex Waelde, DrinkingTicket has quickly grown into more than just a crowd pleaser to many Gamecocks; It has become a weekend necessity. *THESE PHOTOS ARE ILLUSTRATIONS AND NOT ACCURATE PORTRAYALS gandbmagazine.com

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“

If we learn about criminal activity, though, we’ll tweet it because it affects students.”

One anonymous USC follower shares a positive opinion of DrinkingTicket with G&B. “I use it all the time and I love that it lets me know which nights are okay to go downtown,” the student says. “If they tweet a lot, I know the bars are going to be raided.”

Another student follower explains that @DrinkingTicket even helps at home.

“Since the cops have been raiding my apartment complex lately, it helps me stay safe in case I throw a party or walk to a friends’ place with booze,” the student says. “It makes me more aware of my surroundings and the possibility that I might be near police.”

Hold up a minute. Isn’t this considered breaking the law? Something must be going on here that isn’t technically allowed.

know what we’re doing but can’t stop it.”

Although DrinkingTicket isn’t breaking the law, does its existence diminish the authority of those enforcing it?

A USC police officer we questioned was unable to give his opinion of DrinkingTicket.

When we asked Alex if he felt any guilt about his business, his response was surprising.

“People are going to break the law no matter what, and students are going to drink before they are 21,” Alex says. “We’re providing a service that allows people to be safe and have fun.

My friends will see us tweet about DUI checkpoints, and they won’t drive. They’ll get a ride with someone else or take a taxi.”

Maybe DrinkingTicket will play a role in solving the problem of destructive drinking-and-driving. Only time will tell if it helps or hinders, especially with the anticipation/ forecast/prediction that the company will take off once its iPhone and Droid applications launch this fall. G&B got the exclusive scoop, learning that the app will be released in three phases, each about two months apart. More features will be added in each phase, amplifying both its resourcefulness and popularity. Incoming freshmen will begin their college experience with something most college kids could, as little as a year ago, have only dreamt of.

In addition to the app, keep a look out for the DrinkingTicket guidebook in campus bookstores. Similar to Sparknotes in terms of size and helpfulness, it outlines information about underage drinking tickets, possessing illegal substances and the charges that one can face. It explains how these charges will affect scholarships, suggests diversion programs and even gives a list of attorneys to contact.

This operation is definitely one to watch. It has already begun to expand, with branches at Clemson, NC State and College of Charleston. Students at numerous other universities are begging for branches of their own. If the company spreads as fast as their tweets do, it could very well become the next social media craze. Download the app this fall to avoid ending your night in the drunk tank.

Proceed with caution however, student eyes aren’t the only ones on the lookout.

“

A

After receiving a “minor in possession of alcohol” charge during spring break 2011, Alex felt helpless and didn’t know where to turn for answers with avoiding trouble. Ticketed for having a bottle of unopened liquor in his car, the third-year business student wanted the incident off his record. Dissatisfied with suggestions from law enforcement to just pay the fine and accept the charge, Alex took matters into his own hands.

He did some research and learned about laws and offenses, as well as AEP (Alcohol Education Program), which is designed for first-time offenders with alcohol related charges. Participating in the program allows one the ability to file for the destruction of said charge.

Enduring the repercussions of his own encounter with underage drinking got Alex’s business-oriented mind to scheming.

“So many people go through this and after looking online, I realized there was nothing out there to help,” Alex says. “I decided to create something to help people.”

Thus, DrinkingTicket was born. It began as a legal self-help website that posted information about relevant laws but has evolved into a whole different animal.

In addition to the website, DrinkingTicket now has a Twitter with a cult-like following as well as a guidebook. An iPhone application is also in the works. It has grown so rapidly in merely one year that Alex has sought out employees to hire. DrinkingTicket now has an executive board, solely comprised of USC students, in addition to a team of private lawyers and a third party contractor that is creating the application. Most of the company’s publicity and success has come from the Twitter account, @DrinkingTicket, which boasts over 8,300 followers, and gains 30 to 50 more each day. Anyone in the Twitterverse can tweet at the account about police whereabouts, whether it be downtown or hiding in a speed trap. @DrinkingTicket then retweets the locations, helping masses avoid the fuzz. However, @DrinkingTicket doesn’t release every tip.

