Golden by Mitch Oliveira

STORY

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The essential survival guide for the millenial generation

PROJECT X:REVEALED Interview with the stars, and college party tips

ISSUE 01 August 2015

TOP COLLEGE ROMANTIC GET AWAYS Including :

Savannah New York City Miami and more!

WAVE HIGH

Interview in the surfing life of Greg Long and his challaneges

iGOT AN UPDATE

Latest information on the new iPhone 6 and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits.

Table of Contents PROJECT X REVEALED Inside look at the story behind Project X, interviews with the actors and safe college partying tips you should know.

DOUBLE DARE A feature on the top places for zipling, skydiving, bungee jumping, etc. A special on ziplining.

HOTTEST COLLEGE GET-AWAY SPOTS

A list of the top 50 get-away locations all over the world including places such as Morocco, NYC, Nappa Valley and more!

WAIT FOR THE BAIT Current tips to keep your dating life fresh and keep your love interest reeled in.

ARE WE THERE YET? Top places for college students to enjoy spring break along with tips to stay safe where ever you travel.

STUDY SESH

iGOT UPDATED

30 MONEY SAVING TIPS

WAVE HIGH A look into the life of surfer Greg Long and his obstacles that he faced.

DID YOU POST THAT?

33 37

PROJECT X REVEALED

While "The Lorax" was crushing the box office this weekend, another new film was not-so-quietly quietly racking up both major money ($20.7 million) and controversy: "Project X," which, with its story about a teenage beer bash gone totally out of control, is about as far from Dr. Seuss as you can get.

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But while there's no doubt that "Project X" is poised to become a hit, there is one burning question many fans have: Is the film based on the true story of Australian party icon Corey Delaney? Join us as we attempt to answer that question with our latest piece of hard-hitting investigative journalism, "Project X": Fact ... or Fiction?

FACT OR FITCION

AUG/15 Fact: Back in 2008, Delaney, who was then just 16 years old, gained worldwide attention by throwing a party while his parents were out of town. That's not so unusual, of course; but after he and his two buddies decided to post their address on MySpace, the power of social media blew the party up big time. By the end of the shindig, over 500 strangers had arrived, leading to a wild bash so out of control that riot police were eventually called in to quell the commotion. Fiction: While it's true that Delaney's party ended up being a little more wild than most -chances are you didn't see TV news crews at your bat mitzvah -- the specific craziness in "Project X" came mostly from the demented mind of "21 Jump Street" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" screenwriter Michael Bacall. Stuffing a midget in an oven and setting the house on fire might be this year's hottest new party games, but Delaney and company didn't have anything to do with it. Fact: One of the most prominent aspects of "Project X" is the fact that it was filmed as a "found footage" movie, with events staged to appear as though they are YouTube clips and cell-phone videos in order to seem more authentic. And for once this sort of conceit is more authentic, because Delaney did in fact become a worldwide viral sensation after footage of an televised interview he conducted with an Australian news

anchorman went global. The clip hit the web before Delaney had even told his parents about the party. Here's hoping their iPhone came with a built-in defibrillator. Fiction: As soon as the first trailers for "Project X" hit the web, critics and movie buffs began pointing out the similarities between the movie and Delaney's party; just Google it and you'll come up with dozens of sites claiming "Project X" was based on that crazy night. But Bacall and producer Todd Phillips haven't been nearly so clear about things, with neither of them giving the theory much credence in their many, many interviews on the subject. Bacall merely says that Phillips came to him with the idea, while Phillips talks more about wanting to capture the feel -- and power -- of the viral sensation than Delaney's party vibe. Fact: Protestations aside, it should be noted that Phillips is no stranger to making this kind of film, having previously brought the "Hangover" franchise into the world. It's true that Delaney's party pre-dated the original "Hangover," but pundits who have labeled "Project X" a "teen 'Hangover'" aren't far from wrong. It's hard to believe that Phillips wouldn't have come across Delaney's YouTube video while doing research for one of these films. Fiction: Whether or not the events "Project X" was directly based on Delaney's party, one thing can be agreed upon: None

of the characters in the film are nearly as interesting as Delaney himself. Delaney's signature moment came during the live news interview when, after being badgered by the anchor to apologize and take off his sunglasses, he said he was sorry but refused to remove the shades. "Nah, I'll leave these on. I like 'em." Suck it, authority! Fact: Thanks to its surprisingly strong opening weekend, "Project X," which cost just $12 million to make, is already a hit. And much of that success can be chalked up to, you guessed it, the power of social media, which makes it even more ironic than the mainstream media seems to totally hate the movie. "Project X strives to appall," reads one review from NPR, "and it would be similarly self-deluded to pretend this jumble of ecstasy and crotch shots is anything other than repulsive." That review also cites Delaney as the film's inspiration, a sign that one thing is certain: The more money and outrage "Project X" generates, the more you'll be hearing Delaney's name. Regardless of whether it's fact ... or fiction. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a drinker or not, chances are, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably end up at more than a few college parties during your time as a student. Alcohol consumption- whether underage or legal- is wildly popular on college campuses across the country, and many students say that college parties are an integral part of the social experience. If you do decide to drink,

I sat down with Project X stars Kirby Blanton and Alexis Knapp to talk about their experience making the film, missing snakes at a party, high school popularity, and who to invite to a big house party. Thank you for taking time to speak with me. I really appreciate it. First off, Project X is a very extreme party. Have you ever been to a party like that? Kirby Blanton: I have not. I’m not even lying. I wish I could say that I had. I don’t think there is a party that’s as outrageous as that. I think that’s why we made [Project X]. I didn’t really party that much. I kinda got out of high school early because I was going to do this whole thing so I wasn’t partying that much. Even in LA, when we went to house parties and stuff there was always the flip cups and beer pong. I’ve done that before but definitely not to this extent. I had one house party when I was a kid. We had about 30 people and a vase broke. KB: You gotta put the valuables under the sink or in mom’s room and lock it. Alexis Knapp: When I was younger. I remember this year when this gang of kids from this beach town who were the bad one. Theys came by and trashed the place. They were grabbing bottles and throwing them against the wall. It was violent. Then the snake cage broke and the snake was loose. I was like “Everybody stop. Get the snake! We have

to find the snake!” I actually sold that snake to the owner of the house because I worked at a pet store. KB: So it had a little sentimental value AK: Plus I had about fifteen snakes at home because I was breeding them. Then there was another party I had at my house when my mom was

I noticed the next day that when I went to the computer there was a picture frame in the seat. How did that get there? I followed the trail and there was a little destruction and things falling over, then boom he was in a corner way at the top. Snakes are sick. He got himself all the way to the top.

STORY How much fun was it on set making Project X? KB: It was a lot of fun. We obviously got worn out because we’re working 12-14 hour days, but all of the smiles and laughter than you see is real. We’re all just having a good time. AK: It was a blast but it was exhausting.

It felt like a very long music video KB: Our [Nima Nourizadeh] does music videos most of the time so esthetically it looked that way. It still felt like a film. KB: From start to finish, it’s non-stop action. There’s jokes non-stop also. I literally had to see it a couple times just to catch it all. If you close your eyes or sneeze, you’ll miss something. Was a lot of what’s in the film improvised? KB: The boys got to do some improvising AK: We had to stick to our storylines more or less. KB: I got to do some improv with Thomas [Thomas Mann]. There were some little things here and there, but we had to stay to our storylines. The boys got to play around too. It was really fun AK: I got a little more freedom to do some improv and it was fun, but they went a different route with my character to make her more mysterious and less revealing with her potty mouth. How did you get involved in the project? AK: I came in pretty late in the game. They already had their choices basically. They weren’t going to even seen me and my agent kept pushing me. Finally, the casting directors brought me in on tape for the producers and I didn’t think anything of it. I was surprised that they wanted to call me back. I had about two

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How much fun was it on set making Project X? KB: It was a lot of fun. We obviously got worn out because we’re working 12-14 hour days, but all of the smiles and laughter than you see is real. We’re all just having a good time. AK: It was a blast but it was exhausting. It felt like a very long music video KB: Our [Nima Nourizadeh] does music videos most of the time so esthetically it looked that way. It still felt like a film. KB: From start to finish, it’s non-stop action. There’s jokes non-stop also. I literally had to see it a couple times just to catch it all. If you close your eyes or sneeze, you’ll miss something. Was a lot of what’s in the film improvised? KB: The boys got to do some improvising AK: We had to stick to our storylines more or less. KB: I got to do some improv with Thomas [Thomas Mann]. There were some little things here and there, but we had to stay to our storylines. The boys got to play around too. It was really fun AK: I got a little more freedom to do some improv and it was fun, but they went a different route with my character to make her more mysterious and less revealing with her potty mouth. How did you get involved in the project?

AK: I came in pretty late in the game. They already had their choices basically. They weren’t going to even seen me and my agent kept pushing me. Finally, the casting directors brought me in on tape for the producers and I didn’t think anything of it. I was surprised that they wanted to call me back. I had about two more call backs before I got it. I was really lucky. How much are you like your character in the film? KB: I think I have a lot in common with Kirby in the film. I am a tomboy. I hang out with dudes a lot. I can relate to being the guys girl. The best friend who you maybe should try and date, but you don’t want to cross that line. It’s a very dangerous place to be. You don’t want to lose the friendship, but who knows, you might have good chemistry. I

feel like everybody had had that before so it’s relatable. People say my wife or husband is my best friend? KB: It’s true. Most of the people I end up dating have started out as my best friends. If you don’t have that, you aren’t going to have much to grow on.

AK: From the character you see in the film, our name and our appearance. That’s about it. I was not the hot popular girl in school. All those girls were sluts.

KB: That’s how they got popular. [laughs] I’m just saying. High school takes place in a little fish bowl where there are very few avenues to choose. I wasn’t a jock. I was funny and got along with everybody.

going to LA off and on when I started high schools and the girls didn’t like that. I wasn’t bragging about it. Girls are competitive I guess. People want to forget the awkwardness of high school. KB: We’re going to bring it to light. [laughs] The boys in Project X aren’t so awkward. They’re more inappropriate which makes it awkward. Thomas is kind of quiet so he feels uncomfortable when they start talking about stuff. Was there anything in Project X that reminded you of your high school experience? AK: I was never at a party where a little person jumped out of an oven and punched someone in the balls. That would’ve been sweet. That was my favorite part. A little person with a snake would have been cooler.

AUG/15 “Wait a minute. Don’t let them get you.” Then I hit ignore on FaceBook. Do you have a favorite scene in Project X? KB: I liked the last scene a lot. I think it’s really special. When Thomas goes back to school? KB: Yeah. He’s getting the notoriety that’s he’s always wanted, but I’m still pissed at him. He’s got to fix that. AK: My character wasn’t a very sentimental character in the film so I can’t say a personal scene of mine. When the midget hit the girl in the crotch and she went down [laughs] that was it for me. That was epic. I think we’ve all been there. Have you been kicked in the crotch? I have. KB: Nobody has kicked me in the crotch bone [laughs] It happened to me during flag football. AK: I grew up with brothers and we would beat the [expletive] out of each other all day. KB: At one point my mom gave me a long talk about doing that because my brother might not be able to have babies. [laughs]. What does that have to do with anything? Then I learned the whole anatomy thing and I got it. My favorite scene in Project X is towards the end when Thomas is talking to his dad. KB: That’s a great scene. His dad also feels for him. He was probably that same kid in high school who wanted to be the man, but couldn’t’ find out how to do it. He kind of understands even though he’s got to clean it all up, but he gets it.

AK: That’s a pretty cool dad not to lock his kid up in the basement for the rest of his life [laughs]. That’s what I’d do. What do you think moviegoers will enjoy the most in Project X? KB: The perspective of the way it’s shot. It’s like you’re in the party KB: Or you’re watching it secretively. AK: I think you know what the boys will like the most. Boobies. Boys always like that KB: I like boobies. Boobies are cool. They jump up and down. There are lots of boobies. There’s been a big social media push with this film KB: It’s been great. Twitter has been great. I guess Facebook too. I’m not on Facebook but I hear it’s just as crazy. We are trying to promote this because we believe in it so much. Every single day I retweet something from Project X or WB. Warner Bros. Pictures tweeted earlier if you were having a big party, who would you invite. Who would you invite? I have a list. KB: I don’t know that’s difficult AK: Probably the same people I’d invite to my party anyway. I would invite my friends and a bunch of famous people. Kanye because I’d want him to perform….. AK: If Steve Irwin was still alive I’d invite him. KB: Some comedians maybe. To do the host duties. KB: Yes. Both Jonathan Brown and Oliver Cooper are stand up comedians before they did Project X. They still do stand up and

they still do Funnyordie videos. I’d also have a bunch of pretty people. KB: We had some really good looking extras. I couldn’t point out one that wasn’t bad looking. Even the midget KB: He was in Pirates of the Caribbean. He’s huge [laughs]. We had some really featured extras. I’m glad they were featured because they worked as hard as us and were paid much less. It’s cool because they’re actually in the film. It makes it seem like an actual party What happened to that neighborhood? KB: It wasn’t a real neighborhood AK: It was a Warner Bros Ranch. KB: That was at a studio in Burbank. It has a rural area where they shoot Pretty Little Liars and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Both of these shows are ABC Family shows. AK: It’s right next to the fountain at the begging of Friends. KB: We go into this studio that’s use to doing ABC Family shows and we do a hard R movie that basically burns down the whole neighborhood. We showed them what’s up. As a guy, Project X is your dream. KB: Thomas is a happy kid. He’s smiling at the end. He got to kiss the girl of his dreams, Alexis, and the girl he likes, Kirby. AK: His punishments weren’t really that bad. It was pretty worth it. I can’t wait to see what the next one is.

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the movie screen, we see our hero (who looks like he couldn't balance his checkbook) as he suddenly realizes that the nearby crossbow equipped with line-shooting capability/ telephone wire/clothesline could propel him quickly from the top of the steep slope to the bottom of the canyon, where the bad guys/pretty girl/bad pretty girls are. He drapes his jacket across the wire, holds on tightly and down the wire he goes. The trip is so fast that the viewer only has a split second to wonder: Does that really work? A zip line is, at its most simple, a cable that starts at a higher point than it ends. Using the natural decline of the slope, a person or cargo can travel down the wire on a pulley system that minimizes friction to help the rider accelerate. In the next section, we'll talk more about how a plain old wire can support the weight of -- and provide a ride for -- a gigantic person. Or, for that matter, how gigantic a person it can support. And if you're able and willing, you can use a zip line pretty much anywhere -- provided you have some serious guts and a willingness to ignore your better instincts about the science of racing down a thin wire at speeds up to 100 miles (161 kilometers) per hour. But whatever part of the world you're in (or flying over, for that matter), learn the parlance: In Australia they're flying foxes, in South Africa they're foefie (sometimes written and pronounced "foofy") slides, while Costa Rica generally calls zip line adventures canopy tours. Although a growing industry for zip lines exists among adventure travel tours and eco-tourism, you might be surprised to know the first modern group that used zip lines for utilitarian purposes in the past consists of people with a decidedly less reckless reputation than you'd imagine. The reality of the height and speed at which I was traveling didn't hit me until almost halfway through the zip-lining course. Joel Hunt, my 23-year-old guide, told me that the fourth and highest line -- the one I was about to ride -- was known as the most spine-tingling. I quickly found out why. After easing off a wooden platform secured to a Douglas fir, I sailed through a cluster of treetops and then watched as the ground gave way below me. Suddenly, I was 30 stories in the air, hurtling toward a mountain, the oaks and pines and streams that litter the floor of the San Gabriels smirking up at me, the Mojave Desert on my left, Hunt just a tiny, faraway speck on the side of a massive cliff toward which I seemed to be careening at 45 to 65 miles per hour.