“The speed traps we tweet about are absolutely not the only ones out there,” Alex says. “We only report police activity that affects students. We get all kinds of tips, from Irmo to Lexington, but students aren’t as concerned with that information.

WE ONLY REPORT POLICE ACTIVITY THAT AFFECTS STUDENTS.

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“Because the information comes from people who see the police, it’s considered public knowledge,” secondyear criminal justice student Emma Hicks explains.

Emma also explains that underage followers who may be downtown drinking illegally and tweet about police activity cannot be charged for anything.

A person must be physically caught in the act of doing something illegal to be ticketed or arrested. A word to the wise, however: Emma stressed that people must be extremely careful about their online activity.

“Police peruse social media to see where people are going,” Emma says. “If they learn about a party, they will likely follow up and will then have reasonable suspicion for further investigation.”

The police are definitely aware of the company, telling Alex, “turn it off, and to stop doing it.” But he’s obviously not.

And Alex certainly doesn’t seem worried about legal issues.

“We won’t have a problem with a law enforcement agency. Controversy like that could spark a First Amendment issue that could make national headlines. They

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THE MIDLANDS

BY HANNAH LATHAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY G&B STAFF

STATE OF LITERACY MORE THAN 150,000 ADULTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA’S MIDLANDS CANNOT READ AND COMPREHEND THE NEWSPAPER.

As university students, we think about the quality of our education, which most can agree encompasses far more than professors’ standings on RateMyProfessors.com. We wonder, “Are my peers as interested in the material as I am?” We worry, “Will this course prepare me for the real world?”

Questions like these anchor us in how we perceive the quality of our education and reassure us that we can land a good job upon graduating. We spend the majority of our time in a community of 20,000— small in relation to the surrounding area— with professors who support our pursuit of knowledge and peers who challenge our ideas. As heavily as these factors influence our lives at USC, so does the state of literacy in the Midlands.

By third grade, more than a quarter of Midlands students are behind in reading. One in six children who do not read proficiently in third grade will not graduate from high school on time—a rate four times greater than that of proficient readers. Maybe, then, it won’t surprise you that the reading level of an average South Carolina inmate is below third grade.

Other issues like crime levels usually take the stage in South Carolina as the root cause of disparities and low national rank. A greater collective effort to improve the Midlands’ literacy levels would alleviate these problems and benefit us all. In a single year, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reports, a oneyear increase in schooling would prevent almost 100 murders, 7,000 assaults and

over 300 robberies in South Carolina.

Literacy 2030, a Midlands initiative started by the nonprofit Central Carolina Community Foundation, works with local literacy providers to change the future of the Midlands’ community through a vision of 100 percent literacy by 2030. If Columbia’s population is not literate, regardless of how strong our own education is, we won’t have an employment base that supports the opportunity to work in a thriving city.

“To transform our community, we must first understand how a person living with low literacy, whom we may have never met, directly affects everyone’s quality of life,” JoAnn Turnquist, the Foundation’s CEO, says. “Collaboration across our entire community is needed to improve lives and every Midlands citizen’s future.”

In South Carolina, where poverty is rampant and, even now, we have first generation college-goers, literacy is a critical issue, one that provides USC students the opportunity to change Columbia’s future. Annie Schick, a fourthyear student who works with USC’s Teach for America chapter, recognizes that most students don’t know that they hold the power to incite such change.

“I do a lot of classroom presentations through Teach for America, and the facts that I teach have been drilled into my brain,” Annie says. “From my education, though, these truths were never presented to me. I learned to read, and going to college was always the plan. Learning became second nature. Even if you know

the statistics, it’s still hard to grasp how large the Midlands’ literacy problem is.”

Supporting a low literate population hits us all where it hurts: our wallets. If current high school dropouts obtained bachelor’s degrees, the Midlands would save more than $300,000 per year in public health costs. If they were to earn high school diplomas, the $900,000 increase in yearly earnings translates to almost $7 million in additional income taxes each year.

“Those extra funds could be used to provide community services and support our education system to further improve literacy,” JoAnn says.