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Dragon’s Breath Flight Line

Labadee, Haiti  Royal Caribbean  You’ll have to head to Royal Caribbean’s private Haitian island to try out the longest overwater zip line in the world. Starting 500 feet above the beaches of Labadee on Dragon’s Breath Rock, this 2,600-foot zipline glides you over the turquoise waters of Buccaneers’ Bay at speeds of 40 to 50 mph, landing you safely on the soft white sand on the other side. Price: $94

COLUMN

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Flight of the Gibbon

Angkor, Cambodia  Flight of the Gibbon  There aren’t many places in the world where you can combine a zip line adventure with a history lesson. Opened this June, the brand-new Flight of the Gibbon is perfectly situated for both in the Angkor Archaeological Park, a 154-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the famed Angkor Wat temple. The course boasts ten zip lines, four sky bridges, and 21 platforms high up in the trees, from which you’ll be able to spot reintroduced gibbons. Price: $129

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TOP

STORY

COLLEGE

Romantic get-aways

new york

New York City Urban Retreat From uptown’s bustling avenues to the quiet, cobblestoned streets of downtown, New York is a study in contrasts. The greatest challenge is deciding where to stay. With its fireplace suites, Lafayette House (doubles from $395) feels like your own pied-à-terre. Uptown, On the Ave (doubles from $199) has a modern flair, including Italian black-marble bathrooms. Pay a visit to the restored Plaza Hotel, where you can browse for art books at Assouline or try on vintage-inspired baubles at Kenneth Jay Lane, in the newly expanded shopping area. At the spruced-up Oak Bar, the wood paneling still glows warmly and the Central Park views are as stirring as always. Three blocks south, check out the skyline from the Peninsula New York’s new rooftop bar, Salon de Ning. The vibe: 1930’s Shanghai, with daybeds and mandarin-orange–flavored cocktails. For dinner, Café Cluny (dinner for two $90) is a portal to a Gallic village, where waitresses wear Audrey Tautou pigtails. End the evening at Smith & Mills, a tiny TriBeCa boîte in a former carriage house. The cozy banquettes can accommodate only a dozen-odd patrons. Bright lights, big city?From this vantage point, New York feels like a small town

savannah

Whidbey island

On the Waterfront Though it’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from from Seattle suburb Mukilteo, Whidbey Island feels like the Pacific Northwest’s last frontier—a lost-in-time place of towering redwoods and sparkling coves overlooking Puget Sound. Take refuge at the 28-room Inn at Langley (doubles from $195), in Langley, a pint-size town on the island. Each suite has a Jacuzzi with views of the evergreen-lined Saratoga Passage waterway (and the gray whales that swim through in spring). In the historic center, Lowry-James Rare Prints & Books sells vintage maps and Audubon lithographs; the Clyde Theatre, a 1937 movie house, screens the classics and contemporary films. Drive 30 miles north to Ebey’s Landing to walk the coastal bluffs, or make your way to Coupeville, known for its Penn Cove mussels, which no-frills Toby’s Tavern (lunch for two $22) serves right.

On the Waterfront If only every city planner had the foresight of Savannah’s 18th-century founder, James Oglethorpe. His legacy—21 garden-filled public squares ringed by antebellum town houses—is a model of Southern grace. At the Ballastone Inn (doubles from $235), an Italianate mansion three blocks from the waterfront, rooms have canopied poster beds and mahogany armoires. Or base yourself at the newly opened Avia (doubles from $189), on landmark Ellis Square. Browse for jewelry and handbags by upand-coming artists at ShopSCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s boutique, and don’t miss the Jepson Center for the Arts, a contemporary-art space by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. There are dozens of laid-back restaurants in town, but one of the best remains Desposito’s (dinner for two $40), where tablecloths are made from newspapers and the steamed oysters and Low Country basket—shrimp, potatoes, corn—are ideal for two.

miami

Urban Retreat Rent a vintage tail-fin Caddy and cruise north on Collins Avenue to refuel at 14th Street’s La Sandwicherie, a tiny joint squeezed between a gas station and a tattoo parlor. Locals favor the pâté on baguette with a smoothie for beach excursions. Check into the Standard, Miami, for a little peace and quiet—the hotel hugs the calm waters of Biscayne Bay and is a comfortable distance from the sparkly lights of South Beach. Get a jump on the next trendy neighborhood with an architectural walking tour of MiMo or just do a self-guided drive to see the atomic age icons along Biscayne Boulevard. All this groovy style inspiring you to go retro? Set the alarm early to shop for great vintage looks at the Lincoln Road Mall Sunday flea market.

BAR HARBOR

NortheRn cALIFORNIA

On the Waterfront North of San Francisco, past Muir Woods, the Marin roads wind through Ewok forest that opens into deer-, sheep-, and cow-studded farmland and then magically folds back into dense forest, until eventually you come to the Pacific spread out under the cliff—as if someone has tried to cram all of America into one place. Check into Manka’s Inverness Lodge, which specializes in awesome food in the the dining room, and coziness (fireplaces, flannel curtains, shelves of old books, and an arkful of taxidermied animals) in the guest rooms. The next morning, explore Point Reyes Station, an Old West– meets-crunchy yuppie town lined with cutesy storefronts. When the lodge’s extensive breakfast finally wears off, load up on picnic supplies at the Cowgirl Creamery, inside Tomales Bay Foods, and have a picnic table at Dillon Beach, a 150-year-old summer resort and surfing cove

On the Waterfront Down east Maine is dotted with private islands—Oar, Clapboard, Chanterelle—where couples can play Yankee castaways. One of our favorites is the fouracre Spectacle Island, a short boat ride from Bar Harbor. The best time to go is June to September. Book Spectacle Island Estate, a three-bedroom cottage on this spruce-covered spot in Frenchman Bay, well ahead of time. The master suite has spectacular sea views, a four-poster bed, and a whirlpool. The wood-burning fireplace in the living room is cozy on foggy nights, while the wraparound porch makes for good afternoon bird-watching, when gulls and osprey swoop along the shoreline. Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island offers rugged hiking trails (or walk along the beach and watch the lobster boats). The island rental also includes a seaworthy 27-foot powerboat manned by a licensed captain. Catch the boat back to Bar Harbor and have a seafood cioppino with fresh-caught fish or jumbo baked lobsters at La Bella Vita, in the Harborside Hotel.

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PALM SPRINGS

GRANADA =

Desert Escape Two hours east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs has long attracted Hollywood power couples, from Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner in the 50’s to Brad and Angelina. The newest draw for A-listers?The eight casitas at the year-old, Moroccan-inspired Colony Palms Hotel (doubles from $339; casitas from $419), with private patios, outdoor bathtubs, and quick access to the Purple Palm restaurant, for a poolside meal of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. There’s more to do in Palm Springs than lounge by the pool: in a single afternoon you can hike through canyons and, after an eight-minute tram ride up Mount San Jacinto, toss snowballs in a fairy-tale alpine forest. Head downtown to browse the Midcentury Modern furniture shops along North Palm Canyon Drive. One of the best is the new Trina Turk Residentia, stocked with vintage pieces and pillows upholstered in Turk’s signature graphic prints.

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vico equense, italy=

STORY Secret Village A crenellated castle, pinkwashed clifftop church, and pebbled beach make Vico Equense perhaps the most dramatic—though surprisingly undiscovered—village on the Sorrento Coast. On the main coastal road, Annamaria Cuomo and Salvatore De Gennaro serve cured meats and cheeses at their epicurean market La Tradizione (lunch for two $40). At Torre del Saracino (lunch for two $190), chef Gennaro Esposito creates innovative dishes, such as risotto with cod and figs, in a seventh-century tower. Stay just outside the village at the Hotel Capo La Gala (doubles from $260), a stone-studded cliffside lodge. The hotel has a nautical theme: porthole windows and hurricane lamps in the lobby, blue-andwhite guest rooms accented with miniature model boats. Book one of the nine Classic rooms, and take your breakfast (cappuccino and croissants) on the roomy balcony overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Urban Retreat The ancient Alhambra. The narrow Moorish streets. Both are within walking distance of Palacio de los Patos, a 19th-century property redesigned with sparkling white modern interiors. Book a room in the old palacio, where contemporary touches (mirrored tables and mod-patterned rugs) are mixed with original detailing (elaborate wood moldings and mosaics). Don’t miss a meal at the hotel’s ambitious Senzone restaurant. Granada is full of shrill souvenir shops. For home furnishings, as well as jewelry, tiles, and other crafts, cut to the chase at Bazar Pazouki and El Zoco Nazarí.

WAIT W WA AIT for the AIT

B A I T

Watch out. While dating in college is different than dating in high school, it’s also different than dating after college. So before you head off to the dorms expecting to be whisked off to a romantic dinner by a guy every Friday night, consider this: In 2001, the Independent Women’s Forum conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 college women and found that less than half had been asked out on six or more dates during their entire time in college. That’s not to say that men and women avoid each other all throughout college. It’s just that, these days, college dating doesn’t have strict rules like it did in the olden days or in high school. When you’re in high school and a boy likes a girl, he asks her to “go out” with him (they don’t actually need to go anywhere) and suddenly they are in a serious, deep relationship. Not so in college. In college, there are very few dating rules, and this can be bewildering. Keep these five tips in mind regarding relationships in college, and you can save yourself quite a bit of confusion.

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1. Go out on a limb. Dating in college will require a bit more courage than dating in high school. In high school, you pretty much know the story on any guy or girl you are interested in. While making the first move is always tough, it’s easier when you know all about the person’s friends, old relationships and overall reputation. In college, you may have to take a chance on that cute, quirky girl in your art class without knowing anything about her. Or you may have seen that guy around everywhere for the past few months but know nothing about him … except that he is a total player, according to your best friend’s brother’s professor’s niece’s sister. The point is, you will know less about where these people have been and what they have been up to. The nice thing is, that means you have the same kind of mystery. Take advantage of this, and take a chance on a stranger! 2. Get creative when it comes to where you look for dates. In college, most people feel like getting dressed up and going out to clubs on a weekend is the best approach to finding a potential relationship. This is usually not the case. Clubs provide a loud, dirty, crowded environment where keeping up with the friends you came with is difficult enough  you can forget about meeting anyone new. Instead, hit up the local bookshop one afternoon and see who you spot there  you’ll already have a conversation starter if you are both interested in reading. Or ask the cute girl in your math class to a study session. And remember …

3. A “study session” can be a date in disguise. Because there are so few dating rules in college, don’t expect a guy to approach you out of nowhere and say, “You’re so beautiful. I simply must take you out to dinner next weekend. Wear something fancy.” Don’t assume that someone isn’t interested in you if they are just asking you to study or take a walk on campus. In fact, if a guy or girl is making the effort to ask you to hang out alone, it’s probably a good sign. Along the same lines, remember … 4. College kids have no money. If the guy you’re interested in wants to go out to dinner and a movie but doesn’t automatically pick up the entire bill, don’t be offended or disheartened. In college, the bills for many casual dates are split or picked up alternating. So if someone asks you to do something cheap, free or asks you to split the bill, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you.

5. Beware of getting too close too soon. Your new freedom in college is enhanced by technological advances that allow split-second contact at any time of day or night – and a 2am text message isn’t usually the recipe for romance. Just because you might be looking for a relationship doesn’t mean that everyone else is. There are plenty of college students who consider this a time to sow their wild oats, regardless of other people’s feelings. They probably aren’t bad people, but their intentions regarding you, sex and relationships might not be what you’re looking for. Be careful of getting too close with someone under the wrong circumstances, or you might end up in a situation Of course, like I said, college dating has no rules. That means that these five guidelines can easily be broken, bent and stretched. The biggest thing to remember when looking for dates in college is to be flexible and open to new possibilities. Or maybe just stop looking  after all, that’s when m

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AK E R B ING

SPR

It is that time of year again. College students from all across the country converge on sandy beaches in Florida, or California for a week of sun, fun, and partying. Spring break—a time for rest and relaxation away from the rigors of college life- can be a great time. It can also lead to some tough life lessons if a student isn’t careful.

Stick together. If you are headed out to a vacation spot with a group of friends, it is important that you all stick together. It is easy to lose track of a friend when out at a party. Did they leave the party with a stranger? Did they go to drive even though they’ve had too much to drink? Did they walk off alone? It is very important to keep an eye on your friends. No one wants to be a babysitter, but in the end it is better to be able to account for your friend’s whereabouts than not. Don’t drink and drive. This saying has been said so much that it may seem like a cliché. Still, many students get behind the wheel of a car, or get into a car with someone who has been drinking. Each year millions of students drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, this according to College Drinking Prevention. Just as serious is texting while driving. It is vitally important that when out driving, whether in a town you are not familiar with on spring break, or at home, that you are alert and free from distractions. Keep an eye on your money. It is a horrible feeling to go on vacation and have your money and credit cards stolen. Too often students do not keep a close enough watch on their money at retailers you are familiar with. Credit card

Keep the amount of cash you carry with you to a minimum. Don’t take your entire vacation allotment with you out to the beach or to a club. This is just a bad situation waiting to happen. Instead try putting some money in various places so that if by any chance you lose some or it’s stolen, you still have more elsewhere. Have safe sex. Let’s face it; hook ups sometimes happen during Spring Break. Just like at all other times, it is necessary to protect yourself. Avoid alcohol poisoning. Most people don’t know they are being poisoned by alcohol until it is too late. A lot of students drink from the time the wake up in the morning until the wee hours of the next day. Many students are unaware that consuming too much alcohol or even passing out from drinking can lead to death. Please take a moment to read about the dangers of alcohol poisoning here. Spring break should be one of the most fun parts of a college career. Follow these tips to be sure that not only do you have a great time, but when classes start up again, you will be there all in one piece.