But literacy encompasses far more than the ability to read a book. The effort to reach a fully literate population involves computer and health literacy, vocational training, media education and cultural literacy, among other skills.

Organizations across campus work to improve Columbia’s state of literacy and welcome students who want to help.

Students for Education Reform (SFER) is a new organization on campus that works to close the educational gaps in our community by empowering students as stakeholders in the education system and connecting them with tools to advocate

for change. Cocky’s Reading Express, which has given over 40,000 books to school-age children, and Carolina Service Council also promote literacy and provide students with dynamic avenues to contribute. Dean Charles Bierbauer of the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies has been involved with Cocky’s Reading Express since its inception in 2005.

“Every student is at a different place in educational development, regardless of whether they come from a ‘good’ school or a ‘bad’ one,” Charles says.

“You can address 100 kids at once in an auditorium, but you have to realize that a child’s success depends on a one-on-one relationship. I made a point of reading to my kids, and I make a point of reading with my grandchildren. When I visit, they’re excited to show me their books and read together. If we can provide one child after another with that excitement about reading, we can collectively reach hundreds, even thousands, of young people.”

Individuals’ efforts to raise literacy levels are as powerful as entire organizations, and the options for helping are endless.

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If you like numbers, teach elementary-age kids to budget their allowances. If you’re not so keen on working with kiddies, or technology is your thing, volunteer with Midlands organizations like Senior Resources to teach elderly citizens to use the Internet. Starting a community garden on your street to promote health literacy is another way to help. Maybe you’re musically inclined—teach kids at local homes like Epworth Children’s Home to play an instrument.

The first year of college may have been a struggle for some of us. Balancing new responsibilities and adjusting to higher academic standards is a lot to take on and can often be overwhelming. Imagine the confusion and hardship of people who have struggled their whole lives to find a foothold and learn to support themselves.

As educated community members, it is our responsibility to participate in the advancement of our fellow citizens’ literacy skills. More importantly, we must understand how devastating it would feel to lack such basic abilities.

The problem isn’t a gap in intelligence.

A disparate education alone can damage a person’s pride and cause shame.

Through a united community, however, we can create sustainable change in the Midlands, empower those who need to learn and improve our individual and collective futures.

40% of SC 8th graders score below standard in

READING

Toes in the sand, G&B in hand.

Ready for summer.

@garnetandblack

Sumptuous SUMMER

PAULINA OLIVARES

creative director & managing stylist

SARAH KOBOS photographer

CHRISTIAN BARKER creative stylist

JULIA HIENZ & STEPHANIE POPE style team

flee

from the hustle-and-bustle

&float

through steamy days with sultry classic style.

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On NaSean: shirt, shorts, Brittons. Vintage tie, glasses, Hipwazee. Next page, on Lauren: dress, Bohemian; shoes, Kicks.

Previous page, on Lauren: Jacket, pants, and sheer blouse, Van Jean. Necklace, SidNancy. AttachĂŠ bag, Bohemian. Shoes, Kicks. On NaSean: Pants, Brittons. Shirt, flask from SidNancy. Glasses, Hipwazee.

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On Lauren: bathingsuit, Salty’s; necklace, sunglasses SidNancy. Opposite top, on Lauren: straw hat, necklace, SidNancy. Bathingsuit, Salty’s. Opposite, on Lauren bathingsuit, Salty’s; necklace, straw hat, SidNancy. Middle, on NaSean: shirt, Salty’s; shorts, belt, Brittons. Bottom, on Lauren: dress, SidNancy. Scarf, sunglasses, Hipwazee; shoes, Kicks. Bottom, on Nasean: jeans, Salty’s; hat; SidNancy.,

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On Lauren: pants, scarf, Van Jean; blouse, Bohemian, shoes, Kicks; necklace, sunglasses, SidNancy. On NaSean: collared shirt, Salty’s; khakis, Brittons; tie, Hipwazee.

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craving more style?

Extended spread, outtakes and more online at GANDBMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

BY JOANNA OUZOUNIDIS \\ PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE WALKER

If you’re new to USC, or unfamiliar with the off-campus living situation, you’ll soon learn that pickings can be slim if you haven’t reserved an apartment six months in advance. Don’t panic yet! Check out these interesting living quarters before you consider a cardboard box.