Now, here’s the list you’ve been waiting for – check out the top ten Spring Break party schools of 2014:

6. Colorado Mountain College

Perhaps sand isn’t your Spring Break style. That’s ok, there are Spring Breakers that prefer snow and ski over sun and sand! If so, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is the place to be. One of the western Colorado’s eleven campuses is located in Breckenridge, where world-class skiers gather for the slopes. The Breckenridge campus focuses on associate degree programs; however, they do award bachelor’s degrees, as of 2012. CMC’s associate programs are designed to send graduates to one of the state’s four-year degree institutions so, when the party’s over on the slopes; you’ll have a great education, too. 5. University of California – San Diego If surf and sand are your thing, then look no further. University of California, San Diego, calls La Jolla, CA, home and home is where the students go to surf, scuba dive and soak up the sun. The university is known as being a top research spot for sea and space studies, based on its prime location, but also has plenty of other options available under the sun. San Diego may be number nine on the list due to the laid back lifestyle but, depending on your location, it may become your number one spot this Spring Break. It sounds like you won’t regret it!

4. Tulane University

What else are students attending Tulane University, located in New Orleans, LA, going to do over Spring Break, if not party hardy? After all, Spring Break occurs just as the Mardi Gras celebrations have ended, so they need something else to focus on. Of course, students at Tulane focus on their studies too – after all, it wouldn’t be ranked among the Top National Universities, according to U.S. News and World Report, in the United States if they didn’t!

3. University of Puerto Rico

36If you have the option, why not make it an is-

land getaway this Spring Break? Still a U.S. destination, the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) is sure to be a hot spot this Spring Break. If you fall in love with Puerto Rico on Spring Break, you can apply at the university. According to Wikipedia, UPR “has the largest and most diverse academic offerings in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, with 472 academic programs and 32 doctoral programs.” So you’ll likely have more options than you’ll know what to do with. Plus, offering sun, sand and poolside, parties – you’ll feel like you’re abroad on Spring Break, but you aren’t. How exotic!

2. University of Florida

Florida has always been a top Spring Break destination – based on location, affordability and, well, parties! As a result, the University of Florida, in Gainesville, FL, holds the number six slot. Of course it was going to make the list – with beaches galore and enough sun to go around for all students, what else could any Spring Breaker want in a party school? But, the school has a lot more to offer than just Spring Break. In fact, it ranked 17th among all public national universities in 2013 within U.S. News and World Report rankings in addition to consistently ranking amongst the top 100 universities worldwide. Sounds like Spring Break is just icing on top of the cake!

1. Arizona State University

The desert heat isn’t the only thing that makes Arizona State University a hot spot this Spring Break – it’s the parties that land this location at the middle of the list, too. Who cares if there’s no surf, Arizona still lets Spring Breakers party like it’s hot! The university is known as hot spot, too – just in a different way. Not only is it a national space-grant institution, it’s also the largest public university in the United States, based on enrollment. With five campuses, organized into one single institution, students are able to choose from five different campus locations: Tempe, Lake Havasu, northwest Phoenix, eastern Mesa and

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STUDY 38

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h s e s Finding the proper balance between school work and external activities is very important

New college students face a wide range of challenges during their first year in school. They face challenges such as being away from home for the first time, having to be self motivated in their school work and have to make an entire new set of friends. These make up for difficult times during the freshman year of any new student. These challenges, if not addressed properly, can result in depression and loneliness in their personal life and failure in their academic life. ating a good environment to study and complete assignments, coming up with good time management techniques in order to complete your school work and have time for some fun, and many more.

Don't cram

According to a recent research study published by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), students who forego sleep to pull "all-nighters" and cram prior to a big test are more likely to perform poorly the following day. Ample sleep is critical for academic success. Students should keep a consistent study schedule leading up to their test and get a good night's sleep to ensure a great result.

Jump around

Seek out effective study tools

Whether it's using flashcards or re-reading passages in a text or e-book all students have their own way of assessing their preparedness prior to a test. However, there are tools available that make the studying pro cess much easier, more engaging and more effective. (You can check o McGraw-Hill LearnSmartâ&#x201E;˘, an adaptive "digital tutor" that continuous assesses students' knowledge and skills and provides personalized reco mendations that helps them master content over time, as well as the M

A majority of students naturally review material for a test or a midterm in the order in which it was taught; that is, going through notes in chronological order. This type of studying, also known as "blocking," may be effective for some, but research out of the University of South Florida suggests otherwise. If you study "out of order," according to the research, you are more likely to retain standalone knowledge and are therefore able to recall information in a randomized way, which is how many tests are designed. Studying in sequence is restrictive, and forces you to remember content in the order in which it was studied.

oout sly omMc-

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The 21st century student is an avid "digital multi-tasker," capable of answering the phone, reading and sending a text message or e-mail, and listening to music all while preparing for a test. Though this might be considered "the new normal," these distractions mightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;according to research by Stanford Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;negatively impact a student's ability to retain and accurately recall information. While collaboration and discussion are an important part of the learning process, when it's crunch time, students should opt for an environment that is quiet and void of any digital disturbances.

Books, then bed A guide on memory issued by the Academic Skills Center at Dartmouth College recommends that students should review difficult material prior to bedtime, provided that a student is mentally and physically strong before hitting the pillow. This is because challenging information is oftentimes easier to remember after a good night's rest, as the brain typically consolidates facts in your memory that are freshly accessible the next day.

Because of all the changes that are facing freshmen in college, it is extremely important that they work hard in their studies to avoid getting off to a rocky start in college. Because work in college is more self-directed compared to work in high school, where parents and teachers were able to keep students focused, it is vital for students to keep focused on their school work. This includes attending classes, completing assignment and properly studying for exams. With all of the external influences that students face in college, finding the proper balance between school work and external activities is very important. Having fun is an important part of the college experience, but students need to focus on their academic work as well. To properly do so, students need to develop proper study habits to give themselves the best chance for success. These habits include creating a good environment to study and complete assignments, coming up with good time management techniques in order to complete your school work and have time for some fun, and many more.

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iGot an Upgrade How the iPhone 6 is going to benefit you.

Are you sitting comfortably? Good. This could take a while. The iPhone 5S is less than six months old, but rumors are gathering about its replacement, which should – if previous versions are anything to go by – be called the iPhone 6. Will it be bigger, or stay the same size? Will it have standout features? Will it be joined by an iPhone 6C, or the iWatch? None of these questions and many more will be answered until Tim Cook takes the stage later this year, but we can’t wait until June or September. We’re just not that patient. So, we’ve collected all the latest gossip we’ve heard right here. We hope you enjoy. Updated on 04-25-2014 by Andy: Added in a video showing a possible iPhone 6 case being compared to the iPhone 5S and the Nexus 5, plus more speculation about a curved glass screen, and another suggestion the new phone will launch before September. Surprise … it’s probably named iPhone 6, and it could be more expensive than ever How long can Apple keep adding an ever-increasing number to the name of its latest iPhone? It gave up with the iPad after two models, and decided to add the word Air to the most recent iteration, signifying how slim and light it had made the tablet. Depending on the specs and size of the next iPhone(s), we could also see an iPhone Air, iPhone 6C, or iPhone Mini.