Cornell Arms

Capitol Places

Elmwood Park Neighborhood

42 Magnolia Luxury Apartments

Cornell Arms Apartments has three floor plans, with oneand two-bedroom apartments ranging from $680-$880. Utilities are included in the rent, so don’t worry about fluctuating bills.

It’s across from the Horseshoe, which means restaurants like Carolina Café, Tios, Which Wich and Miyo’s are practically at your doorstep. With a home this close to campus, there’s no need to worry about a pricey garage spot. That’s right. Try to get me now, USC Parking Services!

Ever dreamed of living in a brick home with hardwood floors, crown molding and antique furniture? Find your perfect setup in Elmwood Park. Because it’s farther from campus, houses are usually cheaper and larger than ones in the Shandon neighborhood. On average, you’ll make a seven-minute commute to campus. Your neighbors will mostly consist of young professionals and families, but there are several students that live in the area as well. Located conveniently near I-20, it’s a quick ride to Harbison Boulevard for plenty of shopping, food and entertainment.

Capitol Places, within walking distance of the Vista, is comprised of four buildings on Main Street and boasts historic character that you won’t find in an average apartment complex.

They offer furnished and unfurnished apartments, designed for the modern tenant seeking an urban lifestyle. A three-bedroom apartment goes for around $500 per person. Each tenant gets a free gym membership at Gold’s Gym, so you can still get your sweat on if the Strom is packed.

This community is in a great location for those familiar with late nights in Five Points and is only minutes from the Vista and the Village at Sandhills. You can quickly hit popular stores and restaurants like the Columbia Mall, IHOP, Chipotle and Publix.

A single apartment costs $725; add another roommate or two, and your rent drops to around $500 per person.

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D A

BY BLAKE WELCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULINA OLIVARES

E F D R U S

After several attempts by their friends to get them together to start a band, Kelsey Lopezdevictoria and Randy Moore met last spring and, after further getting to know each other, decided to give it a shot.

“We saw music videos of each other on YouTube before we ever met. When we became friends, it just made sense for us to start writing songs together,” says Kelsey, their vocalist and lead guitarist.

Lee Garrett, a former band-mate of Kelsey’s, was called up a few weeks later and asked if he would play drums with them. Michael Roberts, Dead Surf’s 42 | GARNET & BLACK 2012

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bassist, is studying abroad this semester, which has left Sean Schropel filling in for the last few months.

Originally deriving much of their sound from “surf-inspired” music resembling that of The Ventures, they toyed with the names Ciesta Key and The Maldives before finally deciding on Dead Surf.

“The name kind of goes along with where we thought the sound was going so it just kind of fit,” says Randy Moore,

their vocalist and keys player.

Despite only playing their first show last October, Dead Surf has already finished their first tour, spanning venues at the University of Connecticut, New York City and Atlantic City. They aren’t allowing time for it to sink in though, as they’ve already begun working on a summer LP release and tour.

“Each show has been a growth from something else we’ve done. We’d like to go to South by Southwest eventually but we’re really just having fun and seeing what happens,” says Randy.

Check out Dead Surf’s music at www. deadsurf.bandcamp.com and follow them @Dead_Surf.

WUSC 90.5

BY GEORGE FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK JOHNSTON

RIXON LANE

Show name and time: “The Fast Lane” Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Describe the routine of your show.

I discuss USC and national sports stories of the week and answer listeners’ questions and comments. Usually a guest is featured on each show. We induct an athlete who has done something dumb into the “HumiliNation.” The final segment is “The Last At-Bat” where I spend five minutes ranting on a topic that I think is the most important.

What inspired you to do sports talk radio?

I listened to several sports talk shows and wanted to bring that kind of program to WUSC. USC needed a show that discusses students’ and fans’ opinions, one that covers more than just sports highlights.

Who is your favorite sports talk radio host, announcer or analyst, and why?

ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. He gives sports insight and fresh opinions while bringing an entertainment value that appeals to listeners who aren’t die-hard sports fans.

Where do you rank the Carolina versus Clemson rivalry?

Carolina vs. Clemson is one of the top ten rivalries in football. They’ve played every year since 1909, and both programs are primed to be top 10 teams for years to come. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Carolina and Clemson both enter the rivalry game undefeated in a few years.

In baseball, it’s the best rivalry the sport has. Both teams are frequent participants in the College World Series. With South Carolina winning two national championships, the rivalry has taken on even more meaning.

What’s the best Gamecock sports memory of 2011?

The heart-stopping ten days in Omaha when the Gamecocks captured their second-straight national title. They were far and away the best team in college baseball that year.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fastlanesports

BY RACHEL WALLACE

COMMERCIALS THAT SHOULD NEVER BE THAT HAPPY COMMERCIALS THAT SHOULDN’T EXIST 1. I can’t figure out if the Snuggie commercials are for a blanket with sleeves or for a cult.

2. ShakeWeight. It’s almost impossible to get your mind out of the gutter and take this product seriously.

3. So, what do hamsters dancing to Party Rock Anthem have to do with the Kia Soul anyway?

4. Victoria’s Secret should be appealing to the women who buy their products, not the men who are solely interested in how those products look.

5. There’s no way I’m taking my financial advice from a talking baby. I don’t care if you can talk before you’re one and signed a t.v. deal with eTrade.

1. Activia– as if yogurt is more fun to eat when you have digestive problems.

2. eHarmony and Match.com show unnatural confidence that their relationships will be happier than those started face to face.

3. The ‘alive’ Old Navy mannequins’ excitement makes me scared to go in the store and actually buy anything.

4. Although the jingle is catchy, no one will ever genuinely say, “Yay, Pepto Bismol!”

5. Someone should tell pet food companies that animals can’t talk, sing or dance, and are for the most part happy to be fed in general.

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p.s.

HOW TO ACT CULTURED

BY MARY TILDEN // PHOTOGRAPHY NICK JOHNSTON

If you’ve drooled over a foreign exchange student with a hot accent or dreamed of backpacking through Europe, but you aren’t confident that you can make those things happen, acting cultured will convince people (like your parents and mysterious Latin eye-candy) that you’re worth their time and money. Thanks to globalization and modern technology, appearing more cultured than you really are is easy as…una, due, tre!

do

1.

Read books in another language.

Whether it’s a book of Pablo Neruda love sonnets or the subtitles of Amelie, gain exposure by practicing the rhythm of the language.

2.

Listen more than you talk. Though it seems obvious, people struggle with this, but the truly cultured have a knack for it. This includes directions around the Alps so you don’t find yourself hightailing it vertical.

3.

Keep an eye out for cultural events, and actually go to them. Of course Modern Family was really funny last week, but that new jazz band at Hunter Gatherer is playing. Choose the latter. For all you know, a cute girl may be there too, trying to become more cultured like you.

4.

Learn to love futbol. Over half the world’s countries love soccer, from Uruguay to Papua New Guinea. You are sure to make friends if you know what “PK” stands for in soccer.

5.

Recommend ethnic food restaurants to people, and throw in dish examples like chicken tikkamasala, paella, haggis and dim sum.[Refer to Store Wars for some great local ethnic eats.]

6.

After going on a date to that indie film you chose (good job!), use words like “niche,” “art house film” and “esoteric” to describe the message you got out of it. Make-out session will follow.

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1.

’t don don’t

Remember when you lived in Europe? Nope. You were studying abroad. For a semester. Don’t try to convince potential friends that you are native to another country. Once they’re on to your game, you’ll spend the rest of the conversation “covering” your Norwegian accent.

2.

Don’t not wear shoes, unless you are taking them off to enter the home of your Indian friend’s family as a courtesy. Not wearing shoes in any other circumstance is a no-no.

3.

Don’t order Bud Light in a bar. Go for imported drafts like Stella Artois.

It’s the affordable way to seem classy. They both taste like urine anyway so you can give your PBR a rest tonight.

4.

Avoid bumper stickers displaying the confederate flag, “Get ‘er Done” and “These Colors Don’t Run.” It becomes apparent you’ve never crossed the Mason-Dixon line.

5.