The iPhone has always been a premium smartphone with a premium price tag, but if analyst Peter

Misek is to be believed, that tag may get even larger with the iPhone 6. He predicts the device will be up to $100 more than previous versions. He adds that Apple may already have network backing for the increase, due to there being “no other game-changing devices would be released in 2014.” Apparently, networks realise the iPhone 6 will be the only “headline-worthy high-end phone launched this year,” and may end up absorbing the extra cost themselves. Statements like that are sure to irritate Android fans, and an extra $100 on the bill from Apple will inevitably annoy everyone when the time comes, so let’s hope Misek is wrong on this one. Bigger screens and a second iPhone 6? Apple has made the most of a 4-inch screen for two generations (years) now, and while it’s perfectly acceptable – go on, admit it – there’s no denying the industry is shifting towards smartphones with considerably larger displays. Juniper Research estimates that devices with 5+ inch screens will see sales of 120 million by 2018, considerably more than the 20 million in 2013. Surely Apple can’t ignore the trend much longer?

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eaked iPhone 6 schematics There are two main schools of thought at the moment. First, Apple will up the screen size to 4.7-inches and leave it at that, while others speculate we may get a 4.7-inch iPhone and a 5.7-inch, or 5.5-inch iPhone/iPad hybrid. These supposed leaked schematics from Nowhereelse.fr also point to a larger screen. According to Chinese analyst Sun Changxu, Apple may keep its current 1136 x 640 pixel Retina resolution on the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. This would see the pixel density fall to around 280ppi, way below the 326ppi seen on every iPhone since the iPhone 4. Crucially though, it would be above the iPad’s pixel density. Apple bases its Retina status on viewing distance – 10-inches for the phone, 15 for the tablet – so a larger phone screen could add a few inches to the optimum viewing distance, and keep it within Apple’s self-imposed parameters for ‘Retina.’ Via his Twitter account, Sonny Dickson, who has previously leaked details about Apple hardware, says the screen of the iPhone 6 will have a pixel density of 389ppi. He calls the display “Ultra-Retina,” but doesn’t mention anything about the size or the exact resolution. Using a pixel density calculator, a screen measuring somewhere between 5.6-inches and 5.7-inches, with a 1080p resolution, could potentially produce 389ppi. iPhone 6 three models concept by Federico Cicca Alternatively, researchers from DisplaySearch in Taiwan indicate Apple will give the 4.7-inch screen iPhone 6 a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, resulting in a 312ppi pixel density rating. As for the 5.7-inch hybrid, DisplaySearch says it may have 1920 x 1080 pixels, matching just about every 2013 high-end Android phone. Analyst Brian Marshall, who works for ISI, says we’ll be getting two new iPhone models this year, one with a 4.7-inch display, and the other with 5.5-inches, although he doesn’t mention the possible resolution of either.

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iPhone 6 gold concept with glass back by Martin Hajek An increase to 4.7 or 5.7-inches isn’t universally agreed upon – not even close. Peter Misek says Apple will plump for 4.8-inches, while a Wall Street Journal reporter claimed Apple was busily testing hybrid iPhone/iPads with 6-inch screens. Long-time Apple rumor devotees will recall talk of the iPhone Math (or iPhone+, as it may have really been known), a monster-sized iPhone discussed before the announcement of the iPhone 5S. More recently, rumors have been edging towards the possibility of a 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch iPhone being released during 2014. However, according to the Taiwan Industrial & Commercial Times, only the model with a 4.7-inch screen will go on sale this year. The larger iPhone, according to the rumor, is causing problems for Apple’s production team, and may not be ready until September. The 4.7-inch phone is apparently scheduled for production in July.

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Second iPhone 6 model delayed? Rumors of Apple releasing a second iPhone model during 2014 have taken a hit. A report from Taiwan says the larger of the two phones, rumored to have a 5.5-inch screen and referred to as the iPhone Air, won’t be coming until 2015. This is apparently due to Apple’s notorious quest for perfection in its designs. The problem is with the battery, which Apple wants to be 2mm thick or less, but current technology seems to only be able to manage about 2.8mm. It’s an indication Apple wants the device to be very thin, without resorting to a smaller battery. If the 5.5-inch screen size is accurate, it’ll need a lot more juice to run than the 4-inch screen fitted to an iPhone 5S. By delaying the device’s release, Apple can work with its suppliers to overcome the technical problems.

Sapphire screens galore! Curved screens and new sensors Here’s one of the crazier theories around. The next iPhone(s) could have a screen made of sapphire, which is far more durable than any glass on the market. It’s not as implausible as you might think, either. The new Arizona facility could produce between 103 and 116 million 5-inch sapphire screens per year. Almost a year ago, GT Advanced, which now has a major contract with Apple, showed us how sapphire could make smartphone screens nearly indestructible. At the time, the company told us that if a large vendor used sapphire to scale, its price would get cheap enough to integrate into a major product like the iPhone 6. A $578 million contract with Apple is probably enough to do just that. Apple is creating a facility in Arizona to build these components Correspondence between Apple and the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone, revealed by 9to5Mac, shows Apple plans to put this facility into action during February, a timescale referred to as “aggressive” by an Apple executive. Sapphire is listed as one of the products manufactured by the plant. While it’s not stated the sapphire will be used to make iPhone 6 screens, the document says “Project Cascade” will be using a, “High-tech manufacturing process to create a critical new sub-component of Apple Products to be used in the manufacture of consumer electronics.”

A November Bloomberg report says that Apple is working on new iPhone 6 models that come with “curved glass” that bends downward at the edges and sensors that can detect different levels of pressure on the screen. The sensors would be able to better detect a light or heavy touch of the finger. That report also affirms the rumor that there will be two new iPhone 6 models, one at the 4.7-inch size and another at 5.5 inches.

Better camera and iOS 8

There are a few rumors regarding the introduction of 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which came to Mac computers recently, along with a 128GB storage capacity. The camera could get an upgrade to 13-megapixels, although not everyone agrees, with others indicating the existing 8-megapixel camera will see improvements. Analysts from Nomura Securities are saying that the iPhone 6 will have better image stabilization.

Super slim 6mm body Will the next iPhone be much slimmer than older models? That’s a very good question, and one which fits in with the idea Apple may chose to name the next model the iPhone Air. The iPhone has never been a bloater, but rumors have spread the next generation may be much thinner than ever. Korean news source ETNews.com quotes sources from the Chinese IT media, who say Apple may shave 1.6mm off the iPhone 5S’ thickness to make a 6mm iPhone 6. A Chinese website published a picture of what it claimed was the iPhone 6’s chassis. It looks both slim and large, but it could also be completely fake, or not related to the iPhone at all. Only time will tell on this one. Following up his tweet regarding the pixel density of the iPhone 6′s screen, Sonny Dickson says the phone’s chassis will be a mere 5.5mm thick, matching the current world’s thinnest smartphone record holder, the Gionee Elife S5.5. Another set of schematics, this time apparently leaked by a Foxconn employee, show a thin device with chamfered edges, much like the design seen on the iPhone 5S and the iPad Air. A mock-up of an iPhone 6 case, published by a French blog, shows a super-thin and longer design than existing models. Another noteworthy aspect of the case is the switch from individual volume keys to a single rocker switch.

Solar charging Add solar charging to that indestructible screen Then comes solar charging screens, which we saw demonstrated at CES this year. Though 3M and SunPartner told us that their screens wouldn’t be ready until 2015, Matt Margolis of Seeking Alpha believes that this type of solar screen is being built in the Arizona facility. While he could be right, we’re uncertain this innovation will appear on the iPhone 6, especially given the rumors of how thin it will be. There’s little room for more screen layers in a 6mm phone.