Don’t give in to the desire for mac & cheese-stuffed wings when you’re partying with your foreign love interest in Five Points. Yes, they are delicious, but they jeopardize your cultured persona.

6.

Don’t quote funny Youtube videos.

It’s the easiest way to sound stupid across the map. There’s not much culture in cats, babies or large women falling off of tables, unless you count babytalk as a foreign language. Don’t.

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what

KARAOKE SONG are you?

BY MATT LABORDE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN BARKER

You’re at a karaoke bar. A drunken patron just destroyed “All of the Lights.” The crowd is out for blood, and you’re up. Prepare to make the world your shower and sing like you’re alone and naked! A crack team of swag specialists crafted these questions to make you look smoother than James Dean riding his motorcycle to go buy cigarettes for Sinatra.

[Cigarettes give you cancer and ruin your voice.]

You have an hour before your sister’s 19th birthday party.

What’s your last minute gift? a. A poster of Mike Ditka with the quote, “Defeat is your cowardice declaring victory!” b. A conch shell locket with a picture of you two as babies. c. A hardcover copy of “Taming Your Alpha B!&#h.” d. The complete DVD box set of Mad Men. e. WHAT?! OH. BIRTHDAY! GIFT CARD! TO APPLEBEE’S! A zombie bursts into your bedroom! Think!!! What do you improvise as a weapon? a. A can of hairspray and a lighter! b. My kayak paddle. c. I AM my weapon. d. I’d shoot it. With a pistol. Between its eyes. e. I TURN UP THE BASS AND WATCH ITS HEAD BURST!!

Someone cuts you in line at the premiere for the Hunger Games. What do you do? a. I pre-ordered using moviefone. I’m only in line to pick my tickets up. No rush. b. This theatre is showing it on 12 screens. I don’t need to get mad at him. c. My friends and I show him the back of the line. d. I whisper something in his ear. No need to repeat it, but he will move. e. I ASK HIM TO PAY FOR MY TICKET SINCE HE’S SO IMPORTANT! How do you stay fit? a. I punch dance three hours a day. b. I’m vegan. c. I run from the police. d. Upright bass and a dirty martini does the body good. e. I jump up and down in a hot room with my friends!!!!!

HELL YEAH!!!

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How do you get out of going to work? a. I make myself sick. I could never lie to my boss. b. I quit my job and find one I like. c. I am the boss. I do as I please. d. I tell them I don’t feel like coming in today. So I don’t. e. I TELL THEM I HAVE AN INNER EAR INFECTION! IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME! What is your cat’s name? a. Fabio b. Sky c. The Kraken d. Tony e. WHICH ONE? The black one is Willow, and the calico is WubWub!!!!!

Which famous dead person would you spend a day with? a. Bob Ross. So happy and so talented! b. Jimi Hendrix. I just want one guitar lesson. c. Cleopatra. She knew how to run an empire. d. The Rat Pack. They were cool before it was cool to be cool. e. I’d kill Girl Talk so I could hang out with him!!!!!

Congratulations. You won an invitation to the Grammys! What do you wear? a. Tux. No tie. Five buttons open. b. Velvet suit with chuck taylors. c. Egyptian headdress, a low-cut striped dress and cat paw gloves. d. If it doesn’t come with a pocket square and a fedora, I ain’t wearing it. e. SHAVE HALF MY HEAD AND WEAR A NEON JUMPSUIT COVERED IN LIGHTS!

Think of it as a Rant & Rave meets Missed Connections meets Overheard at South Carolina.

CHECK CHECK CHECK IN IN IN ON ON ON FOURSQUARE! FOURSQUARE! FOURSQUARE! 803.929.6955

MAKE FITNESS MATCH YOUR SCHEDULE

Strom Thurmond Wellness & Fitness Center Solomon Blatt Physical Education Center

803.576.9375 803.777.5261

Staying active takes some forethought, but with Campus Recreation, it is easy and fun to make it a part of your schedule. From intramural sports, a variety of sport clubs, tness equipment, and group exercise classes to outdoor recreation adventure trips, three pools, and more, it’s pretty easy to nd something to t.

CAMPUSREC.SC.EDU Campus Recreation • Department of Student Life • Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support • Unversity of South Carolina