1. Buy or rent used textbooks and sell last semester’s books back. 2. Don’t make impulse purchases. 3. Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry 4. Limit the number of times you eat out monthly. 5. Cut out vices – smoking is terrible for you and expensive. 6. Always pay bills on time to avoid late fees. 7. If you have a credit card, pay it off as quickly as possible. (It’s good to establish credit, but a bad credit score follows you everywhere.) 8. Walk, use public transportation or ride a bike instead of having a car. 9. Live with others so you can split rent and utilities 10. Cut out expensive cable packages you don’t need. 11. Consider more basic phone packages and plans or plans that include unlimited texting with free incoming calls 12. Don’t buy the most expensive college meal plans. Figure out what you actually consume and get the correlating package.

13. Shop where they offer student discounts. There are so many places that offer discounts to students with a school ID. 14. Look into a campus gym versus a gym in town. Many colleges offer memberships for free or at a reduced rate for students. 15. When planning meals, make dinner with friends and split the cost of groceries. Often times, you’ll be cooking too much for one person anyway! 16. Sell what you no longer use or need. There are plenty of stores and web sites, like Poshmark and Craigslist, where you can sell your used clothing, furniture or tech items. 17. Don’t buy unnecessary school supplies. Why buy cumbersome notebooks when you can type on your laptop? It’s better for the earth anyway! 18. Don’t buy books you will only need for a short period of time – check them out from the library instead. 19. Take advantage of what your campus has to offer in terms of activities, rather than spending money on going out. Many campuses have an array of museums, offer movie nights and other social events for cheaper or, sometimes, for free. 20. Skip expensive Spring Break trips – look into alternatives, like volunteering, instead. 21. Wait to get a pet until after college – a pet can become very expensive. Not only do you have another mouth to feed, but veterinary bills are costly. If you love animals, there are plenty of shelters that need volunteers.

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22. Go to class. You’re paying for it and skipping is like throwing money out the window! 23. Drink water. It’s free and better for you, anyway. 24. Make your own coffee. While coffee shops are convenient, they charge hefty prices that really add up over time. 25. Open a savings account that earns interest. Credit unions have fewer fees and are great for students. 26. Use a free tool, like FinAid’s Student Budget Calculator or the one offered by Mint.com, to keep track of your finances. It’s harder to be frivolous when you see where your money is going. 27. Never take out a loan for anything that’s unrelated to your education. 28. Don’t buy music. Use free services like Spotify or Pandora.

Look into class requirements and the options for testing out of classes. Why pay for a class you could easily test out of? 29.

30. Consider becoming a resident advisor. Many get free room and board.

WAVE Interview with Big-Wave Surfer Greg Long After nearly drowning, a big-wave surfer comes back to win his sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest title.

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As I was dangling from the basket of the Coast Guard helicopter, being lifted from the middle of the ocean in huge seas after basically drowning, I said to myself, 'There’s no way. I’m done.

Thank you for this second chance at life. I don’t need big-wave surfing anymore,' " remembers 30-year-old Greg Long. That day, he vowed he would never surf big waves again.

On December 21, 2012, Long had just dropped into a massive 25-foot wave at Cortes Bank, 100 miles off the coast of San Diego, when fellow surfer Garrett McNamara unknowingly dropped in on top of him, cutting him off and causing him to fall. The inflatable bladder, essentially an airbag in the back of his wetsuit, failed to deploy when he pulled the cord that activates the CO2 cartridge. He managed to hold his breath long enough to crawl up his leash to the tail of his surfboard, but the board was still submerged in aerated water, which prevented him from catching a breath before he blacked out. Three consecutive waves pinned him underwater. Despite his initial reaction to the accident, not only did Long go back to riding big waves, he went on to earn the title of Big Wave World Champion less than a year later when he won the 2012-’13 Big Wave World Tour, a yearlong competition in which the world’s top 12 big-wave surfers get as little as 72 hours notice to buy a ticket to sanctioned big-wave competition sites around the world.

They surf waves a minimum of 30 feet high. Long put a lot of thought into his decision to return to big-wave surfing, but ultimately, he came back to the reason he started in the first place. "It's always been my passion to explore this, and where I really feel alive," Long says. "I wanted to find my physical and mental potential as a human being—that was the avenue by which I was exploring it. So I decided I was going to go back." "We grew up in the water," Long says of himself and his older brother, Rusty, also a pro surfer, and sister, Heather. They were raised in San Clemente, California, by a beach-enthusiast mother and a lifeguard father who started taking his kids out on the front of his surfboard before they knew how to swim. Long started surfing at ten years old. He fell in love with the excitement and challenge of bigwave surfing. By 15, he knew he wanted to ride the biggest waves in the world. He’s spent the second 15 years meticulously training his body and mind to do just that. Long tracked swells obsessively. He swam, ran, or biked every day for cardio fitness. He did breath-holding drills in pools. Under certain conditions, he can hold his breath for up to five minutes. He practiced yoga for strength and flexibility, and to better understand and control his thoughts and fears. “Everything revolved around me being physically prepared, mentally prepared, tracking the swells, traveling, going from one place to the next and continuing to push myself. If you ask any of my friends or family, it was 24/7. It literally consumed my life,” Long says. Long’s all-consuming and thoughtful preparation earned him gold medals at the 2003 Red Bull Big Wave Africa, at Mavericks in 2008, at the 2009 Eddie Aikau event, the 2013 Big Wave World Tour, and more category wins at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards than any other surfer. It also saved his life that day at Cortes Bay—from the physical abilities and mental composure he had developed, to the rescue team he had assembled. The same thoughtfulness now guides the way he is processing the aftermath of the accident. “I got right back into it thinking, Okay, I’m going to pick up where I left off,” Long says. “And to the outside viewers, it may seem like that’s exactly what happened. At the same time, I will openly admit, I’m not the same person with the same mindset that I was prior to that accident. Some days,

interviewing greg

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What inspired you to transition from normal surfing to surfing big waves?

Greg Long: Coming from a lifeguard background, when I was younger, I probably had a confidence level in the water that exceeded [that of] other kids my age. I’d find myself, on the biggest surf days, having so much fun. The excitement, and the thrill, and the challenge of it just really captivated me. So, like anything in life that you love and are passionate about, you want to continue to challenge yourself. For me, that was riding larger waves and pushing myself to the edge of my comfort level. Next thing I knew, I was 15 years old and I realized I want to start trying to ride the world’s biggest waves.

You say you train mentally. What do you mean by that? GL: Understanding your thoughts—these ideas of fear and doubt that you often feel when you’re out there in the ocean when it’s at its biggest, wildest state. Learning to understand those thoughts and emotions and what they actually are—if you’re just reacting to certain circumstances or if there’s real validity to them

Why do you paddle in to waves rather than getting towed in? GL: When you’re towing in, you’re essentially eliminating the most difficult task in big-wave riding, which is catching a wave and making that initial drop. When you’re paddling, you’re sitting in the middle of the lineup and in a place of imminent danger, and it’s up to you to almost intuitively read these swells as they’re coming in and adjust yourself only the few feet so that you can paddle that distance in a short amount of time. You’re relying on a life’s culmination of learning how the ocean moves. When you’re dropping in, you’re literally looking over the edge of a 40- to 50-foot dropoff—in a way, a cliff face. You get to your feet, and it’s that weightless feeling of free-fall. And in those few moments it’s really this complete, total presence in what you have to do in order to make that wave.

Did you consider not going back to surfing—or at least not to big-wave surfing—after your accident? GL: I swore that I would never do it again. It was one of the lowest moments of my life. It was almost as if the rug of everything I’d built had just been yanked from underneath me. From the age of 15 to 30— basically 15 years—there was one path for me, and that was this road of riding big waves. It was my life’s work. When all that settled, and I was able to kind of remove myself from that emotionally traumatic stage, and view it from a more rational place, I began to really rethink and reflect on why I was doing this in the first place. It’s always been my passion to explore this, and where I really feel alive. I wanted to find my physical and mental potential as a human being—that was the avenue by which I was exploring it. So, I decided I was going to go back.

I’m still sorting through the pieces and the aftermath of my accident. It’s almost a daily or weekly contradiction of how I feel. There’s a lot to contemplate when you come that close to losing your life. When you start to think about your friends and family. I know that I’m always going to ride big waves in some form or another. How, when, why, what’s my motivation—is still settling into place. I’m happy with however it comes to be, what feels right in my heart. Greg Long: I hope everybody is doing great. This message is to be shared with the entire surfing community. It is time to move on and focus our energies in a positive direction. I have no hard feelings towards Garrett nor do I blame him for what happened to me that day at Cortes. I have seen the video of our wave, and acknowledge that neither or us were going to successfully make it. I can easily think of a hundred things that people did that day, including myself, that would have potentially put me in a different place and time on that particular wave. But thinking about such things is a waste of precious time, energy, and life. I choose to live my life in the present moment. Not in the past and down a rabbit hole of “what ifs” “could haves” or “should haves”. It was my choice to be out there that day, and in doing so, I assumed full responsibility for anything that could have happened. There are countless lessons to be learned from that experience for myself, Garrett, and the entire surfing community. I am confident these lessons will be taken to heart, and used to better ourselves as we all continue on our paths of personal and professional growth. I would once again, like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who were involved in saving my life. I sincerely appreciate everybody’s comments and concern for my health and well being. Rest assured, I am living with an even fuller love and appreciation for life than ever before, and will be back in the water soon. Love, light, and an abundance of beauty and barrels to you all in the coming year,

Greg

Among the many talented and borderline insane big wave surfers to paddle into the world's largest waves, one stands out for his many accomplishments both competitively and in breaking new ground. He's surfed one of the largest and scariest waves in the world, Cortes Bank, and has both towed and paddled into the behemoth wave. He is one of the pioneers of paddling into the gargantuan waves that break off Maui's Pe'ahi reef better known as the infamous Jaws. He regularly gets barreled at one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world at Puerto Escondido. Most refer to him as the greatest big wave surfer on the planet. He is of course Greg Long. In essence, Long has become the unofficial ambassador to big wave surfing, and rightfully so. Long is the only surfer to win all three prestigious big wave surfing contests in the history of the sport. Long was victorious at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in 2009 (Kelly Slater finished in second), the Maverick's Surf Contest in 2008 and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa contest at Dungeons in 2003. Long's competitive accomplishments are unmatched, he handles himself incredibly well, and all in all there is an overwhelming consensus amongst his peers that Long is a genuine, good person. And while Long continues to push the boundaries of big wave surfing, particularly with paddling, Long has been making more news lately for his work in the new Hollywood surf film Chasing Mavericks that will be mass released on October 26th in theaters across the U.S.

DID YOU POST THAT? At Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Me., admissions officers are still talking about the high school senior who attended a campus information session last year for prospective students. Throughout the presentation, she apparently posted disparaging comments on Twitter about her fellow attendees, repeatedly using a common expletive. “It was incredibly unusual and foolish of her to do that,” Scott A. Meiklejohn, Bowdoin’s dean of admissions and financial aid, told me last week. The college ultimately denied the student admission, he said, because her academic record wasn’t competitive. But had her credentials been better, those indiscreet posts could have scuttled her chances. “We would have wondered about the judgment of someone who spends their time on their mobile phone and makes such awful remarks,” Mr. Meiklejohn said. As certain high school seniors work meticulously this month to finish their early applications to colleges, some may not realize that comments they casually make online could negatively affect their prospects. In fact, new research from Kaplan Test Prep, the service owned by the Washington Post Company, suggests that online scrutiny of college hopefuls is growing. Of 381 college admissions officers who answered a Kaplan telephone questionnaire this year, 31 percent said they had visited an applicant’s Facebook or other personal social media page to learn more about them — a five-percentage-point increase from last year. More crucially for those trying to get into college, 30 percent of the admissions officers said they had discovered information online that had negatively affected an applicant’s prospects. “Students’ social media and digital footprint can sometimes play a role in the admissions process,” says Christine Brown, the executive director of K-12 and college prep programs at Kaplan Test Prep. “It’s something that is becoming more ubiquitous and less looked down upon.” In the business realm, employers now vet the online reputations of job candidates as a matter of course. Given the impulsiveness of typical teenagers, however — not to mention the already fraught nature of college acceptances and rejections — the idea that admissions officers would covertly nose around the social media posts of prospective students seems more chilling.

There is some reason for concern. Ms. Brown says that most colleges don’t have formal policies about admissions officers supplementing students’ files with their own online research. If colleges find seemingly troubling material online, they may not necessarily notify the applicants involved. “To me, it’s a huge problem,” said Bradley S. Shear, a lawyer specializing in social media law. For one thing, Mr. Shear told me, colleges might erroneously identify the account of a person with the same name as a prospective student — or even mistake an impostor’s account — as belonging to the applicant, potentially leading to unfair treatment. “Often,” he added, “false and misleading content online is taken as fact.” These kinds of concerns prompted me last week to email 20 colleges and universities — small and large, private and public, East Coast and West Coast — to ask about their practices. Then I called admissions officials at 10 schools who agreed to interviews. Each official told me that it was not routine practice at his or her institution for admissions officers to use Google searches on applicants or to peruse their social media posts. Most said their school received so many applications to review — with essays, recommendations and, often, supplemental portfolios — that staff members wouldn’t be able to do extra research online. A few also felt that online investigations might lead to unfair or inconsistent treatment. “As students’ use of social media is growing, there’s a whole variety of ways that college admissions officers can use it,” Beth A. Wiser, the director of admissions at the University of Vermont, told me. “We have chosen to not use it as part of the process in making admissions decisions.” Other admissions officials said they did not formally prohibit the practice. In fact, they said, admissions officers did look at online material about applicants on an ad hoc basis. Sometimes prospective students themselves ask an admissions office to look at blogs or videos they have posted; on other occasions, an admissions official might look up an obscure award or event mentioned by an applicant, for purposes of

elucidation. “Last year, we watched some animation videos and we followed media stories about an applicant who was involved in a political cause,” says Will Hummel, an admissions officer at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif. But those were rare instances, he says, and the supplemental material didn’t significantly affect the students’ admissions prospects. Admissions officials also said they had occasionally rejected applicants, or revoked their acceptances, because of online materials. Often, these officials said, a college may learn about a potential problem from an outside source, such as a high school counselor or a graduate, prompting it to look into the matter.

Growing up is one of the most essential times in today’s generation, especially for young adults and teenagers. That’s why ‘Golden’ magazine focuses on the a wide array of topics and issues in a young adults everyday life, keeping them publicly aware of the fun activities and entertainment, but as well as the ways to avoid certain dangers and bad decisions. Golden is a visually appealing magazine that keeps the youth updated and informed on their generation whether it be the hottest place to go for Spring Break or on how to beneﬁnically save money or be safe going out at a party. Overall, Golden is the essential survivial guide for this generation.